La Belle Design

  This is the Titus Arch. A triumphal arch in Rome near the Colosseum. It was built in 81 A.D. by Titus‘s older brother, Emperor Domitian. It was to represent Titus’s defeat of Jerusalem and the removal of the items from the temple. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture that represents something awful. Not only man destroying other men, but man raising himself up as if he were worthy of worship like a god. But that’s not the end of the story: Philippians 2:9-10 (ESV) 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him (Jesus) and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Read all of Psalm 8 to see what our mighty and majestic God has given us, His people. Psalms 8:4 (ESV): “What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” It goes on to speak of the honor He has given us. God must do the raising up of man. It is then His glory that is reflected on us. This i

This is the second book in the Bookish Romance Series by this dynamic writing duo— Erica Dansereau and Britt Howard ! These two have found a way to showcase each other's talents by writing books that make you laugh, cry, and draw nearer to God. You won't be disappointed with Blind Date with a Book Nerd! In this second chance clean/Christian romance, Ava Fox and Dawson Hayes reconnect after seven years. She’s an editor for a publishing house and he’s a computer programmer/app designer. I love the push/pull of their relationship as they fight their inner battles while trying to figure out where their relationship is heading this time around.  Set in NYC, most of the story is centered around Dawson’s app, Blind Date with a Book Nerd. The app itself is so creative and fun it left me wanting to see it in real life (not for a date, because I’m happily married, but they did an amazing job of fleshing it out!). Despite the weighty topics, there are plenty of lighthearted moments to

I’m a sucker for marriage of convenience, but it’s hard for a contemporary romance author to get it right. Latisha knocked it out of the park. This feels realistic and is done with the main characters’ faith fully intact. When Bram learns the love of his life is married he goes through heartache. He soon finds out the love of his life’s sister (a long time family friend) has a medical diagnosis and needs help. He steps up for a marriage of convenience, because he is that hero you’ve always hoped for. But that’s not the way Quinn Jone’s imagined her life going. Reading about how these two navigated awkward feelings, desire for romantic love, and the revelation of family secrets had me quickly reading to the end to see how they got their happily ever after.  Both Bram and Quinn have a strong faith that is admirable. By the end they learned more about themselves, love, and God. Only kisses are shown on page. There is vague reference to more within marriage for the main characters,

The picture above marries two things I love: writing about God and architecture. Romans 15:13 is my writing verse (more about that at the bottom) and the photo was taken this summer in Marseille, France at Notre Dame de la Garde Before we get back into our study of joy, let’s look at Matthew 7 to remind ourselves the importance of working on the fruit of the Spirit.   Matthew 7:15-20 ESV - 15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits . People will recognize us by our fruit. What do people see when they look at us? Do they see

In The Designated Date, Drew Taylor tackles a topic that is often swept under the rug among Christians—sexual temptation, sin, and redemption. They are heavy topics, but as always Drew adds just enough humor and sweetness to keep the deeper things from becoming too much. She doesn’t gloss over the hard things either. She makes her characters work to get through their issues and when they come through their growth is evident. You may never have dealt with sin in this area, but you likely have or have had your own battles—the things you think God will reject you for. This book reminds you that: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (ESV) Lucy May Spence works for Stone Harper who has been asking her out for months. He’s known for his lack of commitment, but Lucy is a romantic looking for her happily ever after. When she finally agrees to a fake date things get confusing for both of them. Ultimatel