Photo Quests: Within The Shadows

 Photo Quests: Within The Shadows

Intro: I found a few plants hiding within the shadows.
Thought it would look awesome if they were black and white. 

Quest Ending: I like how the photos turned out in black and white. I'll be doing more for sure. Hope you enjoyed my photo quest today within the shadows.

Book Review: Grace Spilling Over

Book: Grace Spilling Over
Author: Janet Chester Bly

Book Synopsis:

Are you there, Lord? Are you listening? Ever wonder if God is always good and can ever be really trusted? Many of the folks in these true stories did. Here are people like you. They faced troubles. They got impatient for relief from heartbreaking problems. They often asked, “Why?” But through God’s delays, they eventually found all they needed in Him. Through close encounters in life’s waiting room. Enduring the long loneliness. Yet somehow pampered by His grace. In deep sorrow, God’s father heart presses ours. No easy answers here. No Band-Aids for gaping wounds. No flinching from looking cruelty and evil squarely in the face. Yet hope and generous grace vibrates through these true life stories. These encouraging true anecdotes wrapped with prayer and Bible verses will help you enter His quiet and linger to listen. Illuminating stories of humor and pathos provide steadfast confidence in God’s wisdom and goodness. You will see how God prepares us for what lies ahead. When you truly believe that God is good, even when life is bad, you’ll clear the distortions in your thinking. You’ll experience deep and abiding comfort. 

You’ll find spiritual victory.


Book Review:

Grace Spilling Over is my first book by Janet Chester Bly. I picked it up from the bookstore that I work at which is ...And Books, Too! (andbookstooonline.com) I was curious to read one of her books, so I grabbed it. It's a lighter read in that the chapters aren't long. I find this pleasant as it can be read like a devotional. That way, each one can be taken in one at a time. In every chapter, there's true stories with a lesson hidden with them. At the very beginning, there's Bible verses that pertain to the subject matter. At the end, a prayer.

I really like in Grace Spilling Over that there's true stories in this book. It's inspiring to read about what other people have been through in life. We can draw so much from others that have been in difficult times. And I especially enjoyed reading them at night before going to bed. Just so encouraging! I also like how everything ties together with the relevant verses at the beginning and the prayers at the end. It all comes together nicely.

I recommend this book for anyone that could use some encouragement. Reading about what others have faced and then found meaning are truly inspirational. You can find this book online at Amazon or at the bookstore ...And Books, Too! (andbookstooonline.com). 

Would you like me to read and review your book? Let me know!

Many Blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wordless Wednesday: Lost In Thought

                

Box Subscriptions: Three Favorites So Far

Box subscriptions are fun. It's always nice when you get one in the mail. You know what subscription box you signed up for, but you don't know what's hidden inside the box. A total surprise. I've been a fan of subscription boxes for years but haven't really tried a lot of them. I can think of three that left a wonderful impression on me. That's where this blog post comes in. I thought I'd share the joy I get or have had from these boxes. From two of them, it's a little treat that I look forward to each month. Here's my favorites:

Atlas Coffee Club:

Do you love coffee? You'll like Atlas Coffee. They send coffee to you each month, but it's not like ordinary coffee. Each bag is coffee from a different country. And it's a surprise! You have no idea what country you're going to get. They provide a beautiful card with a scene on it from the chosen country. There's also information about the country and the coffee. My first one was from Burundi, and it's so good. It's smooth, and you can tell it's different. It doesn't take like regular coffee, and that's nice! I chose all roasts (you can choose from light to dark), and I got ground coffee. Definitely recommend.

Check them out: atlascoffeeclub.com


Meowbox:

Have a cat? Purr-fect! Your cat or cats will love Meowbox. It's a subscription for the felines in your life. They provide a couple of cat toys and treats. The last box I received had a yoga theme. There was a small yoga mat, a curved neck pillow (for your cat to lie on), two toys, and a package of tube treats. My cat purred when I opened it for him. He didn't know what it was at first, but he knew it was for him. His purring was so sweet. He liked the box, and I can't wait to get another one for him. I signed up for it on Amazon, but you can sign up for it on their website. Highly recommend it for your cat.

Visit their website: meowbox.com

Japan Crate:

I signed up for Japan Crate years ago, and I remember really liking it. It's another subscription box, and it has snacks from Japan. If you love Japan, and just snacks in general, you'll enjoy this one. They used to have more affordable boxes to pick out, but it's more money now for their Japan Crate box. They provide a lot, however. Each box comes with 15-17 snacks. With free shipping, it comes directly from Japan so that's cool. They have themes for their boxes, too - which is nice to discover. I recommend them if you like trying new things. Especially, if you have an interest in Japan. 

Learn more: japancrate.com

Let me know if you discovered a really cool subscription box. I want to hear all about it.
Like my writing? Did you enjoy today's post? Be sure to follow my blog! 

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Bookstore Spotlight: ...And Books, Too!

 

Bookstore: ...And Books, Too!
Owner: Judi Wutzke

I've worked at the bookstore ...And Books, Too! for two years. It's been my favorite job. I'm surrounded by books and the people that love them. I also enjoy being able to assist the customers in finding the right book to read. I'm just so grateful for this place. It's so warm, inviting, and peaceful. And lots of fun! I couldn't be happier with my job, and I hope to work there for many more years to come. It's truly a blessing.

The owner, Judi Wutzke, is amazing. I love working with her and being able to assist in the growth of the store. She's devoted to the community in all that she does. Judi looks after the people that come to her store. Everyone is welcome! The bookstore is really a big part of this place in Washington. It's a hidden gem that many people often discover.

The bookstore houses many books. There are genres from history, mystery, romantic suspense to a humor section. We have used and new, so we have a lot to choose. Paperback to hardcover, we really do have the variety. Our books are also in an inventory system. If you're looking for a particular book, we can check our inventory to see if we have it. The books are arranged in alphabetical order on the shelves to make it easier to find them.

Inside the store you can find gifts, too, so it's not just books. We have cards, postcards, tea, puzzles, journals, magnets, ornaments, socks, scarves, and much more. You're bound to find something you like, or to give as a gift. It's so wonderful to look at the items and collect them for your home (we have decor!). It's the perfect place to find a birthday, Christmas, or for any holiday, as a gift. We offer gift cards, as well.

Usually, on some Saturdays, we have book signings. Authors come to the store for books signings, to talk, and take pictures. We have them whenever we can, and this list can be found at our website: andbookstooonline.com. We hand out a list of them at the front counter, too. It's fun to either work or visit the store during a signing. I like meeting the authors and buying their books. *Note* If you're not able to attend a signing, we can always set aside their signed book for you. Just call ahead, and we'll take care of it for you.

Our bookstore has a service that we offer. If you bring in your books, and we keep them to sell on the shelves, you receive credit. This credit can be used to lower the price on used paperback books that you'd like to purchase. It's a great way to bring in your books and get some credit for them. A lot of people use this to buy their favorite kinds of books. Besides that, we donate books, too, so most books find a home. It's so rewarding.

...And Books, Too gives back to the community, and reaches far in doing so. We often get involved with local events and do things during the holidays. As mentioned before, we donate books. We like to help our local town thrive. And there's just something special about this bookstore. We like to be sure that everyone is involved and welcomed there. It's a place that you can sit down, read through a book, and take it slow. There's no rush.

If you ever stop by the store, be sure to say, "hello." I'll assist you in the best way that I can. I'm there to find you books, order books, and take in your books. It'll be fun to meet you, so please visit ...And Books, Too - yourself, or with your family, or friends. Here's how you can contact us: andbookstooonline.com. See you all there! Thanks, again.

Thanks for stopping and for reading this post. I like to spotlight different businesses, restaurants, museums, and more. I just had to make the bookstore my first spotlight on this blog. I love it so much! I'd like to also thank the owner for being the best person to work with. So, if you enjoyed this post, can you think of another place that I shout visit? Just leave a comment and be sure to follow my blog so you don't miss anything.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Devotional: Grow Where You're Planted

We can't always choose our circumstances. Things just happen. They can be easy or hard depending on the situation. We aren't able to decide the easy or the hard, so when it's hard, we may get angry, hurt, sad, and even confused. We may even take it out on others, later, regretting our actions. We could've been scared, unsure, or helpless. We reacted.

Some time may pass, and the circumstances haven't changed much. You might still feel frustrated. Nothing makes sense. At that moment, things may not be discernable. You soon realize that what you're going through won't change, or at least, change yet. You're stuck, but a sense of understanding happens. You think it through. You've come to accept.

You've just sprouted within a cherry tree stump. It may not seem like the most ideal place to grow, but it's where you've been placed. Sometimes we have to accept what's been given to us. You have to learn how to live with the circumstances surrounding you. They may all be difficult, but you're strong enough to weather the storm. With God, you'll be okay.

God has placed you exactly where you need to be. With Him, you're more than equipped to sustain the wind, the insects, and any hardship. You may be stuck in a tree stump, but you have what's necessary to grow. God will provide for you as you take on life's challenges. You'll never be thirsty or hungry - His spirit will sustain you. All you have to do is grow.

Grow where you're planted.

"The righteous person will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon." - Psalm 92:12 NASB

Do you need prayer? Leave a comment, and I'll pray for you.

Book Giveaway: Butterfly Wings

Hello. I'm giving away a signed copy of my book, Butterfly Wings, to someone. It's a personal collection of 30 poems and devos. If you'd like to enter, it's super easy. Just leave a comment on this post and you're entered. However, make sure you send me an email with the best way to contact you. My contact form can be found in the right sidebar. I also provided a synopsis of the book in case you wanted to know more about it. Have fun!

Book Synopsis:

Each poem comes with a reflection point, a simple, but loving prayer, a Bible verse, and a blank space to write down your thoughts. In every short devotional is a pause from within Grace’s life. Her poems span a period of innocence, pain, and growth. All of her writing helped her to appreciate life much more. It also offered her a way to cope and to find joy in her struggles. Most of it is deeply personal, and offers a vulnerability from the heart. A vulnerability she wanted to share.

Grace’s ultimate goal with Butterfly Wings was to show how remarkable you really are. Butterflies can’t see their own wings, so they can’t see how stunning and magical their soul is. We may often feel like we don’t matter or that we’re ordinary, but that’s not at all the truth. Others can see you’re special, even if you can’t see it for yourself. You’re amazing. You’re important. You have worth. She hopes this book will show you that your wings are perfect just the way they were created.

Grace learned through her trials that in every difficulty we face, we can be sure of two things: We're loved, and our stories matter. Remember this: God created your wings. And He loves you so much. This book will hopefully bless you in some unique way and pave the road to noticing just how beautiful you truly are.

Appreciate you stopping by and entering. Be sure to follow my blog, too. Thank you! *Giveaway starts today and ends on June 30th. Winner will be announced July 1st.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson