This month has been another one of those months that just took it's sweet time, much to my joy! Maybe it's because I've been busy, or maybe it's that I've been busy with so many different sort of things? Maybe the change in weather helped it feel long too, like it covered two seasons. I'm not exactly sure, but either way, today I'll be sharing a wrap-up of my favorites and blessings I've had this month (I feel like the Lord has provided me with so many exciting things this month, as you'll be able to tell in the favorite happenings list!). I hope you'll jump down to the comments and let me know what some of yours were! Oh, and I also have something coming up to let any of you writers joining us know about! :D The King's Daughters' Writing CampI know not all of y'all are, but several of y'all do like to write, so I thought I would share this for anyone who would be interested! The King's Daughters' Writing Camp is open and is officially starting tomorrow to run through the month of November! This is a virtual, online writing "camp" run on Slack for girls/ladies of any age. It's made to be a safe place for Christian girls to be able to connect and grow in their writing. Each group of girls/ladies is divided into groups called "tents" with an "auntie" (an older, more mature lady over a "tent"). There are places to chat, places to write together for a set amount of time, places to get help for your story, writing challenges and prompts to work on if you would like, and daily devotionals (these aren't all KJV, but I still have enjoyed most of them with my own Bible open). You can be as active or as inactive as you like and works for you, and there are absolutely no obligations. As long as you agree to the statement of faith and camp rules and have a writing goal to work on for the month, you are welcome to join us! I have been at KDWC for a little over a year now, and it's a blast! So, if you're a writer (or know another writer that you can pass this on to!), feel free to check it out over here: Kings Daughters Writing Camp – Writing Stories for the Glory of the King, where you can find more information and the sign-up form at the bottom of the home page. Now let's get on with our October Monthly Round-up! Favorite Happenings
A Favorite SongThis is a more funny song that a boy who used to go to church with us found. :P A Favorite VerseFor the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. A Favorite Book
How was your October? What were some of your favorites from it? If you are a writer, are you interested in or have you been to the King's Daughters' Writing Camp?
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Who's ready for Christmas? Maybe you haven't quite started thinking about Christmas yet, but it really isn't that far away at all. But whatever the case, along those Christmas-y lines, I have something to tell you about! What if I told you that there was a brand-new collection of Christmas stories out? And what if I told you that this brand-new Christmas collection was full of stories written by Christian authors desiring to show the true beauty and message of Christmas? And what if I told you that there was no violence, no romance (except for hints of a possible future romance in the last story), and no fantasy or magic? And what if I told you that all of these stories used the King James Version of the Bible only? And what if I told you that it was being released today? And what if I told you that I'm not just dreaming? :D Because today I am here to announce the release of A Homewood Christmas, a Christmas collection written by the six aunties from the King's Daughters' Writing Camp that fits all of those things I just mentioned! (An "auntie" is just what we call the older, more mature ladies placed over a group of girls over at KDWC). This beautiful book follows six stories (each written by one of the six authors) set in a little town called Homewood, Minnesota, with the time periods ranging from the mid-1800's all the way to the 21-st century. But anyway, if you haven't already noticed, I'm pretty pumped about this, so let's jump right into some details! A Homewood Christmas (By Courtenay Burden, Erika Mathews, Hannah Gridley, Angie Thompson, Rebekah A. Morris and Hannah Foster) Come home to a small-town Christmas through the ages... The close-knit community of Homewood, Minnesota might not even be a dot on most maps. But from its earliest settlement to the present day, a warm Christmas welcome and a shining Moravian star have been its hallmarks of the holiday. Step into the bustle of preparations as a young orphan travels an unexpected path to the Christmas he’s longed for and a boisterous flock of cousins learns the eternal secrets of the Christmas fruit bowl. Follow a wintery road with a widowed mother in the shadow of war and a generous aunt trying her best for her family as they search for a place where they truly belong. Slip into the fire glow next to a lonely stranger with a terrible secret and a hometown girl trying to escape past hurts, and watch Christmas light and love warm even the coldest places. With so many ways to celebrate the season, one reason undergirds them all—and the Christmas stars of Homewood never tire of telling His story! The Collection at a GlanceTitle: A Homewood Christmas Authors: Courtenay Burden, Erika Mathews, Hannah Gridley, Angie Thompson, Rebekah A. Morris, Hannah Foster Genre: Clean Christmas Fiction Theme: Hometown Christmases with Strong Christian Messages Page Count: 482 Launch Date: October 24, 2022 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61530387-a-homewood-christmas Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJV41DM3/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= (This can be ordered as either an ebook or a paperback!) Let's Get the Details!A Homewood Christmas is more than just a collection of Christmas tales. It’s also a holiday treasure hunt that will keep you making surprise connections all the way through. Keep your eyes open for recurring characters, locations, and of course, the special Christmas star that pops up in every story! Star of Bethlehem (Courtenay Burden): As ten-year-old Earnest tries to help his new aunt fit in to the family during the Christmas of 1843, he learns valuable lessons about fitting in himself as he ponders the fact that Bethlehem had no room for his Savior. The Christmas Fruit Bowl (Erika Mathews): During Christmas 1900, it seems nothing can redeem the holiday for Auntie Beth’s nine nieces and nephew—except perhaps a treasured heirloom that holds eternal lessons about the true Christmas fruit of the spirit. Room in the Manger? (Hannah Gridley): During World War II, a widowed mother in the big city takes her young children home for Christmas so they can experience a real family Christmas in Homewood, but will they find room in the busy little town? Home Forever (Angie Thompson): Just before Christmas of 1955, a big-city visitor offers Magda the perfect present for her family—or is it truly what they want after all? He is Still Emmanuel (Rebekah A. Morris): Aunt Peggy befriends a troubled young woman during the Christmas season of 1985, but can she show her that, no matter what, Jesus is still Emmanuel? An Auntie for Christmas (Hannah Foster): All seven-year-old Lora wants for Christmas 2013 is for Auntie Jaz to come home--but can old hurts be mended in time for the holiday? Meet the AuthorsAm I the only one who finds that who wrote the book is half of what makes me read a book or not? Well, here's some information about these ladies so you can read about them and then, if you'd like, check out their sites! Courtenay Burden is a homeschool graduate, Victorian fanatic, and author of historical fiction. She loves working with yarn, devouring history, playing the occasional game of chess, and discovering new ways to cook the humble potato. She is passionate about good and great literature—writing that embodies both literary and spiritual excellence for the glory of Christ. Connect with Courtenay: sawpublishing.com Erika Mathews writes Christian living books, both fiction and non-fiction, that demonstrate the power of God in ordinary people, transforming daily life into His resting life. The author of the kingdom adventure fiction series Truth from Taerna, she’s passionate about encouraging others to intimately know Jesus. She enjoys playing with her children, editing, anything outdoors, being organized, autumn, apple crisp, and sunrises. Connect with Erika: restinglife.com Hannah Gridley is a church employee, a music teacher, and a historical fiction author from Arkansas. She loves gardening, online team games, English, and hot tea. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her outdoors in the garden or hiking, reading, or trying to grow something exotic. Connect with Hannah: goodreads.com/user/show/17442587-hannah or on Truth Social as @BookwormHannahGardens An avid reader and incurable story-spinner, Angie Thompson also enjoys volunteering in her church’s children’s program and starting (but not always finishing) various kinds of craft projects. She currently lives in central Virginia near most of her incredible family, including two parents, six brothers, one sister, and five siblings-in-law—plus four nieces, six nephews, and several assorted pets! Connect with Angie: quietwaterspress.com Rebekah A. Morris is a homeschool graduate, an enthusiastic freelance author, and a passionate writing teacher. Her books include, among others, Home Fires of the Great War, The Unexpected Request, Gift from the Storm, and her bestselling Triple Creek Ranch series. Some of her favorite pastimes, when she isn’t writing, include reading and coming up with dramatic and original things to do. The Show-Me state is where she calls home. Connect with Rebekah: readanotherpage.com/blog Hannah Foster was born and raised in North Carolina where she was homeschooled with her eight siblings. She attended college in Minnesota where she got her bachelor’s degree in literature, learned to survive temperatures of below zero, and became Mrs. Foster. Hannah loves writing small-town Christian romance with spunky, sassy women and strong, protective men. And if you started running as soon as you saw she writes romance, then she hopes you’ll come back and give it a chance. She writes for the ones who think they hate romance because romance as designed by God is good, beautiful, and right. So if you love small towns, families that love, gentle romance, delightful characters, and an imperfect church serving a perfect God, then you’ve come to the right place. If you don’t find Hannah reading or writing a book, you might find her watercolor painting, playing tennis with her husband, or making coffee at a small-town cafe. Connect with Hannah: hannahfosterwrites.wordpress.com Note: I have not personally read all of these stories, so I cannot give a complete endorsement. However, I have read something by all but one of these authors (and trust them!) and have even read one of these stories, "Star of Bethlehem" (which I fell in love with and so enjoyed!!). I am so excited to Lord willing be getting the book for myself and reading the rest! I hope that you will consider getting this special collection for you and perhaps a family member or friend as well! (Just click the graphic below to be taken to this book's page on Amazon!) What do you think about this collection? Are you considering getting it?
If you've read just the name of this blog, you are at least somewhat familiar with Psalm 45 (as that is where the idea of a glorious daughter of the King comes from). The last several verses of this Psalm tell us what the King's daughter is like. It's almost like Proverbs 31, but it doesn't get talked about as much, at least in my experience. But first of all, who is the King's daughter? The King's daughter is any girl who has put her faith in Jesus and accepted Him as her Savior. She's seen herself as a sinner, and she's called out to Him to save her through His gift of eternal life that He gave to us through His death on the cross. It's the most important decision that we will ever be faced with. More in-depth information about how to become a daughter of the King can be found up on the menu bar by clicking on "Becoming a Daughter." ;) But, with that being said, let's take a look at some things that Psalm 45 has to say about the King's daughter! She Places High Priority on God's Word"Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear" ~Psalm 45:10a As a King's daughter, we should be listening to, meditating on, and purposefully exposing ourselves to God's Word. We should be reading the Bible, God's book that He's written to us. It's not necessary to read a certain number of verses or chapters; it's the quality of our time with Him over the quantity of the verses we read. We can start small and work our way up! She's Separated to God"...forget also thine own people, and thy father's house" ~Psalm 45:10b This verse isn't saying that we're supposed to leave our families behind. However, we are called to be a part of God's family and to be separate from the things of this world, which for some, includes the religion or habits of their family or culture. Don't let what other people are doing stand between you and being the kind of daughter He desires you to be! 2 Corinthians 6: 16-18 says, "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." She Worships Him"So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him." ~Psalm 45:11 The King's daughter worships her Father. Sometimes when we think of worship, we tend to think of things like raising a hand in the air when singing or saying things to praise Him. Those are both wonderful things, but real worship is in the heart. John 4:24 says, "God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." God is looking for people who will worship them in their spirit. Not just outwardly, but in the inside, even where no one else sees. He's looking for inward, genuine worship. I've heard it said that then, from that inward worship, comes the outward things like singing or raising a hand. This progression of inward worship and then outward is seen in Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength, and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." She Has Inward Beauty"The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework..." ~Psalm 45:13-14a God made us to be beautiful, but what He really desires is for us to be beautiful on the inside. The king's daughter is all glorious within. Sure, she has some outward features that are beautiful, but that isn't what really matters in the end. Psalm 51:6 says, "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." In 1 Timothy and 1 Peter, the Bible specifically talks about women and what they are to be clothed in. I Peter 3:3-4 teaches, having talked about wives in the last two verses, "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." The verses in 1 Timothy are often used to talk about modesty. What's interesting to note here though is that the main key to modesty that Paul talks about is within the heart and not what's outside. What's outside stems from what's in the heart. "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." She Brings Others to the King"...the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace." ~Psalm 45: 14b-15 She brings people to her Father and points her friends to God's love and salvation He has for them. We all have friends and family members that we can lead to God. Whether that be that she tells them about God's plan of salvation for them or, if they've already accepted His gift, that she leads the conversation toward things of God and encourages them in the Lord, she's bringing people to Christ. And of out this comes rejoicing and gladness. Psalm 126:6 promises us, "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." That precious seed is the good news of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Who can we tell about Christ today? Who can we encourage in the Lord? What people are following us and how can we lead them to the King? Bearing this precious seed, caring about people's souls to the point of tears for them, promises that we'll doubtless come again with rejoicing. She Is Remembered"Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth. I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever." ~Psalm 45:16-17 The King's daughter leaves something behind her. She's raised her children and they have gone on to influence others. Because of that, she's remembered and praised. She lived her life for something that mattered, and even after her death, the benefits are still being reaped. These verses remind me of what Proverbs 31:30-31 says about the virtuous woman: "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." There are rewards for living for our King, and it will make a difference! While others live their lives for things that won't really matter, we can be assured that the work that we do as a daughter of the King, as long as we are doing what He bids us to, will have everlasting rewards and everlasting meaning. How amazing is that?! I encourage you to find time to read these verses together as a whole! They really are an encouragement! Have you ever gotten to study these verses?
So, last week was a busy week over here on the blog, huh? It was fun though, sharing all those good books! BUT! I'm still getting a feel for what sort of things y'all enjoy seeing here, so I need your help! What did you think of the Five Fall Favorites? Are you interested in Christian book/author recommendations being shared here? (And it's totally okay and wanted for you to say no if it wasn't quite your thing!) Let me know down in the comments so that I can better brainstorm about what sort of things to have here on the blog! And the other thing I wanted to mention today. Sometimes when a disaster happens, like Hurricane Ian down in Florida, we remember for a couple weeks. It's all over the news and we're all talking about it for a while, but then we sort of move on and forget. But I wanted to encourage everyone, myself included, not to forget. Let's not forget to pray for them. They haven't forgotten. They won't ever forget. They lost their homes. Mothers lost all those coloring pictures that had been colored for them and saved over the years. Fathers who had worked for years to provide their families with a home and stable environment now may find that it seems that all that has been destroyed. Children have lost all the little things that were precious to them, and they nor their parents know all the answers. Besides physical possessions, some lost family members. Family members who they may never see again. And as sad as this is to think about, many of them have no hope. Many don't have a God to trust that He has a plan and that He is taking care of them. They have nowhere to run, nowhere to put their faith, nowhere to point their children to. They won't forget. So let's not either. Let's pray for them. Let's pray that God will use it to show Himself to them, and that He'll work in their heart and lives to bring them to Him. Let's pray that they'll find where true hope lies. And let's pray for God's children that were affected too. Let's pray that they will run to their Shield and Rock and trust that He has a plan and will take care of and lead them every single moment. Let's pray that they'll bond together as families and churches and see God's power among them. Because God can do it. God sent that storm for a reason. He loves each and every one of those that were affected by it. He sees the end, and He has a perfect, holy plan. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." ~Romans 8:28 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." ~Jeremiah 29:11 So let's pray and not forget so easily. It's so easy, I know because I do this, to look over a crowd of people that you don't even know and find it difficult to feel compassion for them. But Jesus had compassion for the crowds. In Mark 6, Jesus sent His disciples to witness to various cities. When they came back, He invited them to come to a desert place and rest awhile. So they got into a ship and made their way "privately." But when they got there, they saw that the crowd had followed them. How frustrating that could be! But verse 34 records His reaction when He looked on them. "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things." ~Mark 6:34 He was moved with compassion, just by looking over a crowd of people! Let's together strive to have compassion for the multitudes and not forget their heartache and need for a Refuge. Let's keep praying for those affected by the hurricane, as well as for the others that God lays on our heart. He loves them, and He doesn't forget their heartache. Neither should we. Are there any ways that you try to show compassion to others? What did you think about the Five Fall Favorites and doing other Christan bookish things occasionally here on the blog?
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