Category: faith

Book, Book Club, faith, reading, Review

February Book Club Pick: The Crown Conspiracy Review

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Our February Book Club pick was The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann and oh my goodness… I absolutely loved this book.

If you enjoy stories that feel like Mission Impossible meets James Bond, but woven with threads of faith and purpose, this one will grab you from the start. It was action packed, fast paced, and nearly impossible to put down.

In fact, I started by reading just a few chapters at a time… but once I reached about a quarter of the way through, I ended up devouring the entire book in one sitting. It was that good.

What I Loved

One of my favorite elements was the Speranza women’s team. The strength, loyalty, and sisterhood between these women was powerful and inspiring. It makes you reflect on the beauty of strong, faith filled friendships and honestly, it made me want to start a secret sisterhood like that in real life…Anyone else?

I also appreciated how the storylines wove together. There were moments when plot lines crossed in surprising ways, keeping the suspense high and the tension building. The pacing was strong, and the stakes felt real.

And I especially loved how faith was woven throughout the story. It wasn’t heavy handed but it was present. God’s guidance, trust in uncertain moments, and leaning into courage during danger added a deeper layer to the action.

A Few Things I Would Have Loved to See

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there were a couple of areas where I found myself wanting a bit more clarity.

I would have loved if the author had circled back more clearly to the first chapter bridging that opening moment with the events that followed in a stronger way.

And when the big reveal came at the end, I personally felt like a few threads weren’t fully tied up. I finished the book thinking:

  • Wait… what happened there?
  • What was the final story with that character?
  • More than one culprit?

Some of those details felt a little unclear to me, and I’m very curious to hear what the rest of our Book Club thinks when we meet to discuss it. It’s always interesting how different readers catch different things.

Final Thoughts

Overall, The Crown Conspiracy was an exciting, faith threaded suspense novel that kept me turning pages late into the night. If you enjoy:

  • Strong female characters
  • International intrigue
  • Fast pace
  • Faith woven into action
  • Sisterhood themes

… this one is definitely worth adding to your reading list

More Book Reviews You Might Enjoy

If you loved this review, you might also enjoy these other books we’ve read in our book club:

These are all books that sparked meaningful conversations and encouraged our faith in different ways.

faith, family adventures, Hawaii, Review, travel

The Moana Surfrider: First Lady of Waikiki

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We were drawn to the Moana Surfrider Hotel, not just for its stunning oceanfront location on Waikiki Beach , but for the history it holds and to step into a piece of history that has stood for over a century .One that has welcomed travelers long before Waikiki became what it is today.

For our family, it was the perfect combination of everything we love: history to learn from, beauty to take in, and a location that simply can’t be matched.

The Moana Surfrider Hotel is one of the very first hotels built in Waikiki, Oahu and because of that, it holds an incredibly special place in Hawaiian history. Opened in 1901, it is often referred to as the “First Lady of Waikiki.” Long before high-rise resorts lined the shoreline, the Moana stood as a grand beacon of luxury on what was once a quiet stretch of beach.

It is absolutely beautiful and sits directly on Waikiki Beach, blending Victorian elegance with the relaxed rhythm of island life.

When we walked in, we immediately felt like we had stepped back in time. The wide open lobby, high ceilings, and sweeping staircase reflect the hotel’s original Victorian architectural style, which was quite a statement in the early 1900s. At the time it was built, arriving guests would travel by ship and horse-drawn carriage . Can you imagine stepping off a boat and into this grand oceanfront retreat?

As we walked through the lobby and out the back doors, we were greeted by a spacious veranda lined with rocking chairs … one of my favorite details. Sitting there with coffee in hand felt like slowing down time and savoring it in the best way.

The famous Banyan tree is front and center welcoming all to the natural beauty of the Island . Planted in 1904, just a few years after the hotel opened, the Banyan tree has grown into a massive, breathtaking centerpiece of the courtyard. Its branches stretch wide and welcoming, creating shade and a gathering place for generations of visitors. It’s incredible to think how many stories that tree has witnessed over more than a century.We felt so privileged to be able to stand there where so many others had gathered before.

The outside pool is beautiful …you can swim while looking out at the Pacific Ocean, or simply walk a few steps and be right on Waikiki Beach itself. That seamless connection between historic elegance and oceanfront beauty is part of what makes this place so special.

The hotel reminded me of a beautiful old-style mansion , the kind filled with stories. Oh if the walls could talk! Over the decades it has hosted celebrities, dignitaries, and travelers from around the world. Even through renovations and modernization, the Moana Surfrider has intentionally preserved its historic charm.

Staying here (or even just visiting) isn’t just about enjoying a beautiful resort , it’s about stepping into a piece of Hawaiian history.

But the story doesn’t stop at the hotel itself ✨

Waikiki: From Royal Retreat to World Destination

Long before Waikiki became a world-famous travel destination, it was actually a retreat for Hawaiian royalty. The area was once filled with wetlands and fishponds, and Hawaiian aliʻi (chiefs and royalty) would come here to relax and surf.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Waikiki began transforming as tourism grew. When the Moana Surfrider opened in 1901, it became the very first large hotel in the area, setting the stage for Waikiki’s future. At that time, there were no high-rise hotels, no bustling Kalakaua Avenue , just ocean, palm trees, and this grand white hotel standing proudly along the shore.

Over the years, Waikiki evolved into the vibrant destination we know today. But the Moana Surfrider still stands as a reminder of the beginning …a place where history hasn’t been forgotten.It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

One of the things I love most about staying somewhere historic is the opportunity to turn it into a living history lesson.

📚 A Living History Lesson Here are a few simple ways to make this educational:

History

Research Hawaii’s transition from a monarchy to a U.S. territory (1898) and then to statehood (1959).

Study Hawaiian royalty and learn about Queen Liliʻuokalani.

Compare what travel looked like in 1901 vs. today.

Geography

Locate Oahu on a map and identify other Hawaiian islands. Study volcanic island formation.

Architecture

Look up Victorian architectural elements and identify them in the hotel design.

Writing Prompt for Kids

“Imagine you are arriving at the Moana Surfrider in 1901. Write a journal entry about your first impressions.”

If you find yourself in Waikiki, don’t just admire the beach , step inside the Moana Surfrider. Sit under the Banyan tree. Imagine the year 1901.

Travel becomes unforgettable when it connects beauty with learning.

The Moana Surfrider is so much more than just a beautiful place to stay. It’s steeped in rich history✨

The same God who was writing stories here over a hundred years ago is still writing them today , even in our own family’s journey.

That’s what I’ll carry with me most from this visit … not just the ocean views or the historic charm, but the reminder that God is present in every season… past and present.

And when we choose to travel with intention, to learn, to reflect, and to be present , those moments become more than memories.They become part of the story we’re living, too.

Check out our reel of this beautiful Hotel ⬇️ and be sure to subscribe 🩷

And check out more of our post on Hawaii ⬇️

Beyond the Scenery: The True Beauty of Hawaiʻi’s People
faith, Gathered thoughts

What If One Kind Word Changed Everything?

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Recently I was sitting at Starbucks doing some planning when I overheard a conversation at the table next to me. A teenage girl was talking with her friend about the dynamics of her family.

I tried not to listen, but certain phrases caught my attention.

“My dad doesn’t really know how to love.”

“He isn’t kind.”

“I think my mom’s favorite is my sister… she doesn’t really talk to me.”

My heart broke as I listened.

What struck me most was not that she sounded sad. Instead, she spoke as if she had already accepted this as normal, as if this was simply what family was supposed to be like. That’s what made my heart ache the most.

I sat there trying to gather the words I might say to her. I knew I couldn’t just let her leave thinking she was unlovable or that this was simply the way life had to be.

Quick words have never been my strength , so as I was trying to figure out what to say, I prayed a silent prayer.As she stood up to leave, I found the courage to speak.

“I’m so sorry but couldn’t help but to overhear part of your conversation. I just wanted to say I’m really sorry for what you’ve experienced.”

I apologized to her for the way she had been treated, even though I wasn’t the one who hurt her. I told her that sometimes people simply don’t know how to love well. But that she is worthy of love.

I told her she has the opportunity to learn something different through this pain and to become someone who loves well, even if she didn’t receive it herself.

She thanked me and was very kind.

But as she walked away, I immediately thought of all the things I should have said.

I should have asked if I could give her a hug.

I wish I had shared my faith more clearly.

Instead, I tried to find a way to connect with her without sounding like some strange woman inserting myself into her life in a random moment .. but then it made me think.. why? Why was I worried over that instead of looking at it as an opportunity to love?

Why is it sometimes so hard to encourage others or show love , especially to people we don’t know?

There so many people who have accepted the lie that they are unlovable and for so many reasons . Sometimes it’s because of circumstances.Sometimes it’s self-preservation.Sometimes it’s simply the story they’ve been told long enough to believe.

But what if we chose to love people and to step out of our comfort zones ?

Even strangers.

What if one small moment of kindness could change the direction of someone’s life?

Recently I’ve been reading about D.L. Moody, and one story about him stood out to me. Early in his life, an elderly man gave him a single penny just for walking with him, listening, and encouraging him in his faith.

It was such a small interaction.

Yet Moody never forgot it.

I’ve also been reading the book The Body Keeps Score, which discusses how early environments shape behavior. One study described two groups of mice: one raised in a nest with warmth and plenty of food, and another raised in a poor, stressful environment.

When both groups were frightened by a loud noise, they ran back to their nests ,whether the environment was good or bad.

It made me pause.

Even when something is unhealthy, we often return to what feels familiar.

Maybe that teenage girl has learned to run back to the only “home” she knows …even if it isn’t the love she deserves.

And maybe that’s why small moments of kindness matter more than we realize.

A word.

An apology.

A reminder that someone is worthy of love.

Perhaps those moments plant seeds that grow later.

And maybe the next time I feel the nudge to speak kindness into someone’s life, I won’t hesitate.

Because sometimes a single moment of love or kindness can echo far longer than we could ever imagine ❤️

“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

Have you ever had a moment where you felt prompted to encourage a stranger? Or where a stranger’s kindness impacted you?

I’d love to hear your story in the comments ✨

Gathered Thoughts
faith, Gathered thoughts

A Morning Prayer Before the Day Begins

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There is something so sweet about the morning.

Before the noise.

Before the notifications.

Before the responsibilities start calling our name.

Psalms 143 reminds me that the first voice I need to hear each day is not the voice of the world — but the voice of the Lord. David’s prayer is simple and honest: Let me hear of your unfailing love. Not productivity. Not success. Not answers to every question. Just love.

Isn’t that what our hearts truly need?

When we begin the day grounded in God’s steadfast love, everything shifts. Our worries shrink. Our plans loosen their grip. Our striving softens. Trust grows.

And then comes the second request: Show me the way I should go.

Not five years from now. Not the full blueprint. Just the next faithful step.

That’s how walking with God works. Daily dependence. Morning by morning mercy. Guidance that meets us in real time.

Psalm 143:8 is a posture prayer. It’s surrender before strategy. Trust before timeline. It is choosing to entrust our lives — the messy, unfinished, beautiful whole of it — into faithful hands.

So tomorrow morning, before your feet hit the floor, whisper it:

“Lord, let me hear of Your unfailing love. Show me the way I should go.”

And trust that He will ❤️

faith

What Is Lament? Understanding Ash Wednesday and the Gift of Honest Prayer

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Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent ,a season in the Christian calendar that invites us into reflection, repentance, and remembering our need for God.

I didn’t grow up observing Ash Wednesday. In fact, I never even heard much about it. But as I’ve grown older in my faith, I’ve come to deeply appreciate what this season represents ,especially the practice of lament.

One of my new favorite resources this past year has been The Worship Initiative. A friend shared it with me, and recently they’ve been doing a series on lament. In one episode,Mark Vroegop (author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy) shared a powerful definition:

“Lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust.”

Pause on that for a moment.

A prayer.

In pain.

That leads to trust.

Not a denial of pain.

Not pretending everything is fine.

Not rushing to a quick spiritual answer.

Lament gives us language for the hard things ,the unanswered questions, the disappointments, the grief, the confusion. It teaches us that we can bring all of it to God.

Psalm 13: A Pattern for Lament


In the Book of Psalms chapter 13, David begins with raw honesty:

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?”

He asks questions.

He expresses sorrow.

He feels forgotten.

But the psalm doesn’t end there.

It ends in trust:

“But I trust in your unfailing love…”

That’s the movement of lament.

From pain → to prayer → to trust.

Not because circumstances changed instantly.

But because the heart turned toward God.

Why Lament Matters

Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are dust. That we are fragile. That we are not in control.

And lament gives us permission to bring that fragility to God.

We don’t have to only pray polished prayers.

We don’t have to only thank Him when things are good.

We can say, “How long?”

We can say, “I don’t understand.”

We can say, “This hurts.”

And still — we can trust.

Check out The Worship Initiative on the link below and go to Monday 16 to hear this beautiful psalm in song form. It’s one of my new favorites ✨

https://sing.theworshipinitiative.com/series/daily/2026-02-16?autoplay=1&from=daily+devo&ref_user=1eb7aa78-7816-4edb-b554-0b2e2b6a9fc7

faith, homeschooling, reading, Review

Growing in Faith Together: Why Between Us Has Been a Sweet Part of Our Homeschool Days

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Between Us: A 52-Week Devotional for Moms and Daughters is one of the devotionals my daughter and I are working through this year, and it has been such a meaningful addition to our homeschool rhythm.

What I love most about this devotional is how interactive it is. Each week includes a short devotional followed by intentional conversation prompts. There are moments where my daughter asks me a question and I respond while she records my answer, and then the roles reverse—I get to ask her a question and hear her heart. Those simple exchanges have opened the door to deeper conversations and sweet connection that I didn’t even realize we were missing.

This devotional has been a gentle, faith-filled way to slow down, reflect, and grow together. It’s not overwhelming or time-consuming, which makes it easy to weave into our homeschool days, and it encourages both spiritual growth and meaningful communication.

Have you ever done a devotional with your daughter? I’d love to hear what has worked well in your home. Share in the comments or send me a message—these conversations encourage so many other moms walking the same journey ❤️

If you haven’t done one or you’re looking for a devotional that strengthens faith while also nurturing your relationship with your daughter, Between Us is one I highly recommend.

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 reminds us:

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

faith, Gathered thoughts, history, Review, Texas, travel

From Texas Roots to Magnolia Market & Silos: A Faith-Filled Trip to Waco

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Absolutely love this ❤️ What is your story?

We had a short window to visit Waco and an opportunity to visit Magnolia, and I’m so thankful we made it work! I hadn’t been to Waco for over 20 years, and setting my feet back on Texas soil reminded me that I’m every bit Texas as the day I left , even with my Washington roots now. It’s funny how travel can make you reflect on where you come from and where you are now⭐️

So much history ⭐️ Travel + Field Trip

This city holds a rich history and it’s so deep in my roots that all of it came flooding back as soon as we landed in Dallas. So many memories of growing up here , and so many new adventures waiting to be discovered with Magnolia being at the top of our list .

Magnolia was absolutely delightful! We tried to take it all in and enjoy every part of it—soaking in all the decor, shopping, treats, and the many Insta-worthy spots. Walking around, it felt like stepping into a modern version of history, where every detail—from the buildings to the vintage-inspired decor—tells a story.

Magnolia Market
The Holiday Shop
Homebody

One of our first stops was the church right in the middle of it all. It was beautiful, steeped in history, and reminded me of how faith has long been a cornerstone of communities here and in my own life . Standing in that space, I couldn’t help but pause and reflect on the generations who had gathered there before us .

A beautifully restored Chapel ❤️

So beautiful at night ⭐️

The shops were all decorated for the holidays and so welcoming. I loved that they offered a ship-to-home option, so I could shop without worrying about packing everything into my luggage—a little luxury that made travel feel so smooth.

The bakery was a sweet little highlight! My little one picked out a gingerbread cupcake, and just the smell of the fresh baked goods was enough to make us pause in delight. Moments like these remind me that travel isn’t just about the sights—it’s about the wonderful smells of fresh baked goods, brewing coffee and so many other little joys along the way.

I was most excited to try Magnolia Press. I ordered an iced Americano, and it hit the spot. If you’re planning on shopping as well, be sure to look for deals in the stores—they had a free drink with the purchase of a mug, during the time we visited.

So many Insta-worthy Stops

One of the unique collaborations I discovered was the Silos Watercolor book by Emily Lex . I loved it! My littles love her watercolor books ❤️ And with her being from Washington, it made me reflect on my own journey—how life and travel can connect distant places and memories, tying together past, present, and faith in unexpected ways.

Love these watercolor workbooks! Perfect for Homeschool Art Classes

Washington is my home now—and for as long as God keeps me there—but Waco will always be part of my story. Years ago, when I packed up my life and moved west, I had no idea how it would all unfold. Looking back now, I can see Gods hand in every step, every transition, and every place that shaped me along the way. I’m deeply thankful for the way God continues to orchestrate the details, faithfully writing a story far greater than I could have planned myself ❤️

If you’ve ever returned to a place that shaped you, I’d love to hear your story. What city, season, or moment did God use to grow you—even if you didn’t understand it at the time? Share in the comments or save this post as a reminder that He’s still writing your story ❤️

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭143‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Check out our Reel below ⬇️

Book, Book Club, faith, reading, Review

Once A Queen ~ Book Review

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Our March Book Club pick was Once a Queen by Sarah Arthur.
.
Once a Queen is a fairytale fantasy that weaves real life family dynamics with magic portals , secret gatherings and magic woven tapestries. You meet 14 year Evie as she travels to England to meet a grandmother she has never met before who lives in a beautiful estate that has an intriguing staff. The staff is one we would all want if we were as privileged.
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It starts off slow but then quickly starts to wrap you into the story as it unfolds. As the characters unfold , and the story is weaved ,and you get glimpses of the white stag, you can’t help but to start to step into the magic of the story . Definate Narnia vibes throughout that awakened my childlike faith in reading this.
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Our bookclub enjoyed reading this and several of us are adding the other books to our list!

faith, Gathered thoughts

Happy Easter

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Thankful for the sacrifice made for me today . I am known as redeemed, forgiven and a new person all because my king choose to die for me and all humanity ❤️