Unconquerable LoveIn A Fragile Clay Heart

Though My Heart Is Torn

Joanne Bischof

{Book Review}

Title: Though My Heart Is Torn

Author: Joanne Bischoff

Genre: Fiction - Historical

Pages: 334

My Rating: 4.5☆

Synopsis: Gideon O'Riley has two wives - But he doesn't know it.

Lonnie only wanted her husband's love. Now that he belongs to another, can she surrender Gideon to a God with a bigger plan?

(From the publisher) "Setting into a simple life in the majestic Blue Ridge mountains, Lonnie and Gideon O'Riley have finally found happiness after the rocky start to their marriage. The roguish bluegrass musician has fallen in love with his gentle wife and the God she serves, and Lonnie rests secure in his tenderness for her and their young son. A heartless ruse interrupts their peace, bringing them back to Rocky Knob - and forces them to face the claims of Cassie Allan, a woman who says she is Gideon's rightful wife.

As Gideon wades into the depths of his past choices, Lonnie is stunned by the revelations. She has no choice but to navigate this new path, knowing that surviving the devastating blow will take every ounce of strength she has.

While Gideon's guilt and his bitterness towards Cassie threatens to burn up his fledgling faith, Lonnie wrestles to find the courage to trust the God who brought them together in the first place. Will their hard-earned love be able to conquer all?"

What I Loved: I loved the depth of the characters in this book, and the way that the author portrays the story and characters in such a rich and realistic fashion. I felt so connected to Lonnie and Gideon.

What I Wasn't So Fond Of: I've yet to be able to read books 1 and/or 3 in this series, so though this book was a beautiful story on its own, I believe I could have gotten more out of it had I been able to read the first and third books as well. I don't know if my heart could have taken all that, however ;)
Obviously, though, the fact that I haven't read the first or the third books has nothing to do with the creativity and quality of this particular book. So other than bringing me to tears on more than one occasion, there isn't much that I didn't love!

About The Author
Christy Award-finalist and author of "Be Still My Soul and Though My Heart Is Torn, Joanne Bischof has a deep passion for Appalachian culture and writing stories that shine light on God's grace and goodness. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children. When she's not weaving Appalachian romance, she's blogging about faith, folk music, and the adventures of country living that bring her stories to life.

*author bio taken from joannebischof.com

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*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Though My Heart Is Worn

Tenth Avenue North said it so beautifully in their song 'Worn' (video included at the bottom of this post); Life can be so painfully difficult sometimes, and I can attest to this personally.

Though I dearly love my new home and all of my wonderful new found friends here in the Queen City, life has become decidedly more of a struggle. I miss my family everyday (an hour and a half may not seem like much, but it's been very hard being more than twenty-or-so minutes away from my wonderfully supportive mother), starting a new job has absolutely presented challenges and the uncertainty of income that comes with being a server has done a number on my nerves on more than one occasion. Not to mention the anxiety that accompanies being a somewhat socially awkward introvert trying to make new friends in a big city (I know, I know, but Charlotte just feels so darn ginormous to this small town gal!).
Through all of this, and fighting a few spiritual battles in the process, I've been worn down to almost nothing it seems.

As a young girl, like any other blossoming little lady, I struggled intensely with self-worth and image. I never felt as though I was as beautiful or charming as I should be. I was never enough in my own eyes. My heart took a number of beatings through faded friendships and crumbled "relationships." I always dealt with it in my own way - by feeling sorry for myself and shutting myself off. It hasn't been until recently that I realized the purpose and truth of it all: God just wants me to know that He is enough. That He alone can hold me when I feel so broken and so far beyond reach.

His love is ever present, and He will never abandon us, especially when we need Him. Which, lets face it, really is all the time. I wish I had more words to describe the warmth welling up in my heart as I realize this, but I believe God has intended for this post to be short and sweet.

So I leave you with the promise from God to always hold your heart, always love you with the intensity of countless suns, and never leave your side even when you reject Him.

"Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken."
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your Presence? If I go up to the Heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast."
- Psalm 139: 7-10

Rest In His Perfect Love

So much love to you all, and always hold onto hope.

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Wishing On Willows

Katie Ganshert

{Book Review}

Title: Wishing On Willows

Author: Katie Ganshert

Genre: Fiction - Christian Romance

My Rating: 5☆

Synopsis: Does a second chance at life and love always involve surrender?

(From the publisher) "A three-year old son, a struggling cafe, and fading memories are all Robin Price has left of her late husband. As the proud owner of Willow Tree Cafe in small town Peaks, Iowa, she pours her heart into every muffin she bakes and espresso she pours, thankful for the sense of purpose and community the work provides.

So when developer Ian McKay shows up in Peaks with plans to build condos where her cafe and a vital town ministry are located, she isn't about to let go without a fight.

As stubborn as he is handsome, Ian won't give up so easily. His family's business depends on his success in Peaks. But as Ian pushes to seal the deal, he wonders if he has met his match. Robin's gracious spirit threatens to undo his resolve, especially when he discovers the beautiful widow harbors a grief that resonates with his own.

With polarized opinions forming all over town, business becomes unavoidably personal and Robin and Ian must decide whether to cling to the familiar or surrender their plans to the God of Second Chances."

What I Loved: Katie Ganshert is one of my absolute favorite authors, because I simply adore her down-to-earth and raw style of writing.
I was quite fond of the electrically witty chemistry between Robin and Ian. Robin is determined not to let him into her heart and her town, but he always seems to find a way to work his way in.
The characters were so believable with the way they interacted with one another, and the inner thoughts of each person provided in the book were incredibly realistic.

What I Wasn't So Fond Of: There was literally nothing that I didn't love about this book!

About The Author
(From the author): I’m a slightly-frazzled, ever-inquisitive Midwest gal who’s passionate about Jesus, my family, writing, and all things romance, which is exactly what I write. Stories about flawed, broken characters who find faith and fall in love. When I’m not plotting ways to get my hero and heroine to cross paths, I enjoy watching movies with my hunk of a husband, playing make-believe with my wild-child of a son, hanging out with the crazy but lovable junior high students at my church, and chatting with my girlfriends at Panera®. I could talk books all day and am often spotted around town pushing a stroller, walking my dog, and reading—all at the same time.

*author bio taken from katieganshert.com

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Got (God) Questions? pt.2

"If God Is So Loving, Why

Does He Allow Evil & Suffering?"

Allow me to present an interesting new perspective on this question.

What do you propose God should do about the evil and suffering?

Stop it, of course.

But if God were to stop {destroy} all evil, wouldn't that also mean our demise? To end all evil, God would have to stop every act that causes suffering and grief. Which would mean He would have to put an end to all of our evil actions. No matter how "big" or "small" they may seem.

Haven't our actions hurt numerous people throughout the course of our lives?

We are wicked creatures by our very nature.

The harsh reality of it is that God has not destroyed evil because He would have to destroy us.

Whether or not we realize it, we are being shown incredible mercy.

The Bible speaks of a day when all evil and suffering will be put to and end (2 Peter 3:7-13), but until that day, we must use the suffering to glorify God.

I don't know about you, but I've never come closer to God than I have been at times of suffering and grief in my life. That's not to say that is the only time I have felt close to Him, but I certainly felt an extra comfort and personal intimacy throughout those times that have stuck with me. I can't imagine where I would be now if I hadn't endured those trials. I would have never grown to understand God and develop my relationship with Him the way that I have.

Friends, don't lose heart, God is using your pain for something far greater than you can imagine.

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." -C.S. Lewis

*This blog post is based on readings from pgs. 27-28 in Charlie H. Campbell's "One Minute Answers To Skeptics"*

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Dear Future Husband...

I don't think I know a single girl that has never drifted off into a daydream in which she meets the love of her life and is swept off of her feet in the love story of the century. I'm no exception.

I'm a hopelessly romantic person. But I like to think that I've come to understand the reality of love. There is no perfect person. Anywhere. Ever.

*But* that doesn't mean that there isn't someone out there who's strengths can carry your weaknesses perfectly.

I've abandoned my search for perfection and begun the wait for my heart's complement.

But in the meantime, I'm preparing myself.

You see, I want to be ready. I want to sweep my future honey off of his feet just as high and swiftly as he will sweep me off mine. I want my heart to find completeness in joy and love *before* it meets his heart.

I want...*Warning* Clichés Ahead!! *Warning*...

...to be so completely wrapped up in love with my Savior, that my future fella will have to seek Him out to find me.

I told you it was cliché!

But it's true.

How can we ever love someone the way they were meant to be loved if we haven't even been supplied with that same love that we so desperately want to give?

"...Let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

So in order to remind myself to become the woman that I would want him (whoever "he" is) to love, I thought I would make a small list of promises. Promises to him, to myself, and to God to be a woman worthy of love. (And let me tell you, that is a tall order)

I promise to always center my heart and life around God.

I promise to be patient...With others and with myself.

I promise to pray with him every single morning and night.

I promise that this weak heart will find it's strength in Christ.

I promise to let love flow like a river.

I promise to be understanding and forgiving; just as my Savior is.

I promise to never stop joyfully serving others.

I promise to be strong in spirit.

I promise to fill every room with my awfully loud laughter.

I promise to be kind.

I promise I will fall short, but I know my God will break my fall and put me back on my feet.

I can't wait to one day experience the love of a husband, but for now and always, I will rest in the loving arms of my Savior.

"Love Song For A Savior" - Jars Of Clay

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Wildflowers From Winter

Katie Ganshert

{Book Review}

Title: Wildflowers From Winter

Author: Katie Ganshert

Genre: Fiction - Christian Romance

Pages: 320

My Rating: 5☆

Synopsis: Like the winter, grief has a season. Life returns with the spring.

(From the publisher) "A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn, has built a life far removed from her trailer park teen years. Until an interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa. Determined to pay her respects while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.

Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. So when Bethany is left the land, he must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.

For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn’t seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace she’s not even sure exists?"

What I Loved: I loved how raw and real this book was. I was in tears within the first few chapters. Katie Ganshert is most certainly not afraid to expose the gritty reality of life's not-so-glamorous tendencies. It's amazing to know that this is a debut novel! Ganshert writes like a seasoned pro. Her characters didn't seem like characters at all, but rather real people going through real trials with more than real emotional struggles. She has an amazing knack for detail and descriptiveness. I will absolutely be reading any and all other books published by this gem of an author.

What I Wasn't So Fond Of: The only thing that left me wanting more was the ending. (If you've read any of my other reviews, then you know I'm a tough critic on endings. I always want more.) But *then* I went to Katie's webpage to do a little more studying up before I wrote my review, and to my most pleasant surprise, Mrs. Ganshert has an entire page of "bonus features" related to the novel. This would include in-depth profiles for three of the main characters, a wonderfully light-hearted interview with two of the MCs, a continuation of the ending (*gasp* what?? I was immediately in love. I had to write that in bold and italics because I can't even contain my excitement!), fun facts, real-life stories and inspirations and much, much, much more! Any doubts that I'd previously had about this novel immediately melted away and were replaced with excitement and eagerness to read more from this incredible author!

I couldn't be happier with my reading experience, and I absolutely look forward to reading more from Katie Ganshert!

*author bio taken from katieganshert.com

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Let's Talk Tattoos

Don't worry, I'm not going to get into the specifics of what the Bible says about tattoos and whether or not we, as Christians, are allowed to have them.

However, I myself have one! In fact, it has a wonderfully deep and personal meaning to me. So that, ladies and gentlemen, is what this blog post will be all about.

When someone finds out that I have a tattoo, the first question they ask me is "Did it hurt?" to which I respond, "Yes, but not nearly as bad as I was expecting!"
The second question is usually, "What does it mean?" or "Why did you decide to get a moon?"

So why don't I start off by showing you the verse that inspired the ink:

In picture form of course! (Because pictures are more fun for everyone)

Now let me provide for you the wonderful insight that my study Bible has to offer on this particular verse:

" 'The darkness can never extinguish it (has not overcome it)' means the darkness of evil never has and never will overcome God's light. Jesus Christ is the Creator of life, and His life brings light to humankind. In His light, we see ourselves as we really are (sinners in need of a Savior). When we follow Jesus, the true Light, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin. He lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live. He removes the darkness of sin from our lives." (on John 1:5 in the Life Application Study Bible NLT)

So what does all of that mean to me? And even still, why a moon? Doesn't the moon represent darkness and nighttime?

Absolutely not.

To me, the moon represents the light shining in the darkness. The ever-so-slight gleaning of light that gives beauty and hope to a world covered by a blanket of hopelessness and tragedy.

In short, my moon represents my God. It represents His ever-present hope and shelter in my life. Even when I've turned my back on him completely.

I've walked through portions of my life that I sometimes wish I could re-write. But God carried me through it all. No matter how dark my life became, He was always there shining His light of love and hope into my world.

I can't express how thankful I am that He is a patient God!

Not only that, but my moon also represents my connection and personal relationship with God.

If you know me well, then you know that I absolutely love anything to do with outer space and stars (planets too!) and how beautiful the sky is at night when it's painted with little twinkling lights.

If you have ever had a conversation with me about any of these things, then I probably spoke this sentence to you: "When I look up at the sky at night, and I see the vastness of it all and the beauty of the Heavens, I can't help but feel an instant and powerful connection with God."

It's like in that moment, I feel at peace. I know that my Savior is standing right there with me admiring His creation.

It almost brings me to tears.

If you have the time, I absolutely recommend checking out this video of a wonderful speaker by the name of Louie Giglio entitled "How Great Is Our God"

P.S. It's about stars!

I wish that I had more to write, or more beautiful words to use to describe what I already have to you, but hopefully what I have written will give you some idea of what my tattoo means to me. And just exactly why I love it so much.

So in the mean time, why don't you check out a few of these pictures and let yourself be amazed by God's creation!

P.S. Do you have any tattoos? If so, what do they mean to you?
Leave your response in the comment section below!