What God Has Taught Me This Year

Hello darlings!

I'm coming to you from our dining table today with Phil Wickham's songs playing in my ears and an empty glass that held my yummy coffee next to me.

As this year comes to a close I've been reflecting on the past year and thinking about the year ahead.
One of the big things that has been on my mind is what God has brought me through and taught me this year.
He has taught me many things, but I want to focus on the main ones in this post.

First off, God taught me that He is fully dependable and faithful. He is so, so faithful my dear readers!
He is faithful to stay with us with each step we take, faithful to provide, faithful to comfort us and bring us through times that we could never face without him by our side.
When I look back this year I can see very clearly He was in which he has shown me his faithfulness and it is so important to look back at be reminded of the good things God has done.

Another thing God has shown me in the last few months is that He is worthy of my trust.
I wrote this post a while back talking about trusting in God and my main takeaway from a youth retreat I attended.
Now I have a small testimony to share that started back at that very youth retreat.
I was asked at the youth retreat if I truly trusted God. I wanted to say yes but I thought and prayed about it.
At the time, I don't think I could fully say that I did trust God, with my life, my family, or my future.
But with tears streaming down my face I committed to God and carried on with my life.

A few weeks after my brother & I had left the retreat, my world was tipped upside down and with it my family's world. We are still in a hard place but as I look back on the past couple of month which have been some of the hardest and most unpredictable of my life, I see that I was in a way being tested.
In a way, I feel that God was asking me, "Do you really trust me even though you are going through hard times? Do you trust that my purpose in all of this is really for your greater good?"
And now I smile because I see that He was and continues to grow my faith and was using the past few months to mold and shape me.

It is one of the most wonderful things to look back in your life and see how the puzzle pieces of random and various events fit together into a beautiful pattern!
At the time you may not see how any of the things in your life have a purpose or connect, but God always has a better plan to make something beautiful out of the brokenness.

Now I feel that I can step into 2020 with full confidence that God will lead through all of it, whether through sunshine or rain, He will be by my side.

keep blooming,

My Top 10 Favourite Books of 2019

Hello darlings!

It's that time of year again, time to talk about my favourite books of the year.
These aren't necessarily book that were published in 2019, but just my favourite books that I read this year.
Most of these books came to mind fairly easily when I was looking over my 2019 reading stats on Goodreads.
I had a pretty good year of reading in 2019. I read a lot of good books and wasn't majorly disappointed in any of them.
But some definitely stuck out as my favourites and I am going to tell you which ones they were now.

This list is in no particular order, because I could never rank them.

1. Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin

I read this twice this year, so that says something! I really enjoyed this book and I think its the perfect read if you feel like your quiet time needs a boost in the New Year. It is short, easy to read and full of helpful tips & advice.

2. The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

My first Julie Klassen book and one of my favourite reads of the whole year to be sure! I loved the mystery in this, the characters, the romance and the whole package. 

It was a chunky read but honestly I didn't mind because it was so good and I even had a slight book hangover afterwards!

I can't wait to read more of Klassen's books next year and probably reread this one because I have my own copy now.

3. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

After watching the movie adaptation for this book (actually filmed in New Zealand), I was of course interested in reading the book. The movie itself was emotional and beautiful, but the book only exceeded in making me emotional, even to the point of shedding tears!

The story is such a heartbreaking one but so well written and and though there are a few inappropriate comments (within their marriage thankfully) that I could have gone without, I do recommend this book to those of you who love a beautifully written, heart breaking historical read!

4. Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer

I read the Ladies of Harper's Station series throughout this year and while I loved the series as a whole and enjoyed reading the other women's love stories, this one was my favourite.
Amos was a different hero to what we are used to seeing and his relationship with Grace that grows throughout this book is just the sweetest.
I love that they first communicate through telegraph messages, much like texting today only much cuter!

5. Love Defined by Kristen Clark & Bethany Baird

The second book on my top 10 in the Christian non-fiction genre. I read more of this genre in 2019 and I hope to read even more in 2020 because they a faith building and encouraging to read.

I have a review on this wonderful book, which I'll link here.

6. Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar

I was introduced to the genre of Biblical Fiction this year by Jenna van Mourik (I highly suggest you look her up on her Instagram, Blog and Youtube channel, all @jennavanmourik!) and she raved about Land of Silence so I had to pick it up and I soon found out that her praises were not for nothing.
This book is so, so good and I am eyeing up Tessa Afshar's other books now...

7. Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations by V. Joy Palmer

I finally got to reading this book this year and I really enjoyed the story & Palmer's fun, quirky writing style. Also, the topic of being content with singleness was addressed in this story which is rare in the Christian fiction genre.
I cannot wait till her third book gets released! 

8. The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel

Another new-to-me author that I discovered this year was Lindsay Harrel. I have a written a review here on this blog so I'll leave that linked here.

9. In My Father's House by Ann Rinaldi

Ahh, just thinking about these books, especially this one, makes me want to read them again!

This lovely book had been sitting on my shelf for quite some time before I finally decided to pick it up this year. I shared all my fangirly thoughts on in a review here on my blog not long ago so if you are curious you can check that out.

10. Kind is the New Classy: The Power of Living Graciously by Candace Cameron Bure

I listened to an audio book of this book read by the one and only Candace Cameron Bure and I really enjoyed it. She writes about her own life experiences and her career, all while presenting the message of kindness in a simple and inspiring way.



I would happily go and reread most of these book right now, that's how much I enjoyed them!
Have you read any of these? What was one of your favourite reads of 2019?

keep blooming,

Sin Entered the World // Christmas Through the Carols

Hello darlings!

This week was the first week of the Christmas Through the Carols Advent Bible reading plan that I created (link to that here).
The theme for this week was looking at  the Fall, & how sin came into the world, creating a need for a savior.

We began by looking in Genesis 3, which I love as a passage and find incredibly powerful.
Today, I wanted to share a few of the points I took away from reading & studying this chapter of the Bible.

First off, this chapter tells us lot about how Satan works.
As a Christian it is important to know our enemy, Satan, so that we can be prepared for his attacks and know how to fight back.
Here's what I found:

The serpent was more subtil (crafty) than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.
He crept in silently, and still does today, planting doubt and questioning the words of God.
He caused Eve to doubt the words of the Lord by asking her, "Did God really say...?"

"Satan suggested that God was withholding something good from them & tempted them to reach and grab what would make them like God himself." ~ Nancy Guthrie


On the flip side...

God always speaks truth. He never lies and always gives us rules that will guide us and keep us safe.
Psalm 84:11 says this: ...No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Adam & Eve were already made in the image of God, there did not need to make themselves more or better than Him.

My main takeaway point from my notes is this.

The fruit of the forbidden tree looked good. It was pleasing to the eyes, and it was tempting to reach out and pick one.
Something may look pleasing, tempting, promise us happiness, or satisfaction.
But the worldly things that are tempting to try or take, will not ultimately bring us fulfillment.
Alchohol, drugs, porn etc. may offer relief, satisfaction and happiness but their charms quickly fade and like Adam & Eve, we are left empty, cheated and ashamed.
When Adam & Eve ate the fruit, their eyes where opened and instead of feeling satisfied, they wee ashamed.

The Lord promises good things and true fulfillment. Because He is Lord God, His Word is to be trusted to be true & His promises sure.

At the end of this sad day in history, it seems as if all is lost.
But hush, the Lord is doing something! He has a plan to rescue his people from the result of sin-death-by sending His Son Jesus to die for us. Jesus died the death we deserve as sinners, but he became the ransom for us.
The story does have a happy and good ending. We who believe in Him and his sacrifice on the cross have the hope of heaven to cling to!


During this season of Christmas, we get to celebrate the gift the God gave the world on that night long ago.
May we ever be thankful & grateful for His love in giving up His son to die a sinners death so that we could experience the joys of heaven!


keep blooming,

Favourite Christmas Albums

Hello darlings!

"It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas..."
One of the things I really love about this time of year is the music. The fun Christmassy songs and the rich & meaningful carols that tell of the Nativity.

This year I've discovered some new Christmas albums & songs and I want to share them (and some old ones) with you.
I do realise that some of these were in my favourite Christmas songs post from last year but there some new ones as well so I hope you'll enjoy this none the less!


Christmas - Phil Wickham

I listened to this today and I love the whole album, but I think Away In A Manger (Forever Amen) is my favourite.
Phil has a great voice and these songs capture the joyfulness of he Christmas season!


Behold The Lamb Of God - Andrew Peterson

I enjoyed Andrew Peterson's Easter album earlier this year and I also quite like his Christmas album.
I also have to be honest and say that I think this song (Matthew's Begats) is my favourite!



Unto Us - JJ Heller

JJ Heller's Christmas album is a favourite for most of our family. It's so calming, peaceful and happy feels.
I love all of the songs on this album so it is hard to pick a favourite but if I did have to choose one I'd have to go with Unto Us.


Christmas - Michael Buble

I think most people can agree that Michael Buble is a Christmas classic! His voice can be heard singing "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..." in the supermarket, the mall and pretty much everywhere this season.
So each year I enjoy listening to a bit of Buble while making Christmas cookies or doing some other Christmas related activity.


Christmas - Guy Penrod

This album is another comforting & cosy one perfect for a festive evening by the Christmas tree!


Those are the albums that have made their way onto my favourite list but I have a few singles that I love to listen to during the Christmas period as well.

- Glory by JJ Heller
- Messiah by Francesca Batistelli
- Light of the World by Lauren Daigle
- Mary, Did You Know? by Pentatonix
- All Glory Be To Christ by Nomads + Natives


What is your favourite Christmas album? I'd love to discover new songs!

I decided to post today since earlier this week I forgot about posting so this ought to make up for that!
Look out for another post tomorrow...

keep blooming,

Christmas Gift Guide for Young Ladies

Hello darlings!

With Christmas fast approaching, I thought it would be fun to compile a few gift ideas for the special girls in your life!
I have to be honest with you and say that I love giving & receiving gifts both equally.
It is fun to pick out something for someone you love, carefully wrap it up and then present it to them at Christmas time.

I do love homemade gifts and think that they are a great option that shows extra thought in your gift. But I am here today to share some fun things I have found that I think would make wonderful Christmas presents!

Let's go!


Disclaimer:
Many of these will be New Zealand stores so if you live outside of NZ, I apologize if you can't find it in your country. But most of these things(or similar versions) should be available at a range of stores worldwide.



1. ESV Journaling Bible Elegant Grace Print from Manna Christian Store
A beautiful journaling Bible like this one would be a great gift for a girl in your life who loves studying the Bible and who has an artistic side.

2. Little Letter Necklace in Silver or Gold from Sophie Store
I myself would love to get one of these sweet little letter necklaces! It's small, special and slightly personal because you can pick out their initial.

3. Love Defined by Kristen Clark & Bethany Baird from Amazon
If you know a girl who loves to read, get her this wonderful book! It's full of practical and biblical advice and perspectives on romantic relationships.

4. Sol Cup Reusable Glass Coffee Cup from Oh Natural
If your friend is a coffee lover, a pretty & reusable coffee cup would be perfect for her. This one is gorgeous with its pink accents and bound to make whoever you gift it to happy.

5. Emma Block Lady Cyclist A5 Notebook from Emma Block's Etsy Store
A small notebook with a darling cover illustration by Emma Block would be great for the girl ho can't get enough stationary. Pair this with a cute pen, and maybe a pencil case for a cute gift to give your stationery fanatic!

6. Kind Is The New Classy by Candace Cameron Bure from Amazon
Another great read that any of your friends or women in your life are bound to love! Candace Cameron Bure's book talks about the lack of kindness in this world and how women can put kindness into practice in their lives.

7. Canvas Tote Bag : Woodland from kikki.K
I would personally get this tote bag as a way of holding other smaller gifts inside it. Imagine the delight on that special girls face when she pulls all the little hand-picked goodies out of this adorable tote bag (gift wrapping that is also part of the gift!).

8. Burt's Bees Holiday Spa Collection from Burt's Bees
Girls, be honest, we all would love a gift like this! Pamper your girlfriend by gifting her this lovely spa set from Burt's Bees. Maybe you could have a spa day together at a later date and create a memory too!

9. Tickets to a concert or event
Does your friend or sister have a favourite band? Or maybe she would love to go see a ballet? Get tickets for the two of you to go and do this together. Not only will she loves it but you will share the experience and make memories.

10. Velvet Knotted Headband - Baby Pink
For the girl that you know loves a good accessory, gift her this beautiful velvet headband!


I hope these ideas help you find the perfect gift for the girls in your life that are special to you.
Personally, I would love to receive any of these!

Merry Christmas!


keep blooming,
Hannah, xo




(Blogger wouldn't let me add my usually signature at the end so this will have to suffice.)

In My Father's House ~ Book Review

Hello darlings!

Guess what?
It is time for another book review because this week I finished reading this little (but amazing) book and I simply had to share my thoughts with you!


I've had this book sitting on my bookshelf for ages! My mum suggested I get it at a book sale once.
But last week I decided to read it and I am so glad I did (and wondering why I never read it sooner!).


Side Note: I apologize if my format for book reviews keeps changing. I am trying to figure out what works for me & this blog! I hope you enjoy this book review nevertheless!



Synopsis
"Many of the fiercest battles of the Civil War were fought in the home. Oscie Mason knows this all too well.
The first shots of the war were fired on her front lawn--a sign of things to come.
Oscie's a proud daughter of the Old South, but her stepfather, Will McLean, thinks the world of her childhood must change. 
Oscie won't accept anything he has to say. And the tension between them is about to explode.
To escape the war, Will Mc Lean moves the family to a quiet town called Appomattox.
But the war will follow them there, as sure as the hurtful battles will continue in Oscie's home, and in her heart. Can Oscie call a truce--or will all that she cherishes become a casualty of war?"


First, I have to comment on Rinaldi's writing. It was fantastic!
So simple and easy to read, yet to gripping and beautiful. All the characters were portrayed in a very real way and their imperfections weren't covered up.

My favourite characters were Oscie Mason and Will McLean.
I loved reading about their interactions and how their relationship grew as the story progressed.
It was also nice to e another type of relationship (in this a stepfather & daughter relationship) be the centre of the story rather than a romantic relationship.
I loved Oscie's spirit, McLean's will to do the right thing and care for his family.


The story itself is based on the real-life McLean family, whose front yard was where the first shots of the war were fired and later in their parlour where the war came to an end.
When I discovered that most of the characters in this book were real it only made me more fascinated and in love with this book!
It made me look into Wilmer McLean (Will McLean in the book) on the Internet and whet my appetite to find more stories set around the Civil War.
In my online search, found a photo of Osceola (Oscie) Mason's gravestone, which I found fascinating!


Throughout this book, if you pay attention, are some themes of forgiveness & healing which only make this story even more wonderful.

There are may amazing quotes in this book too. I will share a few of my personal favourites!

~ ~ ~ ~

"He had to put down the sacks of sugar and coffee then. Because, though he could hold off a mob at the depot with no trouble, even he couldn't kiss a girl with his arms full of contraband."

(This had me smirking!)

~ ~ ~ ~

"He looked down at my hand which he still held in his own.  'You're betrothed to a soldier,' he said.

'I told you not to give your heart to a soldier, Oscie.'

'They keep hearts best,' I said. 'Or so I've found.'

He was struck speechless then."

~ ~ ~ ~

"He was baiting me and enjoying it. He knew I was up to it. And, though he wouldn't tolerate sass, 

he expected me to give as well as I was getting. But something else was happening here, also. I was asking him to let me go. The way a girl asks her father. And he was getting ready to release me.

The way a father does, when he knows a girl's grown. But it wasn't any easier for him than I suspect it would have been for mt own daddy. Part of being grown up, I knew, meant I had to leave him with something. It wasn't anything he hadn't earned. And he was waiting for it."

~ ~ ~ ~

I sincerely hope that by now I have convinced you that you should go read this book RIGHT NOW!

It is truly a wonderful book. 

Now I am, of course, aching to read more of Ann Rinaldi's books...

keep blooming,