Piercing the Darkness by Frank E. Peretti

Synopsis 

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." 

(John 1:5, RSV)

It all began in Bacon's Corner, a tiny farming community far from the interstate...An attempted murder, a case of mistaken--or is it covered up--identity, and a ruthless lawsuit against a struggling Christian school. Sally Beth Roe, a young loner, a burn-out, a kind of 'leftover hippie," finds herself caught in the middle of these bizarre events, fleeing for her life while trying to recall her dark past. 

Across a vast panorama of heart-stopping action, Sally Roe's journey is a penetrating portrayal of our times, a reflection of our wanderings, and a vivid reminder of the redemptive power of the Cross. 

Review

This was the second book I read that was written by Frank E. Peretti, and it was just as amazing as the first book! Just like with This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness opened my eyes even more to what is/could be going on in the spiritual world. The suspense and mystery were also great!

I loved the angels! They all had their own distinct personalities, but they all shared the same goal. I really enjoyed watching Sally turn to her Creator and watching her grow in her faith! 

In John 1:5 it says, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." This book is a great example of that promise. There are many horrible things that happen in this world, but in the end, evil doesn't win. Jesus wins. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a book that focuses on the spiritual realms. 

"Priceless" by For King and Country

No matter what's been done to you, no matter what has happened- You are priceless!!! God sees you as priceless; you're one of a kind! You are irreplaceable, unmistakeable, and incomparable. You are priceless, and don't let anything or anyone take that identity from you. 

Mirror, mirror, mirror on the wall

Tellin' those lies, pointing out your flaws

That isn't who you are 

That isn't who you are

It might be hard to hear 

But let me tell you, dear 

If you could see what I can see, I know you would believe

That isn't who you are

There's more to who you are 

So when it's late 

You're wide awake

Too much to take

Don't you dare forget that in the pain 

You can be brave 

Hear me say

I see you dressed in white 

Every wrong made right 

I see a rose in bloom

At the sight of you

Oh, so priceless

Irreplaceable, unmistakable, incomparable

Darling, it's beautiful

I see it all in you

Oh, so priceless

No matter what you've heard 

This is what you're worth

More than all the money or the diamonds and pearls

Oh, this is who you are

Yeah, this is who you are

Sisters, we can start again

Give honor 'til the end

Love, we can start again

Brothers, we can start again

Give honor 'til the end 

Yeah, we can start again

I see you dressed in white

Every wrong made right

I see a rose in bloom

At the sight of you 

Oh, so priceless

You're irreplaceable, unmistakable, incomparable 

Darling, it's beautiful

I see it all in you 

Oh, so priceless

Canadian West Series by Janette Oke

About the books:

A beloved series from Janette Oke! Nothing in her cultured upbringing prepared Elizabeth for life in the West. The frontier will test this teacher's faith but also stir her heart. 

Books in the series: When Calls the Heart, When Comes the Spring, When Breaks the Dawn, When Hope Springs New, Beyond the Gathering Storm, and When Tomorrow Comes.

Review

I've read many of Janette Oke's books, however, I think this series is one of my favorites. It is set in the 1910s- in Canada. The focus of most of these books was of God being your strength. I really liked that!

The main character, Elizabeth, reminded me a lot of my youngest sister. Reading it from her perspective was fun. ;) Elizabeth was dainty, girly, and loved frills and fancy items.
Wynn was a quiet, serious character. He was in the North West Mounted Police. I liked his commitment to his country and fellow Canadians- especially the Native Americans.

Julie, who was Elizabeth's sister, was the baby of the family. She was bubbly, vibrant, and outgoing. There was never a dull scene when she was around. :)

I also enjoyed learning more about the Native Americans who lived in the North where Wynn was posted.

The last two books, Beyond the Gathering Storm and When Tomorrow Comes, weren't my absolute favorites. I felt like the first four books were way better. I never really enjoyed Christine's point of view. I liked Henry's point of view, though.

Overall, it was a great series! :)

"Let Them See You" by Colton Dixon

This is something I have really been thinking about and praying about. I lead worship at my church, and one of the things I'm always trying to pray for is that when I sing and play, it's not me people see. It's God. I want people to see Yeshua through me. With every breath I breathe, with every line I sing, with every chord I play- I want it to reflect my Creator. I want it to focus people on Yeshua- not on me.

Take away the melodies

Take away the songs I sing

Take away all the lights

And all the songs You let me write 

Does the man I am today

Say the words You need to say

Let them see You 

Let them hear You

When I speak 

Let them feel You 

When I sing

Let them see You 

Let them see You in me

Who am I without Your grace

Another smile, another face

Another breath, a grain of sand

Passing so quickly through Your hand

I'd give my life, I'm not afraid

Take it all, take everything

With every breath I breathe 

I sing a simple melody

But I pray they'll hear more than a song 

In me, in me

Let them see You in me

Let them hear You

When I sing

Let them feel You

When I sing

Let them see You

Let them see You in me