Do you need a forever change?

A new year is just right around the corner...hours!  They roll around pretty quick and I know many are hoping for new and great things to happen in 2015.  Well, I can't promise any of those, but I can offer you a life changer.  How you ask?  Well, by trying to persuade you to take the time to join me in a journey through God's Word.  We begin tomorrow using the New Living Translation of the Chronological Bible that may be purchased quickly at Amazon.com for 14.46.  Not a lot of money, when you are talking about an eternal life changer.  No it will not be me changing your life, so don't think I'm saying I can do this, but God can and He will!

I can say that because He did it for me!  I was encouraged to take this step many years ago and did.  It was truly just like the picture with the Light going off in my life!  I was forever changed for the better and know in my heart by taking this step again in the upcoming year it will be changed once again only for the better again!  God's Word will do this and can do this you just have to pick it up and allow Him to work in your life!  He will show up, but will you?

I will blog about the daily readings and hope to hear from some of you with what God spoke to you about or perhaps something new that you discover through the reading daily.  We can take this amazing adventure together and make 2015 a year that sends sparks throughout our life!  

It is difficult for women sometimes to commit to going to a Bible study.  Showing up once a week at a certain place and time with all of your obligations is difficult this will be on your time schedule and it's all about growing closer to God.  It isn't about whether you think you have the right answer or if someone is going to make you feel less than because perhaps you don't agree...it is all about growing closer to God.  Right now!  Don't wait join me in growing closer to Our Father through His Word beginning tomorrow.

You have the time to order yours today!  You will have it by Friday or go to your local Lifeway and pick one up.  Give yourself a present and take this journey with other women that want to see what the Great I Am as in store for each of us!  I get excited just thinking about what He may show me new each day!  Don't you?  Don't miss out and I  hope to see you tomorrow right here!

Sweet Blessings,

Leap like calves...

I am working on a new Bible study written by Kelly Minter and she told a funny story about a friend referencing a scripture about leaping calves.  She went on to say that she mentioned to her friend that she didn't think this was in the bible, that cows barely move much less leap.  Well someone in the group googled it promptly and came up with Malachi 4:2 which is written like this ~ But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.  And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.  Well it got me to thinking and pondering...

Jesus is like the Sun that heals with its rays and revives our souls and in turn we do leap because of the healing experience!  Now go with me and think about those calves they were probably tied down or yoked with very little movement, so it might not have been leaping but they would have been running with joy at being released!  Don't you run with joy when you find the healing in God's wings?  I know I do!

So next time you spot a calve in the field running and playing let it be a reminder to you about the joy found in the healing love of Jesus!

Blessings,

Questions again?

The last blog posting was about a month ago and it was also on questions.

During the past month I've been asking questions, not necessarily receiving any answers though.  Once again, last night a very profound dream about why I'm not asking the questions of people like you reading this blog.  Are you not brave enough Debbie to stand for what you believe or perhaps you are afraid of what others might think of you?  Wow, I wasn't sure how to respond, because honestly at times I must answer yes to both of those questions.

Over and over, in my dream and study this past month the answer is the same ask and receive.  The dream was in the setting of a women's retreat after all serving in women's ministry for so long I was planning a retreat.  The theme was "Questions" and the decorations were amazing going along with the question mark and the answers were all supplied throughout the day strictly from God's Word - not from me!  It was a huge success in my dream, but would it be in real life?  Do we really want the answers? 

For any of us to really make people dig deep about what they really believe ~ it truly  is very brave for everyone involved.  After all, it may be different from what I think or you think.  Would we still get along when we realize how differently we all believe and think?  Well, if we look at the world around us the answer is no.  Which is sad, because if you read the Bible Jesus didn't cast anyone out, but he didn't quit asking the questions either.  He made people dig deeper into their being to get the answer.  Perhaps, that is a bit of the problem we like quick, easy answers that nobody gets hurt with the answer...well that just isn't life!  Life hurts!  So, do we quit asking those difficult questions?  No, we must keep asking ourselves and others to dig deep.  Search God's Word, probe, ask and wait for the answers.

Over and over I am being lead to the book of Nehemiah.  Yes, Nehemiah.  No it's not the gospels, it's not about Paul and all of his exciting adventures or not so exciting exciting adventures it's about Nehemiah.  A man serving in captivity in a far away land when he questions about Jerusalem to receive answers.  The answers broke his heart and opened his eyes to adventure.  An adventure  that meant he had to be bold and ask questions of a king that could kill him with a sweep of a hand much less say "Yes".  He was brave and he did ask.  The answer was Yes!

What question is the Lord waiting for you to ask today?

Be brave.  Ask the question!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Questions and answers

Do you ever feel like the girl in the picture?  Surrounded with questions, but where are the answers?

We demand answers almost like, when we pull up to the drive through at McDonald's or Starbucks...whatever your choice might be just give us what we want.  We want to know right now not tomorrow, not next week and certainly not when God decides to tell us.  No, we want it right now.  Give it to us right now!  Did you hear us?  Demanding answers for questions that honestly we don't know.  Some people may give you an answer, but they may not  know.  Honestly they will try their best, but they aren't God, so quit asking the questions that some people might step off  in and decide to give you an answer, but how do they know?  They don't...they might give you their very best answer...but it's their answer!  Go to God's Word and wait for Him to provide for your need and it might not be the answer you thought you were looking for...  I want to sidestep here and say yes sometimes God speaks through other people, but we must be very careful and know God's Word to see if the two are in step together.

Remember, when you were a little girl?  I know sometimes it's difficult, but remember being carefree swinging on the swing trusting that everything was going to be okay?  Well, it truly is to me something like that with our faith.  We must trust God that He knows the answers and HE does! Trust things are truly okay and that we don't have to have the answers!  Believe in Him!

Recently, I had a very profound dream.  A dream that woke me up and made me get up out of bed get my Bible and research for some answers.  One of those dreams that you know God provided because I promise where He lead me is not a book that I read all the time.  The book reminded me of we are all broken people, but when we are looking for answers come to Him.  It reminded to cry for all of us and to look to Him for hope and that He is able to rebuild, but we must realize we are broken first.

His timing is amazing!  The Word He sends that I need to hear and most of all the reassurance and love that always comes with the Word!  I find hope, peace, and joy in the reminder of who God truly is...not who we are but who He IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE...once again He surprised me yesterday with an awesome reminder of He was here long before the world, He was and always will be and it boggles my little mind and maybe yours, but it brings such peace to me because I believe all of this about God and so much more!  He gave me the following verses to ponder yesterday of a beautiful reminder of who He truly is...

1 John 1 - 2

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.  The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.

John, the loved disciple wrote these words.  He knew Jesus.  He walked with Jesus. He saw Jesus on the cross and He saw Him return and these words truly touch my heart knowing indeed He was here on earth walking among people just like you and me.  Questions surrounding him and He provided and provides all the answers we need!  He is love!

I went on reading throughout the chapters of 1 John and came to one of my favorite verses found in chapter 4 and in verse 10 ~ This is love:  not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 

None of us were an after thought...we are all loved! God sent His Son for you and for me and it's all about Him.  He provided for us long before we were even here...

We can debate.  We can argue.  We can provide answers, but Jesus is the only answer that any of us truly need!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Do you know?

Do you know that over 1 billion people are still Bible less?

I found this shocking considering all the technology that surrounds all of us today.

I received an email from Dayspring this morning with a devotion about a woman named Esther that traveled to Botswana to watch as people are told the stories orally from the Bible.  Yes, orally.  I was curious, so I clicked the link to find out more and here is the link for all of you to go find out more too...

https://theseedcompany.org/

Amazing work and stories.

Thanks Dayspring and Esther for planting seeds about this awesome ministry, so that I could share it with my friends and loved ones.  Help plant seeds today!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

My little shadow...

My little brown and white shadow above is surely missed!  A little over a week ago my little guy JJ passed away and well it's been tough!

He was the one that never missed any step I took to the point he tripped me half the time.  This past week I can't tell you the times I've turned to call him, thinking where is he and what's he getting into...when we loose a loved one  - 4 legged too...it's very hard, but it's amazing at the same time how God shows up to hold you and remind you of HIS amazing love.

I ran just as fast as I could to my favorite spot...Colorado.  I knew that my mom would take the quick trip with me and we took off.  God continually throughout the trip provided the needed word, the sunrise, the sunset, the rainbow, the animal, the devotion that just touched the spot in my hurting heart.

One morning I was reading God's Word and He provided exactly what I've needed for the journey so far...these amazing words that also used the word that I use to describe JJ in my life...

Psalms 36:7

How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

I am definitely finding refuge in the shadow of God's protective wing the same way that JJ found it in me...forever I will miss him, but once again through a difficult time God provides some pretty amazing experiences with Him.  Thank you LORD!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

"The Sacred Year" by Michael Yankoski

Are you perhaps having moments that you are asking deep questions about why or how?  Is your soul longing for something more?  Well, if you answered yes to either of these this book might be the one for you to read right now.

I was given this book to read to review by Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishers to give my honest thoughts about and I loved it!  I loved the honesty, the rawness of his questions and the steps he made to find answers were at times funny, at times heart wrenching, and others I was asking really?  did he really do that?

My book is dog eared on so many pages for me to go back and remember the times that spoke to my soul.  The time he wrote about dumpster diving brought laughter to my mind picturing this man reclaiming some of his things or someone else's.  Freeing is the word he used to describe the experience.

Another of the processes that Michael undertook was to actually dig a grave - (yes you read it right).  It took 1405 shovelfuls to dig the grave.  It was about trying to come to terms with his own mortality.  I think we all struggle with this, but how many of us went out to the grave yard to face it by digging a grave?  His words describing the whole process touched my heart in some weird way almost like his weird idea of doing it, but I think it brought both us both a peace.  Odd has that may sound.  Michael perhaps dug for many of us!

The Confession chapter was another one that just really grasp my attention in a whole new way of thinking.  I would not want to spoil any of this chapter for anyone other than to say comparing our sin to cancer and the way it eats away at us, but that God indeed loves us through it all.  

Michael took a journey that many of us would never be brave enough to take the steps for ourselves.  We are able to learn from his experiences and his honesty things about our own spiritual journey.  A reminder of to continually be in awe of God in the little things of life as well as the big things.  To always look for Him in each moment and perhaps to really look at an apple, or place a hazelnut in your pocket to be a reminder for you about God's amazing love!

I want to encourage you to purchase this wonderful book filled with honesty, boldness, creativity, questions, reality, and truth.  You may purchase this book at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, any place you purchase books it is available and it is worth the time and the money!  I don't think you would ever be disappointed you spent either one on this book.

Blessings,

Debbie

A very brave bold woman...a little like an eagle?

I wanted a picture for bold this morning for this blog.  It was interesting what came up for bold a few of the findings were eagles, bold colors, comparisons of the word bold vs. shy, a interesting man in feathers and bright colors, even an ostrich, but immediately the eagle was my choice.  It reminded me of one of my favorite scriptures from Isaiah 40:31; but those that hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles...

Indeed the woman that I want to share with you and encourage you to study is a woman that is found in 2 Kings 22.  Her name is Huldah.  Yes, don't you want to encourage your friends to name their little girls Huldah?  You will even more when you learn that it means "weazel"!  Yes, but during the times of Huldah and in the culture that wasn't necessarily a bad thing according to commentaries after all the weazel came from the mink family.  So, how many little Huldah's will we be meeting?

Seriously, Huldah is a special woman that this past week in Bible study we took a closer look into her story.  We know little, but what we do know is she was very brave.  She had a reputation that preceded her because when the king needed some help, his trusted advisers sought her out.  Yes, it would be kinda of like the president's inner circle coming to your home wanting your thoughts! 

Imagine for a moment you were going about your everyday life and suddenly a bunch of black SUV's suddenly pull up in your driveway.  You open the door and they begin to question you on what is happening around you right now.  Yes, the bad stuff going on.  Are you going to share your true thoughts or hold back?  Well, Huldah knew what God's will was and she shared His truths.  She didn't share her own feelings, she shared God's truth.  You may ask how did she know His truths?  Well, she was one of His prophets.  One of 3 women in the Old Testament referred to in this way and she was bold by speaking His Truths.  She didn't sugarcoat the truth to make anybody feel better ~ nope she spoke it exactly because she cared deeply for her nation!  She offered hope through offering the truth.  Huldah was in relationship with God and we all need  in one too.  

The story is a story of God's truth being lost.  Where was it lost?  Well, that's what's even a sadder truth...It was lost in the temple.  Yes, God's truth was housed in the temple.  It fell to disrepair and for whatever reason it was lost to the priest, the leaders everyone for years.  Is God's truth perhaps lost on some of our leaders?  Read this chapter in God's Word and ponder it for yourself and relate it to our world right now!

One way to be in relationship is to know God's Word, not what we think it says...what it really does say.  Stand for that truth!  Today, look up the story of a very special woman named Huldah that was indeed bold like the eagle soaring to new strength, because she found her hope in the LORD!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Sharing from my heart...

Have you ever been in a situation that just boggles your mind?  

The type that you think is so clear, but it seems nobody else sees it the same way?

Well, what do you do?  Do you continue to talk to everyone around you or do you perhaps pick up God's Word?

I listen to the news.  I listen to conversations in and around me; and well it is a sad world listening to all the talk, so do I believe these situations are without hope?

NO, because I have God's Word.  What about people that don't?  How do they have hope in this world?  How do you have hope, if you aren't in a relationship with the LORD?

It is my prayer that you do, but if you don't please give yourself a gift and go to Amazon.com or a local bookstore and purchase a Bible.  Pick it up and perhaps start in John to get to know Jesus look it up in the table of contents.  Once you read about Jesus then ask Him into your heart and find a local church to get to know more about Jesus.

We do have hope and we have hope only because of Jesus!  

It breaks my heart that so many people are around us daily that don't know God's Word.  They only know one or two verses from memory or they vaguely remember something someone long ago shared with them or perhaps they don't know anything at all and part of that rest with people like me and perhaps you because we are falling down on our part of the journey.  We aren't sharing God's Word with those around us.  Share today!

I will never forget how my life changed when I actually picked up God's Word and read it for myself and He began to speak into my life.  It was just like the picture above things began to clear up and break open for my life.  I am a living testimony to the difference of just opening up the Bible and beginning this wonderful journey with Jesus.  My life changed and I know what I believe because I have a relationship with Jesus myself.  It isn't because my parents, my friends, or even my pastors told me about it...it was because I know about it myself.  Yes, all of these people made and make a difference, but Jesus is the answer!

Open it up today and discover Jesus!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

"Love Letters from the Edge" written by Shelly Beach and Wanda Sanchez Book Review

I was given this book to review recently and I encourage you to purchase it!  It is a beautifully written book to encourage and provide hope and who doesn't need either one of those?

We are all going to face challenges in life it is just a matter of when not if.  The authors provide "light" throughout the book with their writings about their own thoughts and then writings perhaps that God would say to you in different situations along with hope from the edge and then prayers to cry out to God.  I found them very honest, very real and truthful.  I personally believe the only way through difficult times is by being real - pretending only keeps us in the situation that much longer.  (My own personal thought here)  So with that being said; I loved their approach.  I loved their honesty of asking where were you God?  Why didn't you save me from the lion's den like Daniel?  Why didn't you part the Red Sea for me?  We all have these questions and these beautiful women allow us the time to ask them as well.

So many heart wrenching  writings, but hope is given throughout.  Also, actual websites, phone numbers, books and scriptures are given at the end of the book to provide actual help that might needed in the moment.  Actual answers in hand that need someone to provide a helping hand from the edge.

I encourage each of you reading to purchase this book through Amazon.com to save or to read daily for that moment that will arrive or is already upon you.  The moment that you are standing on the edge saying "Why",  "what now?", "Does anybody see me?"  I believe this book provides a much needed encouraging word and a ray of sunshine along the difficult adventure of life.

I actually give this book 5 stars because I believe that indeed the title given then allows  the inside pages to become "love letters" to anyone when they are most needed!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Book Review on " A Christian Survival Guide"

I was intrigued with the title alone, so I signed up for this blog tour.  I wanted to review this book, so they sent it to me and I cracked open the survival guidebook according to Ed Cyzewski.

First, I want to commend Ed for being brave with some of his questions and doubts that most of us might not voice out loud.  He encourages each of us to explore the questions and find the answers for ourselves.  One of his quotes on his website was he wants each of us to "process our faith." 

One of my favorite chapters was about "Violent Bible stories", which I found interesting with questions that Ed asked us to explore in our thoughts.  One being haven't we all voted for leaders that invaded another country and yet we hold God to a different standard than we hold ourselves to?  I felt that was a very deep thought that all of us need to search our souls about after he got off my toes!

In fact, I thought a lot about the topics Ed covers in his book. It's a easy book to read, yet it goes deep.  I honestly don't know for sure how many stars to give it or whether I truly like it or not is also a great question.  I do encourage you to purchase it and read it for yourself.  I know what I believe and I stand firmly with God's Word, so I don't have to know all the answers or even try to provide one.  I trust God and know that we will never understand or have all the answers and find it assuming to give one to things we just don't know.  I guess the chapter on "Apocalypse Now" and "Hell" raised thoughts that we might ponder.  We all have theories and well that is just what they are...only God knows. 

Again, I think it's an interesting, but not exactly my way of thinking book.  I do think Ed is throwing out a life raft for people that struggle with not having all the answers.  If you need answers he is giving possible answers, but I encourage all of you to read God's Word, the Bible for those answers and then maybe pick up Ed's book to make you think about how you feel on some pretty tough topics. 

In closing, it just struck me that we all want a how to guide to get through life and well God provided it a long time ago. The bible  just sometimes gives us answers that perhaps we don't like and well then that is when we pick up a book like Ed's that provides a wider gate.  Today, it seems we are all searching for answers and that is what Ed's book did for me.  It provided me a way to know with more certainty what I believe and don't believe.  It allows you to explore the questions, the doubts, and come away knowing how you believe. (or at least it did me)

The book may be purchased at Amazon.com or through Ed's blog which is http://edcyzewski.com/

Thanks Ed for sharing!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Earth a footstool?

Yes, my picture today is of the mountains right off the porch I love...but it's a winter time photo.  I love the mountains during every season, so I just decided to use this one with the snow...

I fell in love with the mountains because I feel God everywhere.  Yes, I know He is everywhere even in the mundane moments of everyday...but something about realizing just how Mighty He is brings me such amazing peace.

I ride along up here and He forever surprises me with His creation with the creation of the land, animals, or the people.  A wonderful reminder of who He truly is...Our Father, Our Creator, Our Savior, Our Great Physician, The Almighty, The Alpha and the Omega and so much more...

One verse that truly captures who He truly is to me is found in Isaiah 66: 1 ~

"Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool."

Take comfort today realizing just how Mighty and Powerful Our Lord is...also these words from Job remind you exactly who He truly is...

Job 38: 2 - 11(read the whole chapter)

The Lord is speaking to Job...where I begin in verse 2

""Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 

"Where were you when I laid the foundation? Tell me, if you understand.  Who marked off it's dimension?  Surely you know!  Who stretched the measuring line across it?

On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone-while the morning stars sang together and 

all the angels shouted for joy?

Who shut up the sea behind the doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I sad, "This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt"?

Truly give thanks today for ALL THAT GOD TRULY IS AND HOW MUCH HE LOVES EACH OF US!  REST IN THE PEACE OF KNOWING HE LOVES YOU!

Sweet Blessings,

Which direction are you running?

I've had something on my heart that I feel compelled to write about...not really something that I want to, but something I feel I must.

Do you remember the story of Jonah?  Not the whale part, but the part about the Lord telling Jonah to go to Ninevah and preach against it, because of its wickedness.  Now Jonah knowing who God truly is and was  - ran just as quickly as he could the opposite direction.  Why?  Well, he didn't want the people to change.  He didn't like the people and he wanted them to fail.  But he knew God and in turn realized God's power knowing He would change the people.  Not Jonah, but God would change their hearts.

Is that what we might be doing today in our world perhaps?  I don't want to think that way, but...

Are you running away from something that God is calling you to do?  Is it because you don't want something to happen?  Is it because of your own fears?  Why?  

Recently, I had a friend ask me a question that went something like this...Deb, is there anything that they can say that will change your opinion?  I said immediately.  No, because I believe God's Word.  I know God is mightier, more powerful and exactly who He tells us He is through His amazing Word!  I believe it.  Does that make it any easier to face the situations in the world today?  No...we are like Jonah and at times we want to run the opposite direction, just like Jonah.

I share honestly the world is in turmoil. (in case you are living in a hole or something)  When innocent people are shot down from the air, when bombs are going off, people are shooting at each other because, they don't want them in their block; we don't live in a peaceful world.  I haven't even brought up issues that cause even more division between us than some of these.  I ask you today take a good long look at the story of Jonah.  I don't care if you believe the part about the whale... but I do!  After all, we aren't talking about you or me making anything happen...We are talking about A God that brought His Son into this world to save us and die on the cross for us and come back to walk among us again. 

 If you believe that Jesus came back from death, how is it that you can't believe a simple whale swallowing a man story?  Doesn't sound to difficult to me and honestly it gives me peace to know just how big God truly is!  Are you willing to make a difference in the world by running into a situation to share God's amazing love?  

Next time you want to be like Jonah and run the opposite direction - go ahead...See what God puts in your path along that path going the opposite direction!  In the long run, I believe to have peace you will turn in obedience and run where you are called.  So, run today to your Ninevah!  God will persist just like He did with Jonah!

Sweet blessings,

Excitement building

Getting ready for a new Bible study beginning in September!  Working on different women from God's Word and how do they relate to us today.  Wow, do they!

Are you curious as to how?  Well, join us beginning the first Tuesday after Labor Day at Noel at 5:30 in the Upper Room.  NO Cost involved!  Just bring a notebook or journal and your Bible.  I will have everything else.  We will go from 5:30 until no later than 7:00.

If you want to join us, let me know and I will get you on the list.  Seriously, good stuff that will encourage each of us and give us a heaping dose of hope!

Blessings,
Debbie

Peace...beyond my understanding

Entering the pool this morning for my exercise time and one of my special times talking to the Lord.  Yes, during my exercise time I talk to God.  I share with Him my heart...my whole heart and I know He hears!

I lifted up the situations around the world that so desperately need Him; In the midst and the little things that again, He is needed in the middle of it all!  The bombs in Israel, the borders of the US, the hungry in Africa and here at home and this is just the beginning.  Overwhelmed is the only word to describe everything that surrounds each of us daily.  We seek to know the news on the television, the computer, and then hash and rehash it with friends and family.  Most of the time it seems divisions only build, but not when you talk to the Lord about the situations.  He heals.

He brings peace to your heart and soul that only He provides!  Yes, I left the pool ready to go.  Ready to face whatever the day might bring knowing He goes before me and He is already there...absolutely NOTHING SURPRISES HIM!  That alone brings peace to me...

During my time in the pool, I am surrounded by His creation, the beautiful red bird, the small hummingbird, and the beautiful butterfly and that was just the beginning.  Yes, a peace that only He provides.  I don't know the answers, but I know that He does!  I trust Him in all situations, big and small.

He reminded me of the a familiar scripture this morning from Jeremiah that most of us all know ...

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

A scripture that Jeremiah included in a letter that he sent to the elders during a very difficult time.  A time that God's people had been exiled to Babylon.  Even in our most difficult times when we feel shut off from God - we aren't!  He hears, He knows, He is doing something and we must trust and believe His promises.

Trust and Believe today and everyday,

Debbie

I love to read!

I love to read!  I saw this photo and if I could fit in a book...well it would probably be me!

I love to share good books with those of you that stop by this blog.

Today, I am sharing two books that are really good and should be on your reading list for the summer.

First, is "Love Skip Jump" by Shelene Bryan and second is "In The Field of Grace" by Tessa Afshar.

Absolutely wonderful books that will stir your heart and make you think.

"Love Skip Jump" is about saying Yes to God and beginning an amazing adventure.  Shelene did just that and she is truly on an amazing adventure.  Read this book and allow God to speak to your soul about your adventure!  Humor is woven throughout the book along with God showing up in amazing ways.

"In the Field of Grace" is wonderful.  It is a Christian fiction book about Ruth and indeed she responded Yes to the adventure that God had for her!  I've always loved the story of Ruth, but Tessa wrote the people with such care that they truly come to life for you.  Boaz was indeed a wonderful man that you will love from the very beginning of the book.  I truly fell in love with him and his caring heart for all around him.  Tessa developed him to be a man that all people loved not only Ruth!  

Both of these women are shouting YES Lord and writing books that will spur others to shout YES too!  Don't miss out on either of these wonderful books this summer.  You may purchase them from Amazon.com and begin an adventure!

I purchased Love Skip Jump and was sent "In the Field of Grace" from a contest.  I wasn't ask to encourage anybody to buy them, but just wanted to share them both with any readers looking for a good read!  Need something for the beach?  the mountains? the swing in the backyard?  Either of these would be great for any of setting.

I hope you find yourself in the middle of an awesome book shouting yes,

Debbie

Seeds

Are any of you like me?  You like to see a little growth from your planting efforts?

Well, Jesus spoke to this in Mark 4.  Jesus shared that some seeds will last, but not all of them will produce.  Check out the parable for yourself today.

The last several years many of you know that through the ministry I've had the joy of teaching many women that have faced addictions, abuse, and more difficulties than one truly is able to imagine.  Honestly, after a couple of years I had to step away because I was taking it so personally when the seeds did not grow or I wasn't able  to see the growth.  I was actually becoming very depressed with the situations and the circumstances.  I was not coping very well.  The women were struggling with very difficult situations and many were by things they had no control over and others were bad choices, but all of it was very, very sad and difficult.  No easy answers.

One Sunday morning at Summer Grove Baptist I was speaking to a Sunday school class that had requested I come to share about what was happening with the ministry.  Frankie was attending with me and we were sharing with this class.  We were sharing the good, but also the bad.  I guess our feelings of sadness were showing through and one man gently reminded us that all we could do and all our job was...is to plant the seeds.  It was such a moment to be reminded of Jesus words and it was so loving, because truly I felt Jesus speak through this man's reminder.

Well, last night I was sitting in a restaurant when I ran into one of the ladies.  I spoke to her and ask her how she was and she began to share the little seeds that were planted in her journey through our time together in Bible study.  I truly didn't believe she would remember a word with all of the addiction problems, but God taught me in that moment that He is able to use the seeds through any situation.  It was also such a wonderful moment of healing for me.  All of the feelings of doubt, of sadness seem to ease with the realization that indeed we will not see whether the seeds produce, unless God gives us a wonderful gift at the most unexpected moments.  God gifted me that indeed some of the seeds were planted!

I share this today with encouragement to continue to plant the seeds and allow God to do the rest!  Check out Mark 4 and be reminded about "the planting of seeds".

Planting the seeds,

Deb

Sharing with friends

I just want to tell you that I love God's Word!

I also love my friends!

Put these two together and it is a great time!  Last night I had a few friends over to share salads and then desserts!  Yes, we had salad first and then some awesome pound cake and red velvet poke cake.  Yes, it was too good.

I have had a new thought for some time that God placed on my heart about sharing God's Word and I wanted to try it out on a few people before the fall.  It was truly a special time of laughter and honesty.  I treasure the things that God does through these special times with opening my eyes and my heart to new thoughts and concerns.  We are women that look different, come from different backgrounds, some are married, some are not, some are mothers, some are not, some are well...we are all different, but we have one thing in common ~  OUR FATHER!

Thanks friends for your feedback and most of all for your love!  

I can't wait to the fall to share with more friends!

I want to close today with an encouragement to all of you reach out and find a bible study group that will soon become some of your best friends!  Be brave, take the first step.  Call some local churches or watch on Facebook, when friends invite you and take a step of faith by attending and grow together in God's Word.  It is a wonderful gift that you give yourself, just by showing up!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Jump

Okay, would it be easier to jump if the seas were calm or if they looked like this?  Would it make a difference to you?

Peter is one of my favorite people in the Bible.  Peter speaks before thinking so many times, yet he loves so deeply, he wants to do something now, he is so human like you and me.  

The story is found in Matthew 14 of Peter getting out of the boat and walking on water.  I love this story and today I was given a new thought by the Holy Spirit.  Would Peter have gotten out if the waters had been calm?  Peter was a fisherman, so he knew that storms like this caused a lot of people to die by staying with the boat.  Another thought is did he jump out or carefully get out of the boat?  Did he jump right into the water?  If the waters were calm, would he have felt the need so deeply to get out of the boat?

Do you remember when you were learning to swim?  I do.  It was a local swimming pool with a Coach that I trusted.  I knew he would catch me, but the waters were pretty calm and I was still very nervous when the day came to jump into the deep end. Even with Coach Mitchell  right there to catch me, if something went wrong.

Well, all of this got me to thinking.  Did people swim during biblical times?  Only thing I've found so far is not much, if at all.  So Peter was a fisherman that couldn't swim that jumped into the water.  Don't  you love him?  Yes, he was flawed, but so am I.  He was impatient, so was I.  He was willing, but am I?

How willing are we to jump into the sea?  How willing are we to begin the adventure that God is asking each of us to take?  Are you ready to jump in the water?  Are you waiting for rough seas before you jump?

God is asking all of us to jump in to wherever He is calling us to serve.  Don't compare your place to jump.  He calls each of us to our own individual journeys and they all look different.  Don't play the comparison game just jump where He is calling you...calm or rough go for it!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Full of flavor

Ever ordered a meal and it had no taste at all?

What about on the other hand you order something and wow your mouth is filled with all kinds of wonder?

I am reminded this morning of the text from Matthew 5:13 ~

"You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses it saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."

Jesus is in the middle of sharing the Beatitudes with the crowds.  The BE's as I like to call them.  Jesus is sharing things we need to be, which requires action.  It means taking care of business.  We have to do something.

Simple verse it seems taken at face value.  Let's pick it apart together.

Do you still have your flavor?  Are you still effective?  Are you still serving your purpose?  Are you still adding some wow to the dish?  Are you still making people think?  Perhaps your message is par for the course no flavor, no challenge, no stepping on toes, well perhaps we might need to add some salt and even a little pepper to our service.  We might need to even need to add some new flavors to the dish...something a little outside our comfort zone to allow God to grow us even more.  Growth is not always comfortable or easy.

So today I leave you with this thought...are you adding flavor to the message?

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Rejoice and be glad...

The past few days I stepped back in time or it seemed I did to relax and enjoy!

Yes, I went with Kenny and our doggies to Oklahoma.  It was wonderful.

Every night I went to sleep with the birds chirping or singing, the wind blowing and the windows open.  It was wonderful and I woke up the exact same way enjoying the sounds of nature.  

Thank you Lord for the gentle reminder to step back and rejoice and give thanks for everything.  Yes, the simple things of life sometimes bring us the greatest joy!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

A man nobody wants to like ...

Anybody hazard a guess about who I might be referring to?

Well?

Judas.

After reading Mesu Andrews thoughts on the book by Tosca Lee, "Iscariot" I decided to read the book.  It does make you think about the man who was once a little boy that had things happen in his life that caused him to make a really bad decision.  Tosca Lee takes us on a journey through the political situations and the people of the time.  I am being given a lot of food for thought about Judas.

Judas is a person that most people never want to feel anything for, but dislike even hatred.  To admit that through this book I am realizing that like all of us there is more to the story.  I know this is a fictional account of Judas, but the research that went into this book lasted 3 long years looking at the time and the possibilities.  

I am only half way through the book and will share more as I read on, but my first thoughts are read it for yourself.  It will challenge you.  It will make you ask some questions that perhaps you never wanted to voice out loud before?  It will make your faith stronger because I think you will truly realize how much you are loved. 

Tosca Lee put it beautifully on the back cover of her book, "History has called him nay things: Thief. Liar. Traitor. Reviled throughout history and infamous for his suicide, he is the man whose very name is synonymous with betrayal...And he is the only disciple that Jesus called "friend."

I can't tell you that I find this an easy read.  I am not just zooming through eager to find out what happens next...after all we know the ending to the story, but it is opening my eyes.  It is a difficult read, because of the true horrible things that happen in life.  It's not a fairy tale story, but yet I feel God's love reminding us that life isn't a fairy tale.  Life is difficult, but He is with us.  It's challenging, but He gives us the tools.  It's filled with love, because He paid the price.

Might want to put this on your summer read list.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Walking and talking

Imagine yourself walking along the dirt road in the photo above with the person or persons that you discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly with...yes deep things, wonderful things, bad things, everything!  Now I want you to imagine a third person joining the discussion, perhaps at a moment that isn't one of your highest moments.  How does it make you feel?

Well, this morning take a moment to study the story found in Luke 24 of two friends traveling the road to Emmaus, when suddenly they are joined by Jesus, but they don't recognize Him.  They share all about what has happened over the last few days with Jesus being tried, convicted, and sent to the cross right up to the very morning where the women discover the tomb empty and these two confused men not realizing who is walking with them.  We are told that they kept from recognizing him in verse 16.  How often are we kept from realizing Jesus is walking with us?  Perhaps by our own eyes that don't see or our own sin that might be separating us or even just not trusting the things we read in the bible.

Is it something we might have done keeping us from realizing from our unbelief perhaps?  Do we believe God's Words?  If we do, then what about some of our conversations walking down the roads of life?  Do we realize He is right there in every conversation?  God is everywhere and sometimes this a great comfort and other times well maybe not so much?  It might be a discussion that someone hurt you, so your words are ugly, unforgiving and just not what you want Jesus to hear...but He does hear them!  How do we not recognize Him? 

Lately, I've felt the Lord showing me that it doesn't matter whether it's big or small, good or bad, not my shining moment - HE is right there.  I just have to recognize Him!  I've been searching my heart with the prayer Lord help me to turn to you and realize that indeed you've got me!  You've got each of us - it's just do we recognize this and believe it!

Today, ponder this scripture and remember in your own journey when the LORD did exactly this for you...

Luke 24:31

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.  

Heavenly Father, today it is my prayer that indeed we open our eyes and recognize you walking the path of life with us.  Help us to know that comforting arm holding us up and helping us through is YOU through perhaps that friend walking the path too.  Thank you Father for bringing the friend along for the journey for those deep discussions and for those goose bump moments that only You provide.  I love you Lord.  Amen

Give thanks today that indeed God is with us everywhere, all the time!

Sweet blessings,

Deb

Summer beginnings filled with things I love...

Every year they find their way back to add to their family.  I walk out on the porch and they just talk to me and not necessarily in a "Happy" way...but I love them anyway!

Patio filled with flowers!

More flowers and even more...the colors are awesome and the butterflies and hummingbirds are wonderful too!

My little guy, JJ.  He is not doing well, but still wants to be right with his mommy.  Please keep him in your prayers but also his mommy.  I need prayers about knowing when he is suffering too much and it becomes about me instead of taking care of my baby...thanks ahead of time for the prayers!

Sweet Annie who reminds me she is right here with me!

Amazing reads!  Did you catch the word "amazing"  this book is truly about a special woman's story of Jesus "really" changing her life.  I saw the book recommended on Ann Voskamps' site and I always take her word for something I might need to check out...and actually it showed up 2 other places as a must read.  Well, I knew that I was suppose to read it.  It did not disappoint and it will not disappoint you either.

It might convict you, but it will not disappoint.  Kristen shares about how a trip to Kenya rocked her whole world.  How "the stuff" we value now, probably might change after a trip to Kenya or where ever God might be leading you to respond with a YES!  Kristen shared these amazing words in her book, "God has  a unique purpose for you.  Your yes won't look like anyone else's yes; it will be completely one-of-a-kind, just like you."  I am going to link now to the purchase site on Amazon, because honestly you need to read this book!  Go now and order it....

www.amazon.com

I will share other books as I read this summer...

Hope you enjoy your summer as well and remember to say YES to your unique purpose God is calling you to!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Looking out a window

Question that I am pondering and wanted to hear some of your thoughts.

Yesterday, in my study time I came across something I had never realized before that really got my mind turning.  In fact, I haven't been able to get it off my mind.

Do you know in scripture that 3 times it is mentioned that 3 different women are looking out the window?  The thought that I read in one of the commentaries mentioned is that they were all opposed to the will of God.  The three women are Sisera's mother in Judges 5, Michal in 2 Samuel 6 and Jezebel in 2 Kings 9.  So I read all their stories and they all hit me differently.  Please go read the stories and give me your thoughts.

In the meantime, I began to ponder my own journey and the questions that perhaps the Spirit was asking me.  Am I sitting looking out my windows in fear rather than participating in God's desires for me?  Am I closed off to His desires because I sit inside and don't open up?  Do I think I am safe. if I keep the windows closed to the outside world?

The windows are such a powerful image for all of us to ponder.  The women in scripture are all women of power, they were all waiting on the return of someone for answers of their fate, and they were all very lonely women.  At least, I think so.

Sisera's mother perhaps is the one that bothers me the most.  She is awaiting the return of a son that wasn't going to return.  In Deborah's song, the words "Why is his chariot so long in coming?"  A mother that perhaps knows in her heart that something is wrong.  A mother that knew deep in her heart they were fighting for the wrong King.  She knew of God yet she and her son were fighting against His desires.

Michal was the daughter of Saul.  She was bitter.  She was angry and it was all spilling out the window.  She knew about God, but chose to be angry rather than forgive.  She shut herself off from freedom by harboring evil thoughts of jealousy and pride.

The last woman Jezebel well what does one say other than evil just filled her from top to bottom. She sat looking at the window to taunt Jehu.  She was a woman proud to be evil.  She even got up painted her eyes, fixed her hair and awaited for death.  No remorse.   No oops I better do something.  No just taunts to the end.

What are your thoughts about women looking out the window?  I am not implying it's wrong to look out our windows, but perhaps it's good food for thought that are we perhaps looking out dreaming instead of doing?  Are we looking out in longing for something that is someone else's?  Or perhaps we are looking out just enjoying the beauty that God created...

Please share your thoughts with me about looking out the window...

Sweet blessings,

Debbie