God’s Purposes by James R. Coggins

Posted on November 9, 2021 by jrcoggins

Often the purposes of God are not seen until long afterward. The apostle Paul had been tremendously successful in preaching the gospel and starting churches across the Roman Empire. Then, when he decided to visit Jerusalem, he was immediately arrested and imprisoned. After all his successful ministry, why did God allow him to be stuck in prison in Jerusalem for more than two years, achieving very little (Acts 24:27)?

We cannot know all the answers. One answer that can be discerned involves Luke, Paul’s traveling companion, who had come to Jerusalem with Paul (Acts 21:17). Luke apparently stayed in Jerusalem for the two years that Paul was imprisoned there since he left with Paul on the journey to Rome (Acts 27:1). What did Luke do during those two years? It seems likely that he used that time to “carefully investigate everything from the beginning” and to talk with “those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word” (Luke 1:1-4). These eyewitnesses may have included Mary, the mother of Jesus, since Luke included in his Gospel details of Jesus’ birth that the other Gospel writers did not. Luke seems to have spent those two years compiling and writing the Gospel of Luke, and likely most of the book of Acts as well. As a gentile (non-Jewish) Christian, he was particularly concerned to explain who Jesus was to gentiles, those who did not have the Jews’ extensive background knowledge of the Old Testament. Without Paul’s imprisonment, we would not have these valuable parts of the Bible.

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A Pain in the Elbow by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on November 8, 2021 by Nancy J. Farrier
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

A few weeks ago, my naturopath asked me to start doing some resistance training for the upper body. I do a lot of walking and hiking but not much to strengthen my arms. I bought some five-pound weights, looked up a set of exercises, and started some workout sessions.

I took it easy, planning to build up slow. The weights were easy to lift and didn’t strain me at all. The exercises weren’t hard. Within two weeks, my elbow began to hurt. I quit the exercises, intending to let the elbow heal up, but that didn’t happen. Instead, it got worse—to the point that I was having trouble lifting my water glass to take a drink. 

By this time, my shoulder was hurting too. I have an old injury to my elbow, and to my shoulder, so this isn’t surprising. I realized I had to do something. I didn’t want to see a regular medical doctor because that would result in pain medication, which I don’t like taking. Instead, I contacted an acupuncturist and made an appointment.

The acupuncturist was very nice. We talked about what happened with my elbow and shoulder and she made a recommendation for treatment. She did the first treatment, telling me I would have some soreness and to use heat, and I went home. Only to find the next morning that I’d gotten worse. 

I wanted the pain to be gone. I wanted my arm back to normal. I wanted the miracle cure. That didn’t happen.

Have you ever felt like trials like these come one after the other and don’t seem to stop? And then you read the following scripture:

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” James 1:2 (NKJV)

What?! How are we supposed to be joyful about something that causes such pain or discomfort? Why would God ask us to be joyful in these circumstances? The scripture goes on to say:

“…knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:3-4 (NKJV)

We aren’t to be happy about the pain, whether from an injury, an illness, or the emotional pain of losing someone close to us. We are to be joyful that God is helping us with the trial, helping us to grow more like Him. We are growing ever closer to being perfect and complete in God. 

This is what I’m striving to remember as I continue with the treatments. My elbow and shoulder are slowly getting better. It isn’t happening overnight, but I am learning to deal with the discomfort. I’m learning to be patient.

I’m learning to trust that God has the best in mind for me.

I hope that when you face trials, and we all do, that you will embrace these verses. That you will learn to be patient and joyful that God has the best in mind for you too.

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Nora’s Review of: When I Close My Eyes by Elizabeth Musser

Posted on November 5, 2021 by Vicki Hinze

When I Close My Eyes

By Elizabeth Musser

Published by Bethany House Publishers

Beautifully told

Nora

Nora’s REVIEW:

…”I steadied my Glock, and took aim…In the same moment I heard a voice at the end of the alley call out, “Ms. Bourdillon! You forgot—” and the lady turned as my bullet laced its way silently through the air, so that it hit her on the right side of the head instead of full force in the back, as was my intent. But I saw her fall to the ground, lying in a puddle of blood, as the voice turned into a piercing scream. I disappeared around the corner…..”

This story is beautifully told as this author tackles tough topics, keeping matters honest, non-preachy and true. The author shows how the lies we believe and tell others creates a web around us that’s hard to break. Issues touched on are suicide, mental illness, depression, friendship, love, acceptance, faith, trust, hope, and forgiveness all wonderfully shared through her soul-searching characters. Musser was able to have readers look at tragic events from a few different angles, sharing through compassionate, loving and graceful eyes. (John 8:31 – 32 Jesus said… you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”)

I appreciate the author’s bravery and transparency in writing this story. These topics people don’t like to talk about and/or even think about. I liked how Josephine realizes the lies she’s believed about God, herself and others.

“I had to get to the end of myself before I could figure out how to live again. I thought quite literally and horribly and morbidly that the end of myself was dying. Depression does that, and don’t let anyone tell you differently. We sensitive souls feel everything so deeply. Everything matters, and I could not differentiate between the really big deals and the big deals in my heart that tormented me time and time again.”

This is a surprising, engaging, hopeful read that will bring much discussion for your book club group. The author includes 15 discussion questions to help you go deeper in discussing this novel. This author pens a remarkable story you won’t want to miss.

BACK COVER:

Henry Hughes was hired to kill a well-known author, but the TV news anchor says she isn’t dead. Henry won’t get paid unless he finishes the job, and he really needs the money. But how will he get close to Josephine Bourdillon when the hospital is crawling with cops?

Josephine’s 17-year-old daughter, Paige, isn’t sure what’s going on. Her mom is in a coma, and the police are asking questions. Amid the stress and emotional upheaval, she wonders why this is happening to her family. Her mother has received disturbing reader mail in the past, but would someone really want her dead? And there’s the odd man in the waiting room, whose young son desperately needs surgery. She wishes she possessed her mom’s faith, but faith has been ebbing from her life for some time. . . .

Set against the flaming hills of North Carolina, this is the story of two families struggling with dysfunction and finding that grace is stronger than anything the mind can imagine

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent 

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! 

The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org 

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A Fresh Take on Guardian Angels by James R. Coggins

Posted on November 3, 2021 by jrcoggins

Years ago, when I was editor of a denominational magazine, I began receiving article submissions from a man named Jerry Raaf. They were often unique, unexpected, even offbeat pieces, displaying out of the box thinking. I published some of them. They were theologically orthodox, but they made people think about things in a new way.

Over time, I met Jerry and got to know him a little bit. I later learned that he had begun writing books. When he found out that I had established a small book imprint called Mill Lake Books, he asked me to publish his next book, which I did. It was called Mice in Sophie’s Mattress (2018, ISBN 978-0-9951983-6-4). The story concerned a colony of mice who were living happily in a mattress in an old farmhouse. They were safe and warm and had plenty to eat—until Sophie, the farmer’s wife, bought a new mattress. The old mattress and the colony of mice were abruptly dumped at the back edge of a field. Life for the mice suddenly became hard and dangerous. The book is an elaboration of the line from a Robert Burns poem that “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft a-gley.” Raaf’s novel aptly portrays the plight of many people who find themselves thrust into difficult and bewildering circumstances with no understanding of how things could have gone so wrong.

This year, Jerry asked me to publish another book, An Angel in my Shadow (Mill Lake Books, 2021, ISBN 978-1-7771926-4-8). This book chronicles the life of the Reverend Owen Richards, whose routine existence is shattered in the middle of the night by the sound of wind chimes. Looking out his bedroom window, he sees a mysterious white-haired stranger sitting in his backyard. In the coming days and years, Owen encounters this mysterious stranger on several other occasions. The stranger explains to Owen that he is a messenger, a guardian, and a servant of the Almighty, with an important message for Owen. Though initially fearful of the words spoken to him by the white-haired man, Owen eventually embraces the words, which strengthen his faith and prepare him to deal with impending and painful disasters. This novel encourages the reader to ponder the nature of the presence and protection God offers His followers and to consider what message God might be giving to other souls encountering troubled times.

Both books are available from online retailers and Christian bookstores.

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Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Posted on November 2, 2021 by Author Mary Alford

November is here and we all know what that means. Soon, it will be the countdown to the Christmas season. Sometimes, in the rush to get started on Christmas, it’s easy to overlook the holiday that is in November. Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is so important, and not just because it is a time for families to gather together and have a wonderful meal. To catch up on what’s been happening in the lives of our loved ones. While those things are special, Thanksgiving is important because it is the day we’ve set apart to give thanks to the One who deserves all our thanks, our grateful hearts, and our praise. The God of all creation.

The first people to celebrate Thanksgiving gave thanks for a successful harvest. They’d gone through a lot of hardships that first year and were grateful to God for seeing them through.

I know the past few years have been difficult ones. Most of us have experienced some hard times. We’ve lost loved ones. We’ve suffered illness. Separation from family. Struggles of different kinds, but like those who celebrated the first Thanksgiving, there is always something to be grateful for.

So this year, I’m doing something a little different. Starting with November 1st, I’m thanking God each day for something he has done for me and my family. When we take the time to count our blessings each day, we soon realize all the little things we sometimes grumble about just fade away and we see how truly blessed we are.

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

Psalms 50:14

Thank you, Lord!

All the best…

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net

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Being an Artisan by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on October 29, 2021 by Nancy J. Farrier
Photo by RhondaK Native Florida Folk Artist on Unsplash

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a writer’s retreat/conference. Being together with other writer’s refreshed me and I enjoyed the whole weekend. One of the biggest blessings to me was the opportunity to give the devotions on Saturday and Sunday. I thought I would share the devotion from Saturday with you. Although this was written with writers in mind, the message can apply to all of us. 

I’ve long been fascinated with the following scripture passage. 

“Now take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to Me as priest, Aaron and Aaron’s sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest.” Exodus 28:1-3 (NKJV)

Who were these artisans who were to make the priestly garments? They were Israelites who came from the land of Egypt. In Ex. 1:12, we learn that the Egyptians were afraid of the Israelites so they made them slaves. In Exodus 1:13, we see that the Israelites were tasked with making bricks for the Egyptians, a lowly job and one that was hard work.

When Moses arrived to ask Pharoah to set God’s people free, Pharoah was so unhappy that he increased the work load of the Israelites. Not only did they have to make the bricks, they also had to gather the straw. And they were still required to make the same number of bricks.

These artisans were Israelite slaves, set free by God and wandering in the wilderness. They didn’t have time to stop by Hobby Lobby on their way home from making bricks to look at design ideas. They couldn’t look at Pinterest in the evening to see the latest in priestly garments. Yet, by some miracle, God gave them a clear picture of the work He wanted them to do.

When I read this passage, I picture these men working as slaves, making bricks, covered with dirt and debris. All this time, images are flashing in their heads. Images of cloth of fine linen. Embroidery patterns of intricate designs to go on the linen garments. Were frustrated about why they were seeing these images, imagining these beautiful garments, yet not knowing what to do with the ideas they had?

As they wandered through the desert with Moses and the other Israelites, were those dreams growing stronger, becoming more real by the day? Did they cry out to God and ask what He wanted them to do with this? Did they realize they weren’t the only ones to have these imaginings? 

Then, God spoke to Moses. He gave them detailed instructions about the garments to be made and the embroidery to be done. And He told Moses there were artisans who had been given wisdom by God to make the necessary apparel.

In my devotion, I compared this to authors who have story ideas given them by God. Often we aren’t sure what to do with these ideas or if they are even worthwhile. But, God has a plan. He has a purpose for everything He asks us to do. 

I think too of others who have been given a task from God. Ephesians 2:10 tells us God has prepared a work for us to do. What ideas has God planted in your head? What nudges is He giving you? Maybe something to learn. Maybe people to reach. Maybe a person to pray for. 

Whatever it is that God is giving you, pray about the timing. He will lead you to fulfill that task when the time is right.

For those who are writers, I ended my talk with my favorite writing verse, Habakkuk 2:2. 

Then the Lord answered me and said:

“Write the vision

And make it plain on tablets,

That he may run who reads it.

Perhaps this verse can apply to all of us. No matter what job we do, we can help those around us by encouraging them and setting a good example in our work. This will help others to see the light of Christ and to be lifted up in their day. 

Like those artisans who began as slaves and were given wisdom by God, we also need to be open to His leading. Let’s see what work God has for us that we might glorify God with everything we do.

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Hold Onto Hope by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on October 28, 2021 by Bridget

Help me, O LORD my God! Save me because of your unfailing love. – Psalm 109:26

Have you ever felt like everyone and everything was against you? Have you ever felt all alone in the world? I was recently reading Psalm 109 and I believe that is how David felt when he wrote these words.

Earlier in the Psalm, David says things like, “They surround me with hateful words and fight against me for no reason.” (V 3) and “I am a joke to people everywhere; when they see me, they shake their heads in scorn.” (V 25)

Reading about David’s life, we do know he faced a lot of enemies. From Saul to his own son, there were different people who tried to harm David. We might not have it as bad as David did, but some days we will feel like we have enemies galore. The truth is that as Christians, we are guaranteed to have controversy in this world. And perhaps at times it is a good thing that we do not fit in with the crowd. However, I know that in the painful moments when we are mocked, it doesn’t feel like a good thing.

But even though we will face difficulties, we also are guaranteed to have Jesus. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

When we read about Jesus’ life, He too had trials and sorrows. So if Jesus had to face controversy, wouldn’t we have to as well? But Jesus gave us an amazing promise. He has overcome the world. We have nothing to fear, because in the end, Jesus is victor over everything we face.

Jesus and David both set great examples for us because time and time again, we can see how they relied on God. If you are facing a trial, cry out to God for help. Trust fully in the Lord’s unfailing love. No matter what we are facing, may we never let go of the Lord. And may we hold onto hope, knowing that we have Jesus and Jesus has overcome the world.

© 2021 Bridget A. Thomas

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Red, Yellow, Green Light by Julie Arduini

Posted on October 27, 2021 by juliearduini

Last week I enjoyed a conversation with a woman at church I hope to get to know better. Her children are younger than mine, so we were talking about the youth group/teen years.

One of the things I shared was I took the “Red Light, Yellow Light, Green Light” that I remember from the Stranger Danger era and applied it to those years.

Green Light meant our child was going to a place or event that I had no qualms about. It was a trusted place and I didn’t expect any problems. They were allowed.

Yellow light was a situation where I had concerns. It might be a new place or person. It might involved people who had disappointed us in the past. We’d talk it out, pray, and if we felt it as okay for them to attend, I’d label it a yellow light. They were allowed, but if at any time they felt unsafe or the situation was changing, they would call or text me yellow light, and I’d be there.

Red light was a place or people I did not feel was safe and I clearly said no to it. It meant if they went to that place, they were disobeying. However, I’d still make myself available. If they called or texted red light, they were over their head and needed help. I promised I’d be there. I would pick them up and make sure they were safe. The next morning is when we’d discuss the consequences.

Our son is 23 and I’m blessed to say that we had way more green lights than anything. In fact, he had zero reds and one yellow. God love him, honestly, his yellow came when friends started playing “Ding, Dong, Ditch.” He watched them ring the doorbell on elderly residents and all he could picture was his grandmother. So he texted me a yellow.

I’ve been writing about our daughter a bit, and that’s because she’s in a season where a lot is before her. It’s her senior year so there are the lasts. Last homecoming. Last midterms. Yet, as she explores what comes next, there are firsts. First college tours. First job. It’s a little more complex because of her health. Few know how ill she was as a baby and that there are small delays she has from that time. She also still struggles in ways that her peers don’t.

With that, we’ve had yellows. A lot of yellows.

There was a graduation party where I knew no one. She was younger. They were in student council together and I had to believe after prayer that it was okay for her to go. She stayed in touch and had a good time.

There was an overnight that I was unaware of. I was out of town and her dad was unaware of the concerns I had. I felt the friend ran a little fast and I didn’t know the parents. He gave it a green light where I would have at least said yellow. The praise was she texted me once there and admitted she was nervous. Although it all worked out, she spiritually discerned it wasn’t a happy home and next time things might not go as well. She on her own gave it a red for the future.

Then there are the people who say one thing and then turn around and do another. And then want our child to hang. As someone who God molded through rejection, I dread these situations. Because teens are never going to act perfect any more than I will. But when activities play out like my show from the old days, 90210, where one day the group were all besties and then an hour later, one of them was out, I want to throw down a red light and keep her home. Forever.

Homecoming was a great learning lesson for us as parents. At prom she had a date we trusted and looked out for her. He’s a great friend and continues to watch out. However, he didn’t go to homecoming and everyone else had a date. One person in that group wanted to make sure everyone was included in not just homecoming, but after.

It was a bright yellow light. We didn’t know everyone and weren’t sure how she would be treated. Although we knew the one would be intentional to include her, would that extend to the rest?

We prayed and prayed. I dropped her off and prayed some more. Let her know if anything came up, just text and I’d be there. And I went home and waited.

The text came in.

There was no yellow. It was, “I’m having a blast.”

Parenting is hard and I remember the biggest shock for me was when our son was a senior. All the things he was going through was so much harder than pre-k. That’s where all the resources were. The mom groups. The support.

Yellow lights are complicated. Zoom through or stop?

Just like when I’m driving, I always pray before I leave.

And that’s how I’m navigating this parenting thing.

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A Splintered Reed by James R. Coggins

Posted on October 26, 2021 by jrcoggins

Three times in the Old Testament (2 Kings 18:21; Isaiah 36:5-6; Ezekiel 29:6-7), God compared Egypt to “a splintered reed.” Reeds are long, thick grasses that grow along the banks of rivers such as the Nile. Egypt is a dry land, and agriculture is possible only because of irrigation from the Nile River. As a result, Egypt has very few trees. The Egyptians made boats out of carefully constructed bundles of reeds. (They also made rope, baskets, and paper out of a similar aquatic plant, papyrus.)

This image shows God’s sense of humour. Imagine trying to use a reed as a staff, walking stick, or cane. As soon as you leaned on it, it would splinter. The Jews were depending on Egypt to defend them against invasions by the Assyrians and Babylonians. God said that depending on the Egyptian army for defence was as silly as trying to use a reed as a walking stick. Egypt had once been a powerful empire, but it was that no longer. But the real problem was that the Jews were relying on Egypt instead of their God, who was much more powerful and will always remain so.

I suspect that this image has other applications. The things that many modern people rely on are as weak and undependable as a reed walking stick. We make use of many things in the modern world, including wood and steel, hard work, reason, science, and modern medicine. There is nothing wrong with using any of these tools. God created them for our use. The danger is in relying on them without first relying on God. God can use any of these things to help us. God can also overpower any and all of these things when we do not first rely on God. Psalm 127:1 reminds us that “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” This does not mean that we should not build or take precautions. We should. It does mean that we should recognize the sovereignty of God over all of these things.

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What Kind Of Reader Are You? by Tara Randel

Posted on October 25, 2021 by tararandel

So many books, so little time!

Long before I started writing, and then became a published author, I was a huge reader. Still am to this day. Some of my fondest memories are of going to the library in our town and coming home with a stack of books. I’d sit in the yard under a tree and get lost in the stories.

When I was in high school, I hung out in the library, mainly to do homework or reports, but I still picked out the occasional fiction novel.  In college, I read less for pleasure and more for my classes, but once I graduated and started in the work force, I went back to the joy of reading novels.

So what do I like to read? Pretty much anything. I can devour a book a week, sometimes more depending on my schedule. Do I have a problem? Yes. A good one, I think. I can happily sit by a pool at a resort or snuggled on a couch, before a fire, in a cozy cabin, with a book in my hands. At home, I read either on the couch in my living room or in my bed before I go to sleep.

So, back to books. There are so many genres.

Classical literature. Romance with all the offshoots; suspense, historical, paranormal, to name a few. Then there are mysteries, thrillers, young adult, science fiction, fantasy, horror, (not for me!) action adventure, family sagas and women’s fiction. I’m sure I’ve left out a few. You can also find Christian or secular books in some of the same categories. My point is, if you love to read, you can find just about any type of book to make you happy.

My To-Read pile, which seems to grow weekly, is a variety of genres. I mainly read fiction novels, going to non-fiction if I’m doing research. I do love devotionals and Bible study books as well. If you look through my pile, you’ll find mysteries, contemporary romance, historical romance, either Regency or Victorian periods.  I enjoy WWII stories as well. Also, you’ll find romantic suspense. Any plot line I have to solve makes me happy.

Every once in a while my husband and I will find an author we both like. Then we’ll read the books and say. ‘Wait till you get to this part!’ or ‘Where in the book did you figure it out?’  Yeah, we’re a little competitive.

As far as authors go, I have my favorites. I’ll buy their books as soon as a new one is released. But I love discovering new voices, of which there are many. I constantly find new-to-me authors and savor the journey of reading their body of work. New books are like opening a present on a special occasion.

So, if you love to read, what would be your favorite reading list? You know you want to share!

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her Harlequin Heartwarming romance, STEALING HER BEST FRIEND’S HEART, available  now. For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter.

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Lying Lips by James R. Coggins

Posted on October 20, 2021 by jrcoggins

A mother confronts her son: “Did you write on the wall?”

The boy replies, “No, Mom, my little brother did it.”

The mother says, “But your little brother can’t spell.”

“Oh.”

*****

On another day, the mother confronts the same son: “Did you write on the wall?”

“No, Mom. My little brother did it,” the boy replies. “And this time I spelled it wrong so you would believe me.”

*****

On still another day, the mother confronts the younger brother: “Did you draw on the wall?”

“No, Mom,” the boy replies. “The cousins did it.”

“The cousins haven’t been here for two months.”

“Oh.”

*****

It strikes me that we have no more chance of deceiving God with our lies than those boys have of deceiving their mother.

Here are some Bible verses on the subject (from the NIV):

• “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” (Proverbs 12:22)

• “Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.” (Psalm 120:2)

• “Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” (John 8:31-32)

• “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:15-17)

• “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13)

• “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6)

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Trusting God When You Can’t See the Path Ahead Of You

Posted on October 19, 2021 by Author Mary Alford

When things are going smoothly, it’s easy to say, “Yeah, God, I trust You.”

You’re on the mountaintop. Everything is so good. Work, family, friends. Even worship comes easy.

But sooner or later, we are all going to leave the mountain and face the valley. It could be a lost job. Trouble with children. A death. Those moments shake us to our core. It’s easy to look into the unknown and panic. But the same God that was beside you on the mountaintop is there with you in the valley.

Those moment when the problem seems too great for us and we can’t see the path ahead, saying you trust God is easy, but actually trusting Him to get you through the unseen is hard.

Isaiah 58:11 says,

And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

A few years back, I lost my mother and my father-in-law in the space of eight months. My heart was breaking and it was hard to see the path ahead. Praying was hard, because I didn’t understand. But I poured out my heart to God and He helped me to understand that sometimes healing does not come this side of heaven.

Though it is still hard, and I miss them terribly, God has been moving me forward, one tiny step at a time, and I am trusting Him as He leads me through the valley to the next mountaintop.

So, no matter what you are going through, even if you can’t see the path ahead, put your hand in God’s and trust Him. He will get you where you need to be.

Blessings always,

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net     

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Confidence in God by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on October 14, 2021 by Bridget

My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! – Psalm 108:1

Do you have confidence in God? You might ask, “What does it mean to have confidence in God?”

According to Merriam-Webster, confidence can mean:
1a : a feeling or consciousness of one’s powers or of reliance on one’s circumstances
b : faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way
2 : the quality or state of being certain :
3a : a relation of trust or intimacy
b : reliance on another’s discretion
c : support especially in a legislative body

Do you have a feeling or consciousness of God’s power? Do you have faith or believe that God will act in a right, proper, or effective way? Do you have a relation of trust or intimacy with God? Do you have a reliance on God’s discretion?

When our hearts are confident in God, we trust Him. No matter what we might be facing, we trust Him. Some days we might walk through terrible circumstances. We might feel as though something or someone we love is being torn away from us. Maybe you had to change jobs or move to a new community, and this change is painful. Maybe a friendship is disintegrating and it hurts. I know so many of us have faced hard things this year. We don’t know what lies ahead. But one thing is certain, our hearts can remain confident in God.

This means we know He has a plan and a purpose. This means that we trust Him with our present situation and we trust Him with our future. What we are walking through might be beyond difficult, but we can hold onto the fact that God is working all things together for good, as it says in Romans 8:28. Whatever you might be facing today, I pray you are able to turn to our trustworthy Lord and put your confidence in Him.

© 2021 Bridget A. Thomas

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Where Do We Go From Here by Julie Arduini

Posted on October 13, 2021 by juliearduini

I remember my first conversation with my mother after dad died. She had been taking care of people since she was a teen. Now her home was empty and “for the first morning in fifty years, I have no one to take care of.”

She didn’t know what to do with the transition.

Our married life has seen changes, seen and unforseen. One that sticks out was a couple years after 9/11. The financial impact trickled to Upstate NY, and our small city was devastated by job loss. My own job lost funding, but expecting our daughter, I knew I wasn’t returning after having her. My husband, the only one with income, went to work one day to find the owner left to find his own employment. The business was alive only if each person found their own work with commission. All benefits gone. No steady income. We looked at each other that night and wondered what will we do?

Years later we were front pew observers of a nasty church split. All our friends and people our age were angry right with us, and they left that church the morning everything came to a head, not to return en masse. Our kids loved being there. We had felt like it was home. What were we to do?

Today I took our daughter to lunch and we discussed her options after high school. She’s that baby I was expecting when my husband’s job changed. Her first year was full of health situations, one so critical we nearly lost her. The events caused significant delays that year, and some remain. Early on we were told to prepare for retardation. That didn’t happen, but then we were told she was in need of full time special ed. That lasted a month before they dismissed her. Now she’s in regular classes with a 504, and is a National Honor Society member.

Her future isn’t the straight shot her brother’s trajectory was. College is an option, but with comprehension and memory issues, it will take her longer. She tires easily and her health can be compromised. At this time she does not drive. Entering the work force isn’t an automatic choice. Most kids can enter a fast food restaurant and handle the kitchen or front register. That’s not available for her at this time. Exchanging money or working in a high traffic area isn’t just yet.

So where do we go from here?

The experiences I’ve observed and learned on my own have shown me one thing when we aren’t sure what to do: PRAY. @juliearduini @christiansread

Since 2020, we’ve been praying for the Lord to direct specific steps with the kids. As our son completed his college education and our daughter faces the end of high school. As I received the call mom passed on and now it was just my sister and me. When my husband announced he had a job opportunity he was considering. His first question was, would you pray with me?

Prayer has seen us through every single situation. His answer might not have been what I wanted, it might not have been easy, but it was always best. When a door closed, if there was a delay or disappointment, through prayer we saw His blessings in time.

We don’t know the plan for our daughter. But we trust that God does, and that He will show us.

Years ago we were on vacation and unfortunately some of our daughter’s health issues were manifesting while we were a thousand miles from her doctors. Although a doctor was nearby, we knew he wasn’t equipped to handle what might happen based on our experiences. We were in a gift shop and held hands and prayed.

The clerk saw us and in the most beautiful accent declared, “The family that prays together stays together.”

I with I could tell my daughter exactly what’s next, or better yet, she announce to us. In time, by faith, she will.

For now, we keep asking God to direct our steps.

If you’re facing anything similar, I encourage you to the same. How the Lord loves you and longs to give you puzzle pieces and strategies for your life!

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Loving Fervently by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on October 8, 2021 by Nancy J. Farrier
Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

A few weeks ago we visited a church that two of our daughters attend. We were sitting toward the back and there were several open seats in front of us as often happens with an earlier service. A couple of minutes before the service started a father herded his three daughters into the seats a couple of rows in front of us. I was immediately blessed to see a father taking the time to bring his children to church.

As the worship started and we all stood, a woman came hurrying down the aisle. She slipped past the father and squeezed in between two of the daughters. What followed was like a beautiful homecoming without the shouts of joy or streamers in the air.

The daughters immediately threw their arms around the mother to hug her as she hugged them back and kissed them. The father leaned past the girls and gave her a hug, never removing his arm as he straightened. Throughout the rest of the service the whole family continued to touch one another. Between hugs or just hands on one another’s back, they stayed connected in such a beautiful display of love it brought tears to my eyes. 

My thought was that the mother had been gone and just returned home in time to join her family in church. I spoke with her afterwards and she said she’d been helping out elsewhere before the service and that her family just loved to show affection. I told her what a blessing they were to me, and what a picture they were of how we are to be as Christians. We both ended up a little teary as we chatted.

I haven’t been able to get that family out of my thoughts. I keep seeing their utter joy at being together and thinking of how I interact with my Christian family. I do not interact in a way that brings joy to those around me.

“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, loveone another fervently with a pure heart…” I Pet. 1:22

That word fervently carries the meaning of earnestly or strenuously. It’s an action. Like the hugging and touching of this family in church, we are to actively love one another. Maybe not with hugs and touching as they were doing, but in other ways that are just as meaninggul. How often do we go to church and exchange banalities that are instincive while never knowing the underlying needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ? 

I know I am guilty of this. And God is stressing to me that I need to make an effort to have a deeper relationship with those in my church. Will it be easy? No. I live quite a distance away. I’m not good at relationships or friendships. Will it be worth it? Yes, because God is asking and He always has a purpose for what he requests.

I know the family I saw in my daughters’ church has moments that are difficult. They’ve had to work to develop the close relationship they have. But the beauty of what they show the world around them is worth the struggle.

I challenge each of you to join me as I commit to work fervently to establish deeper relationships with others in church or in the community where I live. We must love others as God loves us. Then, without a word, the world will see God through our love for one another.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love oneanother. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

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