Book Review: Part of Your World by Karen Witemeyer

I recently finished reading Part of Your World by Karen Witemeyer, and I really enjoyed it!
If you've read any of Karen Witemeyer's books before, you know she has a way of creating memorable characters, heartfelt moments, and stories that point readers toward faith. This book was no exception.
One of the things I appreciated most was how the story blended adventure and romance while keeping Christ at the center. The characters weren't perfect, and that's what made them feel real. Throughout the story, they had to learn about trusting God, showing grace, and finding courage even when life didn't go as planned.
I also loved the fairy tale inspiration woven throughout the book. It was fun to recognize little details that reminded me of a familiar story while still feeling fresh and original. Karen Witemeyer has a talent for taking classic ideas and giving them a unique twist.
The pacing kept me turning the pages, and I found myself wanting to know what would happen next. There were moments that made me smile, moments that made me laugh, and plenty of scenes that reminded me of God's faithfulness.
One thing I especially enjoy about Karen Witemeyer's books is that they're clean reads. I can pick one up knowing I'll get an entertaining story without having to worry about inappropriate content. That's something I really appreciate as a reader.
I LOVE Ariel from The Little Mermaid! So this book easily became my FAVORITE Karen Witemeyer book.
Overall, I thought Part of Your World was an enjoyable Christian historical romance with lovable characters, a meaningful message, and plenty of heart. If you're looking for a lighthearted story that combines faith, adventure, and a touch of fairy tale charm, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Have you read Part of Your World? If so, I'd love to hear what you thought! Just be careful not to post any spoilers in the comments for readers who haven't picked it up yet.

Christians should never make sin feel welcome

Somewhere along the way, many churches and Christians have confused loving sinners with making sin feel comfortable.

Jesus welcomed people to repent and follow Him—but He never welcomed their sin. Everywhere Jesus went, His message was clear:

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
—Matthew 4:17 (KJV)

He also said:

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
—Luke 5:32 (KJV)

His love drew people to Him, 

His holiness convicted them. 

Even to the woman caught in adultery 

He said:

”…Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
—John 8:11 (KJV)

Today, many Christians seem more concerned about making unbelievers feel comfortable than proclaiming the truth that can save them. In an effort to avoid offending anyone, some “Christians” often soften God’s commands, overlook sin, or act as though holiness is optional.

The Bible says:

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
—1 Peter 1:15–16 (KJV)

It also says:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
—Romans 12:2 (KJV)

When an unbeliever enters a gathering of God’s people, they should encounter something different from the world.

They should see lives transformed by Christ, hear conversations centered on Him, and witness a people who love righteousness more than acceptance.

The Bible tells us:

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
—Ephesians 5:11 (KJV)

That doesn’t mean we are rude, hateful, or self-righteous. We should genuinely love every person. But true love doesn’t make sin feel at home. True love points people to repentance because their eternity is at stake.

The church is not called to entertain the world or imitate its values. We are called to be:

“A chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
—1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)

We are also commanded:

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing…”
—2 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV)

If our lives look no different from those who reject Christ, what are we inviting them to?

Jesus called His followers:

“Ye are the salt of the earth…” (Matthew 5:13)

and

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
—Matthew 5:14 (KJV)

Light does not blend into darkness—it exposes it. Salt does not become like what it seasons—it changes it.

May we never trade holiness for popularity or truth for acceptance. Let us love sinners enough to tell them about the Savior, but never love the approval of the sinners that we make sin feel welcome among God’s people.

How to Know God’s Will

Here's a devotion on how to know God's will. 

Key Verse (KJV)

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6

Devotion

One of the questions every Christian asks at some point is, “How do I know God’s will?” We often look for a sign, a voice, or a dramatic answer. Yet throughout Scripture, God first calls us to walk closely with Him before revealing the next step.

God’s will begins with knowing Him.

The Bible tells us that His will is for us to believe in Christ (John 6:40), to live holy lives (1 Thessalonians 4:3), to give thanks in every circumstance (1 Thessalonians 5:18), to love others (John 13:34–35), and to grow into the likeness of Jesus (Romans 8:29). Before we seek God’s direction for the future, we should ask if we are obeying what He has already made clear in His Word.

Many times we want God to show us step ten while we are unwilling to take step one. Yet Scripture teaches that God guides those who trust Him daily. Just as a shepherd leads his sheep one step at a time, our Heavenly Father often reveals His will gradually as we faithfully follow Him.

When facing a decision, ask yourself:

• Does this agree with Scripture?
• Will it bring glory to God?
• Does it help me become more like Christ?
• Am I seeking God’s wisdom through prayer?
• Am I trusting the Lord or simply following my own desires?

God will never lead us to do something that contradicts His Word. His guidance is always consistent with His character.

Sometimes God’s answer is yes. Sometimes it is no. Sometimes it is wait. Waiting is not evidence that God has forgotten us. Often, He is preparing our hearts before He opens the next door.

The safest place to be is not where life is easiest, but where God’s will is being done. We may not always understand His plans, but we can always trust His heart.

As we delight in Him, seek Him through His Word, and walk in obedience, we can rest in the promise that He will faithfully direct our paths.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving me enough to guide my life. Help me to trust You instead of leaning on my own understanding. Give me a heart that delights in obeying Your Word, even when I cannot see what lies ahead. Teach me to wait patiently, to pray faithfully, and to follow wherever You lead. Let my greatest desire be not simply to know Your will, but to know You more deeply. Direct my steps so that my life brings glory to Jesus Christ.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Scriptures to Study

• Proverbs 3:5–6
• Psalm 37:4–5
• Romans 12:1–2
• James 1:5
• Psalm 119:105
• Colossians 1:9–10
• Micah 6:8

• Ephesians 6:10–18

May the Lord give you wisdom as you seek Him. Often, His will becomes clearer not through extraordinary signs, but through a life that is continually surrendered to Him and grounded in His Word.

Returning to Alaska – Summer 2026

After visiting Alaska in the winter of 2018, I often wondered what it would be like during the summer. Eight years later, in the summer of 2026, I finally had the opportunity to return.
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Independence Mine. Walking through the old buildings and learning about its history was fascinating, and the mountain views were absolutely breathtaking. We also visited Reflection Lake, where the water reflected the mountains so perfectly that it looked like a painting.

While we were in Palmer, we stopped by the Friday Fling. It was fun walking through the booths, seeing local vendors. 

It was interesting to experience Alaska in two completely different seasons. 

My first visit showed me the beauty of a snowy Alaskan winter, while my second visit revealed its green landscapes, rushing rivers, and long summer days. 

Both trips were unforgettable, each offering a unique perspective on one of God's most beautiful creations.

Looking back, I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to experience Alaska in both winter and summer. Each trip gave me memories I'll always treasure, and both reminded me of God's incredible power, creativity, and the beauty of His creation.

Most of all, I'm thankful for the time I was able to spend with my family. 

It was a gift from God that I will always cherish. If I ever have the chance to return again, I know there will still be more to discover.

Watch my Alaska YouTube video 

Why I'm Only Reading Books That Take Four Hours or Less

This year, I've made a decision that might sound strange to some readers: I'm mostly going to read books that would take four hours or less to listen to as an audiobook.

Why?

Because I've learned something about myself as a reader. Most books that are much longer than that feel full of filler.

Now, before anyone gets upset, this is just my personal preference. If you love long books, that's wonderful! You have every right to enjoy reading books that take eight, ten, or even twenty hours to finish. But I've finally accepted that those books usually aren't for me.

Over the years, I've tried a lot of longer books. Time after time, the same thing happens. I get about four hours into the story, and then I start feeling bored. 

The plot slows down, extra scenes get added, and it often feels like there are pages and pages that don't really move the story forward.

Many times I've thought, "If you took this chapter out completely, the story would still make perfect sense."

After starting and abandoning so many books, I finally decided to stop fighting against the kind of reader I am.

My new rule is simple:

Read books that take four hours or less to get through.

Will I occasionally pick up a longer book? Sure. There are always exceptions. 

But my main goal is to enjoy reading again, and shorter books help me do that.

One thing I've noticed is that many junior novels are exactly the length I enjoy.

They're short, sweet, and focused. The authors don't spend pages and pages

 wandering away from the story. They get to the point and keep things moving.

Some of my favorite series are:

• The Boxcar Children

• Nancy Drew Clue Crew

• Jennie McGrady Mysteries

In fact, I love the length of the Jennie McGrady books. They're around four hours long as audiobooks, and for me, that's just about perfect. The stories move along at a good pace, and I rarely feel like I'm reading unnecessary material.

I've started several books this year, and almost every time a book was significantly longer than four hours, I ended up quitting it. That was frustrating at first, but now I see it as valuable information. Instead of forcing myself to finish books I don't enjoy, I'd rather spend my time reading books I actually look forward to picking up.

Another thing I've realized is that reading preferences can change with different seasons of life.

Lately, I've been reading a lot of Karen Witemeyer books, and I truly enjoy her writing. She's a talented author, and her stories are well written. But many of her books focus heavily on romance and falling in love.

I don't want to spend all my reading time thinking about romance. At this point in my life, I'm content being single until God says otherwise. I want my mind focused on other things, and reading story after story centered around romance just isn't what I'm looking for right now.

So for this season, I'm choosing books that fit who I am and where I am in life.

• Shorter books.
• Mysteries.
• Adventures.
• Stories that keep moving.
• Stories without a lot of filler.
• Most importantly, stories that make me excited to read.

I've spent too much time trying to be the kind of reader I thought I should be. Now I'm giving myself permission to be the kind of reader I actually am.

And honestly?

Reading has become a lot more enjoyable because of it.

The Danger of Worldliness Creeping into The Church

 One of the saddest things I see today is how much the church has allowed the world to influence it. Instead of being different from the world, many churches seem determined to look, act, and think just like it. The Bible calls Christians to be a light in the darkness, but too often our light has become dim because we are trying so hard to fit in.

God’s Word tells us, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Yet many Christians have become comfortable with things that God’s Word clearly warns against. We see compromise where there should be conviction. We see entertainment replacing discipleship. We see popularity becoming more important than holiness.

As Christians, we have a responsibility to represent Christ well. Sadly, many people outside the church see Christians as hypocrites. They hear us talk about love, honesty, and faith, but then they watch some "believers" live no differently than the world around them. When our actions don’t match our words, it damages our witness.

I believe this is one reason many non-Christians are not interested in becoming Christians. They look at the church and wonder, “Why should I join something that doesn’t seem any different from what I already have?” They see fighting, gossip, pride, compromise, and division. Instead of seeing Jesus reflected in His followers, they often see people who claim Christ but do not live like Him.

The answer is not for the church to become more like the world. The answer is for the church to become more like Christ. We need Christians who are committed to prayer, faithful to God’s Word, and willing to stand for truth even when it is unpopular. We need believers who love others sincerely and live out their faith every day.

The world does not need a church that imitates it. The world needs a church that points people to Jesus. It needs believers whose lives demonstrate the transforming power of the gospel. When we truly live for Christ, people will see that there is something different about us—not because we are better than anyone else, but because Christ is changing us from the inside out.

My prayer is that Christians everywhere will examine their own hearts and ask God to help them live faithfully. Revival does not begin with the world. Revival begins with God’s people humbling themselves before Him and returning to His ways.

2 Chronicles 7:14 

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

May we be known not for looking like the world, but for looking like Jesus.

1 Peter 2:9

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

Barbie as The Princess and The Pauper

 Let’s talk about my favorite Barbie movie of all time… 💖👑🎶

Barbie as The Princess and The Pauper.

This movie is pure comfort and nostalgia for me. Everything about it is beautiful — the story, the songs, the characters, and the message behind it. It’s one Barbie film I never get tired of watching no matter how many times I’ve seen it. ✨

“The Cat’s Meow,” “Free,” and “I Am a Girl Like You” are still some of the best songs in any Barbie movie, and honestly… they’re iconic. 🎵💕

What I love most is how this film shows that your worth doesn’t come from your title, your money, or where you come from. Even though Anneliese was a princess and Erika was poor, they were both kind, brave, and strong in their own ways. That message always stayed with me.

This movie will forever have a special place in my heart. 💗

A true Barbie classic.