Janet Sketchley's Blog: Tenacity, page 77
August 12, 2015
A Slave of God
This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
James 1:1a, NLT*
I think the word “slave” meant something different to James than it does in a North American context. In identifying himself this way, he’s not saying he’s dehumanized, abused, a victim, or in any way to be pitied or rescued.
He’s a willing slave. There existed in Bible times men or women who could have been freed but who chose to commit to a lifetime’s service to their master. Imagine how good a person...
August 10, 2015
Review: Love Rebel: Reclaiming Motherhood, an anthology
Love Rebel: Reclaiming Motherhood, by Anna Eastland, Monique LeBlanc, Bonnie Way, Monique Les and Melanie Jean Juneau, edited by Roberta Cottam (Village Acres Publishing, 2015)
Love Rebel is a refreshing affirmation of the value of at-home motherhood as a valid life choice.
According to the introduction, “The women featured in this book are rebels in today’s birthing and parenting culture.” They’re not angry or defiant like many rebels, and this isn’t a book that attacks the choices of workin...
August 7, 2015
7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers
Available for Kindle (July 2015). Coming soon in print and in other ebook formats.
There are plenty of how-tos out there addressing various aspects of the writing craft, publication, marketing etc, but there aren’t many books that cultivate the writer as a whole person.
The editors of this anthology chose seven key areasthat areessential for a Christian who writes:
Time with God Healthy Living Time Management Honing Writing Skills Crafting...August 5, 2015
Opportunity or Threat?
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
James 1:2, NLT*
Do you see troubles as an opportunity?
Maybe I’m still too much of a child inside, but Ihave the child’s response (mentally) of cowering and shrinking. Of thinking the trouble is too big, and fearing it will overwhelm me. Of seeing a threat.
Another part of me raises my defenses. It’s a win-or-lose struggle, and I can’t afford to lose.
James gives us a much broader p...
August 3, 2015
Review: Gone Without a Trace, by Patricia Bradley
Gone Without a Trace, by Patricia Bradley (Revell, 2015)
Homicide detective Livy Reynolds can’t depend on herself to shoot if she or her partner is in danger. Not since she killed a young robber. With the choice of a desk job or a leave of absence, she takes time off work and returns to Logan Point.
When an out of town private investigator is sent to find a missing waitress, Livy seizes the chance to help. She doesn’t trust him to do the job, and this case reminds her of her cousin Robyn’s di...
July 31, 2015
Guest Post: Just Say No—To Overextending Yourself
If you know me at all, you know that I’m eclectically-interested and eclectically-involved. For the most part, I thrive on having many different projects on the go at once.
But there are times . . .
This September my eldest is getting married in Scotland, which means not only will I be out of my office for the best parts of three weeks, but I also have “last minute” plans to get organized before we wing our way across the Pond.
I was...
July 29, 2015
Pain and Endurance
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
Romans 5:3, NLT*
Most people’s natural reaction to problems and trials is a plea to get us out of there. We don’t like pain, and it’s often a signal of danger (think about touching a hot stove, or feeling symptoms of a health problem).
In a fallen world, pain is inevitable. Nobody wants it, but God can use even this. Let’s not waste it.
Today’s verse can remind us to invite God to wor...
July 27, 2015
Review: The Hero’s Lot, by Patrick W. Carr
The Hero’s Lot, by Patrick W. Carr (Bethany House, 2013)
The Staff & The Sword series needs to be read in order. And it’s worth reading without seeing the spoilers for book 1 that will appear in the following review of book 2. If you haven’t read book 1, A Cast of Stones, you can see my review here. If it appeals, pop over to your favourite internet bookstore and download the book for free in Kindle, Nook or Kobo format.
I have so many books in my to-read stash that I’d forgotten I had A Cast...
July 24, 2015
Messages that Encourage Me
Messagesthat have resonated with me lately:
“God has given you praise as a weapon to defeat despair. ”Victory Over Despair, by Nike Chillemi
The Weapon of Praise, posted by Grace Fox.
“How do we most glorify God? By being completely satisfied in Him, realizing that the neediness we have is designed by our Creator in order to be fulfilled by Jesus. ” Satisfaction for a Thirsty Soul, by Jake Riddle
“Wait on God and He will work, but don’t wait in spiritual sulks because you cannot see an inch i...
July 22, 2015
Church: For Worship
I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
Psalm 122:1, NLT*
Last Saturday night, thinking about church in the morning, I quoted this verse with a kind of self-mocking regret. It’s not how I’ve felt about attending in a long time. I go, but there’s no gladness to it.
A few minutes later, I climbed into bed and turned to where I’d left off in A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. You can guess which verse was top of the page. Zing!
I stopped to think about what...
