Cynthia Roemer's Blog, page 15

FOR THE HEART ~ Living by Faith

This week I’m thrilled to again have my friend, Laurie Driesen here to share words of wisdom and faith. I pray you’ll be blessed by her words!

Many people experience a surge of faith when they face a problem, sickness or other difficulty.   When there’s nowhere else to turn, they feel compelled to look to the Lord and place their hope in Him.  But God wants more than “once in a while” faith…. He calls us to live by faith!  (Galatians 3:11)

This isn’t just a nice suggestion.  The Bible goes even further by telling us in Hebrews 11:6, “…and without faith it is impossible to please God.”

Faith isn’t ignoring the reality of what we see around us, it is lifting our eyes above the circumstances and on to God. We acknowledge that there is a greater power in full operation, above our pain and difficulty.  So we lift our eyes in faith and confidence, knowing that God is sovereign and in full control of the world. His plan is bigger than my limited understanding of my circumstances. The final answer to my personal problems and the world’s complex events rests with God.

Living by faith isn’t the same as positive thinking. No… faith is a strong belief in the sure foundation of the truth of God’s Word and an unwavering trust that is based on who God is.

Living by faith is a whole new way of life!

I strive to live in this new way of life.  I don’t want to settle for the “once in a while” surge of faith when life is hard. I want to be confident and steady in my faith every day!  But there have been times in my Christian walk when although I believed in God, I didn’t live by faith. I made choices based on my own understanding of my circumstances rather than choosing to live by the truth of God’s Word. Inevitably, I have experienced the painful consequences of those choices.

But through any wrong choices and mistakes I’ve made, I have persevered in seeking the Lord and striving to learn by studying His Word. Over the years, the more I read and study Scripture, the stronger and more unwavering my faith becomes.

This is how faith grows!

Living by faith is not an impossible goal that is out of reach. As we place our trust in God and study what He has to say in His Word, we will learn to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Faith causes me to choose to:

Make God a priority in my life

Read the Bible daily and study passages for a deeper understanding of what God has to say

Live in obedience to God’s will – even when I would rather do things my own way

Serve God in the opportunities that He puts in my path

Pray continuously

Regard my life and world events from God’s perspective

It is possible to live by faith

We can learn to live by faith every day because it is God’s will that we persevere in placing our hope and confidence in Him!

 

Laurie Driesen is a writer and entrepreneur.  She is the author of Beyond Regret – Living Your Life Purpose in Spite of Past Choices.  The book discusses missed opportunities, the “why” behind our mistakes, how regret can help us, and preventing future regret.  Beyond Regret sheds light on God’s true will and purpose for us and how we can live it out no matter where we are today.

Through her writing, she seeks to share the truth of God’s Word and help others grow spiritually. Laurie’s blog can be found on her website:  www.silverpathresources.com

 

FOR THE SOUL ~ Words of Encouragement

On my drive home from town to stock up on our depleted supply of food and household products, I couldn’t help but notice how striking the green of the fresh, spring grass was and how vivid the colors of the flowers in the yards and meadows.

Amid all the talk of COVID-19 and the impact it has had on our world, as well as our individual lives, it was a reminder that life still goes on, and that no matter how out of control our world may get, the Lord is still in control.

So, I wanted to share some timeless truths in Scripture that have encouraged me during this challenging time.

God will never leave us! “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” ~ Hebrews 13:5

God is faithful and has things under control!  “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” ~ Genesis 8:22

Jesus is bigger than our problems!  Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33

Jesus gave us a purpose and a promise!  “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ~ Matthew 28:20

For those who put their hope in Jesus, someplace better is coming! “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” 

I hope you’ve been encouraged by these thoughts and words. If you have a particular verse that has brought you encouragement, I’d love to hear it!

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE 

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

 

FOR THE READER ~ Valley of Shadows

Today I’m pleased to have author Candace West join us sharing about redeeming a villain in her new release, Valley of Shadows. And there’s an excerpt from the novel and a GIVEAWAY! Stay around until the end to enter!

Can a villain be redeemed? Can he become a hero in the face of tragedy? By the time I ended book one of the Valley Creek Redemption series, I had to discover if the villain could become the hero of my second story. For those who hated Earl Steen the first time, could they give him a second chance? Could I give him one?

Earl had a dark valley to cross.

Redemption is all about second chances, about reconciliation with God through His Son Jesus. Many times, this reconciliation also brings estranged people together. In Valley of Shadows, Earl must discover if this is possible for him. Even in the best circumstances, the process can still prove difficult. God forgives us. Others might. To forgive ourselves is the hardest of all.

Without God, those dark valleys in our lives stretch long and blind us to His truth unless we allow Him to lead us. Without a doubt, Earl knows he can’t cross that valley without His hand. To prove himself to his daughters, his estranged wife, and cynical neighbors will take every ounce of courage within his soul.

Like Earl, when we are at the bottom, the only direction to go is upward.

The truth is none of us are worthy to be redeemed…not the best nor the worst of us. Jesus came to redeem us from the lowest pit of sin. But it doesn’t end there. The beauty of redemption is not just the saving of our souls but our discovering God’s purpose for our lives. Just like Earl, we can’t fathom the amazing ways God will use us for His glory. The things we have shattered, God mends.

Valley of Shadows Excerpt: 

In the shadow of the woods, twigs snapped and leaves crackled under Earl’s feet until he reached a stump, mottled with lichens. The canopy above him muted the noise and soothed the throbbing in his head.

He sat, pressing his face against the palms of his hands. Warm, stinging tears dampened his wrists and flowed until they dripped onto the ground.

“Father, forgive me. I don’t deserve it from You or anyone else. I can’t fix the past.”

I will guide your future.

Earl lifted his head. Who had spoken? At that moment, he realized the words had been spoken within his soul.

“Lord, guide me to do the right thing about Lorena. I only ask that she would somehow find it in her heart to forgive me. Grant her the peace and love she deserves.” He pulled in a deep breath. “Help me not to lose my temper with George. Lord, whatever happens, give me strength to do what’s right.”

A perfect stillness surrounded Earl, a stillness unlike anything he’d ever known, calming the turbulent thoughts and emotions that threatened to overtake him.

    He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Amazed, Earl rose and swiped his thumbs underneath his eyes. Nothing, no one else in the universe could calm the storm so swiftly.

      He restoreth my soul.

Restore. Jesus restored health to the sick, restored strength to the lame, restored sight to the blind. He restored innocence to the guilty.

And Earl Steen was as guilty as they came.

Candace West was born in the Mississippi delta to a young minister and his wife. She grew up in small-town Arkansas and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas. When she was twelve years old, she wrote her first story, “Following Prairie River.” In 2018, she published her debut novel Lane Steen. By weaving entertaining, hope-filled stories, Candace shares the Gospel and encourages her readers. She currently lives in her beloved Arkansas with her husband and their son along with two dogs and three bossy cats.

Connect with Candace

Newsletter: www.candaceweststoryteller.com

Author page: www.facebook.com/inspirationalnovel

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/candace-west-afcba060-cca9-4d77-9dc8-23c330b29f9b

www.twitter.com/candacewest111

Lane Steen: https://www.amzn.com/B07VCZ5MV3

Valley of Shadows: https://www.amzn.com/B084YQHMS9

**Now for the Giveaway! Candace is offering the winner’s choice of an e-book or print copy (US addresses only) of Valley of Shadows! Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FOR THE WRITER ~ Pondering Your Life’s Dream

Every novel writer dreams of making it big, landing a contract with a large publishing house and selling millions of copies. Unfortunately, very few writers realize that dream. Most of us will travel a more subtle path, one that likely includes less recognition. But that doesn’t mean we’ve failed.

God has a mission and purpose for each of our lives. Sometimes that plan may look different than what we perceive it to be. Yet, He is the potter. We are the clay. We can kick and scream our way through life, trying to be a goblet when the Lord intends for us to be a bowl. God gives us that choice. We can spend our days striving to achieve our own goals and agenda, or we can yield to His promptings and fulfill the purposes He has in store for us.

Having aspirations is important. That drive to achieve can see us through many a discouragement and setback. But, more essential than the desire to succeed, is having the desire to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.

Keep the following thoughts in mind as you travel through, not only your writing journey, but all of life.

~Am I glorifying God in what I write?

~Am I staying open to the Lord’s leading?

~Is what I’m doing consistent with God’s calling on my life?

~Are there areas I need to adjust or draw to a close?

~What specifically is God wanting to accomplish through my efforts?

~Is the Lord closing one door and opening another?

~What audience would benefit most through my ministry?

~Am I seeking my dream, or God’s?

I hope you’ll take time to pray about and ponder these questions. I know I need to. When we’re faithful in the seemingly small things, the Lord will bless and multiply our efforts. Only when we submit to His will can we know true contentment and peace.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!

You have been faithful with a few things;

I will put you in charge of many things.”

(Matthew 25:21)

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE 

Now Available in a 3 Book Set

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

 

FOR THE HISTORY BUFF ~ Well Digging

In this day and age when drinking water is so accessible in most areas of the world, it’s a simple turn or flip of a faucet to fill a glass. But back in the 1800’s running water was a luxury many didn’t have and others went through great toil and hardship to gain.

In Under Moonlit Skies, my hero, Stewart Brant, gets hooked into helping his friend Chad dig a well. Originally, I intended the project to be just a slight incident in the novel. But as I researched the process, it started taking on a life of its own, and I couldn’t resist incorporating some of what I learned into the story.

Digging a well was not for the faint of heart back in the nineteenth century. Everything was dug by hand with picks and shovels. Often a tire band from a wagon wheel was placed on the ground over the spot where the well was to be dug as a guide.

As digging progressed, a windlass–a post on either side of the hole connected by a roller log to use as a winch–was generally built around the hole. The loose top soil soon turned to hardened clay and rock, slowing progress. Flat rocks were collected from creek beds and used to line the walls of the well to keep the sides from caving in.

Often, homesteaders had to dig fifteen, twenty, sometimes thirty feet before reaching water. Occasionally, they’d hit a dry hole and would have to repeat the process elsewhere. How exhausting!

Well digging was slow, grueling, often dangerous work. But what a joy for nineteenth century women who no longer had to make long, tiring trips to the creek for drinking water and washing clothes!

Below, is a photo of me standing by a replica of a well from Abraham Lincoln’s time at New Salem State Park built in the late 1830’s..

While homesteaders longed for the luxury of well water, I’m so thankful we have access to the Living Water — Jesus Christ. His love for us never runs dry.

“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)

Though we may not be able to celebrate Resurrection Sunday in the way we would like this year, with church family and loved ones near, I pray you’ll know the hope and peace only Christ’s presence in our hearts can bring.

 

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

 

FOR THE HEART ~ A Wake Up Call from God

While reading the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis recently, I came to the part where Joseph had been unjustly thrown into prison for a crime he hadn’t committed. Despite his grievous circumstances, the Lord blessed him, and he found favor in the eyes of the prison guard, allowing him special privileges.

While Joseph was serving his time, Pharaoh’s chief baker and cup-bearer were imprisoned. Both had disturbing dreams which Joseph, with God’s help, was able to interpret. The cup-bearer would be restored to his duties and the baker killed.

What struck me most about this segment in the story, wasn’t that Joseph interpreted the dreams or that they came true, but that, once released from prison, the chief cup-bearer forgot Joseph’s kindness and his request for the cup-bearer to make mention of him to Pharaoh. Not until two years passed and Pharaoh had his own dreams, did the cup-bearer remember the kindness Joseph had shown him.

How often are we forgetful of what the Lord has done for us? When troubles come, we fall on our knees and pour out our requests to Him, and when He answers, we give thanks. But when our situations improve and life is good, so often we–like the cup-bearer–go about our lives giving little thought to God or His blessings of the past and that it is only by His grace that we live and breathe.

I have to wonder with this coronavirus, Is God trying to get our attention? Have we as a nation–a world–become so self-sufficient and calloused toward God that we’ve ignored His gentle reminders that He is Lord? Has it come to a worldwide catastrophe to gain our attention?

In the book of Ezekiel, the prophet Ezekiel prophecies about approaching captivity and doom for God’s people because they have fallen away from Him (forgotten and ignored Him). Time and again, Ezekiel states these destructive circumstances are coming for one reason, “that they may know that I (God) is the Lord.”

In the end, Ezekiel proclaims the Lord will restore His people for the same end and purpose–“that they may know that I am the Lord.” Could it be this devastating period in our lives is a wake up call from God? A call to humility and renewed reverence for God?

If nothing else good comes of the hardships we are facing, I pray that we will come to the realization that God is in control–not us–and we need to humbly honor and revere Him.

He never promised to shield us from pain or hardship. Like Joseph, and the Israelites, we may have to endure suffering for a time. But we have the assurance that if we humble ourselves and call on the name of the Lord, He will hear us. And if we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we will spend eternity with Him.

“Never will I leave you: Never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

 

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

FOR THE READER ~ Waltz in the Wilderness

This week on FOR THE READER, I’m thrilled to have author Kathleen Denly sharing a spiritual aspect from her debut novel. Stick around for an excerpt and a chance to win an e-book copy of Waltz in the Wilderness!

It’s All On Me…Or Is It?

Have you ever noticed a time where everything in your life seemed to point to one or two particular verses? Or perhaps there’s been an undeniable theme in the scripture God has placed in your path? I experience this often.

Most recently the verse that’s been on my heart and constantly brought to my attention is the theme verse for my upcoming debut novel, Waltz in the Wilderness. Proverbs chapter 3 verses 5-6 reads:

So many times I prayerfully make plans I think I can follow through on. I’ll make lists, set dates in my calendar, and promise people I’ll get it done. Then something beyond my control happens and I’m left feeling utterly discouraged. I’m convinced I’ll never be able to follow through on the commitments I’ve made, and that bothers me in a very big way. I loathe letting people down and when I’m faced with these situations, the temptation is to wallow in self pity, push myself to a breaking point trying to fulfill my promise anyway, and to generally feel that I’m a terrible person for not having foreseen whatever the obstacle was.

The funny thing is, God has a history of making a way for me to achieve success where there seems to be no possible path forward. I’ve lost track of how many times I let the worry come before my prayers—before I took a moment to breathe and remember that God is good and He is sovereign.

Thankfully, God also loves us too much to leave us as we are. He picks us up and carries us along until we figure out how to lean on Him and trust in His love and power.

These days, whenever I’m faced with those moments of feeling discouraged, I’m quicker to look to this verse and remind myself that I am a daughter of the King of the impossible. I don’t have to understand the how or the why. I just have to remember who He is.

With everything our country is going through right now, do not forget that our heavenly Father is still in charge and He loves us. It can be tempting to let worry consume us, but I encourage you turn to Him for guidance and comfort. He is listening, He is sovereign, and He loves you.

Excerpt from Waltz in the Wilderness ~ Chapter 1

October 1850 ~ California gold fields

“No!”

The scream pierced Eli, ripping her from sleep. Cramming a fist in her mouth, she muffled her sobs. The voice that used to sing her nursery rhymes, pray for her, hum her to sleep. She couldn’t hear it. Now it only came to her in echoes of that ghastly scream, tearing through her mind, shredding her heart.

No more. She clamped her hands over her ears, squeezed her eyes against the blackness.

Dark images forced their way in. Shovels of dirt falling onto that dear, beautiful face, skin pale with death, smile gone forever. Loving eyes shuttered. Arms that once comforted her now crossed over a faded blue bodice as the grave was filled in. Pa, her rock, crumpled on the ground. Inconsolable.

Stop! Don’t think about it!

She sat up. Crawled from the tent. Cold night air slapped her cheeks. She hugged herself, rocking.

Her eyes sought the heavens, the weight of His gaze suffocating her. “Make it stop. Please. I’m sorry.”

The pockmarked moon stared at her through the trees. And the cow jumped over the moon. The familiar tune crushed her heart.

A frosty breeze cut through her shirt. She shivered and ducked back inside.

Pa’s snores continued. She curled onto her thin blanket, wrapping the end over herself.

Of course God wouldn’t answer. It didn’t matter.

Eli wouldn’t fail again.

She forced her eyes shut. One of them needed to be thinking clearly come dawn. And it wouldn’t be Pa.

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.  Always happy to hear from her readers, you can visit her at KathleenDenly.com, sign up for her Kathleen’s Readers’ Club, join her Armchair Adventure Krew and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

 

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

 

         NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!

Enter below for a chance to win an e-book copy of Waltz in the Wilderness!

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FOR THE WRITER ~ Facing the Blank Page

Every writer faces dry times, when the words just won’t flow. That blank page (or screen) can seem like an insurmountable barrier, especially when moving from one project to the next.

If you’re like me, the thought of starting a new novel both excites and overwhelms me. Writing a three-hundred page novel can seem a daunting task. There are new characters to develop. New plots. New settings. And if you’re a Historical writer like me, new time periods and surroundings to research.

~ Here are some tips I’ve discovered to make transitioning from one project to the next a bit easier.

Take a break ~ On completion of a project, give yourself a few days to relax and rejuvenate. Writing can be both invigorating and exhausting. Spend some time away from writing, doing something you enjoy. You’ll find you’re more ready to start again, once you’re refreshed and eager to get back to work.

Brainstorm with other writers. One of the best designs of God, is that He made us all different. Group activity fuels creativity. Find a few trusted writer friends, whether it be your critique partners or a writing group, and share your inspirations. Mix and match ideas, then weave the best ones into a storyline. No telling what great works will come of these pooled thoughts.

Eavesdrop. Now, this is not to say we should be seeking out gossip or infringing on others’ privacy. But if you should happen to overhear an interesting conversation, listen with your creative mind’s eye. Some tidbit of information may just spark an idea for a story question or plot. Put your creative energies to work by fictionalizing reality.

Utilize spin-off Characters. You’ve spent so much time getting to know your characters, you don’t want to sweep them aside, never to be thought of again. No one says you have to. I love when a character from one book or series makes an appearance in another. It’s like revisiting an old friend. That’s the fun of fiction writing–having the chance to create and touch the hearts of readers.

If you’re facing a blank page, I hope these suggestions have fueled new ideas of ways to stir your creativity. What tips do you have to ignite the creative flow?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.”

(Matthew 11:28)

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO

UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

 

FOR THE HISTORY BUFF ~ Cattle Drives

While writing the second book in my Prairie Sky Series, Under Prairie Skies, I enjoyed researching cattle drives, specifically the one extending from Sedalia, Missouri to Chicago, Illinois.

My hero, Chad Avery, joins up with a cattle drive to earn wages to start a herd. He soon discovers the cowboy’s life is not an easy one, with long days in the saddle and minimal pay to show for their efforts.

Often, they put in fifteen-hour days–the majority in the saddle–traveling 15-25 miles a day, depending on the terrain. Duties included, herding cattle, rounding up strays, and breaking in new mounts.

Each cowboy had a specific position and station to manage. The Point Man rode at the head of the herd, Swing Riders at the side, Flank Riders on the rear sides, and Drag Riders in back of the herd. Within a matter of weeks, a dozen men could take thousands of cattle hundreds of miles.

There was also a Wrangler, usually a young man who looked after the extra horses, gathered firewood, and other odd jobs. Cooks drove the Chuck-wagon bearing food supplies. Meals consisted mainly of dried jerky, bacon, and lots of beans! They were often small-framed men, tough and wiry to put up with all the guff they received from the tired, hungry cowboys.

Cattle drives called for hard-working, tough men and for that reason, cowboys often gained the reputation of of being rough and rowdy. After long weeks on the trail, upon meeting their destination, many of the cowboys spent their earnings in a matter of days, before heading out on another drive.

In Under Prairie Skies, Chad Avery breaks this cycle by turning his wages into cattle. Though his beginnings are humble ones, his determination to own his own herd pays off in the end. Watch the Trailer for Under Prairie Skies HERE

The coming of the railroad sparked the end of the cattle drive era. Trains proved a much quicker and more efficient way of transporting cattle. But the age of the cowboy is one we’ve all come to know and love through Western movies and stories of the past.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey back to nineteenth century cattle drives. I never tire of learning about the past and dearly love weaving history into my storylines!

~ What is a topic in history you’d like to learn more about?

Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance

UNDER THIS SAME SKY  ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

FOR THE HEART ~ Who’s In Control?

I’m excited to have friend and fellow author Laurie Driesen join us this month for our FOR THE HEART blog post. Laurie and I became acquainted when we were both contributing to the Putting On the New Blog. Her posts always spoke to my heart. Laurie will be sharing with us every other month. I know you’ll be blessed by her posts.

The choppy turbulence started as soon as we reached cruising altitude.  I tried to be calm but it was very bumpy.  All I could think of was that we were 27,000 feet above the ground in a big flying machine that felt out of control!

Then I remembered; this is exactly what the pilot warned the
passengers about at the beginning of the flight.  He said he had just flown the same route and
there would be turbulence.  I realized that
the reason the pilot told us in advance was to prevent any concern about
it.  He was letting the passengers know
that we should expect a bumpy ride but he already knows about it, he has
already navigated this route and he has it all under control.

When I considered the pilots words, I resisted the feeling
of being fearful.  I just kept reminding
myself that the pilot is in control.     

When I go through turbulent times in my life, I sometimes
don’t come to the same conclusion that I did on that airplane.  At times I feel the fear, uncertainty and
doubt that surfaces so easily!  I feel
like life is out of control and wonder why God doesn’t smooth things out for
me.  But Jesus specifically warned his
followers, “…in this world you will have trouble.”  In John 16:33 He told them that the reason He
was telling them was so that they would have peace.   And then He added, “But take heart! I have
overcome the world.”  

Overcome means to conquer, defeat, prevail over and be
victorious.  Wow!  That means that Jesus has already conquered
and prevailed over any turbulent situation I go through.  Why do I ask whether He’s in control?   Would I rather be in control?   I hate that thought but I believe that might
be the problem! 

When we fly, we relinquish control and trust that the pilot
is capable and worthy of getting us to our destination.  We literally place our lives in his hands.  Why is it so hard for many of us to be as
confident in placing our trust in the Lord?

I imagine that if I would have had a chance to talk to the
pilot during that bumpy flight, he would have said something like this; “I’m an
experienced pilot and I’ve flown this route before.  I have been trained how to navigate in all
types of weather.  I’ll make sure that
you get to your destination safely.  You
don’t need to worry or be afraid of turbulence.”

If we asked Jesus whether He is in control, He would say
exactly what He said in John 16:33.  He
would remind us to “take hope” because He has “power over the world!” 

The One who is in control gives us assurance that He has
power over everything that troubles us. 
We can lean on Him, trust Him and He will help us through.

That gives us a reason to have peace and hope in Him!

Laurie Driesen is a writer and entrepreneur.  She is the author of Beyond Regret – Living Your Life Purpose in Spite of Past Choices.  The book discusses missed opportunities, the “why” behind our mistakes, how regret can help us, and preventing future regret.  Beyond Regret sheds light on God’s true will and purpose for us and how we can live it out no matter where we are today.  

Through her writing, she seeks to share the truth of God’s Word and help others grow spiritually. Laurie’s blog can be found on her website:  www.silverpathresources.com