Introducing Together or Apart

Nearly seven years ago, I finished my first draft of my first book! This was such an amazing accomplishment as I had always wanted to write a book. 

Then next step, how to publish (This was what I had as my next goal in writing after finishing my manuscript.) Do I look to traditionally publish? Do I self-publish through Kindle? What about in between? There are so many options out there now, which is a huge blessing, but what to do?

After a lot of research and prayer, God brought me to Christian Faith Publishing. It is an in between option, self publishing, but the manuscript had to be approved by them and they would do basic editing, formatting, cover design and printing. They had the best option in the in between option I had seen and so I sent them my book. 

It was approved! And today I am a published author! I'm so excited to introduce my writing project to you! 

Together or Apart is now available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble! I would love for you to read my book, leave a review and share it with your friends. 

You can also visit my author website!

Together or Apart on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I am so glad I gave this 5th book in the Harry Potter series another read. I read it the first time about 13 years ago after I watching the movie and I remember not liking it very much. However, this time around I absolutely loved it! Maybe it's knowing the whole story and seeing the nuances but I greatly appreciated this book and where it falls in the story line of the entire series is such a turning point that even though it's a more challenging read because of the darker themes it is completely worth the read.

Rowling is a master storyteller and completely understands the concept of show don't tell as she pulls you into the wizarding world. In this fifth book the characters also reach a new level of development as we see bravery vs cowardice, self-centeredness vs other centered, and reality vs fantasy. There is also a stark contrast between two branches on the "good" side that shows the necessity of seeking out the truth and not being afraid to question even if you may not want to hear the truth. (Parallels for the current state of things, anyone?)

This book also gives a much deeper look into the characters. I really like how you feel with the characters and also react to them. 

I would share plot but it you haven't read the other books or seen the movies, I don't want to ruin the story for you.

If you are a Harry Potter movie only person, I highly suggest reading this one as it answers so many questions left by the movie.

I absolutely give this book 5 stars

Reading Challenges:

This book is being used on the 2020 Reading Challenge from Tim Challies as a book with a person on the cover in the committed section.

Our Four-Year-Old Malachi

Today our sweet Malachi turns four years old. 

What a precious bundle of energy that is full of fun and laughter! This boy is so full of life and always on the go. Malachi loves to learn and be a big boy. He picks up on everything and pays attention to little details. He thinks he's as big as the "big boys" and wants to do everything they do. This is such a fun age where he is learning phonics, letters, numbers, harder shapes, puzzles and drawing. He loves to learn it all! He is very excited about having his own books this year for "school" and I'm sure will do amazing as he really does love to learn and do what the others are doing. 

Books are another favorite! His two current favorite books are Waldo and "oops" book where we practice seek and find and work on colors, clothing and dressing ourselves. He is a whiz at "Where's Waldo" and has found Waldo, the Wizard and the scroll on every page. He is such an observant boy and pays attention to detail. This week we also introduced "What is Poop?" and I think that's going to become a favorite also. 

Malachi is very into be a big boy right now, which is helpful as we have conversations about what it means to be a big boy. He loves to choose his clothes and dress himself and use the toilet when he's not too busy building or playing. Currently he's in the process of giving up his afternoon nap and wants to hang out in the big boys room to read or play. 

Building is another thing that Malachi enjoys. Mega Blocks are a current favorite, but he'll be moving to LEGOs soon and is very excited to build with anything he can. He also enjoys being outside and climbing. Malachi is almost big enough to climb the trees in our yard, but definitely big enough to climb the cars, including our big van and thinks this is quite an impressive feat! He also climbs the bunk beds, ladders, cribs and sofas. Whatever he can climb on he can. He is so full of energy!

Malachi loves to laugh. He enjoys jokes and singing funny songs. He likes funny movies and shows. In books he'll find funny pictures and laugh. If there is something funny in a situation, he will find it!

Recently, Malachi has started enjoying Bible study with the family getting his Bible and journal to look at and write in while we study Revelation together. He also enjoy evening catechism and is learning the basic answers to theology questions. In the last couple of months he has participated in family prayers which is such a blessing to see him grow in. 

While Malachi is clearly a sinner like the rest of us, we see God's grace in him as he learns and grows in the knowledge of the ways of God. Malachi means "my messenger" and how we pray that Malachi will me a messenger of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Father God, thank You so much for our precious Malachi. You have made him such a precocious and energetic boy who loves to learn and is growing in his love of learning about you everyday. I pray You will take that love that You have given him and grow it into a realization of who he is, who You are and how desperately he needs You to save him from himself! Please save Malachi by Your grace. Make him more like Jesus. Show him the amazing love you have poured out on Your people and let Malachi experience that amazing love. Thank You for how you're working in him and make Malachi wholly Yours! In Jesus Name. Amen!