How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck ~Book Review~

I had the privilege of reading an Advanced Reader's Copy of How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck.

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Below is my review of this fun book!

Rachel Hauck

How to Catch a Prince is the third in the Royal Wedding Series written by Rachel Hauck. Hauck does a great job with these modern-day fairy tales, making every girl’s dream come true. This story, along with the others in this series, reminds me of Princess Kate’s story. 

This particular story tells of an American Heiress who meets a prince while at university. It describes the trials that they go through in order to find out what true love really means. It describes true love between a man and woman and between man and God. The story also shows what it means to truly love someone and what is at stake when you do.

The third book in the Royal Wedding series is a beautifully woven story with the message being clear throughout the whole book. It demonstrates how if we let God work in our lives He can, and will, do great things. If we are willing to love, without reserve, we will find many blessings. I would highly recommend this wonderful story and the first two in the series. You will not be disappointed with this exciting, fun story that shares the message of what it means to love and be loved. 

To watch a "book trailer" for this story, follow this link: http://www.rachelhauck.com/books/everyone-reading-catch-prince/ 

To order the book on Amazon, click here. The book releases on February 24, 2015.

2/19/2015

This is what my weather app was showing today... Brrr.....

Lent 2015 (reversed style)

Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. I have been thinking about Lent and what the season means. I read a blog post that a friend had posted on Facebook about doing a reversed version of Lent. I really liked it because I think the giving something up for Lent is sometimes done out of context. One of the suggestions for the reverse Lent was to write one letter or note to someone each day for Lent. The point being to encourage others. 

I had just told my mom the other day that I wanted to add an amendment to my New Years resolutions so I think this would fit in perfectly. My new resolution was going to be to write 50 cards/snail mail to people this year. If I do it for Lent, I will have 40 completed!

My goal in this is to write encouragement and share scripture with those around me. Also, I want to write more thank you notes. I believe sentiment gets lost these days. I don't want to see that happen. 

And who doesn't love to get real mail! I know I do!

Anyway, I'm gonna give it a go and see what happens! And if I don't get 40 done during Lent that will be fine, too. I'll give to the end of the year to get all 50 done, but this will be my jump start!

Here is the blog post I read about the Reversed Lent Challenge: http://www.karenehman.com/2015/02/the-reverse-lent-challenge-dont-give-something-up-take-something-on/

Do you give up something for Lent or would you try this challenge with me? 

Valentine's Day - 2015

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 NIV

Jesus paid the ultimate price and demonstrated the Father's love for us by laying down His life. I pray that you will seek Him this Valentine's Day.

For the story behind Valentine's Day, check out this blog post from last year: http://musingsmadebymandy.blogspot.com/2014/02/happy-valentine-day-2014.html?m=0 

Here are a few pictures of the treats we made for Valentine's Day!

Red heart-shaped cinnamon rolls

Heart-shaped muffins

Word of the year: Trust

As I mentioned in my first blog post of the year, my word of the year is TRUST. I hope throughout my posts this year, I will be able to show you what I am learning about the word and its place in my life and world around me. When I decided I would pick a word for the year, the word "trust" just stood out to me. I heard it over and over and knew that was the word I should focus on. I may not have chosen the word, but it was definitely chosen for me. My goal in focusing on this word is to learn more about it and to share with you what I am learning. I will be sharing quotes, Bible verses, and stories about trust.

Quote for the day:

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” 

― Corrie ten Boom

Lastly, I would just like to share my inspiration for this word of the year challenge. I know a lot of authors that I like focus on a word each year, but I was inspired by "One Perfect Word" by Debbie Macomber. 

Here is a link to more information on her book: http://www.debbiemacomber.com/books/one-perfect-word

Why?

In the past few days, my family has had many discussions about why things happen. Some of the discussion is even centered around the question: "why does God let certain things happen?", things that we don't like or want to see happen.  

The questions are many:

Why are we not content with where we are?

Why do children get cancer? 

Why is there this much hurt in the world?

Why do people we love have to die?

Why? Why? Why?

And while I don't know the specific answers to the individual questions, situations, and people, I do know God knows the answer. He see the big picture. 

In John 16:33 Jesus says, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

Here are a few of the things I have been thinking about and learning in the last few days:

1. Jesus has overcome! Death will not win. Those of us in Christ have the promise of eternal life. 

....“Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 NIV

2. Jesus heals all our hurts. He will comfort us when we are suffering, no matter what our suffering may be. He also heals in His timing, maybe here, maybe in Heaven with Him. 

3. Our time here is just a blink of an eye compared to eternity. We will have trials. He never promised it would be easy. But when we look at things in the grand scheme of eternity, we have hope that there is more. 

4. Lastly, I want to live in light of eternity. Are the desicisions I am making today really that important? Will they make an eternal effect?

***I started writing this blog post on Sunday, but I wasn't sure if I was ready to share it. I think it hurts, because even though I am writing these things, it is still hard to live these things out. It is hard to see the hurt in the world, the hurt in my own family and the families around me, and still believe and trust. But we are called to do so. 

So I am trusting by faith...

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV

 

2015! A new year, new resolutions!

This year I decided I wanted to try for 5 resolutions/goals for the year. I am also picking a word for the year. One other new thing I am going to try this year is a vision board. I'm still working on what that will be! 

Below are my goals/resolutions:

1. Journaling more! 3-5 times per week

- I'm using the app Day One for this. The app has reminders. It also allows you to add a picture to the journal entry. 

2. Bible reading, studying, memorizing (Listening to bible on cd)

-I have the dramatized Bible on cd in the NKJV that I am planning on listening to. 

3. Learning new things/trying new things (12x)

-Not sure what these will be yet!

4.Read 50 books (at least 10 non-fiction)

-I'm keeping track on Goodreads and also planning on using this book challenge I found on Pinterest. 

5. Pray more specifically and intentional 

-This includes prayer journaling. I'm also trying this method: http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/index.php?id=2277 

Word of the year: Trust

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. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV