MY POETRY COLLECTION IS RELEASING TODAY!!!! *insert incoherant squealing noises*

Yes, you read that correctly, my friends...my poetry book releases TODAY!!! This is a new experience for me in several ways:

1) Because it's the first time I've ever released a poetry collection

2) Because it's also the first time I've done a book in this style (namely: spiral bound) and

3) Because this is the first book I've done with not two but THREE different cover styles. O.o 

 

So, that said, there are a couple things you all should know about this unique release.
First, because of the style I chose to do, it can ONLY be purchased through Lulu...which kind of sucks because that makes it a little more complicated for you guys to buy it. ALSO, it means I really need your help in spreading the word about it's release.
If any of you are interested in sharing the links (I'll leave them at the bottom of the post) on ANY social media of ANY kind, I am willing to give you a couple really cool things. (Yes, I have resorted to bribery. XD)
You will get:
2 "The Princess and I" bookmarks
1 poem of your choice from the collection FOR FREE (and signed if you want)
1 card from me telling you what a nice person you were for helping me out ;P
1 shout out in a future blog post (if enough of you are willing to help)
Sound interesting? PLEASE let me know via e-mail or comment if you want to help spread the word. Again, I don't care which program you use to share (think: Google+, Instagram, Pinterest, blog post, Facebook, Goodreads...WHATEVER WORKS BEST FOR YOU)!
Here's a little bit more about the book to peak your interest. ;)

~ The Summery ~

And MAN did I have a tough time writing this.

APPRECIATE THE EFFORT. XD
 

This first collection of poetry by the author of "The Princess and I" and "Sleeping Handsome" was written over a period of thirteen years. Rebekah Eddy's first poem she ever wrote, "The Duck Pond", was penned when she was only six years old. The other poems were written between her fifteenth and nineteenth years of life.
The poems within this small volume cover a wide variety of topics that include Christmas and Easter traditions, everyday thoughts on life, and even some more humorous and fun poems at the end.
She created this book in a style with the hopes that you, as the reader, can fill in the spaces with your own illustrations and have fun doodling your own creative ideas into the spaces between her poems.
 

 

~ The Cover(s) ~

 

 

 



 

 

 

And finally....

 

 

~ The Links! ~

 

Thoughts in Verse (Typewriter)

 

Thoughts in Verse (Teacup)

 

Thoughts in Verse (Teenager)

 

If you buy my book today or tomorrow, you could Save 10% on orders of print products, plus free mail or 50% off ground shipping

Use Code: BOOKSHIP18

 

Can't wait to hear what you think of my poetry!!! :D

Until next time, let everything you do be done for the glory of God!

Five Golden Rings (Day 5 of the 12DoC link-up): Christmas Poetry

Today, as the third post I've contributed towards the 12 Days of Christmas link-up, although technically the FIFTH day of Christmas, I'm bringing you guys a couple Christmas poems I've written.

The first poem is one I wrote last week and is more on the serious side. The following ones are kind of an odd thing I did last month just for fun and are going to eventually be an entire collection under the title: A Villain's Christmas. B-)
Weird I know, but could you honestly expect anything else from me? Anyways. I hope you enjoy all of them, and be sure to let me know in the comments which was your favorite. ;)
Without further ado, I present...

 ~ The Whole Reason for Christmas ~

Snowflakes and evergreen trees 

Smiles and flamboyant wreaths

Santa and elves and the toys

Songs that have become background noise

Lights and meaningless junk

That fills up our attics and bunks

Hot cocoa and eggnog lattes

Reasons this season conveys

Explains why we do what we do

And the piles of stuff we accrue

The full emptiness of it all

The sales and rush through the mall

Take a moment to step back and see

How ridiculous about Christmas are we 

What is this day without God

A worthless mask, a phony façade

Realize that when Father sent Son

To save a world both doomed and undone

He laid down His life for ours

That gift which tore down the bars

And gave everyone chance to win

The ever present battle with sin

The same sin that distracts us today

From the desire to study and pray

Those wants and wishes we get

Beyond all those needs we have met

To have more stuff we don't need

To satisfy our pride and our greed

But we can be conquerors now

Going before His throne with a bow

Admitting that we are but weak

Admitting that His help we seek

Knowing our deeds are but rags

That fill up countless trash bags

And this is why Jesus Christ came

As a babe in a manger was lain

Why he grew up as one of us

But still God, both holy and just

And died on that cross for mankind

So God could claim heart and mind

Of each willing, forgiven soul

Eternal life with Him the main goal

Now when He sees the raised hands

Of people from various lands

Instead of our sin blackened hearts

He sees His Son's sacrificial scars

And opens the gates with a smile

Into heaven with streets of gold tile

So take time on Christmas this year

To thank God for His sacrifice dear

Exchanging His Son for us broken things

And rejoice in the joy that it brings

To know we are forgiven and free

'Cause God can love people like me

~ Guns and Knives ~

(a.k.a Jingle Bells)

 

Dashing through the snow

After ruining someone’s day

O’er the fields I go

Laughing all the way

(Bwhahahaha)

 

Guns and knives,

Guns and knives,

Always do the job

Oh what fun it is to fight

And then escape the mob

Coins in pockets ring

Makes my spirit rise

Oh, what fun it is to sing

A slaying song tonight!

(Bwhahahahaha)

Guns and knives,

Guns and knives,

Always do the job

Oh what fun it is to fight

And then escape the mob

 

 

I'll leave you with a (sort of) theme appropriate song. Just...don't get this version stuck in your head. That's all I ask. :P

 

 

 

~ The Twelve Days of Villainy ~

(a.k.a The Twelve Days of Christmas)

 

On the first day a villain left outside the door for me

a match and some TNT

On the second day a villain left upon a step for me

two ICBMs

and a match and some TNT

On the third day a villain left upon the path for me

three cups of poison

two ICBMs

and a match and some TNT

On the fourth day a villain left outside the gate for me

four stun grenades

three cups of poison

two ICBMs

and a match and some TNT

On the fifth day a villain left on the sidewalk just for me

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

four stun grenades

three cups of poison

two ICBMs

and a match and some TNT

On the sixth day a villain left across the road for me

six dogs a-growling

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

Four stun grenades

Three cups of poison

Two ICBMs

And a match and some TNT

On the seventh day a villain left a bit further on for me

Seven knives a-flying

Six dogs a-growling

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

Four stun grenades

Three cups of poison

Two ICBMs

And a match and some TNT

On the eighth day a villain left in a corner store for me

Eight bombs a-fizzing

Seven knives a-flying

Six dogs a-growling

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

Four stun grenades

Three cups of poison

Two ICBMs

And a match and some TNT

On the ninth day a villain left around the bend for me

Nine hoodlums watching

Eight bombs a-fizzing

Seven knives a-flying

Six dogs a-growling

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

Four stun grenades

Three cups of poison

Two ICBMs

And a match and some TNT

On the tenth day a villain left down an alleyway for me

Ten doors a-closing

Nine hoodlums watching

Eight bombs a-fizzing

Seven knives a-flying

Six dogs a-growling

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

Four stun grenades

Three cups of poison

Two ICBMs

And a match and some TNT

On the eleventh day a villain left on a dead-end lane for me

Eleven windows creaking

Ten doors a-closing

Nine hoodlums watching

Eight bombs a-fizzing

Seven knives a-flying

Six dogs a-growling

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

Four stun grenades

Three cups of poison

Two ICBMs

And a match and some TNT

On the twelfth day a villain said “Look above for me”

And gave me Twelve bricks a-falling

Eleven windows creaking

Ten doors a-closing

Nine hoodlums watching

Eight bombs a-fizzing

Seven knives a-flying

Six dogs a-growling

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

Four stun grenades

Three cups of poison

Two ICBMs

And a match and some TNT

(Special thanks to my brothers Maxwell, David, William, and Sam for helping me come up with all the explosive names. *grins* Truly, that is what brothers are for. XD)

 

Well, I hope you enjoyed that. ;) Have a fantastic fifth day of Christmas with those lipstick guns (and YES those are actually a thing)!

I'll be back on the seventh day with some Christmas pet peeves! :)

 

Until then, let everything you do be done for the glory of God!

Poetry Post: These Are the Lost and Unaware (ft. Ramblings on Evangelism)

Today I want to talk about something that makes most of us inwardly squirm with discomfort.
Evangelism.
For some of us, it's easy. For most of us...it's hard. Sure, I could talk to my friends all day, but you'd have to pay me to go up and talk to a perfect stranger. Especially if I want to talk to them about Christ. Why? Why is it so hard for us to talk to people about our Savior? Why is it so hard to share the good news?
Well, there's a couple things, at least for me.
First and foremost: I'm afraid. Plain and simple. Of what? Rejection mostly. Also, the possibility of being mocked or laughed at or being thought less of.
Secondly, I have this terrible ailment called pride. I don't want people to think I'm "one of those crazy Christians". Am I wrong in this? Absolutely. I mean, I'm SUPPOSED to be "set apart", right? Trust me, I'm working on it. By God's grace I'll overcome this pride one day.
Lastly, I tell myself that'll I'll only mess things up if I try to share the gospel. God doesn't need our help to get His Word out to the people He wants to hear it, right? He could just have a Bible fall out of the sky and land in the hands of some person who was ready to accept the Truth. So why should I risk turning someone away from God by my rambling approach to the good news? 
I can't remember where I was or who it was that said this, but recently, someone said something that struck me as utterly profound. (Please don't laugh at what I'm about to disclose to you. I'm sure you thought of this LOOONG ago, but give us slower ones a chance to catch up, ok?)
Evangelism is a gift. It was one of the spiritual gifts mentioned in Ephesians. God GIVES us the opportunities to evangelize. And when we don't take them, it's actually turning down a gift from God.
When I realized this, it gave me a whole different aspect on evangelism. I realized that when I felt prompted to go up to someone and ask them if they knew about God and His Son's sacrifice, to refuse to reach out to them was to refuse a gift from God.
Does this mean I'll never be rejected again? Does it mean I'll never be mocked either directly or behind my back or have people think I'm some crazy weirdo? Does it mean I'll always present the gospel in the best possible way for that particular person? Ha! NO. Of course I'm going to be rejected. Probably a lot. But I only have to try. That's all God wants from us. He wants us to try.
It's like us taking that gift and beginning to unwrap it. It might take a long time for the gift to be opened, but if God wants that gift opened, He'll make it happen. And if we get to produce the first rip in the wrapping paper, it's because He decided we got to play a part in His plan. And doesn't that sound amazing?
Ok, ramble over.

I really wanted to post this because I wrote a poem recently and wanted to share it with you. But I got carried away with talking about evangelism. Sorry about that. ;) Hey, maybe someone out there needed to hear this. So I'm leaving the rant in.
However, now I'll go on to the real post by introducing, without further ado:

These Are the Lost and Unaware

A poem by Rebekah Eddy
 

Happiest smiles hide the most hurting hearts

Where the scar ends is where the wound starts

To the rest of the world life seems almost unreal

Desperate for someone to hear their appeal

When they cry out in fear or in pain

When used by others for their own selfish gain

Their whole life feels worthless and empty

A mere raindrop in the vast open sea

But they put on a show for the world

A stage where their life is unfurled

They practice their lies day and night

Until even they have begun to lose sight

Blinding themselves with deception

Nodding at their phony reflection

They think they can make it to heaven

Convinced their flour outweighs their leaven

Clutching in a hundred thousand sweaty palms

Their good deeds, their dirty rags as alms

These are the lost and unaware

We were once like those poor fearful souls 

Believing in things that were quite full of holes 

Only by the grace of our God alone 

Can we look forward to the judgment throne 

But while we are here in amongst the cries 

The broken hearts and the same old lies 

 Are we gonna just stand around down here 

Ignoring a world of faces full of fear?

Are we gonna go and share the good news

Or hide behind our precious church pews

The harvest is ready, the fields are white

Why stop now when the goal is in sight?

The harvest is plenty, the workers are few

Stop waiting around, there is so much to do

Open your bible, go talk to that person 

Open your ears and be there to listen

Share God's truth without hesitation

All it needs from us is some presentation

We are the sinners saved by grace

Don't forget, my giveaway is still going on! If you haven't entered yet, here are the links you need! :) Three lucky people are going to walk away with a copy of one of my books...don't think YOU might not be one! :D Have fun!

First giveaway: An autographed copy of "The Silver Flower"!
Second giveaway: An autographed copy of (my yet to be released) "Alice & Alyssa"!
Third (and final) giveaway: An autographed copy of my newest novel "The Princess and I"!

Until I post again, let everything you do be done for the glory of God! :)

To Mom: A Mother's Day Poem

I think most of us can admit that our moms have played one of the biggest parts in our lives. Most of us grew up with her as our teacher. Moms tend to be (in my experience :P) encouraging, sympathetic, and the greatest example of a Christian wife and mother. 
Ok, so I might be a tad bias...(not to boast, but I think I have the best mom by far)...but I thought all the amazing things my mom has done for me over the years deserved a poem. You are welcome to  share this poem with your own mothers if the sentiments apply. :) You're welcome. 
Let your mother know she's appreciated today. Once you've done something fabulous for her, drop by again and leave me a comment letting me know what it was. I want to hear about it! :D

 

 
To Mom: 
A Mother's Day Poem

My mom is pretty great,
I've watched her my whole life.
She might not be perfect,
But she can handle strife.

She's organized, she's kind,
And she's attractive too,
(My dad would want that in)
Ask anyone: it's true!

She's a great example 
Of Proverbs thirty-one,
A godly wife and mother,
And besides all that, she's fun!

Not every day is easy...
There's ups and there are downs.
My mom has made a few mistakes,
But her love for us abounds.

The job of being mother
Is not an easy task,
But my mom does it pretty well
Go find someone and ask!

Life is never boring
If mom is somewhere near.
She likes to bring us joy,
Mom really is a dear.

Movies, ice cream late at night,
Play dates and outings too,
Company over for dessert,
And those are just a few!

I could name way more than that 
Of things she's done for us
To make our lives so very nice
She deserves a huge A+!

Someday when I'm a mom,
She's who I want to mimic:
Godly, selfless, kind, and fun...
Yes, that would be quite epic.

Mom, this poem is for you
To show you just how much
I love you and appreciate
Your love for me and such.

These are the words that couldn't fit
Inside that card I gave,
The ones I needed to express
That Mom, you are my fav!! 

Happy Mother's Day to my mom especially, but to all you other moms out there too! You are loved. :) <3

One God, One Savior: A Belated Easter Poem

Yes, I know. This is late. Like...a week and a half late. Keep in mind that I'm part of a pastor's family, though, and we get even more busy around Easter time, so give me a little grace. At least I still WROTE an Easter poem, ok?

After doing two other Easter poems (this is my third annual poem) I was hard put to make one unique from the other two, while still keeping the same message. You'll have to tell me how I did. ;)

One God, One Savior

One God who created our wonderful world

One plan for all our salvation unfurled

One baby, one manger, and one humble birth

One Holy Gift given to the whole planet earth

Two parents who heeded God's sovereign voice

Two people who actually made the right choice

Two parents who raised the Savior of men

Two who did not know just how it would end

One disciple was paid for one dirty job

One kiss to betray his Lord to a mob

One disciple said he would stay by His side

One who later denied Christ and cried

Three men were killed on a Golgotha cross

One was Christ, one was saved, and one was lost

Two deserved the terrible death given them

One would die innocent for the sins of all men

One anguished cry toward His Father above

Two tears dripped down in sorrow and love

One cross took the life of our Savior and Lord

Three bloody streams from His body out-poured

Three days in darkness the body then laid

Three days for the people He had just saved

Three days he was dead in a cold, lonely grave

Three days until the stone rolled away

Two disciples who ran to the tomb that dawn

Two who saw that His body was indeed gone

One who doubted saw his Savior alive

One who then touched His hands, feet, and side

One sacrifice of love which set us all free

One Savior who now hold the eternal key

To one heaven that we can now all enter in

If we cast on Him our guilt and our sin

Believe this one thing and you will be saved

Believe in the sacrifice of love which He gave

Believe me when I say that there is no other way

If you want to see heaven from the inside one day

I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating our risen Savior! I know our family did. :)

Twelve Drummers Drumming: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The day you (and I) have all been looking forward too! The day when I stop flooding your blogger feed with Christmas posts! ;) Just kidding. Hopefully you guys have been enjoying this 12 Days of Christmas as much as we bloggers putting it on have! :)

Can y'all believe it's CHRISTMAS!!!! :O It's come so crazy fast!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!!! :D :D :D

And here is the poem I promised you:

I Don’t Believe in Santa Clause

I don’t believe in Santa Clause,

And let me tell you why:

He’s too fat for chimneys

And reindeer never fly

I don’t believe in elves

Or a North Pole factory

I’m not a three-year-old

Those toys cannot be free

I don’t believe in Jack Frost

Or a red-nosed, cartoon deer

Stockings aren’t filled by magic

Presents don’t just appear

So what do I believe in?

Well, there’s a question just for me

I’ll tell you why in a tale

Of a baby who set us free:

I believe a baby came

To save us from our sin

He was God’s precious Son

And I believe in Him

I believe that He was born

In a stable one dark night

Laid in a hay-filled manger

A burning lamp the only light

I believe that shepherds came

And knelt there in the hay

To worship Him as King

While in Mary’s arms He lay

I believe there was a star

That led some wise men East

Where they found a toddler

Who would be the one High Priest

I believe they gave Him gold

Frankincense and myrrh

They worshiped Him as well

Then escaped from Herod’s lure

After thirty years or so

He was a full-grown man

And after He was baptized

His ministry began

Because of His perfection

Enemies He made

When all He did was good

A trap for Him they laid

Upon a cruel cross He died

As meek as any lamb

He knew He had to do it

For every sinful man

But, thankfully this tale

Doesn’t end that way

Because our blessed Savior

Rose up on the third day

No matter what the devil does

No matter how he tries

To make you forget that Christmas

With all the season’s lies

Remember about the baby

Who traded glory for this earth

To save us from our sin

And give us a second birth

I believe this Christmas tale

Of our Savior, Jesus Christ

Who came down to save us all

Who came to pay sin’s price

Hope you all have a fantastic Christmas day!!! ^_^