Far too wonderful

Job 40 -42

Job 42:3

...It is I - and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.

Today, ponder how often we speak when we should just be still and quiet...

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Who indeed...

Today's reading is found in Job 38 - 40:1-5

Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind:

² “Who is this that questions my wisdom
    with such ignorant words?
³ Brace yourself like a man,
    because I have some questions for you,
    and you must answer them.

⁴ “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
    Tell me, if you know so much.
⁵ Who determined its dimensions
    and stretched out the surveying line?
⁶ What supports its foundations,
    and who laid its cornerstone
⁷ as the morning stars sang together
    and all the angels^[a] shouted for joy?

⁸ “Who kept the sea inside its boundaries
    as it burst from the womb,
⁹ and as I clothed it with clouds
    and wrapped it in thick darkness?
¹⁰ For I locked it behind barred gates,
    limiting its shores.
¹¹ I said, ‘This far and no farther will you come.
    Here your proud waves must stop!’

¹² “Have you ever commanded the morning to appear
    and caused the dawn to rise in the east?
¹³ Have you made daylight spread to the ends of the earth,
    to bring an end to the night’s wickedness?
¹⁴ As the light approaches,
    the earth takes shape like clay pressed beneath a seal;
    it is robed in brilliant colors.^[b]
15 The light disturbs the wicked
    and stops the arm that is raised in violence.

¹⁶ “Have you explored the springs from which the seas come?
    Have you explored their depths?
¹⁷ Do you know where the gates of death are located?
    Have you seen the gates of utter gloom?
¹⁸ Do you realize the extent of the earth?
    Tell me about it if you know!

¹⁹ “Where does light come from,
    and where does darkness go?
²⁰ Can you take each to its home?
    Do you know how to get there?
²¹ But of course you know all this!
For you were born before it was all created,
    and you are so very experienced!

²² “Have you visited the storehouses of the snow
    or seen the storehouses of hail?

Today, ponder God's own words...

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Can't even imagine

Job 35 - 37

So much today to remind each of us who God is...more than we can even imagine!  Praise Him!

I think that is what I love about the book of Job the reminders of who God is... It is difficult to hang with this book at times with what we might view as complaining, scolding, encouraging and so much more but what a beautiful testimony of who God is...way more than my little brain can even imagine!

Today, the visions of thunder and lightning, the storms of life and that God is in the midst of every storm.  He may calm the storm and He may call it to being, but each is a miracle of God.

I love so many of these verses today ~

Job 37:15 - 18

Do you know how God controls the storm and causes the lightning  to flash from his clouds?  Do you understand how he moves the clouds with wonderful perfection and skill?  When you are sweltering in your clothes and the south wind dies down and everything is still, he makes the skies reflect the heat like a bronze mirror.  Can you do that?

Reminder today and everyday...remember who God is...

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Whisper

Job 32 and 33

Don't you love this photo?  I fell in love with it when I searched for whisper in the ear...

Do you know those moments when you know God is speaking to you?  Some of you may have heard His voice audibly...I haven't, but I have definitely heard from Him through His Word, other people, nature; what about you?  

The passage that spoke to my heart this morning was found in Job 33: 14 -16

For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. 

He speaks in dreams, in visions at night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds.  He whispers in their ears and terrifies them with warnings.

Do you ask God something and then forget to pay attention for His answers?  Do you move ahead thinking well He is awfully busy with millions of other people and well I'll just move ahead without Him?  

Looking around the world today, I believe He is speaking loudly, but are any of us listening?  I'm not a person that speaks doom and gloom, because God is hope.  He is speaking, so that we might pay attention and heed His warnings, but are we doing our part?

Today, look for the answers you have been asking God for...pay attention.  Be patient and be obedient, perhaps that might be it...obedience is always a word we like to hear.  We might not want to do what He is asking, but His way is much better than our way...trust me I've done my own thing and it wasn't the best way.

Blessings,

Debbie

Throwing kisses ...

Job 30 and 31

Today, these verses resonated with my soul...

Job 31: 26-27

Have I looked at the sun shining in the skies, or the moon walking down its silver pathway, and been secretly enticed in my heart to throw kisses at them in worship?

I am learning so much about life daily and the fact that I am able to admit it honestly; I didn't know so much yesterday, and not as much today as I will tomorrow. 

 It is very enlightening when you finally get to this point in life to admit ~ hey I'm not as smart as I thought I was...or will be.  A moment that truly is a blessing when you finally open your eyes to creation and mostly to the Creator.

In January, when we were at the house in Colorado I found the truth of this verse.  It was so beautiful at night and it was just lit by the stars and the moon against that snow.  It was as if I had thrown the switch of lights in a major football stadium.  God turned the lights on and indeed I felt like throwing kisses in worship to Our Almighty!  In fact, I did give thanks for sharing the wonder with me.

Today, look around at creation and be awed once again by the beauty only God brings!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Merely a whisper of His power...

Job 26, 27, 28, 29

Today, I am reminded of God the creator and the power found in all that surrounds us everyday.  I love the mountains at this present time in my journey, but earlier in life it was the ocean.  I looked at the ocean and saw peace, yet power.  In today's readings, I am reminded of the ocean and all that God truly is...

Job 26: 9 -14

He covers the face of the moon, shrouding it with his clouds.  He created the horizon when he separated the waters; he set the boundary between day and night.  The foundations of heaven tremble; they shudder at his rebuke.  By his power the sea grew calm.  By his skill he crushed the great sea monster.  His Spirit made the heaven beautiful, and his power pierced the gliding serpent.  These are just the beginning of all that he does, merely a whisper of his power.  Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?

I love the words ~ These are just the beginning of all that he does, merely a whisper of his power.

Do we get it?  Probably not after all the next verse tells us Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?  We just can't get it and you know what that is powerful in itself.  We serve a God that we just can't comprehend and that gives me a powerful peace!  Think about it don't you want to serve the Mighty One that He is so Mighty and so Powerful that we can't get it all?

Look around today and give thanks for God, Our Creator!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Paths we take...

Job 23 - 25

Are you certain of the paths you want to take?  How do you decide?

In Job 23 beginning in verse 8 it broke my heart...Job is responding once again to Eliphaz about searching for God...

I go east, but he is not there.  I go west, but I cannot find him.

I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden.  I look to the south, but he is concealed.

But he knows where I am going.  And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. 

For I have stayed on God's paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside.

I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.

Have you ever felt the silence, when you haven't heard from God?  You know those times that you are reading His Word, you are going to church, you are in worship and praying, but you haven't heard from Him?  You are almost desperate for the LORD?  Job is desperate too.

Job is searching and in his heart He knows that God is there.  We must keep searching and continuing to look for Him always.  We must remove whatever it might be that is between us and the LORD.  We must be patient in the waiting room.  We must read His Words and speak with Him and soon we will find Him.  We must keep the faith and continue on His pathway.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

My Redeemer Lives

Today's reading is Job 19 -21 with a beautiful reminder in Job 19:25 that Our Redeemer lives!  Enjoy this beautiful reminder today...Happy day!










Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Tears

Job 15 - 18

Do you ever have one of those days where the tears just flow and you can't seem to help it?  Yet, your friends or family are busy and they just don't seem to get where you are, so today's reading fits these situations...

Job is hurting deeply and his friends want to encourage him (I guess), but perhaps just sitting without words might have helped more...sometimes no words are better than empty words.  Job knew the words his friends were sharing and he was desperate.  Imagine, the pain, the heartache, the loneliness, unimaginable sorrow...Job was feeling all of this and so much more.

These words Job spoke in 16:20 -22 ~

My friends scorn me, but I pour out my tears to God.  I need someone to mediate between God and me, as a person mediates between friends.  For soon I must go down that road from which I will never return.

Do you know the feelings that Job is expressing here?  Sometimes you just need a friend to pray for you?  Sometimes you just can't seem to say them and you need a friend to pray?

These verses reminded me of Psalm 56: 8 from the New Living Translation that I just treasure in my soul...

You keep track of all my sorrows.[a]
    You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
    You have recorded each one in your book.

Don't you love this?  God knows our sorrows.  He collects our tears in His bottle and He records them in His book!  He cares about our hurts and this verse reminds us of how much...enough to collect our tears and to remember them!  God is busy taking care of millions and millions and millions yet He cares about our tears and sometimes when a friend is hurting this scripture might help to heal their pain.  Imagine, you are in pain and to be reminded that indeed God Almighty is keeping track and collecting your tears...

Today, when you glance at a bottle be reminded that every tear you have cried the LORD is keeping in a bottle...He loves you!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Wisdom belongs to the aged

Job 12 -14

Do you remember thinking you had the world by the tail?  You just had all the answers?  Okay, maybe you won't admit it, but at some point you thought you had it all together...

I know at certain times in my life I thought I was pretty smart...well, now I realize not so much.  I still learn a lot everyday and one of them is just how little I really knew at those times I thought I was so smart.  Does that make sense?  It does to me.  Unfortunately, but I am real with any of you that read this blog or that know me.  I fall way short than I desire to achieve in this lifetime.

One thing I am learning is just how true this verses from Job 12: 12-13 truly is ~

Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old.

But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are his.

Indeed, as we grow older we do seem to know more because of experience and time, but only God understands everything and everyone.  Wisdom is it truly ever achieved in this lifetime?

I think I can speak for myself and say I am a little wiser than yesterday and not as much as tomorrow...I will forever grow, learn and seek with each breath I take with God's help!

Today, learn something new and share it with a friend!

Blessings,

Debbie

Leaning on a spider web?

Job 8 - 11

Well, I have to ask how is leaning on a spider web working for you?  In the photo above it looks pretty fragile to me.  Doesn't look like it would hold up anybody that weights well almost nothing...

Today's reading reminded me of the question, where do we each look for the hope we all need to get through each day?  Well, where do you look?  

In Job 8:  11-14, was a beautiful image of what happens when we forget God...

"Can papyrus reeds grow tall without a marsh?

Can marsh grass flourish without water?

While they are still flowering, not ready to cut,

they begin to wither more quickly than grass.

The same happens to all who forget God.

the hopes of the godless evaporate.

Their confidence hangs by a thread.

They are leaning on a spider's web.

Well, the photo grasp one of the sights that brings me hope daily...The Sun.  It rises and it sets everyday and God placed it there.  The web will not last.  Someone or something comes along and in a second it's gone.  It is woven and beautiful for a fleeting time period, but not lasting.

Today, look to things that remind you of who God is...the everlasting great I AM.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Too marvelous to understand

Job 5 - 7

The words that I trust and which always speak to me were found in Job 5:9 ~

He does great things too marvelous to understand.

I can't describe the peace that my soul gets by these words.  God is so very Mighty that I just can't possibly understand and I don't need to...I just need to trust and some people will ask how do you do that.  I answer I don't have to understand or know it all, because the Great I Am does.  I just have to believe it!

I am able to believe and know it is true through nature.  Nature is confirmation how God truly is all that His Word tells us He is...during difficult times I remind myself I will never understand, but God does and I trust Him and know that He truly is the Great I Am.  I don't have to know, HE does.

So, I look to nature for my peace and reminder that I don't understand, but He does.

Today, look at the birds flying, the storm brewing, the snow falling, or the sun shining and be reminded of who God is...

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Like a lion

Genesis 47: 28 -31, - 50

Today, I felt such power reading Genesis 49 the blessing of Jacob's sons.  The words that Jacob spoke to Judah were just beautiful. 

Judah, your brothers will praise you.  You will grasp your enemies by the neck.  All your relatives will bow before you.

Judah, my son, is a young lion that has finished eating its prey.  Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness-who dares to rouse him?

The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor.  

He ties his foal to a grapevine, the colt of his donkey to a choice vine.

He washes his clothes in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.  

His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk.

Hope, hope, hope is found right here in these words of long ago.

Today and always, set your eyes on Jesus!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Go with you

Genesis 45: 16 -28, 46, 47: 1-27

Reading God's Word  again, fills me with such wonder and awe of once again being reminded of who God truly is...

He loves us and His Word reassures me daily of just how much!

Over and over, we are reassured by such words as found in Genesis 46: 3 and 4 ~

"I am God,"  the God your your father." the voice said, "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family into a great nation.  I will go with you down to Egypt, and I will bring you back again.

Don't you feel more at ease?  Don't you feel loved?  Don't you know He is truly who He says He is?  I do!  I love reading His Word, because it reminds me of just How truly Mighty HE is and everything is absolutely possible through HIM..

What do you always pack for your trips?  Do you remember to take your awe and wonder and fearlessness that only the Great I Am provides?  

If nothing else, be reassured today and everyday that God always goes with you!  You are never alone!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Ahead

Genesis 42 - 45: 1-15

Ahead...

What do you see when you look ahead in the photo?  Downhill and a curve left, right?  Well, if we were headed the other direction it would be a curve and uphill...Our journey is a lot like the photo at times we are just straight ahead, no problems and other times well it seems all uphill with curves thrown at every crest...

Today's reading, gave me great comfort to know that whatever we face God knows the plans and is already there in the midst of them.  He is already at the top of the hill or in the middle of the curve and we are never alone.

When Joseph finally reveals his identity he reassured his brothers that it was God that sent him here not them.  Joseph knows who is control of the curves, hills, and the valleys and He is definitely the one that knows the plan.  When will we accept like Joseph and move with confidence knowing that indeed God goes before each of us and HIS plan is always way better than any of our own plans...

Today, move forward in confidence that God is ahead of you!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

GOSPEL FORMED BY J. A. MEDDERS Book Review

I give this book 5 stars!

5 stars because it holds Scripture high and is very scripture based, but most of all because of HIS love for JESUS!  

Very good filled with theology, along with humor popping up throughout, but most of all JESUS.

It is unusual in today's world to read even a Christian book and Jesus be held so high where HE should be, but not done so much today!  I was reminded throughout the book of the old hymn about Jesus, Jesus, Jesus Sweetness name I know.  Do you remember it?  Well this is the book for you and it is such a wonderful reminder of that fact...

I don't want to spoil it for anybody, but I love it!  Order it today from Amazon or pick it up at the local bookstore.  You may not agree with everything, but it is a good book.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

I was given this book by Kregel to review.

Obviously

Genesis 40 - 41

What's obvious about you?

What's obvious?

When I typed this in pictures of stop signs, no trespassing signs, turns, this type of thing came up, but today the words found in Genesis 41: 38 struck a chord with me...~
"Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the Spirit of God." 

What do people see when they look at you?

I searched my heart and wasn't exactly sure of the answer or if some of my thoughts were good ones about myself!

We should all be like Joseph where it is obvious...absolutely no doubt.  Everyone was certain about Joseph and who he followed.  God!  The one true God!

Today, what will people say is obvious about you?

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Again

Genesis 37 - 39

Again...Jacob settled again and the word again really struck me this morning as I read along with the words "The LORD was with Joseph"...again!

Over and over the words, The LORD was with Joseph and these were not great times, but times spent in danger at Potiphar's House and again in prison.  Joseph wasn't leading a life of mountaintop experiences he experienced some pretty difficult things.  But...

It struck me reading that Again the LORD shows up whether we are on highs or lows, whether we are  traveling or at home, whether...again the LORD shows up.

Think about your own journey.  Doesn't the LORD show up AGAIN?  God indeed shows up, do we?  Joseph was faithful, whether he was in prison or in the leadership.  Whether Joseph was in the pit or in the palace, he knew who he served.  Do we?

Today, think again, again, and again.  The LORD will always be with us, if we are faithful!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Then God said, "I am El-Shaddai-God Almighty"

Indeed ~ God Almighty!

Today's reading was Genesis 32 - 35.

Do you have a special place that without a doubt you know God shows up?  I do and it's shown in the photo above.  Don't get me wrong He shows up everywhere, but I don't seem to notice as much as I do in the mountains of Colorado.  I know that is why I cherish the days I am blessed with being surrounded by El-Shaddai and the beauty that only HE CREATED and CREATES!

Today's readings were so much about exactly that...God showing up to speak to Jacob ~ Israel.  When Jacob left on his way we are told he is met by angels of God and Jacob got so excited he proclaimed, "This is God's camp!"  I do similiar things.  I ride down the rode in single digit temps with the windows down, praise music blaring, and shouting to the LORD.  Yes, for those of you that know I am pretty quiet...not here in this special place.  I am praising the LORD with all my might...just ask Sadie! (our border collie)  I glance over at her sometimes and she is like ~ where did my mommy go?  It's okay, she is adjusting to our special time in Colorado and loves it too!

Over and over, Jacob is praying and talking with God.  God shows up!  Do we?  

Those special places that we know without a doubt God Almighty shows up, only God?  It is my prayer that everyone reading indeed does have a special place you know God is there with you.  I hope and pray it is everywhere, because indeed He is...

Today and everyday look and listen for El-Shaddai ~ God Almighty!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Looking back...or perhaps clinging to the past?

Genesis 30:25 - 43 and Genesis 31

Rachel stole her father's household idols...

Why?

Perhaps to hold onto something of her father's?  Cling to something of her family belongings?

As I read this story of Jacob leaving and taking his belongings and family this is what caught my thought process.  Why is it hard for us to leave behind the familiar, even if it isn't good for us?

Remember, a few days ago reading about Lot and his family rushing away from destruction?  They were all warned don't look back, but Lot's wife looked back as she was following him and she turned into a pillar of salt.  Why?

Rachel even lies by sitting on the idols once her father catches up to them.  Why do we cling to something we know deep in our souls, isn't good for us?  Maybe, you don't...maybe you have it all together...never faltering.  Yet, over and over, we see where God's chosen people are normal, everyday people that make bad choices, but HE is never changing.  He is love.  He is the rock.  He is everything and only we have mercy because He died for us!  Absolutely nothing to do with any of us and all to do with HIM!

I thought the photo was so fitting for all of us to be reminded that indeed HE is the Rock that forgives when we look back...

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Comparing a good thing? I don't think so...

Genesis 28:6 - 22, 29

Reading the scripture today, the story of two sisters and in the past few days the story of two brothers the word comparing came to mind.  So I decided to look up the exact meaning of compare ~ to examine in order to note similarities and differences.  I read a quote on comparison that really struck a chord with me ~ " You can't compare an apple and an orange.  It will cause a lot of self-esteem issues." Craig Sheffer

The women found in our reading today Rachel and Leah were very different, but I believe they compared themselves to each other a lot.  I base this on being a woman.  I have found in women's ministry that we women like to compare ourselves in different ways to each other.  How do I compare with her ability to decorate?  cook? dress? looks?  mother?  How does my ability to ???? compare???

What do you think comparison brings on with one's emotions or self-esteem?  I think a lot!  In our story today, Rachel felt beautiful.  We are told she had a beautiful figure and a lovely face and with Leah we are told she had no sparkle in her eyes, she was unloved.  Our thoughts immediately tell us that Rachel had a certain confidence in her appearance and Leah had none.  What do you think all of this brought on in their relationship?  Trouble, unrest, jealousy?  Just a few of the things that come to mind and then their own father tricks Jacob and send Leah to him to be his wife.  Trouble before and now well we know it's only brewing a storm from here on out...

Which the story of Jacob and Esau pretty much brought some of the same thoughts to my mind...it makes all of us question how much we matter when we compare to others!  We should claim the words found in Psalm 139: 13 -18 

For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
    they would outnumber the grains of sand—
    when I awake, I am still with you.

Over and over in my mind when I claim these words, my spirit reminds me that each of us are special and wonderful and that God does not make junk!  We get into trouble and so did these brothers and sisters by comparing themselves to each other.  We need to remember that God makes unique, special plans for each one of us and we need to each travel the special road designed by Our Father for each one of us!  Comparison is a road that at times may bring on a lot of trouble, if we aren't careful.  

So today, when you start to compare perhaps remember the scripture from Psalm 139 ~ God made you unique.  He knit you together in your mother's womb and that makes you special and wonderful!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

I'm starved!

Genesis 25: 27 - 34, 26, 27

When was the last time you exaggerated something?  Did you regret it pretty quickly?

It seems at times we are all starved for something, but do we realize it might go a little deeper than our stomachs?  

The story of Esau coming in from hunting and selling his birthright for a bowl of stew gets me every time.  I mean it's not even steak ~ it's soup!  Seriously, birthrights were very important to God and Esau dishonored God with this act and all for a bowl of soup.  Did he give it any thought?  Was he that brazen?

What about us?  What do we give away that means something?  How often do we act without thinking quickly and later realize what a terrible mistake we have made?  

Later on in the reading, we see Esau says Jacob tricked him twice.  Well, I don't see much trick work going on with the stew.  Jacob ask him a question and Esau went along with it.  Now, the second time is a different story.  

It makes me think...how often do we want to blame someone else for a choice we made for ourselves.  Such as Esau made here ~ birthright or stew...doesn't really make much sense, does it?

How often are we blinded to what matters by over reacting?

Think before you act today.  

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Pleading with the LORD

Genesis 25: 1 -26, 1 Chronicles 1: 28 -34

How often do you really pray for those you love?  Well, what about those you don't love?  In today's reading we find that Isaac is pleading with the LORD on behalf of Rebekah.  Rebekah had been unable to have children and Isaac was lifting it to the LORD.  The LORD answered.

We then read Rebekah is having a difficult time with her pregnancy and she ask the LORD.  Again, He answers that she is having twins and they are already struggling in the womb.

God answers our prayers they just may not be the exact answers we want!  

Remember today talk to the LORD and expect the unexpected.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

God will provide

Genesis 21- 24

What terrible awful situation are you facing right now?  Well, today's reading should offer you great comfort, if you are trusting and believing in God.  Oh, it may not be the way you expect the answer to happen, but His way will be the best way.

I am reminded after reading today that God indeed provides just not the way we expect.  Imagine, your son asking you about where is the sheep for the sacrifice offering.  Abraham answering with so much faith in verse 8 ~ God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son.  Now, think about Isaac what were his thoughts as his father put him on the altar and his father raised the knife.  Was Isaac believing like his father?  Oh, I hope so.

Do you ever struggle with your father on much smaller issues than this one?  I do.  Yet, why would we?  God provides just not the way we expect.  If you are at all like me, you think God will provide walking up to the altar, but not on the altar?  Am I alone?  This is a tough situation.  I always wonder did Abraham and Isaac talk on the way back about Abraham's faith?  Did Isaac gain a lot of faith that morning laying on that altar?

I know this story helps to build my faith.  God indeed provides.  The name Yahweh-Yireh which means"the LORD will provide is something that we all need to take from this day forward and know in our hearts indeed God provides.  Another thing to remember He provides in unexpected ways, we just need to have the faith of Abraham!

Today, remember Yahweh-Yireh!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Permission to Doubt ~ Ann C Sullivan Book Review

 Doubt is defined as to be uncertain about, hesitate to believe and well for Christians admitting those feelings happen is a hard thing to do.  Admit it!  I know with me it almost makes me feel less than I should be, but through Ann's book I've realized it is a part of our journey and that I am not alone!

Admitting doubt and realizing we need help is how I define this wonderful, easy to read book by Ann Sullivan.  It's okay to admit that we don't have all the answers, but we do have lots of questions.  Panic attacks resulted in Ann digging deeper into the doubts she had to a very real, alive faith journey.  It made Ann dig deeper through scriptures, stories, people to realize most all Christians have these same feelings, they just may not admit it.  She tries to take the stigma away from asking questions and admitting her feelings.  I think she achieves it!

The book is anchored in God's Word and throughout the journey of reading this book, you will be strengthened in your faith.  Many of us have doubts for many different reasons, but Ann addresses many of them.  We all face 3 big ones which Ann writes about spiritual, intellectual, and emotional doubts.  

I think one of the most beautifully written paragraphs was found in the chapter ~ The Day I Met Doubt on page 135 where Ann wrote these words "I wondered if I'd offended Him (God) or if He was punishing me for something?  Was my problem guilt related?  I compulsively searched for sins to confess and apologized to anyone who'd listen.  Then, when even that didn't help, I started questioning Him.  Doubts began to plow through me with a vengeance."  How many of us have not ever had these thoughts?  These words of honesty just touched my heart, because she was saying things I had thought, but never spoken aloud.  These are just a few of the words I am offering my book is dog eared throughout with touching heart felt times that I had experienced myself.

I was given this book to review by Kregel Publications and I encourage all of you to check it out for yourself.  It is worth buying it at Amazon.com or any other book outlet.

Purchase it today!

Permissions to Doubt by Ann C. Sullivan

Blessings,

Debbie Covington