And it rained for how many days?

I woke up to this beautiful Sunday to rain. Rain pounding on my window, drenching my poor pugs outside, rain flooding the streets outside, rain, rain, rain. Yet, I praise God for the rain. When it rains it makes me think of God even more. It's a constant reminder of God and his love. Some people make dread or loath the rain but I love it. I love what it does; it helps the crops and the outcome is a beautiful rainbow (maybe sometimes a double one!). Yes, sometimes rain can not have as nice attributes, like leaks in a home but maybe it's God trying to get a hold of us? Really get our attention. Reminding us that He is always there. I guess I can't really speak for God because He can do that all by himself, but that's how I see it sometimes.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful winter season! Hope you haven't had to experience some crazy shopper madness! At the mall yesterday some dude jumped in front of a car and had to go to the  hospital. Is that deal that important people?!?!?!??! Your life means so much more!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh yea! If you are a dedicated reader who is craving some great deals to help your bank account. Gospelebooks.net is a great site! They update everyday with great free ebooks and yes they are all christian fiction/nonfiction), but it's really great and I totally recommend it. [If anyone out there wants to pass on another website of free ebooks (mainly kindle) that I do not know of and want to tell me leave a comment I would love to check it out!]

Have a great Sunday!

In His Loving Name,
Taylor

Christmas Lights!!!

I helped with putting the Christmas lights up at my house. It was simple and I thought it was a lot of work. It got me to thinking of those houses that are so decked out and are synced to music! Have you seen those? So crazy! On YouTube I saw this one house that goes to "Gangnam Style", now you might have already seen this since anything related to that song is put out into the media like crazy but I wanted to put it up anyways. I commend these people that takes some skill!

 

I got my very first Christmas card a few days ago! A card  just for me! So cool! I definitely want to start doing my own as well. Now I have a year to get this brain to start ticking and thinking of some great, unique and  creative ideas! It must stand apart from all other Christmas cards! Maybe my face on a cookie? Hey, I've got a year my ideas don't have to be awesome yet. 

I would recommend a book today but there are soooo many. I know that basically all the Christian publishers are putting a lot of their books on super sale for the Kindle. I'm about to pass out because I think of all these books I want, but I really need to get a hold of this. Wish me luck to resist the temptation! Just remember Philippians 4:13 Taylor, Philippians 4:13...4:13...

I pray that your Christmas is amazing! Praise you Jesus!

In His Loving Name, 

Taylor

I read books faster than they can print them

I always wonder what my fad with reading books all the time looks like from the outside. Like how people have crazy addictions like eating parts of their couch or drinking nail polish, etc, etc and as the viewer you're thinking, "How do those people do that?" The same goes for me and reading. It has great aspects and then there is a dark side.

The great aspect is that who doesn't love to get away from the outside world and escape into another person's life!? I really love books for this. I love getting to meet new "people" and maybe learning history facts  (some authors are really good at using a real part of history with their story). Well anyways my addiction with books has been shadowing me for quite some time and I see the bad affects is has. One: Money. Shesh books are expensive. But I think of how cool it is to promote authors especially Indie authors. Yet, if I were to tally the X amount of dollars I have spent the past maybe three years I think I would vomit. Thank you  Jesus with all my heart for finally placing me in a job.

Another bad part is once I start a book there is no going back from stopping. Let's see for example I bought a book last night (it was really, really, really, really, goooood) at around 10pm. Then I started to read......then I looked at the clock and it was 4 AM! whoa.....Then I woke up this morning and just finished it. I almost feel bad that I read them so fast. I mean this author poured their life into it for who knows how long and then I read their book in less then two days. Eh, maybe it's a compliment to them?

Hm....I don't know if there is a recovery plan for Book Addicts but I think I need to limit for sure....That will be my New Year's Resolution.

It's raining today and I shivering under three blankets. What's the weather like for you?

Recommendation of the Day: "A Distant Melody" by Sarah Sundin. (If you are wondering, yes, this is the book that I started last night.)

It's Sunday and I really itching to read some great passages from the Bible. I'm in the middle of Isaiah, pretty powerful stuff. I really loved the verse 26:4 

"Trust in the Lord forever, 

for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal." (NIV)

It's simple and when I'm having a tough day it's great to just say to myself to remind me of the greatness of God. That He is my Rock eternal-forever-he's never gonna let me down. Hope you're having a great Sunday~ 

In His Loving Name, 

Taylor

The Weather is so DELIGHTFULLY FREEZING

It's winter folks! 

Man is it COLD! It doesn't even snow where I live! I feel like such a wimp. Don't get me wrong I love winter! I love the rain! It's the weather where I drink diet hot coco (p.s. for only 25 calories it is delicious and you don't have to sacrafice flavor) and curl under the blankets reading books on my kindle app on my ipod touch that has seen better days.

My sister asked me what books I read when I was her age and I was stumped. What was I reading back nine years ago? All I could come up with was the Unfortunate Series and The Chronicles of Narnia. I didn't get this passion-maybe obsession- for reading until about the end of junior high. Do you remember what you were reading nine years ago?

Then this got me to thinking about my most favorite book. This also stumped me. I don't have a favorite. I have multiples and I could re-read them. I really loved books that challenged me and made me have to think, but a good book that just passes the time is always a joy.

As I am writing this the heater finally kicked on and I am praising God that He had the heater created! If I don't warm up even with the heater's help I will just have to accept the fact that I will never be warm until it is summer time. Let the countdown for summer begin!  I guess there is a plus for winter though, and is that it gives everyone a craving for baked goods! Yummy~ My family bought a cake mix box when I was at work and when I got home and saw the box it was begging me to bake it! I mean how could I not? So I MADE IT! Then I had the first bite, then the second, then the third........I will just do a workout video from Youtube and it will be all worth it! Everyone should have a little sweetness of baked goods in their life everyone now and then.

It's raining right now and I just about now feeling the sugar rush from that generously layered chocolate cake. So I best be going now before I forget to the whole purpose of writing today!

Oh, I have a question to anyone who might read this: What is your favorite book(s) to read under the covers with a cup of hot coco/tea? Leave you comments in the box below and let me know! Reeaders have to stick together and recommend some books!

My Recommendation of the Day: "Cool Beans: A Maya Davis Novel" by Erynn Mangum
[MAJOR PLUS:  This book is free for the Kindle. I don't know for how long but I mean who can turn down a free book? And a good one at that?] I enjoyed this book. It was fast, easy, fun and clean. Can't ask for more. :) If you love this book and need to finish Maya's story-which consists of two more books- I know they are on sale on paperback right now and also on the Kindle. Go read em'!

Here is a picture of some coffee to set the reading mood!

Have a great rest of your Saturday night~!


In His Loving Name,
Taylor

Light a Candle

Such tragedy today. My heart weeps for the people of Newtown, Connecticut.  I have been praying for them all day.

Light a candle in remembrance. There is a website called CLARO that sells candles and gives 50 percent of their profits to organizations. After they heard what happened they immediately made it that 100 percent of every candle bought will go towards the families affected helping with medical bills and funeral costs. The website is here: http://clarocandles.com/#candles

*Note* These people at CLARO have no idea that I wrote about them on my blog. I just really wanted to share this because it moved my heart and I believe it's an amazing thing they are doing to help in this tough time.

Again, I pray for the families and I pray that the Lord gives them comfort.


In His Loving Name,
Taylor

Finals, Winter Break, and the Birth of Jesus (Christmas)

These past couple of weeks I have had a hectic couple of weeks. Along with school finals and studying (I tried I really did!) and going to work which means working later hours for the Christmas season AND trying to maintain having at the top of my list God I have forgotten about this blog. I've only reviewed two books and that's sad because I have read of lot of books! A lot of them and I haven't written a sentence if I liked them or not. I kind of read books like how some people binge eat, I read so much that I don't even take time to let that book digest in my head. So I really want to buckle down and limit my free time book reading to one a week-and this is going to be a huge struggle.

I am officially on winter break for the next six weeks! So long! I am so pumped! I also have a lot of reading to do just for my classes so I know I have a lot of time to get those done. I was going to post something last Sunday but my computer had a meltdown. It wouldn't turn on and I was devastated and just frustrated because finals was the next WEEK! I mean how am I suppose to write essays? By hand?!?!?!? God really taught my patience that day. I went into church real frustrated but at the end I was totally calm I told God, "Ok God, I know this was all apart of your plan. So I'm going to do my best to go along with it and take it as a blessing. Bare with me here." Yet, the moment I left church I was a crabby mc.crabster to my family. I mean gross who likes being rude to their own family? Not me for sure! So I apologized and I had my quite time with God and guess what my computer came back to life! It was a miracle. Praise God and His greatness!

It's beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas~!

Yay the holidays! This is my  most fav holiday ever! I mean it's the birth of our Savior Jesus! This holiday shows the great love that God has for us. The story of Jesus' birth starts Luke 2 and it's amazing. The whole story. Jesus came down from Heaven to be born a child, Jesus could have came down just as he was, be the most richest man in the world, but he didn't and that gets me choked up. Christmas is basically God saying, "I love you", "I am for you", and "I am for you" and John 3:16 says exactly that, but I also want to add in the next verse John 3:17 which says,

"God did not send His son to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

 So if you're reading this and don't believe in Jesus as the Son of God who died for our sins. That he was just another man I just want to challenge you with one thing. Imagine the greatest love you have ever felt, was it amazing? Well that love pales in comparison to God's. The feeling you experienced that was the most loved you ever felt might not last forever but God's will. Christmas is God also saying that He is always there for us so there is no need to feel alone. Matthew 1:23 says, "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel-which means, "God with us." 

God is everywhere. I really like how C.S.Lewis described God's presence.

“We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him."

I hope this was somewhat fun to read. I'm always learning something new when it comes to God. I pray that you have a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year's!

In His Loving Name, 
Taylor 

Why am I such a bore?

This blog has got to go somewhere....

Book Review #2 - "Against the Tide" by Elizabeth Camden

Aside from the beautiful cover, this was a beautiful book.From the unique characters, to the plot, mystery, romance, suspense! What more can a girl ask for from a Christian novel.

This book is set in 1891. Lydia Pallas (the heroine) spends her days near the Boston Harbor, where her skill with languages landed her a job as a translator for the U.S. Navy. It was really intriguing for me as the reader to learn so much about this time era, where my knowledge is basically nothing. I really admired Lydia for her perseverance and strive to do her best if not be the best at her job, especially since she is a woman.

Because of her talents, Lydia catches the eye of Alexander Banebridge who is need of a translator. This mysterious man- who also goes by Bane- is driven to end the opium trade. As a reader I was really intrigued by this. Not knowing much about the opium trader either really made me want to finish the book even more because the suspense was killing me.

That is where some mystery and action come into play in the novel. There were some moments in the book where I felt it nagged just a bit, but overall it did keep me interested and I had to keep thinking because at some moments I had no idea what was going to happen, which is something that I love.

The romance was good. What was different than other Christian novels that I have read was that the Lydia didn't have any sort of faith other than little things here and there. But what was so cool was to see how Bane was able to show Lydia how God uses people, loves people and gives salvation. I don't want to give to much away because it does have a little part in the romance between the pair so go read the book!

A little fun fact is that the author put at the end of the book some more facts about the historical events that took place that the book was set during.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I give it a 5 out of 5! Yay! I think it's a re-read as well. This begin the first book I read by this author I am interested in seeing the previous books she has already written.

If you want to read this book as well (which I highly recommend once again!) here are some links:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
Christian Book

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."*

God Bless everyone!


Taylor 

Book Review: "At Every Turn" by Anne Mateer

And she's off to the races!

Anne Mateer's transports her readers to the year 1916 book, "At Every Turn" were automobiles have started to become more popular and car racing is the newest rage. We meet Alyce Benson, who is unlike the other young women in her town, and this is because she likes to drive her Packard Runabout-her car- fast. No one knows this secret desire she has, except her father's mechanic Webster Little. (Who is very swoon worthy.)

Woohoo! I really raced through this book it was that good!

What I really love about this book is how likeable Alyce is. She loves the Lord, and even though her father is considered the richest man in town she doesn't come off as a rich snob or think herself higher than others.

In the story, Alyce pledges a grand sum of money to a missionary couple that comes to her church, and when her father tells her he won't give her the money like she though he would he comes up with a plan- race. With the help of Webster, Alyce disguises herself and drives the car her father's company is sponsoring in several events.

What also really drew me in was how many real facts were in the book, especially with the races. I honestly never knew when automobile racing became popular in America, but this book made me feel like I was at the races. Sometimes I even felt that I was in the car in Alyce going around the racetracks, leaning in the sides on each turn.

Anne Mateer also truly has a gift when it came to weaving in the spiritual aspect and Alyce's walk with the Lord. You could see the changes Alyce was going through, especially when it came to her praying for her parents. Anne did a wonderful job at showing her readers how the Lord has a special job for each one of us, even if we think it's not has conventional as others. I just loved that!

I highly recommend this book to people of all ages who want to read a fast-pace, romance, mystery book! Oh yea there is some mystery! Did I forget to mention? Read the book and find out what I'm talking about!

This was my second book that I read by Anne Mateer and it definitely won't be my last. I'm looking forward to the next book that Anne writes!

Links:
Barnes and Noble
Amazon
Christian Book Store

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Happy reading everyone! God Bless!

Taylor

Day 25...going on 26

CAUTION: APOLOGIES FOR ANY HORRIBLE SPELLING/GRAMMAR ERRORS WHICH MAY CAUSE AWKWARD READING!!!!!

Today is day 25 of the Facebook Fast, and it's been going really well. Almost so well that I  barely get online to do anything which means I haven't posted anything on this blog in almost a month? Ok that is ridiculous...I am sorry (mainly to my friend who is so kind and has a wonderful blog and she knows how to use grammar correctly, unlike moi haha)

Again, I am sorry for my goals and expectations that I have totally burned and seem to have forgotten, but that gets me to thinking...have I ever treated my relationship with God this way? Have I made this amazing and lavish promises and goals and then forget about them because I in turn only love the things that God gives me in return? Or have I also set myself up to doing all of these things thinking that they will in turn make me look better in His eyes, and the moment I fail at them I feel unworthy? I know you're probably thinking, "Taylor, you just forgot to make a few blog posts...", true, but I believe God uses even the smallest thing as not posting on a blog as a tool to teach.

So far these past 24 days have just flown by. It's already November the month where thankfulness is key. P.S. Challenge readers this month think of something you are grateful/thankful for everyday and it has to be different. The first couple of days might be easy but as you get into the little things like air, sight, the ability to walk/talk the list goes on. I saw some people do this and I liked the idea, and I think everyone should do it. Hey why not do it everyday for the rest of your life? Now that would be interesting.

Sorry I went down a bunny trail. :) Not being on Facebook seems to make Facebook think that they constantly have to send me e-mail alerts of what I am "missing" by not being on Facebook, and that got me thinking too. God has really being pushing and challenging me and I was thinking of the word "missing" and how it's really been a major factor in my life. I am afraid of missing my purpose. I don't want to miss the chances I have been given to share the good news. Missing. Missing. Missing. So I've been looking in all directions, but one place I now know I need to ultimately look to is God. Francis Chan put it really nicely in his book, Crazy Love-which I totally think people should read-that God will ensure success in accordance with His plan in our lives. So I need to stop worrying about missing and start pursuing my life and love for God who will show me how to find what I need.

Wow, I really hope I didn't jump from one subect to the next, but I feel that I did because I tend to. From this blog I hope that writing out all of what God puts on my heart can also help me to organize and actually maybe start to make sense.

EXCITING NEWS!!!
I have my first book I am going to review! Yippe! So excited and nervous!
Have a great day!

God Bless,
Taylor

Fasting Facebook for Forty Days

~DAY 1~

Yep, I am fasting Facebook for forty days and October 12th was officially day 1. 

My decision with fasting Facebook was because I could see how much it was causing difficulties in my life. I was getting more lazy. I didn't want to do anything and even though I was talking to my friends I would catch myself just starring at the same page for long periods of time. Another reason was because I wanted to get closer to God. I have many questions in my life and I believe that by giving up Facebook for forty days (which ends exactly on Thanksgiving) I will finally hear His answers. This has proven true in my past. I mean this past summer when I went to Uganda I didn't have any electricity, minimal contact with my friends and family and no Facebook for two whole months. You know what I saw? A change. I was a totally different person. I was constantly talking, praising, and thanking God for everything He did in my life those two months. Now, I'm not saying that I don't still talk to Him or praise/thank Him. I do but I have seen how easily it was for me to turn on my computer, log into Facebook and fade away instead of opening my bible and dwelling in the Lord.

Today I could see symptoms. Whenever I got on the internet, almost every time I almost clicked Facebook. (Also I would like to point out I don't think Facebook is bad if used wisely like keeping in touch with friends and such...) So either time I felt the urge I would just talk to God. Pray to Him for my friends. Ask Him questions.

So since I'm not going to log into Facebook for the next 39 days my plan is the log it all on here. I ask anyone reading this to please pray for me. Pray for my strength and to lean on God with my struggles and for God to open my ears, eyes and heart to the plans that He has in store for me.

In His Loving Name,
Taylor

LAST DAY OF SEPTEMBER

Okaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, so today, or really tonight is the last day/night of September and that means tomorrow is October. Wow, and when did I seriously start this blog haha My failed attempt at meeting my own deadline of updating. (don't all true writers dread deadlines?) Recently, my life has been crazy- in the most positive and outstanding way ever- and that's all thanks for God. He is just so great and this weekend He truly made me fall in love and feel so loved all over again. I meet so many people! PLUS, I did not meet one person with my name?! Are you kidding me? Someone doesn't have my name is this crazy big group of people. THANK YOU GOD! All my life there has been someone with my name and this weekend when someone said "Hey Taylor!" I can proudly turn around and respond knowing they meant me and not another! Yippee!

Then when I got home I meet a new face/addition to the family. Harley! Who is an adorable fawn pug. So cute! She came from a home where she wasn't given much attention because the owner worked so much, so the owner gave her to us knowing we would love her so much. What's so crazy is that I have been praying a few weeks now for God to provide us with a dog, and I also added that it would be even more awesome if that dog happened to be free and given to us. Well guess what? God provides even in the most simplest ways. It only confirms my love for Him even more and I just smile and praise Him for all the good He has provided in my life. God is GREAT!

At the current moment my neck is in the most agonizing pain from the dance party that the Fall Retreat that I went to this weekend had on Saturday night. They even played Oppa Gangnum Style and of course I just had to show everyone how to truly do the horse dance, but yea I forgot how painful a night full of dancing life there's no tomorrow has painful results the next day. All in all, this weekend was amazing and I am so fortunate to have meet so many people.

Now anyone reading this is probably thinking, "um...this chick said she was gonna review some books." Well, this chick knows that and is like "Girl review a book already!" I apologize. I am starting a new book tomorrow that may have a corny title, but I think the message is something that a lot of girls and women today should take into consideration. I bought this book with my own money and am doing a Book Club online with it also. I will keep you updated (actually I won't keep that promise) but  I WILL DO MY BEST BECAUSE I REALLY WANT TO REVIEW AT LEAST ONE BOOK IN MY LIFE!

Now that is my rant. That is my life. I will leave you with this verse. Have a great Night!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

1 Peter 1:3-5

In His Loving Name,
Taylor

Diagnosed as Abnormal

       So I haven't blogged in a while, which is really sad because this is really my third post (haha). My reasons are good though! School, homework, school, homework, did I mention homework? School? Anyways I am back and want to keep updating with a vengeance and a purpose! So as you can see this post is called "Diagnosed as Abnormal" because in my psychology class was talking about how someone is diagnosed as normal or abnormal, and I took the information and did a little study on myself and this is what I came up with.
      The statistical definition of abnormal is someone who is not similar to the behavior that occurs in the general population. (of course we also learned psychologists don't use the statistical definition to diagnose patients) So because most college students party and drink by statistics I am abnormal, and this really made me laugh. Another thing was that now that tattoos are almost a "rite of passage to adulthood" for an eighteen year old and because I didn't do that it makes me abnormal. Maybe I'm almost abnormal because I love SWEET POTATO FRIES more than regular fries!!!!! On a serious almost funny note they are delicious and I thank God for putting sweet potatoes on this wonderful Earth that He created!
      Still, just because psychology class tells me what they "believe" me to be, I already know who I am, but the coolest thing of all is knowing that there was One who already knew that before I even was born. Yes, that One is God. He loves me for my "abnormal-ness". He is enthralled with me. He cherishes me. I am his daughter. Wanna hear another cool thing? So are you. God loves you, is enthralled with you, cherishes you and yearns for you to know Him. Now I just want to leave a verse from the book of Hebrews for anyone who is reading this to ponder on.

"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion."     Hebrews 3:9 NIV

      Have a blessed day! 

      - Taylor 

Today was exciting to say the least...

So since I got back from Africa this summer I still have about 27 days worth of malaria pills which need to be taken in order to prevent any malaria from taking over my body. Well sometimes my body doesn't react all so well with the medicine, and a few days ago that was the case. About an hour before one of my classes I took my malaria thinking I was being oh-so responsible and healthy, only to be hit by the worse wave of nausea I have experienced all summer from these pills. (Only five more days to go and then I am malaria pill taking free!!!) All I was thinking though was "What am I suppose to do? Should I skip class-NO! I will get dropped", so I decided to go to class thinking I would much rather puke in front of everyone than lose my spot. Luckily, I made it through class and now it's a holiday so hooray!

Today I gave my presentation to my church about my time in Uganda. It was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be.

Note to self: Need to put up a review of book soon.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

God Bless,
Taylor

XOXO

I love to read and to breathe

Hello and thank you for coming to my blog! So as you can tell from the title I love to read and to breathe. The whole idea of this blog is to share my thoughts and reviews on books that I have read and also to keep a record of my life in general (hence the reason for the choice of word breathe). I hope that this blog helps many fellow readers find new books that interest them. I hope that I can do justice in my reviews and also do a good job at keeping up this blog. Here's to reading and breathing!

God Bless! 

- Taylor