Alycia's Year in Review 2013

So this year was very eventful for me.  I had so much happen!  Here is my list of big events this year:)

1. Started graduate school for my Master's in Social Work.  My graduate school is a very great school.

2.  Moved from Wisconsin to Kentucky.

3.  Got my first apartment.

4.  Got an amazing job doing what I love - working with at - risk pregnant and parenting teenage girls.  This job always pushes me to new limits where I learn more about myself, the kids, and the girls every time I work.

5. Got to truly experience country life.

6. Moved to a new apartment where I got an awesome roommate and wonderful next door neighbor.  Definitely made some wonderful life-long friends with my roommates, neighbors, and schoolmates:)

7.Started this blog.

8. Got 1,000 views on my blog as of yesterday:)

9.Had my first car accident.

10. Had my first car buying experience.

11.  My little Julie (my grandmother's weiner dog) died:(

12. My grandmother got a new puppy that I absolutely adore:)

13. Became obsessed with zumba:)

14.Got highlights in my hair for the first time.

15. Crossed an item off of my bucket list - went on my first trail ride (and first time riding a horse since I was very young):)  It was a dream come true and now I want a horse of my own:)

16.  Got to see cool historical places in Kentucky.  ShakerVillage is pretty cool.

I leave you with this quote for New Year's.  Happy 2014 and God's blessings!!

Sex and the Single Christian Girl: Fighting for Purity in a Rom Com World ~ Marian Jordan Ellis

           Picture from:http://swittersb.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/simple-daisy-white-flower.jpeg

    Sex and the Single Christian Girl is an inspirational book.  Marian Jordan Ellis speaks with a lot of wisdom.  One of the neat things about this book is that Marian addresses the problem with romantic comedies portrayal of sex.  Marian talks about how romantic comedies portray sex with no consequences.  Every girl loves to watch a romantic comedy.  They are a must for girls night.  My friend and I were recently discussing how sex was portrayed on television.  People can have sex on television and in romantic comedies without emotional problems, STDs, or pregnancies.  With romantic comedies portraying things like that no wonder the world today sees sex outside of marriage as so acceptable.  Marian addresses how all single girls and women today can realize the true worth of purity in today's world.

    Marian does a great job of addressing purity on a spiritual level.  The beauty of Sex and the Single Christian Girl is that it talks about how purity is a very spiritual process.  Women should be pure because they know they are cherished.  Marian talks about how beautiful purity is when it is done because of a love for Jesus.  Marian helps women realize the true worth of purity and a relationship with God.  She also helps girls realize their worth because of Jesus' death on the cross for them.  One of the best things she said is that girls should settle for nothing less than a man who helps magnify the greatness of what Jesus did for them.  This book gets two thumbs up from a single Christian girl who works with pregnant and parenting teen girls!  It is a must read for every single girl.
*This book was given for free in exchange for a fair and unbiased review*

Real ~ Jamie Snyder

 

 Real by Jamie Snyder was an interesting book.  It poses some thought - provoking questions.  Do you go to church on Sundays to fulfill a commitment?  Can people see Jesus in you when you are not in church?  Does your life demonstrate God?  These are a few of the questions posed by Snyder in this book.

Snyder gives some insight to these questions.  He also talks about practical ways to make Jesus real in your life all of the time.  In a short and concise book with witty analogies, Snyder manages to teach about REAL faith.  As someone who lives in Kentucky I especially appreciate the analogies regarding horses and Kentucky. This is a great book.
*I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for a review*

Critical Reaction ~ Todd M. Johnson

(Picture originally belongs to http://www.funfluster.com/gallery/363-nuclear-explosion-in-space.html)

 Critical Reaction is a thrilling and fascinating book.  This is a book that caters to a broader audience than the books I typically review.  Men and women will enjoy reading about Kieran Mullaney's journey to justice.  Kieran calls up a friend from the past - Emily Hart - as he embarks on a journey to find out what really happened the night of an explosion in a nuclear facility.  Kieran doesn't just want justice but also to find out how much radiation he was exposed to that night.  The journey that ensues is full of twists and turns with interesting characters.

Not only is this book interesting but the author is also.  An interesting fact about Todd Johnson is that he has practiced law for over 30 years.  There's something even more exciting about a book when the author is an expert of so many years on a topic that is the main focus in a book.  Todd Johnson's expertise on law comes through and makes it even more interesting.  Definitely a must read.

*I was given this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review*

Letting Go of Your Limitations ~ Sandie Freed

I was looking forward to getting Letting Go of Your Limitations.  It seemed like a genuinely interesting book.  The subject of the book was going into the light of God's grace and overcoming the various limitations in your life that keep you from living to your full potential.  However, I was unable to finish the book.  I really hate it when I don't finish a book but this one ended up being one I could not.

Letting Go of Your Limitations ended up being a let down.  I thought it would be very insightful.  There were good Scripture references in the book.  It ended up being too dry to finish though.  The references to Paul were nice but there was not enough substance to the book.  Sadly, this book just ended up not being my style of reading.  Maybe if you are more into the charasmatic interest Christian books you may like this a little more.

 * I received this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for a review*

An Old Poem: The Knight

While I was looking through my old journals today I found a poem I wrote when I was about 14 or 15.  I actually thought it was pretty good.  I clearly read too many romantic fiction books:)

The Knight

A knight rode on a noble steed

To rescue a main fair

The knight was very handsome indeed

The maiden had long, flowing hair

The maiden she was held

Much against her will

By an evil wizard jailed

Whose plan it was to kill 

The knight rode in upon his horse

The wizard in his eyes

To rescue was his valiant course

The maiden was his prize

In the rescue he did succeed 

And killed the wizard for his deed

A Bride for Keeps ~ Melissa Jagears

A Bride for Keeps is a pretty good book.  This book was a cute story.  Everett and Julia both seem pretty clueless about the opposite sex.  Seeing their relationship progress was fun.  They were both unique characters that showed Melissa Jagears has really good potential as a writer.

This book was written by Melissa Jagears who is a new author.  I believe her next book will be even better.  As mentioned before, she does show great potential and her characters were good.  However, this book did remind me a lot of Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly.  I had a very hard time not comparing the two.  I believe A Bride for Keeps is a little hard for a debut book because of the comparison.  Janette Oke is a legend in Christian fiction and it would be hard to have everybody comparing the two books.  Though, it is an honor to Janette Oke that Melissa Jagears chose to make her book have a similar basic plot line.

When I do not compare A Bride for Keeps to Love Comes Softly I can see that Melisssa Jagears is a great author.  Her characters are very unique and stories are cute.  This story was very sweet.  

* I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review*

Straight Answers to 21 Honest Questions about Prayer ~ Charles Simpson

Straight Answers to 21 Honest Questions about Prayer by Charles Simpson is a good book on prayer.  Simpson does a good job answering a lot of questions that people have about prayer.  He does great at answering these questions in a simple and easy to understand way. 

One of my favorite parts of the book is where Simpson addresses prayer and young adults.  He talks about how important it is to pray as a young adult.  The decisions made as a young adult usually have consequences all throughout the rest of a person's life.  This was very insightful.  Simpson does a good job addressing how important it is for people to start praying at a young age.

This book is a book that is applicable to all ages - I especially liked the part about young adults though.  For anybody that is any age looking for a book on prayer or answers to questions about prayer - this is a great choice.

*I received this book from Chosen books for free in return for a review*

Dangerous ~ Caleb Bislow

Dangerous by Caleb Bislow is an awesome book.  This book is great for anybody who is considering missions or giving their all to help others find the Gospel.  Caleb Bislow has an amazing story.  He is a true example of someone who risks everything for God.

In Dangerous, you get to find out all of the amazing ways that Caleb Bislow has ministered to people that other people would consider too dangerous.  He also minsters to the people who others think are unreachable.  Through Caleb's story and the stories of other missions people and agencies, Dangerous teaches "unusual  soldiers" to fulfill their calling.

Not everybody is called to reach the dangerous and unreachable people and places.  Caleb addresses that.  This book does more than teach the "unusual soldiers" to fulfill their God given calling.  It also teaches others to fulfill their calling wherever that may be.  This book was amazing because Caleb used true examples to illustrate what God can do through anybody if that person let's God take control of their life.

*This book was given for free by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a fair review*

The Miner's Lady ~ Tracie Peterson

The Miner's Lady was really good.  It was my 2nd favorite in The Land of Shining Water Series.  You can read about my favorite one on the blog post for The Icecutter's Daughter:)  I have to say that I loved that this series was about an Italian family.  I eat almost all pasta and found myself getting hungry while reading this book.  Tracie clearly did research on Italian food and culture.  I love when you can see that an author has passion for the historical or cultural background she is writing from.

I also love that there was suspense in this.  I don't know what's going on but all of the historical fiction authors are adding suspense to their books even more than usual recently.  That is awesome!  There is nothing quite like adding a little intrigue to relationships and plots.  Tracie does an amazing job of this with the rivalry between the Panetta's and the Calarcos!  The suspense of the relationships and of things that are going on within the town make The Miner's Lady even more exciting.  Definitely another hit for Tracie Peterson!

*I received this book from Bethany House for free in exchange for a fair review*

Rebellious Heart ~ Jody Hedlund

Rebellious Heart was an amazing book.  Jody Hedlund continues to impress me with her amazing books.  Due to the number of Christian historical fiction books I have read, it takes quite a bit for me to be impressed with a new author.  There are very few authors who have impressed me.  Jody Hedlund is one of them.  She may indeed be my favorite new author now.

Rebellious Heart has an amazing plot.  The suspense, history, and romance all intertwine to make this book amazing.  It was a page turner until the very end.  When you read this make sure you have plenty of time to just sit and read it.  Susanna is a wonderful character that stands out as a very intelligent young woman in a time where it was not proper for women to show that they are educated.  She manages to get herself in trouble numerous times.  Her adventures are very exciting to read about.

The best part of Rebellious Heart is that it is loosely based on John and Abigail Adams.  There are so many times that movies or books come out that make you think less of someone in history.  This story does the exact opposite.  Go read it and find out why I say that;)

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review*

Into the Whirlwind ~ Elizabeth Camden

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden was good book.  Following the life of Mollie Knox was very interesting.  The attention to details in the book are really caught my attention though.

Elizabeth Camden did a great job with the details.  Into the Whirlwind is set in Chicago during the great Chicago fire.  While reading this story it feels as if you are there and can truly imagine what it was like.  I have not had the opportunity to read very many books set during the great Chicago fire.  I found this aspect of the story to be unique and captivating.

The other unique and captivating part of Into the Whirlwind is Mollie's profession.  Mollie is a watchmaker.  Learning all of the little details about watchmaking while reading this story made it very interesting.  This is not a common profession given to women in historical fiction.  I loved that Camden chose it.  Elizabeth Camden is a wonderful and creative author.  I have had the pleasure of reading all of her books and definitely consider this to be another wonderful book done by her.  On Camden's front page website it says, "Why are love stories and disasters natural partners?".  This is a good description of Into the Whirlwind.

*This book was received for free from Bethany House Publishers*

The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good ~ Peter Greer

The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good was an amazing, resourceful book.  I came at reading this book from a social worker's perspective.  This book is a must for any social worker.  As an MSW student, I found this book exceptionally useful. 

Peter Greer uses real life examples to talk about how people who choose to work in ministry can end up forgetting what is important.  Did you know that 1 in 3 Biblical prophets who did amazing things ended up doing bad things further on in their life.  An example would be David.  David was a man after God's own heart but later in his life he chose to take another man's wife for himself.  This can very easily happen to any Christian worker.

This book takes those Biblical facts into consideration.  Peter looked at these stunning statistics and chose to write a book to help safeguard those who want to do good.  The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good has tons of tips to make sure that you - as a Christian who wants to do good - don't fall into the traps that so many others fall into.  This is a book that should definitely be on the shelf of any Christian social worker!

*I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers*

  

What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qu'Ran

What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qu'Ran is by James R. White.  I was very excited about this book when I decided to review this book.  I thought it would be great to learn about the Qu'Ran.  When I opened the book and read the introduction, James R. White warned that the Qu'Ran was very theologically heavy.  He was not kidding.  I started reading the book and just could not get into it.  There was just too much information in it for me.  James White tried to make the Qu'Ran more understandable but I still could not get into it.  I have to say if you are actively working  with Muslims and trying to convert them to Christianity, you will find the book useful.

*I received this book for free to review for Bethany House Publishers*

Trouble in Store ~ Carol Cox

Trouble in Store by Carol Cox was a good book.  I love the double meaning behind the title.  The story is about Melanie Ross and Caleb Nelson who both think they have the right to own a mercantile.  As you can see, there's trouble in store literally and figuratively.  Kudos to Carol Cox on an awesome title!

My favorite type of book is historical Christian fiction.  This book definitely fits the bill.  The only kind of book I love more than a historical Christian fiction book with suspense.  Trouble in Store has a mystery with murder and mayhem ensuing.  The battle between Melanie and Caleb  and the mysterious deaths that seem to be connected to the mercantile keep you engaged in the story.  Carol Cox has definitely produced a winner with Trouble in Store!

*I received a free copy of Trouble in Store by Carol Cox for review purposes from Bethany House Publishers* 

Review of Secrets to a Happy Life by Bill Giovannetti

Secrets to a Happy Life was actually very good. When I started it, I was afraid it was going to be a feel good and always be positive book. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I read it.  The book was actually very good and useful for all believers and unbelievers.

Bill Giovannetti takes a Biblical character and applies how we can follow his example today.  That Biblical character is Joseph.  The use of Joseph's life to describe a happy life in God was very good. Joseph had many bad thing happen in his life but remained positive. Bill Giovannetti does a good job of explaining how we can always follow Joseph's example and live a happy life and trust in Christ no matter what the circumstances.

If you are looking for a book to help you have a better outcome on life this is it.  Secrets to a Happy Life is not necessarily about having a happy life but improving how you view your circumstances.  It helps you see how there is always a bigger picture.

*I was given a free copy of this book by Chosen books/Bethany House publishers to review*

Jennifer ~ Dee Henderson

I received this book today and already finished it.  I already knew how amazing it would be before I even started it.  How did I know this?  I knew this because Dee Henderson was one of my VERY favorite authors growing up.  I have yet to read another Christian suspense author that I could compare to her level of skill.  On that note, this book was different  for her.  Jennifer was (as indicated on the cover) a love story instead of a suspense story.  Dee Henderson has written love stories before but not without suspense.

Despite there being no true suspense in this book, it was wonderful.  It was the book that ever O'Malley series fan had been waiting for.  It was a true love story that showed the essence of Jennifer.  It always seemed as if her love was the glue that held the O'Malley's together and this book shows how deeply caring she is.  After you finish the book it makes you want to go read all of the other O'Malley books again.

If you have never read the O'Malley series, this book will still be great to you.  It could easily be a book for you to start your journey through the O'Malley series with.  I loved that Dee wrote it in such a way that you could read it if you have never read any of the other books.  When you finish with this book it will leave you wanting to read more about the O'Malley's and their lives.  I guarantee you that every book in that series is worth the read.  As a final note, I have to say that after Jennifer you should be sure to read Danger in the Shadows before starting the actual O'Malley series.  Danger in the Shadows and Jennifer both have elements of their stories that will help you better understand the O'Malley family story.

*I received a free copy of Jennifer by Dee Henderson for review purposes from Bethany House Publishers* 

Choices

You were born for a purpose.
You were born to care for people.
You can care for them.
Or tear them down.

You were born to take care of nature.
You can care for it.
Or ignore it.

You were born to speak for the voiceless.
You can be their voice.
Or be silent.

You were born to care for animals.
You can treat them humanely.
Or treat them inhumanely.

Most of all, you were born to love God.
You can love Him.
Or serve the devil.

All of these choices are up to you.
You can make the right choices.
Or do as you please.

Both come with consequences.
One with a future.
And one with regrets.

Sweet Sanctuary ~ Kim Vogel Sawyer

Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer is such a cute story.  It is an inspirational historical fiction book.  The details and plot of the story make you fall in love with each of the characters in this story.  I believe this is my favorite book by Kim Vogel Sawyer.  There is just so much that goes on in this book to pull at your heartstrings.

If you adore children or are a mother, this story will grab at your heart.  Lydia's (the main character) story is not just about romantic love but about that of motherly love.  As someone who loves children, I devoured the pages that had such tender moments between mother and son.  They completely won me over.  This had to be my favorite part of reading this book. 

Another thing I loved about Sweet Sanctuary was that it was set in World War II.  It is always a pleasure to read books set during a different era than today's.  There attention given to historical detail made it feel like you had stepped back in time for the story.  The historical detail combined with the romantic and motherly love in this story made it worth the read!  I had been waiting to read this book for awhile and it was definitely worth the wait.

*I received a free copy of Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer for review purposes from Bethany House Publishers* 

Review of It is Finished by David Wilkerson

I was very excited to read It is Finished because of the work David Wilkerson has done with Teen Challenge.  This book was well worth the read.  Sometimes I have a hard time getting into nonfiction books if they are not biographies.  This was a quick read with a good purpose.

It is Finished is a discussion of the New Covenant.  The New Covenant is a replacement of the Old Covenant.  It is the promise for Christians today - the promise of the New Testament.  This book holds a lot of wisdom and advice for Christians who feel they cannot overcome or break sinful habits.  David Wilkerson does an excellent job of teaching Christians that they cannot overcome or break sinful habits on their own.  Through a number of wonderful illustrations and teachings, he shows that it is only through God's power that Christians can overcome life's struggles.

This book talks about embracing free grace and knowing that we can do nothing to overcome struggles or temptations without God.  While Wilkerson teaches free grace he also makes sure that it is important to know we should not just go about sinning because God offers grace.  This is a key element  to remember.  I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is struggling to overcome sins in life.  Wilkerson has a very good take on overcoming.

*I received a free copy of It is Finished by David Wilkerson for review purposes from Bethany House Publishers & Chosen Books* 

My List of Christian Social Work Books to Read

This is a list of books that are supposed to be great for Christian social workers.  I plan on reading these over my summer break.  These are all books that have been highly recommended.  I have read one of them before but it was good enough to read again.

1) Orphanology by: Tony Meriday, Rick Morton, and David Platt
2) Orphan Justice by: Johnny Carr
3) Crazy Love by: Francis Chan
4) Kisses for Katie by: Katie J. Davis
5) Adopted for Life by: Russell D. Moore and C. J. Mahaney
6) Irresistible Revolution by: Shane Claiborne and Jim Wallis
7) Radical by: David Platt
8) When Helping Hurts by: Steve Corbett, Brian Fikkert, and David Platt
9) Hole in our Gospel by: Richard Stearns

My Current Favorite Song: Shawn McDonald "What Are You Waiting For?"

This song is really good.  I do not listen to songs that aren't very upbeat.  However, if the lyrics are really good, I love to listen to the song.  This song has awesome lyrics.  I especially like the theme for teenage girls and young adults.  So many times when you are young you just want to say well I'm still young so I can do something or try something later.  Why not try it now?  Why wait until later?

"What Are You Waiting For?"  points that out.  It points out that you only get one life to make a difference.  1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV) says, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."  You can make a difference NOW.  If you say you are too young now won't you have excuses for later?  There is always something you can use an excuse.  Go ahead and make a difference.  Be an example of a Christian.  Help lead others to Christ or become a Christian (don't say you have time because you never know when your time will be up).  There are so many young people being an example and making a difference - join them.  This song could be an anthem for that.  It is a great song with great meaning.

Current Favorite Book: The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson

My current favorite book is The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson.  It is the first book in her Land of Shining Water series.  I have ready many of Tracie's books and I have to say that this may be my favorite.  The story is about a young woman named Merrill whose mother has died at a young age and she was raised by her father.  Of course, you can't forget to mention all of the brothers she has to.  Yes, she is the sole female in a house full of men.  This has made her a strong, independent woman who has no needs for feminine fripperies.  However she would love to be courted.  Is there anyone strong enough to stand up to all her brothers and her father in his desire to win her affections? 

This first book in Land of Shining Waters promises a great new series by Tracie Peterson.  It was refreshing to find a lead female character that is not weak and dainty.  Merrill stands up for herself and who she is - without being dainty and weak.  The whole way the story plays out is classic Tracie Peterson at her best.  She always has a great story with amazingly accurate details for the time the book is set in.  I loved her detail on the Germans of the time period.  This book definitely gets a 5/5.  You can buy it at your local Christian bookstore or on Amazon.  Go out and buy it ASAP!  You will not be able to put it down.

Introduction to Me

This blog is going to be a blog about my life, thoughts on social work, and reviews of the different books I read.  There are also going to be the occasional reviews of really great movies, television shows and songs that I have seen or heard.  I am pretty new to blogging but am very excited about doing it.  I love Christian books and music and am very excited about showing people how many wonderful Christian fiction books are out there.

I am a first year grad school student in a MSW program at a small Christian university in the south.  I also work part time at a residential treatment center for at risk pregnant or parenting teenage girls.  I love my job!  Pro - life advocacy and pregnancy counseling are my passions.  My goal is to open a Christian non - profit organization with a residential treatment center for parenting or pregnant teenage girls, a crisis pregnancy counseling component, and a domestic and international adoption component.  I am positive that I will learn so many new things during my experiences and I will share them here on the blog.  My eyes are already being opened to new viewpoints and I will share them on this blog.

Living in the south has been a dream of mine.  I am going to share all the things I get to do while I am down here.  I hope to get to go horseback riding soon.  I would also like to go floating down the river in Cherokee, North Carolina.  I am going to have a lot of adventures!