Deborah L. McCarragher's Blog, page 26

A Sure Foundation - Moving Ahead in the New Year

As the New Year approaches, it would be a good time to talk about spiritual " foundations " and what that means for the Christian.

A foundation is a prepared base or support for a structure to be built on. In days of old, when a new building in town was to be constructed, a foundation stone was laid with great fanfare, often in a public ceremony. Many times during a ground-breaking ceremony, a local dignitary would symbolically put a shovel into the dirt and pose for a picture to commemorate the event. The foundation is the most important part of any building. The materials and work on a slab foundation is literally "set in stone", and has no room for errors. In this type of foundation wooden forms are built which then hold the poured concrete. A footing trench is dug around the perimeter to provide added thickness along the end of the slab. These edges are stress prone and the weakest point of the foundation . Usually sand or gravel is spread below where the concrete is poured. This technique prevents the slab from sinking under the weight of the concrete. A vapor barrier is usually installed above the sand or gravel, and wire mesh is placed in the center of the slab with rebar (steel rods) in the footing areas to add rigidity and prevent cracking.

The following 1st stanza and refrain from this famous hymn passionately conveys this spiritual truth…

The Solid Rock - by Edward Mote (c.1834)My hope is built on nothing lessThan Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
Refrain:On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;All other ground is sinking sand,All other ground is sinking sand.
Scripture tells us that JESUS is the " Chief Cornerstone " of our faith. Isaiah 28:16-17 says, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation , a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation ; Whoever believes will not act hastily. Also I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plummet…" Peter quotes both Isaiah and the Psalms in I Peter 2:6-7. He states, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will be no means be put to shame." Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone."

In Matthew 21, Jesus tells the parable of the Landowner while He was teaching in the temple. He was speaking to the Chief priests and Pharisees. He then quoted Psalm 118:22-23 and said, "Did you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? Christ Himself is the Cornerstone of the Church – and was dismissed by the Jews. He came first to the lost sheep of Israel, only to be rejected, mocked and executed by those who heard His message in that day.


In Acts 4, Peter is preaching to the Sanhedrin, quoting familiar scriptures from Isaiah. He then says, "Nor is there salvation is any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." His audience marveled at his and John's preaching, noting that they were uneducated and untrained, but yet spoke with great power and boldness.
The Apostle Paul takes time in Corinth to teach on the concept of the right foundation . In I Corinthians 3:9-14 Paul explains the importance of a sure and righteous foundation : "For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation , and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now, if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward."  Paul also stressed to his readers that if their work was destroyed by fire, they themselves would be saved, though refined by the flames. Either way – we must be sure our faith and works are built on the solid foundational truths of Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

The New Year is quickly approaching. This is the point of it all: You need a firm foundation to move ahead as a Christian to effectively reach a lost and perishing world. For some, this Christmas was the beginning of a long and fruitful Christian life. For others, a recommitment to Christ is what is needed. Paul knew and preached that salvation was by faith, through grace alone. He knew that justification was through a belief on Jesus, the Son of God. He taught us to "count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus… that we might know Him and the power of His resurrection."

The New Year brings opportunity for a renewed "God Purpose" – a fine-tuning of our Christian basics. We need to be sure we have a solid biblical foundation to launch out from in 2011.

Here are a few things we need to inspect with regards to our own foundation :

~ Discipleship opportunities and Bible Study
~ Decision making, obedience and submission to God's leading
~ Discernment, wisdom and stewardship
~ Fellowship, outreach and ministry
~ Charity, hospitality and good works

If Jesus came to do a foundation inspection, would you pass the test?




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  














Mary, Did You Know? Through Her Eyes...

As Christmas approaches and we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I began thinking more about His mother, Mary, and what was going through her mind. Maybe it's because I am a first-time Grandma. I remember when I gave birth to our son – gazing into his little face – wondering what the future held for him. No doubt my daughter-in-law had many moments after their daughter's birth, when she envisioned her life's journey in the days ahead.
Read the first stanza (below) of the song, "Mary, did you know?" by Mark Lowry, and keep in mind what Mary might have been thinking as she awaited the birth of her firstborn…

Mary did you know, that your baby boy would one day walk on water?Mary did you know, that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?Did you know, that your baby boy was come to make you new;That this child that you delivered, would soon deliver you?Oh Mary, did you know?

Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem because of the census that Caesar Augustus had decreed. The rich lush fields and meadows surrounding Bethlehem, or as it is known in Hebrew, "House of Bread", is where Ruth, Jesse and David lived, overlooking picturesque valleys and farmlands, as sheep grazed on the hillside. This is the birth place of the Baby, Who would later boldly declare, "I Am the Bread of Life" (John 6:35; 51). This is where the shepherds had received a message from an angel of the Lord. They were to go and seek out the newly born babe, and pay Him homage, right there in their own backyard. The Lamb of God was born in a stable a short distance from where flocks of sheep were bedded down for the night.  When they shared what the angel had said to them with the new parents and others, everyone marveled. Scripture tells us that "Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19).

I imagine Mary looked lovingly down at her baby boy and whispered, "Welcome to the world, my Son. Be at peace. Your dad and I are here – and will always be here for You. We love You so much!" I'm sure she vividly recalled the moment when an angel of the Lord visited her with the announcement, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" She no doubt shook her head as she remembered him saying, "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS . He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." What a journey it had been. She had surely seen the Lord God move in miraculous ways since that first greeting by His holy messenger.

Looking through Mary's journal, let's take a look at some of the more memorable moments she most likely recalled during her lifetime…

- Not long after learning that she was with child, Mary took a journey into the hill country to visit her kinswoman Elizabeth, wife of Zacharias the priest. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb "leaped" and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, saying with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:39-43)

– Sometime after they circumcised their infant son, Mary and Joseph journeyed to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him and redeem their firstborn as the law required. They were unexpectedly met by a holy, devout prophet named Simeon. Being moved by the Spirit, he took the child into his arms and blessed God saying, "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all people, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel." She and Joseph were taken aback and marveled at his words. (Luke 2:21-33)
– During one of their many trips to the Holy City for the Feast of the Passover, Mary and Joseph, supposing Jesus was with their relatives on the return trip, discovered He was missing. Upon circling back to the city, they discovered Him three days later sitting in the midst of the teachers, engaging them and inquiring about the holy scriptures. She and Joseph were amazed, but concerned, asking him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously!" Of course, she readily recalled His answer, "Why is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" (Luke 2:41-49)

– Mary no doubt remembered how Joseph lovingly brought Jesus as a boy into his carpentry shop as soon as he was able to follow simple directions. He had built him a small bench and gave him his own set of tools to use. She smiled as she recalled the days he spent building little tables and stools. Then, when he turned twelve – Joseph make him a full apprentice in the shop. What a proud day that was in their household! Ever since the incident in Jerusalem, Jesus had been humble and submitted to them in Nazareth – gaining wisdom, stature & favor with men and with God. (Luke 2:51-52)
– After Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, He had several disciples join Him. Just a few days later she had attended a wedding in Cana of Galilee with them. She remembered how embarrassed the family was about running out of wine before the festivities had ended. She recalled telling her Son about their dilemma, and His reply of, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come." Though perplexed, she instructed the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." Well, what a celebration that was! Not only were the guests enjoying themselves, but the master of the feast was so impressed by the bridegroom's choice of wine, he publically commended him about saving the best for last! Of course, she and the disciples knew Jesus had done the miraculous – all as a manifestation of His glory for their benefit. (John 2:1-11)

– Mary had seen and heard so many incredible things while Jesus ministered throughout the region, but none could prepare her for that terrible day when she would watch the unthinkable – His crucifixion on Golgotha. Her Son had endured unspeakable torture and humiliation before His death, and yet, He lovingly presented her to His beloved disciple John to care for as his own mother. She couldn't comprehend such a selfless gesture as He hung suspended between life and death. Her Son had indeed been a special gift of God … (John 19:25-30)


Like most of us, she likely had someone approach her over the years about her famous Son, perhaps relaying a specific event or milestone, saying, "Mary, did you know…?"




 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/






The Gift - This Could Be Your Best Christmas Ever!

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (II Corinthians 9:15)


Christmas isn't just about the gifts, or is it?  We all know it's better to give than to receive. Sometimes we spend months looking for just the right gift to give. We often take the time to wrap it with colorful paper, ribbons and bows. Presentation is everything! Once in a while we'll try to get the recipient to "guess" what's inside. There's just something about gift giving that can be so exhilarating!

In Scripture, Matthew Chapter 2 tells us, "When they [Magi] had come into the house they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh." These were precious gifts fit for royalty, which had been transported for hundreds of miles. The wise men had followed a bright star which had originated in the East, and had led them to the specific dwelling place of the Christ Child .

One of my favorite passages of scripture is in the 4th Chapter of John. Jesus had a Divine appointment with a woman in Samaria. His disciples had gone into town to purchase food and provisions. While they were gone, Jesus remained by Jacob's well, weary from the journey. The woman came out at noonday to fetch water because she was an outcast in the community. As she drew the water, Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink", to which she replied that Jews don't normally have social contact with Samaritans. Verse 10 is the best part! Jesus said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." Jesus goes on to explain in verse 14 (after her rant about Abraham and their shared heritage) "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst…" Christ had extended her the favor of grace. Verse 15 tells us she wanted that gift right then and there! She was tired of her old life and knew He had something real to offer. She basically said, "Show me where to sign-up! I'm ready!" Romans 6:23 tells us, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The woman at the well knew she was in sin and would face her Maker. God's Righteousness demands a payment for sin. Jesus shared the good news with her that God's Gift was indeed standing before her. He offered her eternal life in exchange for eternal separation from God. God in the flesh offered her the greatest token of His love.
Jesus meets us right where we are – ready to give us The Gift of God. Of course, it's available anytime – not just at Christmas! James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." No one knows how to give gifts like Our Heavenly Father!  Matthew 7:11 states, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, now much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who as Him!"

Your greatest gift is what Jesus has already prepared for you… He's waiting for you to accept it! God sent Jesus in the flesh  -  Emmanuel  - "God with us" - 2000+ years ago.  

Make this your best Christmas ever!

To view a presentation by the Billy Graham Evangelical Assoc. on how to become a Christian, please visit this link: http://bit.ly/hHxb7z    (Steps to Peace with God)

Little People Nativity and Song

Many of you have young children or grandchildren. This is a traditional childrens Christmas carol dating from the twelfth century.  Please share this wonderful song with others...



The Friendly Beasts
Jesus our brother, strong and good,Was humbly born in a stable rude;And the friendly beasts around Him stood,Jesus our brother, strong and good.
"I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown,"I carried His mother up hill and down;I carried her safely to Bethlehem town,I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown.
"I," said the cow, all white and red,"I gave Him my manger for His bed;I gave Him my hay to pillow His head,I," said the cow, all white and red.
"I," said the sheep with the curly horn,"I gave Him my wool for His blanket warm.He wore my coat on Christmas morn,I," said the sheep with the curly horn.
"I," said the dove from rafters high,"I cooed Him to sleep so He would not cry,We cooed Him to sleep, my mate and I;I," said the dove from rafters high.
And every beast, by some good spell,In the stable dark was glad to tell,Of the gift He gave Emmanuel,The gift He gave Emmanuel.
 
Merry Christmas - Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

April Gardner Launches Her New Book "Wounded Spirits" on Amazon Today!

If you love historical fiction, you should check out April W Gardner's, recently released Wounded Spirits. Today marks the novel's Amazon Book Launch.

Buy the book today and receive:
1. Gifts from the author
2. E-gifts from generous supporters

"In Wounded Spirits , April Gardner has skillfully blended research with fiction to create a story that entertains and educates. Wounded Spirits has something for everyone: forbidden love and romance, brutal war scenes, sacrificial love, history of the 19th century, and a faith that triumphs over adversity. This is a debut novel to remember."
--Suzanne Woods Fisher
Bestselling Author of The Choice

ABOUT THE BOOK:
On the frontier, Adela McGirth's life is simple, rugged, and exactly to her liking. Her greatest concern is whether to marry the settlement's most eligible young officer. When a distant war among the Natives spills over into a nearby skirmish, life takes a perilous turn. Deep in enemy territory Adela must choose between the man she loves and a baby that has yet to be born; will she be strong enough to wait on God's provision?

A peace-loving yet loyal Creek warrior, Totka is forced to align with the extremist Red Stick faction whose purpose is to eradicate the Whites from Creek soil. In the midst of battle, Totka is assigned to protect those he is expected to hate--and kill. Life was simpler before his enemy became a beautiful face with a quiet strength and dignity he cannot resist.

Having lived a life plagued with death and loss, Zachariah McGirth is a man on a mission - he'll have his revenge or die trying. Blinded by grief, he can't see his way clear of yet another tragedy. Why has God taken everything from him...or has He?

Their lives molded by the course of history, can these Wounded Spirits learn to rely on God's grace during one of the bloodiest conflicts in the South?

BUY NOW! And receive… http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2

FREE E-GIFTS FROM THE AUTHOR—

• Every buyer receives a PDF of the first chapter of the sequel, Warring Spirits
• PLUS a personalized, signed book plate mailed straight to you!

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT WOUNDED SPIRITS—
"This is a solid debut from Ms. Gardner, one that demonstrates not only her skill with words, but her insight into the human condition. The characters will grip your heart, the story will seize your mind, and the hope at the end will leave you with the surety that your God is bigger than any human troubles."
--Rosanna White,
Christian Review of Books

"Wounded Spirits is a powerful story of love, loyalty, the effects of war, and faith in God. The writing is vivid and compelling. The characters were so real I felt I knew them, and I was caught up in their lives and compelled to read on. The ending was sweet yet realistic. The story and its characters will stay with me for a long time. I look forward to reading future books by this talented author."
--Melanie Dickerson,
Author of The Healer's Apprentice
BUY NOW! And also receive…

FREE E-GIFTS FROM THE SUPPORTERS OF WOUNDED SPIRITS, including—
Three free e-books!
A set of children's greeting cards!
A free devotional book mailed to your house straight from the author!
Just for writers--two free critiques from professional editors!

All these gifts (and much more!) will be yours by purchasing Wounded Spirits today. Follow this link to learn how. http://tinyurl.com/2u8bbj2






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  

Guest Author Rebekah Hunter Scott & her book Motherhood is Easy...

Please join me in welcoming Rebekah Hunter Scott and her hillarious book about parenting, Motherhood is Easy...as long as you have nothing else to do for the next 50 years...  I met Rebekah at an author book signing and knew right away that she had a unique resource for the new Mom.  Here's my take on this fun to read book:

First, Rebekah pulls no punches in her description of the day-to-day combat mothers deal with. I've been observing our son and wife with their firstborn daughter, and the whole "motherhood obstacle course" memory came flooding back with a vengence.  Our son was not the easiest to raise, and my hat goes off to Rebekah for taking on "two" children at the same time!  I never did feel like a real Mom, since I only gave birth to one child (although it was a grueling 30+ hr. all-natural labor).  Motherhood is Easy... is a survival guide for those Moms living in the trenches.  This bare-knuckles, honest look at the only job men readily confess they'd rather not be doing full-time is masterfully written in such a way as to difuse any new Mom's nerves, and place a grin on her face that can't be easily erased.  I highly recommend reading this insightful and delightful look at what being a Mom truly is (for most of us anyways)...
Deborah McCarragherAuthor of "Mission Possible"

Here's a brief Question and Answer segment about Rebekah and her book:


Tell us a little about your background. I grew up in a small NJ town with my two brothers and three sisters. I always loved to write--my sister and I would write stories about our Cabbage Patch Kids, I kept volumes of diaries, and later majored in creative writing at Florida State. After holding a few marketing jobs where the most writing I did were direct mail kits for a life insurance company, my husband and I decided to start a family. That's when the real fun began!
What inspired you to write this influential book?
I wrote only fiction until I had kids. But after watching their daily antics and relaying them to whoever would listen, I had a friend and fellow member of the Florida Writer's Association (FWA) suggest I start a blog, and eventually a book. I also belong to MOMS Club International (a non-profit organization that is all about moms supporting fellow stay-at-home moms), and when my friends started reading my blog, they would come up to me and tell me how glad they were that they weren't the only ones yelling at their kids, feeding them nothing but chicken nuggets or letting them run around outside in only a diaper. This ability to relate to other moms and make them laugh (a much-needed release!) became addictive, and I've been blogging, writing, and connecting with moms ever since.
What kinds of reactions has the book generated thus far?
I've had so many moms thank me for the laughter, which is always so wonderful to hear. The book recently one first place in FWA's Royal Palm Literary Awards for Humor, and it was also excerpted in American Baby magazine.

What's the main message that you'd like readers to take away from it?
The main theme in this book is: Don't forget to laugh. Motherhood is a tough, never-ending job, but it can also be so much fun if you just keep things in perspective.

What's next for you? I've been working on a few magazine articles for Parents and American Baby, and am hoping to write a prequel to Motherhood Is Easy entitled Pregnancy is Easy.... I'll have to keep you posted on that one! ;)

How can our readers learn more about you and purchase your book? My website is probably the best place for both of those things:  http://www.motherhoodiseasy.com/  . There you'll find links to my blog and a place to purchase an autographed copy of the book. I also have a Facebook Fan Page .
Any final thoughts you'd like to share? I hope that any moms out there who are feeling isolated, lost, or just overwhelmed will always know that they aren't alone! The trials of motherhood are universal, and laughter is truly the best weapon against anything life throws at you.
Here's what others have to say about "Motherhood is Easy..."
...nonstop humor..."
-Midwest Book Review

"Mel Brooks in a skirt..."
-Royal Palm Literary Awards


"Irreverent, fresh and sweet...the most laugh-out-loud book on parenting..."
-Amazon.com

"A hilarious survival guide...
-The Mom Reviews


"I found myself laughing, crying, and groaning throughout the whole book.....A candid, honest look at motherhood."
-EmpoweringMommy.com

"...funny, sharp-witted, intelligent, and honest..."
-BookPleasures.com

Thanks for being my guest, Rebekah!   Don't forget to check out her Blog at:
Motherhood Is Easy









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  

Fellowship - One Word Blog Tour

Fellowship conjures up visions of a latte at the corner Starbucks, or perhaps a potluck dinner at church.

The Greek word koinonia means "that which is in common."

Fellowship often denotes membership in a local Christian church or in the Church [Body of Christ]. Acts 2:42 tells us that believers who were present at the Pentecost "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship , and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Fellowship also refers to a deep, abiding friendship between believers. God's Word uses the term "agape" in the description of a love and fellowship which is deeper and more satisfying than any human relationship including social, parental, conjugal or any other form. This is ideally portrayed in the unique God-ordained friendship between David and Jonathan in I Samuel.

In his thank-you note to the Philippians, Paul exhorts them to have their confidence in Christ. Chapter 3, verse 10 says, "…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." He knew that identification with Christ was the key to pressing "toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." In this instance, Paul wanted to share the commonality with His Savior, in the sufferings that would produce righteousness in him. The fellowship he spoke of was an intimacy he longed for, that the church might also embrace.

John also spoke of fellowship in his epistle, which was most likely written to the Asian churches. In I John 1:3-4, John writes, "…that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full." John had personally seen Jesus converse with His Father, and heard the heartfelt prayers He uttered on behalf of His disciples and all believers. His desire was for the church to have that same intimate relationship with the Savior, and enjoy the full benefits of true sonship.

This hymn was written by a young man named John Fawcett, who was converted at age sixteen under the preaching of George Whitefield, and was ordained a minister at the age of twenty-five. He wrote this hymn for the small church he pastured in northern England.  It portrays a beautiful picture of the true heart of fellowship :

Blest Be the Tie That Binds Blest be the tie that bindsOur hearts in Christian love:The fellowship of kindred mindsIs like to that above
Before our Father's throneWe pour our ardent prayers;Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,Our comforts and our cares.
We share each other's woes,Our mutual burdens bear,And often for each other flowsThe sympathizing tear.
When we asunder part,It gives us inward pain;But we shall still be joined in heart,And hope to meet again.
John Fawcett (1740-1817)

* This post is part of the One Word Blog Carnival at BridgetChumbley.com . Please visit her site to read the other blog posts on Fellowship *




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




Guest Poet & Author Cindy Tuttle - Finding the Light of Jesus

Finding the Light of Jesus is a collection of prayers and corresponding writings that deal with many of life's unavoidable challenges.  Cindy inspires you and leads you into self-reflection as you read each themed section.  Her goal is to point you to the Light of the World - Jesus Christ, Who can illuminate and transform your thinking about life's everyday journey.  Cindy has worked for years with some of society's most vunerable, and lovingly records her thoughts and prayers in this handbook for the hurting.  Her book is just what is needed in the weary and  disillusioned world of today.  Join her in finding out what really matters in life, as you read this inspirational and life altering resource.  You will refer to it again and again.
   -Deborah McCarragher



Cindy Tuttle has worked for over twenty-five years in the mental health field.  She has had articles published in thirteen periodicals, and is the author of two books - Finding the Light of Jesus and Joining the Dance of Life.  She has started a ministry called Voice of Joy!  Cindy shares inspirational messages with various groups and churches, while ministering to individual needs.  Cindy says, "The main message I would like the reader to take away is no matter what the circumstances or feelings, Jesus calls us and He is beside us."

Face it; life is full of stress. Whether we must deal with daily mild irritations like spilled milk and traffic jams, or extreme problems like the death of a family member, divorce or job loss, each of these events—as well as those that fall in between these opposite ends of the scale—cause anxiety, worry, or even ill physical health.

Fortunately, Finding the Light of Jesus provides readers with reflections and revelations which allow us to step back from our problems, reflect on what is most important in the present moment, and rely on spiritual healing— the Light —to experience inner peace and calm in the midst of trouble.
This book is written in conversational tone, making it friendly and relatable to readers.

Here are a few things Cindy would like to share about herself -

* I am a writer who writes from the heart. I have a joy of life that I want to share with others. My books offer hope and encouragement.  I see writing as my ministry, and through it, I can show forth the love Jesus has for each of us.

* I have a book called  Joining in the Dance of Life . This book will challenge us to look at the simple joys in daily life that we might otherwise miss. It is a thirty day devotional dedicated to helping you live a joyful life.

* I have written over 2,000 prayers.

* I facilitate spiritual retreats where I use art, simple dance movements, and faith sharing. I minister at churches, schools, workshops, etc.

* I have a degree in Human Service and have completed four years of Lay ministry courses. I am a state certified Activity Director in California.
* I have served on the Mental Health Advisory Board.

Here's what others have to say about Cindy's book  Finding the Light of Jesus -
  Finding the Light of Jesus is an invitation to look at the world we live in and to reflect on how Jesus asks us to live and move in that world. Bravely, the author shares her experiences of life with Jesus through reflections, prayers, poetry, and exercises. Under her guidance, we can "Let the dance begin!"
Peace,  Linda Shumate
    Cindy Tuttle's professional background is stress counseling in impressive. Drawing on this background, the author presents a truly readable, no -nonsense manual of operation for capturing peace is every adult's stressful world. What sets this guideline apart is a unique age-tested device- the recognition of the presence of an unparalleled love (and available for the taking) in each one of us.
Bishop Francis A. Quinn, Bishop Emeritus of Sacramento California.

Finding the Light of Jesus can be found on Amazon.com   HERE   or on Crosslink  HERE 
Her latest book Joining the Dance of Life is now available! Please visit her website at - www.cindytuttletheauthor.com









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/


Blog Jog Day is Here! Come Run a Lap With Me...

Thank you for stopping by my Blog!    Please explore all this Blog has to offer , then jog on over to: 

"My Quality Day"   http://myqualityday.blogspot.com/  .  



                                                                      If you would like to 
visit a different Blog in the jog , go to http://blogjogday.blogspot.com  . 





To kick off the Holiday shopping , I am giving away a  $25.00 gift card from Family Christian Bookstore.


Please leave me a comment, along with your name & email (below) to the following question:

"How will you make Christmas in your home a celebration of Christ, and not just another holiday?

I will be choosing & announcing the winner at 7:00pm on November 22nd - So be sure to check back !


Please visit my latest Blog post  -
Thanksgiving - A Holiday or a Holy Day?    






  
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

Thanksgiving - a Holiday or a Holy Day?

Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. Its origin is a matter of debate, but most likely it is based on the traditional "first Thanksgiving " harvest meal shared in 1621 at the Plymouth Colony Plantation by the Pilgrims and a group of native Americans. Thanksgiving is generally observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. It is often a day for watching football games, parades, and TV specials. It usually begins the Christmas shopping season (known as Black Friday) and ushers in the start of Christmas cards, tree trimming, gift wrapping, and family gatherings. This holiday provides a valuable opportunity for the strengthening of family bonds, expressions of gratitude, and a reminder of God's rich blessings.


Wikipedia states, "The first Thanksgiving feast lasted three days providing enough food for 53 pilgrims and 90 Native Americans. The feast consisted of fowl, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, and squash. William Bradford noted that, "besides waterfowl, there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many", probably gave rise to the American tradition of eating turkey at Thanksgiving ."


It is also a tradition for US Presidents to issue a pardon to the White House Thanksgiving Turkeys. Since about 1947 the National Turkey Federation has presented the President of the United States with one (and in recent years - two) live turkey(s) in a ceremony known as the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. The live turkeys are pardoned and live out the rest of their days on a farm or, since 2005, sent to either Disneyland in California or Walt Disney World in Florida, where they serve as the honorary grand marshals of Disney's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
As Christians, we acknowledge God's goodness and provision in our expression of Thanksgiving . God's Word implores us to give thanks to Him. Both Old and New Testament books of the Bible encourage us to have an attitude of gratitude. Psalm 50:14 tells us to, "Offer to God thanksgiving." Psalm 95:2 says, "Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving…" The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:6 declares, "…in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." We are to develop and display a grateful heart. 


One of my favorite psalms is 136.  It begins with verses 1-3 - thanking God for His Goodness.  "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever.  Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever."  So much we have to be thankful for!  Our families, our health, our ability to worship unhindered, our jobs and homes.

Thank Jesus for your salvation.  If we had nothing else to be thankful for, that would be sufficient.  Oh, how we thank Him for rescuing us from certain destruction and eternal doom.  In II Corinthians 9:15 Paul says this, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 


This Thanksgiving , make it a priority to focus on faith, family, and giving.  The blessing we receive from meeting the needs of someone else is huge.  Give to your local shelter, or volunteer your time.  Do something different as a family - make a memory by serving others in your community.  Help distribute gift baskets at church to the needy, or invite a co-worker who doesn't have immediate family nearby for a home-cooked meal and fellowship.It's fun to start your own family traditions for the Thanksgiving holiday. Kids can make homemade decorations, and you can bake special pies and loaf cakes from the abundance of the fall fruits and vegetables. Watch the annual Macy's Day Parade together. Head outside and take a nature walk, collecting leaves, pine cones, and other trinkets to display as a centerpiece on your table. Involve kids in the dinner menu selection and preparations. Say a family blessing and let each member shares what they are thankful for. There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate this special day. What are some of your Thanksgiving Day traditions at your house?


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.  

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