Beams of Light Ministries

Casting Crowns - Come to the Well CD

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:58:00 +0000

I was quick to let you know about Anthony Evans Jr.’s new CD; even announcing that I’d be giving it to some folks for Christmas. I did. And, that was good – I think they liked it. But what I haven’t told you about, which in my opinion, is a different style of music and also a little better is Casting Crowns’ newest CD – Come to the Well. It was released in October 2011 but I'm just getting on board a few weeks ago - and it's been on repeat in my car...I'm just saying...

Can I just tell you how much I’ve been enjoying this CD? I like how the lyrics tell a story of sorts. I can identify with some of these lyrics. And I just feel good all over when I can do that. You know how it is – a song you can relate to instantly becomes “your song.”

Now, some folks may pick this CD up because it has the title track for the movie Courageous. That’s a great song. Love it. But, I like some others better – like “Already There” and “City on the Hill” and “Spirit Wind” – which kinda sounds a little folksy but I love it just the same. I absolutely get entangled in “So Far to Find You” and I can really jam (and relate to) “My Own Worst Enemy”.

And these are the band members that make me happy!

I’m just saying – if you’re looking for a great CD – then really consider buying Casting Crown’s “Come to the Well.”

Profound Change

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:39:00 +0000

What is profound change?

In reading a devotional, this question haunts my thoughts. Profound. Change.

It would seem that this change is more like a shifting - once undertaken, the old way - the way in which you changed from - can no longer be accessed. You are now under the direction of a new way of doing things. You have changed - or your circumstances have changed. Everything is different. Which makes it profound.

Perhaps you are standing at the edge of change. Profound. Change. Knowing that the next step will lead to a future that goes beyond what we may imagine. It's different. Heavy. New.

Profound is deep. Not in the least bit shallow. It's intense. So the change that we undertake follows the same merit. Not shallow. Not bland. But deep and intense. Ah...profound change.

Have you had a profound change? Is it staring you in the face? Will you embrace it? One of the most profound changes in my life was receiving salvation. Talk about profound change. The girl that I was then is not the woman that I am now. I'm better for the cause of Christ - a vessel that is now willing to be used for His glory. A profoundly different character from the introverted college kid who focused on the books and worried about her life. What she would be. What she could become. If she was good enough...

I want to encourage you today. Don't shrink away from profound change. Pray about it but don't just shut it down until you've spoken to the Lord. If I would have let my fears shut down profound change, I never would have taken the first step, and then the second and third as I moved closer to the alter to give my life to Christ. I would have missed an opportunity for my soul to be secured. Don't miss your change in whatever area that profound change is calling you to. Be courageous --- for Christ. Any change you make for Him is profound. You may not immediately see it, but it's impact on someone else could be profound.

I hope you'll think about these two words this week....profound....change.

Blessings to YoU!

-sk

So I Will Remember

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Except for the exceptional, most of us don’t have too many memories of when we were very young. We don’t remember being bottle-fed (or nursed) or diapered. We don’t remember being burped and we don’t remember our first steps. Perhaps that’s why so many parents have taken to photographs, videos and other various forms of digital imaging…so that when we are old enough to remember, we can see where we have come from.

Some of you are aware that I have a new addition to my puppy dog family. And some of you have asked me to post a picture of my new girl. Well, here she is.

She’s being photographed constantly, even though she will never remember – mmm...because she’s a dog. And she will not likely ever care about my incessant photo taking and making her pose. She just cares that she’s loved. And she is. And out of love, I take the pictures. Not so that she will remember, but so that I will.

My new girl at 13 weeks

Have a God-honoring weekend!
Sanya

Alone with God

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:52:00 +0000

I visited a familiar book today. One that I’ve long held near and dear to my heart. One that I put on the shelf after a year and soon find that it’s time to pull it back off again. One that inspires me to be better than I am and necessitates that I look beyond myself. One that slowly peels back the layers of truth such that I can handle the rawness of my humanity. This book, My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers, is my all-time favorite devotional.

A must-have for your library!

Today’s entry is entitled: “Have you ever been alone with God?” For me, the answer is a resounding “Yes!!!” ...but.... the interesting thing is – I was alone with Him during periods of my life that I would rather not have experienced. Some of my most intimate times alone with God have been because of despair and disappointment, heartbreak and sorrow. Yet, the devotional today reveals something that I know to be true – it was a part of God’s plan. He allowed those events in my life to draw me closer – to tune me in to Him and not the things of the world. Not other people. Just my Lord. How precious. He loves me so much that even as I have chased after other things, He still wants to spend time with me. Wow.

For me, it’s profound; for you can spend your days thinking that you are wanted and loved by people only to find out the opposite is true. Some of you have experienced this, perhaps in relationships or even in your families. It’s painful no matter how we may try to sugar coat it. It tastes bitter. It feels cold. But God… No matter what, He wants that alone time with us. Isn’t that awesome!?!! The Sovereign Lord of the Universe wants to be alone with you and with me.

I want to give my utmost. And to do so, I've got to get alone with Him on a consistent basis - just because of Who He is and not because of something that has happened to me. Drawing closer. Shutting out the world. That's what I endeavor to do more and more. How about you? Will you accept the invitation to quiet time with the Lord?

I love having my devotional book handy but if you don’t have it, you can read it daily, for free, online. Here is the link to the devotional page: http://utmost.org/ Or, just because I love you, you can stay on this site, and keep reading. I copied this from the site today:

January 12^th: When they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples

—Mark 4:34

Our Solitude with Him. Jesus doesn’t take us aside and explain things to us all the time; He explains things to us as we are able to understand them. The lives of others are examples for us, but God requires us to examine our own souls. It is slow work— so slow that it takes God all of time and eternity to make a man or woman conform to His purpose. We can only be used by God after we allow Him to show us the deep, hidden areas of our own character. It is astounding how ignorant we are about ourselves! We don’t even recognize the envy, laziness, or pride within us when we see it. But Jesus will reveal to us everything we have held within ourselves before His grace began to work. How many of us have learned to look inwardly with courage?

We have to get rid of the idea that we understand ourselves. That is always the last bit of pride to go. The only One who understands us is God. The greatest curse in our spiritual life is pride. If we have ever had a glimpse of what we are like in the sight of God, we will never say, “Oh, I’m so unworthy.” We will understand that this goes without saying. But as long as there is any doubt that we are unworthy, God will continue to close us in until He gets us alone. Whenever there is any element of pride or conceit remaining, Jesus can’t teach us anything. He will allow us to experience heartbreak or the disappointment we feel when our intellectual pride is wounded. He will reveal numerous misplaced affections or desires— things over which we never thought He would have to get us alone. Many things are shown to us, often without effect. But when God gets us alone over them, they will be clear.

So, again I ask you, "Will you accept the invitation to quiet time with the Lord?".

Have a God-honoring day!,

Sanya

A Review of Home by Anthony Evans Jr.

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:49:00 +0000

From time to time on this blog, I will write a review of some sort. I generally write book reviews. However, whenever music really grabs me, I write about it.

So, here I am, writing a review of “Home”, the latest CD from Anthony Evans. I’ve been listening to his music for years, - since his “Even More” days - so I confess up front that I am a fan and this review may be a bit skewed toward the fact that I really appreciate the way God uses him through song.

Anthony is a gifted singer. Not the kind of singer where you can tell that they’ve had some vocal training and therefore they want to show you all of their skill in one song. I confess that I don’t know if he’s been trained that way but my point is this - no matter what he sings, he makes it sound effortless. I believe that I would buy an album of him singing the phone book for no other reason than the fact that God has gifted him through song. He has given him an amazing voice and the whole world should hear it!

In fact, I am giving the “Home” CD as Christmas gifts - I purchased five for gifts and downloaded a copy for myself.

That being said, here are some praise points: In my humble opinion, “Home” is Anthony’s best CD yet. And that’s really a big praise from me considering that I was stuck on “The Bridge” CD for what seemed like a lifetime. It’s not always that he’s singing new or original music. It’s the way he sings the lyrics. Anthony adds an element of drama to the music that puts the listener into anticipatory mode. I listen with expectation that the next note or the next lyric is going to deliver me to some place that I wasn’t expecting.

If you look through his tweets and followers (he’s @anthonyevansjr), you’ll see that I’m not alone in this expectation. Many people tweet about what he’s singing being the very thing that they need in that moment of their lives. That’s ministry folks. His music does ministry.

I am particularly fond of a few songs on the “Home” CD. I L.O.V.E. the “How He Loves” Interlude and song ... talk about drama there! And even though there are other versions of “How He Loves”, it’s worth taking a listen to Anthony’s version. It changed me. I also love “Take Over” with Tamela Mann. It’s such sincere worship. Just like “My Desire” - the CD opens with this song and the lyrics are so powerful and praise-oriented. It’s the right song that sets the tone for the entire CD.

One of the most candid and vulnerable songs is “Fighting for Me.” This song takes me to a place of my own vulnerability - when I try to hold on to the ever elusive feeling of control - only to realize that God Himself is doing the fighting and all I really need to do is to rest in the comfort of that knowledge. God is and always has been in control. All I ever needed to do was to get out of His way - He’s fighting for me.

I’m not going to tell you about every song on the CD. That’s your homework. Go ahead and purchase it for yourself...and a few friends...and be prepared for this music to minister to you.

Hello!

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:54:00 +0000

My fingers have been touching keyboards. Keyboards at home and work. But not in an effort to write something inspirational for this blog. It has been a busy season in other areas of my life but God has brought me back here in this moment. I’m truly grateful.

While I’ve been away, I have had several experiences where God continues to show His love and faithfulness toward me and those with whom I am privileged to call my brothers and sisters in Christ. Isn’t it amazing to meet up with someone who worships the God of the Bible?

In this day and time, you can meet a crowd of people and they simply don’t believe - and aren’t afraid to tell you either! Just yesterday, I brought up Christ to someone and guess what - they told me they didn’t go to church. The implication from the conversation was they didn’t believe nor did they have a relationship with Christ. And when I asked why, they told me that they “just didn’t.” I invited them to know Him.

You see, there are opportunities everywhere. And although I recognize that one single invitation may not be enough to bring that person into the ark of safety, it’s a start. And someone else will come along and do it again. God will see to it.

He’s so very faithful to us.

Even now, as I prepare for the day, I have this one thought in my mind - faithful is my God. And since He doesn’t play favorites, know this today - He’s faithful to you too.

See you soon!

Sanya

Baking with the Boss!

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 01:32:00 +0000

TLC has a fan in me - I love the show Cake Boss with Buddy Valastro. In fact, when Buddy was on tour in my city, I went to see him. What a great show!

Lisa and the kids weren't there - I guess they show up when they can and for those audiences, it's a special treat. But I have to tell ya, Buddy is one funny guy! He held my attention the entire time. You should check him out to see when he's coming to your city. I laughed and laughed!

The show is really family friendly - I went with my sister - who is the greatest! I'm a fan...but don't tell her! I want her head to still be able to fit in the door. I thank God for her. She's warm and sweet - just like freshly baked cake!

It's funny how baking can be so therapeutic! Raw ingredients come together, poured into molds and forced into a heated oven so that it rises into a delicious and yummy treat!

And we're like that too.

We are raw ingredients ready for molding. God has to whip and stir us into a suitable batter, lacking nothing. And when He does, He pours us into the mold that He has created just for us. And then we walk through the fire of trails and tribulations on our way to maturity in Him. We just don't wait up mature once we get in right standing with the Lord. Just like a flour, sugar and eggs don't all of a sudden make themselves into a ready-to-eat moist cake. No, it's a process. And we are privileged to be able to go through it.

Things Get in the Way

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Lately, my fingers have been so glued to the keyboard as a requirement, that I’ve not had much time to write for the joy of it.

As I look around me, there is so much that still needs to be done. So many words left to write in my research paper. So many things left unsaid in my journal. So much housework...well, you get the idea. Yet, at this moment, I’m writing just for the joy of it. Free form. No assignment. Just writing. I am desperately trying to get back to what I love.

I have always loved writing - even from my youth. I had an open love affair with pens and stationary...with my name at the top. I used to write poems all the time. And when I joined church, I wrote a bunch more. I wrote about my love for Jesus and the state of men - my own state as I learned more about sin and God. The words for those poems would just flow. Effortlessly. And I enjoyed taking dictation from my spirit and looking up some minutes later to a completed piece.

Back then, some of my sweet friends would always ask - what poems have you written lately? And I would always have a reply. I even wrote and read some poems for special days at my church. Those days were nerve-racking because those “special occasion” poems were always an edict on some type of behavior. Oh the pressure!

Yet I did it. And looking back now, and the years that have since passed, I understand now completely why those poems were given to me by the Holy Spirit. They were warnings against what could potentially cause a riff or split in the church body. But they were ignored and trouble stormed the camp...so to speak.

I stopped writing for a period of time. And in doing so, I lost the thing that gave me the most joy. Things get in the way. And when they do, we always have a choice. Will we subject ourselves to losing the thing(s) we love most to take care of the things we love the least? Think about it for yourself. Is there something that you’ve always loved from your youth and as you’ve grown up, life has gotten in the way of your actively being involved with that thing? Do you still love it? If you do, find a way to get back to it - and don’t put it off. It’s not for tomorrow - it’s for you today.

Ugh...Stomach Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:33:00 +0000

Last night, I had an issue....this is what I wrote in the middle of the night. I hope it blesses you.

I can’t remember when I’ve last had a stomach ache like this. Rousing me from my sleep. Keeping me up in the middle of the night. I can’t remember. And that a good thing. For it tells me that I’m getting to bed each night and getting solid rest. So one night - let’s hope it’s just one night - without the rest to which I’m accustomed should not cause much harm. Right?!

And since I’m now wide awake - and keenly aware of pain - and the blessing of sleep, I find it fitting to offer up a prayer for those who face pain as a constant companion and who find sleep and a good night’s rest fleeting.

Would you pray with me?

Father God, I come to you now, wide awake and humbled. There are so many things that we, as your people take for granted. Health and wellness are two of those things. Thank you for reminding me of what it’s like to watch the midnight hours seep into the daylight hours. The hours intended for sleep quickly passing by. Thank you for reminding me of what’s it like to wish for sleep to come but to hurt so much that one knows that sleep will not come until the pain subsides. Thank you that I am able to feel the pain for it will help me to appreciate the pain-free days and nights to come. You are a blessing to me. Continually humbling me, Your servant, so that I can relate to others and carry your compassion within me.

And with all of this praise and thanksgiving, for You are a merciful God, I come asking You for divine healing for those who are in pain. You created each of us, and You alone are able to provide exactly what each created being cries out for. You alone are able to mend what is broken and soothe what is inflamed. Therefore, I ask even now that as You search across the Earth, that You heal and deliver someone who is facing affliction in their body. Would you give someone a good night’s rest, free from pain. And would you allow them to know, even as they are waking up in the morning, feeling rested, that their rest was a result of Your power. Not a doctor’s medicine but Your power, alone.

****Update****

I’m feeling good! Guess I shouldn’t have had that smoothie so close to bedtime. :-)

At Mount Bethel...

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:00:00 +0000

I was privileged to speak at Mt Bethel Baptist Church in Roxboro in August. What a time in the Lord we had! They are a beautiful group of worshippers. And their pastor is a wonderful servant of God.

The Holy Spirit traveled with us - met us there - allowed us to be free in worship. And we served God together. We praised Him together. And everything was for God's glory.

My pastor, in his generosity, sent the choir, musicians and bus to accompany me. You see, it was just as much their engagement as mine for we were asked to come together. And, Pastor allowed it. I do not think I'll ever be able to fully explain, as a young minister, how very humbling that is. I still think about it and am humbled. For me, it's one thing to go off to an engagement by yourself; it's quite another thing to go off to preach with the church choir. I'm humbled by the numbers that drove the distance because somewhere in my mind, the enemy was telling me that only a few would show - most likely those that rode with me in my car. Not so. God sent all that were needed and then some and we had a great time in the Lord. It's not about numbers - but I'm writing this out to show how the enemy will use even what should be a good event to try to raise doubt, fear and insecurities.

But I'm getting wiser when it comes to dealing with my adversary in that arena. I'm getting to the point where now, I'm not so concerned about every aspect and detail. I'm trusting God more fully now knowing that if He has brought me to it, then surely, He's going to see me through it. That's the confidence I have with God now. And I wish for you the same!

Have you got your reservations?

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 21:00:00 +0000

It's been a good while since my last post. I've been swamped by both the good and the bad of life. I've preached three sermons in four weeks time, lost a childhood friend to death, grieved in ways that surprised me, took an exam with a splitting migraine, gained a new Christian friend, injured my foot and subsequently I now have two muscle strains, attended an initial sermon and learned a new recipe...all while still working a full-time job.

See, I've been away, but I've not been sitting on the couch eating bon-bons, wasting the time away. Instead, I've been attending to the pressing matters of life. And I can't think of anything more pressing right now than to talk about our salvation in Christ.

Maybe it's because of all the preaching...
Maybe it's because of all the loss...
Maybe it's because of all the grieving...

...but I want you to know that without a life in Christ, your eternity is not secured. Yes, I am a Christian. Yes, I believe in the Trinity. Yes, I believe in Jesus as the Son of God. Yes, I believe that He is the only way to God. I don't want you to be left out. So, my plea is this: make sure that you've secured your reservations in Heaven. And if you have any doubts to what I mean by that, please let me know. You can e-mail me here. And we can talk about it. I'll answer any question you may have about your salvation to the best of my ability. And if I don't know the answer, I'll find out. Sound fair?

Time is ticking...

Fight For Your Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:54:00 +0000

My guy WASN’T the only scoundrel. Humph. Imagine that.

You may chuckle, but I’m telling you, this was a revelation to me, courtesy of the Lord Jesus!

The adversary of our very souls will always try to convince us that we are alone in whatever situation and/or struggle we are going through. I thought I was alone; The only one who had experienced such a cruel and heartless deception. But now, as many others have shared their stories with me, I know without doubt that I am not alone. Never was. Just deceived – again. Honey, the mean ole devil wants to isolate us so that he can whisper doubt, fear and discouragement in our ears. He wants our undivided attention so that we will continue to think about the things that hurt us, disappoint us and discourage us. That’s the sweet spot for our enemy. If he can get us feeling that low, then he can continue to kick us in the gut.

And that’s why we have to do better.

We, in our grief, will often times turn inward. We want to be alone with our sadness. We want to crawl up on our beds and just lay there, being baptized with our tears. We find comfort in taking off any presentable clothes, putting on our jammies and laying on the couch, watching Lifetime Movies about other scorned and deceived women, with our Kleenex box in hand. The kindred of the hurt and helpless lures us. Don’t let it.

Open the blinds and window dressings; let the LIGHT shine in and learn to RESIST the attacks of the enemy!

I don’t know what has happened to you. And I’m too bored with my own story to tell it again regarding what happened to me a few years back. The details just don’t matter anymore. What does matter is knowing who is behind it. And that’s the devil. Christian sister, know this, people can be used for good or for evil. And sometimes, deceptively, the evil masquerades around looking like it’s good. That’s why we have to be perceptive. But that’s another post for another day.

For now, just know that when you have a "hurt" or something is beating you down, don’t crawl into bed right off with the bon-bons, potato chips and Diet Coke. Stop long enough and think about who is behind it and decide right then and there who is going to get the victory in the spiritual battle that you are about to fight.

If you want to concede, then just crawl into bed, and call up a bonafide prayer warrior to help you. You can do better than this, but if that's where you are on your journey, at least turn to a mature Christian for help. But if you want to fight and stomp that mean joker in the head, then rally your spirit and get down on your knees and pray to the Father who sees. Thank you Lord for the privilege! Know that you are not alone in what you are about to battle. Know that since God is for you, then the world against you still doesn’t stand a chance. And know that God wants you to have life and have it more abundantly. He does not want you lounging in your pit of despair. Don't get comfortable there!

Fight for your peace. I know that sounds strange, but just do it. And if by chance, you get knocked down, that’s alright, get back up. You may be down but you don’t have to be out. To borrow a phrase from my pastor, Reverend Daniel Sanders, that got me through some tough times, “you can’t lose if you don’t quit.” When you get tired, call for some godly reinforcements, but don’t give up. Don’t quit. Fight on your knees in prayer. Fight with your worship words to the air. Set the atmosphere for victory and you will defeat the adversary. Resist him and he'll flee. You can do it, because as a child of God, you are never alone. You have a Comforter, the Holy Spirit dwelling in you.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” – 1Peter 5:8

C'mon Christian. Stand up now. Stand on the Word of God. Stand on His promises. Stand on His truth. It’s time to fight!

The New Tenant

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 22:48:00 +0000

Candidly speaking, birds like me more than I like them. There. I've said it.

Maybe I should really say that they like my things more than I like them occupying my things.

I used to think that birds were ultra cool. My dad has always had a fascination with them. His Aunt Sarah did too. Part of the reason that my dad has the career that he does, flying folks around, is because of birds. They flit and fly and well, you know what birds do.

Nevertheless, I always regarded birds as those things that never stood still long enough for me to really study them. You know what I mean. They fly away right when they catch your eye. Carefree, floating on a breeze.

One year, a bird build her nest on my front porch. I thought it was cool to be able to observe the whole egg hatching process so closely. But what I originally thought would be fascinating quickly turned into a chore. In two words, I'll say "bird poop" and you can figure out the rest.

So, imagine my surprise when I found, just this year, a bird hanging out in my outdoor dryer vent. Really? C'mon Mr/Mrs. Bird. That could not have looked like a good place to be. Nevertheless, I called my dad to "rescue" my dryer vent from the bird drama before there was an opportunity for those "two words" to be streaming down the side of my house...again.

I found myself all clear with the birds until last week. Here is what I saw...

...isn't she gorgeous?!

My non-bird-loving-self just adores THIS bird. There she is just perched up on the straw that she's collected from somewhere. Hanging out. Peaceful.

And then it struck me. How many times do we say that we don't like something and then out of the blue, God gives us an opportunity to appreciate it. It's all His work. All His creation. And all for His glory.

Humbling.

So, hopefully, this tree will provide some comfort to its new tenant. And maybe just maybe, I'll get to see one of her offspring soon. God cares about all of His creations. We should too.

Dangers Seen and Unseen

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:48:00 +0000

The sky was clear and the green light beckoned. It was an early Sunday morning. I began to cross the intersection when mid-way, I looked left. A Ford Explorer, black, with a big grill and passengers in both the front and back, was speeding toward me.

Running through the red light.

I thought, “my God” but before I could get my two-word thought developed, the traffic violating Ford Explorer was slowing down. The driver, applying their brakes. I made it through the intersection safely because of God.

He was protecting me in dangers seen and unseen. Had He not, I would have had the side-curtain airbag getting real personal with my face, along with the grill of the SUV in my side. Undoubtedly I would have been injured. That SUV was rolling faster than the speed limit and coming through the light as if it weren’t there at all. But God! He spared me. Saved me from imminent danger.

I want to encourage you today to not take God’s hand of protection for granted. If you get in a car or other mode of transportation and make it to your intended destination, tell Him “thank you.” Then seek out other ways to let Him know that you appreciate the fact He’s not a God which slumbers or sleeps, but instead, He is always watching over us.

Revival 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:43:00 +0000

Last week, my church was in revival. I always look forward to this time of year in the life of our church. We have guest speakers who will come in and impart the Word of God to us in their own unique way. This year, we had three speakers over four nights to share with us and as a result, I'm feeling more revived!

I don't know if you can measure a revival's real benefit collectively, but I can speak personally. My personal benefit can be summarized like this: I feel good. I feel strong.

This is not to say that I was feeling "weak" but I DID have some random things that were starting to weight on my soul. Now, I feel lighter. Like my soul can breathe. Isn't that something? I praise God for that. He knew what I was wrestling with and then sent a revivalist to show me the right way to permanently rid myself of that weight. God is good. All the time. And when we look up from our circumstances, taking our eyes off of ourselves, we'll see His goodness.

I won't soon forget this revival. It was right on time. Even thought I didn't realize that until I got my liberty. Wow God. Thank You for loving me like that!

A Review: Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 11:39:00 +0000

I stood in the line waiting to have my free novel signed by her. Jenny B. Jones intrigued me. Small stature but big personality. Novel writer and E! TV watcher. Christian, sincere but not the least bit stodgy. A mystery.

She signed the book with my name, and a personal message of encouragement to me – with Scripture. She took the time to write to a woman she’d never met but whom she knew held a dream tucked deep. I would not shelve her book. No, I’d read it. And soon.

I peeled back the cover and read the Prologue. It was 10:30 at night. I figured I’d just get a few pages in before bed. I was up past midnight, tension building the whole time. And I had to work the next day. I was hooked. I woke up, read, dressed for work, read while my computer was booting, ate lunch, read and came home and finished reading. I read the entire book in less than 24 hours. This, my friend never happens to me. But I was so invested in Lucy…

Wait, I have to tell you the name of the book, right? Geesh. Okay, the book that the intriguing, award-winning author Jenny B. Jones wrote is called “Save the Date”. And I love it. It needs to be a movie so I can watch it. The story centers around a single gal named Lucy. I’m not going to tell you much more though.

I will say that I rooted for Lucy, and was taken aback by Lucy at times. I wanted Lucy to pull it together and I was surprised when she did. She did it when I didn’t think she would. I loved the way that Jenny wrote the story, allowing me into Lucy and Alex’s heart and mind. And although I was surprised at the ending, I still agree with it. It’s a solid and quick read.

Thanks Jenny. You’re one great story-teller!

God in the Details

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:48:00 +0000

There was a simmering and then there was a direct attack. Instantly, what had been a mild annoyance became a full-fledged assault on my stomach area. I ached horribly.

I did all the things I know to do but nothing seemed to work. Then the heat came. I was fanning myself in a nicely air-conditioned building. Cold-natured me was fanning. Umm, not good. I felt horrible and queasy. Houston – we have a problem.

I went to the water fountain but every step of the journey made me feel like collapse on the carpet was a better idea. God steadied me. I drank the water and returned to my desk. I coaxed myself – it’s the end of the workweek. You can do this. But my body had another plan. I double-over in pain and moved to my guest chair. It was lower – in case I fell. I began to pray and the move of God stabilized me yet again, but the pain was still there. Burning me. Stabbing me. I needed reinforcements.

I called my friend down. She was just a few desks away. God had it to be that she was not on the phone with a customer. She popped up and came down. It was God. And she prayed. But she didn’t leave. She stayed until I felt better. She was an example of Jesus with skin on. And then, I journeyed past stabilization to movement. The burning slacked off. The stabbing stopped. And just like I felt a descending, God allowed me to feel ascension. He raised me back on my feet. And now, I’m typing out this testimony. God stepped in and made the wrong in my body right. I’ve got a praise today because I am feeling much improved. God is in the little things. He loves the details. And I thank Him, praise Him and love Him for just that.

Susan Meissner's Shape of Mercy

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:08:00 +0000

Have you read the Shape of Mercy? I loved that book. So much so that I've passed it along to my mom. The cool thing about it is that now we can discuss it. When I read it, I couldn't put that book down! My mom is reading it as she can slot it in to her schedule, but it's so masterfully written that she can read it and put it down and still remember what's going on when she picks it back up again. In fact, we were discussing it last night and she mentioned a portion of the book that I instantly recalled. I can't even remember what I ate a few days ago but I can remember what happened in The Shape of Mercy! Seriously!

I met Susan Meissner and was able to spend some time with her this past weekend at SheSpeaks. Now, this is not to say that we're now best buddies or anything, but she allowed a natural, easy-going conversation to take place between the two of us. She's not the least bit pretentious. She's kind-hearted and a good listener. To know me is to know that I can engage in random conversation from time to time. She allowed it. She didn't seem perturbed. I was talking about Delta Airlines and when I like to board the plane for goodness sakes! She allowed it.

So, I want you to allow yourself to experience The Shape of Mercy and the gifted writer, better known as Susan Meissner. She's on Twitter - @susanmeissner. And her website is: www.susanmeissner.com. After you read the Shape of Mercy, there is a blog that keeps the story going if you're so inclined.

If I could tell Susan anything, it would be, thank you! Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for penning such a masterful story.

I Recommend Mary DeMuth

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:15:00 +0000

I have told so many people about my favorite Christian fiction author Mary DeMuth this weekend that I thought I should probably list some links to some of my previous posts in the event that these gals stop by my blog looking for the reviews and thoughts I mentioned.

You may wonder why I keep talking about Mary DeMuth and encouraging you to read her books. It's simple. She's real. I love that about her. I'm not trying to be stalker-like but she's a real, down-to-earth, no-need-to-fake-humiliy kind of woman. When she says that she loves Jesus and wants to make Him famous, I believe her. I don't think she's operating under any other motive and I don't find her the least bit pretentious or off-putting. She's the main reason I attended She Speaks this year. I wanted to hear what she had to say in the Story-telling sessions.

I'm just telling you about her because she is rare. She writes fiction and nonfiction. Rare. So, if you've not read any of her books, check out Amazon. There's plenty to pick from. Since I prefer fiction over parenting, and free over all, I started with Daisy Chain. You'll recall, she gave that book to me, free of charge. Free y'all. And it was brand new. She gave me a free one and a conference room stuffed full of women, a free book too. Selfless wouldn't you say?

Here's my review of it, along with some other good stuff.

So, Daisy Chain is the first book of the Defiance, Texas trilogy. After all these years, I'm still talking about Daisy Chain, A Slow Burn and Life in Defiance. That should tell you something. It's a mystery that I didn't figure out until it was time to figure it out. That's stellar writing!

Daisy Chain (this one is not a real review...go to Amazon and see what others are saying, here's the link)
A Slow Burn
Life in Defiance
The Muir House (the very latest fiction novel)

I could go on but I won't. I will say this as a final point. If you enjoy solid Christian fiction, that is masterfully written, I recommend Mary DeMuth. I also will recommend others, so, stay tuned...

The New Fiscal Year

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:15:00 +0000

Just like that, a weekend of intensity ended. She Speaks was over. I took one step out in the high heat and oppressive humidity and knew with certainty that I'd just stepped into the next phase of writing. I am not stranger to the She Speaks conference. I've attended multiple times - one might say that I'm a graduate that keeps visiting the school. I told many newbies (first time attenders) that She Speaks is like the start of my writing fiscal year. I get pumped upon the jet fuel that can help power my writing through the year. How far I fly depends on how well I manage my resources.

So, here we go again. A new beginning. I know what to do. Now I have to do it. This is where the rubber meets the road. Am I ready? I guess we will find out.

I know that some of you want to know what happened at the conference. I'll be posting the details in forthcoming blogs, so check back. I will also be mentioning some writers that I met for the first time - you will not want to miss that - trust me. So, hang tight. More is coming.

Back Then...

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 20:46:00 +0000

Flipping through an app on my phone, I came across something that sent me flying back down memory lane. I instantly recalled the despair I felt when this song first danced across my ears. I was in that situation at that time. The longing and wanting…the neediness that accompanies rejection consumed me. I remember feeling lifeless and devoid; paralyzed by the fear that somehow I was unlovable. Not cherished. Not wanted. And this song played right into those emotions, caressing them even, but after four minutes, it too was gone, still leaving me with the questions that haunted me. No resolution, just a slick R&B ballad.

I looked down at my phone, recalling all of this…and then the unthinkable happened…I laughed! I threw my head back and said “Thank You Jesus!!!”

What a hot mess I was BACK THEN to believe the lies of my adversary! I have since learned that relationships with people are important but the one relationship that I ought to nurture above all others is the one relationship that won’t leave me. I don’t have to worry about God changing his mind, calling me up and telling me it’s over. I don’t have to worry about God dismissing me from His presence. He wants me there. I don’t have to worry when I place my hope and trust in God. Amen! Aw c’mon, you know you want to say it with me – on the count of three, one…two…three…AMEN!!!!

With God, we don’t have to worry because He has not left us in our “back thens.” If we will but trust Him enough to build a relationship with Him, then we’ll see that out “back thens” where a time “back when” we put too much emphasis on others. We esteemed them higher than we esteemed our God. But when you flip that thing around and you esteem God as priority number one in your life, the hurt that would have come when people decide you’re not worth their time stings less. A whole lot less.

Why? Because when you have God, although you may be alone, you’re not really ever alone. If you allow it, He will walk with you and talk with you. He will be a friend that sticks closer than a brother…or a sister (to be gender neutral here!) He loves you (yes, He does) and He cherishes you. He wants a relationship with you, YES, YOU!

He’s not around just to see what He can get from you. Instead, He is around because He loves you. You know that whole bit about Him laying down His life for you right? There is no greater love than the one that God has for you. None greater. So look, if someone in your “back then” left you “back when”, it’s okay. Let ‘em go. Some people are in your life for seasons. Others just don’t need to be in your life. Just let them go. You only make yourself tired trying to hold on to someone when they want to leave. Let them leave. And instead of allowing their departure to leave a void in your life, do something better than that. Remember God and then cleave to Him. Develop THAT relationship and see just how much He blesses you! You won’t regret it. And then one day, when you are flipping through an app on your phone and get transported back to memory lane, you too can let out a yelp of praise, saying “Thank You Jesus!!!!”

She's Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:33:00 +0000

My godson's mother has made it back from a year of deployment. I am so grateful and thankful to God that He has kept her, along with her battle-buddies throughout the entirety of a year. In dangers seen and unseen. In hostile territory. And when I finally got my opportunity to look at her - to behold her with my own eyes, all I could do was smile. She's a real soldier but you'd never know it to look at her. You see, despite the hardship of a year long deployment and being away from her infant son, she doesn't look any older, any harder or anything more or less than when she left. She looks the same and she behaves the same.

I was a little concerned about her transition back. You hear so many stories about how war changes the deployed. Yet, from what I see, she's okay. I thank God for that too.

Thinking about her deployment and the year that she missed in her child's life reminds me of Joel 2. I know that God will restore it back to her. I pray that He will continue to bless her and I pray that she will run mightily toward Him for the rest of her life - no distractions - no looking back.

Of course, I thank God too for the other men and women serving in harm's way. I still know a handful of troops but now most of my friends are getting out of the military and moving on with their lives in other areas. But for those still serving, especially those with the repeated and long deployments, know that although I'm not a battle-buddy, I'm still praying - I guess you could say that I'm a prayer-buddy. And I pray that God will render them home as complete as they left, if not more.

A Wondrous Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:28:00 +0000

If I used my secular vocabulary, I would say “it’s the weirdest thing!” You see, I have been thinking about someone I knew a few years ago. We studied God’s Word together and for a season, we worshipped at the same church. And then, at the direction of God, our season together in the same circles ended.

Yet, for the past week, she has haunted my memory. Popping up when I least expect her. Remembering her smile and thinking about the graceful way she always treated people. I think back to our times in Sunday School and Bible Study when she would give comprehensive answers. She had studied and examined the Scripture. I remember the prayer request that her husband asked for when she was studying for the bar exam – which she passed on the first try. I remembered thinking that she looks like a porcelain doll – delicate. But I also recall her tenacity to know the truth of God. Where did she go?

Panama.

I did a Google search for her and found her dwelling in Panama. She and her husband have set up a ministry there to help children. They left successful careers in the US to help those that have no voice. And all I can say is – “Praise God!” He called them out of their comfortable lives and placed them in a place where the living isn’t easy. And they obeyed for the love of God and children. It is not the “weirdest thing” that I’ve been thinking of her. It’s a “wondrous thing” because now, I know how to pray specifically for her. And I even sent her an email too – I’ll wait to hear back from her. But in the meantime, I simply tell the Lord “Thank You.”

I thank Him because He keeps giving me tangible examples of what ministry with abandon looks like. When will we all learn to live free of what we think is right and commit to God’s will and way? My friend is doing that; leaning not on her own resources, but instead depending completely on God. What an example!

The Muir House: A Review

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 01:44:00 +0000

She's done it again. It is no secret to readers of this blog that I love the fiction work of author Mary DeMuth. I've recently read The Muir House, her latest fiction novel and I recommend it for your summer reading list. Seriously.

The notion of looking in your rearview to help chart your future, is a little not-like-me. Thus, at first, I really had a bit of a challenge identifying with the main character, Willa. But as I looked beyond my own thoughts and tried to synchronize with where Willa was in her path to discovery, I was ensnared in the story. Sometimes I rooted for Willa and other times, I verbally asked her what she was thinking. My dog can attest. Talking to a book. Yep. That was me.

But that's the wonderful thing about how DeMuth crafts a story. Once you're in, you're in. And you want to see everything work out for the character. I was hanging on until the end to see if everything worked out the way that I thought it should. Of course, I'm not going to give any indication of that now. You'll just have to read the book. I also noticed some parallels from the little that I know of Mary DeMuth through reading Thin Places. Willa has, at some level, some similar issues that Mary uncovers in her memoir. Maybe this latest novel is our seeing how free DeMuth, the author has become. At least in my little ole opinion.

I think this would be a good book to read with a group, really taking advantage of the discussion questions in the back of the novel. So, if you've got a bookclub, recommend it, or even if you read it alone, that's good too. Just read it.

Mary, job well done!

Four Days Dead

noreply@blogger.com (Beams of Light Ministries) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 01:52:00 +0000

According to the book, “The New Manners and Customs of the Bible”, upon a death, there were certain Rabbinical procedures that took place. Of those steps, there were to be three days of weeping followed by four days of lamentation (or sorrow). These two events together comprised the seven days of mourning that the Jews observed.

Again, according to this book, during the first three days, rabbinical thought suggested that the spirit of the deceased would wander about the sepulcher seeking an opportunity to return to the body. Friends of the deceased would visit the sepulcher for three days, likely to be close to the deceased. However, on the fourth day, when decomposition took hold, the spirit would wander no more and the faithful friends who had been visitors to the grave would grieve loudly.

Now, you may wonder why I bring this up. And here’s the reason. When we look at John 11 and read the story of Lazarus’ death, we find out that although Jesus received the news of Lazarus’ illness, he tarried. He didn’t rush to be with the family. He instead delayed his trip. Was he being harsh? NO. Absolutely not. He knew what He was doing. He was always in control.

When Jesus gets to Bethany, Lazarus had been dead four days. Ah, now, you’re following me, right? And it would seem to those looking on the outside that there would be no way, now that the body of Lazarus has entered into the decomposition phase, to return him to life. According to Rabbinical beliefs, his spirit has “left the building” and is no longer wandering about the sepulcher. His spirit has left the grave site and is no longer seeking a way to return to the body. The friends and family would not be expecting to see Lazarus again. Instead, according to “The New Manners and Customs of the Bible”, these friends and family would have now moved to the point of lamentation. Yet, here stands Jesus with a declaration “Thy brother shall rise again.” (John 11:23)

And then He goes on to say that He is the resurrection and the life. He has the power to resurrect the dead things in our lives, no matter how dead they look. Lazarus had been dead four days, yet when Jesus cried out with a loud voice “Lazarus, come forth” (KJV), he came forth, still bound in his grave clothes.And when Jesus gave the command for the garments to “loose him, and let him go”, they did just that. (John 11:44)

There is nothing going on in our lives that is too hard for God. There is nothing going on in our lives that He cannot remedy. But we first have to come to accept Him as our Lord. Many of the Jews that were with Mary, having witnessed this miracle, believed in Jesus.

We may never see the dead rise or any miracle that is as awe-inspiring, but we have the Holy Bible and the promises of God to remind us of just how powerful He is. So, don’t sit down and give up when a situation looks hard, difficult or dead. Instead, send your petition to Jesus on your knees. He will get the message. And when He is ready, in His own time, He will come with your deliverance, just like He did with Lazarus. He will bring forth your answer and He stands ready to breath new life into your situation.

Hold your head up now and look to God. He knows and He cares. He has not left you alone in that situation. Whether you’ve been going through it four minutes, four hours, four days or forever (it seems), know that God is not late. He’s going to be there, right on time.