Ch-ch-ch-changes!

Every month I get to be a part of the magazine team for the incredible ministry Exemplify Online and we are undergoing some pretty major changes!  It's all very exciting and the whole team is behind the ministry founder and editor, Kristen Schiffman (LOVE her to pieces!). I would love for you to read about these changes over at http://exemplifyonline.com and while you're there don't forget to check out the June issue of the magazine where I introduce my new column, In First Person.     

You'll definitely want to get caught up before the July issue releases next weekend. All I'll say is that you won't want to miss the next installment of In First Person. You can even subscribe to have the magazine delivered right to your inbox each and every month!  How simple is that?!

Ok, now that all of the announcements are out of the way, some pretty exciting things are in the line-up for the next few months!

Including, but not limited to:

• A cruise with four of my college girl-friends
• Michele's bachelorette party {Don't worry; we like to keep things classy!}
• A trip to Nashville to visit one of my very best friends 
• Hopefully meeting my weight loss goal {I'm so close!}
• The Whitfield Wedding...it will surely be the celebration of the year.

That's all pretty great, but there's still room for the unexpected! Who wants to be my unforeseen happiness? ;-) 

If My Brain Had A Name It Would Be 'Delorean'

Have you ever had a memory so strong you can still physically feel the past just by thinking about it? Yeah, that happened to me quite a bit this week. It catches my breath and squeezes my chest and induces mild anxiety at the thought that I might never feel that way again in real life like the way I do in my memory.

Do you think the memory of love can be more potent than in real life love? Sometimes, I think the answer to that question is yes because my memory of that love is a mix of the strongest aspects and moments of that time.

I know the answer is really no though. Nothing compares with in real life love shared between two people. My memory is only one sided. A memory can't hold me or tell me "I love you".

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Lately, God has been reminding me of how he uses relationship to manifest his love for me {and you}. I then realize memories are a mere shadow of reality, and if that is true then reality will be much more potent in the end.

God give me the reality.

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Sometimes I think about how it would be so much easier to stay single forever. That's just my self-preservation talking though. I only feel that way because I know the risk involved is great and the vulnerability is even greater. I hear the risk is worth it, but what I wonder is if someone will take the risk with me.

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Truth be told, I have the time and freedom to do many things my married don't have the luxury of having. The reason I know that is because my married girlfriends always remind me! Travel, hours alone, doing what I want when I want, don't have to stay on my side of the bed, girls weekends on a whim, chick-flicks, etc. As much as I love those things about my life, I would trade them in a heart beat to have what they have. I'm not saying what they have is better. It's just different. I don't want to waste the time I have, but I sure do want that difference! ;-)

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This is me.

Review: Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson is a historical fiction story about young Civil War widows and their quest for something to call their own. In St. Louis during 1872 several of these young widows were lured to a meeting promising free land in Nebraska.  With no other prospects besides relying on unwilling family or marrying men they did not love, sixteen widows boarded a train headed for Plum, Nebraska.  Along the the journey towards their new lives they begin to realize their escort had less than honorable intentions. He had promised the single men of Plum (and surrounding cities) that he was bringing them brides. When the truth was made public at a stop along the way to their final destination, many of the women decided to claim their free land and farm on their own.

The story follows their trials and triumphs in creating a life for themselves.  It's a story about community and waiting on the Lord. I loved it because the women did not succomb to the fate their escort planned.  They learned the meaning of patience and trust...character traits we all need.  It's a story of victory and you'll learn a little history along the way too!

This book was provided for free for review by Bethany House Publishing and can be bought on their website.

Review: She Walks In Beauty by Siri Mitchell

Siri Mitchell's lastest novel, She Walks In Beauty, is set during New York City's Gilded Age in 1891. It's a time in history where marriage was more of a business deal than act of love.  Clara Carter is a 17 year old girl who is more interested in her education than becoming a debutant, but it seems her Aunt has a different plan.  When Clara learns that she is to debut a year early to save the family honor, she knows she has no other choice.  Clara becomes the star of the social season and is in competition with her best friend for the De Vries heir. She longs for true love and not one based on making better social connections. However, she is not sure whether she is worth that kind of luxury.

When I began reading this book I wasn't sure if I would enjoy a historical fiction novel, but in the end I have found a new genre to love. Siri Mitchell does a great job of weaving the love of God through the story of a young woman who has very little choice about her future.  Mitchell also incorporated contemporary artists, poets and authors into her novel, and that gave a depth to what was going on in the Gilded Age.  I got so lost in the story that I didn't put it down until it was finished, and even then I wish the story did not end.

This book was provided for free for review by Bethany House Publishers and can be purchased on their website.

Best Day Ever: Ice Cream Date

Today definitely made the top 5 list of my favorite days...I surprised my 6-year old nephew with an ice cream date. This was the first-time just he and I have gotten to hang out since his baby sister was born (over a year ago). This quality time was long over due.

Around noon I cut out of work early really excited about the afternoon ahead.  I made a stop at home to change and grab a bite to eat and then I was off to my brother's house for the festivities to begin. Unfortunately, my brother was laid out on the couch sick, but my sister in-law was there to give me what I needed to pick up my nephew from school.  This was my first time going through a pick-up line at an elementary school and so I wasn't quite sure what I was doing. Fortunately, the people who work there do know what they're doing.  I was also a little worried that he would get into the wrong car because he normally rides home with a neighbor.

I pulled up to the curb and spotted my little man.  When his name was called he started walking towards his neighbor's car (who happened to be the car in front of mine), but then he looked up and spotted me, Auntie Alison, in the pick-up line.  At first he was confused, but then his little face lit up with surprise and excitement and the best smile ever.  He was doing a mix of hopping and running towards my car.

When he was secured in his seat belt the questions began flowing...

"What are you doing here?!" "Did my mom say it was ok?" "What are we going to do?"

After he had all of his questions answered I gave him a packet of silly bands that his mom wanted me to give him. If you haven't heard of silly bands, google them.  He then bestowed upon me the girly colored silly bands in the packet. I am now the proud owner of 4 of my very own car shaped silly bands in pink and purple.

We then headed off to my mom's office (aka Nana) for a visit. My mom works at my church, and my nephew used to go to pre-school there, so he had some people he wanted to see.  We made our rounds and passed out hugs and kisses. The best part was he kept saying "I'm just so happy" and was spontaneously singing "If You're Happy and You Know It..."

When visiting hour was over, we headed off to the local ice cream shop for a treat. In the car on the way there he asked, "Can you pick me up from school every Wednesday?" I desperately wish my answer could have been "Yes". We also talked about our family, and how one day I hope to give him some cousins to play with. I told him that I have to get married first and he told me that means my last name wont be Hunt anymore more. I told him I didn't like that and he said "Well, maybe when you get married you can tell him to change his last name to Hunt!?" I said "Baby, it doesn't work that way" and he said "I know." We were both a little sad we wont always share the same last name.

At the ice cream shop we made our selections (He had mint ice cream with gummy bears and I had coffee ice cream with chocolate chips), and found a table and sat down to enjoy our snack. As we sat there we continued our conversation. The topics included, among other things, mean girls in his class and what we should do after we eat our ice cream.  We also made silly faces at each other. It. Was. Awesome.

Up next on the agenda was a healthy dose of wii playing.  Little man got to play all of the games he wanted without having to watch out for his baby sister crawling around or being interrupted because she needs something from one of the adults he was playing wii with.  This is what you call heaven for this 6-year old boy.

The best part of the day was all of the spontaneous hugs and "I'm so happy" statements and the fact that when I asked him what is his all time favorite thing to do in the world, he answered "Spend time with you and Nana." Melt. My. Heart.

Today I realized that his love language is definitely quality time and I intend to give it to him as much a possible.  He is an amazing older brother and is so content that it is easy to forget that he needs some special attention too. He amazes me with his generosity, his kindness and his love for his family.  He is one of my biggest inspirations.  I love my little man!

Radical by David Platt

Today I received an email from WaterBrook Multnomah publishing's Blogging for Books program about the book Radical by David Platt. They asked me (and other bloggers) to read the first chapter and post my thoughts. His book is about his search of living a radical life of belief in and obedience to Jesus Christ by stepping away from the self-centered American church and moving towards a life of sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. 

 

What Platt proposes in chapter one alone is nothing short of radical. I can see where he is coming from and it takes a supernatural amount of faith to live the radical life he talks about.  Without having read the rest of the book, I think he is heading in the right directions.  I can definitely tell he is still searching for answers (which he readily admits) and for the reader that likes a good adventure, this book is for that person. While I agree with a lot of what he says, I think it is important to use discernment because not every person's "Radical Life" will look the same.  For some it may mean literally selling everything they have to give to the poor and for other it may mean remaining single to devote their life service and the Gospel.  I think it is more important to take away the heart of what Platt says and ask God to show us through scripture how to be radical in our relationship with Him. I'm definitely curious to see where Platt lands at the end of the book.

 

 WaterBrook Multnomah is offering chapter one for free by visiting this website: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/2010/04/20/sneak-peek-radical-by-david-platt/

 

They are also offering "The Radical Question" (a small companion guide to Radical) for free! You can go to this website to have your copy mailed to you: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/RadicalQuestion/

 

If you would like to learn more about Radical by David Platt please visit: www.RadicaltheBook.com

 

Family Lessons

Last weekend I spent an afternoon at my brother's house catching up with him and playing with the kids.  At one point during my time there I was playing with A, my 6 year old nephew, and I noticed he had a blister on the palm of his hand.  I asked him what happened and this is what he told me...

 

"Well, one day on the play ground, I was swinging on the swings to get a tan..."

 

I didn't hear much after that because I was laughing so hard!  He was swinging to get a tan. What six year old says something like that?! A; that's who. He is one funny kid. Although I thought it was funny, he did NOT think it was funny that I was laughing.  When I apologized and said I was laughing at what he said and not at him he replied, "Well, you were just a little bit." Ouch, right? I sometimes forget that when kids say funny things they are usually serious about what they said. Apologies and an ice cream date are forthcoming for the little guy.

 

Later that afternoon he challenged me to a wii boxing match. Going in I knew I would lose because kids are now bred with some gene to beat adults at wii games.  What I did not anticipate is actually injuring myself. I texted my older brother D the next day reporting said injury and got no sympathy. He replied "That's why I don't wii box! lol".

 

Also, can I mention that my 13 month old niece, S, out ate her brother at lunch? I am amazed and baffled because A can put down some serious food! A is getting close to 4ft tall.  Pretty sure he will be towering over me by the time he's in high school.

 

Lessons learned that afternoon:

1. A good way to tan is to swing on a playground

2. Don't take for granted the tender feelings of child.

3. No amount of exercise will prevent a Wii boxing injury when the need to win outweighs adult common sense.

4. Older brothers still act like older brothers even in adulthood. ;)

5. A baby in a growth spurt can out eat just about anyone.

So Random

Pardon the randomness, but I've got lots going on in this mind of mine...

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Last week I had my last training session with my personal trainer.  It was sad to say goodbye to her.  After training twice a week for 12 weeks, she has become a staple in my life. It hurts when staples are removed!  Let's hope I can keep up with workouts without her.  Fortunately, she's emailing me all of the workout plans we did during our time together!

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I don't like to use my ipod when I workout. As a matter of fact, I don't like to listen to any kind of music when I workout.  It ruins my focus. Plus, I like to work through my day as I'm beating my body into submission exercising and music only crowds my thoughts.

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This next link is honor of my bff, Shelby.  She has a thing for leggings but not everyone share's her love. http://uiucnopants.com/ is a blog dedicated to those people who wear their leggings as pants.  According to Shelby there are rules for wearing leggings.  I'm pretty sure these people are not following the rules!

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I've been praying for this girl, recently.  She has given so much of herself to others and right now she needs us. In a major, miracle needing way.

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I'm about to finish the Twilight series again...I hate to admit this is my 5th time reading the books. I'm an adult who loves Young Adult Fantasy/Sci-Fi novels. Hey, it could be worse. At least my favorite books aren't Harlequin Romances!

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Speaking of the Twilight saga...did you know a new Twilight novella is being released on June 7??! It's titled The Short Second LIfe of Bree Tanner and it's about one of the "new born" vampires that was created by Victoria in book 3: Eclipse. It was originally supposed to be included in The Twilight Saga: The Official Guide, but it would have doubled the size of the Guide. Another trivia factoid for you is that the actors who play Victoria, Bree and Riley in the Eclispe movie read the novella.  Which means we will get to know more about their side of the story in the movie!  {You can actually read more about that at www.stepheniemeyer.com.}

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Like you couldn't already tell, I'm such a book nerd. So, of course there are many I want to add to my personal library. Last year I got into the habit getting all of my books from my local Library.  The ones I loved I added to my wish list on www.amazon.com, but the wallet is tight yall! So my wishes have remained just that.  Here's a link to my wish list {Hint, Hint}

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Wednesday is Administrative Professionals Day and I just found out I get to do something really fun that day! I love my job!

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Had enough randomness? Ok, Ok. Before I go though, here's a link to my Madrid pictures ;)

Book Review: Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate

When it comes to Christian fiction I am usually pretty wary of what I might find between the covers. Mainly because most Christian fiction books are romance novels set in another time period 200 years, or earlier, in the past.  So, what made me pick this book for review? Why did I give Christian fiction another chance?

1. Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate is set in modern day.
2. While there is some romance to the plot, it is not the all consuming topic.
3. I like try things again because, you "can't judge a book by it's cover!" har har ;)

I read it, and I liked it, but I didn't LOVE it. I think the reason I didn't love it is based on the expectation I had of the plot.

{Possible SPOILER ALERT!}

Let me back up a bit and start with what I did like about this book...

• Lisa Wingate is actually a good writer!  I also liked how she dealt with some real issues in the content. The main character, Kai, came from a not so great home life, and Wingate clearly showed the affect it had on Kai's life and her inability/unwillingness to truly connect with people. 
• There was romance, but she wrote in such a way that did not stir emotions or fantasies or unrealistic ideals. Unfortunately, most Christian romance novels I have read are almost as bad as the secular romance novels. You know what I mean...a harlequin romance just minus the explicit scenes.  
• The story had a good moral about taking care of those in need.

Alright, now on to the items where I felt a bit let down...

• While the characters in the book clearly went to church, and were religious, I didn't get anything about their relationship with Jesus.
• Kai questions her beliefs through the memories of her little brother, but at the end of the book there was not a resolution about where she stood about her faith.
• I would have liked more of the story to focus on her love interest, Kemp.

So, on the scale of  Bad, Eh, Good, and Excellent...I give it a "Good".

This book was provided for free by Bethany House Publishing for review and it can be purchased at any online book retailer. :)

The Ancient Gates

...Since the very first time I read Psalm 24 I've had a fascination and a curiosity about those ancient gates and doors. Where do the gates lead? Who should open them? I wonder what those ancient gates looked like? What I did not understand was how they necessarily related to worship. More specifically, how the gates related to my personal worship and relationship with God....


To read the rest of The Ancient Gates visit www.exemplifyonline.com to read the April issue! (psst....it begins on page 56!)