Book Review: THE RESCUE~Seven People. Seven Amazing Stories....by Jim Cymbala with Ann Spangler

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Luke 19:10

An encouraging read and hope filled book!

Publishers Description

A Wall Street broker, a party girl, a student, a homeless man, an addict, a teenage mom, a drug enforcer - all of them spiraling out of control. Each has a reason to despair and a wound that won't heal. Until something unexpected happens - something that will change their lives forever.

The Rescue by Jim Cymbala tells the powerful, true stories of men and women whose lives should have ended badly but didn't. What happens to each of them will take you by surprise and give you hope. If you or people you care about are facing challenges beyond their strength, it may be time to experience The Rescue.

My Personal Review

The Rescue by Jim Cymbala with Ann Spangler is an inspirational book that is certainly worth your time and money. It is a quick read, but is packed with some extremely powerful stories of people going through immeasurable hardships. Each individual account reveals a season of difficulties and trials in their life. Each chapter is a new story and is narrated by the person in much the same way as an autobiography.  (I liked this type of presentation, as it gave a depth of authenticity that would not have been there otherwise.)

The beauty of each chapter is revealed in the end, as the reader discovers that the answer to each of their circumstances is the rescuing power of Jesus Christ. Some of the stories within the book are very difficult to read. They're perspectives are full of such darkness that frankly, I had to put it down and take a break occasionally, because the depth of despair is a bit overwhelming. Pushing through to see how Christ brings His redemptive love to the dilemma is the reward, however, and is undeniably worth it!

Thank you to Zondervan & Handlebar Publishing for this review copy of The Rescue. The opinions within this review are my own. I was not required to write a positive review, only to provide an honest assessment of this work.

Book Review: The Father Effect by John Finch with Blake Atwood

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. 

Publishers Description

A wonderful hope filled book!

Based on the feature film of the same name, THE FATHER EFFECT is a must-read for the millions of men and women who have lost their fathers through divorce, death, or disinterest.

John Finch always struggled after his father committed suicide when he was eleven, but it wasn't until he was raising his own three daughters that he truly understood their futures relied on his coming to terms with his difficult past. To move forward, he needed to forgive both his father for choosing to leave, and himself for not being the best father he could be.

This journey led to THE FATHER EFFECT, a book containing practical help for anyone, man or woman, with a deep father wound from losing a dad through divorce, death, or disinterest. Through positive lessons on forgiveness and approachable advice on how to change your legacy as a parent, partner, and person, THE FATHER EFFECT is the ultimate healing tool for anyone who has suffered the absence of a dad.

My Personal Review

The Father Effect by John Finch with Blake Atwood is a beautiful transparent work filled with hope and healing for those who find themselves living with the wounds created from a fatherless home. John Finch writes with a great deal of candor and vulnerability as he reveals the story of his life beginning in his early years with his father's suicide and continuing to current day where he now makes it his life ambition to provide guidance to those who have experienced a "father wound."

The Father Effect has received much praise from the fields of Christianity and psychology. The work expounds upon the author's life, drawing from first hand experiences regarding the  extreme emotional wounds that were created from his father's absence. The beauty of the book is the way in which John Finch uses his journey of distress and suffering to explore potential areas of similar hurts within the reader. Not only does Finch assist in uncovering your pain from a missing Dad, but he takes it a few steps farther as he gives sound advice on how to deal with the reader's personal injuries through the application of forgiveness. 

John Finch redirects frequently to remind those with a history of  a missing father, that their heavenly Father is the perfect role model. The book is consistently reassuring the reader that Jesus Christ holds the key to powerful regeneration. Mr. Finch gives very specific suggestions on how to break the cycle of feeling rejected. His encouragement that it is possible to change one's life legacy from a continual sense of alienation and abandonment to an accomplished life with amazing relationships is believable, since he has gone through similar situations and come out on the other side with health. Finch warns, however, that without change, the fatherless will almost certainly find themselves in a cycle of serious depression.

I loved that this book compassionately discusses depression and addresses the misinformed attitude of many people who act as though the depressed person can "will or hope their way out of depression." Finch describes it this way, stating, "Trying to free yourself from depression is like building a ladder out of toothpicks when you're stuck at the bottom of a hundred-mile-deep hole. No matter what you do, the hopelessness of your situation only worsens." This analogy speaks of a complexity of understanding beyond what could be contrived from someone who has not suffered with depression. How refreshing it is to see a courageous author in the Christian world give validity to the real illness of depression, and attempt to provide tools to help eradicate it.  

After reading, The Father Effect, I have a greater empathy for the people in this world who are suffering from a missing father in their lives. I now comprehend that those affected by a missing Dad, might be men or women. The message is very clear from this book, however, that you do not need to be the victim. You can, and in fact must, if you want to have an abundant life that the Lord intended for you, step out in faith and forgiveness to break the chains of helplessness and hopelessness. This debut novel provides an avenue of confident expectation and concrete direction for an audience of lost and hurting people. Throughout the pages, John Finch educates, encourages, and equips men and women to make a daily choice to fulfill the roles that the Lord has placed before them. It is an essential read for anyone who loves the Lord and is suffering in silence due to a missing father. The Father Effect is also for anyone who would like to grasp a greater knowledge of what this population is experiencing, so that they may then reach out in love to help them renew their life.

Thank you to FaithWords Publishing for this review copy of The Father Effect by John Finch and Blake Atwood. I was not required to give a positive review, but only asked to give an honest review of my assessment of the book. 

Book Review: Indigo by Krista Wagner

You have searched me, Lord,

and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139: 1-2 (NIV)

This book addresses some very important
themes and leaves the reader with a sense
of hope.

Publisher's Description

When emotionally driven Indigo falls for flirtatious Brian, her senior year quickly spirals out of control. Faced with the afflictions of her cruel peers, Indigo is quickly becoming numb to the world, and if she doesn’t start to care about herself soon, she will be dead.

My Personal Review

Indigo by Krista Wagner and published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 10, 2016) is a page turning novel that covers a lot of heavy subjects in a small amount of space. 

This newly published book by Krista Wagner is very consistent with the author's previous works, in that the subject matter is always informational and one of depth and conviction. If it's entertainment you're looking for, you will find it too, as Indigo is a fiction read and is full of surprises. The important lesson to learn about the necessity of making good decisions in life is loud and clear. There is also a prominent message about suffering consequences when we make bad choices. The significance of our relationships with God, family and friends will linger long after the reader has put this work down.

Indigo manages to quickly connect the reader with the main character, Indigo Star Rush. This vibrant deep thinking young lady is in the midst of her senior year at her local high school. As the story progresses, the reader hears the voice of Indigo as she experiences some difficult times with relationships and the roller coaster of emotions that quickly follow. 

Indigo is classified in the Young Adult genre. It reads like a diary and could most certainly help struggling upper teens (16+ due to heavy themes) approach subjects such as bullying, premarital sex, lust, unhealthy family relationships, suicide and insecurity. This novel could potentially open dialogue between a parent and child in situations where conversation has been limited. 

You will definitely be left with a sense of hope for the future upon completion of this book. Psalm 139 came to mind after reading Indigo, as the Lord really does know our every thought. We are never alone in our struggles, because Christ is with us. Another clear point taken from this work, is the powerful reminder that it is our responsibility to treat others with kindness and respect. We never know what careless words or hurtful actions my compound another's suffering. 

Movie Review- To Joey With Love: A Story of Life, Love & Hope

1 Corinthians 13:13 (MSG)
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. 


Before I begin...let me just say that I am having a drawing for a free DVD copy of this amazing film. Look to the right side of my blog. See the Rafflecopter? It starts at midnight tonight and will end December 20, 2016. I will email the winner! 
Be sure to stop back by my blog or my Facebook Page @OnlyALittleWhile and sign up!

The movie, To Joey, With Love: A Story of Life, Love & Hope That Never Dies  (click on the preceding title for the official trailer) is presented by Provident Films a Hickory Films production. The film will be released in DVD format & ON-Demand December 20th, 2016. (Order by clicking here.) It is classified as a PG film in the documentary genre. It was written, filmed and directed by Rory Feek. Production is by Aaron Carnahan. 

Movie Critic Reviews 

A beautiful film that captures the true
meaning of the message to
"trust steadily in God", as described in
1 Corinthians 13:13.

"I walked away with a greater appreciation for the brevity of life and with a goal of loving those around me even more."
Christian Examiner

"The movie leaves viewers with an urgency to live every day as if it is a gift, thank God for what He has given, and enjoy the simple moments of life."
Movieguide®

"The film will inspire you to love deeper, and to grab every opportunity in every moment."
Christianity Today

My Personal Review

To Joey, With Love is a touching documentary narrated by Rory Feek. The film chronicles the story of the past two years with his wife Joey Feek. Their journey through the birth of their first and only daughter, Indiana is highlighted, as well as Joey's diagnosis with cervical cancer. The emphasis is placed on the path of learning to trust God's plan for their lives, rather than relying on their own direction. It is a compilation of live footage filmed mostly from their home which is about an hour from Nashville, Tennessee. 


Here's my take-away from this movie. First, I found myself wishing from the very beginning that I had been a part of the Joey+Rory Fan Club. The brief shots of some of their concerts made my heart warm, not only due to the beautiful music, but also because of their interactions with one another. 


Secondly, I found the movie to be extremely transparent and pure. Much of the time, I had the feeling that I was viewing something sacred. Let me explain. Because the filming is live and this family is simply living their "story", there really isn't any "acting" going on. The impromptu footage shows clips from the actual birth of their daughter (albeit discrete footage), daily chores on their homestead, phone calls, physician consults, morning routines, meals, prayer circles and lots of spontaneous family interactions. Watching such natural and unposed scenes will illicit a broad spectrum of feelings. 

The range of emotions experienced by the viewer runs the full continuum from happiness and laughter to fear and sadness. As you participate in Rory, Joey and Indiana's lives, you realize that this is not a film for my "entertainment" per se, but rather it generates a reflective experience creating a pause and recognition of the sanctity of life. This is a movie with the potential to assist in bridging the gap between this temporal world and the next. The sincere way that Joey and Rory applied the promises that God has given us in His Word is somewhat mind boggling. 


Finally, I think the target audience for this movie is very broad, but somewhat unique. It is most certainly for anyone who has been blessed by "Joey+Rory" music. If I had known this couple prior to this film review, I would be very encouraged to see how God gave them, as Rory says, "A great story." Watching the movie would give me a peace about Joey's ultimate healing. It would ease a sadness that most certainly must be present for those who knew her as a public figure. In my opinion, any believer in Christ who watches this movie will be inspired and challenged as they walk through a day with this couple. I also feel anyone dealing with cancer, either personally or through a family member/friend, will find hope and comfort through the viewing of this film. Hearing Rory's faith filled statement that he gave when the news that the medical treatments were no longer deemed curative for Joey, uncovered a bold and empowering way to accept the will of God. He said, "We came home. Not to die. But to live." A final potential audience is anyone searching for truth, as this couple's faith is tangible and will intensify the urgency to discover a loving Savior in Christ.
  

In conclusion, To Joey, With Love is a very moving work. It has much to say about the preciousness of life and the choices we make with regard to how we live each day. It teaches us to confront the fact that we "only have a little while" to walk in a steady trust in God and live a life filled with hope and an extravagant love for one another!

1 Corinthians 13:13 

This CD was released in 2016. Christmas shopping anyone?

Joey+Rory released a new CD in 2016, titled: Hymns That Are Important To Us. 

It is on my Christmas wish list! (Hint..hint to my family who are reading this.) 

Thank you to Icon Media Group for allowing me to view this review copy of  To Joey, With Love. I was not required to write a positive review, but only to watch the film and give my honest opinion. 

Movie Review: Wildflower a Faith Street Films Production

Proverbs 3:5-6(NIV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Suspense and drama combined with a
message of hope and healing!

WILDFLOWER (2015)

Company: Faith Street Film Partners II & Provident Label Group in association with Cave Pictures and Hope filled Media
Writer: Nicholas DiBella
Director: Nicholas DiBella
Producer: Nicholas DiBella, Marc Wax & Veronica Nickel
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 92 min.
Industry Rating: 12+
Starring: Nathalia Ramos, Cody Longo, Shari Rigby, Alex Steele

Synopsis:

Creatively gifted, college student Chloe Moray (portrayed by Nathalia Ramos, known for BRATZ, Arrested Development, House of Anubis) finds solace from a difficult childhood in her extraordinary art. But when an alarming dream begins to recur nightly, Chloe starts to believe that it might be a suppressed memory and that she may have witnessed a terrible crime as a little girl. Her search for peace takes her on a journey that forces Chloe to confront her past traumas and leads her to cross paths with Josh (Cody Longo, known for NOT TODAY, Hollywood Heights, Nashville), a young man dealing with his own painful loss. Together they find in each other someone they can trust as they seek to unlock a cold-case mystery from years before. But with the authorities blocking the way, Chloe's new-found hope is challenged in this powerful story of faith, triumph and healing.

Link to trailer: https://youtu.be/K0KLHhHOvws


My Personal Review:

Wildflower is a very engaging and suspense filled movie. This film is definitely worth your time and attention!

We often have "family movie nights" at our house, so when the opportunity arose to review this film, I snatched it up. This movie will be released on DVD & VOD April 5th, 2016. It will also be available for viewing on the Lifetime Movie Network in June. I definitely agree with the "12+" rating that has been assigned to it, due to the weightiness of specific themes and the intensity of many scenes throughout the movie. However, having said that, there is no profanity or nudity within this film which makes it more palatable for viewing with your older teens. It is a great catalyst for family discussions about the importance of trust, honesty, and transparency. My husband and I watched this with our 15 year old daughter.

What I love most about this film, in addition to the sheer entertainment and mystery is the prevailing message of how important it is to never give up on people even when we may not completely understand them or what they are going through. Wildflower highlights the fact that the four simple words, "I believe in you" carry a powerful message of hope and healing. This message is communicated throughout the film, but is especially apparent through the roles of the main characters as they deal with some very difficult situations from their past. Despite the inability of their loved ones to comprehend the magnitude of their experiences, they still continue to support them!

Nathalia Ramos (Chloe) and Cody Longo (Josh) do an exceptional job of portraying their characters in an authentic manner. Their relationship which slowly builds throughout the movie is selectively subtle, but deeply moving as the two begin to trust one another beyond the casual into a more transparent level. 

Wildflower also brings to light the fact that God is always present in our lives and even closer to us when we are going through difficult times. The knowledge that God's timing and purposes are not always within our comprehension is a prevailing theme within the movie as well. The trauma the main character goes through gives some insight into the struggles that someone suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may live with on a daily basis, thereby, revealing a needed sensitivity when working with persons going through this type of situation.

Wildflower is an excellent film. I highly recommend you take the time to watch it...you won't be disappointed! Thank you to Icon Media Group for this review copy of Wildflower. I received this free copy in exchange for an honest review. The opinions within this review are completely my own.

Book Review: The Promises She Keeps by Erin Healy

A captivating read!

It's her destiny to die young. The man who loves her can't live with that.

Promise, a talented young singer with a terminal illness, is counting on fame to keep her memory alive after she dies. Porta is an aging sorceress and art collector in search of immortality.

When Promise inexplicably survives a series of freak accidents, Porta believes that she may hold the key to eternal life.

Enter Chase, an autistic artist who falls in love with Promise and fascinates her with his mysterious visions and drawings.

Soon, all are plunged into a confrontation over the mystery and the cost of something even greater than eternal life . . . eternal love.

My Personal Review:

The Promises She Keeps by Erin Healy is a beautifully written novel filled with suspense, courage, and intrigue.

The Promises She Keeps by Erin Healy is another incredible work! As with all of the novels I have read from this author thus far, this book manages to unravel a compassionate and mysterious story line in tandem with factual information that is applicable to our society. Through Erin's creative mind, she provides the reader with an in-depth look into the life of both a person suffering with cystic fibrosis and the challenges of living and relating to a person with Autism.

Erin Healy's sensitive writing and delicate handling of the challenges a person living with Autism deal with on daily basis sheds light into the diagnosis in a candid way. In addition, the main character suffers with a disabling diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and Healy also brings information to the reader about the reality of this illness. 

How author, Erin Healy manages to combine a believable fiction thriller with authentic characters living with modern day problems never ceases to amaze me. The Promises She Keeps merges hope, love, and perseverance all into one fast lane. It gracefully touches the fragile issue of our own mortality. This piece stirred within my soul a reflection of a purpose for life reaching far beyond myself; it revealed a focus to serve others and bring them the gift of connection through a simple smile and a kind word. I'm confident you will enjoy this read!

Book Review: Never Ever Give Up: The Inspiring Story of Jessie and her Joy Jars by Erik Rees

The book, Never Ever Give Up:  The Inspiring Story of Jessie and Her Joy Jars by Erik Rees with Jenna Glatzer is a beautiful message of hope and courage lived out in a little girl's life as she faced cancer head on.  In this book, Jessie Rees challenges each one of us to make this world a better place by thinking of other's needs before our own and reaching out to spread joy through acts of kindness...especially to those children battling cancer.   




This is a tender and beautiful book
that challenged me to look
beyond myself to the needs
 of others.

"It started with a simple question: How can we help them? It became an international movement called NEGU: Never Ever Give Up. When Jessica Joy Rees was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at age 11, she chose to focus not on herself but on bringing joy and hope to other children suffering from cancer.

During the ten months she battled cancer, she and her family worked in the “Joy Factory” (originally their garage) making JoyJars®—packages filled with toys, games, and love for other kids with cancer. Jessie first handed them out personally at the hospital where she was being treated, but the effort blossomed quickly and there were soon thousands of JoyJars® being distributed across the United States and to over fifteen countries. Today, more than 100,000 kids have received JoyJars®, and they continue shipping each week to kids in over 200 children’s hospitals and 175 Ronald McDonald Houses.

Jessie lost her battle with cancer in January 2012, but her message lives on in the Jessie Rees Foundation, which has become a beacon of hope for families fighting pediatric cancer.

Join the movement at www.jessie.org. " (Excerpt from the book cover.)

My Review by Karen Wiser

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  This is a perfect time to read an informative book about this dreadful disease and increase our understanding of how we can help.  Never Ever Give Up is just the book!

Never Ever Give Up by Erik Rees with Jenna Glatzer is a wonderful book and I highly recommend reading it.  This tenderly written true story narrated by the father of Jessie Rees, elicits so much emotion due the weightiness of the subject matter, pediatric cancer, that I must confess, I was exhausted after reading it.  I'm sure that being a parent, I frequently put myself in the father and mother's position as they walked through each new trial of this horrible diagnosis pronounced on their previously healthy and vivacious daughter.  The raw emotion and the transparency in which the book is written provide the reader with a microscopic look at the behind the scene details of such an earth shattering diagnosis and how it impacts the entire family. 

This book touched me in several ways.  First, I will now be better equipped to help a family who is going through the dreadful diagnosis of pediatric cancer.  At the end of the book, the author lists "25 Ways To Help a Family With a Child Fighting Cancer."  This is a tangible list with practical things to do for the family, including ideas like making a meal or filling up the car gas tank to cleaning their house or babysitting the siblings. 

Secondly, I have a much deeper understanding of the exhaustion, confusion, fear and turmoil that a family will go through when they receive a pediatric cancer diagnosis. The book provides a candid look into this family's experience which will allow me to be a great deal more empathetic should I ever be confronted with this horrific situation. 

Finally, after reading Never Ever Give Up , I am reminded of the simplicity of a child's heart and faith through Jessie's determination to make her situation more about helping others than focusing on herself.  I am flabbergasted by her selfless acts of kindness as she made the Joy Jars and chose to center her life on bringing relief to others despite the pain and suffering she was in the middle of.  I am completely in awe at the way Jessie and her family have chosen to make something good out of this terrible situation.  It has given me hope and spurred me on to literally "Never Ever Give Up" on reaching a hurting and lonely world, one person at a time! 

This book is narrated with such grace and detail that the reader can't help but feel that they actually had the privilege of meeting Jessie!  It is eloquently written and has an authenticity that cannot be underscored.  What a great example Jessie Rees left for us in her short time here on earth.  "I NEGU...do you?"  (NEGU Nation)

I would like to thank Handlebar and Zondervan Publishing for this review copy of Never Ever Give Up.  The opinions in this review are my own.  It is a privilege and honor to be a part of this book launch.
 

Book Review: The Sinners' Garden by William Sirls

The Sinners’ Garden by William Sirls is a refreshingly creative and spiritually significant read that will not only entertain, but draw you closer to a God who sees and takes delicate care of your every need! 



The Sinners’ Garden by William Sirls is a well written fictional novel centered on a family as they work through their past and present trials.  The setting along the Michigan Great Lakes is quite descriptive and at times, I could feel the cool breezes and hear the gentle lapping of the water as it caressed the rocky edges of the land.  The characters within the book are so relatable that they easily draw the reader into the story from the first page to the last. 

The Sinners' Garden by William Sirls
 is refreshingly creative and spiritually
 significant!

Andy Kemp, “the teenager with an attitude” even bigger than most, due to a past disfiguring incident involving an abusive father is the main character in the book.  He is surrounded by his loving mother, uncle, and a close friend of the family.  In addition to these in-depth interactions, a budding teenage romance is also thrown into the mix.  As the book progresses, the layers of pain and confusion in this teen’s life are exposed.  A broken I-pod becomes Andy’s connection to God’s voice and a field of grass develops into a beautiful garden where he can feel the presence of a living God just by being near it and looking into the rows of flowers.

Meanwhile, occurring in tandem is a “crime” of goodness as an intruder is methodically breaking into homes and establishments only to leave items that the owners need, but never stealing anything or harming any individuals or property.  As the mystery continues, intrigue is piqued and the momentum builds to a point of intense curiosity.  What does this stranger have to do with the rest of the story?  Who is the intruder?  The author’s ability to successfully carry a detailed dual theme without losing the reader’s ability to track the action is stellar!

This book is one to escape to for a tangible fantasy entangled in a real world journey where truths are gently exposed about the consistency of genuine love, perseverance, patience, hope, forgiveness and faith.  At times, during the reading of the book, I felt as though I were sitting in on a Christian counseling session as characters divulged their deepest hurts and struggles.  At those points in the book, the author takes advantage of the opportunity to reveal the unmoving nature of God and His ability to wait for us to respond to His love.

The Sinners’ Garden by William Sirls is not only entertaining, but will most certainly draw you closer to a tender and loving God…..no matter what your distance is from Him, currently.  The book has an undercurrent of hope and patience that will most surely give rest to a weary soul.  What are you waiting for?  Go read this book!

Salvation and Hope....What We Call "Easter"

Psalm 119:81 (MSG)
I'm home sick--longing for Your salvation; I'm waiting for Your word of hope.

Hello Blog World!  I've missed you so much.  When I don't get to write as often as I want, which would be at least daily if I didn't have other responsibilities, I desperately miss it.  This little chunk of Cyberspace has become like a quiet peaceful room to me.  It has morphed into a safe place where I can come and sit at the feet of the cross and just deeply breathe and easily hear the voice of Christ, while I soak up the word of God.  I find that I am not as distracted by the chaos that abounds outside of the door when I am typing away in my small corner of the world.  Clearly, the strangest part of my blogging is that, unless I am writing a book review or an interview of some sort, I never know exactly what will flow through my heart and onto the page when I sit down here.  The practice of methodically going through a chapter of the Bible, verse by verse (currently that is Psalm 119), supplies the subject matter for that individual writing session, and as long as I have been doing this (over 3 years now), I am still astounded at the timing of some of the verses.  Take today's words, for example, that "just happen" to be "salvation and His word of hope" as we celebrate the week of Easter!  Pretty amazing, don't you think?!!   

Easter~Salvation & Hope

Salvation and hope......these two words alone carry so much power, but at Easter, they become center stage as we look at the story of Christ and His life, death, and resurrection.  I know most of you reading this already know this story from the Bible found in John: 17-21, as well as the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, but it's so humbling to read it again.  As I reflect on the chapters today, I am thinking about so many people that I have encountered lately that are going through unspeakable trials here on earth.  Whether it's a fight with a life altering/endangering illness or the death of a child or husband/wife, I have heard and seen so much of the incredible pain that comes with these circumstances recently.  These are the people that have drawn my attention.  I am watching them in awe and wonder as they continue to claim the salvation and stand in the hope that Christ provides.  Could I do the same?  I don't know.  I pray so. 

These people have a very strong testimony of light that is being presented in their darkest hour.  They tell of a strength that comes from Christ.  They speak of a peace that is only possible through Him.  These are the people that make me turn on my heels and take notice.  They have been through the fire and don't even smell like smoke.  They have walked through lapping flames, but are not burned. (Daniel 3:26-27)  They have yelled and screamed and cried out to God for answers, but have not been consumed by an uncaring God who looks away.  No, they speak of a loving God who is allowing the tough questions.  A God who wants nothing more for their life than for them to find His faithful arms so He can carry them through the night.  This is the God of Easter. 

One individual and his family that comes to mind when I think of living through tragic circumstances and dealing with immeasurable pain, is Rick Warren the lead pastor at Saddleback Church.  He is encouraging us to listen to his personal story this Easter.  His message is titled:  The Answers Are in Easter.  You can get the details by clicking here.  I plan to listen to Rick's sermon, because "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."  (Romans 10:17)  I trust that what he has to tell us will be life altering....even for those of us who already know the King.  If my hunch is right, every person reading this at this very moment can think of at least one challenge that you are facing in this life.  Whether it's a much needed healing, wisdom, forgiveness, clarity, direction, and the list goes on....Christ is your answer.  Easter is for you.....and me!!

Abba Father,
What You allowed to happen to Your Son is confusing to me.  I admit it.  I don't know why it was necessary and cannot fathom how it could be the answer to our condition.  But, I trust You and know that once and for all we are forgiven...because of what happened on  Friday and on Sunday...what we call "Easter"....because of Christ.  Thank you seems a little shallow...but...thank you from the depth of my heart.
In the wonderful name of Jesus,
Amen

 

"Don't Be Afraid. I Am Here!"

Psalm 119:77 (MSG)
Now comfort me so I can live, really live;  Your revelation is the tune I dance to.



Over 10,000 people came together to support and stand with the Owens Family.

The candlelight vigil on Saturday was incredible as over 10,000 people lined the street on a cold February night to let the family of Hailey Owens know that as a community we are standing with them during this heartbreak.  The show of support for this family has been overwhelming!  There were no reports of any invasions from disruptive groups, although they could have been there and they would have been suffocated by the light.  Light does that you know?  When you enter a dark room and turn on a light...the darkness is no longer present.   

Last night was the visitation service for Hailey and today is her funeral.  As the sun was setting over the streets of Springfield, the sky turned to a beautiful pink and purple.  Amazingly beautiful.  I will never understand the actions of evil men.  I will never comprehend their vile plans, but I will chose to focus on the goodness that surrounds us each day.  The bright hearts of people from all over the world and in this community have confirmed to me this week that the light of Christ in this world is most certainly brighter than any darkness that will attempt to invade us. 


This was the sunset over Springfield last night.
It was a gorgeous pink and purple....like a lot of us have been
wearing this week in remembrance of Hailey.
(Thank you Sherry Brock for this photo.)

 
Matthew 14:27 (NLT)"Don't be afraid," He said.  "Take courage.  I am here!"

Father,
We worship and adore You today!
You are the Creator of all good.
You are the Giver of Life.
We will praise You in our situations
and stand firm in You.  Continue to
shine Your beauty and color into the lives
of this family and each one reading this
today.  Help us to feel Your presence,
because we believe that "You are here!"
In Jesus Name,
Amen


Book Review: Stranger Things by Erin Healy

Stranger Things by Erin Healy gives a glimpse into the growing nightmare of human trafficking!  If you have children, grandchildren, or are involved with leading the lives of young people at any level, this is one book that you cannot afford to miss! 



I would give this book a 6-star rating,
but since it only goes as high as 5...
5-Star it is!! 

Stranger Things by Erin Healy is a well written suspense novel that will engage your mind as it brings awareness to the horrific global illegal industry that has been labeled, human trafficking.  It has become, as the author calls it, “a malignant cancer that is killing our children.”  The book goes on to give jaw dropping statistics that place human trafficking in a third place position in the world as the fastest growing illegal enterprise behind drugs and weapons.  With this evidence in mind, it is a problem that we cannot afford to be uneducated about despite the ugliness within it.  This book not only illuminates the problem, but brings the reader to a realization that each one of us has the ability to play a role in the extermination of this dreadful new war that is directly affecting our young people.    

From the initial chapters until the very last one, the reader will find themselves totally saturated in each of the character’s thoughts.  The author manages to give a believable voice to the victims of this senseless slavery through her carefully woven mystery that is worked around the main character, Serena Diaz.  The cruel web of abuse, deceit, and imprisonment that the ring leaders use to entangle their victims is all part of the story, thus unveiling many truths behind this shocking underground world.

As in each of her previous books, Erin Healy brings a deeper message to the pages of this fiction novel.  Stanger Things, shines a spot light on an enormous problem and then it challenges us to be a part of the solution.  To play a significant role in the destruction of human trafficking, we need to speak truth into the lives of young women, thereby filling them with courage and hope that will afford them a secure foundation within the walls of their homes and schools.  This one-on-one action will have the net effect of shielding these vulnerable young ladies from the tricks of prowling predators, one life at a time.   At the completion of the book, there is an excellent “Reading Group Guide” for further discussion and reflection.   

This book is phenomenally written, engaging, educating, and filled with suspense.  The natural flow between scenes makes it an effortless read.  The predominant message of empowerment through knowledge that encourages to be followed with action is impossible to miss.  I would give this book a 6-star rating, but the review process caps at a 5-star, so 5-star plus!  Happy reading!

His Plan For You

Psalm 119:61(MSG)
The wicked hemmed me in--there was no way out--but not for a minute did I forget Your plan for me.

Never forget God's plan for your life.  He has promised you a future.  He has assigned you a task, or perhaps many of them, here on earth and then upon completion of those assignments, He has a room waiting just for you!  I sure don't want to miss that! 

This verse sounds rather hopeless in the beginning, but it's ending assures me that I am destined for great things here on earth and in heaven!  As we head into this week leading up to Easter, I can't think of a better time to remember His plan of salvation for you!  Jesus lays it all out for us in the following verses shortly before He departs this world.  In my darkest hours.....when it seems there is no way out....I pray that I will not forget the plan that Jesus has for my life.  If you are reading these words right now, please know that I have prayed the same for you.

John 14:1-6(MSG)
"Don't let this throw you.  You trust God, don't you?  Trust me.  There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home.  If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you?  And if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live.  And you already know the road I'm taking."  Thomas said, "Master, we have no idea where you're going.  How do You expect us to know the road?"  Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life.  No one gets to the Father apart from me.

Father,
Thank you for the gift of Your son!  Help us to remember that You are always with us...that You will not leave us or forsake us...and that Your plan for our life is perfect.  Empower us with wisdom and strength to walk in Your ways with grace and love.
In Christ's Name,
Amen

Katie's Hope

Psalm 119:59(MSG)
When I took a long, careful look at Your ways, I got my feet back on the trail You blazed.

Trailblazers.  Those people who literally burn a path through the thick brush and tangled web of obstacles that stand in their way to accomplish a very specific goal.  Webster's New World Dictionary defines a trailblazer as:  a pioneer in any field.  A pioneer being one who goes before preparing the way for others.  What an inspiration those individuals are!

I believe the Lord frequently uses people to motivate and inspire us into action.  In fact, this verse today defines God Himself as the initial trailblazer and the ultimate guide for all of our endeavors.  The Bible, of course, is full of people whose stories shake us off the couch and infuse us with a plan of action to change circumstances for God's glory.  My personal favorite trailblazer in the Bible is Esther.  In the book of Esther, I read about a young lady thrown into a kingdom of luxury in which she could have used to absorb herself in personal comfort, but instead, when made aware of a deep need within her Jewish family, bravely chooses to stand before the King on their behalf in an attempt to save them all.  Despite it being against the law for her to do so, punishable by death I might add, she is so convicted of her assignment that she proceeds forward stating, "If I perish, I perish."  (Esther4:16).  Hello?!!  What?!  Who does that?!  Seriously?  Only someone empowered by God with a genuine conviction that the Holy One of Israel has truly paved a trail clear for her!  That's who. 



Katie's hope is to bring clean drinking water to all those without.

Enter my new friend Katie.  She is a modern day trailblazer at the ripe old age of about 18!!  I am so excited for you to meet her.  Her hope in action has ignited within me a fresh fire and new desire to serve Him more!  As you read her story, I'm confident that you will sense the passion that God has given her;  A passion that is highly contagious and graciously given in response to the recent request she laid before the Lord.  She simply asked God to "break her heart for the things that break His."  What a brave prayer.  What an incredible role model.  And now, without any further writing, it is my pleasure to introduce to you~Katie Kearbey.  (Click on her name to go to her story!)    

Lord,
Thank you for the amazing passion You have given Katie to help Your children all over the world tonight who are suffering from water born diseases.  Please give her new ministry, Splash of H2OPE, funding and resources to provide clean drinking water to those families in need.  Bless her with the wisdom, resolve, and persistence of Esther.
In Jesus Name,
Amen   

Following His Light Into 2013

Psalm 119:58(MSG)
I beg you from the bottom of my heart:  smile, be gracious to me just as You promised.

The word "grace" is repeatedly being brought to my mind lately.  How timely that here it is again as I approach a New Year.  While my daughter and I sat together curled up by the fire reading the Word of God a few mornings ago , she softly said, " I hate that Christmas is over."  I thought about this and remembered back to when I was a little girl.  It was sort of a sad time, as the excitement and electricity of the season came to an end.  But, as the years have gone by and I have been blessed to be a part of many cherished Christmas celebrations, I have come to the realization that the week after Christmas is just as awe inspiring for me as the week before.  You might be wondering how that can be?  Simply because of a word that keeps creeping into my heart.  The word grace.

Taking time during this week after our Savior's birth and using it to recount all of the favor that He has poured over my family for the past year, gives me an overwhelming sense of who He is!  Reviewing all of the times when the Lord met our needs and gave us abundantly more than I could have even known to ask for or imagined, provides a confidence that comes only from Him.  It saturates me in His peace, and yet at the same time, allows a power to well up within me to face another year of security in Him.  He is very clear in His Word that He will take care of me!  He promises to sustain us and to walk us through even the greatest of trials!

Our family has some pretty big challenges that we are facing in the coming year.  I don't have any idea what you might be facing this year, but I do know the One you can face it with!  He is big.  You can count on Him to see you through the very toughest of circumstances.  His Word will give you clear instructions for how we can face every single day.  He will protect you and allow you to walk in places that you only thought you could crawl!  Now that is truly inspiring.  My prayer for my family and for you this year, comes directly from today's verse.  I pray that the Lord will smile upon us and be gracious to us, just as He promised that He would. 

I will be reading from the NKJV Bible this year.  I have chosen:  Jesus Calling Devotional Bible published by Thomas Nelson.  Feel free to join me in reading this translation or the one of your choice.  His Word is life changing!  I know that to be true.

Lord,
As always, You give us a new and fresh hope.  Thank you for Your words that brings us peace, confidence, and power to anticipate a New Year of wonderful blessings.  Show us our gifts and help us to use them to bring You glory in 2013.
In Your Name,
Amen
   

Sensational Sunday

Psalm 119:24
Yes, Your sayings on life are what give me delight; I listen to them as to good neighbors!

Happy Sunday!! I want to pass on my summary of our Pastor's message this morning, as it gave me so much delight just like the verse for today says. I know that after you read the verses that follow, you too will be lifted up and confident that the Lord has a good plan and purpose for you in 2012.

This is a prayer that Paul prayed for the Thessalonians, and a clear picture of what God wants to do for us in this new year!

II Thessalonians 2:16-17
May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.

Our pastor went on to list the five things that God wants to do for you in 2012:

God wants to surprise you with unending help. He wants you to know that He is with you.

God wants to surprise you with confidence and the belief that He is going to help you even if you feel like you are in over your head.

God wants to put a fresh and vibrant heart in you. He wants to give you a desire to be in His Word and to call on His name.

God wants to invigorate your work! He wants to give you a fresh enthusiasm for your job and a renewed quest to be a light to those you are around every day.

God wants to enliven your speech. Clearly He wants to give you words that build up and restore life within those who are listening.

The first gift to arrive from Haiti.

I am delighted to hear this message of hope! I have a sweet friend who is awaiting her daughter's arrival from Haiti through an adoption process. We are praying for a swift and safe completion to a somewhat complicated and tedious process. This is just one of the many prayer requests that I know I will get to see answered this year!

I am gaining so much faith in the Lord's provision as I stand on these verses and wait to see how He will bring about His good purposes in our lives! I have no idea how many obstacles He will move for us in this year, but I am expecting great things. To Him be the glory!

Lord,
You ARE good and You DO good! Thank you for this word of hope You delivered today. Fill us with a love and courage for the future that knows no boundaries! Grant us wisdom that comes straight from You today!
In Jesus hopeful name,
Amen