Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot

I picked up Prelude for a Lord to review from BookLook Bloggers, and I'm so glad I did. I almost passed this book up because I had never heard of this author, and now I'm disappointed that this was Camille Elliot's first book because I wish there were more I could read by her! I've always loved historical novels, but I've decided I especially love the Regency era, which is the time in which Prelude for a Lord is set.

Alethea Sutherton, a twenty-eight year old musician, finds herself fighting both the rules of society and the men in her life for control over her own destiny. Women playing the violin in this time period is considered vulgar, a fact that does not deter Alethea from her love of the instrument. However, when Alethea finds herself endangered by the obsession of one determined to own her precious violin, she must trust a man she would much prefer to dismiss. 

I loved the characters in this book and hope that Camille Elliot will pick up in books to come where she left off with some of the supporting characters. I would definitely recommend Prelude for a Lord and that you keep your eye out for more books by Elliot.

 I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in return for my honest opinion.

A Little Inspiration

I've been sitting here reading some of my past blog entries and laughing so hard. My kids are so darn cute! And since it's getting late in summer vacation, and today was a top-decibel day, I needed to be reminded.

Judah ended up at the ER on Sunday getting stitches in his foot. When they got to the house we're building (See, I'm waaaaaay behind on updates), all the boys had on shoes. You know how the rest of the story goes. So, he has eight stitches in his heel. He probably needs ten or twelve, but the ER doctor was a little too optimistic.

The child has not slowed down for one second. As soon as the drugs wore off he was up and running. I told him numerous times on Monday to stop jumping off of things, but it hasn't worked yet. He really has a high pain tolerance, and he has been an excellent patient. He just needed for the narcotics to get out of his system. He was W-I-L-D for about three days. Wild. Even in the middle of it, though, I couldn't help but laugh, especially when he said something about his "itches". I said, "What? Your foot itches?" He said, "Yes, I have itches in my foot."

Susanna's Dedication

On Mother's Day our church had a baby dedication. We put Susanna in the family heirloom dress and had her dedicated. (Which makes me so stinkin' nervous every time since I have babies who spit! She did great and only left a little drool on it.)

The baby daddy

The dress

The whole family

Kris' parents

Eli's Baptism

On April 27th, the day before Eli's 7th birthday, we were sitting on the back porch with the boys, talking about Jesus. Kris was talking to them about how Jesus took all our punishment, all our guilt, all our shame, and that we had to experience none of those things.

I was watching Eli's face while Kris was talking, and I could see it. I could see he was dialed in. I could see the heavens warring for him. After Kris finished and he and Luke went inside, I pulled Eli into my lap and started asking him questions. Did he understand what daddy was talking about? Sort of. Did he have questions? A few.

Kris came back out and joined our conversation. He explained, "Eli, it's like Jesus is holding a gift in his hand. It's free, and all we have to do is reach out and grab it." Eli's hand shot up in the air, and he said, "I want that gift!"

Writing this, I'm weeping. It was as precious and uncomplicated as it sounds. As is the gospel.

We prayed with him, feeling confident he understood the gravity of what he was saying yes to. Eli is our silliest child. I've never seen him more serious in his life.

He wanted to be baptized at the beach like Luke, and he chose Memorial Day for the day. Truly it was a Memorial Day for us!

 A new man.

Spirit Bridge by James Rubart

I reviewed both Soul's Gate and Memory's Door in this same series, and my review here for Spirit Bridge is much the same. I loved it. As with most book series, the first book, Soul's Gate, was my favorite. While Memory's Door and Spirit Bridge didn't rock me the way Soul's Gate did, they were both excellent.

In this book, the Warriors Riding continue their journey of traveling into the supernatural realms to set people free and fight the enemy from the inside out. Two new characters join in the fight, but the Warriors first have to decide if they are truly on their side.

As with the first two books in the series, I gained new perspective about the spirit realm and what the battle of the unseen looks like. I would recommend this book, but only after the first two books have been read.

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in return for my honest opinion.

Test Me In This

That's what I hear You saying in my spirit.

"Seek first My Presence, and I will take care of the rest. Test Me in this."

So many things on my list and so little time. A full day, every moment accounted for. But I hear You whisper,

"Spend time in My Presence. Test Me in this."

I will. I choose You and Your Presence. I find Peace and Promise that all has been done.

Eli is Seven!

Eli's birthday got celebrated several times. We had a party when we were in Georgia for Easter, cupcakes as a family on his actual birthday and then cake and presents again this past Sunday with Kris' family. He's still saying it's his birthday. And why not? He's pretty awesome and totally worth celebrating over and over again.

I got a gift on his birthday too. I got to have him all to myself. My neighbor watched Susanna while Judah and Luke were in school. After his check up we went to Walmart to pick out his gift.

Then Susanna joined us for lunch at Chili's. Which is why the picture is blurry.

It's so rare that I get one on one time with Eli. The child is just fun. He's funny, he's polite, he's easy. In the chaos that abounds in our household, sometimes those qualities get lost a bit. It's amazing how much more settled he has been since that day. Almost like he knows himself again. I love it.

Eli, you sweet, fuzzy-headed, second baby bear of mine, you light up my life! I enjoy you! I'm so proud of who you are, you're very own self. There isn't a thing about you I would change. Not one thing. I can't wait to see what fun things this next year brings for you. I know that you will be brave and take the challenge. You have what it takes! Thank you for loving me and wanting to spend your day with me. I treasure that time, and I treasure you!