The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. – John 1:4 (NLT)
Religion
Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh
02 months ago
Set in the North Carolina Mountains, Tamara Leigh’s tale of Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan, is a wild and bumpy ride. Although struggling to get over the loss of her husband 4 years ago, Bridget is on a mission to save her family’s land. Her family, like all families, is a mix of crazy and downright embarrassing, but it doesn’t stop Bridget from trying.
I must admit, the story was a little difficult to get into. Bridget talks to herself, argues with herself (and others), all in her head, all while narrating her story. The banter back and forth is as realistic as what I hear in my own head, but a little disconcerting nonetheless.
Once you get used to Bridget’s “frame of mind” it’s easy to fall in love with her. Bridget’s shedding of her “widow’s weeds” gets tangled into a story of her family’s sorted past. While her family holds tight to their beliefs and pray that Bridget can find her way back to her own faith, Bridget becomes the family spokesperson to JC Dirk, a Developer from Atlanta, who’s dealing with demons from his own closet full of ghosts.
The “widow sniffers” abound in this story, chasing poor Bridget and confusing her with what their true intentions are. The competition for JC Dirk is Caleb Merriman, who seems to have all the right answers. JC on the other hand, is poking holes in Caleb’s story faster than a treehugger chased by a bulldozer. Bridget thinks JC’s heart seems like it is in the right place, but his heart is exactly what she’s afraid of.
Can Bridget find her own “happily ever after” or will her heart remain, “constipated” in the words of her little nephew? Readers wont be disappointed as Bridget’s road through family strive and intrigue find her renewing her relationship with a God she left behind.
Tamara’s story makes a trio of others including Leaving Carolina and Nowhere, Carolina, in her “Southern Discomfort” series. After reading “Restless” readers will be wanting to pick up the other two.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Order this book from your local bookstore or www.amazon.com.
Finding Hope at Walmart
It always amazes me when I see the creative ways that God works. He can use the simplest things to make such a huge impact. At my job at Interfaith Emergency Services, every day I see His handiwork. Whether its a box of diapers for an unemployed single mom that cannot afford them, or a box of food for a family trying to make ends meet, He finds ways to answer prayers.
Recently, while setting up a display at our local Walmart for our High $5 Campaign, I was approached by a young girl. Though I was busy trying to unload my car so we could set up, she caught my eye immediately. Ashley was a thin, young girl, beaten and bruised by her boyfriend the night before. The second I smiled at her she burst into tears, and began begging for help. I pulled Ashley out of the bustle of people and got her to calm down. Her story, like so many others, starts with a boyfriend that her parents didn’t approve of. She had stayed with him for over a year, even with family begging her not to. He had convinced her to move away from family. He lied to her as he promised a good time, while Ashley lied to herself that he would stop drinking, drugging and beating. Somewhere between her busted lip and bruised ribs, Ashley realized she couldn’t take it anymore and called the police. With the boyfriend in jail, she had the courage to try for a clean start. Ashley had no money, no clothes, just a small purse with an empty wallet and ID card.
I watched Ashley rubbing her ankle, and I noticed her boyfriend’s name branded there. I’m sure she wished at that point to rub it away, along with all the pain and hurt.
“Family. I need my family,” she kept said. “I just need to get to my family, and everything will be okay.” Ashley remembered her grandmother’s phone number in Tampa. She told me that she was afraid to call because her grandmother would think her boyfriend was still around, and the grandmother was done with the abusive boyfriend. “I don’t want that boy around here anymore,” she had told her, and closed the door on her a year before. Now, Ashley wanted the love only her grandmother could give her. I picked up the phone and called Grandma Sarah. I explained who I was and that I worked at a local help agency and was with her granddaughter. Sarah asked about the boyfriend, and I assured her he was long gone. I put the two on the phone together, and through her tears Ashley spilled her sorrows and laid her soul bare. She admitted her mistakes, and just wanted to come home and start over. Sarah talked with me again and told me that she’d pay for a Greyhound bus ticket for Ashley. I told her that I would get her safely to the bus station, and that afternoon at 3:05pm, a smiling Ashley said a grateful goodbye.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
My husband asked me later, how she knew to come up to me. It’s not like I had a sign over my head that said “Have experience helping people.” I believe that God knew to send her to me, and had confidence in me that I would help. That day I was blessed to be used by God to reunite a young troubled girl with her family.
To find out more about Interfaith Emergency Services, visit: www.iesmarion.org
Enemies of the Heart, by Andy Stanley
5 months ago
Andy Stanley has once again hit one out of the ballpark. Enemies of the Heart, just like his other books, has one solid point to make – a single message to convey to his audience. Just as easily as if you were sitting in a coffee shop across the table from him, Andy eases back into his chair and speaks from his heart. It’s easy for the reader to follow along, open their mind and really feel a connection to the message he’s conveying.
Enemies of the Heart focuses on 4 emotions that can erode away the fulfillment of our very lives… guilt, anger, greed and jealousy. Gone unchecked, these emotions can poison our relationships, our faith and our character. The reader isn’t bogged down with charts and graphs, or “meditative questions for self-enlightenment” but instead follows along on a simple journey to check the pulse rate of their own spiritual heart. Often relating problems of a physical heart, Andy uses clear cut examples of how gone untreated, our spiritual heart can be in just as much danger. Andy explains how to recognize the signs of trouble and offers suggestions for improvement.
Andy has one of those rare abilities of being able to sense our deepest needs, but talk about them in a compelling way. We may think, “How did he know I felt that way?” as if we’re the only ones, when in fact, we’re not so unique at all. Andy pulls questions out of you that you wouldn’t normally ask, making you examine yourself in a whole new light – the penetrating light of God’s truth. Sometimes even an uncomfortable light that causes us to stop and think about applying what he’s saying instead of agreeing and moving on.
Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley (Chapter 1 Excerpt)
The reader is captivated by the honesty of Andy’s own personal experiences. Laughing out loud at his childhood rebellion in one moment, and seriously contemplating our own past troubles, Enemies of the Heart pulls you along through the pages without judgment or condemnation. Once he feels you have a handle on how to set yourself on a good path with healthy new habits, Andy touches on how to influence your children and those around you. The reader is provided with examples of how those around us absorb the emotions and feelings we’re broadcasting. Impacting the lives of those we love keeps us focused on the 4 emotions that can cripple our family or friendships.
As senior pastor of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, and founder of North Point Ministries, Andy is used to the spotlight but engages his audience (either through sermons, books or conferences) with a simple model: Using God’s Word to answer life’s most compelling and often difficult questions. His strong beliefs and love for his family shines through no matter what media he is reaching out with. Enemies of the Heart is a must read for everyone.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review through their Blogging for Books program.
Order this book from your local bookstore or www.amazon.com.
Advertising…with a Twist
Have you noticed that we’re being inundated with advertising? It seems to be everywhere – billboards, newspapers, television, radio. Magazines are so full of ads that it is sometimes hard to find the articles anymore. Ads blast through your car speakers at mega volumes, and commercials are winding their way through your favorite TV shows faster than the sport cars they’re trying to sell you. Recently while driving in Ocala at lunchtime I noticed a blimp floating by. It was too high of course, to see what was actually written on it, but I’m sure it was trying to advertise something. My guess would be it was a personal injury attorney or insurance company, since the distraction it was causing in traffic was bound to cause a pile up. And of course, who isn’t tired of pop-ups? They’re not just on your computer anymore either, the television networks are now advertising other TV shows over the top of whatever you may be currently watching.
I have to admit, I sometimes feel overwhelmed and wish they would all go away. But, then I remember why they are there. Advertising is all about attracting attention to something and promoting the latest do-dad you can’t live without.
Want to know what you really cant live without? God. And did you know that God advertises too? His ads are the coolest. They are made to make you feel good and be glad that you’re alive. No purchase required and no gimmicks.
Did you notice that gorgeous sunrise this morning that stretched out over the horizon? How about that beautiful blue sky today? That was God. Did you feel the cool breeze that washed over you at the game, or while you were working in the backyard? That was Him too. When was the last time you stopped to admire the beauty of a rainbow? God created all those things just for us.
The beauty in this world is all around us. It’s not hard to find. God is trying to remind us that He is with us every minute of every day. We need to appreciate Him and remember how wonderful His presence can be. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t just hang out at church on the weekends, waiting for us to show up. He is every where. He wants us to know to that he can be a part of our whole lives if we’ll let Him.
God works awfully hard to get our attention and to let us know He’s there. Shouldn’t we try harder to keep Him with us all the time? So remember the next time you’re sitting at that stoplight in traffic, forget the billboards. Check out God’s advertising.
Stormy Seas
We’ve all heard the story – Jesus and his disciples were in a boat crossing a lake, after Jesus had spoke to the crowds on the banks of the Galilee. Jesus grabs a cushion and stretches out at the back of the boat and goes to sleep. Suddenly a fierce storm comes, tossing the little boat. His disciples, many of whom were fisherman by trade, being familiar with the sea, were afraid. Afraid enough, to wake the sleeping Jesus, which probably took courage of its own. The disciples said “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” (Mark 4:38)
Picture it. Jesus had spent the entire day preaching to the crowds. Drain and exhausted, he falls asleep to the rocking of the boat as they crossed the lake. Now picture a big, burly disciple (we don’t know who it was – perhaps it was even Peter), shaking Him awake, to say “I’m afraid!” as if a child that’s afraid of the dark and the monster that’s hiding in the closet. Grown men, admitting they were afraid. Now I know it is said that the Sea of Galilee was known for violent and unexpected storms, and I’m sure anyone would have been afraid during that squall. Storms, no matter what their origin, can humble even the strongest of souls.
We learn that Jesus simply wakes up, rebukes the wind and waves to be still, and they obey. Jesus says to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Now the disciples are even more terrified, realizing that this man can calm a storm with His voice.
But did you catch it? Jesus had faith in the disciples in order to sleep in that little boat. He knew about the dangerous storms that came up suddenly on the Galilee, and He probably knew about that particular storm long before it happened. But He slept. Trusting the disciples with His life.
How often does Jesus trust us with something? How often do we say, “I’m afraid.” The storms we face in our lives often make us feel as though we are tossed and battered at sea, feeling at the mercy of the winds of fate. Whether it is the death of a loved one, financial struggles, battling a disease, or just day to day conflicts. Storms are everywhere.
Jesus knew the disciples could handle the storm. Jesus had faith, the same faith He was asking of them. Jesus has faith in us too. He knows what we are made of, our strengths and limitations, and our fears. Don’t be afraid of the storm. Jesus has faith in us. We need to have faith in Him.
Talking to God
Every once in a while, I pause and think about how cool heaven is going to be one day. Last year I read the Left Behind series, and made a startling revelation. One day, I’m going to be able to talk to God and he’s going to talk to me.
I know that sounds like a “duh!” But have you really thought about it? Those of us that are sure of our salvation, know that one day we’ll be in heaven. And we sometimes think about getting to see loved ones, kicking back on the “proverbial puffy cloud” and chatting with family and friends. However, have you ever really thought about meeting God face to face, and talking to Him…in person?
That thought got me thinking. I pray to God every day. We probably all pray at one time or another. Do we believe He’s listening to our prayer… really listening? Do our words become “lip service” to Him? Does it become a practiced set of things we say or ask for? If we really believed that our prayers were from our lips to His ear, would we be more reverent and less demanding? Would we complain less and praise more?
Getting a little nervous? Why does it sounds so scary to know that God will be face to face with us one day, and we’ll talk like best buddies? Will our words be different if we’re standing before Him? Why? It shouldn’t matter if we’re bowing our heads to pray or talking to Him in person. Our respect and awe for Him should be the same. He is our Heavenly Father, the King of kings, the Maker of all creation.
When I tuck my daughter in at night, I watch her bow her head, close her eyes, tent her little hands to pray, and wonder what she says to Him. Her reverence is clear. She is pouring her little 8 year old heart out to the God she knows loves her dearly. I don’t think she has any doubt that He’s listening. So as adults, how did we loose that reverence along the way? We have become so distracted and lackadaisical with our prayers, that they have become boring, monotonous and sad.
Jesus prayed with respect and emotion. Hebrews 5:7 says,
“While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.”
Jesus’ prayers were not “lip service.” Jesus didn’t get distracted in the middle of a prayer with thoughts of tomorrow’s “to do” list. He didn’t fall asleep in the middle of a prayer, because even he was bored with it.
The next time you stop to pray, stop. Psalm 46:10 says,
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Be still. Take the time to reverently bow your head, focus your thoughts, and talk to Him, just like He was in the room sitting beside you. He is hanging on to your every word, make those words count.
Fireproof
The movie Fireproof was shown to a sold out crowd last night at the Hollywood 16. The lobby was packed, and it was nice to see friends from church and around town, talking excitedly about the long-awaited movie. Our small group decided to do “date night” together this week for the movie. It was great to have such community of believers share in the experience.
Sherwood Pictures, a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, did an amazing job with Facing the Giants, and left big shoes to fill for their latest film. However, they certainly did not disappoint.
Fireproof is a story about a typical marriage you would find in America today. Caleb Holt, played by Kirk Cameron, is a captain with the Albany Fire Department. Caleb is a hero on the job, but struggles with his marriage at home. His wife, Catherine, played by Erin Bethea, finds herself unloved and alone as she juggles her marriage and taking care of elderly parents. Their marriage is dying a slow death, and neither seems willing to fan the flames of a failing marriage.
Kirk Cameron and the rest of the crew did an incredible job bringing real life drama onto the big screen. There are times in the movie when you ache for the hurt and loneliness and cry for the pain of brokenness. Sprinkled in between, you find humor at life’s every day journey.
At the heart of the movie, lies the most important issue. A Christ-sized whole in the hearts of those that are struggling. They try to fill the void with materials things or dreams of something better, but eventually come to find that only God’s love will complete their lives. Life change happens with a commitment to God, and only through understanding God’s love, do they learn to love each other.
For more information, visit fireproofthemovie.com.
Women of Faith Conference
What words can I use to describe such an experience! The Women of Faith Conference was the most awesome thing I’ve ever been to. My husband says I’m in the doghouse for saying that because it includes our wedding (oops!), but I don’t know that I can explain how incredible it really was.
Patti, Denise and Sonya
I was able to go to the conference in Tampa at the St Pete Forum Arena, with two friends, who I dearly love, on August 15-16, 2008 . The Pre-Conference on Friday, included Anita Renfroe, Patsy Clairmont, and Jan Silvious, along with the Women of Faith Worship Team. On Saturday, the packed arena hosted Sandi Patti, Sheila Walsh, Marilyn Meberg, Allison Allen, and Louise DuArt, as well as vocalists Natalie Grant and Nicole C. Mullen, who brought down the house. We also had a special guest, Steve Arterburn, the creator of Women of Faith.
They each brought their own unique talents and giftings to the spotlight. They shared humorous stories and heart-wrenching struggles, laying their hearts wide open. At times, our sides hurt from laughing so hard, and yet, our souls wept. We were drawn into the lives of these amazing women who taught us that God can bring you through anything. Learning about our emotions, the importance of wisdom, the power of prayer and how to focus our lives on God were life lessons to treasure.
Sheila Walsh
The praise and worship experience was beyond compare. Nicole C. Mullen and her group of teens that share the stage, rocked the rafters with joy. Natalie Grant’s powerful voice filled the room with a heavenly voice only God’s great skill could create. One of everyone’s favorite songs was “His Eye is On the Sparrow,” which Natalie did as an encore, without music and without a dry eye. Sandi Patti and Sheila Walsh not only shared their testimonies, but sang like beautiful angels.
And some men might be thinking – how can such a large group of women be in the same room and co-exist without conflict? The answer, of course is God. Never have I seen women come together so easily with grace and love. Though we were from different backgrounds, faiths and ideals, we shared a common ground as we worshiped together. The beauty of listening to 14,000 women lift their voices together in song was truly amazing. Tears streamed down my face as we all sang “How Great is Our God,” acappella (without music). It felt as though heaven opened up and God’s grace and love shown upon us like sunshine.
The experience was only made more sweet by sharing it with my two girlfriends. Our husbands couldn’t get a word in edge-wise when we got home, as we recounted our stories and laughter. I feel incredibly blessed to have been apart of such a magnificent weekend, and can’t wait to do it again. I encourage all women to find out more information about Women of Faith and become a part of it. It will change your life.
(Check out www.womenoffaith.com for more information.)
Exercise Prayer
One of my first of the year commitments was to get in shape. Jon and I joined the YMCA and started working out. We did pretty good at getting a regular routine going. When summer hit however, our schedules got turned upside with the addition of our kiddos full time for 6 weeks. Somehow, we never did get around to going to the Y, and our routine was lost.
I didn’t know just how much I missed going to the Y until I returned yesterday. My work schedule had become a hopeless path of endless hours of work and stress. I finally broke down and decided I needed a workout and headed for class.
My favorite activity at the Y is Pilates, with my favorite instructor, Meredith. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, between the hours of 9:30 – 10:30am, I can escape in a cocoon of joy. Meredith is an amazing lady, who takes her faith seriously. And thanks to the Y, she can not only play Christian music during our class, but she offers prayer when class is over. I admire Meredith for “taking her faith to the street” as it were, sharing Christ (even if just through music in the background) with those that enter her world.
When I began going to Pilates, my body was out of shape and it let me know it. But as I started to stretch those muscles something amazing happened. I found an environment of spiritual fulfillment. In that simple workout room, with the lights off and sunlight streaming through the windows, with soft music in the background praising my Lord and Savior, I found a place that I could share time with God. As my body twists and stretches, in my mind I praise Him, talk with Him, laugh with Him and share with Him. One move in particular always makes me smile, as we raise our hands up high and stretch towards the ceiling, I always feel like a child reaching up to my Heavenly Father, asking Him to “Pick me up!” And His arms embrace me with love.
By the time class is over, those that would like to, can stay and pray with Meredith. After spending time with my Lord alone, now I join other women like myself in a circle, and we lift each other up in prayer. Meredith begins our prayer, and with the voice of an angel, and the heart of one as well, she sweetly thanks God for all the blessings He bestows upon us. She lifts each woman up as a precious offering, asking His grace and provision over each of us and our families. The prayer passes around the circle, as those that want, lift their voice in prayer. The Holy Spirit is there within that small circle and cradles us in comfort.
Yesterday, as I stood in the circle, the walls came tumbling down. The barriers of stress and worry that had been built around me, crumbled. The emotions poured through me and rained down my cheeks. The Holy Spirit cleansed me and welcomed me back into my circle of joy.
I thank God for my time with Him every day, whether it’s at home in my quiet time, driving in my car singing praise songs, or in a small workout room at the YMCA. Our God is so great.
Soil Test
Have you ever noticed the soil in a well tended garden? You can tell whether a garden is cared for by the condition of the soil. A garden must be prepared by turning the soil, getting rid of all impurities and debris such as rocks and weeds. The soil must be cared for, and given time, a transformation happens. The dirt that once held rocks and weeds is now rich and dark, ready for planting.
I think our hearts are a lot like that soil. When left unworked, it can lay dormant, the darkness of sin and evil can settle in and harden our hearts, so that no good thing can be planted there.
“The Lord told the people of Judah and Jerusalem, ‘Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among the thorns. O people of Judah and Jerusalem, surrender your pride and power. Change your hearts before the Lord…” (Jeremiah 4:3-4)
If our hearts are hardened, we cannot plant good seed. With sin embedded like thorny vines, our hearts cannot seek the goodness that God can bring us. Greed, idolatry, impure thoughts, selfishness, hatred; all these things choke our hearts like weeds. Only through seeking forgiveness can we till the soil.
How is the soil in your garden? Do you have rich, fertile soil for God to plant His goodness? Or is it time to take the plow to it?
I'm SO glad that […]
3 years ago