A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin {a review}

Sometimes a story falls into your hands and the words spoken leave your heart fluttering for days. You dream about the story; long for another story just like it; hope for a sequel.

The writing is so magnificent, so heartwarming, it is hard to pick up another story and truly enjoy it. It is at times like this that I either re-read that story, or try to find every story ever written by that particular author and dive right in.

That is all true for A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin.

Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval--even marry a man she doesn't love. Lt. Walter Novak--fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women--takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives. As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart? {description from author's website)

Written as a Christian Historical Romance set during World War II, the author knits together a beautiful story of love, war, family acceptance, honesty, and faith. Her details are exquisite, making you fall in love with the characters from the moment you meet them.  

It reads exciting from the first page to the last.  From the moment Allie and Walt first meet, their story will touch your heart and make you see love in a whole new way. {even if you are not a fan of romance!}

I am truly thrilled to know that this is only the first in a three-part series.

The Wings of Glory series starts off with A Distant Melody and then continues in A Memory Between Us and finishes up with Blue Skies Tomorrow set to release in August of this year!

If you enjoy Christian Historical Romance, I highly recommend this book and this author. You will not be able to put it down!

Head out, no run out, and grab yourself a copy to curl up with this weekend!

Have you read any great books lately that I should know about? Would love to hear which ones!

{the views expressed here are strictly my own. I was not compensated in anyway for this review. The book was purchased as a gift for me and was not provided by the author or publisher.}

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ~ Ephesians 4:2

When the longing is deep...

She's twirling around in her princess play dress. Play clothes scattered all over the floor around her. Crowns, plastic high heels, necklaces, and bracelets adorn her attire.

And he's watching her, curious. He walks over and attempts to slip on a dress and a crown, and she assists him, my little man.

They begin to dance around the room, giggling. Faces full of smiles. He looks up to her with adoration written all over his face. Sibling love...

Seeing them playing this way makes me long for more. I loved every second of being pregnant with both of my children. Feeling my body stretch and grow making a home for a new little blessing to grow was truly miraculous. Having that same little blessing stretch and kick inside assuring me of their growing and thriving and anxiously awaiting the day they are birthed into this world; into my loving arms.

I want a sister for her...

...and a brother for him.

But what do I do when that longing brings void? When the womb remains empty and the answer is still no?

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. ~ Ephesians 5:22-23

Do I simply just pray for God's will to be done? Do I pray for his heart to be changed?


I feel guilty for being angry that we are not on the same page. I have two healthy, beautiful, blessings-is it wrong to want more?

Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. ~ Psalm 127:3

I feel the emptiness so strong as I watch my children grow. I want the joy of a new little life to fill our home again. The smells, the softness, the cuddles...it's pure bliss!

Until I find peace either way, I'll seek His guidance; His will. I'll pray for clarity and understanding. I'll pray that that same clarity, guidance, and understanding find their way into the heart and mind of the one I love. That he'll pray for that same clarity from the One who blesses us with so much.

If a new babe never graces my womb, my arms, my heart, our home, I am more than content loving the ones I have been blessed with!

They are truly wonderful, beautiful, perfect...as perfect as two little ones can possibly be. And I will enjoy every minute of raising them; teaching them; nurturing them; loving them!

Because that is what He has intended for me. And I will continue to do so, no matter how many children He blesses me with.



You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. ~ Psalm 86:5

"We have one of each." he says "and they are perfect."
"What if your next pregnancy isn't as pleasant; as perfect.What if their are complications with you; with the baby. What if...?"

Word-Filled Wednesday {Acts 5:42}

Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. ~ Acts 5:42

Saturday morning this past weekend, we were visited by a Jehovah's Witness. We kindly listened to what she had to say, told her that we were born-again Christians, and simply sent her on her way.

But her visit got me thinking-how many Christians go door-to-door proclaiming the Good News of God's Word?

I myself have never done it and I've never had a Christian knock on my door sharing the Love of Jesus Christ!

Then this morning I open my email and find this verse.

..."from house to house, they never stopped teaching the good news that Jesus is the Christ!" ~ Acts 5:42 {emphasis mine}

Makes one think...

How many more lives would be changed and souls to be saved if Christians went door-to-door sharing His love? His Word? His saving grace?

And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." ~ Mark 16:15

Time to listen and {focus}

My One Word that I chose for 2011 is focus.

I have been trying to do this as we move forward into the next chapter of our lives.

I need to hear His voice as we prepare ourselves to sell our house and look for another place to call home.

I need to seek out His guidance as I long for another little one to hold as the hubby repeatedly says no. {stay tuned for a post later this week on this issue}

Making sure that this is all a part of His plan and not going on just our feelings alone.

It hasn't been easy. I haven't spent nearly enough time in silence meditating and just listening. And that has got to change if I want to receive answers and wisdom that only He can provide.

I've supplied myself with resources that I hope will help in my quest for clarity and peace. A prayer journal to record what I hear as He speaks to my heart; my soul. A prayer book to help aide in my ever struggling prayer life. Even a new Bible to read along with my study Bible to get a clearer picture and deeper understanding.

But, I'd be kidding myself if I thought that these things would really help me find clarity and peace without really focusing and seeking it.

I need to do something to get my soul stirred and ready to listen. I need to sacrifice what I love, or think I need, to spend time listening, praying, and learning.

I need a fast.

What does it mean to fast as a Christian?

"Biblically, fasting is abstaining from food, drink, sleep or sex to focus on a period of spiritual growth. Specifically, we humbly deny something of the flesh to glorify God, enhance our spirit, and go deeper in our prayer life. " {source}

"...the purpose of fasting is to take our eyes off the things of this world and instead focus on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God and to ourselves that we are serious about our relationship with Him." {source}

Fasting is not required of Christians, but it is strongly recommended and mentioned throughout the Bible as a way to obtain spiritual growth and a deeper, stronger, meaningful, prayer life. {exactly what I need as I move forward in this journey}


I have been a Christian for 21 years and I am ashamed to say I have never fasted. But, starting today, that is all going to change.

God works in the most amazing ways. He leads and guides when we do not even know He is doing so. He allows us to read, listen to, or watch something that we needed to hear. That is what He has done by leading me to Melissa Brotherton's blog. Everytime I am led to read her daily post, I am amazed at the words being spoken; like they were written just for me. As is so with her post on 21 days of fasting.

She was lead to read something, which in turn lead her to write something, which I was led to read and now write about, which I hope in turn causes one of you to react as well. God is so amazingly good to us. All I can do right now is giggle.

My hubby and I are joining in on the 21 day fast. We are going to be spending the evenings, once the kids are tucked snuggly in their beds, reading, praying, and listening. No TV, internet, video games, books, or knitting over these next 21 days. Sacrificing something so small and praying to reap a big blessing.  Seeking His wisdom and guidance. Listening for His plan. Making sure our plan is in alignment with His plan.

I am so excited to be doing this. Drawing closer to God as well as growing closer to my husband in such a positive way. I can already sense God's goodness and grace and all the wonderful things that will be revealed to us over these next 21 days.

Thank you Jesus for always being there. For showing us things that we needed to see and hear. For your grace and forgiveness. I love you more and more each and everyday! Help us to remain commited and to keep an open heart and ear as we seek out your plan for our lives. I love you Father. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

What has God been leading you to do lately?

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If you have any questions regarding fasting, please either leave me a comment or email me at amysbooksnyarn{at}gmail{dot}com and I would love to answer them as best as I can. 

Also, if fasting is something that you have been wanting to do to seek a deeper closeness with the One who blesses us with so much, pray about joining in on this 21 day fast. If you do, leave me a comment letting me know. I would love to pray for you.

No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. ~ Isaiah 58:6

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. ~ Acts 14:23

They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.” ~ Luke 5:33

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" ~ Matthew 6:16-18

On Being Famous! {gratitude community #51-#58}

I am famous! That's right! F-A-M-O-U-S!
Now I know you are all wondering, huh? Who are you?

Let me explain...

People don't rush to the theatres to see me on the big screen or wait in line to have their copy of my latest best-seller autographed.

I don't sell out concerts in 5 minutes flat or have my own clothing line being worn by every celebrity in LA!

I never attained a fancy degree and do not know what it is like to have a bank account full of money.

But...I have them...

...and him...

...and at any given moment you will find either one of my furry friends cuddled up next to me on the couch!

I may not have accomplished real, hollywood, fame in my life or a noteworthy degree, but I have found love-amazing love-and contentment in their eyes, their arms, their words!

To each of them, I am wonderful, amazing, a star!

Counting down my Gratefulness one Blessing at a time! {#51-#58}

New Friendships
The smell of homemade bread rising and baking
Great deals on clothes for my kids...and myself!
Coffee Talk with my Love!
Reading books with my kids
Reading Scripture with my kids
Taking steps of faith and putting all my trust in Him
Wonderful blogs, like this one!

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11

Lucy Maud Montgomery Challenge {wrap-up}

The Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge hosted by Carrie at Reading to Know, has sadly come to an end. I wish this challenge could last a little longer, but not to worry-I plan on visiting with L.M. Montgomery and a few more of her titles throughout the rest of the year.

My goal was to read the Emily of New Moon books as well as watch the Anne of Green Gables Movie. Well, I only got through the first Emily book, but I did watch and enjoy the Anne of Green Gables movie!

Emily is a different character all in herself from Anne, but a lot of her quirkiness and stubborn ways reminds me a lot of Anne. I enjoyed reading the start of her journey in New Moon. The trials and tribulations set before her. She is a charming character and at many times thoughout the book I found myself pitying her and getting upset at whoever it was that was causing her grief or beng unfair. I enjoyed Emily so very much and plan on finishing the rest of the New Moon series later this year.

Thank you, Carrie, for hosting such a fun challenge! I look forward to returning next year and doing it all over again!

What books by L.M. Montgomery have you read and enjoyed?

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”” ~ Mark 9:35

Letting fear and doubt reside within my soul...

We have some changes coming our way. Some big changes.

We have decided to take a step of faith and put our little house up for sale and start the process of looking for our dream home.

This has been something we have been wanting to do since my daughter was born 4 years ago. Living in a two bedroom, ONE closet, home for the past 5 1/2 years has had it's show of challenges. We have outgrown this home long before my precious little man arrived almost 2 years ago.

Having just ONE {yes, you heard me right} closet on our whole house has really been challenging.

"Where do I put everything?"

"How am I going to organize this?"

"I only wish we had more room!"

These are things you would hear coming out of my mouth at any given time over the past 5 years. Sure, this home is not ideal for a growing family, but the memories and love that have been shared here will stick with us for years to come. And it is because of those precious memories that, in a way, I am sad to see us leave.

I am sad and frightened and excited all in one. The emotions I am feeling over this whole situation are a bit overwhelming for me already...and we haven't even officially listed our home yet!

I've given up before I even started!

I have let fear, doubt, and uneasiness enter into my soul and take over where joy, faith, and hope should be. If He is in this, I have nothing to fear.

...and I believe He is. I just haven't been spending enough time listening to know for sure. I have let anxiety enter in which in turn has not allowed me to find rest; to find peace in His presence!

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ~ Matthew 11:28

I am longing for that peace. That reassurance from my Heavenly Father. Reassurance that only He can provide.

I let doubt and fear enter my soul far too often when I am dealing with decisions and stressful circumstances. Instead of resting in Him and trusting Him and allowing Him to work it all out, I tend to feel I can do a better job, when in reality, I obviously know I cannot!

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ~ James 1:6

I need to spend the days ahead in prayer. In oneness with Him. Seeking out His direction and plan. I need to stop, focus, and listen!

Will you keep my family and I in your prayers, sweet reader friends, as we go through this process over the next few months?
Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. ~ Mark 11:23