Book Review: REMARKABLE FAITH by Shauna Letellier

Hebrews 11:1 

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

PUBLISHERS DESCRIPTION

This book will draw you into the
Word of God where you
will find rest for your
weary soul.

This collection of inspirational vignettes, based on eight of the Bible's unlikely examples of faith, will give readers a fresh intimacy with Jesus.

REMARKABLE FAITH tells the stories of people whose faith was of such quality that Jesus himself marveled at it-people who were broken, needy, and dependent. These eight inspiring vignettes weave history, theology, and fictional detail into their biblical accounts to bring relief and a new perspective to those whose faith feels unremarkable. Written to encourage and relieve discouraged Christians who wonder if their faith is a disappointment to God, this book will demonstrate that remarkable faith-the kind Jesus marveled about-isn't about achieving or performing. Readers will discover they can exchange their performance-based evaluation of their faith with a fresh, life-giving intimacy with the Jesus who delights in transforming inadequacies into irrepressible affection.

MY PERSONAL REVIEW

Remarkable Faith by Shauna Letellier is a touching book filled with Biblical truths and written with deep conviction. It's an encouraging read for both the Christian and non-Christian alike.

As described in the previous publisher's description, Remarkable Faith highlights eight unnamed figures in the Bible whom the Lord defines as having amazing faith. At first glance, these people may appear to have an insignificant part of the Bible story, but Letellier contends that their lives are marked by an outstanding belief in Christ that sends them running to Him with open arms. After reading and pondering each of their stories, I would absolutely agree.

The book is very thought provoking in that it makes the reader stop and analyze each of the actions and presumed motives of the chosen characters. As your imagination flows thinking about each day that the characters come in contact with the Lord, much is revealed within their hearts, as well as our own. 

Each chapter is devoted to the story of these individuals and ends with a meaningful prayer that begs reflection. The author is continually thankful throughout the book for Christ and the gift of worship, the ability of the Lord to hear us, and His exchange on the cross for us to be given new life. The assertion that "remarkable faith is often grown in the broken soil of desperation," is made clear by her eight illustrations. 

This is truly a wonderful read filled with hope and encouragement, in addition to the word of God. Remarkable Faith is a must read for anyone who is searching their heart for the true meaning of Christianity or struggling with their sense of significance. Letellier doesn't shy away from tough questions as it relates to suffering or rejection and the role each of these play in our lives as Christians. As is stated within the pages, "Remarkable faith is not an archaic memory. It is a present reality. Will Jesus find faith when He comes again? Yes, He will."

Remarkable Faith by Shauna Letellier will be released July 11, 2017. This great book can be pre-ordered by clicking here. Thank you to FaithWords a division of Hachette Book Group Inc for this review copy of Remarkable Faith. I was not required to write a favorable review, but only to give my honest opinion of this work. 

Book Review: SHATTERED PRAYERS: A Testing of a Father's Faith by Kenneth Ching

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)

Praise For Shattered Prayers

A touching memoir describing the
endless challenges surrounding parents
of a special needs child. 

"Shattered Prayers is an artful examination of faith in the face of suffering. In recounting his family's story, Ching allows the reader access to a father's inner dialogue with a candor that is at turns frightening, vulnerable, and beautiful--often at the same time. And while the book's primary preoccupations are questions of faith, the story is told with a sense of drama that keeps the reader rapt."
--Gabriel Urza, author of All That Followed

"Shattered Prayers is a very real and honest look at the struggles of parenting a child with special needs. Kenneth Ching writes with transparency, expressing his frustrations with God and despite losing hope at times, never losing faith. He reminds us that although God doesn't always work the way we expect him to, he still loves us and our children even more than we can imagine."
--Claire Yorita Lee, author (with Shari Rigby) of Beautifully Flawed

Product Description

Kenneth Ching lived a comfortable life--with a great job, a big house, and an easy faith. He went to church and believed in God's goodness. But when his son is born with a serious and rare genetic condition, his life is thrown into terrifying chaos.

In this honest and raw memoir, Ching brings to life his experience of letting go while learning to truly trust the Savior he claims to know. Ching doesn't shy away from asking the hard questions: Why does God answer some prayers but not others? How does prayer work? Is God even listening?

Shattered Prayers is ultimately a story about recognizing God's presence and faithfulness in the midst of brokenness. And how one man thought God ruined his life by giving his son a terrible disease, but eventually realized God was actually fighting to save his faith and his son's life. 

My Personal Review

Shattered Prayers: A Testing Of A Father's Faith by Kenneth Ching is a beautifully transparent look at life through the lens of a father with a special needs child.

Kenneth Ching bravely shares his questions and uncertainty about the plan of God as he faces the reality of caring for a child with enormous special needs that at times are even life threatening. This book brings a close-up look at the details and dilemmas that are often hidden to the outside world when a family member has a severe physical and developmental challenge.  The intense emotion felt throughout Shattered Prayers, as the reader is swept away by the author's narration, provide a tangible feel to what it might be like to live for a day in the life of this devoted mother and father. It is so well written, in fact, that often times during the reading of the book, it seems as though the reader is  literally hearing every thought that Ching thinks. 

As the author navigates a straight path into his heart, questions are uncovered that we may have thought before, but have never been brave enough to breathe out loud. This transparency releases a freedom that allows the reader to ponder the fairness of situations like suffering and tragedy. As you fall in love with the author's son, Joshua, you begin to unearth suppressed questions of your own as it relates to the hardships of life. In fact, Ching states that "We can ask hard questions (God is very big and is in no way afraid of or unable to handle hard questions), and we can even get a few answers or glimpses of things that help us understand, but God simply does not promise to answer our questions. He's not Google, He's God." The author's portrayal of a gracious and merciful God who allows us to come to Him for the answers flows throughout this work.

My take away from this book is three fold. First of all, I now appreciate to a much greater degree the incredible challenges that a family with a special needs child face on a daily basis. Secondly, I have a deeper comprehension of how to assist a family in this situation; that it is more effective to physically help in tangible ways and talk less...it really is okay and in fact sometimes better to not say anything in an attempt to "fix it". Finally, I am encouraged by Ching's conclusion that our faith is not determined by "our" faithfulness, but by "God's" faithfulness to us. God, through His son, has promised to radically save us and all we are asked to do is to trust in Him. Whether big questions, small questions, trials or mountain top experiences...the trust in a loving God and His Son, Jesus Christ is what truly matters in the end. 

Shattered Prayers: A Testing of a Father's Faith by Kenneth Ching will be available for purchase tomorrow (7/20/2016). Don't miss the opportunity to read this poignant text penned by a clearly passionate lover of Christ...it will change you!

Thank you to Kirkdale Press for this complimentary review copy of Shattered Prayers. I was not required to give a positive review, but only to read the book in it's entirety and provide an honest opinion.

Book Review: Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts by Sara Frankl & Mary Carver

 Habakkuk 3:18 was Sara's life verse.
"If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
-Dolly Parton"

Habakkuk 3:17-19(MSG)

Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen, 

Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted, Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty, 

I'm singing joyful praise to God. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. 

Counting on God's rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!

"Sara's story only grew louder, braver, bolder with her death. It's a story that we all need to keep hearing." --Lisa-Jo Baker, bestselling author of Surprised by Motherhood

Sara Frankl knew she had a terminal disease, but she didn't let it stop her from living. In the face of immeasurable pain, Sara chose joy--again and again. Her unforgettable message of hope and purpose lives on, even after her death, in her words.

CHOOSE JOY is a compilation of the lessons Sara learned while she was dying, written in her own words and sewn together by her close friend Mary Carver. It is a reminder to see the beauty in life, even when it looks nothing like you hoped or planned.

In a world full of tragedy, choosing joy is no small task--but, as Sara knew, the importance lies in the choosing. Once you learn to make that choice, every day, no matter what happens, joy will come.

My Personal Review:

Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver is a tender love story between Sara & God, whereby she allows the reader to peek into her world of chronic illness. Her clearly communicated message of  hope that life is really a precious gift from God, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in, is one of encouragement and immeasurable faith!

Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver is a newly released candid writing filled with inspiring advice that will not only make you "feel" joyful, but will actually teach you how to choose joy even if your plans don't line up with what the Lord has assigned for your life. The book is presented as a series of blog posts from the deceased Sara Frankl and narrated by Mary Carver. 

Where do I begin with this book? First off, I had no prior knowledge or connections with either of these writer's blogs. I simply chose this book for it's title, because I want to "choose joy" in my life. I mean who doesn't want that, right? However, this quickly became more than just "another book" for me. It's depth and stripped down simplicity for all things pertaining to the true meaning of a well lived life are present in every single chapter.

Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author writes on the back cover, "This isn't a story about dying. It's a story about living." I would have to disagree with part of that. I think this is a story about living and dying. The book is pertinent for all of us, but I would quickly hand this book to anyone with a terminal illness, as Sara's walk through the valley of death could be very comforting to another who is in the same situation. 

Her contagious trust in a loving God and her ability to express it in an encouraging manner are incredible! She brings an authenticity that only someone actually enduring such suffering and one having been given the finality of a death sentence could manage. Those of us who have never experienced this kind of life altering illness can talk about how we would respond, but until we are living it, we don't know. Sara knew. This book transparently reveals her choice to stand firm in her conviction that God is a loving God and that He only does good. She doesn't throw out cliche' phrases, but instead provides a blueprint on how she chose joy...and how we can too. That is what makes this book so unique.

Sara shares that life is a series of moments. We need to make a conscious effort to be completely present in those moments with attentive intention, so that we don't miss a single opportunity that God has for us. Her statement that, "It's not easy, but it is simple," sounds like an oxymoron, but in fact is a profound thought that Sara applied to her everyday life and it served to fuel her fire to continually apply joy in every situation. Sara believed deeply that there was a purpose for her illness and she wanted to be sure she didn't miss the assignment God had given her by wishing for a different one.

Mary Carver flawlessly utilizes her talented writing skills to connect each of Sara's blog posts throughout the book. This gives the reader insight into what was happening in Sara's life at the time of the different entries. Mary helps to give perspective into Sara's emotional, physical, and spiritual state and therefore provides even further dimension to Sara's story.

The only regret I have in reading Choose Joy by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver is that I never got to meet Sara. I'm pretty sure, however, that if she were sitting here and heard me say that, Sara would laugh and inform me that God had another plan for our meeting and the timing of that introduction wasn't to be on this side of heaven. In honor of Sara and her life mission, Sara's blog (click here to go to blog) continues and there is a link to the "Choose Joy Sara Gitz Frankl Memorial Foundation" (click here) that clearly identifies the importance of spreading joy through the love of Christ to all who will listen. It is also a place for community, which was one of Sara's many passions. 

I will leave you with Sara's "favorite all-time quote" by Victor Hugo: 
"Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones.
And when you have finished your daily task, got to sleep in peace. God is awake."

Thank you to FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc for this review copy of Choose Joy by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver. The opinions within this review are strictly my own. I was not required to write a favorable review, but only to read this book in it's entirety in exchange for honest feedback.

You Make Me Brave

Psalm 119:95-96(MSG) The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me, but I'm only concerned with Your plans for me. I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can't contain Your commands!

That's worth retyping.....and reading slowly...
"I'm only concerned with Your plans for me...I see the limits to everything human.."

This verse is so powerful it almost blew me out of my chair. Specifically, the words made me think of some beautiful lives that I have had the privilege to watch, either from afar, or close up. These folks have taken the stand to focus on God during the worst storms of their lives and to acknowledge that we as humans really do have limits. Watching these people makes me brave.

The horizons can't contain Your commands!

This is the story of my friend Kim. She is one of those people who make me brave! Read Kim's story at 7 Billion Ones by clicking here. I promise if you are scared right now, her story will give you courage!!

Oh Lord...
You are our light and our salvation- whom shall we fear? You are the stronghold of our lives- of whom shall we be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 in my words.)
I am so thankful for Kim and the strength that she has modeled as she has chosen to accept Your plan for her life. Please give us Your courage to live each day for You!
In Christ's name~
Amen

Book Review: Miracle On Voodoo Mountain by Megan Boudreaux

For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness. Colossians 1:13(NLT)

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

"It took months of God waking me up in the middle of the night before I realized I was the one He was calling to leave my comfortable American life and move to Haiti."

This is an eye opening read! 

Miracle on Voodoo Mountain is the inspirational memoir of an accomplished and driven 24-year old who quit her job, sold everything, and moved to Haiti, by herself-all without a clear plan of action. Megan Boudreaux had visited Haiti on a few humanitarian trips but each trip multiplied the sense that someone needed to address the devastation-especially with the children, many of whom were kept as household slaves on the poverty-stricken and earthquake-devastated Caribbean island.

God guided her every step as she moved blindly to a foreign land without knowing the language, the people, or the future. From becoming the adoptive mother of former child slaves, to receiving the divine gift of the Haitian Creole language, to starting, building, and running a school for more than 500 children, "the amazingness of what God did after I made the choice to be obedient is incredible," said Megan.

Three years later, six acres on Bellevue Mountain in Gressier is the home of the nonprofit Respire Haiti at the former site of voodoo worship, and in the area that many still come to make animal sacrifices, Megan and her staff of nearly 200 are transforming this community as they educate, feed, and address the needs.

About the author:

Megan Boudreaux, at the age of 24, founded Respire Haiti, a non-profit to fight for the freedom of Haiti's estimated 300,000 child slaves. Megan followed God's call to begin a feeding program and transform a barren hillside into a refuge and a school for 500 children. A medical clinic is nearing completion with future plans for a church, community center, and library. Megan has adopted four Haitian children and in 2013 she married her best friend, Josh Anderson.

My Personal Review:

Miracle On Voodoo Mountain by Megan Boudreaux tops my list as one of the most touching and inspirational books I've ever read!  This young woman tells her story of God calling her to step out in faith and obedience to change the lives of hurting children in Haiti and specifically in Gressier.  Megan shares how she lives out a daily trust in God and watches in amazement as He literally turns mountains into His harvest field.

Miracle On Voodoo Mountain is Megan's story of God's stirring within her heart to make a permanent difference in the lives of the children in Haiti.  This work journals how she followed His leading to the Caribbean Island of Haiti to assist enslaved children, despite what appeared to be insurmountable odds.  This book is sure to impact the reader, as it reveals the dire situation that the children of Haiti are born into. 

Megan Boudreaux's courage and insightful spirit are endearing, as she candidly describes unthinkable scenarios in the lives of the child slaves for whom she has been specifically called to help.  The slavery, abuse, and neglect of children in Haiti is rampant and rather than "swoop in" and remove them from the chaos, she has chosen instead to "move in" and bring the needed change to the people for a lasting impact.  She began with meeting the basic needs of the children through feeding programs.  After those needs were being met, God grew her vision to build the "Respire Haiti" community.  It has been created on Bellevue Mountain to provide Christian education, medical care, food, and the love of Christ to the people of Gressier in a continuous gap free delivery system.

This is my "trailblazing friend", Katie
holding a needy child on her recent trip
 to Haiti.  Katie has a servant's heart &
a love for bringing lasting hope to
desperate kids in dire situations.  (Read about
her in one of my previous posts by clicking here.)
  

The exploration of the Haitian culture through the eyes of this spirit filled young woman as she sets out on a pilgrimage of love for the children is without a doubt one of the most moving writings to date.  The author describes the emotions evoked from the cruel treatment of children and the practice of Voodooism that saturates the island in a manner that unmistakably transfers to the reader.  This work creates a veil free look at the stark reality of the consequences of poverty in a land not so very far away.  It will bring hope to your heart and boldness to your prayers as you read of Megan's dependence and allegiance to Christ.  

Miracle On Voodoo Mountain  brings James 1:27 to life;  It states, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  To look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."  

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishing through the Booklook Bloggers program for this review copy of Miracle On Voodoo Mountain by Megan Boudreaux. I was not required to write a favorable review of this book, but simply to read the work in it's entirety and provide my honest opinion. 

Learning To Trust Him More

Genesis 9:13 (NIV)
I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

Learning to trust Him more.

I'm very much enjoying the "NIV Streams in the Desert" Bible.  It is a  devotional Bible filled with 365 deep devotions from L.B. Cowman that have been set alongside the NIV scripture translation.  The single most obvious detail that I find incredibly astounding about these devotions is that they were written by this man over 100 years ago, and yet, they are as relevant and timely today as they must have been back then.  The reflections are complex and thought provoking and, at the same time, hold simple truths.    

I don't know what this day has in store for you, nor do I know what it holds for myself, but this short excerpt from one of the devotions, will surely bathe your soul in rest....I know it did mine.

"Remember, clouds are always moving ahead of Gods cleansing wind. 

I cannot know why suddenly the storm
Should rage so fiercely round me in its wrath; 
But this I know--God watches all my path,
And I can trust.

I may not draw aside the unseen veil
That hides the unknown future from my sight,
Nor know if for me waits the dark or light;
But I can trust.

I have no power to look across the tide,
To see while here the land beyond the river;
But this I know--I will be God's forever;
So I can trust."     L. B. Cowman

Father,
Thank you for the promise you have given to always be watching over us and to gently remind us that we are "Yours forever".  May You continue to show us Your love and favor today.  Help me to have more trust and less doubt.
In Jesus name,
Amen
 

By Faith

Psalm 119:60(MSG)
I was up at once, didn't drag my feet, was quick to follow Your orders.

I spied this Blue Herring waiting to pounce on breakfast.
He must believe there are fish in there, huh?!

 

What a beautiful observation to see someone following the direction the Lord has given them.  I am ashamed to say that in times of confusion in my life, I have thought..."Well, if I had the writing on the wall as it's described in the book of Daniel (Daniel 5:5-7), I would certainly do what God told me to do, too.  I mean if He would just send some words on the side of my living room wall written by an armless hand to direct me in the way I should go, (including every detail...of course), I would certainly be 'up at once' to follow His instruction."  Pretty sad, huh?  I am so thankful for a gracious God who puts up with me!

The message delivered by my pastor this past Sunday reminded me that faith is NOT about seeing first, but rather it is about believing first!  At the point that I trust in the transforming power of Christ and yield my life to Him and His direction, then and only then, will I truly see God moving in my life.  It isn't necessary for the Lord to write on my living room wall in order for me to follow His plan for my life.  He has given me plenty of instruction in the Word of God.  I don't have to see, I just need to muster up enough belief to follow Him into action!

Hebrew 11:1-2~Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commended for.

The book of Hebrews (chapter 11) goes on to describe each of those "ancients" who "by faith" sprang into action for the Lord despite not having a complete picture of how things would turn out.  The common denominator present in each one was their belief that God was in charge...even if they couldn't understand or see the outcome.

Father,

I'm asking for faith to believe You in every area of my life today.  Teach me to rely on You more and to step out in action wherever You call.  Help each of us to do great things for you...by faith!

In Christ's name,
Amen











 

Don't Drop Me

Psalm 119:42(MSG)
Then I'll be able to stand up to mockery, because I trusted Your Word.

We used to play this game in nursing school that, looking back, had the sole purpose of assisting us in cultivating the art of trustworthiness.  It taught us how to trust others and how to be trusted.  You might have played a game like it in your youth group or in some other venue through the years.  I will name it the "Don't Drop Me Game". 

It was played by two or sometimes three people.  One person was blindfolded and stood in front of the other two team members.  At some point the blindfolded person was instructed to fall backwards.  At that point the other team members were to be ready and standing strong to catch them before they actually fell to the ground.  It required the blindfolded one to assume an incredibly high level of confidence in those that were standing behind them.  On the flip side, it demanded very high levels of listening and preparedness skills on the part of the "catching team".  

It was a very difficult behavior to stand blindfolded and fall backwards with no assurance that you would land safely.  Evenly difficult was the assigned duty to catch a person who would soon be falling.  The knowledge that this person was completely dependent on your skills was an overwhelming thought.

My daughter teaching trust to the bunny
she rescued.

This game was very effective in teaching me how to trust others and how to gain confidence in my God given abilities.  I learned that I can take care of others needs, but I have to be very aware of their needs first.  I also learned that there are times when I need to be able to trust, without reservation, in the skills and abilities of others. 

Today's verse brought the "Don't Drop Me Game" back to my mind, because it is a literal picture of the trust in God and His Word that is necessary if I'm going to be able to stand strong for Him in all the circumstances of my life.  I must know that what He says is true.  I need to be listening and attentive in order to embrace the direction that His Word leads me and walk in that way with conviction.  I also need to have the assurance and faith that He will be there to catch me when I fall.  It's this same trust in God that will allow me to remain firmly planted in Christ when the winds of adversity blow and the storms of life rage.  

Father,
Thank you for Your words that are trustworthy.  Thank You for showing me that You are there for me in all seasons of my life.  You are a good God and You keep Your promises.  Help us to learn to trust You more!
In the beautiful name of Christ,
Amen  

  

He Is Your Guard

Psalm 121:7-8(MSG)
God guards you from every evil, He guards your very life.  He guards you when you leave and when you return, He guards you now, He guards you always.

You might feel vunerable~but God's got your back!

After yesterday's verse about God's promises, I thought I would post these two verses tonight.  They are an amazing comfort and an incredible reminder that God is with you....wherever you find yourself right now as you read this.  He is guarding your very life!!  Wow...what else do we need?

God,
Thank you for these words of assurance.  Increase my faith in Your loving protective ways.  Teach me to trust You more.
In the guarding name of Jesus,
Amen

God Won't Let You Down

Psalm 119:31(MSG)
I grasp and cling to whatever You tell me; God, don't let me down!
I've been reading some of the miracles that Jesus displayed during His short walk here on earth.  They are very interesting to me.  Specifically the one where He is seen walking on water past His very own disciple's boat and yet they don't recognize him. (Mark 6:45-53)
They were told by the Lord to get in the boat and go to Bethsaida.  They obeyed, but as they were crossing the lake, they experienced great winds which made them unable to make progress.  They kept trying late into the night, making very little progress.

 Blue Herring walking across the water.

Jesus watches them struggle from the land.  Finally, He begins walking on the water as though He plans on passing them and arriving at Bethsaida, but as they see Him, they all freak out!  The Bible says the disciples think He is a ghost and they are all terrified.  I guess at that point, the Lord sees their reaction and quickly calls out to them.  Once He calls out to them, they comprehend who it is that is walking across the water.  When He jumps in the boat...the wind stops and the water calms down.

Here's the goofiest part of the whole thing.  The disciples are dismayed by The Lord's ability to quiet the wind!!  How can this be?!  They had just witnessed the feeding of the 5,000 people with bread and a fish, and yet they were surprised.  Why?  The Word of God tells me that it was because their hearts remained hard.

I read this passage in The Voice.  The commentary following this portion of scripture goes hand in hand with today's verse.  When we "cling to whatever God tells us" (listening and recognizing His voice), we will then develop a faith in Him that will allow His activity in our lives to be unleashed and a deep trust to be developed.  Faith first....and then miracles!  It is not miracles first and then faith.

When we are in doubt about who Jesus is we will continually live in a state of duplicity in our daily walk.  In this scenario Jesus directly told them to get in the boat and travel to Bethsaida.  They ran into some rough water.  They weren't making any progress, but didn't they trust the Lord enough to know that the God of heaven had sent them and that He surely would get them there?

Ugh...I can so relate to these guys.  How many times am I totally sure that the Lord has set me in the water on a direct course and the minute the wind whips up and I appear to be making little progress, I question the assignment!?  Good grief!  Has this ever happened to you?  The following scripture is my remedy for this thought process.

Romans 10:17(ESV) So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Lord,
Thank You for Your Word that reveals to me that I am not always going to understand the reason for the wind.  Thank You for showing me that even in the times of my life when I am struggling to make progress on the assignment You have given me, You are watching me and You will never let me down! 
In Christ name,
Amen

Marchin' In The Desert

Psalm 136:16(MSG)
The God who marched His people through the desert, His love never quits.

I've been thinking about the desert a lot today.  Largely due to the fact that it is so incredibly hot still and I'm soooooo ready for cool fall weather!  Fall is my favorite time of year.  I would have a difficult time taking up a permanent residence in an area that didn't have seasonal change....especially fall!  Walking outside in the 104 degree weather, even for a few minutes, is so completely oppressive.  I cannot imagine marching day after day after unending day in it!  I am afraid I would be complaining just like the Israelites!  Oh bother.

I reread the story of Ishmael and Hagar's forced trip out into the desert  this morning.  It's the one where Sarah insists that Abraham make the two of them leave and walk out into the wilderness to wander aimlessly until their food and water runs out, because she (Sarah) doesn't want Ishmael to share in the family inheritance. (Genesis 21)  Anyway, when the water was gone and Hagar realized that they were in some serious trouble, she leaves Ishmael under a bush and walks away, unable to watch what she is sure will be her son's demise. 

Genesis 21:15-17 (NLT)~When the water was gone, she left the boy in the shade of a bush.  Then she went and sat down by herself about a hundred yards away.  "I don't want to watch the boy die,"  she said, as she burst into tears.  Then God heard the boy's cries, and the angel of God called to Hagar from the sky, "Hagar, what's wrong?  Do not be afraid!  God has heard the boy's cries from the place where you laid him."

This whole story is such a mystery to me.  One of the most intriguing parts, is when the angel of God asks Hagar...."Hagar, what's wrong?"  That's so strange to me, cuz God knows and I would guess the angel would know as well, why she is crying...right?  So why did He ask her that?  It had to have been for her sake.  Maybe He wanted her to ask  herself that.  Sort of a "speak it out loud to clarify your feelings" sort of exercise.

It might make more sense to me if the angel of the Lord said something like...."Are you kidding me?  Hagar, seriously, what are you crying about?!  Don't you trust me?!  Don't you remember when you ran away from your mistress and I found you beside the desert spring on the road to Shur? (Genesis 16)  Remember that I promised you then that I would give you more descendants than you can count.  At that time you called me "the God who sees me".  Wow, you don't really think I would have told you that and then turn right around and let your son die, do you??!  Really....??  You sure do forget quickly!

Yep, that makes more sense to me.  I can soooo relate to Hagar.  I wish I couldn't, but it's true....me and Hagar...we got a lot in common.  Walking in the desert....dropping our son off at a military school 200 miles away......err I mean under a bush....looking away because it's too painful to watch what might happen to him....and then crying our eyes out in desperation like he is going to die, instead of remembering that God promises that His love never quits!  He tells us that He will take care of us and our kids!!  

God is whispering to me tonight.  He's saying, "I am here and I've got this under control".  Just like "He marched His people through the desert", He might make you and I (and our kids) walk through a hot and dry land....tough times....but He says, "Do not be afraid!  I hear your cries and I am handling the situation!"

Lord,
You are so amazing!  I am asking tonight for Your help in the "trust department".  I pray that Your word would light a burning path in our hearts so that we can trust You for what seems like the impossible.  Help us to trust You for physical healing, restored relationships, finances, our children, and the list goes on and on!
In Jesus Name,
Amen

You Can Trust Him To Part Your Red Sea

Psalm 136:13(MSG)
Split the Red Sea right in half, His love never quits.

When I read this verse tonight, I see the Red Sea as a ginormous (is that a word?) barrier standing in the way of the Israelites getting where they needed to go.  Where did they need to go?  Away from the Egyptians and to the Promise Land.  They had something blocking their way, and were sure to die at the hands of their enemies if they didn't get through it!  What a predicament!



The Branson Belle after running aground in
subzero temperatures.  .

I've been there.......in fact.....I think I'm pretty much facing the sea right now.  You know, one of those places where you don't want to move.  You don't like the idea of moving forward, but you know you can't stand still.  What to do?!  The answer is found right in the middle of this verse, as it describes God's provision to His people by parting the Red Sea, so they could move through the water and safely reach the other side.  (By the way, I would have loved to have been walking through the  walls of water....what a sight that would have been, huh?)

The neatest thing about this story, starting in Exodus 13:17 is that the Israelites only did one thing~Exodus 14:10:  "They were terrified and cried out to the Lord."  That's it.  Plain and simple...they cried out to the Lord.  Even more comforting is the fact that they were honest in their cries, as they questioned Him about why in the world He even bothered to move them out of Egypt if this was going to be there fate.  Despite all of this lack of faith, Moses encourages them to: Exodus 14:13&14:  "Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.....The Lord will fight for you;  you need only to be still". 

Isn't that spectacular?  The Lord will fight for us!  We just need to keep calling on Him with a transparent heart and He will deliver us from whatever sea of trouble that we are in.  He will part the waters for you...at just the right time...His time.  Why?  Cuz...His love for us never quits!

Thank you Lord for the oceans that you place in our paths, so that we can learn to be still and trust in You while You make a way!

Amen

P.S.~Ginormous is not in the Webster's Dictionary.........I think it should be though.

He's Holding Us Fast

Psalm 139:10(NIV)
even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.



Kayaking in the mountains.



Simply amazing the comfort that is mine (and yours) when I hear those words.  No matter where I go.....His hand is holding me fast....so tightly is He holding me that I cannot break free!  I don't want to break free either.... 

Resting in this promise makes most of my cares and concerns melt away.  It gives me the confidence to pursue those God callings that I know I have been given.....some big assignments and some small....but all callings that seem to require a gargantuan leap of faith!  It is the type of trust that calls for a releasing from my own security.   Candidly....that's tough for me to find but, after I soak up this verse.....the Holy Spirit empowers me to get a move on!!

Thank you Lord, for giving me this verse and assuring me that You are there for me to follow and You are holding me tight!

The Unbroken Side Of The Window

Proverbs 5:14 (MSG)

 My life is ruined!  I haven't one blessed thing to show for my life!"

As I open the paper, look on-line, or even drive down the street, brokeness is what I see.  Hearts are breaking and crumbling all around me.  Is your heart shattered like the window in this picture today?  

I still get a newspaper delivered to my door.  I know I am dating myself by sharing that information with you, because it seems that only us "older" folks are hanging onto that tradition.  I can't help it though, I love everything about the paper...the smell of fresh ink, the feel of soft trees, the sound of the crackling pages as they turn, the anticipation of some great knowledge to be gained, and the taste...no I don't really eat it...I was just kidding about that part! 

Each day, after my run, I take our neighbor's paper and quietly place it on their front step so they don't have to get out in the weather.  Then I proceed to my driveway where I snatch up our paper and head inside.  It is like a birthday gift to me.  I never know what's inside until I tear it open and peer in!

With the passing of time, the number of stories with dark and tragic endings seems to be increasing.  Most recent headlines involve that of ridiculous crimes against children, natural disasters claiming unsuspecting lives, horrendous illnesses, and tragic accidents involving vibrant lives taken from us right in the middle of their prime.  If left to my own accord, I would curl up in a tight ball and cry for the rest of my existence here on planet earth.

Thank goodness I am not left to my OWN "not so brilliant" ways of handling things.  I am learning that I need to look through the side of the window that is not broken.  Go back to the above picture and study it for a minute.  Do you see what I see?  The crack is right down the middle of the pane of glass.  When I look through the side that is shattered, everything outside  is blurry and distorted by the crack.   However, when I look through the side that is not broken, I can see all the details and colors outside the window.

I am not suggesting that we put on blinders and do some happy-positive-weird chanting technique to help us ignore all of the bad stuff that is happening to us.  Nor am I even hinting at the fact that I understand what someone is going through who is suffering a tremendous loss.  What I am saying is that I have observed the deep despair of a mother who lost her child.  I have witnessed a wife's immeasurable grief to the news of suddenly losing her husband.  I have seen a young woman fight after being diagnosed with a life threatening illness.  I have watched the grace in the life of an elderly person as their physical strength faded away.  I have experienced a mother's angst as she stands by while her child makes unhealthy choices that will set the course for that child's life on a difficult path.  The list goes on and on.

The one similarity that I observed in each of these people during their trials, nevertheless, was their unwavering devotion to the Lord.  Was there window (life) broken?  Absolutely!  Did they ignore that damage?  No!  But, what I noticed them all doing, regardless of their circumstances, was making the decision to grasp onto the Lord!  Instead of crying out...as in the verse above...."My life is ruined!!"....they chose to cry out...Psalm 91:2 (MSG)-"God, you're my refuge.  I trust in you and I'm safe!"  They fell to the foot of the cross and stayed there until they had a firm hold on Him~The Giver of Life, because He promises to carry us through and direct our gaze to the unbroken side of the window.

My prayers are not always me talking....but me listening.  Today's prayer is all listening....and this is what He is telling me!

Psalm 91:14-16 (MSG)
"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God, "Ill get you out of any trouble.  I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me.  Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.  I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!" (Bold and italics mine.)

Did you hear Him?  He loves you so much....and He's calling each of our names!  I have to go now...my phone is ringing too!

Stick To His Plan

Proverbs 4:2(MSG)
for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching.

"LET GO OF THE TREE AND SIT DOWN!"