Housewarming Party: February 4th-6th, 2013
Welcome! Wondering what exactly a website “housewarming” party is? It’s simply a gathering of folks, an online open-house of sorts to show you around my new website and welcome you, get to know you. The website still has a few hiccups here and there, but I thought it was high time to have you over, nevertheless. To get the low-down on what the housewarming party entails and what this site is all about, take a peek at the video above.
Sidenote: I don’t want to deceive you into thinking I’m all calm and collected. Goodness, if you could see the way I bumble my way through my days. For proof? Be sure to pay attention about a minute before the end of the video… there is a miraculous “presto, change-o” moment. Don’t blink, or you’ll miss it! I’m not even going to explain what happened there…if you really care to know, feel free to ask (or guess!) in the comments. 😉
Now for the explanation promised of those enigmatic statements in the video:
My giveaway has to do with “you, personally,” because you are God’s treasure. His pearl of great price.
“…the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:45-46
What a wonder, what a miracle, that our God gave everything for us!
In light of this comparison, the giveaway is…
Either this pearl bracelet:
Or this pearl necklace:
They’re both made by an amazing ministry called Narimon, part of ServantWorks. To quote their website, “Narimon products are handmade by women and girls who either once were forced to sell their dignity, or by their situation were at high risk to do so. Now they not only have work, but they make something they can be proud of. They begin to understand, some for the first time, that they are valuable beyond measure.”
When the winner is drawn, I’ll contact them via e-mail to see which piece of jewelry they’d prefer, and order it.
**Giveaway is now closed**
As to the other nine giveaways, please take some time to poke around and get to know my special guests. They’re remarkable people, each of them, and each has a book they’d like to give away.
By entering any of the 10 giveaways that are a part of the housewarming party, you agree to these official rules, and signify that you are 18 or older and a resident of the U.S. or Canada.
All 10 giveaways will be open until 11:59 pm (PST), February 6th.
**Please enter each giveaway only once.**
**Update: Giveaways are now closed. To see list of giveaway winner, click here.**
Melissa K. Norris’s giveaway is hanging out on my Book Club page… because Melissa is a dear friend AND my book club co-host! You won’t want to miss her signed book, Pioneering Today, in which she offers both a devotional of wonderful substance and a practical guide to simple, meaningful, healthy living.
Joanne Bischof is graciously giving away a signed copy of Be Still My Soul, one of my all-time favorite books. Joanne and I love talking music and soundtracks, so hop on over to the soundtrack page to find her giveaway.
Michelle Ule is releasing her newest novel THIS WEEK, and I’m so blessed to host a giveaway. Michelle is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to books, so it only makes sense that you’ll find the Bridging Two Hearts (signed copy!) giveaway on the books page.
I’ve just begun reading Flight of the Earls by Michael K. Reynolds, and can already tell this is going to be one amazing read– one of great substance and significance. Find the giveaway of the signed book on my significant songs page.
Sarah Sundin released With Every Letter this past fall, and is giving away a signed copy. I fell in love with Mellie’s story, and will be so excited for the winner of this book! Since the story revolves around writing letters, Sarah’s giveaway is located on my writing resources page.
Two books I am so looking forward to reading are Kathy Fellure’s illustrated children’s book, When the Birdies Came to Tea, and Catherine West’s Hidden in the Heart. Because I respect these authors and their hearts for their readers, I wouldn’t be surprised if, after I read them, their books end up on my Books I Adore page. Click on through to enter their respective book giveaways (both will be signed copies!)
Olivia Newport writes such wonderful historical fiction. I so enjoy Olivia’s careful research behind her books in the Avenue of Dreams series, and the way she weaves the time period into captivating story. She is giving away a signed copy of The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow over on my “featured” page, as I’ve been blessed to feature Olivia here as a blog guest several times in the past.
If there’s one page I hope you read before leaving today, it’s my welcome page. So, what better phrase to invite you over there than Beth K. Vogt’s book title, Wish You Were Here? Beth is giving away a signed copy of her novel there. This is another that I’m looking forward to reading.
Before you go, won’t you leave a note below? As I mentioned in the welcome video, it would be such a blessing to hear from you what your “anchor” verse(s) are– which scriptures do you run to for refuge and strength when the storms of life hit?
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Such a lovely idea, Amanda and your web site is beautiful!
I am teaching a Bible study right now on the Book of Job, which has special meaning or me. During a difficult season, I found Job 2:10, which for me at that time was a game changer. I grew up that year having to confront, could I accept only good from the hand of God and not the hard as well?
What is my role as a believer? To be cosseted or hot housed, or to reflect Jesus however he needs me to do so?
Not a refuge, but an attitude check I so often need.
Blessings to you and your work!
“…to reflect Jesus however he needs me to do so…” There’s so much in that statement, Michelle. Thanks for giving us a window into your heart and that time in your life. It’s amazing how strong we find him during the times we’re most broken. I know what a blessing you are to those around you– because I’m one of those blessed by you!
I think I guessed your “presto-change-o moment,” Amanda, but I hesitate to ruin it for anyone else , should they want to guess! Great video! 🙂
Oh, Cynthia. I laugh just thinking of that part– it had to do with a need to splice two takes together, as you probably guessed– and the fact that those two takes took place on 2 different days!
Thank you for being here, you are always such an encouragement!
I thought that was so cute! Your curls disappeared!!
Yes, haha! I should perhaps not have spliced together 2 takes from 2 separate days…
Great job!! And the presto-change-o was very subtle.
My anchor verse? It’s funny you used the word ‘anchor’. I grew up going to a camp on the West Coast called “Keats Island”. We had a nautical theme and anchors were a big deal.
I remember looking out in the evenings during chapel, which we called “Evening Watch” and seeing bald eagles soaring on the up and down drafts of the wind.
My life verse in Is 40:28-31. …they shall mount up with wings like eagles…
God doesn’t ask us to struggle for His approval, He gives us the wind so we can soar toward Him.
Oh, what an amazing picture that makes! I love your life verse. Anchors and nautical themes — and Bible verses that use them, too– have a big place in my heart… and my stories, too. “He gives us the wind so we can soar toward Him”– so very true, how the times of not-smooth-sailing usher us close to him for refuge, sometimes for our very breathe. And that word you used– “soar”? So true! He doesn’t just get us by, he gives us the strength we need and causes us to soar when it’s all said and done.
Thanks for being here, Jennifer!
Amanda, thank you so much for all the fun that was. I was delighted to attend your housewarming. As to the “blunder” in your video, I didn’t see a thing. 😉 This passage of scripture here in Hebrews 10:23-25, is kind of a strange section for refuge or hope but it’s one that I’ve become quit attached to lately. With so much going on in my life lately I feel like my raw emotions and out of control circumstances seem to take off with me some days. When I feel my emotions are out of control or one more person wants to spread my oh so overstretched time out even more, I stop and start quoting this passage. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” These hands, these feet, this mouth, my will, they are not my own. I dedicated my life to His work many years ago now. I will hold fast to His promises for He is faithful.
Kristie, that last sentence of yours just echoes the cry of my heart, too. That is a PERFECT verse to “hold fast to”, and you’re right, He is so faithful. Thank you for this encouragement!
And thank you so very much for stopping by!
Ha–I looked away and then caught that “presto” moment–did you add lipstick and fluff your hair? CUTE! I heard a kiddo in the background, too. LOVED the vlog, Amanda–so great to get to see and hear you!!! You’re so sweet. And I love the idea of your blog–refuges/havens…I guess I always feel safest in the woods. I have no idea why! But calm…and it seems to take a LOT to calm me down!
Great blog-warming party! Love all your friends…I wish I had a book to add to that giveaway pile! Maybe someday!
LOL, Heather- here’s what happened. I bumbled my way through the first take on a Friday, with straight hair and lots of “um’s”. The next day, I decided to re-do it. I finally got a take that was ok-ish, but it got cut off at the end! So I spliced it together with the end of the first take… so you’re actually travelling backward in time there at the end.
I just know you’ll have a book someday, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was soon! Thanks for being here and for your sweet friendship, Heather. 🙂
Beautiful job, Amanda, very reflective of your inner heart and soul.
My anchor verses are from the book of Isaiah 43:1-4. In my journey with the Lord, He sustains me through everything that I encounter along the way to my real home. These four verses are a reminder that He is always with me. Almost immediately when I surrendered my life at 30, the trials of my children’s health challenges hit with an intense and continuing force that only reliance on the Lord offered me the strength to face and the refuge to endure the onslaught. Great is His faithfulness!
And you and I share a fondness for taking tea! This lovely and relaxing tradition was a gift from my Nana from my first year and a lifelong delight I enjoyed with her until she turned one hundred and God called her to be with Him. Early in my marriage I lived in England for three years during my husband’s military service and enjoyed the British custom in a different way.
Today, I sip a cup of Earl Gray to toast your housewarming! Blessings sweet friend.
Kathy, thank you so much for the testimony of how God sustains you, and how he provided strength and refuge at every turn.
Tea! I cherish the memory of the afternoon I got to spend with you “taking tea” and getting to know you. I have a perfect cup of Earl Grey planned for this afternoon- I’ll toast you right back. 🙂
That was a lovely late afternoon at the lake! You brought yummy muffins you and your daughter had just baked. I think we sipped Earl Grey then too with fellow “Bookie”, Cathy Elliott.
Blessings dear Amanda in this new adventure! I admire your sweet spirit and deep love of our precious Lord.
Beautiful new website! So cozy and welcoming 🙂
Thank you, Lisa! I’m so glad you’re here!
What a blessing to find your site along with all of the other wonderful authors. God will not give us more than he and I can handle.
Bonnie, I love that you said “more than He AND I can handle”– he never leaves us, not even for a second… and even when life is too much for us, it’s never too much for us when we’re bolstered with HIS strength, leaning on HIS provision and guidance. Thank you for visiting today!
AH, you’re so cute!! 🙂 And much braver than I for I am not sure I will ever attempt a video!!
Great site and I’m sure it’s going to be a great party!
My life verse is Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans… Right now, with two manuscripts out on submission, I am holding fast to this promise. Because no matter what, I know God has the best thing for me, whatever it is.
Oh, what an exciting and nerve-wracking time! I’m right there with you- out on submission… the anticipation and hope is SO fun, but scary at the same time. Committing my MS’s future to Him, just as you are with yours. Thank you for that reminder.
Amanda,
Lovely, lovely, lovely! And what a brilliant idea for your open house giveaways – spread all over the site here so we get a GOOD look at who you are and what you’re up to. Love it.
I’m a warrior. This is a “fictionalized” version of me: http://beckydoughty.com/warrior-princess/
I’m often the first to pull out my weapons. Over the years, the Lord has tempered that response in me, and I’m learning to let Him be the first to pick up the sword for me. It isn’t easy – and the “I’m learning” will always be there (rather than “I’ve learned”) but that’s okay. Because I’m also learning that He made me this way for a purpose. My anchor verse: Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight your battles for you; all you must do is be still.”
Looking forward to so much more with you, Amanda,
Blessings,
Becky
Becky, thank you for this. I SO enjoyed your introduction video to Willow Goodhope a few weeks back- you inspire me.
That verse, Exodus 14:14, is one I so often need to return to. I cling to that phrase: “you need only to be still,” knowing He is might.
Hi Amanda, what a pleasure! You know I fully believe God puts us where he wants us! And through Joanne Bischof I have found this wonderful “housewarming party” I have so many anchor verses, however, my Mom died just over a year ago, and my brother who is a minister, handled her service. This verse from 2 Timothy 4:6 struck such a cord in me:
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
Paul’s words became a seed in my heart, an urging to move forward in God and prepare to a greater degree for my own time of departure. Thank you for giving me another means of enjoying my daily walk.
Melody, so glad you stumbled upon the housewarming! Joanne is a true friend of my heart, I thank God for her friendship and the way she uses her writing gifts to glorify Him.
What a cherished thing, to have a verse from your mother’s service guiding and inspiring you now. I’m so sorry for your loss; it sounds like she was a remarkable woman.
Thank you for coming by!
Beautiful website, Amanda, but then again, that doesn’t surprise me, since it’s yours. 🙂
Lindsay, you are so sweet. Thank you for being here!
It is such a joy to celebrate with you my dear, dear friend! Your online home is so welcoming and truly is a refuge. I know I will be visiting here often and others will as well because the love of Jesus pours out of this place like a fountain. Love and hugs!!
You’re the best. Just the best! Thank you for all of your support, and for the blessing that you are just by being you and doing what you’re called to do. So thankful for you, friend!
Congratulations on your lovely new website! You’ve done a nice job.
I’m a real homebody, so our home is a place of refuge for me. Lately, though, I’ve taken up walking and seek refuge on a nearby walking trail. I walk all year long in all kinds of weather, so I get to see the ever-changing landscapes. I return home refreshed and ready to dive back into my writing or other projects.
Keli, I love that your home is a refuge. And what amazing things you must see walking all year, noticing the familiar things as they change and grow. I bet that’s such a special quiet time!
Honored to be part of the celebration! I’ve always embraced Psalm 46:10 which says, “Be still and know I am God” because I struggle so much in this area. Aww…being still does sound so wonderful right about now. Wonderful job Amanda!
That verse is such a stronghold. Yes, I can imagine in your whirlwind of the book-release and all that comes with it, being still must sound like a slice of heaven! Praying for a pocket of peace as you press on in the things you are called to, Michael. Thank you for being a part of this!
Beautiful website and great fun open house. What a neat idea. You have indeed been busy. We miss you in critique group, but glad to have a place to catch up with you. Congratulations!
Thank you, Lois! I have been missing you all, too. Looking forward to a chance to come again, one of these days! Thank you so much for being here and for your kind words. It’s an honor to see you here. 🙂
Hello, Amanda! We just found your website through Joanne Bischof – she is such a great author.
A ‘anchor verse’ my daughters and I all share is Romans 5:5, “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
To us, it means we can really truly believe in God and hope without feeling embarrassed. 🙂
Thank you for the wonderful welcome to your website!
Isn’t she, though? (Joanne, that is. A great author, just as you said!)
Romans 5:5 is so great– I love that it describes God’s love as being poured into our hearts. Even when we’re running dry, he pours it in, fills us up.
Thank you for visiting today!
Your website is beautiful, Amanda!
One of my favorite Scriptures that is always a comfort is:
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Jeremiah 20:11
Oops! That’s Jeremiah 29:11
Missy, that’s one of my favorites, too. Thank you for your sweet words!
Very cute idea. Love it. Great to meet you Amanda! 🙂
And you too, Anne (with an “e”!). Thank you for coming!
Beautiful website, Amanda, and what a sweet video. Like Cathy, I’m not brave enough. Maybe someday.
An anchor verse for me is John 15:5, where Jesus says, “‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.'”
This reminds me over and over of the importance of abiding in Him. I want to bear fruit for Him. Only with Him can I do so – and yet, how often do I run off trying to do things myself. And flop. Jesus is my anchoring vine. Without Him, I’m just a broken twig on the ground. With Him, I’m green and leafy and productive!
“I run off trying to do things myself. And flop.” Oh, the many times this has been me!! Thanks so much for your description of abiding– it’s absolutely perfect.
The verse that has been on my heart as I put together this website and have been re-relinquishing my writing future to Him is, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. ” (Ps. 127:1).
I so often try to make things happen in my own timing, and — turn by turn, step by step– God is there, reminding me He’s the one who laid these dreams and hopes on my heart, and He’s asking me to let Him build the path. My job is simply to follow that path and do what I can in diligence and obedience.
Psalm 94:18 is comforting if I am facing a hard day – another refuge for me is listening to praise & worship music, it ushers the “spirit” in for me. The housewarming party is a neat idea – thanks!
Psalm 94:18– “When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O LORD, supported me.””
That is a great one, Bonnie. Thank you for sharing that!!
I adore your new website and loved getting to hear you on the vlog. My guess was a kiddo woke up or interrupted you.
My anchor verses seem to change with the seasons. Right now I keep singing “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”
Even when I can’t see where the path is leading, I know He can. That will be enough for me.
Thanks for inviting me to be part of your housewarming.
Melissa, you’ve been a great example to me with the warm and sincere tone you set in your vlogs and on your website.
It wasn’t a kiddo– the camera just cut off at that point and I had to splice in the end of another take, taken the previous day. With a different hair-do. Ha!
I love that song, and that verse. He lights up *just* the right amount of the path for us– not too much, or we might be overwhelmed or confused. Not too little, or we won’t know where to put our foot next. Just enough to take that next step. I love this quote from George MacDonald:
“It is a happy thing for us that this is really all we have to concern ourselves with– what to do next. No man can do the second thing. He can only do the first. If he omits that, the wheels of time roll over him and eave him powerless behind. If he does it, he keeps in front and finds room to do the next thing and so is sure to arrive at something in due time. Let a man lay hold of something and he is on the high road toward success, though it is not always possible to foresee the characteristics that success will have.”
What a beautiful quote, filled with lots of wisdom. Here’s to the first step!
Amanda, What a wonderful Housewarming and Thank You for inviting me in… I am a reader of Melissa K. Norris…
What a blessing it is to know that young women as you and Melissa are to share the love of God thru your writings…
Now to comment about my favorite “GO TO” bible verse… I would have to say whenever life throws Negativity my way, I choose to lean on the following:
Psalm 46 :10 BE STILL and KNOW that I AM GOD….
I find peace in knowing that no matter my circumstance that GOD is here right beside me.. and that I can trust him fully… He is the best friend a person can have.. He loves, understands, and gives Grace to each of us even when we dont deserve it.. and for that I am thankful… so when things go not as planned, or things are said, or life just sends those struggles I pause and remember how much Jesus endured and then it is when I know that I can face whatever comes my way.. so in the quiet moment is when this verse really stands out for me… I can hear hum say… BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD…
Simply said and Simply Amazing..
Thank You for the giveaways, and I am excited to see the outcome…
God BLess you….
Connie, your words are so true. And that verse– “Be Still and Know that I am God”– every time I read it, I can’t help but picture Jesus bidding the storm to be calm, when he was in the boat with the disciples and they were afraid. I just think– He stilled the storm then, and He stills the storm in my heart, too, when I stand on those words: Know that I am God.
Thank you so much for coming to the Housewarming Party and for your words of wisdom!
Connie, as you said, such simple truth and power. Be Still. How hard that can be in the fast paced life of modern society. Often, it’s when I’m at my busiest I need the stillness the most. I’ve learned to take the time and feel His presence. Thank you for your encouragement.
What a beautiful, website! Pleased to meet you, Amanda! I must say that Psalm 23 is where i go to for comfort and refuge. His love never fails!
The twenty-third Psalm is amazing. To think of our God as our shepherd, and all that entails… truly amazing. Have you ever read “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23”? Such a neat book: http://www.amazon.com/Shepherd-Looks-Psalm-23/dp/0310214351
Hey, I just saw your tweet about this housewarming! I enjoyed your video and look forward to reading your books when they get published. 🙂
Thank you, Sylvia! I’d love your prayers over my publication journey. 🙂
Amanda, I just adore your blog. I visit many and they are nice but this is one of a few I know I will return to again and again. I really loved seeing your heart for the Lord. Your music page is wonderful and many of these songs I have been ministered by as well…a new one I had not heard too.
I have so many anchor verses, but the one that I have needed lately is Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
He is my foundation. I want to do so much for Him, wherever He leads me, however He wants to use me. I want
to reach souls for Him. I know the love and mercy He has given to me..and everyone needs to feel this! I know I cannot be a help to Him or others if I do not have a firm foundation. He is my all, my rock…..I can run to with any problem or need. He is my strength…He is all that I need.
Thank you for starting your blog. I know it will be a blessing to me. (It’s already been a blessing to me today)
God bless you!
Smiles,
Johnette
Johnette, your words are such a blessing to me. And I just know God will honor your desires to be used by Him in all that you do– such beautiful hopes they are. The kind He places on our hearts. Thank you so much for being here, and for your words of encouragement!
Love the look of the website – thank you for the chance to win books.
Thanks for stopping by, Susan, and best of luck in the giveaways!
Nice web site! Thanks for visiting over at the Ponderers today!
Teri, it was such fun chatting with the Ponderers today– thanks for having me!
A student of life in general I learn something new daily Amanda and as such, I very much enjoyed your post and discovering yet again, amazing people! Thank you!
My favourite psalm (and the one cherished by many Soldiers in fact) is Psalm 91:
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
We all need someone to lean on and as I grow older (and I hope wiser) need it more so than ever,
Amanda this website is wonderful. I was happy to have met Joanne Bischof. Love her books as well as the books of other authors mentioned here. You all are a bundle of amazing ladies writing amazing stories that we all enjoy. Blessings to you all.