First Date: Reader Book Review

First Date
Krista McGee




My new “favorite” book is First Date by Krista McGee.
My name is Maddie and I am thirteen. I love to read. Recently, my mom gave me a book to read called First Date. Even though she said it was from a Christian publisher, it looked like many of the books I read and the story sounded good so I eagerly dug in one Friday evening.

I like to read books that grab me at the start and pull me into the story. First Date didn’t start with a lot of action, but by the third chapter I was totally hooked. The author used language that I could relate to and included things like the reality show contest that made the story seem like something that could really be happening in today’s world. I really liked Addy, the main character, more than anything.

Addy really made an impression on me. Like me, she was just trying to get through school without drawing much attention to herself until she was chosen for the reality show—for a chance to win a date to prom with the President’s son! Suddenly, she had to deal with crazy and sometimes hurtful situations. She tried to get kicked off the show, but Jonathan Jackson was drawn more to her. She drew her strength from God and never hesitated to share her faith with others. I began to want to be more like Addy. I wanted God’s love to show through all of my actions and words.

I have always had a Bible in my bedroom but I don’t remember doing anything with it other than carrying it to church on Sundays. Addy’s example made me want to study my Bible to learn more about God’s word so I could share it like Addy—in a natural, non-threatening way. I started reading my Bible right after I finished First Date and I haven’t stopped. Now instead of being buried on my desk, it sits right next to my bed on top of the stack of my favorite books.

I chose to do my most recent school language arts project on First Date. I made a story tree with all the elements of Addy’s story on it. I am proud to report I made a 100 on the assignment but more importantly several of my classmates asked if they could borrow my copy of First Date to read. I can’t wait to hear what they think of Addy’s story!

Thanks for sharing your review with us Maddie! Do you want to write with us? Want to submit a post? Click on "Write With Us" on the menu bar to learn how!

While you wait...Be Content!

A few thoughts from my co-author and I from our new book, Praying for Your Future Husband ... if you're already married, what does contentment look like for you?

Robin:

She found her true love when she least expected it. Seventeen years ago on a breezy September afternoon I stood as a beaming bridesmaid in a lovely southern California rose garden. The beautiful bride stepped forward and met her groom under a white lattice arch where they held hands and made promises before God and an intimate gathering of family and friends. My dear friend had waited well into her 40’s to experience this exquisite moment. Now that her long prayed-for day had come, it was clear this man had been worth the wait.

How had my friend, Catherine, spent those decades of singleness? She lived. She didn’t wait around for a husband to show up before she bought a home or traveled to interesting places she’d always wanted to see. She didn’t collapse her life. She expanded it. Contentment shows. It’s the best face-lift, spirit-brightener, heart-toner remedy out there.

As Psalms 131:2 says, “I've kept my feet on the ground, I've cultivated a quiet heart.
Like a baby content in its mother's arms, my soul is a baby content” (MSG).

Maybe you're in your teens, twenties or thirties. Maybe you're still wondering and waiting, dreaming and hoping. Perhaps someday you'll be like Catherine and find the man you wish to commit your life to. Your future spouse may show up tomorrow. Or he may arrive five or ten years from now. Your contentment will show. Your romance with God will no doubt shine bright if you choose to seek Him first. As Wesley L. Duewel says, "Give Him time to do great things. The greater the work He plans, the greater the prayer preparation that may be necessary, including prayer for guidance. God often waits so that He can be even more gracious."



Tricia:

Also remember to pray that your future husband will be content.

As you wait, remember to pray for your future husband. Pray for his contentment as he waits for you. Pray for him to learn to have a content heart.

Every marriage goes through seasons of loss and gain. Every couple needs to make difficult decisions on how and where their limited finances will be directed, on when to start a family and where to direct their time and attention. Contentment in all situations allows room for flexibility. Contentment opens up new options. Contentment brings peace.

Contentment is worth praying for. And while you pray for yourself, remember to pray for all those who are waiting along with you, especially your future spouse.

Love filmmaking, singing, acting or writing???

Then have I got some news for you!! Want to spend a week this summer hobnobbing with filmmaking, writing and acting professionals from all over the country? Want to grow as an artist? Want to explore the media arts in an environment that honors the Lord?
Yes, Yes, Yes!

There's still time to apply!!

Gideon Teen Intern Program (GI)The Gideon Intern Program is a unique and fabulous part of the Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival. It is designed exclusively for teens between the ages of 16 and 18 who are ready to take their love of the media arts to the next level. Media Arts, you ask? Well, we're talking about things like writing, screenwriting, acting, directing, radio, TV, church drama, and producing. Our interns participate in every aspect of the conference, plus get to have exclusive meals with industry professionals to ask questions and learn from them.This year we also will have a special filmmaking and novel writing track that some of our interns will be selected to participate in.But don't sit around and wait - you have to apply to be a part of the program! For all the details and an application, please see our website: Gideon Teen Intern program

re-post:-)