Chosen Vessels

~ Description  A New View on the Old Rugged Cross Are peace, joy, and significance on your wish list?  How about redemption, forgiveness, the salvation of your soul?  Each of these descriptors bring us to the main event:  grace.  Saving grace, God’s immeasurable gift intended for all.  Regardless of accomplishments or station in life, despite sins of the past, anyone can receive the free gift of grace.  Yet too often we take God’s incomparable gift for granted—despite the fact that God’s very Son paid for it with his body, breath, and blood. Understandably, we often find ourselves caught up in the daily routine of life, not taking time to reflect on the enormity of God’s mercy. So here’s a suggestion:  give yourself the gift of a few moments spent in the world of God’s grace.  Read pastor Max Lucado’s unique, stirring insights into God’s role as grace-giver. Spend some time reflecting on the gift of grace, in all its magnificent meaning.   Let grace, th

I've been musing some lately on how Thursday doesn't get much recognition – in my life, at least. My favorite day of the week is Friday – it's the day before the weekend and it's known for that.  Monday is the dreaded beginning of the work/school week. Saturday and Sunday are obvious wins for rest and relaxation and, most importantly, worship. Wednesday is the middle day and means – for my family, anyway – Bible study and youth group that night at church.  But Tuesday and Thursday?  They're just 'other days' where I find myself waiting for the next day to come, or looking back to what happened the previous day. Reflection and anticipation are by no means wrong – that's not what I'm saying.  But suppose the season of life you're in right now feels like a Tuesday or a Thursday? You're either waiting for something big (Friday) to come along or you're already past it and dreading the next big thing (Monday).  But aren&#

Happy Saturday everyone! Today I'm sharing a poem that I wrote when we had quite a bit of snow on the ground about...two weeks ago. Goodness, it doesn't seem like that long. :P  My poems aren't 'amazing' by any means, but they're fun to write and I hope you at least enjoy. If you want some really good free verse poetry, I highly recommend  Julia's blog, Twilight to Dawn.   She's a super talented gal. ;)  this snow it tells a story  a story of a fallen world  a story of a sinful people  daily we fail we wrong God we wrong each other  this snow is like that  no longer as pretty as perfect as picturesque  as it was before  it's like this world marred by sin scarred by people's wrongs  but even still through it all there is beauty to be found  for those who know  where to find it  in the One who saved us all by His amazing grace 

~ Description  There were six of them…  And these six children have an important lesson to learn when it comes to Mr. Hartly and his manor. Is he the scary man that Rees says he is? Or will the children discover something else as they get to know him? ~ My Rating 5 stars  ~ My Review  Awww, such a sweet story!! :)  Short but meaningful (which I'm seeing is the norm for many of Ms. Tero's works :D), this story would be great for young children. Although I enjoyed it as well!  All the characters came across as real and true. The kids were so cute -- I believe Rees and Stella were my favorites with their childish bickering, hehe. Oh, and Dick and Lillian were adorable!  Although I didn't detect it until the end, and then more on reflection, I really enjoyed the analogy as well and found it to be very well done. :)  Stories like this one make me want to gather up some little kids and read this story

One day, while reading in my Bible, I came upon chapter 22 of Acts. I read Paul's defense before the crowd, when he gave his testimony. Later on, as I was thinking back to it, this exchange is what came to my mind...  Paul: God, they won't listen to me. They know all that I have done. I was there when Stephen was stoned – I assisted in killing one of Your faithful followers. Why should You forgive me?  God: I know all that you have done, My beloved. And I have loved and redeemed you in spite of it all.  Paul: But, God I don't understand.  I'm so undeserving.  Why would you do this for me?  God: I'm doing this because I love you, Paul. I have great plans for your life. You don't need to understand, only to follow.  Paul: Okay. I believe. I'll do as you ask. One more question? God: Yes?  Paul: ...what is this called, Lord? God: This is grace, My child.  “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that

~ Description  She kept remembering the gentle voice, the large warm hand, and the soft heartbeat she had fallen asleep to as a child so many years ago... Can Silverleaf and Willowy Whisper survive the trials and tribulations of their hearts and kingdoms? Can they find the love they've longed for? Will true love come into their lives, henceforth and forever...? ~ My Rating 5 stars  ~ My Review Wow. I seriously finished this book speechless. The writing is absolutely beautiful, the emotions are realistic and raw, and stories amazingly told. *squeals* I absolutely loved it!!! :D  Whispering Leaves Saga is a delightful collection of seven short stories, all tales of the same characters. The fantasy storyworld was really amazing, and I loved the castles and kingdoms. ^_^ Aside from catching a few typos (3-4 at the most), I seriously have no complaints about this book. Precious...amazing. Ahh!! <3  Whispers of the M

Hello everyone! Hope y'all are having a lovely Saturday! (I am because I woke up to LOADS OF SNOW!! XD)  Welcome to the first Sisters in Christ  of 2017! :D  Joining us today is my sweet friend, Micaiah, from  Adventures Beyond the Horizon . Be sure to hop over and check out her blog. ^_^  Alrighty. Go ahead an introduce yourself, girl. :D  Hey, all! I'm Micaiah, a sixteen-year-old who's been saved by God's grace. I'm a writer, an avid reader, a homeschooler, and an adventurer. I love music and historical fiction (though a lot of times I also go for contemporary). I love the stars at night and I like to travel and see new places. I like spending time with my family (of which I am the middle kid) and my fluffy white dog. I'm interested in photography, baking, and singing.  Isn't she awesome, y'all? Okiedoke, let's talk about blogging...  What inspired you to start a blog?  I remember wanting to have a place to

Looking ahead...I see 2017. This lovely year, a blessing in itself from God, is stretched out before us. He has gifted it to us, but it's up to us as to how we use it. This year, I want to make a difference. Correction – I want to always make a difference. In my life, I want to reflect Christ. I want to shine so the world to see Him and His goodness.  How is that a connection to the blog, you ask?  My posts. Sure, the book reviews can be fun. The short rambles are okay. But I want to write good  posts. Deep  posts. I want to write and share about things I'm facing, and pray that someone else can be encouraged and strengthened through the words God gives me as well.  My goal for Chosen Vessels this year is this:  I want to write at least one or two 'quality' posts for this blog a month. It isn't like they take an eternity to write. I can do this. I just have to make it a priority.  So that's my goal. A post here each Saturday (hopefully)

~ Description  Instead of just surviving relationships, why not cherish them?   A teen girl's life is bursting with relationships—hard ones, favorite ones, and ones you would avoid if only you could. In Cherish, best-selling author Vicki Courtney offers godly yet timely advice on how to navigate and cultivate relationships with your parents, friends, guys, and everyone else who fills your day. You'll find your questions answered on such topics as: Top 10 friendship killers, What to do when your family is falling apart, What happens when good girls fall for bad boys, How to live in the digital world, and Why did God put you here anyway? ~ My Rating 5 stars  ~ My Review  An amazing and wonderfully written book helping girls along the path through the teen years and the – often times difficult – relationships that accompany them. From friends and boyfriends, to employers and siblings, to parents and God, this book has got it all. The group o