The Stone Collective- March

The Stone Collective is a community making much of Jesus as we create art, photography, prose, poems or music that commemorate the wonderful things God does in our life. Based on the passage in 1 Samuel 7:12-14, each month we will collect Ebenezer Stones as a regular practice in the art of worship via our creativity. Want to join in on The Stone Collective? Create your own Stone and link up to LIVE IT OUT! Blog. Link to instagram and twitter. #TheStoneCollective


....let go....



Proverbs 3:5-6 " Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight."

Twirl

Twirl
By Patsy Clairmont

About the book:
Is life making you so dizzy that you’re forgetting what’s most important?

Patsy Clairmont loves a good twirl. The kind that will make a child fall to the ground, squeal with laughter, and then want to get up and spin in circles some more! However, there is a twirl where busy schedules and urgency create a different and unwanted variety of dizzy into our lives.

Though hurry-up is part of the human dilemma and certain seasons bring more of it than others, if it becomes a lifestyle you might find yourself on the slippery slopes of bitterness, sadness, and depression. Patsy’s hope is to help her readers maintain a dynamic view on life—with activities and choices that lead to renewal and peace. So take a little stroll with Patsy Clairmont through Twirl, and allow her unique perspective and deep well of biblical wisdom to realign your spin on life.

My thoughts:
Twirl, I love the title. It so fun and inviting and I'm happy to say the book lives up to its name. Twirl is a breath of fresh air where Patsy Clairmont asks us to take twirl and find a fresh spin in life on peace and relaxation throughout all that's swirling around us.

Twirl grabbed me from the beginning. Patsy writes with genuineness and a lighthearted take on life as she points out what is really important in life.

Each chapter is short and stands on its own with great questions at the end. Its a little longer than a devotional but it would be great to use as devotional because of its both deep and heartwarming tone.

* I received this book free for review from Thomas Nelson Publishers*

Rating:

A March Bride

A March Bride
By Rachel Hauck

About the book:
A year’s worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.

Susanna has found her true prince, and their happily ever after is just around the corner. But when Nate asks her to give up something precious to her, Susanna can’t help but wonder if it’s a sign that their love is not meant to be.

Susanna Truitt (Once Upon A Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She’ll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, Susanna’s heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God's plan for her.

Nathaniel would do anything for his bride-to-be. But he knows his position requires that she give up a lot to be with him. Her life will never be her own—right down to her very identity. When she travels home to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, right before the wedding, Nathaniel fears she won’t return. Gathering his courage, he devises a plan to win his bride all over again, and together they seek out a kingdom to treasure above all.

My Thoughts:

This modern-day fairytale has a theme that runs deep. Suzanna is on her way to marrying Prince Nathanial but the country expects one thing of her, that she gives up her American citizenship. Feeling as if they are tearing away a part of her she has to decide if holding into all she knows is more important than a step of faith.

How I envision Susanna:



*i received this book free for review from Zondervan Publishers through netgalley.com*

Rating: 4 carats

Unstoppable

Unstoppable
By Nick Vujicic

About the book:

Millions around the world recognize the smiling face and inspirational messages of Nick Vujicic. Born without arms or legs, Nick has not allowed his physical challenges to keep him from enjoying great adventures, a fulfilling and meaningful career, and loving relationships. Nick has overcome trials and hardships by focusing on the promises that he was created for a unique and specific purpose, that his life has value and is a gift to others, and that even though he may endure hardships, God is always present and in control. Nick credits his success to the power that is unleashed when we put our faith into

My thoughts:
How could anyone with no arms or legs be unstoppable? Most would think Nick Vujicic wouldn't even have the ability to begin let alone a worry about being stopped. Yet Nick does not measure his abilities or inabilities by the physical body he was born with but measures his life opportunities by what God has provided for him. Unstoppable is an example of the power God offers to everyone when we choose to overlook the boundaries life sets at our feet. No one is exempt from adversity, every person will be faced with difficult life situations and challenges at some point. We can choose to stop when life gets difficult or we too can become unstoppable when we rely on the power of faith in Christ and put that faith into action.

Nick shares many personal triumphs and struggles with readers, opening himself up to offer hope for readers to see the key for life isn't to be overcome by adversity but to allow God to walk us through the good times and the bad. Nick blends his stories right along with those of others he has met along his journey, each is unique and offers a true life dimension to understanding him.

Yes the stories are inspiring, feelings are true and heartfelt, but at times it does become a long read. In spite of that, the book is worth reading and sharing with anyone dealing with doubt or life struggles.

Favorite Quote:

"You may have many friends and advisors. Maybe you base your decision on the alignment of the stars or a gut feeling. Everyone has a process. Mine is surrender. God understands us to the core because He created us. "

Rating: 4 carats




* I received this book free for review rom Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishers*

Seeing Through Stones

Seeing Through Stones
By Rajdeep Paulus

About the book:
"I live in the in between. Between yesterday and forever. The way forward haunts me. The gap I must cover daunts me. And hope beckons, ‘Run to me,’ but I just learned to walk." After a lifetime of abuse, the Vanderbilt siblings flee their home, finally free to pursue new dreams while running from yesterday’s nightmares. Once bed-ridden Jesse navigates the Chicago streets, concealing his identity and planning revenge. A chance encounter in the rain introduces a girl who offers Jesse a glimpse of a sunnier future, but how will he weather the growing storm inside himself? Separated from her Post-it note prince, Talia hides at a safe house for survivors of domestic violence while her father turns the city upside-down to find her. Surrounded by women fighting their own demons, Talia faces her past at every turn.



My thoughts:
It's not easy to write a sequel picking up where you left off but Rajdeep Paulus pulled it off in "Seeing through Stones". She seamlessly wove the continuing story lines into another emotional and sometimes chilling story. This time told from two perspectives, Jess and Talia.

I really liked seeing more of a glimpse into Jesse and his feelings towards things. Talia continues to blossom through the book and take a few more courageous steps.

If you liked "Swimming through Clouds" you'll love "Seeing through Stones" just as much.

Talia dreaming in a blue dress inspired by Cristian siriano