Amanda Stephan's Blog: God is Good, God is Great, page 37
November 7, 2012
The People's King
Yesterday we saw history in the making.
Yep, we saw a nation succumb to empty promises to appease their lust for themselves.
My thoughts immediately went to a land and a people from long ago, another people who wanted a deliverer. They wanted someone they could see and hear, someone they could depend on to lead them to prosperity and they unilaterally decided that someone would need to be human being, a king like every other nation had. God’s desire for them was that they would trust Him. But, they refused.
How like Israel are we?
Let’s begin in I Samuel 8:6-9. But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So, Samuel prayed to the Lord, and the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I have brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day-with which they have forsake Me and served other gods-so they are doing to you also. Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them.”
Do you see any parallels here?
God brought our founding fathers out of an oppressive land so they could be free to worship Him as He has ordained. He brought them out of bondage and led them into freedom. We have always had God’s hand of protection but have we gone too far? Have we forsaken the God who has given us everything? Have we turned our backs on Him? Have we rejected the King of Kings?
Beginning in verse 10 Samuel warns the people of all the horrors that this king will administer to the people. But did they listen? No. They listened to everything Samuel had to say yet they did not hear.
Does this sound familiar?
Today this warning might have sounded something like this:
If you choose this man as your king, then you will see the following. Your innocent children will be murdered. Your young men and women will live in sin going against everything that is natural and instead show affection one to another. The institute of a Godly defined marriage will be scoffed at and rebutted. Everything that you work for, everything that I have blessed you with will be laughed at and mocked. He will do his best to rob you of your blessing. You will in essence become his servants and all you work for will be at his disposal. No one shall be able to rein him in because those who worship him consider him a god. He will answer to no one and will do nothing but wreck havoc upon this nation he is entrusted with.
And possibly his greatest offense of all, the one that will destroy him and the very nation he is put over, is the fact that he will not stand by Israel as an ally, for his purpose is her destruction. And in that day all the land will cry out because of the oppression of this king they have chosen and the Lord will not hear their cries.
But did the people heed the warning?
No, they did not. They shouted from the rooftops, we want him for our king! The people could care less about the heart of God. They wanted what they wanted. Just like the people from long ago, the people of America have shouted and have received their answer. They got their “king.”
And as the people of Israel did so long ago, the people of America will cry out for relief and God will not hear their cries. Judgment is coming to this country. We will see God turn his back on this land. No longer will we be united under God, but we will be a disjointed nation, living in fear and trepidation of the days that will follow. We have come to this place of our own accord, at our own insistence.
Do not be mistaken; this was not God’s will, but the will of the people. His heart is broken by the actions of a selfish people.
As children of God we have not been given a spirit of fear, but we can rest in his promise that He is our deliverer and our fortress in times of trouble. Those that remain faithful to the end will see all God’s promises fulfilled. God is still on the throne, no matter whom the people elect as their “king.” No one can take that away from us!
Remember, if God is for us, who can be against us?
Thanks for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!
Darlene Shortridge
Author of Until Forever and Forever Blessed
www.BooksByAmanda.com
Yep, we saw a nation succumb to empty promises to appease their lust for themselves.
My thoughts immediately went to a land and a people from long ago, another people who wanted a deliverer. They wanted someone they could see and hear, someone they could depend on to lead them to prosperity and they unilaterally decided that someone would need to be human being, a king like every other nation had. God’s desire for them was that they would trust Him. But, they refused.
How like Israel are we?
Let’s begin in I Samuel 8:6-9. But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So, Samuel prayed to the Lord, and the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I have brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day-with which they have forsake Me and served other gods-so they are doing to you also. Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them.”
Do you see any parallels here?
God brought our founding fathers out of an oppressive land so they could be free to worship Him as He has ordained. He brought them out of bondage and led them into freedom. We have always had God’s hand of protection but have we gone too far? Have we forsaken the God who has given us everything? Have we turned our backs on Him? Have we rejected the King of Kings?
Beginning in verse 10 Samuel warns the people of all the horrors that this king will administer to the people. But did they listen? No. They listened to everything Samuel had to say yet they did not hear.
Does this sound familiar?
Today this warning might have sounded something like this:
If you choose this man as your king, then you will see the following. Your innocent children will be murdered. Your young men and women will live in sin going against everything that is natural and instead show affection one to another. The institute of a Godly defined marriage will be scoffed at and rebutted. Everything that you work for, everything that I have blessed you with will be laughed at and mocked. He will do his best to rob you of your blessing. You will in essence become his servants and all you work for will be at his disposal. No one shall be able to rein him in because those who worship him consider him a god. He will answer to no one and will do nothing but wreck havoc upon this nation he is entrusted with.
And possibly his greatest offense of all, the one that will destroy him and the very nation he is put over, is the fact that he will not stand by Israel as an ally, for his purpose is her destruction. And in that day all the land will cry out because of the oppression of this king they have chosen and the Lord will not hear their cries.
But did the people heed the warning?
No, they did not. They shouted from the rooftops, we want him for our king! The people could care less about the heart of God. They wanted what they wanted. Just like the people from long ago, the people of America have shouted and have received their answer. They got their “king.”
And as the people of Israel did so long ago, the people of America will cry out for relief and God will not hear their cries. Judgment is coming to this country. We will see God turn his back on this land. No longer will we be united under God, but we will be a disjointed nation, living in fear and trepidation of the days that will follow. We have come to this place of our own accord, at our own insistence.
Do not be mistaken; this was not God’s will, but the will of the people. His heart is broken by the actions of a selfish people.
As children of God we have not been given a spirit of fear, but we can rest in his promise that He is our deliverer and our fortress in times of trouble. Those that remain faithful to the end will see all God’s promises fulfilled. God is still on the throne, no matter whom the people elect as their “king.” No one can take that away from us!
Remember, if God is for us, who can be against us?
Thanks for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!
Darlene Shortridge
Author of Until Forever and Forever Blessed
www.BooksByAmanda.com
November 6, 2012
The Hunted Hare - Review
With deft movements, Ms. Sampson not only brings the reader into a world rich with imagery and artistry, but into the complex and care-worn family of Aidan, Jenny, and their precocious daughter, Melangell.
Get to know this family as they struggle with the challenges of dealing with terminal cancer and journey with them as they courageously continue to live their lives and are determined to hold onto hope and each other.
These characters were well drawn and relateable, but while I did enjoy each character, for whatever reason, it was Aidan who claimed my heart. A true hero, torn between wanting to protect his family from the horrors that have surrounded them, but able to do little more than hold onto the precious love he has for his wife for just a short while longer.
This is a poignant story. A story that will try to keep you in its own world. A story that will beckon you to read it again after you've finished.
Read an excerpt.
www.BooksByAmanda.com
November 5, 2012
Earning While Learning In Time For Christmas!
Christmas is quickly approaching and with it the inevitable purchasing of Christmas gifts. Every year Emily makes her very own purchases for her dad and I and her two cousins whom she loves dearly. In times past she has always used her leftover birthday money or change that her grandparents and her dad and I have given her throughout the year.
This year however, she doesn't have quite as much cash too spend, so I decided we would start a new tradition ~ earning while learning. I thought, now that she is almost eight, this would be the perfect time for her to learn the valuable lesson of earning her own money by working for it. Now don't get me wrong, she has chores that she does on a regular basis like feeding and watering the cat and making her bed; but these are things she does without pay because she is part of our household and should therefore be a contributor to it's smooth operation.
The work I have in mind are the extra chores that always seem to pop up at this time of year like raking leaves, washing windows, or sweeping out the garage. Just the other day she had her first opportunity to earn two dollars by picking up twigs and branches up out of the front yard. We had had a fierce wind storm the night before so there were lots of branches and leave clusters. She happily donned her coat, hat, and gloves and went out to work. From time to time I would check on her progress and much to my surprise I found that she had gotten a rake from the garage and was raking leaves to the curb as well.
Needless to say, I was so excited that she had gone above and beyond what I had asked that I gave her three dollars. She was extremely proud of having earned her own money and quickly ran to put it in her purse. When she came back down from her room, she asked if I had any other jobs she could do. Later today I think we will work in the yard some more so she has a good chance of increasing her earnings. Meanwhile, I smile at the thought of how much she will enjoy purchasing her gifts this year knowing how hard she worked to earn the money.
So ends another episode of Kids Korner with me, Children's Author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode same krazy time, same krazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal blog Aileen's Thoughts any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and life in general.
www.BooksByAmanda.com
November 3, 2012
Christian Devotional - Go Vote!
I took my car for an oil change the other day. While I was waiting, I overheard another conversation between two people talking about politics and the upcoming Presidential election. One of the people made the following statement,
“I’m not going to vote at all this year because I just don’t like either of the candidates for President.”
I must admit, I was frustrated and upset by this statement and while there is a part of me that understands that sentiment, it’s the wrong response to take to our frustration. As we look forward to the upcoming Election Day this Tuesday in the United States, let me share with you why we as Christians need to make sure we make the time to vote.
Romans 13:1, 5-7 “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.…Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”
Paul is speaking here to the early church in Rome. There, people were starting to believe that because they were Christians, they didn’t have to obey or follow the Roman laws and rules that they were under. They should only answer to God and that is all. Paul says no. We are to live in obedience to our governing authorities as long as they’re not asking us to be in direct disobedience to God. Paul even goes so far as to say that those who govern are also servant to God and are answerable to Him for how they have ruled. They have an even greater responsibility to God for their actions because their decisions affect millions, if not billions of lives. They will be held accountable to God for how they administered their rule.
Here in America, we have the privilege to have a say in who has the auspicious role of governing. As such, we are held responsible by God to do our part in help ensure that the people who are given the leadership responsibilities of our country align most closely with the principles and characteristics that God has given us. This is just as much our responsibility as obeying God in our daily life.
How should we choose who we vote for? The answer is quite simple, although often difficult to identify. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to cast our ballot for people who are seeking to line up with the Godly principles we ourselves hold to. We are not to cast our ballot selfishly or with strictly personal motives. Many times, like in my overheard conversation above, I’ve found myself with a difficult decision where neither of the main candidates is really exceptional at obeying God, or even trying to obey God. For me, I still seek to find the person who comes closest to God’s principles on all the main issues. I don’t vote for people based on their race, age, who they’re married to, what political party they hold to, how many kids they have, or what I think that person is going to do for me personally. I vote for the person who most closely holds themselves to the principles that a follower of Jesus Christ would hold to. This is my guiding principle whether I’m voting for the local school board member or the President of the United States.
Every election is difficult and I’ve never seen a perfect candidate yet. Since Jesus Christ was the only perfect person, I think it’s safe to assume there will never be a perfect candidate. However, as believers, we are accountable for exercising our responsibility to place men and women in public office who see themselves, first and foremost, as servants of the living God, and who will seek to endorse and support the characteristics of God with each decision they make.
On Tuesday, November 6, in the United States, make the choice to go vote, not because we have a perfect candidate to choose from, but because we are accountable to God for how we use this great responsibility He has allowed us to have.
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook page
***Also vote for me as one of the "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading" now through November 11. Click here for the contest and voting information. ***www.BooksByAmanda.com
“I’m not going to vote at all this year because I just don’t like either of the candidates for President.”
I must admit, I was frustrated and upset by this statement and while there is a part of me that understands that sentiment, it’s the wrong response to take to our frustration. As we look forward to the upcoming Election Day this Tuesday in the United States, let me share with you why we as Christians need to make sure we make the time to vote.
Romans 13:1, 5-7 “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.…Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”
Paul is speaking here to the early church in Rome. There, people were starting to believe that because they were Christians, they didn’t have to obey or follow the Roman laws and rules that they were under. They should only answer to God and that is all. Paul says no. We are to live in obedience to our governing authorities as long as they’re not asking us to be in direct disobedience to God. Paul even goes so far as to say that those who govern are also servant to God and are answerable to Him for how they have ruled. They have an even greater responsibility to God for their actions because their decisions affect millions, if not billions of lives. They will be held accountable to God for how they administered their rule.
Here in America, we have the privilege to have a say in who has the auspicious role of governing. As such, we are held responsible by God to do our part in help ensure that the people who are given the leadership responsibilities of our country align most closely with the principles and characteristics that God has given us. This is just as much our responsibility as obeying God in our daily life.
How should we choose who we vote for? The answer is quite simple, although often difficult to identify. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to cast our ballot for people who are seeking to line up with the Godly principles we ourselves hold to. We are not to cast our ballot selfishly or with strictly personal motives. Many times, like in my overheard conversation above, I’ve found myself with a difficult decision where neither of the main candidates is really exceptional at obeying God, or even trying to obey God. For me, I still seek to find the person who comes closest to God’s principles on all the main issues. I don’t vote for people based on their race, age, who they’re married to, what political party they hold to, how many kids they have, or what I think that person is going to do for me personally. I vote for the person who most closely holds themselves to the principles that a follower of Jesus Christ would hold to. This is my guiding principle whether I’m voting for the local school board member or the President of the United States.
Every election is difficult and I’ve never seen a perfect candidate yet. Since Jesus Christ was the only perfect person, I think it’s safe to assume there will never be a perfect candidate. However, as believers, we are accountable for exercising our responsibility to place men and women in public office who see themselves, first and foremost, as servants of the living God, and who will seek to endorse and support the characteristics of God with each decision they make.
On Tuesday, November 6, in the United States, make the choice to go vote, not because we have a perfect candidate to choose from, but because we are accountable to God for how we use this great responsibility He has allowed us to have.
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook page
***Also vote for me as one of the "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading" now through November 11. Click here for the contest and voting information. ***www.BooksByAmanda.com
October 30, 2012
Between Friends
Between friends there should be trust.
There should be love.
There should be understanding.
Friends should have one another’s back.
Friends can go months without speaking and pick up where they left off.
Friends know how to say, “I’m sorry.”
Friends know how to say, “I forgive you.”
Friends know when to be silent.
And they know when to speak up.
Friends know when to walk away.
And they know when to intercede.
Friends don’t judge.
Yet they always speak the truth.
A friend will know your insecurities.
They will know your hidden fears.
Friends will challenge you to stretch yourself.
Yet they will catch you when you fall.
I thank you, the one I call friend.
You are treasured and I am blessed
Because of your presence in my life.
Thank you for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!
Darlene Shortridge
Author of Until Forever and Forever Blessed
www.BooksByAmanda.com
There should be love.
There should be understanding.
Friends should have one another’s back.
Friends can go months without speaking and pick up where they left off.
Friends know how to say, “I’m sorry.”
Friends know how to say, “I forgive you.”
Friends know when to be silent.
And they know when to speak up.
Friends know when to walk away.
And they know when to intercede.
Friends don’t judge.
Yet they always speak the truth.
A friend will know your insecurities.
They will know your hidden fears.
Friends will challenge you to stretch yourself.
Yet they will catch you when you fall.
I thank you, the one I call friend.
You are treasured and I am blessed
Because of your presence in my life.
Thank you for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!
Darlene Shortridge
Author of Until Forever and Forever Blessed
www.BooksByAmanda.com
Doing Wrong is Cool
Don't let the title mislead you. I haven't lost my mind nor have I turned my back on my morals & standards. I merely stated how so many people, old, middle, and young alike, are behaving.
As you know, we have an election coming up. (November 6th. Please vote. If you don't vote, don't complain!) and we're seeing things heating up. No, I'm not going to tell you how to vote. But I will say, educate yourself. Don't allow ANYONE to tell you what to think ~ learn it for yourself. Be a freedom thinker.
We were on our way home this afternoon and for once, I was listening to the radio. (This just doesn't happen because I like to chat and have quality time with whoever is with me in the vehicle.) Anyway, there was a spot on a
bout someone who interviewed several people about the candidates. This interviewer tricked the people and said these were candidate A's policies.
Those people were really spewing dislike and irritation at how it was unconstitutional, it wasn't right, there was no way they would vote for candidate A, etc, etc. After they would rant and rave and explain why it was sooooo terrible, the interviewer would apologize and say he'd gotten the name wrong and that it wasn't candidate A's policy but candidate B's. He said he could even back up the policies with documentation.
One, count them, ONE of those interviewed stuck to their guns and said it was wrong and they needed to educate themselves further and that they would probably change their vote. One. One that went against the crowd and decided to do what they thought was right. Not cool.
The rest? They made excuses and there was no 'way they were going to change their vote. Even though it was documented.'
Since when did it become okay to *willingly* do something wrong?
Friends, we are in major spiritual warfare right now. We each need to hit our knees and beg God for mercy - even though we may not deserve it. Perhaps, just perhaps, He may change His mind and extend that Grace to us a little longer. It literally brought me to tears, and I had to apologize to my children because I have no idea what world they are going to have to live in.
With all that said, however, no matter the outcome of this election, I KNOW I serve a risen Saviour and that I am on the winning side because greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.
Pray for the election.
It's time for AMERICA to Bless God
Amanda Stephan~Christian Author
BooksByAmanda.com
Get a FREE Kindle copy of LONELY HEARTS but hurry! This offer ENDS TODAY, 10/30/2012
www.BooksByAmanda.com
As you know, we have an election coming up. (November 6th. Please vote. If you don't vote, don't complain!) and we're seeing things heating up. No, I'm not going to tell you how to vote. But I will say, educate yourself. Don't allow ANYONE to tell you what to think ~ learn it for yourself. Be a freedom thinker.
We were on our way home this afternoon and for once, I was listening to the radio. (This just doesn't happen because I like to chat and have quality time with whoever is with me in the vehicle.) Anyway, there was a spot on a
bout someone who interviewed several people about the candidates. This interviewer tricked the people and said these were candidate A's policies.
Those people were really spewing dislike and irritation at how it was unconstitutional, it wasn't right, there was no way they would vote for candidate A, etc, etc. After they would rant and rave and explain why it was sooooo terrible, the interviewer would apologize and say he'd gotten the name wrong and that it wasn't candidate A's policy but candidate B's. He said he could even back up the policies with documentation.
One, count them, ONE of those interviewed stuck to their guns and said it was wrong and they needed to educate themselves further and that they would probably change their vote. One. One that went against the crowd and decided to do what they thought was right. Not cool.
The rest? They made excuses and there was no 'way they were going to change their vote. Even though it was documented.'
Since when did it become okay to *willingly* do something wrong?
Friends, we are in major spiritual warfare right now. We each need to hit our knees and beg God for mercy - even though we may not deserve it. Perhaps, just perhaps, He may change His mind and extend that Grace to us a little longer. It literally brought me to tears, and I had to apologize to my children because I have no idea what world they are going to have to live in.
With all that said, however, no matter the outcome of this election, I KNOW I serve a risen Saviour and that I am on the winning side because greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.
Pray for the election.
It's time for AMERICA to Bless God
Amanda Stephan~Christian Author
BooksByAmanda.com
Get a FREE Kindle copy of LONELY HEARTS but hurry! This offer ENDS TODAY, 10/30/2012
www.BooksByAmanda.com
October 29, 2012
Just Like Junie B.
Two things happened at our house recently. First, Emily read a Junie B. Jones Book called Junie B., A First Grader: Aloha-ha-ha. The second thing that happened is that we took a trip to Amish country with my mother-in-law and her sister. You might be wondering what these two things have in common; so I will tell you.
Before my father-in-law passed away a few years ago, he and my mother-in-law always made a trip to Amish country every fall. Recently she mentioned to my husband that it was nice weather for Amish country. I don't actually think she was fishing for us to take her anywhere, but my husband being the loving son that he is, decided that is exactly what we would do.
Now in the Junie B. book that Emily read to me, ever so well I might add, Junie B. took a trip as well. Of course her trip was a bit longer and happened to be in Hawaii (sigh), but the important thing that stuck with me was that she made a photo journal of her trip. "Wouldn't that be a great thing to do on our day trip," I thought . And that my friends is precisely what we did!
So the next time you get ready for a day trip or a longer vacation, take lots of pictures and let your kids make a photo journal as well.
So ends another episode of Kids Korner with me, Children's Author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode same krazy time, same krazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal blog Aileen's Thoughts any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and life in general.
www.BooksByAmanda.com
October 27, 2012
Christian Devotional - Stand Firm
Stand firm.
As we finish up our study of the Armor of God, we’re
going to look at our purpose once we’ve put on the full armor of God. In the
first session, I talked about the importance of not going through our day
spiritually naked and open to attack. In each week after that we examined the
pieces of the armor and how we need to put those on. God has provided us with
the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the foot guard that is the
preparation of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and
the sword of the spirit. Now that we have all these pieces and find ourselves
fully on guard, what are we supposed to do?
Paul addresses this in the verses that that immediately
precede the listing of the Armor of God. Let’s look at the whole passage:
Ephesians 6:10-17 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the
strength of his might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able
to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against
flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world
forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the
heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be
able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on
the breastplate of righteousness and having shod your feet with the preparation of the
gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which
you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take
the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.”
Did you catch it? It’s mentioned over and over again
throughout these verses. What are we to be doing? Standing. Yep, that right, we’ve
been assigned the glorious job of standing.
Do you realize how hard it is to just stand? Think about
it. Most people, if they stand for any length of time shift their weight from
foot to foot or want to walk around or even sit down. What does it mean that we
are to stand firm? If we are following and obeying God, then he has us exactly
where he wants us to be. We are in the right position, our job is to hold that
ground. Remember, in the battle against the evil one, Jesus Christ has already
won. It’s not our job to win the battle. Our job is to stand firm and to
maintain our obedience to Him. We are not to be caught out of position. We’re
not to be left wandering around away from His plan for us. We are to stand firm
in the strength of the Lord and the strength of His might.
This take practice and it takes discipline. There will be
schemes from the devil that will seek to move us out of place and to get us
distracted from our obedience.. There will be times when we will question where
God had is standing and whether we should be in a different place, maybe
somewhere more important or more flashy. But we must trust in our Lord and
Savior that He has won the battle and knows exactly where we need to be to do
the most good and bring the most glory to Him.
As we go throughout today, the questions we must answer
are: Will we take up the Armor of God? Will we use them in God’s strength? Will
we stand firm where He has placed us?
After all, verse 13 sums it up: “so that you will be able
to resist in the evil day and having done everything, to stand firm.” Make that
your commitment to God today.
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook page
www.BooksByAmanda.com
October 26, 2012
Book Review: Forever Blessed by Darlene Shortridge
Laney watched her life disappear in the rear view mirror. If only her memories would disappear as well… She was two hours west of town when the lights in the big two-story brick house came on. She couldn’t possibly hear the shouting and cursing, yet her insides were knotted and her stomach churned. If he caught her, he would kill her. Of that she was certain.
Forever Blessed is the story of a young mother who is on the run from an abusive husband with her three children in tow. Does Laney find safety from a controlling manipulating spouse? Does Paul track her down and make her pay for her disobedience? Where does God fit into all this?
This book deals with a subject that is still to this day quite "hush-hush"....domestic violence. Laney has only ever known violence in her home. She grew up with a violent father and, as most women do, she married someone just like him. In fear for the life of her three children, Laney escapes to a women's shelter run by her friend. Life is now radically different and Laney now has to find the strength to stand on her own two feet. Through some very difficult days, Laney finds God and through Him the strength she needs to stay and fight, and just in time too as Paul shows up to taunt and torment her.
I won't tell you the end of this story, I don't want to spoil it, but I will tell you that this story could be the exact copy of someones life. There are far too many women in this world who know this type of violence and emotional abuse. This story really caught my attention and captured my heart and my interest from the first few pages. I honestly couldn't find one thing in this book that I did not like, didn't agree with, or didn't feel to my core. As usual Darlene Shortridge writes a stunning, deeply griping story and I deem it a MUST read!
For a chance to win a copy of Forever Blessed, leave a comment and make sure you include your email address! www.BooksByAmanda.com
October 23, 2012
Just Around the Bend
We were driving to Texas. It was a beautiful day and I was looking forward to some time away. I was participating in a book event with a good friend of mine. The name of the event was Fall Foliage Festival. Needless to say, after last week’s post about me being homesick for fall, I was really looking forward to seeing me some “fall.”
We had been forewarned. The town of Canadian is beautiful, but go just outside of it, and it’s horrible. Terrible. Nothing but desert.
Since I was missing the red and yellow leaves and a cool nip being in the air, I wasn’t too worried. I was there for the Fall Foliage Festival. Not for the desert. We reached the city limit sign. I began to scour the town for those fall colors. I saw bits of color here and there, but it was no comparison to my beloved Wisconsin and it’s plethora of trees. I was sorely disappointed.
I felt let down. I mean the name of the event is Fall Foliage. So, where is the fall foliage?
We continued through town. Upon exiting the town my eyes fell upon a site I had never seen before.
I called to my son, “Jeremiah, look at that!”
We looked out across the land and saw as far as our human eyes would allow. The site was amazing. Except at first we thought what we were seeing was man made. We saw what looked like a bunch of large hills that had their tops cut off.
(photo by Kris Erickson)
Instead, we find out the site before us is called Mesa in Spanish and Portuguese, which translates to “table.” A mesa is a collection of layered rock that has survived erosion because of its strength and durability. The rock around it is usually slate and erodes, leaving a flat-topped hill or small mountain behind. It actually looks like a giant could pull up a chair and sit down to have a meal.
I couldn’t take my eyes off this natural part of creation. I was simply amazed. It was breathtaking. Beautiful in its own right.
Does the view take away my desire to see fall in all its glory? No. But I highly doubt a forest of red, gold and brown will take away the glimpse of eternity I see when I stare for miles at one of the most beautiful sites to behold.
I have learned a lesson in all this. Everywhere I turn, I see God’s glory. Whether it is in the beautiful turning of trees in fall, the ocean at sunset or the mesas in the midst of wide-open spaces, God has something special in store for me where ever I go. All I have to do is trust Him to reveal it all to me. And He will, in His good time. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me next. Imagine, if I had never left my beautiful trees, I never would have seen the mesas. Instead of mourning what used to be…look forward to what is just around the bend.
Thanks for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!
Darlene Shortridge, Author of Until Forever and Forever Blessed
www.darleneshortridge.com
www.BooksByAmanda.com
We had been forewarned. The town of Canadian is beautiful, but go just outside of it, and it’s horrible. Terrible. Nothing but desert.
Since I was missing the red and yellow leaves and a cool nip being in the air, I wasn’t too worried. I was there for the Fall Foliage Festival. Not for the desert. We reached the city limit sign. I began to scour the town for those fall colors. I saw bits of color here and there, but it was no comparison to my beloved Wisconsin and it’s plethora of trees. I was sorely disappointed.
I felt let down. I mean the name of the event is Fall Foliage. So, where is the fall foliage?
We continued through town. Upon exiting the town my eyes fell upon a site I had never seen before.
I called to my son, “Jeremiah, look at that!”
We looked out across the land and saw as far as our human eyes would allow. The site was amazing. Except at first we thought what we were seeing was man made. We saw what looked like a bunch of large hills that had their tops cut off.
(photo by Kris Erickson)Instead, we find out the site before us is called Mesa in Spanish and Portuguese, which translates to “table.” A mesa is a collection of layered rock that has survived erosion because of its strength and durability. The rock around it is usually slate and erodes, leaving a flat-topped hill or small mountain behind. It actually looks like a giant could pull up a chair and sit down to have a meal.
I couldn’t take my eyes off this natural part of creation. I was simply amazed. It was breathtaking. Beautiful in its own right.
Does the view take away my desire to see fall in all its glory? No. But I highly doubt a forest of red, gold and brown will take away the glimpse of eternity I see when I stare for miles at one of the most beautiful sites to behold.
I have learned a lesson in all this. Everywhere I turn, I see God’s glory. Whether it is in the beautiful turning of trees in fall, the ocean at sunset or the mesas in the midst of wide-open spaces, God has something special in store for me where ever I go. All I have to do is trust Him to reveal it all to me. And He will, in His good time. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me next. Imagine, if I had never left my beautiful trees, I never would have seen the mesas. Instead of mourning what used to be…look forward to what is just around the bend.
Thanks for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!
Darlene Shortridge, Author of Until Forever and Forever Blessed
www.darleneshortridge.com
www.BooksByAmanda.com
God is Good, God is Great
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