Archive for 2014

Days 17 & 18 & 19

Friday, December 26, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

AHHHH I missed two days, for good reasons (Christmas eve & Christmas).

But to stay on schedule I'll post day 17&18&19 together. SEE everything will go back to normal.

And so here's day 17:

"Point to Ponder: I am called to belong, not just believe.

Question to Consider: Does my level of involvement in my local church demonstrate that I love and am committed to God's family?"

Honestly? Yes. I wake up almost three hours before my service starts (9:45) to go help out in the first service (8:15) for the children ministries. I am the leader/teacher for the 2-3 year old class. Though those kids are crazy and loud and a good chunk cry, every Sunday I see them makes my week. I've help out in the children ministries for almost four years already and it's the best experience.

Day 18:

"Point to Ponder: I need others in my life.

Question to Consider: What one step can I take today to connect with another believer at a more genuine, heart-to-heart level?"

My life revolves around Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and texting. There's no face-to-face or even voice-to-voice unless I'm at school. I posts or texts pretty vague messages that barely cover the surface and I end up getting no feedback, but if I were to voice those same vague messages people are a lot more likely to respond. Simply making a call could make all the difference.

Day 19:

"Point to Ponder: Community requires commitment.

Question to Consider: How can I help cultivate today the characteristics of real community in my small group and my church?"

Just focusing on my small group, I believe that we posses most of the characteristics listed. We speak our hearts, and sympathize with each other. There isn't a gathering that goes by where no one has truly shared how they feel. And I think that's the best kind of gathering anyone can have.

With 21 more days until I find my purpose

-Vangie

1 John 3:16

Day 16

Tuesday, December 23, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

"Point to Ponder: Life is about love.
Question to Consider: Honestly, are relationships my first priority? How can I ensure that they are?"

No. If anything, it's a second or third priority.

When I read I'm a shut in... I ignore people and focus on books. I'm not saying that's a bad thing but I could spend less time during daylight reading.

I can read during the night. So that at least during the day I have some time with family and friends (relationships).

That's pretty much the only way that I can think of to where I have both activities going on.

24 more days until I find my purpose

-Vangie

Galatians 5:14

Day 15

Monday, December 22, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

"Point to Ponder: I was formed for God's family.
Question to Consider: How can I start treating other believers like members of my own family?"

My answer would be to don't treat them like strangers. If they're going to be like my own family then I would acknowledge them as a real person who shares a deep connection with the same person I share a deep connection with.

Being more open about my faith when I meet someone, whether I know them or not, would be a great start.

25 more days until I find my purpose

-Vangie

Ephesians 1:5

Day 14

Sunday, December 21, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

"Point to Ponder: God is real, no matter how I feel.
Question to Consider: How can I stay focused on God's presence, especially when he feels distant?"

I don't know.

I've wouldn't say always, but there are many times when I do feel as if God isn't by me. And I hate that feeling. I'm already alone as it is. My friends count is thinning, my stress level increasing, and I feel as if I can't function without breaking down.

When I break down, those are the moment where I feel furthest from God and closest.

My ugly thoughts of they day, week come forth and all is spoken. That's when I feel God distance from me, but also I don't because I KNOW he won't leave me. He wants me to be this open with him. It's a really scary thought, being so truthful for a change of only for a few moments.

The thought that really rings in my head is: " I know He won't leave me."

26 more days until I find my purpose

-Vangie

Hebrews 13:5

Day 13

Saturday, December 20, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

"Point to Ponder: God wants all of me.
Question to Consider: Which is more pleasing to God right now - my public worship or private worship?"

I would say my private worship. I bare my heart and soul to him when I'm alone and there's no one to judge me.

I would love to have my public worship the same as my private worship but I'm afraid. For what reason? I've no idea.

27 more days until I find my purpose

-Vangie

Mark 12:30

P.S. I'm currently in Oklahoma with no wifi. So all my posts will be done through the Blogger App which is very basic. So yeah.

Day 12

Friday, December 19, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

"Point to Ponder: I'm close to God as I choose to be.
Question to Consider: What choices will I make today in order to grow closer to God?"

Miles From Kara

Friday, December 19, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

Title: Miles From Kara

Author: Melissa West

Published Date: December 2, 2014

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Day 11

Thursday, December 18, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

"Point to Ponder: God wants to be my best friend.

Question to Consider: How could I remind myself to talk to God more often throughout my day."

Day 10

Wednesday, December 17, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

"Point to Ponder: The heat of worship is surrender.
Question to Consider: What area of my life am I holding back from God?"

Day 9

Tuesday, December 16, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

"Point to Ponder: God smiles when I trust him.
Question to Consider: Since God knows what's best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust him more?"

Day 8

Monday, December 15, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

"Point to Ponder: I am planned for God's purpose.
Question to Consider: What common task could I start doing as if I were doing it directly to Jesus?"

Day 7

Sunday, December 14, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

"Point to Ponder: It's all for Him.
Question to Consider: Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?"

Day 6

Saturday, December 13, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

"Point to Ponder: This is not my home.
Question to Consider: How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?"

Day 5

Friday, December 12, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

"Point to Ponder: Life is a test and a trust.
Question to Consider: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?"

What If

Friday, December 12, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

Putting If Only aside and only acknowledging this book, What If is a superb novel. I felt my heart racing and my eyes glistening. My breathing was shallow, and my voice was speechless. (If that makes any sense).

Day 4

Thursday, December 11, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

I didn't forget! I just had a lot to do today and I'm just now sitting in front of a computer.
Anyways... today was day four and here's my journal/blog entry.

"Point to Ponder: There is more than just here and now.
Question to Consider: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing today and the one thing I should start doing today?"

Something New

Thursday, December 11, 2014 by Vangelina 2 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

This isn't a book review, though if it were "Something New" would be a pretty good name. Anyways, back to the topic.
I'm part of this women's bible study group, and we all recently settled on the next book we would read. The book decided on is The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren.

INSIDE OUT

Friday, December 05, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

This here series is something amazing.
To be frank(if you thought of Outlander when you read that you're my soul mate), in all three of these books I honestly thought that I would lose connection. I thought focusing on two character for three books was taboo after reading stand alone after stand alone for quite sometime.

COVER REVEAL!

Thursday, December 04, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

Title: All About Us

Author: Ashley Erin

Estimated Release Date: March 2015

Synopsis:

Emma is broken inside. After tragedy strikes she returns to her childhood home in hopes to heal her heart. Reconnecting with old family friends, Emma is unprepared for the way her long lost friend, Dane, makes her feel. Emma fights the attraction, but Dane is a man impossible to resist. What she doesn’t expect is for Dane to pursue her with a determination that makes her resolve waver. His ability to calm the storm that rages inside her and the way he makes her pulse race is a dangerous combination. She is risking everything. Can Emma set aside her fears and give Dane a chance? Her walls will break, her heart will be tested and she will never be the same.

**All About Us is the first in a series of standalone novels. It does not have a cliffhanger, and can be read on it's own.**

Garrett

Sunday, November 30, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

When I finished Alex, I fell in love with the characters especially Garrett. I NEEDED his book in my hands. When I found out it was up on NetGalley, I was freaking out and dancing everywhere. The day waiting to be approved was agony.

No Blog Left Behind: Giveaway Hop!

Monday, November 24, 2014 by Vangelina 1 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

Heyo guys! If you couldn't tell from the title of this post... I'm partaking in No Blog Left Behind's Thanksgiving giveaway hop!

And these are the things that I will be giving away! There will be three winners so make sure to enter!

Rusk University Swag Pack

(me not included)

Make It Right Purse

(Child size)

Insurgent Market Bag

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Alex

Thursday, November 20, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

Holy hot mother of pearls. Nothing but praises for this book. Seriously, y'all should see the notes I wrote down while reading this. Before I say anything, I HIGHLY recommend this book. Alex encompasses everything that y'all could ever want in a book. There's humor, somberness, freaking romance (I assume everyone loves romance), a tinge of mystery and awe. Sawyer Bennet placed me right in the middle of these characters' live and I consider myself blessed to have seen these two beautifully developed characters connect with each other along with just as beautiful side characters. The writing is superb, within the first paragraph of the first chapter I WAS HOOKED.
I don't think you understand...

If you've seen my past posts, you'd know that when I start a book late at a late time (usually around ten-ish), I won't be going to sleep till around two in the morning (this is my limit... yes I had to limit my nightly reading time. Laugh all you want). And so you'd think that around the tenth time that this has happened to me that I would abide my rules. Yeah, no. I started Alex around 10:30ish, telling myself that I WOULD go to sleep at 1 the latest. Wanna guess what time I fell asleep?
2? Wrong.
3? Wrong.
4? DING DING DING. I went to sleep around 4 KNOWING that I had to wake up at 5:30. Oh and it doesn't stop there! That same day, as dead tired as I was, at any moment of free time whether it be a second or 30 minutes y'all can bet that I was reading this amazing book. Now, y'all sort of have an idea of how hooked I was to Alex, and half of the addiction that I had for this book was simply because of the prose.
The other half: the characters. Let me say this now... Garrett. I love you. I mean, I love every single one of these characters (except the obvious ones), but Garrett takes the cake. AND I KNOW I WILL DIE (of happiness and pain) when I get my hands on his... book. *snickers in the background*

From the very very beginning we know that Alex is awesome. He knows that he's awesome. People know that he is awesome. Awesomeness consumes him, but there is some seriously deep emotion surrounding him, and we see that right off the bat. As the story progresses, we see that he hates being in the spotlight because he is not a fan of criticism. He KNOWS his problems. He knows where they stem from. His not the bad guy character that simply exists with no backstory. He has a backstory, and boy, does he have one, and once I really saw and knew his story I understood.

The reason behind Alex's acts is the same as Sutton's reason for hers. Seeing them where they are now, I would have said that one was a cat and the other was a dog. AND yet, when they interact with each other they're one in the same. In the beginning, it was a rough start for both of them; they were introduced into a different side of people that they weren't used to interacting with. And once they started interacting more together the similarities were evident.

One amazing aspect of this couple is the truth. They are "painstakingly honest". Every word they said to each other was analyzed, but then they decided to settle on the truth. Sutton wasn't afraid to share her feelings, and though Alex was, he let her know that he was out of his limits. Out of this whole book, the line that speaks the most truth is:

"'Is it my heart that wants you, Sutton?' he asks on a low murmur. 'Or is it just my cock?'"

That sentence speaks volumes. And Sutton gives her truth right back at him.

There's a lot of give-and-take in this relationship sometimes it seems more one-sided but it's there nonetheless just each character is going at their own pace.

Honestly, I don't know what to tell y'all that would make you read this book. Take my word for it. This book is worth every penny and then some.

I DESPERATELY NEED GARRETT'S BOOK

-Vangie

Ephesians 4:2
P.S. FIVE GOLDEN STARS
P.P.S I can stare at that cover for ages.

Loving Him Off the Field

Thursday, November 13, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

Title: Loving Him Off the Field

Author: Jeanette Murray

Published Date: October 21st 2014

Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars

Synopsis: Aileen is a sports reporter trying to make a name for herself without relying on her looks, And what better way to do that than to break a scandal about one of the fastest rising stars on the Santa Fe Bobcats? Killian seems too good to be true, so she knows he must be hiding something…

It’s hard enough breaking into the NFL—even more so when you’re a single dad. Killian isn’t proud that he’s keeping his son a secret, but his ex has a reputation that could tarnish his squeaky clean image for good. So when Aileen starts sniffing around, Killian decides to distract her by any means necessary.

But Aileen is more than capable of giving as good as she gets…

Review:
This book was good, but it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. Murray's previous book in this series, One Night With A Quarterback, was pretty darn good. Now don't get me wrong, I KNOW other people will enjoy this one as much as the first one. So don't take what I write to heart.
For the most part, I enjoyed it. However, I thought it could've been shorter by getting the conflict resolved quicker. It seems to be prolonged for too long.
I did love the characters though. Aileen stands for her morals and she will not go back on her word. She's the most honest and open person in this book and she sort of expects that from everyone. Which sort of makes her naive but she can't help that.

Killian. I see your reasons and understand. You're a reserved for a good reasons but sometimes you have to take a chance. Everyone gives you that chance to change but you're too scared of your past and what that past might do for your future. You're letting you fear conquer you. I'm glad that you won that battle against fear toward the end.

Guys, this is a good read. There's a chance that I wasn't ready to read this book. With this book, you either have to be in the mood for it or maybe it just wasn't for me. But give this book a chance because the characters are worth it.

With more books to be read

-Vangie

1 Chronicles 29:11

P.S. The cover model's veins make me drool.

Fictional Boyfriend Tag

Saturday, November 08, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

Maf from Maf's Crazy Book Life has tagged me once again! Lets do this!
It has taken me forever to do anything. But I saw how small the list; was and decided to go ahead.
LIES. LISTS LIE. I thought it would be short. NO. This is the most torturous time you will ever have. Picking which boyfriend you love the most out of a certain category? Man, I tell you it is not an easy feat. So here's my pathetic attempt of doing just that.

The Most Romantic Boyfriend

Max Payton from Make It Right

The Dark & Moody Bad Boy with a Good Side
Jared Lynburn from The Lynburn Legacy

The Paranormal Boyfriend

Gabriel Merrick from Spark (The Elemental Series)

The Boyfriend you Want to Tame

Mateo Torres from Rusk University

The Boy you Friend-Zoned

Brandon Taylor from The Fine Art of Pretending

Your Soulmate
James Carstairs from the Infernal Devices

The Boyfriend you would Elope with
Adrian Ivashkov from Vampire Academy & Bloodline series

The Boyfriend you would Venture Anywhere with
Cade Winston from Faking It

The Boyfriend you want to be Stranded on a Deserted Island with
Bran Lockhart form Upside Down

The Most Bad Ass Boyfriend
Dimitri Belikov from Vampire Academy

Falling more in love with boys in books everyday
-Vangie
P.S. I tag I Heart Big Books | Reading on the Farm | Teacups & Book Love

The Fine Art of Pretending

Thursday, November 06, 2014 by Vangelina 1 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

Title: The Fine Art of Pretending

Author: Rachel Harris

Published Date: September 30th 2014

Rating: 5 GOLDEN STARS

Synopsis: According to the guys at Fairfield Academy, there are two types of girls: the kind you hook up with, and the kind you're friends with. Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Reed is the second type. And she hates it. With just one year left to change her rank, she devises a plan to become the first type by homecoming, and she sets her sights on the perfect date-Justin Carter, Fairfield Academy's biggest hottie and most notorious player. With 57 days until the dance, Aly launches Operation Sex Appeal and sheds her tomboy image. The only thing left is for Justin actually to notice her. Enter best friend Brandon Taylor, the school's second biggest hottie, and now Aly's pretend boyfriend. With his help, elevating from funny friend to tempting vixen is only a matter of time. But when everything goes according to plan, the inevitable break up leaves their friendship in shambles, and Aly and Brandon with feelings they can't explain. And the fake couple discovers pretending can sometimes cost you the one thing you never expected to want.

Add to Goodreads!

Review: Quick question... have any of y'all seen The Master of Disguise? If y'all have, I love you, if y'all haven't Y'ALL NEED TO because HILARIOUS. Okay now that question may seem off topic, but I assure you it's not. The reason I bring this AWESOME yet retarded movie up is because there are a few scenes where the protagonist says, "So crazy it just might work."

And that, my friends, is one of the first thoughts that popped up in my head while reading The Fine Art of Pretending. There's this craziness in the actions that are done and yet it works, but only in the story.
This book should come with a warning label: "Don't try this in real life." Because though this story may be adorable mcmuffins, I can tell you the outcome will be bizarre in real life. LIVE VICARIOUSLY THROUGH THE BOOK don't attempt unless you want crazy.

Okay. Second quick question... Have any of y'all seen Camp Rock?! You know, the Disney Channel movie involving camp, music, Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers... This movie ->
TFAoP has that Camp Rock feel where so many outcomes are possible. There's a new outlook of life.

Like Demi Lovato's character, Aly realizes that she doesn't need to change anything about herself to fit in. She understands that she needs to love herself the way she is before anyone could think different of her.

Brandon is the protagonist/antagonist which is a characteristic that is not often executed well (Props to Rachel). He helps Aly with her plan, but has his own plan in the works, which is the opposite of Aly's.

I can't tell y'all how frustrating yet hilarious and enjoyable this novel is. The Fine Art of Pretending is heart wrenching and stomach knotting in the best ways possible. If you have time, grab this book. I'm telling you it's worth it.

Impatiently waiting for Fine Art of Pretending book #2

-Vangie

2 Thessalonians 3:5

Taylor Swift Book Tag

Saturday, November 01, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

Blog edition (with photos)

So the awesome Maf from Maf's Crazy Book Life is going on a booktube/bookblog tag spree. And I think she's going to be tagging me on all of them (I don't mind, by the way).
Obviously, she tagged me for this book tag and I will oblige...

Here are the questions:

1. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together: Pick a book or series that you were pretty sure you were in love with, but then wanted to break up with.
To All The Boys I've Loved Before... It was good but became iffy toward the middle and end.

2. Red: Pick a book with a RED cover.
FORBIDDEN.

3. The Best Day: Pick a book that makes you feel nostalgic.
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. I read this book in middle school & it's one of the few books I can reread.

4. Love Story: Pick a book with forbidden love.
BLOODLINES.

5. I Knew You Were Trouble: Pick a book with a bad character you couldn’t help but love.

Perfect Chemistry. The MC is not necessarily bad but hangs around the "bad crowd."

P.S. I found my glasses!

6. Innocent: Pick a book that someone ruined the ending for.
Allegiant... I think everyone was spoiled about the ending with this one.

7. Everything Has Changed: Pick a character from a book who goes through extensive character development.
MAX freaking PAYTON form Make It Right.

8. You Belong With Me: Pick your most anticipated book release.
The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead

9. Forever and Always: Pick your favorite book couple.
All of them. Every single couple I read about is my favorite. BUT since I DO have to choose, Cade and Max from Faking It by Cora Carmack are my top favorite.

10. Come Back, Be Here: Pick the book you would least like to lend out, for fear of missing it too much.

My copy of Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. Even though it's a paperback, I need to take care of this baby.

11. Teardrops On My Guitar: Pick a book that made you cry a lot.

Reason to Breathe by Rebecca Donovan. If you want pain, read that. Make sure you have tissue and chocolate and the next book once you're done with this one.

If you look closely you can see my bacon alarm clock.

12. Shake It Off: Pick a book that you love so much, you just shake off the haters
Easy by Tammara Webber... though I don't think there can possibly be any haters for this book.

13. Out Of The Woods: Pick a book couple that is so frustrating because you just need them to be together already!

OH MY GOD... OLIVIA AND CALEB. Guys, y'all need to freaking read this book. It will never leave you. Best freaking book EVER.

AND I'M DONE!

I tag

I Heart Big Books

Reading on the Farm

Teacups & Book Love

ALL BROKE DOWN

Friday, October 31, 2014 by Vangelina 0 Comments A ⁺ a ^-

Non-review review edition... if that makes sense.
Since I signed up for the last day for this review tour I figured you've seen a lot of All Broke Down reviews. If you haven't, where have you been all week?!?!

Based upon a lot of the reviews that have been posted, I think y'all can tell that All Broke Down is just as awesome as All Lined Up... but trust me when I say that they are on two different sides of the spectrum. But still be prepared to be blown away.

So instead of doing a legit review with words and paragraphs and all that jazz here's a review that is (almost) solely GIFs about each chapter.

Warning: I felt a lot of feels while reading. AND Mild spoilers?

HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL AND JESUS I HAVE THE BOOK