Outstanding Book! SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH BY CONNILYN COSSETTE

I love to read Christian Historical Fiction.  It makes me think deeper.  It makes me research deeper, so in turn my faith becomes stronger.  These books by authors who truly research the Bible and everything else they are able to get their hands on truly help to grow your faith stronger.  Who doesn't need that?  Connilyn Cossette is one of the best, if not the best.

Shelter of the Most High is truly a great follow up in the series of Cities of Refuge written by Connilyn Cossette.  It kept my attention, it provided mystery, it provided hope, and it made me think.  I love a book that makes me think about the plot and rewards me in the process by growth or making me think outside the box.

I don't give away plot lines, because being an avid reader (I DON'T LIKE THIS).  Suffice it to say that Sofea is a beautiful daughter of a pagan priest that is in trouble.  Her path crosses the path of Eitan, who resides in a city of refuge.  A city provided for those that need protection because of accidental killings, or very bad situations.  God provides and the two meet.  Sofea doesn't know the great I AM, but soon from Eitan's family grows to love Eitan and God.  Imagine, she must learn the language and everything else of these very different people to her.  

I will share one of my favorite lines from this book, because I believe it applies to each and everyone of us.  Eitan is having a conversation with Eleazar, the high priest and Eitan says these words. "But I do not deserve-"  "Deserve?"  His voice rose, echoing in the empty chamber.  "did we Hebrews deserve to be rescued from Egypt when most of us had turned to 

Egypt's gods there?  Did Cain deserve to be pardoned from death and preserved by the mark of Yahweh after he killed his brother?  Did Mosheh deserve to become the leader of our nation after he buried that murdered overseer in the sand?  No, none of us deserve such kindnesses, especially from the Holy One whose justice and righteousness are beyond all comprehension.  If you have freely been given mercy, who are you to question it?"  Is this not the truth?  I loved Connilyn's reminder through these words that none of us deserve mercy, but God gives it! 

5 stars seriously aren't enough.  I love this book and all of Connilyn Cossette's books and recommend you order them today off of Amazon or your local bookstore.  You will love the story and you will be filled with hope.  What more could one desire from a good book?

I was given this book for my honest review by the author and publisher.  It did not matter to them if it was favorable or unfavorable, they wanted my honest thoughts.  Honestly, it is fabulous.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

P.S.  Don't you love the cover?  Sofea is beautiful and loved.

Timing is everything!

Surprises from God are so special.  He works out all the details and everything falls into place and He surprises you.  Are you paying attention to share this special moment with Him?  Am I?  Sometimes, but sometimes I miss it.  Simply because I am not paying attention.

I am writing scripture with a group called Anchored in His Word and this time around, He is speaking into my life.  He is giving me strength and courage and reminding me to always Praise Him!  It truly is helping me through a difficult time with many different situations and I treasure those moments that I know He is telling me Debbie I've got you and I've got this situation.  Trust in me.  

My little Cassie is sick and I've been nursing her around the clock.  Friday I left her at the vet to be observed and went on a planned photo trip with Linda Perkins to Caddo Lake.  We like to get out in nature and take photos.  I always pray that God will surprise me with something that will just touch my soul.  Friday we had many beautiful surprises between spoonbills, egrets, herons, and this beautiful owl among the trees.  I love owls!  It was wonderful and I was renewed once again to face another night.  God is so good.  He provides exactly what we need, not what we want.  Thank you Lord.

Get out and let God surprise you!  Quit thinking it just happened or whatever and know God sees you!  He loves you and He goes before you!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

My mother-in-law still sharing

Thank goodness this sweet lady still helps me keep this big guy straight!  The picture is of Kenny and his mom recently at dinner.  I love to see this big man laugh and cut up with his momma.

Earlier this week, I was sitting visiting with my sweet mother-in-law and she began to share about Jesus.  She isn't quite like she was memory wise, but she still knows what matters in life and that is Jesus.  Yes, she still shares her story, but mostly what Jesus did and does in her story.  

It truly is amazing to listen to her, because you see the love flow through all she is...she shares these words about life: "I don't know how people do this journey without knowing Jesus.  I just have to do my part to be sure that I don't miss an opportunity to share about Him with others".  She knows in her heart to still share Truth with all that she crosses and she does.

Mike (my brother-in-law) shares about leaving a doctor visit and a lady following them to the vehicle just to give his mom a hug and extra thanks for sharing about Jesus with her.  Still at 87, doing the Lord's work!  She teaches each of us  daily how to walk the talk.

Every time, Kenny and I are with her she shares a similar story and it always focuses on the only way to get through life is allowing Jesus to take the wheel in your life.  She also tells us that God is in control and to let go and let Him.  I saw a quote this week that I shared on my facebook page by Elisabeth Elliott that sounds just like Margie B "Leave it all in the Hands that were wounded for you."  My sweet mother-in-law definitely walks the talk and we all love her dearly.

I just thought I would share this with all of you and allow her to share Jesus with each of you too!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Women and friends, Different yet alike but true treasures in this journey

Friends truly are gifts from above!  Recently, I traveled with two of my friends to New Mexico and Colorado and we laughed, we discussed, we explored, and we sang!  Yes, we had the radio going and turned over to the 70's channel.  Well, let me tell you it was a wonderful experience.  We had traveled for hours looking for Buffalo in this wonderful state park in Texas didn't find one buffalo, but we found lots of beauty without the big beast.

After we left the park, and we were riding along suddenly the song "I am Woman by Helen Reddy" began to play.  Well that car became a trip back in time with all three of us remembering the words, the hand motions even (yes I know) and it was epic.  We laughed and I suddenly said I think it is so funny that I have always loved this song, feminist that I am now.  Well, feminist isn't a word that I would use to describe myself, but we began to discuss this and Valine pointed out that one we are all 3 strong women, we have worked hard to become who we are, and that indeed we are women!

I am sharing a couple of photos of us on our trip.  Linda and I go way back to junior high and then our families working together in business and church.  (she is in the middle)   Linda and Valine ( she is one with dark hair) met in college and are besties from that time forward.  Yet, we all get along great and like to explore and travel, so the bond formed.  Oh and I can't forget Cassie!  Yes, my doggie is a member of this group too!

I think our group is a great example for the world today.  We are all very different in some ways, yet alike in so many others.  We are able to accept each other and love each other and bond over our similarities and build and treasure great friendship.  Do we sometimes disagree?  Yes, but you know what we do?  We agree to disagree and move forward.  Oh, how I wish we could take it out of that vehicle into the rest of the world.

Again, laughter is great medicine for the world.  It got me to thinking what do we laugh at?  We laugh at funny memories, we laugh at these old stories like they happened to each of us and it is so good for the soul.  We find things that we all like to talk about or do.  We all like photography, we all like nature, we all like crafts, we like to read, we all like to try something new.  Linda, is working with both of us on painting and we like it.  

We accept when we aren't all quite ourselves.  On this last trip, I wasn't feeling 100% actually went to the doctor twice before we left town trying to get better.  I was a little better, but not myself by any stretch, but they overlooked I wasn't 100% and didn't act like they noticed. Yet, something else we need to extend in this world. I don't think I ever mentioned to Valine I had been sick and to the doctor, but hopefully Linda told her.  Anyway, Valine if you didn't know now you know why I didn't have much energy, but I did try to keep going.  We accept, the good, the bad, and the ugly and keep going!

We allow each other to be ourselves knowing that is truly what matters.  Yes, we are women and sometimes we roar, but most of the time we laugh, share, and grow!  Also, we are Christian women that still hold some of the same belief system, but not all of it, but we allow each to soar like eagles!  Yes, remember the scripture in Isaiah 40:31:  I love this verse and it just comes to life, when you get the joy of watching an eagle soar.

...those who hope in the Lord renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.

  

The eagle isn't soaring here, but resting next to the nest.  Look close at this photo in the hole and notice the eagle inside the nest too!  God gives such wonderful surprises even after the trip is over and you are back home celebrating friendship and love.  

I can't wait for our next adventure!  

Sweet blessings,

Debbie