Esther Filbrun

Able to Give So Much More

October 7, 2019 // Esther Filbrun Leave a Comment

Don’t you love it when some words just seem to speak out to you when you read them in the Bible? You can read the same passage many, many times—but then in that moment of inspiration, a “rhema” speaks to you, and you’re given something to ponder for the next little while. (By the way, I love IBLP’s description of what a rhema is. You can check that out here.)

This morning, it was 2 Chronicles 25:9 that spoke to me:

“And Amaziah said to the man of God, ‘But what shall we do about the hundred talents that I have given to the army of Israel?’ The man of God answered, ‘The LORD is able to give you much more than this.’” (ESV, emphasis mine)

This past week has had a lot of unanswered questions for me as I’ve been seeking God’s direction in my life. I’ve been looking for a new job, but nothing has happened yet in that direction, so while a lot of thought has been put into that, I haven’t seen results (partly because I ended up getting a touch of laryngitis early last week, and couldn’t call about jobs—thankfully that’s over now!).

Whatever I do, I want to serve the Lord. So with this morning’s rhema, I was quite encouraged. Whatever happens in this next week, no matter where I end up working (or not!), He is going before me. He is well able to give me much more than I can imagine, and that gives me an immense measure of hope for the future. I know I can rest in His plans for my life.

Whether that ends up being cleaning motels this summer, spending my time here at home with my family, or doing something further afield.

“The LORD is able to give you much more…”

I can just imagine the prophet standing there before the king, having just delivered his message, and hearing the king’s response. He sounds shocked, as he turns on the king with a disappointed tone, “but don’t you know…that the Lord can give you much more than this!? Who is He, anyway?”

I needed that rebuke to my faithlessness this morning. Perhaps you did, too. 🙂 Keep trusting in Him, dear friend!

What rhemas have you been given lately? What “much more” are you looking for from Him right now?

A Shout-Out to All Creators!

October 4, 2019 // Esther Filbrun 1 Comment

I don’t remember now how the conversation first started, but I got to talking with my younger brothers about a particularly annoying dragon in one of the stories I’d written. When met with blank faces, I realized they hadn’t ever heard the story, even though I wrote it for my siblings, intending to read it to them later!

My youngest brother immediately started campaigning for me to find it so I could read it to them, so over the last few weeks, I’ve taken time to do that now and then. We’re about half-way through the story now, which is significantly longer than I thought it would be (turns out it’s just under 20,000 words long!).

There have been two, no, three things that have struck me since starting to read this book aloud:

It’s not a bad thing to wait for a while to read through a book. I thought it was a fairly mediocre story soon after I wrote it, but waiting nearly two years to read it has changed my perspective quite a bit. I don’t know if I’d recommend waiting that long before you even read through your work for the first time, but you get a great perspective on the story—so much is new again!
I can write semi-funny things. I’ve laughed out loud several different times at unexpected happenings, and that’s a really fun discovery!
Some of my story ideas actually work. At least, for me and my family, which is the most important thing to me. I don’t know if this story will ever see the light of day in any editing/publishing roles, but I enjoyed the creation process, and I’m enjoying the sharing process, too.

Are you creating anything right now? Does it feel like absolute junk—like mine did? Keep working at it. Finish it. You never know what kind of gems you might find in your files years down the track!

Keep creating!

Haven of Rest: Blog Tour and Giveaway!

October 3, 2019 // Esther Filbrun 2 Comments

Today, I get to share with you a book from a series I’ve really been enjoying lately: Haven of Rest! It’s book #4 in the Tales of the East series by Faith Blum, and guys. I think this has to be my most favorite set of books I’ve seen from Blum so far. I’ve really appreciated her other books, but this series has something special about it that I love. She shares the Biblical world in such a matter-of-fact, yet interesting way, with some intriguing plots. (If you’re interested in reading my review of book #1 in the series, Trust and Obey, go here.)

The funny thing is, I really don’t know why I love them so much—just that I do. So when I saw the opportunity come up to review this one, I knew I wanted to do that, too. And here we are!

Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links. Your purchase through these links doesn’t cost you any extra, but goes toward keeping this blog going. Thank you! Also, I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. I did end up buying my own copy, but thought you might want to know anyway…. 🙂

About the book:

Ignored by her father…

Adah was neglected by her abba and her brother. She must do something. All her previous plans have failed, but she won’t slip up this time. Since her abba is King David, author of many songs, what better way to gain his attention than pulling off a concert featuring twelve of his daughters?

As she plans, Adah’s discontentment grows. She throws herself into the work but worry edges into her heart anyway. Can Adah learn to rest in Adonai as her father? Will she learn contentment in all things?

Click here to get your copy!

My review:

It’s so hard to sum up a book you both enjoyed and didn’t! I’ve loved the whole series so far. The plots are fairly simple, but definitely enjoyable. I love Faith Blum’s perspective on what the Biblical times would have looked like, and that admiration has stayed fairly steady throughout the series.

This book, though, was both good and challenging. I loved how music—a central element to King David’s life—played a major role in the first part of this book. I also loved seeing the main character work through accepting a decision she didn’t agree with, and learning to yield herself to the Lord’s greater plan.

Unfortunately, I struggled to see an overarching theme in this book—I can see how they go together, in a way, but it felt like you were all set up for one thing to happen and all of a sudden the story took an unprecedented turn in another, completely different, direction. Also, the way the characters related with each other didn’t seem very likely to me—the wives of David seemed to be portrayed as living in their own spaces (huts or assigned rooms, I’m not sure which), and not interacting much at all. Cooking separate meals, working on separate projects inside their own rooms, etc. I believe as part of David’s family, they would have had a lot more interaction, living in more of a communal lifestyle—the values and ways of living life are quite different than portrayed here (or maybe I just picked it up all wrong—I have no idea!).

In saying that, I still enjoyed the book. There were some good thoughts in here. It just wasn’t one of my top favorites of the series. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next book holds!

About the Author:

Faith Blum is a small-town Wisconsin girl. She has independently published over 25 books in over five years. Most of her books are Christian Historical Fiction with an emphasis on Westerns. During an eBook sale, she was #1 in Christian Westerns and Christian Western Anthologies on Amazon. During that sale, she sold over 3,000 copies.

Faith currently resides in Central Wisconsin with her husband and their cat, Smokey. When not writing, you can find her cooking food from scratch due to food allergies, doing dishes, knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, or spending time with her husband. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to contact her on her website: https://faithblum.com.

Blog Tour Stops:

Comment on these to get extra entries in the tour giveaway!

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 21
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 22
All 4 and About Books, September 23 (Author Interview)
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 24
Wishful Endings, September 25 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain, September 26
Inklings and notions , September 27
Through the Fire Blogs, September 28
Mary Hake, September 29
Lukewarm Tea, September 30 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, October 1
Purposeful Learning, October 2
janicesbookreviews, October 3
Just the Write Escape, October 4

Giveaway!

And, finally, the giveaway! This looks like a very fun set to win.

To celebrate her tour, Faith is giving away a themed basket with two plastic canvas heart bookmarks, a paperback copy of the book, and a crocheted doily (I’d love to see how the doily is made…I’ve been dreaming of making one sometime soon when I can get the right thread)!

Be sure to comment here and on the other blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Go here to enter.

What Biblical historical fiction have you been reading lately? Who is your favorite author that writes in this genre? (I think mine is probably Connilyn Cossette at the moment, but Blum is a close second!)

Changes and Opportunities

September 16, 2019 // Esther Filbrun Leave a Comment

Yesterday, I got the news that due to changes where I work, I will only be working one day a week instead of the two I normally do. In effect, that means my hours are halved, which is rather major! I fully support my bosses and agree with their decision—sometimes, no matter how much we’d like things to work one way, they just can’t for a while. Eventually, perhaps, I’ll go back to working two days per week for them again, but only if they need it. Since I am a house helper, ideally the children will get old enough and competent enough eventually to be able to take over my job—so I’d be out of work then, anyway.

We’ll see!

For now, I’m thankful to still have something of a job.

I admit; I was a little disappointed when I got the news (who wouldn’t be?), but in thinking about it, I’ve realized this could be another opportunity for God to show me the next step to take. I’ve always prayed that the Lord would open the doors before me when the right time comes, and when that time comes He would show me what doors are open so I can walk through them. When one opportunity seemed to come to an end, He always has brought another along.

This opportunity for ministry with that family hasn’t fully come to an end yet, so I’m sure He still has work here for me to do. Wherever I am, I want to be able to bless others. To show them the Lord’s goodness, and perhaps be His “hands and feet” for them.

I’m sure that’s the longing of many young women—and if you’re one of them, I’d like to encourage you to keep trusting the Lord! He will bring the right next step to you in His timing. Yes, the in-between might be a little disconcerting, but trust His promises.

I always feel a sort of push-and-pull. I believe it’s necessary to find contentment where we are, but we also aren’t called to just sit and wait for something to drop into our laps. Finding a balance between the two is needed. I’m praying the Lord will show me what I should do with the extra time He’s given me—because He has a plan for that, too. Pray with me, if you think about it! And if you have something I can pray for you for, please comment below or send me an email: esther[at]learningresourcedirectory[dot]com. I’d love to hear from you!

No matter what you’re facing today, keep your eyes on Him. Watch for the open doors.

“For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.” (II Samuel 22:29)

What challenges are you facing right now?

Tripping: Punakaiki Cavern, July 2019

September 13, 2019 // Esther Filbrun Leave a Comment

Well, I intended to get this post up last month, but that didn’t happen—my baby sister was born on August 20th, and life became a bit crazy for a while after that! Here I am now, though, with some pictures of a bit of caving (or is that spelunking?) that we got to do near the end of July—I’m hoping we can go back there sometime!

First, a picture of the sign and entrance. Doesn’t look like much, does it? We didn’t expect much more than a little hole in the rocks.

When we got in there, we discovered several large rooms, and branching off from there were lots of little side-tunnels! I’m sure we didn’t explore them all, but the ones we did see were fascinating!

The boys, of course, had to find a rope and explore the upper level:

I was intrigued by the different stalactite and stalagmite formations I saw:

I think we were all thankful we took lights with us—that made the exploration much more interesting!

The main room was massive!

In all, it was a very successful adventure, and I think we’d all like to go back and visit!

Have you ever gone caving before? What was your most memorable adventure underground? I think mine was when we took a trip through Mammoth Cave in Kentucky when I was a girl! That was fascinating!

Protecting the Poor: My Latest Favorite Medieval Fantasy!

August 29, 2019 // Esther Filbrun 3 Comments

Hello, friends! I’m here again today to share a new book from one of my favorite self-published authors, Amanda Tero. I’ve been reading her books for years now, and have enjoyed every single one! I really enjoyed reading The Secret Slipper two years ago when that released, and I’ve been eagerly anticipating the time when Protecting the Poor would be coming out—and here it is now!

(Some links in this blog post are affiliate links—your purchases through these links help support this blog at no extra expense to you. Thank you! Also, Amanda Tero generously sent me a free ecopy of this book.)

Although I haven’t enjoyed all fantasy books I’ve read, I have really enjoyed the Tales of Faith series. I need to re-read the first two, because it’s been a while, but I believe this book is probably my favorite of the lot. Perhaps it’s because Robin Hood’s story has always intrigued me; perhaps it’s because of the faith woven into the story in a way I really appreciated, I don’t know. But if you like reading medieval stories with a good faith base, I’d recommend this. It’s fun, but also really good.

Guest Post from Amanda:

It is always interesting to see the theme of a story unfold. When I started Protecting the Poor, I wasn’t fully sure where Noel’s and Dumphey’s journeys would take them. They are two very different characters—and one thing that I find unique is they both have strengths that the other person envies. Noel is the shy, quiet type, but he is grounded firmly in what he believes is right and wrong Biblically. Dumphey tends to be more headstrong, leaning on his own understanding, but one of the first to take action when he feels it’s needed. In Protecting the Poor, they both have to learn to do something that God is leading them to do, but they are scared to do it. Have you been there before? What helped you to follow God regardless of your fears?

About the Book

Sheriff Feroci is now lord over the province, and Abtshire has become a pit of injustice. Being forced into the lord’s service does not give Dumphey as many opportunities to help the poor as he desires. When attempts on his life drive him into the forest, this freedom opens a world of possibilities for helping others. But how can he do so when he is running for his life? And does God want him to do more than simply feed the poor?

Noel has always hidden behind the shadow of his older brother, Dumphey. When life forces him to stand on his own, will he still follow God in the corrupt world in which he lives? Would God really call him to do something that is beyond his power to do?

As Lord Feroci’s sinister plot comes to light, each lad has a choice to make. A choice that could cost them their lives.

Find on Amazon | Add to Goodreads

Giveaway!

There’s a giveaway going! One U.S. Winner will receive the complete paperback Tales of Faith series, and one International Winner will receive the complete eBook series. Enter here, or click the picture above.

Order Paperbacks

Do you want to get a signed copy of Protecting the Poor? Order here!

About the Series:

Read my review of Befriending the Beast here | Find it on Amazon | Add on Goodreads

Read my review of The Secret Slipper here | Find it on Amazon | Add on Goodreads

About the Author

Amanda Tero began her love for words at a young age—reading anything she could get her hands on and penning short stories as young as age eight. Since graduation, she has honed her writing skills by dedicated practice and study of the writing craft. She began her journey of publication with a few short stories that she had written for her sisters and continues to add to her collection with other short stories, novellas, and novels. It is her utmost desire to write that which not only pleases her Lord and Savior, but also draws the reader into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

Connect with Amanda:

Blog Tour

Here are links to all the other bloggers who are participating in the release of Protecting the Poor!

Monday – August 26, 2019
With a Joyful Noise – Protecting the Poor Release Post
Life of Heritage Corner – Interview, Review, Giveaway
Great Books for God’s Girls – Interview, Review
Peculiar Miss Darcy – Interview
Honey Rock Hills – Review
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations – Spotlight, Review, Guest Post

Tuesday – August 27, 2019
We’ve Got Pockets – Review
Maidens for Modesty – Giveaway, Guest Post
A Brighter Destiny – Spotlight

Wednesday – August 28, 2019
Soldier Girl Stories – Interview
Purposeful Learning – Spotlight, Guest Post

Thursday – August 29, 2019
Rachel Rossano’s Works – Spotlight, Guest Post
In My Bookcase – Review, Giveaway

Friday – August 30, 2019
Losing the Busyness – Spotlight, Review, Giveaway
Resting Life – Guest Post

Saturday – August 31, 2019
Blossoms and Blessings – Spotlight, Review, Guest Post
Verbosity Reviews – Spotlight, Review, Guest Post, Giveaway
God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae – Review
Reading on the Edge – Spotlight

Monday – September 2, 2019
With a Joyful Noise – Giveaway Winner Announced

Do you want to be involved in Amanda’s next release? (I want to be; I’m quite excited about this one!)

Wedding Score is open for reviewers, bloggers, and influencers. Sign up here.

What was your recent favorite fantasy read?