Best of {my} 2011

Wow,  is 2011 already over? What an awesome year! There have been so many unforgettable happenings, and so many fun times! I have decided to compile a list of my favorite things this year!

Top 5 Best Books I Read {fiction} 

In no particular order:

     This book was phenomenal!  With vivid, lively descriptions, the reader can view the luxuriously elegant Belmont Mansion. Using breathtaking details and characters so real the reader feels as if talking to them, Tamara Alexander has written a book that will not be soon forgotten.  One would have neither problems nor criticisms of this book, other than minor doctrinal errors, depending on one’s beliefs. Any reader can find this book to be one of the most researched, stunningly descriptive, and heart-warming

I. Loved. This. Book. It was WONDERFUL! It retold the story of the Woman at the Well, and it was so, so good! I cried. Just to read the part where Jesus comes to the well and tells her about living water, Oh! So wonderful!

     This book was awesome! I learned that if we live our lives in regret, not fully partaking of the amazing grace God has given us, regret will ultimately destroy us. Regardless of our past, we are new creations!

     *This book was one of those books you just have to think about for a while. You know, the kind that takes a while just to chew on and digest? Kind of like steak, absolutely delicious, but it takes a bit to digest. 

 

I LOVED it. I learned a lot about the Athabascan people of Alaska, as well as how desperately every soul desires peace.

Top 5 Best Books I read{non-fiction} 

*This book was exceptional, and by far my favorite of this year {keep your eyes open for a giveaway and review} 

     * Originally, I had received a recommendation for this book from another blog, and also, I had read "I kissed Dating goodbye" by Joshua Harris, Alex and Brett's Older brother. What do I have to say about this book?  I have to say that next to the Bible, this is the most Life changing book I have ever read. Ever. If you have not read this yet, read it now. Forget your other books. This book really convicted me of complacency in a few areas of life such as chores, exercise, and some other things. I realized how often I barely do any work and it is approved. I am on a mission to change that. I URGE you to read this book, like, yesterday!

 {fiction/nonfiction}

    This book is hysterical. It talks about what it means to truly be transformed, not just be a "Sunday Christian" It is one of those books that makes you laugh and then be really deep at the same time. Awesome book.

This book is the author's story of being called as a missionary to Yemen. It was SO wonderful! I learned all about the Yemen and Muslim culture, and it was a true story, of a missionary who is in Yemen right now! I absolutely loved it!

  *This book was fantastic!

 *Not written in 2011, just read 

Best retail Website

I love C28! They have reasonable prices, and their stuff is awesome! A portion of every purchase goes to an organization of your choice, and they lead hundreds to Christ every year!

Top 5 Best Blogs

Lucia etc. 

follow God every day

 Adventures are Funny Things

Falling  For You

Praising the Lord in All Things
 

Through My Eyes

Best Commenter 

 Sierra from Keep Growing Beautiful

Sierra leaves the sweetest {and the most} comments! Why don't you go over and leave her a few as well!

Best Guest Poster
 Grace from
Smile, Just Smile

Best Albums

Best Movie

Best Song
One Thirst by Bethel Church

Best Musician
Kari Jobe

Best T-shirt

{Got this for Christmas :) }

Best Comic

Truest Comic

Best Comedy
Rockshow {Clean} Comedy Tour, with Tim Hawkins John Branyan and Bob Smiley

Best Vacation

{Washington}

Best Followers
You!
{all images from either images.google.com, the top 5 blogs, and gocomics.com}

Thank you so much for being a follower! If you do your own "Best of {my} 2011" post, be sure to leave me the link! Wishing you the best of 2012. The best is yet to come!
Sincerely,
Libbi H.

Big news...

 

I am going to be an older sister, again! Except, I will now have three little sisters and a BROTHER! I am so thrilled! 

What has been the best news you've received this year?

Sincerely.,

Libbi H.

Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

   By now, I am sure many of you have heard of The Hunger Games. I had heard of the book as well, and I received it from my library for free, since I had completed the Summer reading program. So, I read this book, and decided to write a review from my standpoint, so that you may have a better idea of what it is about.

   The Plot: Each year, one boy and one girl must be chosen from each of the twelve districts. They must compete in a fight to the death with the opposing districts tributes {their players} When Katniss Everdeen's sister is chosen, Katniss immediately volunteers in her sisters place. She is sent off to the Capitol for training. When the game begins, she is singled out with a high score, as well as teamed up with her fellow companion from district 12, Peeta. Through a series of challenges, she and Peeta are nearing victory, but only one of them can survive.

    The book was very suspenseful, I started it at seven P.M, and finished it at two A.M. Without stopping. I won't lie. There is some mystical power that makes you want to keep reading this book, even though you know that no good will come from it.

     I disliked: The many references to being naked. I will give Suzanne Collins credit for not making it graphic, even though slightly uncomfortable to read.  i.e. Katniss was sitting in an examination room waiting to be seen, she was in front of a mirror, and a couple of other instances. The times Katniss and Peeta kissed, while somewhat innocent {they didn't do anything more} it still was somewhat of a rouse, and I think that was fairly, desensitizing of them. While I understand that Katniss and Peeta being a couple was a rather large part of the plot, it could have been done a tad more innocently. It worries me that the next book could be more graphic, which truly would be a travesty.  I believe if the entire book had not included the cosmetic part, with her fashion designer and such, I would have enjoyed it more.his book is VERY violent. It has to describe each of the killings, and vividly. The reason for them has no motive. Running around killing people you don't even know. That sounds life giving.*Said with EXTREME sarcasm*  The thought that comes to mind is this, 

Deuteronomy 30:19
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 

     What is life about this book? Despite the fact it is all about death, there is not one life-giving quality to it.  Which means that it is death.  Death, death, death, death, death.

     Overall, I think it is sad this, of all books, is the book the world is flocking to. If were you, I would not read this book. I don't believe it will be staying on my bookshelf, simply because it has no redeeming quality. I thought about what was good and life giving in the book, and realized there is scarcely anything. As my mom always says about movies and books, if its not life, its death. I would suggest against reading it, no matter how well you can take violence. Watching a murder mystery is less desensitizing than this book. First of all, in a murder mystery, one killer, one death, one motive. No one likes the killer. The Hunger Games is all about killing without a second thought, and you are WANTING Katniss to kill. I believe the only reason I read it was to help other people NOT to. That is my opinion on this book, if you disagree, than we can agree to disagree. 

I leave you with this verse that sums up my thoughts on the book:

Philippians 4:8
For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

Sincerely,

Libbi H.

Merry Christmas

Feliz Navidad! Frohe Weihnachten! 聖誕快樂! Весела Коледа! Joyeux Noël!In other words, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Some of my favorite quotes {also day 4 in thirty day challenge}

 I sure am glad it is not call the 30 days in a row challenge...

 

"I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born." -Ronald Reagan

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. - Corrie Ten Boom

Jesus, in His earth walk, was the will of God in action. If you want to know what God thinks about sickness - look at Jesus! He went about healing the sick! - Kenneth Hagin

I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done. - Hudson Taylor

God is glorified through healing and deliverance, not through sickness and suffering. - Kenneth Hagin

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”-Corrie ten Boom

 {For more of my favorites, go here}

 Sincerely,

Libbi H.

Book Review: This Thing of Ours by Cammy Franzese

    For better or for worse. The phrase that is recited daily by couples, yet is rarely followed through. With divorce becoming the easy way out, it is rare for a family with multiple problems to not split up. This book is the story of Camille Franzese's marriage to a member of a massive mafia {just had to alliterate that :) } Shortly into her marriage, her husband was impounded, for four years. Finally, he is released from prison. And then re-impounded. For another four years. Although being imprisoned is difficult, raising a family without a husband is just as, if not harder to manage. Through it all, Cammy never once had an affair, or pondered divorcing her mob boss husband.
     This book dissapointed me. I actually loved it until the last chapter. In fact, it was the last chapter that ruined it for me. I loved the message of really sticking by your husband "for better or worse," no matter what. I genuinely liked the story. But the last chapter killed the rest of the book. I'll spare you the details, but it really made me pretty miserable. I was planning on giving this book to my grandma for Christmas, but the end pretty much ruined that. So, I will say to you, the book is 5 stars until page 174. Skip the rest, and it is a good book!
Sincerely,
Libbi H.
This book was given to me by Thomas Nelson Publishers for this review

Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Night of the Living Dead Christian by Matt Mikalatos

    What does it mean to be transformed? Really, truly transformed? In this laugh out loud novel, Luther, a Lutheran werewolf, searches for an answer.  With anger ruling him, Luther’s last hope is to be transformed from, the cruel beast he is, along with Matt Mikalatos, his neighbor.  Along the way, they meet a group of brain-less  zombies, a blood-sucking vampire, and a monster killer.  Fighting to become a human again, Luther must be transformed quickly, or he will die trying.

     This book was FANTASTIC. Literally one of the funniest, and most convicting I have read. Funny AND convicting you ask? Yes. Matt Mikalatos is fantastic at weaving together both the comical and spiritual. I enjoyed the readability of the book, as well as the monster  analogies.  I loved the back of the book that showed the different kinds of monsters and their personalities.  I laughed out loud while reading this book, my mom would give me a strange look every time… My favorite part of the book was when the zombies started singing their song, oh how funny! This book is worth your money, and is definitely a book worth reading!

Overall, I would recommend this book to those ages thirteen and older, and definitely to anyone high school age. This is a hysterically funny book filled with fun for anyone who reads it!
Be sure to check out Matt’s…

Website: http://mattmikalatos.com/

Publisher: http://www.tyndale.com/00_Home/index.php

I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishers for this review

Makeup for 12 days of Fashion Christmas, Days 3-12 (give or take ;)

Ok, so I have been wearing all these super cute outfits, and forgetting to put pictures up! So here is my makeup post...

Day 3: Wear a hat

{Pants:Target, I have to wear these for a dance/drama program at my church, one of my favorite pairs! Shirt: Oldnavy Jacket:kohls Hat: gift Shoes: gift}

I just found a hat my cousin had crocheted for me a few years back, so I wore that!


Day 5: Free day! :)

{Dress:Maurices/Shoes:gift}

Day 6: Wear a Skirt

My mom bought my the above cardi{Dillards}, and you can wear it as a vest or as a cowl scarfed vest! :)

Skirt: Thrifted

Shoes: Cato

Shirt: Gift

Day 7: Share a picture of your Christmas tree

Dress:Target/Shoes:Cato/Jacket:Kohls/Earrings:gift

 Here is a picture of {most of ;)} our Christmas tree, along with my little sister :)
Day 8: Wear a  scarf! :)

{Shoes:Target/Tights:OldNavy/Scarf:claires/Dress:thrifted/shirt: OldNavy

}

Day9: Share your Favorite holiday Recipe:

http://lifeisfunner.blogspot.com/2010/11/pumpkin-dessert.html

{Shirt:Cato/Gauchos:OldNavy/SHoes:Maurices/ Jacket: Kohls}

Day 11: Sunday best!This Sunday I was working in preschool, so I had to wear something I could run around in and not become immodest :)

{Dress: Ross/ SHoes: Maurices/ Legwarmers: claires}

Day 12: Red and Green!

{Favorite Ornament I promised to post on day 1 :)

Dress: Target/earrings:Avon/Shirt:Kohls/ Scarf:gift/Bracelet:Avon/ Shoes:Gift {from target I think}

Well that's all the days I did! I had a bunch of fun!

Sincerely,
Libbi H.

Book Review: I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris

     What is dating, really? Is it a way to find a future spouse, or is it just an unnecessary evil we try to justify? In this deep, down-to-earth book, Joshua Harris shows some of the downfalls of stereo-typical dating. Fortunately for those pessimistic, he does so in an orderly, non-condemning manner. Unlike many books that discourage dating, Joshua Harris reveals not only the problem, but the answer. In a book perfect for it's time, I Kissed Dating Goodbye  is a wonderful book, showing the joy that comes from a pure heart. 
     This book is superb. Utterly perfect. Our generation needs this book. I enjoyed his stories, analogies, and use of scripture, and his writing style made me feel like we were lightheartedly chatting over coffee. I loved this quote, {in reference to compromise, dating, or whatever you feel like sticking in..."

"Everyone around us may be doing it. But at the end of our lives, we won't answer to everyone. We'll answer to God."

Whoa. Deep. 

 I would rapidly recommend this book to everyone within dating age, {which, in today's culture is very, very young}This book gets the point across clearly, while not being graphic in the least. I really had to check myself when he spoke about not wasting our singleness. I feel this book will always have a place in my top five books, and I believe, should you read it, that it will be in your top reads as well!

Sincerely,

Libbi H. 

Links to Joshua Harris's...
Website: http://www.joshharris.com/
Facebook fan page:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/joshharris.fanpage

This book was given to me for free from Waterbrook Publishing for this review

Also, Day 3 of Rose's challenge :)

a favorite photo {and why} ♥

I don't think an explanation is needed :)

12 Days Of Modest Fashion-Day 1

{Sweater dress: Old Navy/Boots:Payless/Scarfbelt:Mark by Avon/ Undershirt:Dillards}

I wore this outfit yesterday to a Christmas play, I just didn't have a chance to get pictures! I am super excited to do this challenge, however, today's challenge was to take a picture of my favorite ornament on our tree, and I would, except our tree is not quite up! :) I promise to complete the "Christmasy" challenges in one post once we get our tree up :)

Mom ♥

10 things I appreciate about my mom....

• She is always honest, and always loving in her honesty
• She lets me use her camera to take lots and lots of pictures
• She gave birth to me...Fairly important
• She raised me to know God
• She has homeschooled me from kindergarten through my senior year {this year}
• She has helped me when I needed advice
• She is very patient with me and my ramblings
• She has always told me and my sisters to be best friends, which has really paid off this past year!
•  She is really patient with me in getting my license, which may not seem like a big deal to you, but for me, that is huge!
• She loves Jesus!

You can join in @ http://throughmyrosyeyesi.blogspot.com/