Deborah L. McCarragher's Blog, page 16

Are you acting like Jonah? Hope you like "whale" soup!

* (This is a Rerun Favorite) *

“I just don’t care anymore!”   “Why do I always have to be the one to apologize?”   “I’m tired of walking on egg-shells all the time!”
Does this sound familiar?  Is it always all about you?  What’s deep inside your whale’s belly? 
Has God allowed you to remain in a chamber of discomfort as He has a personal dialog with you about your disobedience?  Have you taken an inventory of the messy, stinky and seaweed strewn attitudes you possess? What about those tiny little creatures bobbing up and down in the gastronomical juices of your future plans.  There might even be an old shoe or sea creature carcass lodged in your circumstances.  Are you still sitting in the dark - waiting for a rescue plan?

God will get your attention – one way or another… 

Consider the story of Jonah… He was a contemporary of Jeroboam II of Israel (the southern kingdom) during the nation’s divided history.  He is mentioned in II Kings chapter fourteen as God’s servant Jonah the son of Amittai of the tribe of Zebulun, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher.  That is an area roughly three miles north of Nazareth in lower Galilee, making Jonah a prophet out of the northern kingdom. 
Assyria had gained a legendary reputation of being one of the cruelest empires in the ancient world.  Graphic accounts of their torture and cruelty have been found in Assyrian records from the ninth and seventh centuries B.C. 
Jonah was fiercely devoted to his people and did not want to do anything that might contribute to Assyria’s thriving empire.  God called him to preach repentance to the wicked King and his subjects in the capital of Nineveh.  Nineveh was founded by Nimrod, great-grandson of Noah (Genesis 10).  However, Jonah was unwilling to be a foreign missionary to a people towards whom he could feel nothing but bitterness and contempt.
When God commanded him to go to Assyria’s thriving city of sin and debauchery to have a revival service Jonah not only refused – he turned and went in the opposite direction!  Silly old Jonah – thinking he could either outrun or hide from the Almighty.  But don’t you and I do the same thing when we’re called to do something difficult or unpopular? 
Well – God had no trouble locating Jonah on a ship bound for Tarshish by way of Joppa.  The Lord sent out a great wind on the sea and the ship was tossed to and fro - ready to break apart.  Jonah Chapter 1 says, “Then the mariners were afraid; and every man cried out to his god, and threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten the load.”  The text also tells us that Jonah was fast asleep – oblivious to the chaos on deck above him. 
The captain awoke him and pleaded with him to call on his God that they might not perish.  They cast lots to determine whose fault the calamity was, and it fell on Jonah.  After much discussion and pleadings from Jonah – they reluctantly threw him into the sea.  The sea became calm and the men feared his God. 
Jonah 1:17 says this:  “Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah.  And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”
How long do you think it took Jonah to start praying?  What do you think he thought about while he sat in the large hollow of the whale’s stomach?  Do you think he thought about the men on board the ship who asked him, “Please tell us!  For whose cause is this trouble upon us?  What is your occupation?  And where do you come from”?  After all, Jonah even admitted that the great raging tempest was because of him!  He actually told the crew to throw him overboard in order to save themselves.  
Below is an excerpt from  MISSION POSSIBLE  -   Chapter 4 – Painful Reality  

Whatever you do, don’t be a modern day Jonah and try to run away from your God appointed mission. There will be direct conflict with “your will” over what to do. The Prophet Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh for many reasons, but none of them were good enough for God. (Your reason won’t be either).  You must have a genuine love for his soul because he is your husband and that is who will spend eternity with you.
When Jonah had pity on the plant more than the inhabitants of Nineveh, God rebuked him saying, “You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow … and should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left?”  (Jonah 4:10-11). Likewise, with regards to your husband, have pity on his soul .  Jesus died as much for him as for you. Pray that God will enlarge your gift of compassion towards him. Pray for a “burden for his soul”. Pray for God’s mercy. Someone cared about your soul enough to point you to Christ.

Our Lord Himself alluded to the historical accuracy of the story of Jonah in Matthew 12 and Luke 11.  He taught that as Jonah was three days and three nights in the body of the great fish, so should the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.  The wicked men of Nineveh had repented at the preaching of Jonah, while His own countrymen, scholars and religious rulers rejected His message. Jonah actually sacrificed himself for the lives of innocent men.  That is the marvelous picture of Christ we see in the story of Jonah.
This precious video made it's rounds on the internet a few months ago.  It's about 7 minutes long - but well worth the watch!  This little girl is very demonstrative and too cute!

I "smile out loud" every time I watch it!









 



Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.   http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

John 3:16 Blog Hop - And the Winners Are...

   







The winners of the: 


John 3:16 Authors Network Blog Hop    for the two Kindles  have been announced  at   http://john316mn.blogspot.com
 and also listed below! 


Let's thank the following John 3:16 Authors for sponsoring our 2 Free Kindles   P n

Congratulations to the Grand Prize winners (2 Kindles):
 Marnie Pohlmann
  Patricia Day

Thank you to all those who participated last week!  Also, if you signed up to win some prizes at the other participating blog sites, winners have been announced and if you were a winner, you will be notified by email within the next couple of days.  Names were selected using random.org.
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I am pleased to announce the winners of my blog giveaways -
Kim Cole    has won a signed paperback copy of Mission Possible  and a $15 Starbuck's gift card  &
Anastasia Watson    has won a signed paperback copy of Mission Possible and a $15 Starbuck's gift card
Also             
Sandra Humphrey, Kim Hawkins, Crystal Balzer, Stephanie Nicel, Glenda Parker, Joanna, & Faith Hope Cherrytea  have all won an e-book copy of Mission Possible.  
I will correspond with all winners by email in order to mail out books and provide a code for e-book download.
I invite you to visit my  Website   &   find me on  Facebook  and  Twitter
Thanks so much for visiting my Blog -  I hope you'll come back and visit often!  

Guest Author Marcia Laycock - Amazon Launch of "A Tumbled Stone"

[image error] Please welcome Marcia Laycock and her new book ~
A Tumbled Stone , as she launches this long-awaited sequel to One Smooth Stone on Amazon.

One Smooth Stone  won Marcia the Best New Canadian Christian Author Award when it was released, and her second book will not disappoint.

Go to Marcia's BLOG to find out how to get Free books and gifts after purchasing  A Tumbled Stone  on Amazon.


About the Book:

Andrea Calvert had to run away. She couldn't stay on the farm with her foster parents, shaming them before their neighbors and legalistic church. She couldn't face going to live with strangers in her condition, as her foster mother had arranged. But she couldn't face being pregnant and alone. She would have to take care of this in her own way. But when Andrea arrives at Evie's Rocky Road Diner, she sees an opportunity for work and decides to stay. 

Evie's gentle advice begins to change her heart. She shows her the stone tumbler set up in the basement of the diner and gives Andrea a stone pendant, saying, "God is always doing things in our lives, but it takes time. He knows exactly when to take the pressure off or increase it. He knows just how much tumbling we need." As she struggles to make decisions that will change her life, Andrea discovers her foster mother's diary and the wrenching story that reveals the deep reasons for the dysfunction in their family. Meanwhile, a figure from Andrea's past has hired investigators to find her. Is Andrea's life at risk at Evie's Diner?


[image error] About the Author: (in her own words)

I [Marcia] was raised at the conjunction of two of the Great Lakes, Huron and Superior, in Sault Ste.Marie, Ontario. Most of my childhood was spent on an island on the north shore of Lake Huron.
After a short stint at Carleton University in Ottawa, I ran away to Alaska and then the Yukon, had a "road to Mayo" conversion in 1982, leaped by faith into Briercrest Bible College with my husband in 1985 and landed in the "promised land" of central Alberta in 1988.
I've had the privilege of living a few miles south of the Arctic Circle (Dawson City Yukon) and a couple of degrees south of the equator (Papua New Guinea). I suppose that's why my writing is steeped in the imagery of winter, with the odd palm tree thrown in.
For the past 20-odd years, I've been a pastor's wife, mother of three girls, a freelance writer and speaker, caretaker of two dogs, a six-toed cat and sundry fish.
The writing began in the attic of my parent's house where I wrote stories for my dolls. None of them complained, so I kept it up. The Lord has abundantly blessed, challenged, rebuked, healed and restored me through the process of writing and being involved with writers. I am a member of  Inscribe Christian Writers' Fellowship, The Word Guild and American Christian Fiction Writers.

A Mini Interview with Marcia: 
1. Marcia, Please tell us the title and genre of your fiction book.  A Tumbled Stone – contemporary fiction; ISBN - 978-1-77069-455-2
2. Tell us about A Tumbled Stone. Why did you write it?  When I came to the end of the first book, One Smooth Stone, I wasn't ready to leave the characters behind and I thought the readers might feel the same. So I wrote the epilogue in which the main character, Alex, discovers he has a sister. Then it was a matter of playing "what if" and developing the new characters and the plot line. I knew where I wanted the book to go but it wasn't always easy making it go there. :)
The book involves the issue of abortion, and I wanted that to be an important part but not the central part of the book. The main character's struggle to shape her own identity and reconcile her feelings about her foster parents is paramount. The subplot involves the dysfunction in the relationship between her foster parents and how they resolve it.
3. Tell us about a significant moment for you as you were writing the book (either personally or professionally)  I suppose the most significant thing is that I was diagnosed with cancer just as the book was accepted by a publisher. That meant all the editing was done while struggling with "chemo-haze" so it was a challenge in many ways. My energy level was extremely low so I had to do what I could in short bits. I am very thankful for my editor at Word Alive Press. He was very helpful and patient with me. I'm also thankful that my energy level has rebounded nicely - I need all I can muster now, in the thick of the promotion. :)
4. What is significant about this book? Why should people read it?  I think a lot of people are running and hiding - from their lives and from God. We all do this to some degree (even Christians) and I believe God wants us to stop and face the past traumas, what we have done, etc. And he wants us to know He loves us in spite of it all, even when we make bad choices. As I mentioned, this book deals with abortion and my prayer is that it may help a young woman somewhere make the right choice for her unborn child. I also hope that after reading A Tumbled Stone readers will have more compassion for young women who find themselves in the place of having to make such a profound, life-changing decision.
5. Where can readers purchase A Tumbled Stone?  They can purchase it at any Christian bookstore (distributed by Ingram in the U.S.) or directly from me via my website, or from the publisher at  http://www.wordalivepress.ca    
You can also visit Marcia's website Here
Find Marcia on  Facebook  and on Twitter  


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Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visithttp://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Want to Win a FREE Kindle for Mom?

Need a great gift for your Mother? 
There's still time to register to WIN a Free Kindle from Amazon for your Mom, wife, daughter or yourself!

As one of the members of the
   John 3:16 Book Network   I am excited to participate in this event! We have come together this week to showcase our books and to give you, our readers, a chance to win some great prizes as you "hop" from blog to blog. A different prize is offered at each blog site (no purchase necessary). For a chance to win one of two Kindles that the Network is giving away (valued at $80 each) you'll have to sign up for the John 3:16 ezine newsletter . (Located at the top right side column of the John 3:16 blog site .)
(See official rules here.)
At the other blogs, each author will require that you leave a comment(and a valid email address) so they may contact you if you win a prize offered on their blog site.

Scroll down to my next Blog Post for a full list of Blog Participants or
Visit the link below to start your Blog Hop               
http://John316mn.blogspot.com



Join Our Mailing List (Blog Hoppers, sign up here, check the John 3:16 Readership Box)Email: (for Kindle drawing, May 7-May 14) For Email Newsletters you can trust

  So tell your friends about the John 3:16 Giveaway Blog Hop ! 
Win a Free Kindle for MOM 

As a member of the John 3:16 Marketing Network - I am giving away (2) signed paperback copies of my book  "Mission Possible" along with a $15 Starbuck's Gift Card.  I am also giving away (2) e-book copies of my book .

Mission Possible is a non-fiction Scriptural based study for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  Living in an unequally-yoked marriage is difficult, but not impossible .
To be eligible for my giveaway, please leave me a comment below (at the bottom of this blog post underneath the list of Bloggers) with your name and email address along with your thoughts on this Blog Hop and your opportunity to meet so many diverse Christian authors in one place!  This giveaway of my paperback book is limited to the U.S. and Canada only.  "Mission Possible" is available from my website,  Amazon   and  Smashwords .

** Visit my FREE Downloads Page for a sample of "Mission Possible" & other goodies. **

John 3:16 Blog Hop - Kindle Giveaway

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WiFi e-ink KindleWelcome to the 1st John 3:16 Giveaway Blog Hop ! As one of the members of this great network of Christian Authors, I am excited to participate in this event! We have come together this week to showcase our books and to give you, our readers, a chance to win some great prizes as you "hop" from blog to blog. A different prize is offered at each blog site (no purchase necessary). For a chance to win one of two Kindles that the Network is giving away (valued at $80 each) you'll have to sign up for the John 3:16 ezine newsletter . (Located at the top right side column of the John 3:16 blog site .)(See official rules here.) At the other blogs, each author will require that you leave a comment(and a valid email address) so they may contact you if you win a prize offered on their blog site. May I also suggest that you show your love and appreciation to each Blog Host by either following them on Twitter, or "liking" them on Facebook or even subscribing to their Blog. It won't help your odds of winning a prize but I know each author would be thrilled and very encouraged!
As a member of the John 3:16 Marketing Network - I am giving away (2) signed paperback copies of my book  "Mission Possible" along with a $15 Starbuck's Gift Card.  I am also giving away (2) e-book copies of my book as well.

My book is a non-fiction Scriptural based study for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  Living in a spiritually mismatched marriage is difficult, but not impossible .

To be eligible for my giveaway, please leave me a comment (below) with your name and email address along with your thoughts on this Blog Hop and your opportunity to meet so many diverse Christian authors in one place!  This giveaway of my paperback book is limited to the U.S. and Canada only.  "Mission Possible" is available from my website,  Amazon   and  Smashwords .

** Visit my FREE Downloads Page for a sample of "Mission Possible" and other goodies. **

Now on to the Main Event  -  the John 3:16 Blog Hop:

Join Our Mailing List (Blog Hoppers, sign up here, check the John 3:16 Readership Box)Email: (for Kindle drawing, May 7-May 14) For Email Newsletters you can trust

  So tell your friends about the John 3:16 Giveaway Blog Hop ! It's going to be a great week of fun!

Just click on the links below to go from blog to blog! Happy hoppin'! 
Blog Hop Participants:
1.      Lorilyn Roberts (John 3:16 Network Blog) – http://john316mn.blogspot.com/2.      Lynn Dove – Word Salt (Host blog) - http://wordsalt.wordpress.com/3.       Laura J. Davis - http://interviewsandreviews.blogspot.com/4.       Paulette Harper - http://www.pauletteharperjohnson.blogspot.com/5.       Carol A. Brown - http://connectwithcarolbrown.blogspot.com/6.      April Gardner - http://www.aprilwgardner.com/7.      Sue Russell – http://www.suerussellsblog.blogspot.com/8.      Thomas Blubaugh - http://tomblubaugh.net/9.      Susan F. Craft – http://historicalfictionalightintime.blogspot.com/10.  Heather Bixler – http://heatherbixler.com/11.  Joy Hannabass – http://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/12.  Deborah Bateman - http://www.DeborahHBateman.com13.  Kimberley Payne - http://www.fitforfaith.blogspot.com/14.  Rose McCauley – http://www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com15.  Lisa Lickel - http://livingourfaithoutloud.blogspot.com/16.  Alice J. Wisler - http://www.alicewisler.blogspot.com/17.  Amanda Stephan - http://www.thepriceoftrust.com/18.  Saundra Dalton – http://gracetolivefree.blogspot.com/19.  Tracy Krauss - http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com/20.  Ashley Wintters - http://ashleyschristianbookreviews.blogspot.com/21.   Deborah McCarragher - http://www.godmissionpossible.blogspot.com/22.  Lorilyn Roberts - http://lorilynroberts.blogspot.com/23.  Anita Estes - http://anita-thoughtsonchristianity.blogspot.com/24.  Martin Roth – http://www.military-orders.com25.  Janet Perez Eckles - http://www.janetperezeckles.com/blog26.  Kenneth Winters – http://www.lostcrownofcolonnade.com/27.  Eddie Snipes – http://www.eddiesnipes.com/28.  Diane Tatum - http://tatumlight-tatumsthoughts4today.blogspot.com/29.  Janalyn Voight - http://janalynvoigt.com/30.   Alberta Sequeira – http://www.albertasequeira.wordpress.com/31.   Tammy Hill – http://tammyhillbooks.blogspot.com/p/blog-hop.html32.  Marcia Laycock – http://www.writer-lee.blogspot.com/33.  Julie Saffrin - http://juliesaffrin.com/category/blog/34.  Nike Chillemi-  http://nikechillemi.wordpress.com/35.  Elaine Marie Cooper - http://ReflectionsInHindsight.wordpress.com36.  Sidney W. Frost - http://christianbookmobile.blogspot.ca/37.   Jairus B. King – http://ministerjking.blogspot.com38.   Bill Burt - http://kotbooks.blogspot.com/39.   Kathy Eberly - http://authorkathyeberly.blogspot.com/40.   Bob Saffrin - http://bobsaffrin.com/41.   Theresa Franklin - http://theresa-lifesjourney.blogspot.com/42.   Ray Lincoln - http://blog.raywlincoln.com/43.   Lilly Maytree -  http://www.lillymaytree.blogspot.com/44.   Valerie King - http://www.valeriekingbooks.com45.   Yvonne Pat Wright - http://www.spicetoeternity.co.uk/46.   Pauline Creeden -  http://fatfreefaith.blogspot.com/47.   Katherine Harms -  http://livingontilt.wordpress.com48.   Brenda Wood - http://heartfeltdevotionals.wordpress.com/49.   Deborah Malone - http://deborahsbutterflyjourney.blogspot.com/50.   Melissa Main –  http://www.mainwriters.com/51.    Kevin Main - http://mainchristianbooks.com/52.    Sandy Humphrey - http://www.kidscandoit.com/blog/53.    Felice Gerwitz - http://www.writingandpublishingblog.com/54.   Hallee Bridgeman - http://www.bridgemanfamily.com/hallee55.   Lisa Mills - http://www.authorlisamills.com/blog/


Thanks for stopping by my Blog   

Please come back often for inspirational & uplifting posts based on God's Word.

Don't forget to leave me your name, email and a brief comment (below) for a chance to win a signed paperback copy of my book "Mission Possible".   

Now hop on over to the blog listed as #22 Lorilyn Roberts to continue on your Blog Hop...










Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visithttp://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Celebrate Mothers From Ancient Times to Today

Mother's Day is a holiday with an interesting history.

Mother's Day began nearly 150 years ago in the United States, when Anna Jarvis, a homemaker from Appalachia, organized a day (Mother's Work Day) to raise awareness of something mothers hold near and dear to them:  poor health conditions in her community.

Fifteen years later, Julia Ward Howe organized a day encouraging mothers to rally for peace, since she believed they bore the loss of human life more harshly than anyone else. Julia was a Boston poet, pacifist, suffragist, and author of the lyrics to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic,

When Anna Jarvis died in 1905, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Legend has it that young Anna remembered a Sunday school lesson that her mother gave in which she said, "I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother's day. There are many days for men, but none for mothers."

Anna began to lobby politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to support her campaign to create a special day to honor mothers.  In 1913 the House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on Mother's Day.  In 1914 Anna's hard work paid off when Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday.

Mother's Day was first observed by attending church, writing letters to their mothers, and eventually by sending cards, presents, and flowers. With the increasing gift-giving activity associated with Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis became enraged. She believed greed and profit was overtaking the original intent of the holiday. Before her death in 1948, Jarvis is said to have confessed that she regretted ever starting the mother's day tradition.

However, the holiday of Mother's Day has flourished in the United States. The second Sunday of May has become the most popular day of the year to celebrate and show appreciation to their mothers. Telephone calls, cards, and flowers break all records for Mother's Day .

 A Biblical Portrait of Motherhood:

In Exodus 2 we are introduced to Jochebed , the daughter of Levi, born to him in Egypt.  She was the wife of Amram and was the mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses.  Her courage and ingenuity saved her son Moses from the wicked mandate of Pharaoh to kill every male Israelite child.  She cleverly hid him for three months, before placing him among the reeds in a water-tight basket along the Nile River.

As she watched Miriam approach Pharaoh’s daughter, she must have been relieved to hear that she would be nursing and weaning the child herself before handing him over permanently.  Those few early years were no doubt full of Godly teaching and a loving example to that little Hebrew child.  Can you imagine the pain and sacrifice she endured as she watched her young son disappear into Pharaoh’s exotic palace to be raised as an Egyptian?

I believe Jochebed was an important part of Moses’ life as a young child and into the reaches of adulthood.  She no doubt had an influence on his character, integrity and love for the Lord God of Israel.  She also raised Miriam (the eldest) and their brother Aaron, who appeared with Moses in front of the great Pharaoh of Egypt prior to releasing the children of Israel.  Were her children perfect?  No way.  They all displayed major character flaws.  All were reprimanded and punished by God for their disobedience.  However, all three witnessed God’s Sovereign power, deliverance and blessing in their lives and in their future destinies.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  We must teach by example and pray for their spiritual growth.  We are to “watch over the ways of our household, and not remain idle” – but stay balanced as we lead our children into adulthood one step at a time.  May we look to our Heavenly Father for His guidance and strength.

Famous Quotes:
"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."
-Abraham Lincoln 

 "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." -George Washington 
 "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."
-Author Unknown 

Do you have a special event or family tradition that you observe on  Mother's Day?  Share with me your memories or plans  for this special holiday...






 
Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visithttp://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Guest Author Elizabeth Marks ~ "Discover the Riches of His Grace"

Please welcome Guest Author Elizabeth Marks and her book:    Discover the Riches of His Grace - Learning to Do Relationships God's Way
This devotional inductive Bible study is based on the Book of Ephesians. It includes 18 lessons, 6 devotions, and 6 changes to connect online to share what you've learned through the study with others. 
The primary audience is women who long to draw closer to God and improve their relationships. Secondary audience is individuals and small group leaders who want to dig deeper into the Bible and learn new study methods. 
What's inside: Discover a fresh perspective on all God has done for you.  Learn of His great love for you, which is strong enough to change you and your relationships forever. Discover how inductive Bible study method helps you unlock the Bible and make it understandable. Learn how to create own observation worksheet for better interaction with God’s words. Build your confidence in correctly interpreting God’s words through use of Bible concordance and word studies. Learn what spiritual blessings are already yours. Identify five healthy life patterns leading to satisfaction in Christ Jesus. Discover strength in God like no other. Understand the importance of sacrifice and submission in relationships. Learn who your real enemies are and how to combat their negative effects in your life. Record your discoveries in our Truth Tracker to help you remember what you learned. Connect with author and others online to share what you discovered through the study.
About the Author:
Elizabeth, author of ThinkOnIt  Devotions, was born and raised in Southern California. After being married for 10 years with a five year old son, she and her husband were on the brink of divorce in late 1999. During that dark time, she and her husband came to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior through Saddleback Church’s Celebrate Recovery program. Now filled with God’s love, their hearts are renewed, their marriage restored and they were blessed with a second son in 2004! Elizabeth and Steve celebrated 23 years of marriage as of 2011. Grateful for God’s second chance, Elizabeth has a heart for encouraging and equipping people with God’s word.   Need some hope?  Visit http://www.ThinkOnIt.org today for Bible devotions, Bible studies, small group leader tips, and more.
Elizabeth’s favorite two verses are Philippians 3:9 NLT “I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith” and Galatians 2:20 NLT “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
How did you get started writing? In 2006 God started talking to me through my devotional time with Him. As I meditated on Scripture, a certain theme, point, or truth would stand out and resonate with me. I wouldn’t know fully what it meant unless I journal it out in handwriting. These journal entries turned into devotions I shared with my women’s small group to encourage them. Sometimes these devotions make it back to me and actually end up encouraging me! Isn’t funny how God uses things to get our attention?
Why did you write this Bible Study?I took a class on bringing the Bible to life and was excited about the inductive study method. It unlocked Scripture for me. I wanted to share it with it with my workplace small group.  The women from my small group enjoyed the study tools I taught and encouraged me to share it with others.
Why did you pick Ephesians as the first book to try the inductive study method?Ephesians is a wonderful book filled with the awesomeness of God and His blessings towards us. It is packed with valuable relational lessons that will not only draw us closer to God but with the added benefit of improving our earthly relationships too!
Is this study part of a series of studies?Actually, yes it is. This is the first of a new line of Bible studies branded Your Discovery Series. There are several studies (James, Colossians, Haggai, Joshua, Obediah) in the works to follow this one
Is there any significance behind the name Your Discovery Series?Yes. I feel strongly God’s words are for everyone. The Bible is not too hard for anyone. No one should be dependent on someone else to tell them what the Bible says. Your Discovery Series is designed to get you into the Bible like never before. The intent is create a hunger or craving for more of the Bible.  
How would someone connect/follow you?
Sign up for our newsletter at http://www.ThinkOnItBibleMinistries.OrgLike us at http://www.facebook.com/ThinkOnItBibleFollow us on http://www.Twitter.com/ThinkOnItDevosLike us at http://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkonit-bible-ministries-inc-

You can purchase Discover the Riches of His Grace on  Amazon

If you live in Southern California, I am available to visit your small group. I am also available to speak at local churches in Southern California. I’m always happy to share how God rocked my world. Feel free to contact me at Elizabeth@thinkonit.org.






Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visithttp://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Divorce - Has It Affected Your Family?

I have been walking through a desert of swirling sadness and dusty disappointment.  My soul has been parched and lifeless.  A blanket of heaviness hangs over me.  I’ve replayed hundreds of conversations, thoughts and pictures over and over in my mind. 

It’s okay to grieve.   I’ve given myself permission to “feel” the pain and sorrow.  I admit I’ve struggled with depression.  I’ve attended a funeral of sorts – another marriage has gone by the wayside.  Another couple has called it “quits”.  Another marital commitment has been laid aside, and vows once proudly proclaimed have been quietly dismissed.
I don’t mean to be so melodramatic – but I have to verbalize what I’ve been feeling these past few months.  It’s a type of therapy for me.  Everyone deals with pain in a different way.
There are too many of us...  We are the parents of adult children who have decided to divorce.  A new generation has broken all records with their half-hearted visits to marriage counseling and a quick trip to the divorce attorney.



 
Here are some startling statistics from http://divorcerate2011.com/divorce-statistics
Almost 49 percent of the marriages end up in divorcesFirst marriages end up in divorces in an average duration of just less than 8 years60 percent of all divorces are related to individuals aged 25 to 39There were more than 21 million divorces in the year 2000. In the same year, 58 million couples were married and still lived separatedThe average male age for a second divorce was 40.4 years and the average female age was 37.3 years in 1990The divorce rate of first time marriages is almost 10 percent lesser than the divorce rate for second marriagesOver a 40 year period, 67 percent of first marriages terminate in a divorce and 50 percent of these divorces take place within the first 7 yearsEvery year more than 1 million children are affected by divorce  
Our son and daughter-in-law (I just can’t bring myself to call her an “ex”) are now a statistic.   They have a daughter who is a toddler, and they are now living in different states.  Theirs is an all too familiar story regarding marital strife and miscommunication.  It always takes two to unravel a marriage.  There is plenty of blame to “go around”. 

I wrote a blog post last year titled:  Grass is greener or just an illusion? 
It addresses the problems of discontentment and disillusionment in your marriage.  Many young couples simply have unrealistic expectations when they enter holy matrimony.
I am, however, writing this post as an encouragement!   Someone else out there in the World Wide Web will read this post and cling to hope regarding their family situation.  My message to you is:  Hold onto your hope (Psalm 27:13-14) and watch what God can do in the midst of an impossible dilemma.  God is a God of Restoration, Regeneration, and Renewal.  Anything is possible with God…
I have chosen to notbe judgmental and overreacting when it comes to the “how” of their divorce.  I have not taken “sides” and been vindictive.  I love both my son and his wife.  They are the parents of our first grandchild.  They are both emotionally and psychologically damaged by the trauma of their divorce.  No one is a winner… they are both on the losing end of it all.
One thing I am determined to do is be a lighthouse and safe-house for both of them during this transition period.    
They both need to be ministered to.  They both need to understand that God still loves them and has a plan for them individually.  They both must discover who God is and submit to His Lordship.  They both need to mature and set aside their differences and work together for the benefit of their daughter.
God has specifically given me a mandate to minister to my daughter-in-law.  She is a wonderful mother and needs support as she steps into a new and unfamiliar role – namely – that of a single parent.  God has lain on my heart to be kind and helpful and understanding and patient. He would have me “sow seed” into her life, let others water, and watch as God brings the increase (I Corinthians 3:5-9).   

Please pray for me as I reach the edge of the wilderness and behold meadow ahead.  I desperately need rest.  I need spiritual refreshment and strengthening that only the Holy Spirit can give me.  Pray that I will continue to walk in wisdom and discernment, letting God lead my steps and direct my path (Psalm 37:23). 
I know you have a story to share or a burden to bear.   There is life after divorce for our adult children.  Please leave me a comment and encourage someone else today with your words of wisdom or your life experiences.  







Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Want a Free Kindle? Get Ready for the John 3:16 Blog Hop

Would you enjoy reading books on a new Kindle?  For FREE?
I belong to the John 3:16 Book Marketing Network and I am participating in a Blog Hop running for one week starting on May 7th and ending on May 14th .

By visiting each author's blog you get to enjoy reading their post and sign-up for a chance to WIN one of two Kindles being given away!  
To participate - you simply visit all 50 Blogs by "hopping" from one to another - and in turn - earn a chance to win free books , special giveaways , various gifts and the Grand Prize - a brand new Kindle from Amazon.
On this Blog - I will be giving away a free e-book copy of my book "Mission Possible" as part of the Blog Hop Giveaway Bash!
So - don't forget to mark it on your calendar! 

See you next month...

Author Theresa Franklin & Her Book "Triumph Through Trial"

Synopsis:
The stress of living a dream public personaand a nightmare private reality threatens to destroy a family unit, taking eachmember in its wake. Through a variety of physical and emotional weapons, one byone they will crumble.
 Cynthia is beautiful, educated, secretary of the church, and happily marriedwith wonderful children. She is an accomplished hostess and the picture ofChristian love. She has the perfect marriage and life—well, not exactlyperfect. Her husband, children, church members, and life in general seem to getin the way of her perfect life. Feeling robbed of the life she so richlydeserves, Cynthia lashes out and her family pays the price.
 Michael is successful, educated, and deacon of the church with wonderfulchildren. Michael and his children have a close relationship. They count on himfor advice, guidance, and unconditional love. Serving God is one of Michael'sgreatest joys. He and his children delight in helping others. Michael lovesevery part of his life except for his marriage, which is stressful andunfulfilling to say the least.
 Karen is the eldest child and bears the brunt of emotional destruction weldedby her mother. Kevin is the only male offspring and uses humor and sarcasm asshields to protect himself. Kathy, the youngest, is sweet and seldom is avictim in the war, but lately watching the slow erosion of her family is takinga physical toll on her.
 Michael longs for the marriage that Cynthia believes they have and dreams ofproviding a safe haven for their children. After twenty-five years of marriage,Michael is losing hope of his dream becoming reality. Can he match the publicpersona and the private reality? What will it cost to get that kind of marriageand home-life? Is it worth the cost? Who will pay the cost?
About the Author: 
Theresa Franklin grew up in Houston, Texas.  After graduation she attended East TexasBaptist College.  There she met herhusband on a blind date.  They married ashort time later and moved outside of Beaumont, Texas where they raised theirthree children.  Theresa taught school for 12 years.  Students with disabilities won her heart andshe became Director of Special Education in an effort to better servethem.  She retired in 2010 and beganwriting children's books.  She has nowbroadened her skills and written for adults.
Theresa is the author of children's books, Don't Forget Daddy and A Sunny Tomorrow.  Her adult books include non-fiction Journey to Fulfillment and fiction Triumph Through Trial.  She has written one curriculum guide for thenovel Night of the Cossack, ahistorical fiction for young adults by Tom Blubaugh, titled Night of the Cossack, Lesson Plan.  Soon to be released is another adultfiction titled Reflections of Rosalyn.

Excerpt from "Triumph Through Trial"
Michael sat in the car staring out at the city lights.  The park was dark, but the downtown Christmaslights could be seen even from here. They seemed to be prettier when one sat in the dark.  He thought about the argument that he andCynthia had just had.  It was more likeCynthia argued and he stated his opinion when he could, which was seldom.  Michael wondered if he had stayed in themarriage because he was strong or because he was too weak to leave.  When the kids had been younger, he had feltit his duty to maintain a home with two parents.  Now he was beginning to wonder if he had donehis children a disservice by allowing them to grow up with contention.  He knew that every home had problems, but wasit good for kids to live in that type of environment on a daily basis?Michaelwas so consumed by his thoughts that he failed to notice that he was not alonein the park.Thestreet gang had been sitting on the picnic tables in the park discussing whatto do that night.  It hadn't been anespecially good day for any of them.  Asa whole, they were too poor to receive material possessions from family, tooproud to accept hand-outs from the shelter, and too self-centered to be ablessing to anyone else.  "I'mbored.""Whatdo you want to do?""Idon't know.  But I'm tired of justhanging out here.""Doyou see what I see?"  One of them askedthe others."Whewwee.  A rich guy all alone in the park onChristmas night.""Yeah,maybe he would like to share a little of that wealth with us.""Isn'tthat what Christmas is for?  Giving toothers?""Iheard once that it is more blessed to give than receive.""Well,let's go give this guy a blessing and allow him to give to us."  The entire gang laughed."Let'shave some fun while he is receiving his blessing."  Another laugh and still Michael heardnothing.By thetime Michael was jarred out of his deep thoughts; his car was surrounded withsome of the most menacing characters he had ever seen.  One guy opened the door as another one pulledhim out of the car.  "Idon't want any trouble, guys.  What doyou want?""Didyou hear that?  He don't want notrouble."  The one that opened the doorsaid."Youbeing smart with us, old man?""No, Ijust don't want anyone to get hurt." Michael tried to keep his cool. He knew showing fear would only spur them on.
What others are saying:
This book is truly a blessing to families and the body of Christ. The author, through the use of scriptures and examples of family life, paints a wonderful picture of how life can be through the love and redemption of Jesus Christ. The author promotes family in this story of healing and encourages others, that "...love covereth a multitude of sins." Families will find solace and comfort through this book. Theresa Franklin's writing style flows smoothly making for an easy read, keeping the reader fully engaged. This book will minister to all families that are "less than perfect." A highly recommend, encouraging read that will impact others for Christ. God can work in any situation, as the author illustrates, even the impossible ones. 
[CBM Book Reviews - Amazon]


Where to find Theresa and her books:
 Purchase on Amazon
  Visit Theresa's Blog here:   Life's Journey
and her website here:   Theresa Franklin - Stories for Christ

Theresa is a member of the  
John 3:16 Book Marketing Network 






Deborah is the author of a Christiannon-fiction book titled "MissionPossible".  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but theirspouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge thereader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together. Visithttp://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com