Esther Filbrun

#KnotForgotten

July 18, 2018 // Esther Filbrun Leave a Comment

Maybe a month ago now, I came across a mention on Open Doors NZ’s website about a project called Knot Forgotten. Interested, I clicked through for more information—and immediately signed up to be part. It’s taken me a while to collect supplies, but now I’m nearly done with my first project—and what fun!

The main idea behind Knot Forgotten is to make stuffed animals to send to children overseas, especially refugee children or others in similar situations. I saw the other day that several Open Doors/Knot Forgotten workers were delivering two huge garbage bags full of handmade toys to Syrian refugee children!

While it might not seem like the most practical use of time and resources (after all, wouldn’t things like clothing and food be a better option to send them?), there are a few reasons why I’m excited about this particular project.

The children will have something to call their own—something they can hang onto when they’re frightened, and something to play with that doesn’t involve more fear and sadness. (And hey, if they already lead happy lives, this will just add to it!)
I can pray for the children while I make them. I often feel like there are too many things to pray about (aack! this world is so needy!), and feel somewhat stymied when it comes to prayer, but this is one way I can direct my prayer.
Slightly selfish, perhaps, but I have an excuse to crochet! For other people! And I know it will be appreciated!

So far, I’ve only managed to make the main body of one bear, and have its nose and one ear ready to attach. I need to figure out how to sew features on (hello again, embroidery!), and then I can work on the finishing touches.

This first one is for my dear little sister. I thought it would be good to try out the pattern before I actually properly make it, so it’s been fun to create with her in mind—aka, as many pinks and purples as I can comfortably put on there!

It’s also a very simple pattern, so that makes it easy as this is the first stuffed toy I’ve ever made (unless you count the time I rescued a broken china doll…). I’d be excited to try to create my own versions eventually after I’ve had the practice of making the other two crochet animals in the pattern set I was sent.

For now, I will finish this cream-and-pink bear, and dream up other color combinations. I’ve come across several gorgeous variegated balls of yarn lately (watch out, yarn selection in our local home and living store!), and can’t wait to start using them. I also have quite a few odds and ends that I’ve picked up from different thrift stores over the years, so I’m hoping I can use some of those, as well. We’ll see! The opportunities are endless!

Let’s discuss: Do you enjoy doing handicrafts? What have you made recently (handmade or otherwise)?

Trust and Obey: A Book After My Own Heart (Book Review & Blog Tour)

June 30, 2018 // Esther Filbrun Leave a Comment

Years ago, I started a short story that was supposed to be based in ancient Israel. Later that year, I did NaNoWriMo for the first time, and re-wrote the story plus at least 10,000 words of a very long sidetrack involving a cave and hiding from the enemy (oh, fun!). Hey, it helped me win that year, anyway! Over the following year, I didn’t even look back on that draft—I knew it was so bad it needed a complete re-write. Since then, it has gone through several revisions, although I haven’t touched the story for three or four years now.

Even so, the setting in 66-67 AD Jerusalem has gripped my heart and I still remember the hours of research and figuring out story tidbits fondly. It was a fascinating time in Jewish history; not very pretty, but also containing some truly amazing things.

Some links in this post are affiliate links. Your purchase through these links helps to support this blog—thank you!

Fast forward to a month or so ago when I saw the announcement of author Faith Blum’s new book, Trust and Obey. After reading the synopsis and seeing the cover, I knew I wanted to read it, too. Turns out it has a good amount of similarities with my story, so I felt like I had come home when I opened the book and sat down to read!

About the Book

A wicked priestess, a morally corrupt king, and two children stuck in the middle…

Hadassah and Gidal love their parents and will do anything for them. When Priestess Basmat tell Ehud and Jerusha to pay their debt, they cannot and she takes Hadassah and Gidal as her slaves for two years.

The priestess works them hard, but there are two other servants to divide the load with, so they cope as well as they can. Then King Saul comes in disguise requesting the priestess’s other services—as a medium.

Will Hadassah and Gidal trust Adonai to take care of them? What will happen after Priestess Basmat comes face-to-face with the prophet Samuel?

Buy a copy on Amazon / Add it on Goodreads

My Review

Trust and Obey was one of those books you pick up, expecting a fairly light read, and find yourself sucked into right away. I don’t know if it was because I was on a reading binge (pre-test jitters, anyone?), or if it was because the story was just that good, but I had a hard time putting this book down.

I loved the setting for this story. David, not-quite-yet king of Israel, is still dealing with Saul, trying to respect him as God’s anointed. Saul is struggling with no connection with God—and he’s scared about the future. And Hadassah and her brother are slaves to an evil woman who claims to be God’s priestess but often does other things that seem to contradict that claim.

I’ve loved settings in ancient Israel ever since I wrote my story. So seeing another author’s idea of what that may have been like a few hundred years previous to that (although still roughly in the “same” culture) was very intriguing.

This book stuck pretty close to the Biblical narrative, which I appreciated. I did enjoy the details that were added to help the story flow better, even though at times I wondered if the characters would have really done what they did in the situation in real life.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and glimpse into Biblical history. The theme of obedience even when it seems unnecessary came through very well, and was a good reminder that even when I don’t understand why God wants me to do something, I should step out in faith. Another great book from Faith Blum!

I requested a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

About the Author

Faith Blum is a small-town Wisconsin girl. She’s lived in, or outside of, small towns her whole life. The thought of living in a city with more than 60,000 people in it scares her, especially after some interesting adventures driving through big cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Faith currently resides in the middle of the state of Wisconsin with her husband and their cat, Smokey. She is blessed to be able to have writing as her full-time career with household work and cooking to do on the side. She loves to paint walls as long as she doesn’t have to do hallways or ceilings.

When not writing, you can find her cooking food from scratch due to food allergies (fun), doing dishes (meh), knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, or spending time with her husband (yay!). She is also a Community Assistant for the Young Writers Workshop and loves her work there. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to contact her on her website.

Let’s discuss: What was the last historical fiction you’ve read recently? Have you ever written a story, only to abandon it later?

Winter Wondering

June 28, 2018 // Esther Filbrun Leave a Comment

The sun has just set behind the mountains. It’s going to be another cold one tonight. These days, we often wake up to hoar frost outside and wish we could cuddle under the covers for another couple hours until the bedroom grows a little warmer.

Now is the time of year when sunsets are dusty pinks—not a huge amount of color, but beautiful all the same. It’s the time of year when few birds flit around, but the ones that are still here are precious and welcome. They carry the promise that winter will not always be here—that just as cold has slowly settled onto the land, warmth will follow with a riot of color and mud come spring. This is the time when multiple hot drinks are the norm on chilly days, and soft, fuzzy blankets are a must. When reading in a cozy spot is an absolute delight. When candles burn brighter, and we let them go longer, because their soft, hazy glow is such a delight on chilly evenings.

As much as I used to hate winter, I’m learning to embrace it. Yes, it’s cold in the mornings—but when the sun breaks into the world, you feel like cheering. There’s a beautiful view of the mountains from the kitchen where I work, and I’ve grown to really appreciate seeing the sunrise reflecting in oranges and pinks on their peaks first, then fuller in paler yellows as the sun gets higher, before it finally touches the high board fence around the garden and the green fern trees within it and voila! another day has begun.

Winter has put me into a meditative mood.

I wonder about why it’s so hard for me sometimes to be thankful, to see the blessings around me, when it used to come naturally like a needle in a seamstress’s hand.

I wonder why I don’t blog very much, even though I still enjoy the idea and used to love sharing my musings on my own online platform.

I wonder why my sourdough bread is turning out with consistent results, and my yeast bread isn’t—with the same recipe, week after week.

I wonder what the gardens of our souls will be like in another ten or fifteen years. Are there things I’m not watering and feeding that I should be? Or things that I’m over-emphasizing right now?

I wonder what simple, childlike faith really looks like. When encrusted with do’s and don’ts and preoccupations and misconceptions, life can get muddly (is that a word? probably not…I’ll go with it anyway).

I wonder at the beauty and simplicity I see in bare tree branches with little buds prepared, just waiting for the whisper of warmth to breathe through their twigs and announce “life has come!”

And I wonder…when that same Voice whispers in my heart, do I listen?

So while I continue catching glimpses of sunrises and sunsets, and birds talking in the trees outside, I will wonder. I will live each day with hope of being able to serve my Savior more. I will keep seeking for beauty, reaching for stars. And maybe—in the looking, wondering, and trusting—I will find that though I may wish for parts of my life to be different, the life I’ve been given is already more enough. Even in winter.

Like Spurgeon so ably put it,

“Beloved, it is not the office, it is earnestness; it is not position, it is grace which will enable us to glorify God. […] [B]e not discontented with your calling. Whatever God has made your position, or your work, abide in that, unless you are quite sure that he calls you to something else. […] Fill your present sphere to his praise, and if He needs you in another He will show it you.” (From Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon, June 27 evening reading)

Let’s discuss: What are you pondering right now? What are you appreciating about your season right now?

Kiera: Worst. Distraction. Ever. (Book Review & Blog Tour!)

June 20, 2018 // Esther Filbrun 4 Comments

One of the most fun things I’ve done in the internet world for the last few years is following authors, really enjoy reading their blogs, and then getting to read their books. I don’t think there’s anything quite as special as finding your newest favorite authors that way! Most recently, I saw a signup form for a book tour for a book called Kiera coming from a blog I read on a pretty regular basis. I figured I’d probably like it, so I signed up—without reading the synopsis, or anything (rather dangerous, yes!).

I also had another couple review books going at the time, so wondered how it would all work out—having four reading deadlines within a month isn’t always a great idea for me. BUT! I wanted to read this, so I signed up.

And I am so glad I did.

Legal jargon: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

My previous three stories leading up to this one involved ancient history, a modern-day Christmas story, and Biblical historical fiction—each excellent. So when I started Kiera and hit a “radiation storm”, my brain went reeling—until I found myself fully immersed in a futuristic America with some terrible problems!

After the first chapter, though, the action ramped up and I had quite the struggle focusing on work. I knew I wouldn’t have any time the following day to read, so that made it extra-tempting to keep going once I had started, aside from the fact that disentangling myself from the story for any length of time was well-nigh impossible (I’m sorry, family).

It was so bad—this trying to forget the book while I focused on writing and editing other reviews—that I sent a letter or so to the author complaining. I tell ya, it doesn’t happen often for this girl, so I was really enjoying it, despite not getting anything else done!

Anyway, this book. First of all, being set in a futuristic America was super neat. It took a little time for my brain to rearrange to fit that after the books I had been reading leading up to it—something like what happens when we play the card game Dutch Blitz the normal way, and then change to one of our crazier variations! But, once I had made the switch, I fell in love with the setting. And instantly began worrying for Kiera.

I don’t think I ever prayed for the characters throughout the day it took to finish this book—not quite. But oh, the temptation was there! (Is that wrong? I don’t know. I don’t think I’ll be asking, either.)

The characters in this story? Each one was special in their own right, and every single one came across very realistically. The plot? Deeper than I expected, and with a few perfect “I didn’t see that one coming!” twists that made me love it even more.

The thing I loved the most was the love shown in this book. I know that probably sounds convoluted, but that was one of the best parts to it, in my opinion. The characters showed genuine Christ-like love to each other, and that was beautiful. It wasn’t always easy—sometimes, it was really hard—but they made choices that would be better for everyone in the long-run. The results of their choices were beautiful.

I did struggle with a few things—like trying to figure out what was going on with the politics in the book, or what kind of technology they were actually using, or who the main character’s family was. I think I got most of it near the end of the book, but it wasn’t very clear—people were mentioned, but the connections weren’t necessarily explained. All of these things, while they aren’t huge problems, did make it a little harder to connect with the overall setting, because mentions were vague—but the plot and writing style carried the story so well that it didn’t matter as much to me as it could in other books.

One of the biggest things I enjoyed in this book was the depth of the main conflict—both physical, and spiritual. Several different major themes in this book were ones that could be applicable in many different situations, and it was good to see how they played out here. Whether it was choosing to do the right thing over having personal comfort, or loving expecting nothing in return, or being a good manager of what you’ve been given, there was a surprising amount of depth in this story. I loved the different applications of those themes—it was very encouraging!

In all, despite perhaps a few world-building issues, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I’m looking forward to re-reading it in the future, and hopefully getting my own print copy one day. It was that good! (And please, oh please, let there be a sequel soon, because I can’t wait!)

(Please note that this story isn’t for younger readers. There are a few things mentioned like abortion and death that, while handled very tactfully, could be disturbing to those younger than early-mid teens.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kate Willis has been homeschooled her whole life in a loving family that values the Gospel of Jesus Christ, creativity, and thoughtful conversations. She is inspired by red shoes, a good story, little children, and chai tea. It is her desire to serve God in the home having a family of her own in the future. She is the author of The Treasure Hunt, The Twin Arrows, Kiera, and two short stories Enjoy the Poodle Skirt and Red Boots.

GIVEAWAY!

Unfortunately, this book isn’t up for sale yet (otherwise, I’d be linking to it…because you really should check it out!). It will be releasing next Friday, Lord willing! BUT, there is a giveaway going! Enter here.

Other tour stops and extra-special things from author Kate Willis can be found on her blog here!

Let’s discuss: What was the last futuristic book you’ve read lately? Or, if it’s been a while, which one is your favorite?

Journibles: A Rich Devotional Resource (Book Review and Blog Tour)

May 19, 2018 // Esther Filbrun 1 Comment

There are some people that are very good salesmen, even if they don’t intend to be. (Or maybe they do…I don’t know.) Anyway, when Chautona Havig shared a review of the Journibles collection on Youtube one day, I watched it and decided I wanted to try it out one day.

Imagine my delight when I saw that it was coming up for review soon, and I’d be able to get a hardcover version! I was thrilled to receive the welcome email, and eagerly anticipated the little package in the mail for the following few weeks—until, one day, there it was!

If there’s anything better than book mail, especially with a book you just can’t wait to dive into, please tell me. But that totally made my day one afternoon after work!

Some links in this review are affiliate links. They help keep this blog going, at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

About the Journibles:

WHY THE 17:18 SERIES?

In Deuteronomy 17, Moses is leaving final instructions concerning the future of Israel. As a prophet of God, Moses foretells of when Israel will place a king over the nation (v. 14). In verse 18, the king is commanded to not simply acquire a copy of the law (the entire book of Deuteronomy) from the scroll publishing house, but to hand write his own copy of the law. Thirty-four hundred years later, educators are discovering that students that physically write out their notes by hand have a much greater retention rate than simply hearing or visually reading the information. Apparently, God knew this to be true of the kings of Israel also. From such understanding came the conception of this series of books.

HOW TO USE THESE BOOKS

Each book is organized so that you can write out your very own copy of Scripture. You will be writing the Bible text only on the right hand page of the book. This should make for easier writing and also allows ample space on the left page to write your own notes and comments. From time to time a question or word will be lightly printed on the left page; these questions are to aid in further study, but should not interfere with your own notes and comments.

Check out the available books here.

My Thoughts:

I think I tend to be a little ADHD about my personal Bible time. For some reason, it always seems like I have four or five different studies all running concurrently, so it is always hard to decide what to do when. Hence, I don’t tend to make a huge amount of progress in any one thing in any particular week, but I switch around some and find inspiration from many different directions. Unlike other studies I’ve done in the past, the Journibles are very much book-based studies. I’m not sure I’ve ever done an in-depth study of any particular book, so it’s a different approach for me.

Despite the difference, though, I’ve found there’s a lot of richness missed when one just reads the scriptures. I’ve read through the Bible cover-to-cover before, probably at least four times, but I rarely ever took notes. It was just a reading exercise, and when I did my allotment for the day, I was done.

Journibles’ purpose is different, though: They intend to slow you down and make you think not only about the chapter as a whole, but see each section in it and each verse and word inside of that. It’s a very effective system.

I’ve only actually spent several personal devotional periods in my Journible so far. However, each time has been rich with meaning. I’m not quite through the first chapter of Proverbs yet, as I’m taking time to comment along the way, but even so there are several things that have jumped out at me that I haven’t noticed before.

Although I haven’t used my Journible (Proverbs) as much yet as I thought I might, I know I’ve learned a lot even in the time I have dedicated to it. There’s power in praying over the Scriptures, asking the Lord for His inspiration from them each day. There’s also power in writing them out—“claiming” them, in a sense, as your own. Each word requires precision and care, and that responsibility really helps you focus on the true meaning. I think the only reason I haven’t done more is my aforementioned ADHD in Bible study, but in all, I am thrilled to have had the chance to try this resource out—I expect I’ll be using them more in the future! It looks like it would also make a great group study tool, too—fairly intensive as far as prep work is concerned, but you would have some gems of thoughts as a result, I think!

Note: I received this book for free from CelebrateLit, in exchange for my honest review.

Check out the other blog tour stops and the giveaway here!

Let’s discuss: What are some of your favorite Bible study tools? Do you journal as part of your Bible time?

11 Bible Verses I Pray Nearly Every Day

May 3, 2018 // Esther Filbrun 2 Comments

I’m not sure where the idea originated for me, exactly. Dad’s been doing it for years—he has a list of verses he rotates through and prays over us children every evening.

I think the idea may have clicked when I saw it being used in a prayer list made for girls on one of the Facebook groups I’m in. The subject was prayers for our husbands, and each day the admin shared a prayer to pray as well as some verses pertaining to the prayer. What amazed me was the fact that these verses—ones I’ve been familiar with since before I can remember—also could be used as powerful, specific prayers! I loved it!

Since then, I set up a prayer notebook/Bible study journal, and whenever I find a verse that would be good to pray for others, I write it down.

There’s something special about praying scripture over other people. I don’t know what it is, exactly, but it comes alive—you can see your hopes and dreams for them expressed within the words of scripture. It’s an invigorating experience. And, truthfully, helpful too, in figuring out how to direct certain prayers for different ones!

11 Bible Verses I Pray Nearly Every Day — photo courtesy of www.christianpics.co

So today, I’m sharing my favorite verses that I pray for different ones I know:

My Brothers

This is the essence of what I want for my brothers—that they can be physically, mentally, and spiritually strong, the Word of God can be part of their daily lives, and that they will have victory over the evil one. It’s an amazing verse to pray for all young men (and women, too!)

“I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” (1 John 2:14b)

This one is a little newer to me, but it’s also a precious verse. It’s great for praying for yourself, or others—just change out all the me’s for him or them!

“Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” (Psalm 25:4-5)

Church Family/Missionaries

This one is close to my heart, because of the spiritual attacks we’ve seen over the years against the church, and the struggles I know missionaries experience every day. I know there are quite a few different verses you could use when praying for the strengthening of the church and of the Lord’s servants out on the field, but right now this is my go-to:

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

I also really appreciate this verse—what a promise to all of us! Yes, what power we have to tap into if only we will believe and obey!

“Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” (Psalm 2:8)

Friends

For several different people, I’ve been reminded of different verses that apply to their situations. One of the most notable examples was when a dear soul I’ve known for years was facing a major struggle. The Lord laid it on my heart to pray this verse over her for a time. Remove her mountain, Lord!

“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:20)

Others apply more broadly to different situations. I especially use the last phrase of this verse.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10)

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Many of these are also applicable as prayers for me—I tend to use them somewhat interchangeably.

“But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.” (Psalm 3:3, 4, 8)

Myself

Because sometimes I need this reminder.

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

I pray these two nearly every single day.

“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” (Psalm 143:8)

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” (Psalm 119:18)

Have you ever prayed Bible verses as prayers before? What are some of your favorite prayers from the Bible?