August Favourites

Wow, August has come to an end already! I am so excited that Spring is basically here now. The sunny weather and longer days have really done something to my creative juices, which seemed to be hibernating during winter and now there are awake and flowing again.

Books

The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson
My goodness, I enjoyed this book so much! I have a full review in the works but I definitely had to mention it in this post. It's like the second book its series(Medieval Fairytale series). I have just started the third and final book, The Noble Servant and it is equally as intriguing as The Beautiful Pretender. And the cover of TBP....so pretty!

Sarah, Plain, and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
This book has become a new all-time favourite of mine! I found this on audiobook on my library's app and since I'd seen the movies a long time ago I decided to give it a go and get a boost on my Goodreads reading challenge. But I never would have known how much I enjoyed it! I am continuing listening to the series and I'm nearly done with the third book, Caleb's Story. Caleb is my favourite character in the first two!




Music

This month I got into classical music more and I found some treasures! Some classical music just...makes me feel...a way I almost can't describe. Like I'm gliding along a river on a blissful Summer day or floating in the clouds with the birds.
They make me feel light, happy and in awe at how beautiful all the instruments sound together.
My Classical Playlist

Edelweiss by Mantovani ~ I love this song as it is, but make it classical with tiny bells that play the tune during one stage... you have a golden piece of music!

The Carnival of the Animals, The Swan by Camille Saint Saens ~ A gorgeous piece that perfectly imitates swan-like characteristics. It's lovely and might make you sleepy because it's relaxingly beautiful.

And also Claire de Lune, which I have mentioned before.

Summer is Coming/Call the Midwife Soundtrack ~ I have a bit to catch up on with this series but I found the new soundtrack the other day I fell in love with this tune, Summer is Coming. It makes me happy and like want to snuggle down and watch the show.



Movies

Belle

Belle is and always will be a very favourite of mine. This is the 2nd time I've seen it and I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. John Davinier's ardent proclamation of his love for Dido gets me every time! Ahhhh!
Oh, and the dresses are definitely swoon-worthy!




Birthday Gifts

1. Abide necklace was from my aunty. I love it and wear it almost every day.
2. I'm sooo excited to read the final book in Amy Clipston's Amish Heirloom series. This was the gift from my grandmother(Nonna). And I included the cat in the picture on purpose. She's a cutie! She wasn't a birthday gift though.
3. I got this snug scarf and scented bags from a friend. He always gets me nice gifts.
4. The journal is from my mum. I got it earlier and I've already used it!
5. Another friend, who I have yet to meet in person sent me these earrings from my Aunt's shop.
6. My mum's cute card that she hand painted for me! She also sells prints of her paintings on my aunt's shop.


Other bits and pieces
- Whittaker's Madagascan Sambirano Extra Dark Chocolate 82% Cocoa
I was wary of this chocolate at first because I thought it would be too bitter and yuck. But I actually really liked it! It has a really nice flavor and it isn't too bitter in my opinion.
- This video! Its so sweet and I knew I had to share it.

How cute is that!

And that was my August!

How was yours? Did you discover anything new?

A few movie recommendations!

Oh hey! I realized yesterday that I haven't discussed movies on the blog lately so right here, right now I'm going to review some recent faves and ones I would recommend. (And I have slipped in a Shane gif here, just because! You got to love Signed, Sealed Delivered.)

Follow the Stars Home {2001}

Right, so this movie has one of the sweetest, cutest proposals in it! I had to get that out because man, IT'S CUTE! I love Kimberly Williams-Paisley as the starring role(the lady with the paintbrush). It's a very nice story with a very happy ending. I don't want to say too much or I'll give it away but trust me, this movie is really good.
Basically, there are these brothers, Dianne(Kimberly Williams) marries the charming one but when she gets pregnant they find out the baby has genetic defects and her charming husband leaves her. The other brother(a doctor), remains a friend to Dianne and is his niece's doctor. There is a drastic turn of events which churns everything up and places everything back where it belongs, thus a happy ending! You have to see it for yourself!



Eat, Play, Love {2017}

Though this is a Hallmark movie, which tends to be a bit cheesy, I liked this one and thought it was cute. Carly and Dan were high school sweethearts who lost connections and then bump into each other(almost literally!) years down the road. There were a lot of dogs in this movie which I loved since we have our own furry friend now. Anyhow, I liked it and recommend it if you love dogs! Hallmark movies are sometimes cliche and cheesy but I at least give them credit for being clean.


Did You Hear About the Morgans? {2009}

Have I mentioned that I have a weak spot for Hugh Grant? Well, I do and I asked my mum if there were any of his movies that were good and decent. We watched this one and I was not disappointed! It was funny, Hugh's expressions and awkwardness were great and it had a good overall message. They are a divorced couple but they ended up having to work through things when they have to leave their busy separate, NYC lives and be transported together to a small town in the middle of nowhere. It makes for a pretty witty plot line!

Moms' Night Out {2014}

Aaah ha ha! We watched this for the second time the other night and oh man! It's hilarious, and everything that could go wrong goes wrong for these three women who just want a night away from their demanding jobs as mums.

Bones is one of the best characters in my opinion. Looks can be deceiving and this is defiantly true for Bones. 

Great movie to watch as a family!

Anything for Love {2016}

This is another Hallmark movie that I enjoyed recently. Paul Greene(Dr. Carson in When Calls the Heart) plays the main guy, Jack who is a male nurse. Things get a bit mixed up in this romance! Jack and Katherine meet through online dating and they aren't who the person thinks they are, which is not entirely their own faults. It's a bit hard to explain but its fun and cute.

Hallmark explains it better, or just watch it!

xoxo

Hannah

things I'd like to do more

This list is going to include small things I have been inspired to do more of. I've been thinking lately of ways to get off my devices and do things, spend my time well and open up my creative mind again.
So here's what I want to do!


1. Watercolor painting

I tried some today I and really enjoyed it. I used Emma Block's book, The Joy of Watercolour, as my guide and her tutorial was so easy to follow. So, its definitely something I want to get into more! It's just so beautiful and therapeutic. Another thing is that I want to do merely for the pleasure of it, telling myself it doesn't have to be perfect.


2. Hand lettering

I started getting an interest in this about a year ago and for the past few months, I haven't really done in a practicing sense. I have seen a few of my favourite people on Instagram show their skill in hand lettering/calligraphy and it's inspired me to get better at it. I enjoy seeing pretty fonts and handwriting.


3. Spending more time in nature

I feel like I don't do this enough. In fact, I don't think that many of my generation don't do it enough!
I really want to find ways to get outdoors more. Like keeping a small herb garden outside, go for bush walks more, read outdoors, play with my siblings, and just enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.


4. Own more plants

I have two right now. A flowering one and a succulent. I love them both but the succulent is looking a bit weird(not neglected, just weird. It's leaning to one side and it really tall!) The flower one I have in my bathroom and currently is a little burst of pink in there. It smells faintly of spring and it reminds me of the friend who gave it to me when I look at it. It sort of reminds me how friendship grows!


5. Pray

On a more serious note, something I really crave to make a habit is prayer. It's something I struggle to keep in place but I want to be intentional about it. I want to at least open my bible reading with it and end my Bible reading with it to start.


6. Learn new hairstyles

In the past, I've always gotten annoyed at hair tutorials that say 'easy'. Because when I tried them I would stand in front of the mirror for ages wondering what magic spell they used in the tutorial to get in perfect. Now I've realized that if I want to get good results I should actually give them a chance and try them out over a period of time to get practiced at them. It would be nice to branch out from the ponytail!

What new things would you like to try? 

What is your favourite thing to do at the moment?

Lies you are probably believing

(Collab with Audrey from The Road 2 Wherever)

Before I start, I just want to introduce you to a friend of mine. Audrey, blogger @ The Road 2 Wherever, and I are collaborating together to give you some thoughts and encouragement on fighting lies you are most likely believing and what we did to fight ours.

I met Audrey through Coffee and Bible Time's new bible study called Uprooting Lies Planting Truth.

Audrey, along with two other girls, and I were accountability partners for this bible study.

More info on the bible study later!

Here's a list of lies I tackled during this journey and the Bible verses that combated them:

1. I am not beautiful. (Proverbs 31:30, Psalm 139:14, 1 Peter 3:3-4, Ephesians 2:10)
2. God doesn't give us more than we can handle. (James 1:3-4, 1 Cor 1:4-8) Plus some great advice from a dear friend, who said, "God never allows us to go through anything that is bigger than the grace he gives us to handle it. In everything, we are enriched by Him. By believing God won't give us more than we can handle, we are totally eliminating our need for Him."
3. God alone can't satisfy me. (Phil 4:19, Psalm 90:14, Isaiah 58:11)
4. My value lies in how I look. (Proverbs 3:15)
5. My true happiness will only be fulfilled when I get married. (Matthew 5:6) ((getting married is one of my biggest dreams.))
6.  God should fix my problems. (Phil 3:10-11, 2 Tim 3:12, Luke 14:27)

Some of those are pretty harsh but I being honest here. These are things I was struggling with and some I still struggle with.

This is a list of common lies a lot of people(girls) believe:

1. You are not good enough.
2. You must earn God's love.
3. You are not beautiful.
4. God is so far away.
5. I can't overcome my sin.
6. I am worthless.
7. It's my life.
8. God causes suffering.
9. God is not good.
10. I am alone.....the list goes on!

So, are you believing some lies? You may believe some lies and you don't even realize it. The Deceiver is very sneaky and cunning in his ways. He whispers lies at you everywhere you turn. BUT, did you know that you most likely have the most powerful weapon right under your nose? Yes, the Bible and God himself!
The Bible is our weapon. It is our sword!

Ephesians 6:11-17

" Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. "

Hebrews 4:12

" For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than a double-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

If at any time you are believing a lie, doubting something or anytime at all, turn to the Bible.
In God's word, you will find the truth, you will find peace, satisfaction, and fulfillment. You will have the power to stand against the things the Satan throws at you and not be swayed by the winds of the world.


Now, do you want to fight the lies you believe? Aside from God's word, here are a few other things that might help:

Coffee & Bible Time's Uprooting Lies Planting Truth Journal and info
Lies Young Women Believe Book by Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth
Lies Young Women Believe Blog

Uprooting Lies Planting Truth Journal Trailer

The main lie that I uprooted was the lie that God doesn't give us more than we can handle(in relation to trials). I am free from this lie and I have accepted that God allows trials to grow us and further His kingdom.

James 1:12-15 really opened my eyes and helped me too.

Make sure you check out Audrey's post and comment down below whether you are going to try this out and fight the lies you believe!

xoxo

Hannah

Numbers 11:14 // My Quiet Time Series

Yesterday I was reading the book of Numbers, chapter 11. Suddenly, one verse jumped out at me.
One single, little verse.
It was verse 14 and it said: "I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me."

Now, I'll just give you a bit of background on this verse. The Israelites are in the wilderness and despite having all their needs provided for they complain to Moses.
Imagine that! You are leading thousands of people through the wilderness to a wonderful land and they complain non-stop to you! They say they had it better in Egypt, they had nicer food instead of just manna all the time.
The verse that stood out to me (Num 11:14) is one that Moses says when he his asking God for help.
Ok, we have some background. Now, these are a few things that struck me about this verse and the overall events.

1. The first thing Moses did was speak to God. He had a problem and he brought it straight to the Lord. It was a hard time for Moses. He was probably exhausted and tired of the people's whining. He knew he needed God's help.
2. Moses recognized that he was unable to do it alone. So he pleaded with God. This was a great first step, that he realized he needed help.

I personally related with Moses in his cry to God. Often in hard times, we feel as though we can't go on. It's too hard and we feel really bogged down. We say "It's too much", "I can't handle it" or "I've had enough".

We might doubt His goodness and faithfulness. But I want you to know, as I try to remind myself, He is always there working in wonderful ways that maybe we cannot see at the time. And if you stop and look back you will see that He has done amazing things in the past. Turn around and face the future with faith and hope, trusting that He has a great plan to make you more like Christ.

xoxo

Hannah

The Magic of Ordinary Days Book Review

I was first introduced to this story when my family watched the Hallmark adaptation movie. I must confess that I do think the movie is slightly better than the book but overall it's a nice story.
So here I am rounding up all my thoughts in this book review!

Back Cover Synopsis(from the book)

"Olivia Dunne, a studious minister's daughter who dreams of becoming an archaeologist, never thought that the drama of  World War II would affect her quiet life in Denver. An exhilarating flirtation reshapes her life and she finds herself in a rural Colorado outpost, married to a man she hardly knows. Overwhelmed by loneliness, Olivia tries to establish a new life, finding much-needed friendship and solace in two Japanese American sisters who are living at a nearby internment camp.

When Olivia unwittingly becomes an accomplice to a crime, she finally confronts her own yearnings and comes to understand what she truly believes about the nature of trust and love."

(The synopsis doesn't do the book justice.)

The writing was very light and easy to read. With a few nice descriptions here and there. It's a nice read for a warm Spring day! Here is one of my favourite quotes:

Ray Singleton is such a kind and gentle man. Him and Olivia(Livvy) don't exchange as much conversation in the book as they do in the movie. Ray does sweet things for Livvy and tries to make her at home even when she gets restless in the wild, quiet farmland surrounding them.

The size of the book is very satisfactory. Page lengthwise and general size wise. It sits comfortably in your hands and is a relatively quick read. 

The moment when Livvy accepts Ray for who he is. I will say no more...:)

The overall storyline is really nice. Livvy makes a mistake, which leaves her pregnant, and her father arranges her marriage to a farmer far out on the farmland in Colorado. She has to deal with the consequences which include her having to give up her dreams of traveling to far of lands to be an archaeologist. She has to learn to make the most of the life she has and I think that really, it's quite a good life!

The lightly detailed bed-scene that happens when Livvy is having a flashback to her flirtation with a soldier, in Chapter 25. To be frank, the whole chapter is unnecessary because you know that somehow she ended up pregnant. You don't need any details. Pages 198-199 explain their night together in light detail. The rest of this chapter is fine, they go to a bar and chat.

So basically what I am saying is this. While the rest of the book is clean, these two pages are useless and if you purchase a copy go straight to those pages and carefully tape them together using double-sided tape. Now also, I did not read this section, I saw the leading up to and then quickly skimmed over and continued reading at the end of the chapter.

I personally enjoyed this book and if you decide to pick it up, I hope you enjoy it too! If you don't want to read the book, the movie is really lovely and you could say better than the book.

xoxo

Hannah

Books I can't wait to Read

Lately, I have been trying to clean up the bottomless pit that is my Goodreads TBR and I have succeeded in reducing my TBR to 326 books at the time of writing this. I would like it to only be under 300 but for now, that's where I'm at right now.
Anyway, there are a few books on my TBR(physical and Goodreads)that I am very excited to read that I wanted to share with you!

~ Love Defined by Kristen Clark & Bethany Baird

I am just finishing their book, Girl Defined and I have LOVED it. Seriously, they have got it. These women have pinpointed how to become a wonderful Godly woman and live as a girl defined by God.
This is their second, fairly new, book that they have written.
Sice I am loving Girl Defined so much, I'm sure I am going to love this book too!

~ The Beloved Hope Chest by Amy Clipston

The last book in its series that has become a very favorite of mine!
It will be sad to finish it but when I have the whole series on my shelf I can always return to the little Amish town and re-live this sweet stories.

I own book 2 and 3. It will be so satisfying to put all 4 books together on my shelves.

Speaking of shelves, I need some bigger ones......

~ A Heart Full of Hope by Robin Jones Gunn

A Heart Full of Hope is the sixth book in the four Christy Miller volumes. I am really looking forward to reading it, along with all the other books that make up the story of Christy's life.

These books seem to all be mostly set in summer or in a beachy setting, so, they make the perfect summer day reads.

With these books, you get the teen beach experience but with great Christian messages entwined into it. I love watching Christy's faith and maturity grow!

~ Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I have treasured memories of my mother reading this precious series to me and my siblings when we were younger.
Now I think it is about time I read them for myself.

I have yet to complete my second-hand collection. Once I own all of them in second-hand copies, I also would like to buy them all in in one, nice and new edition.











And that's all for now! It will probably be a while before I am able to get to some of these(might help if I actually own copies of them for a start), but when I do I will be very happy!

What books are you excited to read? Are you buying them or do you not yet own them?

xoxo
Hannah

Abide

So I've been thinking about this word a lot lately and today(my birthday) I got a beautiful necklace with the word 'abide' stamped into it.
I've also been loving Audrey Assad's version of the old hymn 'Abide with Me'.
So today I decided to write a short post uncovering a few things about this word.

abide
1. to remain; continue; stay:
    Abide with me
2. to have one's abode; dwell: reside:
    to abide in a small Scottish village

Definition from Dictionary.com

To remain. Continue and stay. Think of that in relation to Christ. Let's see what the Word says in regard to this precious word!

Psalm 91:1

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide (emphasis added) under the shadow of the Almighty.

John 12:46

I have come as a light into this world, that whosoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.

John 15:10

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.

(There are many wonderful verses that talk about abiding, in the book of John and I highly suggest that you look them up and read them, John 15 has the most and it is a beautiful chapter.)

1 John 2:28

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at his coming.

I think that this word is a beautiful way to describe our relationship with Jesus and how we must live out the rest of our lives as Christians.

I have a few notes to share with you from an article that I found here.

Read John 8:31!

"Abiding in the word of Jesus means remaining in that force field of the word. It means not leaving it."

"Abide means never ceasing to walk in the light of the word, as though any other light could show you the secrets of life."

This article unpacks John 8:31 very well and I do suggest that you read all of it to understand fully. 

So in conclusion, there are a few ways that we can abide in Jesus.

1. Read His Word and dig deep into it. Root yourself in it, abide in it, remain in it and continue to use it to grow your understanding of Christ.
2. Pray in order to strengthen your relationship with Him and learn to trust Him with your life.
3. Dwell on Scripture. Meditate on it.
4. Continue. As you, therefore, have received Jesus Christ the Lord, so walk in Him. Colossians 2:6  After you have received Jesus into your heart, continue to follow Him, abide in Him, keep running the race.

Lastly, Audrey Assad's "Abide with Me".  It is the last song on her album Inheritance. 

xoxo

Hannah