The Torch Keepers by Hosanna Emily - Book Review

 To celebrate The Torch Keepers' second birthday, I decided to re-post my review of this incredible book! This book is absolutely amazing, and I highly, highly recommend it! 

Synopsis

The King's blue flame quivers as a new fire arises, and Kadira must hold fast to his torch. It's destiny; she's a torch keeper.

A fiery revolution sweeps across the kingdom of Erkeos, and each person must choose a side. Kadira, a girl set apart to serve the King, finds her city engulfed in the Liberation's emerald flames. Her blue eyes mark her as the enemy, and she flees from death. It stalks her anyway. When she meets Rekem, the Liberation warrior sent to kill her, she rebels against the King's ways. Two armies collide; indecision isn't an option. As hearts and lives hang in the balance, Kadira and Rekem could bring destruction or liberation to the entire kingdom. 

Reveiw

The Torch Keepers is an amazing book! I've been looking forward to reading it ever since I discovered Hosanna's blog, which was well over a year ago. :)

Kadira, the main character, struggled to understand the King, struggled to understand that he had a purpose for her life. Her story was a story of sadness and rebellion, but also of redemption. 

Father and Gamma, who were like a father and a grandma to Kadira, were both so sweet. I also really liked Emyir; I loved her passion for the King. She was probably my favorite character. Rekem was a hard character to like. I was hoping his story would end differently. Like many people do, he was searching for meaning in life.

This book is about on-going battles between two sides- the Liberation, which is run by the Prince, (who seems to represent Satan), and those on the King's side (who represents Jesus).

This book has spiritual lessons sprinkled throughout, which I really appreciated. One of my favorite parallels between our lives and what was portrayed in the novel was the torch keeping. People are set apart to be torch keepers for the King- they keep the King's bright blue fire burning in each town. We are also supposed to keep our torches burning in our hearts. Another interesting thing, the Liberation (the evil side) take the King's fire and turn it into green fire- which in the book represents evil in a way. The Liberation took what was good (the blue fire) and twisted it into evil (green fire). The Torch Keepers is a book I think many people need to read. 

Overall, I recommend this book for readers 14+. Nothing is described in great detail, but there are deaths, wounds, and the Liberation does horrible things. I would definitely recommend this book!

Have you read The Torch Keepers? What were your thoughts? :)

Starlight Animal Rescue Series ~ Book Review

Synopsis

Starlight Animal Rescue: Where problem horses are trained and loved, where abandoned dogs become heroes, where stray cats become loyal companions. And where people with nowhere to fit in find a place to belong.

Review

This is one of my favorite series by Dandi Daley Mackall. The story lines in these books are incredible! I loved how the animals helped the characters heal and how they also helped the characters know Who God is. In three out of the four books, the main characters come from rough backgrounds- a runaway foster teen, to a cancer patient. The animals always help to show God's love to these teens and kids. Although all of the books were great, my favorites were definitely Runaway and Dark Horse. The faith themes were beautifully written! 

If you love redemption stories, horses, cats, or dogs, these books would be a great choice! :)

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What about you? Do you like cats, dogs, or horses better? Let me know in the comments below! :)

"RPM" Series by Chris Fabry ~ Book Review

Synopsis 

Tim Carhardt is drifting through life with one goal: survival. Jamie Maxwell believes she can become--no, "will" become--the first female winner of the Cup. But life isn't always as easy as it seems. What happens when dreams and faith hit the wall? You don't want to miss a second of the action. These fast-paced books will keep even reluctant readers on the edge of their seats. Go behind the scenes of America's most-watched sport to see what it's like inside a 200-mph racecar as engines rev and lives collide. 

Review 

I never thought I would like a NASCAR series so well! ;)

I enjoyed getting into the minds of the drivers. It was fascinating to get to hear more about how they interact, and what drives them to compete. 

My favorite characters were Jamie, Tim, and the Maxwell family. They all had their strengths and weaknesses, and were absolutely amazing characters! Butch and Chad- I couldn't stand them. (Read the books and you'll understand...) 

This series deals with the good and the bad when it comes to racing. It deals with it in a good way; and shows that keeping your standards and morals are more important than winning. Although winning is great, too! However, being an honest, fair, driver, is more important than winning the Cup. 

These books are fast paced, full of adventure, and interesting! I highly recommend checking them out!

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What about you? Do you like racing? :)

Happy Independence Day!!! USA

And I'm proud to be an American 

Where at least I know I'm free

And I won't forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me 

And I'd gladly stand up 

Next to you and defend her still today

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land

God bless the USA

- Lee Greenwood, "God Bless the USA"

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Happy Independence Day!!! 

The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, the Horse That Inspired a Nation

About the Book:

November 1958: the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden in New York city. Into the rarefied atmosphere of wealth and tradition comes the most unlikely of horses--a drab white former plow horse named Snowman--and his rider, Harry de Leyer. They were the longest of all longshots--and their win was the stuff of legend.

Harry de Leyer first saw the horse he would name Snowman on a bleak winter afternoon between the slats of a rickety truck bound for the slaughterhouse. He recognized the spark in the eye of the beaten-up horse and bought him for eighty dollars. On Harry's modest farm on Long Island, the horse thrived. 

But the recent Dutch immigrant and his growing family needed money, and Harry was always on the lookout for the perfect thoroughbred to train for the show-jumping circuit--so he reluctantly sold Snowman to a farm a few miles down the road. 

But Snowman had other ideas about what Harry needed. When he turned up back at Harry's barn, dragging an old tire and a broken fence board, Harry knew that he had misjudged the horse. And so he set about teaching this shaggy, easygoing horse how to fly. One show at a time, against extraordinary odds and some of the most expensive thoroughbreds alive, the pair climbed to the very top of the sport of show jumping.

Here is the dramatic and inspiring rise to stardom of an unlikely duo, based on the insight and recollections of "the Flying Dutchman" himself. Their story captured the heart of Cold War--era America--a story of unstoppable hope, inconceivable dreams, and the chance to have it all. 

Review

This was an incredible story! Snowman, a horse most people didn't think would amount to much, won some of the biggest horse shows in America. Snowman was not only a well-known show jumper, but also a very sweet horse- he loved little kids, and took care of the ones who were scared to be on his back. The book was also well written. 

This book was awesome! I highly recommend it for all horse lovers! :)

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What about you? Have you read about Snowman? What is your favorite horse related book?

Great Music for All Ages!!!

Today's post is rather unique! I have music that is Biblically based, fun, and is great for all ages! 

"Travel to the beginning of time...to the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve lived and dinosaurs roared. Listen, imagine, and learn as you become a main character in many wonderful stories in song." Click here for more information!

"Buddy Davis presents twelve original songs, this time for the young and the young at heart. Join Buddy as he sings his way through the Books of the Bible and the Ten Commandments and the history of Genesis. Imparts crucial truths in a fun way!" Click here for more information! 

"'Featuring songs about life, love, and faith that the whole family can enjoy!" Click here for more information!

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Starting to see a theme here? ;) Buddy Davis has an incredible collection of CDs that the whole family can enjoy! The songs are Biblically based and fun for children and adults! My entire family enjoys his music. Quite a few of the songs make memorizing key truths about the Bible simple and easy. I highly recommend his music!

About Buddy Davis:

"Buddy Davis is a popular speaker, singer, songwriter, author, adventurer, and paleo-artist with Answers in Genesis. Buddy has sculpted over 60 dinosaur models, many of which are featured at the Creation Museum. He has recorded over a dozen CDs and frequently performs concerts at the Creation Museum."

To find more of his music, click here.

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What about you? Have you heard of Buddy Davis?

Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread & Feast of First Fruits

This past week was Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and today is the Feast of First Fruits. While I won't be discussing all of these Biblical Feasts today, I highly recommend you dig into them! (I wrote an even more in depth post on Passover here.)

Exodus 1-15 talks about the story of Passover. God told the Israelites to celebrate Passover yearly. It was to be a reminder of their rescue out of Egypt. God told His people to eat unleavened bread every year, to remember. Also on Passover, we search our hearts for any sin. 

Just as the blood of the lamb on the Israelites' doorposts saved their firstborns from death, Jesus saved us from our punishment of death from our sins. Jesus became the Passover Lamb- thus fulfilling Passover. Jesus loves us so much that he died for us. Luke 22-24 is just one of the Gospels that tells of Jesus' death and resurrection.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16.

~ Snowflakes ~

 Although it is almost spring, which is so exciting, I have a post about snowflakes today!

Snowflakes are so beautiful. Have you ever caught some in your hand? Each one is unique and different. They each have their own shape, size, and design.

People are like snowflakes. Each one of us is uniquely different. God didn't create us all to be alike one another. He created us all different- unique. 

It seems like many people feel the need to "fit in" to be liked by other people. The truth is, we aren't meant to be the same. God created us all to be unique and different. 

Just like snowflakes, treasure people for who they are- in their own unique way. 

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14

My Favorite Things Tag!

Today I'm going to be doing something different- The My Favorite Things Tag! Get ready to hear a lot about animals. ;) Thanks to Brooklyne for nominating me! :)

Rules: 

Thank and link back the person who tagged you! 

Thank and link back to the person who started the tag! (Thanks, Beth!) 

Write about eight of your favorite things in your post 

Add at least 2 pictures in your post that is related to your favorite things 

Include eight others to do the tag! Include the picture above in your post

My Favorite Things

1. Family

Family is very important to me, and I love spending time with my family. Hanging out, playing old board games- it's so fun! ;)

2. Horses

I absolutely love horses! I love working with them, spending time with them, riding them- anything to do with horses. ;) Right now I ride dressage, and am learning to jump, and I immensely enjoy bareback riding and would try other disciplines. 

3. Amphibians and Reptiles

Yes! Reptiles and amphibians are so awesome! I was wrangling frogs by age 2 and snakes by age 4! ;) 

4. Animals!

I love basically all animals! Dogs, zebras, crocodiles, lizards and countless others.

5. The Wilderness & Being Outside

I really enjoy being outside in the country/wilderness with beautiful nature all around!

6. Playing Musical Instruments 

I play nine different musical instruments and really enjoy playing them and learning how to play them! The latest instrument I'm learning is the Mandolin; and I've really been enjoying it!

7. Languages 

I enjoy learning different languages- I've learned a bit of Spanish, Hebrew, and Cherokee. 

8. The Sound of Snow Crunching

This may be a little strange, but one of my favorite sounds is hearing the snow crunch beneath my feet as I walk. I love it! :)

I hope you all enjoyed this post; this tag was an great idea! Whoever wants to do this tag, consider yourself tagged! :) What are eight of your favorite things? Let me know in the comments! 

STAND for the Truth

"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." John 8:32

Standing for the Truth. With all the false news out there today, standing for the Truth is more vital than ever. 

Standing for the truth as believers in Jesus Christ is super important. 

When we stand for the truth, we automatically become enemies of those who hate the truth. In Galatians 4, Paul was correcting the church's doctrine and beliefs, and they were not happy about it. Paul asks, "Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?" Galatians 4:16. 

A well-known passage of the Bible is Ephesians 6, which talks about the armor of God. "Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." Ephesians 6:11. Ephesians 6:14 says, "Stand therefore, having your waist girded with truth..." One of the pieces of the Armor of God is having your waist girded with truth. 

1 Samuel 12:24 says, "Fear the LORD; serve Him in truth with all your heart, and consider what great things He has done for you." We are called to serve God in truth with all our heart. I believe that this includes standing for the truth. 

We cannot be silent. God calls us to stand for the Truth. We must stand for the Truth.