Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Publication

Tickle-Me Tuesday

2012-01-24T01:38:00.000-06:00

Man-ificent Monday: Michael B. Jordan

2012-01-23T02:00:00.001-06:00

With the release of George Lucas's Red Tails (a movie that I would love to see, but unfortunately it isn't out here in Abu Dhabi...at least not yet), I decided to feature a cutie pie from the movie. Michael B. Jordan plays Maurice 'Bumps' Wilson in Red Tails. He's also known for his roles in The Wire, All My Children, Friday Night Lights, and Parenthood. Can I just say that he has a gorgeous smile? His teeth practically sparkle!

Word(s) To Describe: Adorable!

Inspirational Sunday

2012-01-22T13:17:00.000-06:00

Have you ever wondered if you were making any headway in your obedience to God? He'd given you a task, you obediently took it (although it seemed so daunting) and now, it just doesn't seem like anything's happening. You'd asked God for a sign to let you know you were doing something right, but it doesn't seem like He hears you.

Yeah. I've felt that way...many times. I've felt that way just this past trimester. I knew God had sent me here to Abu Dhabi. I knew - for reasons only He knows - He put me in this specific class to teach these specific 3/4 year olds English, despite the fact that I haven't worked with kids that small in a classroom setting (I tend to avoid preschool aged kids). I must admit. I didn't want to. I prayed so hard for Him to put me with the older kids (a prayer I'm now glad He said no to). There were times when I struggled. Especially the times when I was left alone with 25+ preschoolers who didn't understand a word I was saying and who looked at me like I was an alien (which, I may as well have been since I was speaking an "alien" language). At the beginning, most were shy towards me and hardly ever talked. It was hard. And draining. And I wondered if I should give up and go home. I mean, I tried, right? But something within me - the Holy Spirit - kept me going. I kept asking God if I was doing it right. Was I reaching the kids? Did they feel His love through me?

I got my answer after our three-week break. When my kids saw me, they swarmed me with hugs as if - dare I say it - they missed me. They called out my name, snuggled their chubby faces in my neck, and grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go. At the end of the day, they eagerly waved bye to me, calling out my name from across the room (repeatedly, if I didn't answer right away), just to get my attention. This, my friends, is now an everyday occurrence. Even my shyest little angels make an effort to show me love. And OMG, their hugs! Man, but they make day! They spread their arms as wide as they could & squeeze. They race to see who would grab my hand first, like they want the privilege of holding Ms. Raenice's hand. I even got a sweet kiss on the cheek. One of my students, who never went for hugs last trimester, can't seem to get enough this trimester. He smiles at me everyday and sometimes, he's one of the first ones to grab my hand. And I just LOVE when they are so excited about showing me their work. "Ms. Raenice, shoofi!" Ahh, the joys of teaching.

I asked and God answered. Yes, they can feel His love shining brightly through me. Yes, I'm doing something right...reaching the children, despite the language barrier. Yes, I'm making some headway in this journey. They know Ms. Raenice is not like other people they've met, and I'd like to think it's cos of God's love. His love is what's drawing them to me. It's funny cos I've asked God to let His light shine through me so bright, that it draws His babies to me...and that's exactly what He's doing. God has given me the tools I need to succeed, even when it looks like I wouldn't. He's right here with me.

This trimester, I have a second class to teach. I still have my original babies, but now, I have double the chance to spread His love. I feel like I'm starting all over with these students. Some of them are shy and trying to feel me out. And yes, it's draining. But I believe just as God has used me to make an impact on my first group of babies, He will do the same with my second group. It's funny watching my first group look at kids in my second group with that "Who are you and what are you doing with my Ms. Raenice" look. And my second group looks at me like, "Who is this woman and why are they so into her." These kids have truly stolen my heart.

If you've been obedient to God, and it doesn't seem like you're going anywhere, I've got to tell you...KEEP GOING. You're obedience alone is moving you forward. If you give up, you'll miss the treasure God has in store for you. If you give up, you'll never see God's mighty power work through you. If you give up, you'll never be able to do some awesome things through God who gives you strength. His children has been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, who's with us, leading and guiding us. When we need that push, the Holy Spirit will whisper, "Keep going." And every so often, God may send you a little...sign to let you know that, yes, you are doing something right. There is nothing like walking in His will for you. It's an amazing thing!

Tickle-Me Tuesday

2012-01-17T05:04:00.000-06:00

CUTE!

Man-ificent Monday: Sendhil Ramamurthy

2012-01-15T22:00:00.000-06:00

You may or may not recognize this week's cutie pie's name, but if you were a Heroes' fan like I was, you'd recognize his face. Sendhil Ramamurthy played Mohinder Suresh, a geneticist searching for the truth behind his father's death. You can see him every once in a while on the USA network's Covert Affairs as Jai Wilcox. He was also seen on a recent episode of CSI Miami.

Word(s) to Describe: Yummy!

Inspirational Sunday

2012-01-14T22:00:00.000-06:00

"Look, God is greater than we can understand...We can't even imagine the greatness of his power."

Job 36:26; 37:5b

Rae's Thought: Try as you might, you will never be able to imagine the total greatness of God. No one will. Even the smartest, most brilliant minds won't be able to imagine His vastness. The truth is, God is way bigger than our human minds can think of. He's immeasurable. There isn't even a word in our vocabulary to describe how big He is. Big, huge, even ginormous don't even come close.

A few years ago, Louie Giglio, pastor and founder of the Passion Movement, spoke on God's vastness. In his DVD, How Great is Our God - a MUST see, by the way - he names a few of our universe's large stars. The largest star, VY Canis Majoris, is so large, it would take about 70 quadrillion (70,000,000,000,000,000) Earths to fill it up. And that's just the largest known star. Can you imagine something that big? Yet, God is bigger than that. I mean, He's the one who created the VY Canis Majoris along with our universe.

Mind-boggling isn't it?

When we try to fit God into the mold we made, we box Him in, making Him small. This god, the boxed-in god, is limited. He can only do what our minds allow him to do. But God, the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob...Father of Jesus...creator of everything...my God is bigger than the largest star in the universe. And He's limitless. I don't know about you, but I enjoy worshipping a God whose vastness boggles the mind; One who I can't figure out and when I think I've figured Him out, He does something to prove me wrong; One who's vastness is unimaginable. This God, the One I serve, is capable of handling my biggest problems. This God, the One I serve, can take care of the world 24/7 without growing tired. This God, the One I serve, can send His Son to die for the sins of the man and raise His Son from the dead, defeating both death and Satan in a single bound. This God, the One I serve, is able "through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). That's the kind of God I serve.

I think it's about time we stop trying to figure God out and just let Him be God. Don't you?

Tickle-Me Tuesday

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

Man-ificent Monday: Arian Foster

2012-01-02T16:07:00.004-06:00

The first Man-ificent Monday post is in honor of my football team, the Houston Texans, making it to the playoffs and having an awesome season. Arian Foster is a running back for the Texans, a team he's been with since 2009. He previously played football at the University of Tennessee. Arian Foster happens to be one of the best in the NFL...and MY team has him. How cool is that? The question Houston Texans fans have is: Can Arian Foster and the Houston Texans go all the way to the Superbowl? I have faith in my team, so I'm gonna go out on a limb and say...YES!

Word(s) To Describe: Cutie Pie

Looking Back...Moving Forward

2012-01-01T23:51:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!

Can't believe 2012 is already here. 2011 passed by so quickly to me.

Looking Back

This time last year, I was struggling financially, trying to figure out if I should keep subbing or not, and having to move out of my beloved town home after the lease was up. I remember asking God what the theme for 2011 should be and Him telling me "Change." He told me I'd be going through some changes in 2011; some I'd like and some I wouldn't, but He promised He'd be with me along the way. Boy have I gone through changes - the biggest change being my move to Abu Dhabi.

I would have NEVER thought I'd be living on the other side of the world, away from family, friends, and everything I know. NEVER. And yet, here I am, a resident of the UAE. This move was obviously a God thing cos I wouldn't have done it on my own. It's definitely a HUGE step out of my comfort zone. Waaayy out of my zone. Like I'm not even in the same vicinity of my comfort zone. It's quite scary, actually, which is why I'm so glad I'm not doing it alone. God is right here with me, just like He promised.

By moving to Abu Dhabi, I took a giant leap of faith. I chose to go where God led me to go and I do NOT regret my decision. I'm loving it. Abu Dhabi is a beautiful place. And I've met some wonderful new friends. And I'm in a position where I have to lean on God and not my family. I've gone on a desert safari, rode a camel,tried new food, stayed in a few 5-star hotels, gone to 2 awesome concerts, visited Dubai several times, went into the tallest building in the world, lost 20 pounds, etc. I'm learning Arabic, teaching active, yet precious 3-4 year olds, living in a high-rise apartment (rent free), making tax-free salary, etc.

This time last year, I was broke, no money in the bank. Now, I have money in, not one bank, but TWO.

2011 was a monumental year in my life. 2012...2012 is gonna be even more awesome.

Moving Forward

I have goals for 2012. Some have to do with my health; some have to do with my writing; some have to do with my relationship with Jesus. I won't list all my goals, but here are a few:

Lose 50 more lbs
FINALLY finish novel #2
Revise novel #1; start search for agents
Use my spiritual gifts to glorify God
Finish business plan
Blog consistently

I also plan to do something "big" each trimester of my 1st year in AD. Last trimester, I went to see both Janet Jackson & Sade in concert. This trimester, I'm going to Morocco (in March). I haven't figured out what I'm going to do the last trimester of this school year, yet.

I can't wait to see what God has planned for me in 2012. Whatever He has planned, as long as He's with me, I'm good.

ARC Review: Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer

2011-12-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

Author: Maureen McGowan

Genre: Fiction, YA, Fairy Tales, Paranormal, MG, Choose Your Own Adventure

Release: April, 2011

Source: Netgalley

Rating: 4/5

Description: In this thrilling story full of adventure and romance, Sleeping Beauty is more than just a lonely princess waiting for her prince—she's a brave, tenacious girl who never backs down from a challenge. With vampire-slaying talents that she practices in secret, Sleeping Beauty puts her courage to the test in the dark of night, fighting evil as she searches for a way to break the spell that has cut her off from her family. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Sleeping Beauty and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read! Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer is an entirely new type of fairy tale–one that will keep today's kids guessing and offer them hours of magical fun.

Review:

What I Didn't Like

It's marketed as a book for young adults, but I think the language is more on the middle grade level. Just my opinion.
It got silly at times throughout the novel.
The "choose your own adventure" part of the book has you thinking for Lucette rather than Lucette thinking for herself.

What I Liked

Ms. McGowan gives an interesting twist to a classic fairy tale. I love the "fractured" fairy tale...some more so than the classics.
What I liked about the "choose your own adventure" bit was the fact that it made you a part of the story, despite the fact that you did the thinking rather than Lucette. Kids would love to be able to make the decisions, so it works for them.
Princess Lucette is your regular damsel in distress. Instead of a helpless princess waiting on her prince to rescue her, she's a brave, strong princess who does the saving along with her prince. She's also more of a tomboy than a pampered, spoiled princess.
I liked the twisted curse: During the day, while the everyone in the kingdom was awake, Lucette slept. During the night, when the vampires roamed, Lucette was awake while the kingdom slept.

Overall, Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer was a pretty good book. I enjoyed the twist and loved the fact that Lucette was an awesomely brave heroine. If you love fairy tales with a twist, this book is definitely for you.

ARC Review: God's Answers 4 UR Life

2011-12-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

Author: Steve Russo

Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Young Adult

Release: April, 2011

Source: Netgalley

Rating: 5/5

Description: Searching for real answers about life—helpful answers that you can really trust? God’s Answers 4 UR Life responds to 125 everyday life issues from popular Bible versions. With relevant topics that include body mod, consequences, depression, eating disorders, music, purpose, and more, you’ll find just the answers you’re seeking as well as relevant life application sections written by popular youth speaker and ministry leader Steve Russo.

Review: I enjoyed reading God's Answers 4 UR Life. Each topic is alphabetized, which makes it easier to find. Each topic is short and sweet with simple language...language that won't go over the head of the youth reading it. Mr. Russo adds what he thinks on the topic (without being too preachy or judgmental) then adds what God has to say through scriptures. Although it's geared more towards youth, anyone can benefit from reading it, no matter where you are in your spiritual walk.

ARC Review: Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson: Moon Called Volume 1

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

Author: Patricia Briggs

Genre: Urban Fantasy; Graphic Novel

Release: March, 2011

Source: Netgalley

Rating: 3.5/5

Description: Mercy Thompson inhabits two worlds without truly belonging to either. To the human inhabitants of the Tri-Cities she's an oddity, a female mechanic operating her own garage. To the town's darker residents, werewolves, vampires, and fae, she's a walker, a last-of-her-kind magical being with the power to become a coyote. Mercy warily straddles the fine line dividing our everyday world from that darker dimension... 'till a boy, mauled by vicious werewolves and forever changed by the attack and on the run from those who committed the crime, appears at her door. Now her two worlds are about to collide! Outnumbered and out-muscled, can Mercy possibly save the boy... or even herself?

Review: Mercy Thompson is a one-of-a-kind shapeshifter who can shift into a coyote. She's also a car mechanic who has her own shop. When Mac, a runaway werewolf shows up on her doorstep, Mercy takes him in. Eventually, she saves him from thuggish wolves, killing one of the wolves in the process. Afterwards, she hands Mac over to Adam, the local Alpha wolf. One night, Mercy finds Mac dead and Adam wounded, causing her to search for who's responsible.

What I Didn't Like

Mercy is half Native American, so I'd think the artist would make her skin color a little browner.
Sometimes, it was hard to tell the difference between some of the male characters. It tripped me up when I thought the character portrayed was someone only to find that he was someone else.
The extra chapter at the end. Tho I'm glad I got a look at how Mac came to be, the writing just didn't catch me. And the illustration wasn't on the same level as the illustration throughout the novel.

What I Liked

Mercy is such a kick-ass character. I'm a sucker for novels with strong heroines...especially when the book shows her vulnerable side (she's not all hard, but soft sometimes).
I like the fact that I didn't have to read the original novels in order to figure out what was happening. I didn't even know about Ms. Briggs' Mercy Thompson series before seeing this graphic novel.
Besides the fact that the illustration of the men were confusing at times, I liked the illustrations overall. Great details.

Overall, I liked Mercy Thompson: Moon Called Volume 1; enough to want to read the original series. This book will appeal to those who are already Ms. Briggs' fans as well as new fans.

ARC Review: Bite Me, Try Me, Fang Me

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

Author: Parker Blue

Genre: Urban Fantasy, YA, Paranormal

Release: March, 2011

Source: Netgalley

Rating: 5/5

Description: An edgy book for teens that spans the gap between YA and adult fiction. Life after high school is tough enough without having to go 15 rounds with your inner demon. Val Shapiro is just your ordinary, part-demon, teenaged vampire hunter with a Texas drawl. And a pet hellhound named Fang. Soon enough she finds herself deep in the underbelly of the city, discovering the secrets of the Demon Underground and fighting to save those she loves. Whether they love her back or not.

Author: Parker Blue

Genre: Urban Fantasy, YA, Paranormal

Release: March, 2011

Source: Netgalley

Rating: 4/5

Description: This part-demon teen vampire fighter and her faithful terrier hellhound are once again patrolling the dark city streets of San Antonio, Texas. Val's hunky human partner, Detective Dan Sullivan, is giving her the cold shoulder since she beheaded his vampire ex-fiancée. Vamp leader Alejandro is struggling to keep the peace between vamps, demons and humans. The mucho powerful Encyclopedia Magicka has been stolen, someone in the Demon Underground is poisoning vamps, and Val's inner lust demon, Lola, is getting very restless since Val's now partnered with sexy Shade, the shadow demon with the blond good looks of an angel.

The second book in Parker Blue's Demon Underground urban fantasy series plunges readers deeper into a heady world of passion, friendship, intrigue and mystery.

Author: Parker Blue

Genre: Urban Fantasy, YA, Paranormal

Release: March, 2011

Source:Netgalley

Rating: 4/5

Description: The vampires want it. The demons want it, too. And someone is willing to kill Val for it.Val and Fang have to find the powerful Encyclopedia Magicka before either of San Antonio's warring underworld factions locate it or the consequences will be deadly for the entire city. As usual, Val's vampire enemies (they still call her The Slayer) want her dead.

Even some of her fellow demons may be less than trustworthy, since they'd like to grab the legendary book of spells before she does. Val has a personal claim to the Encyclopedia--her demon father left it to her when he died--but someone stole it recently. And that can't be good.Battling vamps and dodging demons, Val struggles to unravel the mystery and find the thief.

At the same time, she's fighting her attraction to sweet, sexy Shade--her favorite shadow demon. Rumor has it that Val will lose her part-demon, vampire-fighting powers if she gives herself to him.With a crowd of vamps and demons out to trick her or kill her, it's not a good time for her to risk her job as the city's best vampire hunter by falling in love. The stakes are high and aimed right at her heart. But Lola, Val's hungry little lust demon, doesn't like being denied. Will Lola finally get her way?What's a part-lust-demon-teen supposed to do? Whatever it takes.

Review: I love the character of Valentine "Val" Shapiro! She's definitely kick-ass, and I love that her vulnerable side shows also. Fang, her dog (part hell-hound) is seriously one of my favorite characters. The banter between him and Val is funny. In Bite Me, I liked how the love interest, Dan, stood up for Val to her family. I didn't quite like how he treated her in the end, but that only left the door open for Shade to move in. The reader sees growth in Val throughout the three books. In Bite Me, she's trying to find herself...by Fang Me, she has answers. This series is definitely fast-passed. It has action for the action junkie, romance for the romance junkie, mystery for the mystery junkie...you get my idea. And the ending of Fang Me...I so hope there's another book in this series!

ARC Review: What Can't Wait

2011-11-30T10:22:00.001-06:00

Author: Ashley Hope Perez

Genre: YA

Release: March, 2011

Source: Netgalley

Rating: 5/5

Description: "Another day finished, gracias a Dios." Seventeen-year-old Marisa's mother has been saying this for as long as Marisa can remember. Her parents came to Houston from Mexico. They work hard, and they expect Marisa to help her familia. And they expect her to marry a boy from the neighborhood, to settle down, and to have grandbabies. If she wants a job, she could always be an assistant manager at the local grocery store.

At school, it's another story. Marisa's calc teacher expects her to ace the AP test and to get into an engineering program in Austin—a city that seems unimaginably far away. When her home life becomes unbearable, Marisa seeks comfort elsewhere—and suddenly neither her best friend nor boyfriend can get through to her. Caught between the expectations of two different worlds, Marisa isn't sure what she wants—other than a life where she doesn't end each day thanking God it's over.

What Can't Wait—the gripping debut novel from Ashley Hope Pérez—tells the story of one girl's survival in a world in which family needs trump individual success, and self-reliance the only key that can unlock the door to the future.

Review:

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

I honestly can't think of anything I didn't like about this book.

WHAT I LIKED

I loved the character, Marisa. Such a strong, resilent girl with a good head on her shoulders. She could've whined about the cards life dealt her, but she doesn't. She's very loyal to her family, but in the end, she wants to do what's best for her.
I liked the fact that this character doesn't let her environment define her. She's not exactly rich, surrounded by people who got pregnant young, etc. She's determined to break the cycle.
Man, this book brings me through the emotions. I found myself cheering for Marisa, crying with her, etc.
This is a very realistic book.

Many teens, especially teens of immigrants, will be able to understand Marisa's struggles. Even if you haven't been in the same situation, you can still understand the character. Marissa's determination will have you cheering her on. I loved this book!

ARC Review: Stroke of Midnight

2011-11-28T09:20:00.001-06:00

Author: Bonnie Edwards

Genre: Erotica; Romance

Release: January, 2011

Source:Netgalley

Rating: 2.5/5

Description:

An unlikely Cinderella…
When hardworking single mom Jaye Sinns meets younger playboy Alexander Carmichael, the sexual chemistry between them is undeniable. So Jaye gives in to temptation and allows him to whisk her away for her first-ever vacation. Two glorious weeks of no inhibitions, no strings and no responsibilities.

A charming prince of a guy…
Life with Alex is every woman’s fantasy—sizzling sex in the back of a limo, on a private plane, in exotic settings. But it’s not enough to fulfill a woman like Jaye for long. No matter how hot the sex is.

A happy ending?
Alex is soon craving more than Jaye’s body: he wants her love and admiration, too. For the first time in his life, he can’t buy the thing he desires most; and now he must decide if he’s willing to work at being the kind of man that Jaye needs, and give her the happily-ever-after she deserves.

Review:

What I Didn't Like

The ending felt rushed. It was a happy ending and there was closure...it just felt rushed.
It had a Cinderella premise, but was kind of predictable. Typical rich man meets and falls for poor girl...not much to set it apart.
The fact that Jaye was kind of quick to leave with a guy she just met. Would single mothers worried about their kids really leave for a whirlwind vacation with a stranger? I don't know. Maybe it's just me.

What I Did Like

Although it was quite predictable, the Cinderella theme kind of works for the story. I just wish there was something to set it apart from the other "Cinderella" romance stories.
The characters were well-developed despite the short length.
Jaye was a hardworking mother...I loved her strength.

Overall, it was an okay, but quick read. While it wouldn't be on my "Read Again" list, I enjoyed it. The love scenes were quite descriptive. Very hot and steamy. Lol!

Mail Call: Dubai Edition

2011-11-22T11:13:00.001-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly feature hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. Here, we post books that we have bought, borrowed, or received.

About 2 weeks ago, I visited Dubai, which is only about an hour and a half away from me. One of the places on my "Must Visit" list was Book World by Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall. My goodness the place was HUGE! So. Many. Books. We're talking about 68,000 sq. ft. of awesomeness here. You know I was in heaven, right? Cos I was. Book Nerd Heaven.

I had to stop myself from going crazy with the book-buying. I ended up buying a few books. Just a few...

The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable by Dan Gutman

Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Talented Pop Star by Rachel Renee Russell

The Clueless Girl's Guide to Being a Genius by Janice Repka

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I Dare You: Embrace Life With Passion by Joyce Meyer

Letter to My Daughter by Maya Angelou

Modelland by Tyra Banks

Update/Future Plans

2011-11-19T12:21:00.000-06:00

I'm still alive. I promise. Adjusting to living and working in another country has taken longer than I thought it would take. But I AM adjusting and that's what counts. I've just been totally drained by the end of my work days. Who knew teaching 20-something 3 and 4 year olds who don't speak speak your language could be so tiring. Because of my lack of energy, my writing, reading, and blogging has fallen behind. I'm hoping this is only temporary...something I'm experiencing cos I'm in a new country. Adjusting to a new environment takes time, right?

The end of the 1st trimester is near, so I should be good. I plan to relax and enjoy my WELL-DESERVED break in December. Of course, I plan to catch up also. There will be a few changes to both blogs for the new year. What changes, you may ask? Well, you'd have to wait til 2012. Until then, I'll be posting book reviews for the rest of this year.
Stay tuned...

Tickle-Me Tuesday

2011-09-05T22:00:00.000-05:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Man-ificent Monday: Udi Karni

2011-09-05T03:00:00.000-05:00

Manificent Mondays are back! This week's cutie is actually from my side of the world. Udi Karni is an Israeli athlete turned model. Aren't his eyes gorgeous? And I love his lips.
Word(s) to Describe: Cutie pie. Gorgeous.

Inspirational Sunday

2011-09-04T14:41:00.000-05:00

"All the believers were united in heart and mind."

Acts 4:32

Rae's Thought: This is a previous post. I'm going to focus on lessons 21st century Christians can learn from 1st century Christians.

Lesson #1: Believers should be united in heart and mind. Somewhere between the first century and now, Christians became divided over the legalities (how to worship God, church laws, what should be worn, etc) of Christianity. Now, we have several groups separated - and sometimes even warring - with each other. But it wasn't always like this. There was a time, in the infant stage of Christianity, when believers were just that...believers.

Christianity was birthed during the first century. At that time, the death/resurrection of Jesus was fresh on believers' minds. Some believed because they witnessed the events first-hand, while others became believers simply because they heard and chose to believe. Either way, the Bible says they were "united in heart and mind." There were no Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, etc. They were just Christians - those who believed in the resurrected Savior, the Son of God. They may have disagreed with each other on certain things, but still they were united.

We, as twenty-first century believers, must become united. Sometimes we get so stuck on whose way is better, on who's the better believer, that we forget that it isn't about us, but about God. When we focus on the differences, not only do we become divided, but we also take the focus off of God and put it on us.

The Bible later tells us that "God's great blessing was upon them all" (Acts 4:33). Do you know how much more God would bless us if we move our focus of off us and put it on Him? Do you know how big of an impact we can have on this world if we were united in heart and mind. We live in a dark world, thirsty and desperate for light. WE can be that light. But first, we need to get over our differences and realize that, under all the legalities, we're all believers who love and believe in Jesus, the Son of God and the resurrected Savior.

Random Thoughts Thursday: I'm Baaaaaack!

2011-09-01T04:58:00.000-05:00

I know. I've neglected this blog in the midst of my moving. It's just been...crazy, ya know? But I'm back. This blog is like the oldest child. Born first, had "mommy's" attention for a while, basked in the awesomeness that is being the only child then BAM! Another child comes along and steals the spotlight. Now, "mommy" is paying more attention to the younger child than she is the 1st one. Yes, my attention was pulled away to my 2nd "baby" (my other blog), but it doesn't mean I love this baby any less.

I'm the oldest child in my family, by the way. While it may have been cool being the only child for my first four years, I'm so glad my parents had my brother (4 years younger than me) and my sister (6 years younger than me). When they were born, they were my babies. Who needed baby dolls when I had real babies in the house? I love them to death. Even in adulthood, they're my punkins...my babies. :) So anyway, I'm back. I may not be back at full capacity yet what with school about to start and this being my first year teaching in another country...but I'll be blogging as much as I can.

Ahhhh! It feels so good to be back!

Please be patient...

2011-08-13T03:33:00.001-05:00

I arrived in Abu Dhabi last night. It'll take some time to get used to things and get settled in, so please be patient with me. I'll be back posting in no time. Promise. Until then, follow my adventures in Abu Dhabi on my other blog, The International Diva (www.theinternationaldiva.blogspot.com).
See ya soon!

ARC Review: A Silken Thread

2011-07-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Author: Brenda Jackson
Genre: Romance,
Release: April, 2011
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 3/5

Description: For Erica Sanders, finding a soul mate was the easy part. Brian Lawson is the man she wants, and everyone agrees they're the ideal couple. Almost everyone. The one exception is Erica's mother, Karen, who prefers her daughter marry another man. Karen even hires a private detective to investigate Brian, but the truth he uncovers is the last thing she expected—a devastating betrayal that rips both families apart.
Convinced that her relationship can't be salvaged, Erica ends her engagement. Yet she has lingering doubts over her decision, especially once Brian's attractive single neighbor starts pursuing him. A chance meeting proves that the passion between Brian and Erica hasn't dimmed—but neither has the determination of others to keep them apart, or the shocking lengths Karen will go to in order to undermine her daughter's relationship.

As secrets old and new are revealed, Erica and Brian find themselves caught between the bonds of the past and an uncertain future, each making painful discoveries about who to believe and trust. Masterfully told and laced with the sensuality and drama that Brenda Jackson does best, this is an unforgettable story of relationships at their most complex, and how hard it can be to choose between living separate lives—or holding fast when love hangs by a silken thread…

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

The fact that Erica was so quick to believe the worse in Brian. When something came up against him, she was quick to believe he did it.
As much as I wanted to care for the relationship between Erica and Brian...I didn't. Well, not much anyway. It lacked spark...kind of boring.
The story was slow at times, especially in the beginning.

WHAT I LIKED

Despite the fact that their relationship was a bit boring to me, I still liked the fact that they get together despite the obstacles that tried to keep them apart. What's a romance without a happy ending?
I loved the subplots more than I did the main plot. The relationship between April, Erica's best friend and Griffin, the man Erica's mom really wanted her to marry and the one between Rita, Brian's mom, and Wilson, Erica's still married father were more interesting. I really wanted to see what happened to them.
The scandal/deceit/unexpected love made the book interesting.

I love Brenda Jackson. I just didn't fall in love with this book. It was ok. To be fair, though, it reads kind of like a soap opera, and I'm not all that big on soaps. I'd still read any of Brenda Jackson's work cos she's just an awesome writer.

ARC Review: Midnight Caller

2011-07-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

Author: Leslie Tentler
Genre: Romance, Suspense, Mystery, Paranormal
Release: February, 2011
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 3.5/5

Description: Late-night radio-show psychologist Rain Sommers is used to the crazies who call in to rage from the back alleys of the French Quarter and the shadows of the bayou. But one caller's chilling obsession with her and her long-ago murdered mother—an iconic singer beloved among the city's Goth community—has even the jaded Rain running scared as a sadistic serial killer known as the Vampire prowls New Orleans.

FBI agent Trevor Rivette is convinced her midnight caller and the killer are one and the same. As it becomes disturbingly clear that the Vampire has a sick bloodlust only Rain can satisfy, she allows Trevor to get closer and closer. But he soon discovers that his secretive past and troubled present are intertwined—and that he may die trying to keep Rain's fate out of a madman's control.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

The fact that Trevor's dad, who was extremely abusive to his kids (he almost killed Trevor), did all he did and still was able to walk the streets freely. I get that he was a cop and cops protect their own, but I don't know. I think he got off too easily.
It left me hanging with the paranormal aspect. The serial killer drained the victims' blood and drank it, he looked impossibly young despite being an older guy...but it said nothing about whether or not he was a vamp or just a sick guy blessed with youthful looks.
Rain annoyed me at times, especially when the serial killer set his sights on her. I get being independent and wanting to take care of yourself, but I mean come on. When the killer stalked her and Trevor stationed an officer to stay at her house, she snook out of the house to meet Trevor's sister. She made a few not-so-smart decisions like that.

WHAT I LIKED

The description is excellent. I love it when the author's writing allows me to visualize the setting and what's going on.
Trevor Rivette. I mean, yeah he had major issues stemming from his abusive childhood, but I kind of liked him as a hero.
Trevor's siblings and the fact that they went on with their lives in spite of what their father did to them. They were still hurting and dealing with the issues, but they moved forward instead of stayed stuck. And they loved their big brother so much, that they wanted him to move forward also.
The twists and turns kept me guessing. The story was very complex, but it worked.

I'm looking forward to reading the second book, Midnight Fear.

ARC Review: One Hundred Candles

2011-07-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

Author: Mara Purnhagen
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Release: July, 2011
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 4/5

Description: It's taken a long time for me to feel like a normal teenager. But now that I'm settled in a new school, where people know me as more than Charlotte Silver of the infamous Silver family paranormal investigators, it feels like everything is falling into place. And what better way to be normal than to go on a date with a popular football star like Harris Abbott? After all, it's not as if Noah is anything more than a friend….

But my new life takes a disturbing turn when Harris brings me to a party and we play a game called One Hundred Candles. It seems like harmless, ghostly fun. Until spirits unleashed by the game start showing up at school. Now my friends and family are in very real danger, and the door that I've opened into another realm may yield deadly consequences.

Review: Charlotte Silver is the daughter of parents who make a living scientifically disprove the existence of ghosts. This is fine, except for the fact that Charlotte has been contacted by an evil spirit bent on harming her. And then, she goes to a party where they play a game called One Hundred Candles, which unleashes other spirits that may put her friends and family in danger. What's a girl to do?

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

The only thing I didn't like about this book is the fact that I have to wait til September for the next book, Beyond the Grave.

WHAT I LIKED

The spooky level in this book is high. I so wasn't expecting it, but boy did I enjoy it. Ms. Purnhagen's descriptive writing adds to the all-around creepiness.
Charlotte's character. She wasn't a whiny weak character. I love books where the heroine is flawed, yet strong and Charlotte is such a character. She's got a lot of spunk, even when it comes to dealing with the spooky factor. She has to deal with this evil spirit, whatever's threatening her friends, the problems her parents may be having in their marriage, and normal teenage problems, yet she doesn't bow down to the pressure. She's not emotionless, tho. The problems bother her just as it would other teens in her situation.
Sometimes, the love triangle thing gets played out in YA books, but it worked in this one. It wasn't a love triangle all the way cos one of Charlotte's love interest didn't own up to his feelings.

One Hundred Candles is a fast-paced, action-packed read. I didn't read the 1st book in the series, Past Midnight, so I love the fact that I didn't have to read it to know what was going on in One Hundred Candles.