Cathy Bryant's Blog: CatBryant.com ~ Journey Blog, page 39

Everyday Hero Sherlee Grinstead

The world is full of everyday heroes who sometimes go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of life. Because of this, I decided to create a series of interview posts about the everyday heroes I come in contact with.

Today our post focuses on my dear friend, Sherlee Grinstead. Sherlee answered my plea for beta readers a few years back. In addition to serving as a beta reader, Sherlee is also a member of the Miller’s Creek Main Street Team and helps administrate our Christian Books ~ Giveaways, Freebies, Bargains, & New Releases Facebook group.

Everyday Hero Sherlee Grinstead

Welcome, Sherlee! So honored to have you! Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

My husband Terry and I have two wonderful (is there any other kind?) daughters and four more than wonderful grandchildren, with one on the way. We have lived in several states, with Arizona being home now. I love reading, crochet and crafting.

Sisters under the skin! I love those things, too. What are you passionate about?

Other than the obvious answer of family, my pet projects are on Facebook. Four years ago I recruited a friend and we began Whispering Prayers, an intercessory prayer ministry. We do devotionals and pray for those who request it. Recently I started another group, also on Facebook, called Prayer Angels at Work. It is similar to Whispering Prayers, but with a different vibe.

If you could spend time with any person–past or present–who would you choose?

I desperately want to spend more time with my mother, who passed away 5 years ago. I can’t imagine ever getting enough time with her. We would talk about anything and everything. But whatever we talked about, I know we would laugh uproariously!

Just did one of these Everyday Hero interviews with my mom. She had the same answer! What’s on your bucket list?

I love old family stories. I have been collecting and writing them down for years. My mom and dad both had lots of funny stories from the old days. And then there are all the funny stories from when we were kids. I would like to finish my stories and distribute them to all my family.

What’s something that not very many people know about you that you’d like them to know?

When our children were young we were a foster family. We fostered 25 children over about 5 years. We are still in contact with a few of them. A few, I would run if I saw them! Overall, it was a fantastic time of our lives.

Love that! We served at Arkansas Baptist Boys’ Ranch as relief house parents. If everyone spent time as either house parents or foster parents, it would open eyes to the plight of children in our country. What’s your favorite Bible verse?

Jeremiah 29:11 “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.” We have had some times of unemployment in our life. This verse carried me through those times.

What makes you laugh?

Almost everything that is within good taste! One thing I got from my parents was a sense of humor. I can find humor in almost anything.

Sherlee has a wonderful sense of humor! Check out the pic to the right! Makes me giggle every time I see it! If you had a life motto, what would it be?

“Be sweet”. My girls probably hate to hear those words, they heard them so often growing up.

Reminds me of what my mom used to say: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!” What’s your favorite holiday?

It has always been Christmas. When I was a kid, it meant Aunt Vesta would be coming for a visit. When I got older, it meant getting our parents, my brothers, sister, nieces, nephews and the whole family together cooking, eating and laughing.

What’s your favorite hymn?

Amazing Grace brings tears to my eyes every time. To think that God loves me enough to allow His Son to die for me and that I will have an eternity to spend with them in Heaven is almost too much to comprehend.

Sherlee, thank you so much for agreeing to this interview, and thanks even more for being one of my Everyday Heroes!

TO DISCUSS IN THE COMMENT SECTION:

Who are some of your everyday heroes?
What makes a person heroic?

If you have a suggestion for an Everyday Hero interview–either yourself or someone you know–please send me an e-mail via the Contact tab.

Click to Tweet Please: Join Christian author @Cathy_Bryant with an everyday hero, @Sherlee_D. http://www.catbryant.com/2014/03/28/everyday-hero-sherlee-grinstead/ http://ctt.ec/Re015

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Blog Hop 2014: My Writing Process

Disclaimer: A writer’s brain can be a scary place!

But in case you’re interested in my writing process, I’m letting you in my writer’s brain for these blog hop questions.

First let me send  big “Thank You!” to Rachel Skatvold for allowing me the privilege (and fun!) of being part of this writer’s blog hop! Last Friday, she answered the following questions about the writing process on her blog and tagged me for this week. Here’s a little bit about Rachel:

Rachel is an inspirational author and sty at home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance, devotions and encouraging blogs. Rachel is currently seeking publication for her first inspirational romance, novel, “Enduring the Flames.” Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two sons. You can find out more about Rachel’s books and writing on her website: http://www.rachelskatvold.com and on her Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/rachelskatvoldauthor

So here are my answers, followed by the bios and pics of other Christian writers I’m tagging for next week.

My Writing Process
What are you working on right now?

I’m currently finishing up edits and rewrites to A Bridge Unbroken, A Miller’s Creek Novel (releasing Spring 2014) about a frightened runaway who wants her painful past to disappear. Her plans to start over are derailed when she co-inherits her late grandfather’s farm with the man responsible for the scars on her heart. Hopefully Dakota and Chance will move past old hurts and grudges to build a bridge unbroken. If you’d like a taste, you can read a sample chapter HERE (still not completely edited, mind you.) And here’s the book trailer:

How does your work differ from others of its genre?

The Miller’s Creek Novels are an anomaly in the sense that they’re not all the same genre (though they are closely related). The first two books, Texas Roads and A Path Less Traveled are typical inspirational romances. The third book, The Way of Grace, and the current book, A Bridge Unbroken, are romantic suspense. The fourth book (and my personal favorite), Pilgrimage of Promise, is more of a love story than a romance. It doesn’t end with happily-ever-after, but the ‘promise’ of a happily-ever-after yet to come.

Why do you write what you do?

Two of my all-time favorite series (both from the secular market) are Jan Karon’s The Mitford Series and Lillian Jackson Braun’s The Cat Who… books. What these two have in common is a captivating setting with a cast of quirky characters. Since my faith is so important to me, I wanted to write books from a Christian worldview, but with the captivating setting and quirky characters. Each Miller’s Creek Novel has different main characters and a different spiritual theme–finding true home, stepping out in faith when it makes no sense, treating others with grace when they mistreat us, God’s faithfulness to keep His promises, and learning to forgive the inexcusable–but in a setting some readers have labeled as Mayberry, only Texas-style!

How does your writing process work?

I spend three to four weeks in what I call pre-writing mode. During this time, I fill out lengthy character charts for each major character and subject my poor hero and heroine to a battery of interviews and personality exams. In addition, I complete any research during this time, as well as plot out my story in accordance with classic story structure.

Phase two of the writing process is where I turn off my internal editor and write the actual story. This is my favorite part of the process, because I get to immerse myself in story-world and just let my fingers fly. This usually takes four to six weeks.

Phase three is my least favorite part of the process, but the one where I’m most delighted with the final result. Edits/rewrites are where the story is actually written, where it is polished to a brilliant gleam. I can count on another four to six weeks for this part of the process.

Phase four is the collaboration phase where the book is sent to beta readers/editors for constructive criticism. I feel incredibly blessed to work with such helpful and generous folks. I couldn’t do what I do without them! (Oh, and by the way, I usually take at least a week away from the manuscript in between each phase to clear my brain so I can come back to the story with fresh eyes.)

Thanks again, Rachel, for including me in this fun writer’s blog hop! (And thanks to you readers for taking the trip through my scary writer’s brain!)

* * * * * * *

Up Next Week in Blog Hop 2014: My Writing Process

Elizabeth Maddrey:

Elizabeth Maddrey began writing stories as son as she could form the letters properly and has never looked back. Though her practical nature and love of math and organization steered her into computer science for college and graduate school, she has always had one or more stories in progress to occupy her free time. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books and has mastered the art of reading while undertaking just about any other activity. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace. Elizabeth lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. with her husband and their two incredibly active little boys. She invites you to interact with her at her website www.ElizabethMaddrey.com or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Elizabeth Maddrey

Tammy Burgoon:

My home state is North Carolina and the small town life makes me happy. Reading and writing are my passions. I love being mother to Jake and Emily, wife to Ted, and daughter to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We have a cat and two chickens. My daughter would love to make our home like Old McDonald’s Farm. At my blog, www.transparentvessel.wordpress.com, I share my life experiences through the lens of God’s grace and mercy. I want others to know they are not alone in the difficult, messy places of life. My goal is for Jesus to use my life to love others well.

Linette R. Mullin:

LINNETTE R. MULLIN is an author of life-changing romance, as well as a freelance writer. Some of her writing credits include “Finding Beth” – her debut novel, Charles Stanley’s “In Touch” magazine, “101 Facets of Faith”, Guidepost’s “Extraordinary Answers to Prayer”, and “Public Health Alert” – a nationally and electronically distributed newspaper for the chronically ill. She is a member of ACFW and HACWN, is the Founder and Director of Palmetto Christian Writer’s Network in Lexington, South Carolina, and is the Founder of the “We Are Writers” group on Facebook. Her favorite things in life are her family, her church, reading and writing, drinking tea – hot or sweet, and her Savior most of all. She loves to hear from her readers! For more information including her social network links, visit her at LinnetteRMullin.com.

For Discussion: What are your favorite books and why?

'My Writing Process' Join @Cathy_Bryant @RachelSkatvold @ElizabethMaddre @TPBurgoon...
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A Sinner Looks at Psalm 51

King David–a man described in the Bible as a “man after God’s own heart”–was a sinner like me. Please don’t misunderstand. Our sin isn’t to be taken lightly. God proved at the cross that He takes sin very seriously. So should we.

But in light of my own sin tendencies, I’m comforted that even God’s chosen and highly beloved choice as King of Israel missed the mark. What brings even more comfort is knowing that through confession (agreeing with God about our sin) and repentance (turning away from our sin and back to Him), our relationship to God can be restored–not because of us, but because of who He is–because of His mercy and grace.

As I finish up edits to A Bridge Unbroken, a Miller’s Creek Novel with the theme of forgiveness, Psalm 51 speaks to me as a sinner in need of God’s grace.

The Backdrop For Psalm 51

Psalm 51 was written by David after what is inarguably his greatest moral failure. 2 Samuel 11 and 12 tell the story of how he saw Bathsheba from his rooftop, brought her into his palace, and committed adultery with her. Then, when he found out she was pregnant, he had her husband Uriah murdered as a cover up.

Nathan the prophet exposed his sin, bringing David to his knees. The writing of this psalm followed shortly thereafter.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love…

Have Mercy

It’s sometimes difficult to go to God after we’ve sinned because sin separates us from Him and we experience shame and guilt. Sin puts up a barrier between us and our Holy God. Adam and Eve experienced this in the garden of Eden after the fall. They hid from Him because of their sin. In this psalm, David went exactly where he needed to go.

…according to the multitude of Your tender mercy and loving-kindness blot out my transgressions.

Blot Out 

This choice of words carries with it the idea of erasing or removing from the record. In Isaiah 43:25, God tells us: “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” As Almighty God and Creator, only He has the power to erase our wrongdoing.

My Transgressions

The word “transgressions” literally means actions in defiance of what is is right–in other words, deliberate rebellion against God and His ways. Our job is to acknowledge our rebellion before God.

Wash me thoroughly [and repeatedly] from my iniquity and guilt…

Wash Me

Is there any better expression of what we need to remove the stain of sin from our lives? David mentions hyssop, which was a plant used in cleansing ceremonies and as a cleansing agent. It was with hyssop that Moses told the Hebrew slaves to mark their doors with blood so the death angel would pass over them. Thankfully, as believers, we’ve been thoroughly washed with the precious blood of Christ. With John the Baptist we can proclaim to the world: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

My Iniquity and Guilt

Iniquity is a powerful word which means perverse or crooked. It perfectly describes our condition apart from God as fallen humans. It’s a genetic problem passed down to us from Adam and Eve. From the moment of conception we all possess a sinful nature. Because of this sin nature we are all guilty of sin. If we say we’re not sinners, James 1:8 tells us we’re deceiving ourselves. While it would be nice to believe we’re not sinners, if we search our hearts for Truth, we won’t be able to deny it.

…and cleanse me and make me wholly pure from my sin!

Cleanse and Make Me Wholly Pure

Only God can remove the moral filth from our lives and make us pure. Sin leaves us with a bad record, a debt we can’t atone for or pay. It also contaminates our lives, leaving us dirty and stained. God’s divine forgiveness corrects our condition. The idea of purification is a purging or “un”-sinning. When God forgives us, it is as though we had never sinned from His point of view. This is justification: just as if we’d never sinned.

My Sin

Sin means to miss the mark. Like arrows pointed toward a target, when we sin we go off course from God’s plan for us (which is good and gives us a future and a hope. [Jeremiah 29:11]). Though our missing the mark hurts us and others, all sin is ultimately against God and separates us from Him. What we deserve because of our sin is death (Romans 6:23), but thank God for His priceless gift, Christ and His salvation, who provided a way back to God for us.

Psalm 51 ~ Discussion Questions:

How does the thought of God erasing your sin and choosing not to remember it affect you?
Do the differences in definition for sin, transgression, and iniquity help you to better understand forgiveness? Why or why not?
Does knowing that someone so close to God could fail miserably bring you comfort? Why or why not?
Why do you think people tend to condemn rather than forgive?

A Video of Psalm 51: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8IVY_6umE0

Click to Tweet Please: A Sinner Looks at Psalm 51 #Devotional by @Cathy_Bryant http://www.catbryant.com/2014/04/03/a-sinner-looks-psalm-51/ #forgiveness http://ctt.ec/E6vxF

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Breaking Down Barriers: The Inclusive Good News-Part 2

In yesterday’s post on Breaking Down Barriers, we saw how Jesus effectively broke through the gender barrier. Using the same story, let’s study how He further breaks barriers in the familiar story of the woman at the well.

Breaking Down Barriers: Race

The Samaritan woman said to Him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” ~John 4:9-10 (NIV)

Notice that she points out His social faux pas by reminding Him that she’s a woman. But she also points out that He is a Jew and she is a Samaritan. Jews of that day had no dealings with Samaritans as evidenced by the fact that they normally went out of their way to avoid walking through Samaria. The Jews looked down on the Samaritans as a mixed race of people.

Jesus quickly overcame the racial barrier with a cryptic reference to Himself as living water, peaking the woman’s interest and effectively including her in the invitation of the Good News.

Breaking Down Barriers: Morality

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” ~John 4:11-18 (NIV)

Jesus–as Holy God dwelling among men–doesn’t overlook sin. He pretty much lays it on the line in regard to the sin in the Samaritan woman’s life. But also notice that He doesn’t condemn her. Much like the story of the adulterous woman, He recognizes the wrong in her life, but offers forgiveness in place of condemnation.

How differently humans react. We take the moral high ground–a place of pride and superiority–when it comes to the sin in other people’s lives. And Jesus had plenty to say about that type of attitude, particularly “Don’t do it!” Thank God that He doesn’t erect a moral barrier between sinners and the gospel, but invites us to come as we are.

Breaking Down Barriers: Religion

“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” “Woman,” Jesus replied, “Believe Me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the One speaking to you—I am He.” ~John 4:19-26 (NIV)

The Jewish people viewed the religious practices of the Samaritans as suspect and incomplete, although the woman’s comments reveal a knowledge of the things of God and the long-awaited Messiah. The woman is quick to point out disparities in the religions of the Jews and Samaritans, and Jesus just as quickly reveals the truth about worshiping God in spirit and in truth. How quickly Jesus cut to the heart of the matter, revealing Himself as the Christ.

In Conclusion

We will encounter barriers in our interaction with others, but they don’t have to stay. Let’s take a cue from our Lord, and use His example to reach out to others in spite of barriers.

Because of the way Jesus approached the situation, because He included the woman as a recipient of His grace, all the barriers between them tumbled to the ground. In response, the Samaritan woman ran to town to tell everyone what (and Whom!) she’d experienced.

Breaking Down Barriers – Discussion Questions

In what ways can we follow the example of Jesus in breaking down the barriers of race, morality, and religion?
What can we learn from Jesus’ example in meeting people where they were?
What divine encounters with others have you experienced lately? What barriers did you have to overcome?

Click to Tweet Please: Jesus broke down barriers. Join us for the Barriers Blog Series-Part2 http://www.catbryant.com/2014/04/02/breaking-down-barriers-2/ http://ctt.ec/QLxAy

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Monthly Giveaway

No fooling! Today–April Fool’s Day 2014–marks the first day of something new at CatBryant.com and at my Facebook author page. Each month (until I decide otherwise), I’m going to be hosting a monthly giveaway in both places.

Monthly #giveaway - CatBryant.com & http://tinyurl.com/omu7mqp TEXAS ROADS #MillersCreekNovel...
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MONTHLY GIVEAWAY at CatBryant.com

For CatBryant.com, the giveaway will be based on comments. At the end of each month, I’ll tally all the comments made on any page or blog post during the month, insert the data at Random.org, and one lucky winner will be contacted via e-mail at the first of the following month with instructions on how to claim their prize. Prizes will be transferable if the winner chooses to pass the item on as a gift to someone else. Unclaimed prizes will be forfeited after ten days. Though it probably goes without saying, the more you comment, the greater your chance at winning. Comments without an e-mail address (my only way to contact you directly) will not be considered.

MONTHLY GIVEAWAY at Cathy’s Facebook Page

I will also be hosting a second giveaway each month at my Facebook author page, though the process will be different. At Facebook, the giveaway will be through Rafflecopter, and there are numerous ways to get entries into the giveaway. To access the giveaway, click the Rafflecopter tab on my Facebook page. You can also enter the Facebook giveaway below, and come back everyday–either here or at Facebook–for more chances to win! Prizes are transferable, with unclaimed prizes forfeited after ten days.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

APRIL 2014 MONTHLY GIVEAWAY PRIZE

The monthly giveaway for April 2014 at both CatBryant.com and Facebook is a digital copy of Texas Roads.

TEXAS ROADS

A Miller’s Creek Novel

2009 ACFW Genesis Contest finalist

4.5 out of 5 stars at Amazon.com

One secret kept, another uncovered . . .

A hurting seeker wants a place to call home. With quaint country charm, quirky residents, and loads of business potential, Miller’s Creek seems like the perfect place to start over, except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town. Then malicious rumors and a devastating secret propel her down a road she never expected to travel.

Monthly #giveaway - CatBryant.com & http://tinyurl.com/omu7mqp TEXAS ROADS #MillersCreekNovel...
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Breaking Down Barriers: The Inclusive Good News-Part 1

Though we may not care to admit it, one facet of the human mindset is the tendency to build barriers. We often erect barriers based on our personal comfort zones. If someone dresses like us, speaks likes us, acts like us, enjoys the same activities as us, they’re okay. But give us someone with hair dyed black, a tongue stud, spiked dog collar, and sagging pants, and those barriers build faster than a kid with Legos(TM).

Sometimes barriers are based on externals, like mode of dress or skin color. At other times, they’re based on things not so easily observed, like religious beliefs or socioeconomic status. Usually behind all barriers is a subtle struggle for power and prideful prestige.

Whatever the reasons for the barriers we erect, this one thing can be said: Barriers are not Christ-like. Jesus used His time on earth to break down barriers, not to build them.

I think it no coincidence that Jesus was born to humble peasants, or that His birth was first announced to one of the lowest classes of society, the shepherds. As Christ grew to adulthood and initiated His ministry, He made it his common practice to reach the outcasts–beggars, harlots, lepers, the blind, deaf, lame, and even the much-despised tax collectors–all for the purpose of revealing that the good news of His Kingdom was for everyone.

Over the next few days, we’ll take a look at a familiar story in which Jesus effectively broke down four different barriers. As you read these passages, please prayerfully consider how you can join Jesus in breaking down barriers today.

Breaking Down Barriers: Gender

Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that He was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John—although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples. So He left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now He had to go through Samaria. So He came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as He was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)~John 4:1-8 (NIV)

I love these words: “Now He had to go through Samaria.” There was an alternate route from Judea to Galilee Jesus could have taken, one most religious-minded Jews took on a regular basis. So why does the Bible tells us that Jesus had to go through Samaria?

I believe He was on a divine mission. His God-inspired agenda for the day included a divine encounter with a very unlikely woman.

Let’s get this picture set in our mind. It’s high noon. The sun beats down mercilessly, and a hot east wind stirs up dust at the village well. No one is out in this heat. No one, that is, except a lone woman. The fact that she’s alone in the scorching heat of the day reveals much. The other women had already come and gone, during the cool morning hours, to fill their jars for the day, but this woman wasn’t part of the ‘in’ crowd’s early-morning water-gathering ritual.

So why is this lone woman at the well at this unlikely time of day?

Because she’s an outcast, a victim of man-erected barriers. In addition to her status as outcast, it was also against Jewish custom for men to speak to women, especially in a one-on-one environment.

But Jesus wasn’t concerned about custom, her status as an outcast, or what people might say. Jesus was concerned about her.

By initiating the conversation at the well with this shunned woman, Jesus effectively shattered the gender barrier.

Breaking Down Barriers – Discussion Questions:

Why is there a gender barrier?
What gender barriers exist today?
How can those barriers be overcome?
What is the difference between the gender barrier and personal boundaries?

Tomorrow’s Post: Breaking Down Barriers: The Inclusive Good News-Part 2. Join us as we discuss racial, moral, and religious barriers.

Click to Tweet Please: Jesus broke down barriers. Join us for the Barriers Blog Series-Part1 http://www.catbryant.com/2014/04/01/breaking-down-barriers-1/ http://ctt.ec/c7vb1

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Trust and Obey – The Christian Life

It’s my belief that humans have the unique capacity to make things more complex than necessary. (If you don’t believe me, take a look at the US tax code, and you’ll see what I mean.)

The same is often true when it comes to our relationship with God. We make it difficult, while Jesus calls for child-like faith.

What are some ways in which we make things more difficult? Jesus called them “traditions of men.” We often add to what God commands, maybe because we want to be in control, to pat ourselves on the back for being such good Christians, and for bragging rights.

The following verse lists only two things needed in our relationship with God. While they’re not necessarily easy to do, they’re far less complicated than what we make it.

Trust in the LORD and do good… ~Psalm 37:3

TRUST AND OBEY

In Genesis 22, the Lord tests Abraham’s faith by ordering him to do the unthinkable–sacrifice his son Isaac. As a hero of the faith (see Hebrews 11 ), Abraham doesn’t argue with God, doesn’t ask why, doesn’t put his foot down and scream “No!” Instead he heads out to split wood. The next morning, he loads up the donkey and sets out for Mount Moriah.

What trust! And because of his faith, God stayed Abraham’s knife-gripping hand as it plunged toward the heart of his beloved Isaac. The father of our faith definitely passed God’s test, and proved that although he loved Isaac, he loved God more.

APPLICATION

Let’s not make our relationship with the Lord more difficult than it has to be.

First, we need to simply trust Him. He’s proved Himself trustworthy time and time again.

Second, we need to be obedient to His revealed will as found in His Word and His plan for each of us. Though not always easy, His way is always best. Like Abraham, our trust is proved through obedience.

“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

TO DISCUSS IN THE COMMENTS:

What are some ways in which you’ve made your relationship with Christ more difficult than necessary?
What are the benefits of trusting and obeying?

Tweet Please: #Christian Life: #Trust & #Obey (devo @Cathy_Bryant) CatBryant.com/2014/04/01/trust-and-obey/ http://ctt.ec/vfdQH+ http://amzn.to/1jIlD3J
Tweet Please: Benefits of #trust & #obedience? Share w/@Cathy_Bryant at CatBryant.com/2014/04/01/trust-and-obey/ http://ctt.ec/d1mc8

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Everyday Hero Carolyn England

The world is full of everyday heroes who sometimes go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of life. Because of this, I decided to create a series of interview posts about the everyday heroes I come in contact with.

I can think of no better place to start than with my mom, Carolyn England.

Everyday Hero Carolyn England

Welcome, Mom! Please tell everyone a little bit about yourself.

I am a retired mother of four amazing children and grandmother to six fantastic grandchildren and two adorable great grandchildren. I was raised on a farm by two hardworking Christian parents. I feel very blessed for all God has given me.

What hobbies do you enjoy? What are you passionate about?

I love to read Christian fiction novels and to work jigsaw puzzles. I feel very strongly about praising God and worshiping Him.

Well, this apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree! If you could spend time with any person–past or present–who would you choose? What would you talk about?

My mother. I’d like to talk about her childhood again.

Grandma told fascinating stories about her childhood. I especially remember her story of traveling from Arkansas to Texas in a wagon, with both her and her sister sick from scarlet fever. At least, I think I have those details right. You mentioned that you enjoy Christian fiction. If you could be a character in any book, which book would you choose? Which character? Why?

Texas Roads. I’d choose Mama Beth because I’d like to have her character.

(I did not pay her to say that, I promise! ) Although I didn’t intentionally base the character off anyone in particular, I see a lot of you and Grandma in Mama Beth. What’s your favorite Bible verse?

“But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel,“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.” Isaiah 43: 1-2

Favorite hymn or praise song?

Don’t know the title-“I know I am loved by the King. And it makes my heart want to sing.”

Great verse and song (How Can I Keep From Singing). Both very comforting. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

New England in the fall to see the fall foliage.

Me and Mom, on a trip with Hubs to Colorado and the Grand Canyon. Pikes Peak in the distance.

Let’s start making plans for this trip for later this year! Favorite dessert?

Chocolate ice cream.

Me, too! (Along with cheesecake… excuse me just a sec… Okay, I’m back.) *spoon clinking against bowl* If you could live anywhere besides where you live now, where would you move and why?

I think I would stay right here. Can’t think of where else I’d want to be.

Love that answer! Just so y’all know, my mom has lived her entire life in the same county in Central Texas. Sometimes I wish I had those kind of roots in one place… If you could have any super-power, what would it be, and why?

Wish I could twitch my nose and visit all of my kids without all of the driving.

If you had a life motto, what would it be?

To be content.

Perfect way to end our time together. Mom, thank you for agreeing to this interview. You’ll always be an everyday hero to me! Love you!

TO DISCUSS IN THE COMMENT SECTION:

Who are some of your everyday heroes?
What makes a person heroic?

If you have a suggestion for an Everyday Hero interview–either yourself or someone you know–please send me an e-mail via the Contact tab.

Click to Tweet Please: Join Christian author @Cathy_Bryant as she interviews an everyday hero, her mom! CatBryant.com/2014/03/29/everyday-hero-carolyn-england/ http://ctt.ec/v8f5e

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God First: A Path Less Traveled

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Life can be scary, can’t it? Many times it feels like we’re walking through a minefield. In heavy fog. Blindfolded. Truthfully, we need a guide, and I’m so grateful God is more-than-equal to the task. God must come first in our goals and decisions, but it’s much easier said than done because we think we know best, and we want our own way.

But consider this: God created us. He sees the big picture and loves us best and most. He has a plan for us, which involves being transformed into the image of His Son, Jesus. As hard as it is to push ourselves and our desires out of the way and let God have control, we must.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. ~Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)

God First ~ Trust Him

Trusting God is essential. It’s more than just trusting in Him. We trust Him–to be who His Word says He is, to do what He says He’ll do, and to use our lives in a way that makes us better and glorifies Him in the process.

God First ~ With All Your Heart

All our heart? Seriously? As much as I sometimes buck against it, undivided trust is the only acceptable option. We can’t say “Okay, God, I trust You, but I’m gonna look into some other options on the side while You do Your work.” We have to trust Him with every part of our being.

God First ~ Don’t Lean On Your Understanding

I love the wording here. We don’t lean on something we don’t trust. So when we lean on our limited human understanding, we’re putting our faith in ourselves. As an example, my type-A personality careens toward list-making. When I need to make a decision, I often write down the pros and cons of each choice. While the exercise is not entirely pointless, it is leaning on my understanding. It’s much better to pray for discernment, wisdom, and insight, and ask Him to remove my wants and desires and replace them with His.

God First ~ In All Your Ways Acknowledge Him

There are several different translations of the word “acknowledge” here, such as “submit to,” “listen to,” “think on,” and “know.” Combining these translations help us understand the wording better. In the Bible, hearing and listening always mean obedience. So this is more than just verbal acknowledgement, but acknowledging Him through our obedience.

The word “know” in the Old Testament is actually experiencing that person, having firsthand knowledge of them. The only way to have that kind of knowledge of someone is be intimately acquainted with them. Being in close, personal relationship with God is not a suggestion. It’s a requirement.

Not only do we have to personally know and submit to Him in obedience, we have to do it in all our ways. It’s a second-by-second submission to Him. Jesus called it dying to self.

God First ~ He Will Make Our Paths Straight

Who doesn’t want a straight path for their lives? This wording suggests removing obstacles and ironing out the curves and wrinkles that trip us up, slow us down, and hinder our progress. It’s His voice in our ear, saying “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)

Application

Living a life of faith and putting God first often means going down a path less traveled, a path that makes no logical sense. Many times in the Bible God directs His people to do some pretty strange things. Moses is commanded to return to Egypt where he’s wanted for murder. The runaway slaves are told to take a direction that leaves them pinned between the Red Sea and the quickly-approaching Egyptians chariots. Gideon is told to pare his army down to a mere three hundred men right before the battle. Ananias was instructed to initiate a face-to-face meeting with a man bent on destroying followers of The Way.

Why does God do this?

The answer is both simple and profound: to reveal His power and faithfulness so we can trust Him more.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more! 

(‘Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus, Public Domain, Louisa M.R. Stead, 1882) For the story behind the hymn, CLICK HERE.

A Path Less Traveled ~ A story of regaining faith in the midst of tragedy.

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Once For All ~ The Finished Work of Christ

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On a hot August day, I traipsed out to my garden to check my rose bushes. Between the heat and black spot disease most of the leaves were gone, leaving thorny canes stretching bony hands to the sky.

Though I had no control over the soaring temperatures, I had to take at least partial responsibility for the roses’ demise. When I purchased the bushes, I’d been offered the opportunity to buy a fertilizer to help protect the plant from black spot. The product was called Once. (I remember that trivial detail because it struck me as odd that it had to be applied every six weeks instead of once as the name suggested.)

Had I not been so eager to save money and been more diligent about providing what the plants needed, my rose bushes would most likely have fared better.

The Once-For-All Work of Christ

As plants lovingly tended by the Gardener of our Souls, we too have the tendency toward the black spot of sin. Thankfully, He knows what we need and has done all that is necessary to wipe away that black spot once and for all. When Christ cried “It is finished!” from the cross it wasn’t a gasping whisper, but a shout of victory!

Unlike the other high priests, He (Jesus) does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself. ~Hebrews 7:27 (NIV)

When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves;but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. ~Hebrews 9:11-12 (NIV)

But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself. ~Hebrews 9:26b (NIV)

Thank You, Jesus, for being our great High Priest. Thank You for doing for us what we could never do for ourselves–dealing with our sin once for all by Your sacrifice on our behalf. Thank You for loving us so much. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, Amen.

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