Inspirational Life Quotes

What Are Your Reasons for Hope?

2012-02-19T06:17:00.001+03:00

Most Christians I know, if not all, are very hopeful people. Even in the midst of crisis, suffering and pain, they never let go of hope. Even when things look so dim, they still hold on to that ray of hope. Why is that?

He also brought me up out ofa horrible pit,out ofthe miry clay,and set my feet upon a rock,and established my steps.(Psalm 40:2)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:5)

Because we have a God who is like a rock upon which our feet can firmly stand. We have a God who is with us and never forsake us especially in times of trouble. We have a God on whom we can put our hope and He does not disappoint us.

The verses mentioned above were written in the Bible to give us hope. They were also mentioned in the book Reasons for Hope by Carl Kerby to encourage its readers that there is hope, and this hope can only be found in Jesus. The author also mentioned in his book that life is like a mosaic. He wrote "God can take the broken pieces of our lives and make something beautiful out of them." With this, I definitely agree. I myself have had some ugly parts in my life, but when I look back, I'm just amazed at what God has done.

In the second part of the book, he shared his life testimony to show that God is indeed in the business of putting back hope in people's lives. In the 3rd part of the book, the author encourages all Christians to be ready to tell others the reason for the hope that is in them. This is a very important point that the author has strongly emphasized in his book. All Christians simply got to know in order to share the faith with others. (A preview of the book including its first chapter is embedded below.)

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason ofthe hope that is in you...(1 Peter 3:15)

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Carl Kerby

and the book:

Reasons for Hope

Genesis Publishing Group (November 22, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings – The B&B Media Group – for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carl Kerby is president and founder of Reasons for Hope (rforh.com), founded in 2011 as a response to a calling from God to proclaim the authority and authenticity of the Bible. He was previously a founding board member at Answers in Genesis for ten years and served there for over fifteen years. Before that he worked as an air-traffic controller at O’Hare International Airport. Kerby’s love for Jesus fuels a passion to engage the minds and hearts of youth and adults so that they can know the truth of God’s Word. He is a sought-after speaker both in the United States and abroad. Yet his most cherished accomplishment is his 29-year marriage to his wife, Masami, and his roles as father to his children, Alisa and Carl, Jr., and as grandfather to Trey.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Life is not always picture-perfect, and sometimes it is difficult to see God’s plan or purpose—especially during difficult times. Reasons for Hope: In the Mosaic of Your Life, by sought-after speaker Carl Kerby, researches the many aspects of faith that will encourage everyone looking for hope in today’s troubling times. With humor and passion, Carl answers questions about suffering, evolution, relativism, faith and more, strengthening his readers and equipping them to offer true hope to a broken world.

“In a mosaic, the artist arranges pieces of cut or broken stones or tiles to create a decorative pattern. We may struggle to grasp the overall design of a mosaic when we’re looking at the individual pieces up close, because what we see looks like a piece of junk, broken and useless. But when we step back far enough to view the entire mosaic, we get a new perspective, and we see the intricate beauty of the finished masterpiece. That enables us to grasp the original intent of the artist,” explains Carl Kerby. Reasons for Hope chronicles Carl’s rocky start as the son of a professional wrestler and takes readers from his difficult teen years and his military career to his stressful responsibility as an air-traffic controller at one of the nation’s busiest airports and ultimately to his ministry calling as a speaker. Carl reveals how God has created a beautiful mosaic from the broken pieces of his life, held together by the saving grace of the cross of Jesus Christ. As readers join in Carl’s journey, they will come to understand how the bigger picture of their own lives reveals a unique and beautiful mosaic.

Using his dynamic and infectious passion, Carl reveals God’s hand throughout his life, from childhood to adulthood, from unbelief to belief. No matter what the circumstances, God gathers up the broken pieces of life and forms them into something beautiful, all according to His purpose and plan. Carl’s story will not only give reasons for hope but will also encourage readers to share their only true hope, Jesus Christ. Readers will walk away knowing that the broken pieces of their lives are used by God to make beautiful and useful vessels for His work

Product Details:
List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Genesis Publishing Group (November 22, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933591099
ISBN-13: 978-1933591094

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Rocks, Stones, Boulders and Mosaics

Craig DeMartino had no clue that his life would change forever when he set out for Colorado’s Rocky Mountains on July 21, 2002. A rock climber, Craig was doing what he loved best as he scaled the heights of the Sundance Buttress in Rocky Mountain National Park. Little did he know that the harrowing climb would be the last time he would plant both feet on a mountain.

After a tragic instant of miscommunication, Craig tum bled off the rocky cliff and plummeted nine stories to an almost certain death. Freefalling at over sixty miles per hour, he crashed onto the mountain floor—feet first. His boots exploded upon impact, and his feet and ankles were shattered. A powerful shockwave moved up his body, breaking his back and fracturing his neck. The fall also punctured a lung and tore a shoulder. After being evacuated to the hospital, Craig remained unconscious as the doctors advised his family that he had less than an hour to live.

But God had a different plan for Craig. Through a series of miraculous events, Craig survived his one-hundred-foot fall.

Although Craig didn’t conquer the mountain by rock climbing, he did conquer the “rock” of difficulties that he faced after the accident, including the amputation of his right leg eighteen months later. Following his miraculous survival, and during his challenging recovery, he discovered a renewed relationship with Jesus Christ, which led to a passion for testifying of God’s wondrous power in his life. He’s even proven the overcoming power of God by the strength and perseverance he exhibited when he became the first amputee to climb the 3,000-foot face of El Capitan in Yosemite on June 5, 2006, just six weeks shy of the four-year anniversary of the accident.

No doubt, Craig’s fall from the cliff was traumatic. But he recognized that his “rendezvous” with the rocks below was not an unforeseen accident in God’s eyes, and that how he responded to his predicament would change the entire course of his life.

“I think that’s how God works in our lives—there are no accidents, only things that work for the good of the kingdom,” Craig writes. “I think that’s the key to my attitude in general, that I know God uses everything that happens to me to further the kingdom. That on even the really bad days, and I have a lot of them, He is using the things I do, and you do, to make an impact somewhere. Even when I don’t think that’s happening, it is, and I usually see it down the road in ways I never could have imagined.”

I believe God knew Craig would suffer that fall, and He is the one who gave him the fortitude to survive the rocky ordeal. Because of that experience, Craig now encourages others to live their lives centered on Christ.

All of us, like Craig, face challenges in our lives. How we deal with those challenges is what this book is all about. Do we use the stones, rocks and boulders of life to build a strong foundation or are we crushed by their weight?

As I look back over the years, I can clearly see the stumbling stones and crushing rocks that were problems and obstacles in my life. But I can also see how God used them for His plan and purpose in my life—to build a foundation that has brought me to the place and person I am today. I grew up with an extremely unusual background as the son of a professional wrestler. Professional wrestling is a world that few know much about, and I’ll be sharing the realities of that lifestyle, giving you a glimpse of that world, in the following chapters. My path has been a rocky one—struggling with a difficult childhood, dropping out of high school, even being homeless at one point. Some of the “boulders” in my life were disadvantages, but most of them were just difficult situations in which I made very poor choices. But you know what? None of those boulders surprised God. In fact, when I remember the negative experiences and failures from my past, I cling to this passage of Scripture:

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. (Psalm 40:2)

And that “rock” is Jesus. This verse reminds me that I’m not the man that I used to be; God has created a new heart and new mind within me. He lifted me out of the mess that I was in and placed me on solid ground. My brothers and sisters in Christ, He’s done the same for you!

THE BEAUTY OF MOSAICS

To me, a mosaic is such a fitting illustration of the way God can take the broken pieces of our lives and create something beautiful from them. My life has been filled with boulders and broken stones. Yet God, in His grace, has put those stones together in a mosaic to make me into a useful vessel for His use. I was privileged to serve for sixteen years with the ministry Answers in Genesis (AiG), teaching people that God’s Word is true from the very first verse. In January 2011, with the help of some great friends, I founded a new ministry named Reasons for Hope, as a part of my desire to equip Christians to offer reasons for their spiritual hope to lost and dying people. That hope comes only from salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. I never would have imagined how my life would turn out, but God, the Grand Designer, has pieced together the good as well as the broken pieces of my life into an amazing mosaic.

The term “mosaic” also has another meaning. The “Mosaic Generation” describes the group of young people born between 1984 and 2002. Sometimes called Millennials, Generation Y, Echo Boom, or Generation Next, they are the newest of the five generations coexisting in society today. The others are the Baby Busters/Generation X (born 1965–1983); the Baby Boomers (1946–1964); the Builders (1927–1945); and the Seniors (1926 and prior; sometimes called Traditionalists or Matures).

Unfortunately, the meaning of “mosaic” used for this emerging generation is far different from mine. Instead of emphasizing how beauty can come from broken pieces, it seems they almost embrace the brokenness as normal.

Maybe more than any other generation today, those in the Mosaic Generation need to hear God’s truth. Let me share with you some of the characteristics that are used to describe these Mosaics (so-called because of their multifaceted, eclectic lifestyles). First, they’re “plugged in” to all types of technology and media. According to author David Kinnaman, Mosaics spend up to eight and a half hours every day using technology and media, often using two or three types simultaneously (such as listening to music while using the computer). In addition, Mosaics desire fresh, stimulating experiences and love to express their individuality. Twenty-five percent of Mosaics have posted personalized content online, including stories, videos, blogs, artwork, or photos of themselves. More importantly, those in the Mosaic Generation are nonlinear thinkers who are comfortable with contradiction and are morally pragmatic (“I’ll do whatever works”).

For Mosaics, this philosophy of moral pragmatism typically is expressed in the following statements:

■ What is right for you may not be right for me.

■ I do what I think is best, not what anyone else thinks is best.

■ You are the only one who can determine what is right and what is wrong.

■ There is no absolute truth.

Hopefully, if you have a biblical background, you can see immediately that these statements are at odds with Scripture. The Bible is clear that all of us have God’s moral law (the Ten Commandments) written on our hearts to tell us what is right and what is wrong and to convict us of sin. The apostle Paul states in Romans 2:15 that men have “the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness...” The Bible also tells us that God’s Word is absolutely true and is our standard for living. The psalmist writes, “For the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is done in truth” (Psalm 33:4), and “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Surprisingly, only 6 percent of Mosaic teens who consider themselves to be “born again” have a biblical worldview (meaning that they believe in absolute truth, that the Bible is God’s Word, that “Satan is real,” “Jesus never sinned,” and a handful of similar orthodox beliefs). That means the other 94 percent adhere in some way to a philosophy of moral pragmatism. Obviously, we have a lot of work to do as far as sharing the gospel with this generation.

However, the Mosaic Generation has many positive qualities, too. Mosaics have a joyful and positive outlook on life, and they long for personal connection and powerful experiences. They consider religion and spirituality to be a positive dimension of life, and they want to experience God’s truth by building authentic relationships with other people who have faith in God. Most Mosaics agree with the statement that they are “looking for a few good friends.” I would say that’s true for most everyone in our culture today.

As we encounter those in the Mosaic Generation, we can follow Paul’s approach in reaching the lost. He tells us in 1 Corinthians 9:22, “to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” Paul never compromised his message or watered down the truth of the gospel, but boldly proclaimed, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes . . .” (Romans 1:16). He was always faithful in proclaiming saving grace, so when Paul spoke of becoming “all things to all men,” he was talking about trying to relate to the lost in the best way he could in order to reach them with the gospel. He tried to understand who they were, and be kind and courteous in his approach to witness to them. For example, to those who are “weak” in the knowledge of the Lord and the gospel, Paul “became as weak,” meaning he met them at their level of knowledge and added to their understanding by proclaiming Christ to them. To those who don’t believe in absolute truth, we can start by addressing their current beliefs and then help them see their need for the One who is Truth.

That’s what I want to help you do in this book: to help you become “all things to all men.” No matter which generations you and I may be in, we need to speak the truth of the gospel in love, be patient and understanding, and show people the need for Jesus Christ and His Word. The gospel must always be the primary focus of our message, but we can support our proclamation of the gospel with our personal testimony as well. We can share with people how God has worked in our lives. By sharing our testimonies we can often connect to others in a deeper way and help them to come to an understanding of the reasons for hope found only in Jesus Christ.

READY TO SHARE

On my travels I often have the opportunity to meet fascinating people who need the gospel. One of the most memorable was a professor I met while speaking in Kentucky. He teaches global warming at a university in England, and his sister (who is a Christian) had invited him to come with her to hear me speak.

After my talk, he and I had a dynamic discussion about the topics I had addressed, including the theory of global warming. He disagreed with me on quite a few points, but I was open to his ideas and questions. We had a good time dialoguing back and forth and challenging each other to provide evidence for our positions.

One influential person I had mentioned in my talk that day was Richard Dawkins, an anti-Christian activist and one of the strongest proponents of the theory of evolution and the “New Atheism” movement. I have never met Dawkins personally, but from what I have seen in interviews, he is an angry man. He hates Christians, and he seems to “have it out” for the Christian community and anyone who believes in God, creation, or intelligent design. To give you an example, consider the titles of some of the books Dawkins has penned:

■ The God Delusion

■ The Blind Watchmaker: Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe without Design

■ The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution

■ Everything You Know About God is Wrong: The Disinformation Guide to Religion (contributor)

As I prepared to leave, this British professor told me, “You know, you’re not what I expected!”

I laughed and said, “I could take that a couple of ways. What do you mean?”

He told me, “I expected you to be angry and want to argue with me because I don’t agree with you.”

“I don’t hate you because you don’t think like I do,” I replied. “In fact, I spent many years believing the same things that you do. But God doesn’t tell us to fight or argue. He just tells us to be ready to share with others the reason for our hope. So that’s what I do!”

I continued, “When I see people harboring so much anger and hatred toward others who are supposedly so ‘stupid’ and ‘uninformed,’ I just don’t understand it. Think about Richard Dawkins. Why is he so angry? If he truly believes Christians are so stupid, he should feel sorry for us. For example, if someone walked up to me and told me that he believed the moon was made of green cheese, and he was totally sincere, would I get angry and fight with him or call him names? No way. I’d pat him on the back and say, ‘I love you, brother, but you may want to go get some help!’ The fact that Richard Dawkins is so angry shows me that the Holy Spirit is working on him. I’m praying for him. I still believe there is hope for him!”

I told the professor that I had really enjoyed meeting him and discussing science and Scripture with him. We shook hands and parted ways. I prayed that he would consider the truths I had shared with him.

About three months later, I received an email from this same professor. He said, “Carl, you won’t believe this, but I trusted Jesus Christ as my Savior the Sunday after I met you!” but I was thrilled to hear it.

His email continued: “You know what else? What really got me was what you shared about Richard Dawkins. You didn’t know this, but not long before I heard you speak, I had actually posted this on my Facebook page: ‘Richard Dawkins is God.’ ”

I was blown away by this man’s testimony. Only the living God can take someone from believing “Richard Dawkins is God” to proclaiming “Jesus Christ is Lord”! This man’s Christian sister had been witnessing to him and praying for him for years. I’m sure God heard her prayers and prepared his heart to be receptive to the gospel that day.

I’m humbled and awed that God allows you and me to play a small role in helping people like this man realize that God’s Word is true and that it is our standard for living. The apostle Paul wrote that we are to cast “down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,” and that we are to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). God has the power and the will to tear down any argument or speculation that opposes the truth of His Word. I believe that’s what happened that day. The stumbling stones that had been in place for years in this man’s life were removed when he simply heard the truth spoken in love.

JOSHUA AND THE MEMORIAL STONES

The concept of mosaics really begins to take shape as we consider the purpose of memorial stones in Scripture. The Bible contains powerful examples of stone memorials that people built to help them remember how God had worked in their lives.

Let’s start by focusing on the life of Joshua. This biblical leader was my type of guy; he knew how to get things done! Remember, as the Israelites anticipated entering the Promised

Land, Moses sent twelve men to spy on the land of Canaan and report back with their findings (Numbers 13). Joshua was one of those twelve men. Despite the fact that the cities were well fortified and it seemed impossible for the Israelites to overcome the Canaanites, Joshua and Caleb were ready to go for it. In Numbers 14 we read Joshua and Caleb’s response: “If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.” Of the twelve men, Joshua and Caleb were the only two who maintained a faith that God would lead them into the land He had promised. Based on the report of the other ten, Israel did not enter the Promised Land and instead was consigned to wander forty years in the wilderness until the nonbelieving generation had passed away.

After the forty years of wandering, Joshua assumed the leadership of the Israelites following Moses’ death, and led them into the land. Joshua faced fierce battles, leadership struggles, and (of course) plenty of grumbling and complaining from the Israelite people. But he had earned the great privilege of leading God’s people into the Promised Land and he remained faithful to God through it all.

One of my favorite Bible passages contains the Lord’s powerful words to Joshua:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

During the time of Joshua’s leadership, the Lord commanded His people to use stones to serve as memorials. These memorials commemorated times when God performed miracles and showered grace upon His people even though they didn’t deserve it (which, after all, is the definition of grace!). In Joshua 4, God told the Israelites that these memorials would serve as a sign to them and that when their children would ask, “What do these stones mean to you?” they would recount how God had miraculously provided. In a way, these assembled stones were similar to mosaics, creating a picture to remind each generation of God’s faithfulness and provision.

The Israelites enjoyed gathering together to celebrate special feasts and festivals, just like we do at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. But they didn’t celebrate just because it was fun. God commanded them to build memorials so that they would never forget His mercy and grace and to celebrate His goodness and faithfulness to them. He wanted the Israelites to remember all the ways that He had worked in their lives in the past.

I believe the same is true today. We should use the “stones” of hardships in our lives as reminders of what God has done for us, sharing them with the current generation so that they will be able to share with future generations the “stones” from their lives.

Chapter 3 of the book of Joshua records how God miraculously enabled His people to cross the Jordan River on dry land. He wanted to build up the Israelites’ faith and courage to show them that He would give them victory in battle over their enemies. Joshua said to the Israelites:

“Come here, and hear the words of the LORD your God. By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Hivites and the Perizzites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Jebusites: Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over before you into the Jordan. Now therefore, take for yourselves twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man from every tribe. And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap.” (Joshua 3:9–13)

In the following verses, we discover something surprising about the Jordan River: it is at flood stage all through the harvest. Yet here’s what happened:

. . . as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the whole time of harvest), that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan. (Joshua 3:15–17)

Does this ring a bell? It reminds me of the time when God worked a miracle and enabled Moses to lead over two million Israelites across the Red Sea on dry ground as they escaped from slavery in Egypt. Now, God was showing His people that He was still in control by performing a similar miracle under the leadership of Joshua. (By the way, aren’t we glad that He’s still in control today?)

I love what happens next; now we’re getting to the “memorial stones” section. As a reminder to the current and future generations of what a great thing God had done for His people, God commanded Joshua to build a memorial. Twelve men (one from each tribe) went to the riverbed, and each removed one stone. They carried these stones to where they camped on the western side of the Jordan and piled them up as a memorial.

In addition, God commanded Joshua to build a second memorial—a pile of stones right in the middle of the Jordan River! Joshua picked up stones and carried them to the place where the ark of the covenant was still stationed and “set up twelve stones” in the midst of the riverbed (Joshua 4:9). (Why would God tell Joshua to set stones in the middle of the river, since they would quickly be covered when the water started to flow again? See the sidebar for the amazing answer.)

The Jordan crossing was an amazing miracle of God, a sign to His people that He was the One who led them into the land. This miracle was to give them faith that He would also lead them into battle against the Canaanites and that He would empower them to possess the land (Joshua 3:9–13). The stone memorial on the riverbank testified to His faithfulness and served as a reminder to them and future generations that only God is their deliverer and their source of strength. The stones “cry out” the message to every generation that God is steadfast in His promises to deliver and bless His people.

Remember that throughout the Old Testament, God provided signs to his people to reveal Himself, His plans, and especially the promise of a coming Messiah. The book of Joshua begins with the people preparing to enter the Promised Land, their God-given inheritance. They are not led by Moses, who represents the Law, but by Joshua, an Old Testament picture and foreshadow of our Savior, who is the only way to our inheritance.

We read in Joshua 3:17 that the ark stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while the people passed through untouched by the waters of the Jordan. Often in the Bible we see where water serves as a symbol of the wrath or judgment of God: the Flood (Genesis 6:17; Hebrews 11:7); the Red Sea drowning of the Egyptians (Exodus 14:28; Hebrews 11:29); Jonah going under the waters (Jonah 1; 2:3). Even the word “Jordan” implies judgment. A. W. Pink breaks the word into two Hebrew roots: jor or yar, which is literally “spread,” and dan, which means “judging” (Genesis 30:6). Others define it as yar-dane, meaning “descender.” Baptism, where the person is immersed in water and risen to new life by the power of Christ, is also a picture of the old man being judged by God, dying to self, and being saved by Christ. Jesus’ followers are commissioned to be “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17), and the Psalms confirm our being taken out from the waters:

He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. (Psalm 18:16)

Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink; let me be delivered from those who hate me, and out of the deep waters. Let not the floodwater overflow me, nor let the deep swallow me up; and let not the pit shut its mouth on me. (Psalm 69:14,15)

“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,” let Israel now say—“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us; then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul.” (Psalm 124:1–5)

“I will pour out My wrath on them like water.” (Hosea 5:10)

In Joshua 4, God instructed the twelve men (one from each tribe) to take a stone from the middle of the dry riverbed to build a memorial on the west bank of the Jordan. These stones came from the place that pictures death, the miry bottom of a riverbed. They had been buried beneath the waters, the picture of wrath and judgment. The “ark of the LORD,” which is a picture of Christ (in both construction and in being the place where God dwelled among His people) stood in the midst of the Jordan, allowing these stones to be brought up out of the waters (death) to create a memorial of deliverance (redemption). Remember, this was done “that this may be a sign among you . . .” (Joshua 4:6).

We read in Joshua 4:9 that it was Joshua, not the twelve, who was told to “set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day.” This is a picture of the unredeemed, those who die in their sin, who are buried in death by the righteous judgment of God—“and they are there to this day” (Joshua 4:9). What a frightening thought and a reminder to all of us to be bold in sharing the saving grace of the gospel.

The twelve stones taken out from the Jordan depths and placed on dry ground “where they lodged” (Joshua 4:8) symbolize those who were redeemed by Christ (the ark) and came out from under the judgment of God (the waters) to new life in the Promised Land (inheritance of life in Christ). And remember that the people crossed over the Jordan at the time of Passover! This was at the “time of harvest” (Joshua 3:15), “on the tenth day of the first month” (Joshua 4:19). This is a beautiful picture of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

The Joshua 4 memorial also reminds us of a future promise given in Isaiah 43:2, where God says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.” Notice that promise says “when,” not “if.” We all know that in this life trials will come our way, and we must always remember that He promises to be with us, to deliver us, to set our feet on solid ground. Remember the verse:

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. (Psalm 40:2)

Love Like You've Never Been Hurt

2012-02-13T10:45:00.000+03:00

I've heard this quoted by a preacher on television some time ago "Love Like You've Never Been Hurt." When I searched on the internet, I was surprised to find that it was actually quoted by Mark Twain. I think the preacher said it was quoted by Satchel Paige.

When somebody has hurt you, it is really difficult to love or even just talk to that person. If possible, you want that person to disappear from this earth. I have felt this way at least once in my life a long, long time ago.

Image by Leiland Francisco. Flickr (CCby 2.0)

But then, being hurt by someone isn't an excuse for not loving. That is true at least from the Bible's point of view. Jesus himself was hurt by his own people, got him crucified on the cross. Yet, what did Jesus say concerning them?

"Father, forgive them for they do no know what they are doing." ~ Luke 23:34

If Jesus can do that, what is the possibility that we can do that also? I've read of a lot of stories of people being hurt by other people (including those who suffered from terrorist attacks) and yet they responded to them with love and forgiveness.

How could they do that? A person can only have the capacity to love others when he himself has been loved. And it is only by receiving the great love of God that we can in turn love others. As the Bible says,

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. ~ 1 John 4:19-21

That is a really tall order for Christians. It is not easy if we would just follow our emotions. Love the unlovable. Love your enemies. Can we really do it? Who said love should just be based on our emotions. We should also exercise our faith. We cannot fully say that we are Christians if we only love those who can love us back. We must be ready to love those who even hate us.

So, are you ready to love like you've never been hurt?

Does God Know Our Future?

2012-02-03T07:30:00.000+03:00

"Does God know our future?" Emmuel asked me this question some time ago. I answered him a resounding "Yes." I told him that the Bible says that God is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. So, surely He knows everything even what is to come.

I Wish I Knew
Last Wednesday, was the last working day of my husband in his job. He hasn't found a new job yet and we don't know what the next few months would be like. Sometimes, how I wish I could know what exactly would happen. Like for example, yesterday, there was a strong sand storm. Oh, how I wish I knew because I forgot to take in my laundry. Another example, was the fact that my digital camera malfunctioned, because I forgot that I was charging it and the battery was charged too long. If only there are ways to get back in time to change things. But, the sad fact is, there isn't.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
~ Psalm 139:13-16

God Knows Our Future
God knew us even before we were born and God knows what will become of us. Does that mean that we have no freedom as to what we do in this life? Does it mean that our decisions in this life does not matter because all the days ordained for us were already written in His book?

I don't believe so. God has given man the freedom to choose what he wants to do, whether right or wrong, good or bad. He let's man decide on his own. But the fact is, He knows what would become of man and there's nothing that man does that can really surprise him.

I'm really glad that God knows our future. He saw that man cannot live right on his own. So He gave us the guide, His Word - the Bible, to help us live each day according to His will. He gave us His Son, Jesus who died on the cross for our sins, to be the propitiation for our sins so we can find our way back to God.

We Can't Change the Past but We Can Change Our Future
We do a lot of things that we don't like. There are also a lot of unwanted things that happen that we don't have any control over. We can't change those now. It's all in the past. But we can still change our future. God wants what is best for us. As he said to Jeremiah (29:11), I believe that God's plan is also to prosper us and not to harm us, His plan is to give us hope and a future. But this will not be so if we continue to act according to our own selfish will. We need to learn to go back to God, trust Him and obey His Word.

Though God knows our future, we have a vital part to play in the shaping thereof. Choose and act wisely.

I Just Can't Take It Anymore!

2012-01-19T11:53:00.001+03:00

"I just can't take it anymore!" How many of you have said this line before? Most likely, all of us have said something similar to this effect. It is really common for people to have ups and downs in this life. Jesus said the following words in expectation of unfavorable things happening in this world but at the same time teaches us to trust in Him to have peace and victory in this world.

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world. ~ John 16:33

The thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. ~ John 10:10

Now, Anthony DeStefano, author of the award winning children's book "Little Star" which I've written about before, has written a new book. It's entitled "I Just Can't Take It Anymore!" He wrote this book especially for people who feel wanting to give up on life now. He used really beautiful pictures and wrote descriptions or messages that goes with it to make people smile (or laugh) even when things doesn't seem right. Through the book, he wants to give an inspiring message to everyone who is stressed out and really hurting.

Read the embedded message by Anthony DeStefano below and see the following sample pages of the book. Then leave a comment on this post - a comment related to the book and not spammy. Like a free copy of this book shipped to you compliments of Anthony DeStefano? Sign the inlinkz widget at the end of this post (after commenting). I'll be using inlinkz to randomly pick one winner.

God bless you!

2 Lessons From a Child's Simple Prayer

2012-01-15T09:21:00.000+03:00

Today is Angel's birthday. Thank You, Jesus. Happy 3rd birthday, my daughter. I love you.

This post today is something about Angel. I asked Angel to pray the other night. What she said is in quotes and those in parenthesis are my side comments.

"Lord, I pray that you heal Daddy" (His Daddy was down with a flu that time.)
"Lord, help Kuya Yuan to speak in school" (His brother still haven't overcome his fear of speaking in school.)
"Lord, help me not to be shy to the boys" (His oldest brother, Emmuel, has been inviting his boy classmates to our house and she's feeling a bit shy.)
"Lord, don't let Ate Janel's nose bleed again" (Angel saw that morning that her sister had a nosebleed.)
"In Jesus' name, Amen"

I was really amazed when my Angel prayed. I did not guide her and she just said what she wanted to pray. She did not follow the pattern of the Lord's prayer, all right. But she did pray what is in her heart and mind at that time. NO PRETENSE. Isn't that what the Lord want us to do when we pray, to speak our heart and mind?

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ~ Matthew 6:7-8

She knew what her family needed. In her very young mind (she's just 3 years old), she knew. And by her mentioning it in prayer, she CARED. Do you think it's important when we pray that we should really care about what we're praying for? Some people just say the prayer for the sake of saying the prayer and probably without much faith either. Ouch!

I remember the shortest verse in the Bible. "Jesus wept" (John 11:33). Why did Jesus weep? The next verse says why - "See how he loved him (referring to Lazarus)." Jesus cared about Lazarus, that when he prayed for him to be raised again from the dead, what a MIRACLE it was.

When Peter was arrested and put in prison on the orders of King Herod, Acts 12:8 says "but the church was earnestly praying to God for him." The church prayed earnestly meaning serious and intense; not joking or playful; zealous and sincere; not petty or trivial; important. And the result of that prayer was the miraculous escape of Peter from the prison with the help of an angel sent from God. Really AWESOME. Prayer is indeed powerful.

Let me just point out again the two lessons I learned from this child's simple prayer: Pray with NO PRETENSE and pray because you CARE. God bless you!

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man and unstable in all he does. ~ James 1:6-8

Is There Really Anything Accidental with God? - The Accidental Bride Book Review

2012-01-09T09:48:00.000+03:00

"... it would all work out as God intended."

I enjoyed the story of this book The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter (Please see book description and free chapter below). There must be a story or movie similar to what this book is about. But what I like about it is that it adds valuable Christian thought into it. The story shows how most people like the main characters Shay and Travis have messed up things in their lives. What usually complicates things is the fear of what other people think, having the people pleaser mentality versus what we are supposed to be, God pleasers. We really should not let what others think dictate what we should be doing. We should let God always guide us in every decision that we make. Of course, our feelings always can get in the way. But with personal prayer and prayer from those who care, we can trust God that it would all work out as He intended. I just love happy endings.

"And we know that in ll things God works for the good of all those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28."

Today's Wild Card author is:

Denise Hunter

and the book:

The Accidental Bride

Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings – The B&B Media Group – for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Shay Brandenberger has built her entire life on the shifting sands of what others think. Constantly seeking the approval of others, she has struggled through a rocky childhood, a failed marriage and single parenthood. Now it looks like she’s losing the ranch that has been in her family for three generations, a surefire way to mark her as a failure in the eyes of the community. When Travis McCoy, the high school sweetheart who very publicly broke her heart fifteen years before, returns to Moose Creek, she is less than pleased. Not only does his re-appearance dredge up a deluge of painful memories, it also reminds everyone in town that it was he who left her, not the other way around. To make matters worse, Shay and Travis are unwittingly paired to play bride and groom in the annual Founder’s Day wedding re-enactment where, much to her chagrin, she discovers he still has the power to take her breath away.

Product Details:

List Price: $15.99

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595548025
ISBN-13: 978-1595548023

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

The bell above the diner’s door jingled and—despite her most valiant effort—Shay Brandenberger’s eyes darted toward the entry. An unfamiliar couple entered—tourists. She could tell by their khaki Eddie Bauer vests and spanking-new hiking boots. Look out, Yellowstone.

When her heart rate returned to normal, she checked her watch and took a sip of coffee. Five minutes till she met Miss Lucy at the Doll House, forty till she met John Oakley at the bank. What if he said no? What would they do then?

“Mom . . . Earth to Mom . . .” Olivia waved her hand too close to Shay’s face, her brown eyes widening.

“Sorry, hon.” The one bright moment of her Saturday was breakfast with her daughter, and she couldn’t enjoy it for the dread. “What were you saying?”

Olivia set her fork on her pancake-sticky plate and heaved a sigh worthy of her twelve-year-old self. “Never mind.” She bounced across the vinyl bench, her thick brown ponytail swinging. “I’m going to meet Maddy.”

“Right back here at noon,” Shay called, but Olivia was out the door with the flick of her hand.

The diner buzzed with idle chatter. Silverware clattered and scraped, and the savory smell of bacon and fried eggs unsettled her stomach. She took a sip of the strong brew from the fat rim of her mug.

The bell jingled again. I will not look. I will not look. I will not—

The server appeared at her booth, a new girl, and gathered Olivia’s dishes. “On the house today.”

Shay set down her mug, bristling. “Why?”

The woman shrugged. “Boss’s orders,” she said, then made off with the dirty dishes.

From the rectangular kitchen window, Mabel Franklin gave Shay a pointed look.

So Shay had helped the couple with their foal the week before. It was the neighborly thing to do.

Fine. She gave a reluctant smile and a wave. She pulled her wallet from her purse, counted out the tip, and dragged herself from the booth, remembering her daughter’s bouncy exit. Lately her thirty-two years pressed down on her body like a two-ton boulder.

She opened the diner’s door and peeked both ways before exiting the Tin Roof and turning toward the Doll House. She was only checking sidewalk traffic, not hiding. Nope, she wasn’t hiding from anyone. The boardwalks were busy on Saturdays. That was why she hadn’t come to town for two weeks. Why their pantry was emptier than a water trough at high noon.

She hurried three shops down and slipped into the cool, welcoming air of Miss Lucy’s shop.

“ ’Morning, Miss Lucy.”

“ ’Morning, dear.” The elderly woman, in the middle of helping a customer, called over her rounded shoulder, “It’s in the back.” Miss Lucy’s brown eyes were big as buckeyes behind her thick glasses, and her white curls glowed under the spotlights.

“Okeydoke.” Shay forced her feet toward the storeroom.

A musty smell assaulted her as she entered the back room and flipped on the overhead fluorescents. She scanned the boxes of doll parts and skeins of yarn until she found what she was looking for. She approached the box, lifted the lid, and parted the tissue.

The wedding gown had been carefully folded and tucked away. Shay ran her fingers over the delicate lace and pearls. Must’ve been crisp white in its day, but time had cast a long shadow over it. Time had a way of doing that.

Her fingers lingered on the thin fabric. She remembered another time, another dress. A simple white one that hung on her young shoulders, just skimmed the cement of the courthouse steps. The ache that squeezed her heart had faded with time, but it was there all the same. Would it ever go away?

Shaking her head, Shay turned back to the task at hand. The gown seemed too pretty, too fragile to disturb.

Oh well. She’d promised.

She pulled it out and draped it over the box, then shimmied from her jeans. When she was down to the bare necessities, she stepped carefully into the gown. She eased it over her narrow hips and slid her arms into the long sleeves. The neckline was modest, the gathered skirt fuller than anything she ever wore. Here in the air-conditioning it was fine, but she would swelter next Saturday.

Leaving the button-up back gaping, she hitched the skirt to the top of her cowboy boots and entered the store.

Miss Lucy was ushering the customer out the door. When she turned, she stopped, her old-lady shoes squeaking on the linoleum. “Land sakes.”

Shay took two steps forward and dropped the skirt. It fell to the floor with a whoosh.

“Fits like a glove,” Miss Lucy said. “And with some low heels it’ll be the perfect length.”

Shay didn’t even own heels. “My boots’ll have to do. Button the back?”

Miss Lucy waddled forward, turned Shay toward a small wall mirror flecked with time, and began working the tiny pearl buttons.

Shay’s breath caught at her image. She forced its release, then frowned. Wedding gowns were bad luck. She’d sworn she’d never wear another. If someone had told her yesterday she’d be wearing this thing today, she’d have said they were one straw short of a bale.

Miss Lucy moved up to the buttons between her shoulders, and Shay lifted her hair. The dress did fit, clinging to her torso like it was made for her, wouldn’t you know. Even the color complemented her olive skin.

Still, there was that whole bad luck thing.

And what would everyone think of Shay Brandenberger wearing this valuable piece of Moose Creek heritage? A white wedding gown, no less. If she didn’t have the approval of her closest friends and neighbors, what did she have? Not much, to her thinking.

She wanted to cut and run. Wanted to shimmy right out of the dress, tuck it into that box in the storeroom, slip back into her Levi’s and plaid button-up, and go back to her ranch where she could hole up for the next six months.

She checked the time and wished Miss Lucy had nimbler fingers. Of all days to do this, a Saturday, when everyone with two legs was in town. And she still had that infernal meeting with John Oakley.

Please, God, I can’t lose our home . . .

“I’m obliged to you, dear. I completely forgot Jessie was going out of town.”

“No problem.”

“Baloney. You’d rather be knee-deep in cow dung.” The woman’s marionette lines at the sides of her mouth deepened.

“It’s one hour of my life.” A pittance, after all Miss Lucy had done for her.

Miss Lucy finished buttoning, and Shay dropped her hair and smoothed the delicate lace at the cuffs.

“Well, bless you for being willing. God is smiling down on you today for your kindness.”

Shay doubted God really cared one way or another. It was her neighbors she worried about.

“Beautiful, just beautiful. You’ll be the talk of the town on Founders Day.”

“No doubt.” Everyone in Moose Creek would be thinking about the last time she’d worn a wedding gown. And the time before that.

Especially the time before that.

Third time’s a charm, Shay thought, the corner of her lip turning up.

“Stop fretting,” Miss Lucy said, squeezing her shoulders. “You look quite fetching, like the gown was made for you. I won’t have to make a single alteration. Why, it fits you better than it ever did Jessie—don’t you tell her I said so.”

Shay tilted her head. Maybe Miss Lucy was right. The dress did make the most of her figure. And she had as much right to wear it as anyone. Maybe more—she was born and raised here, after all. It was just a silly old reenactment anyway. No one cared who the bride and groom were.

The bell jingled as the door opened behind her. She glanced in the mirror, over her shoulder, where a hulking silhouette filled the shop’s doorway. There was something familiar in the set of the man’s broad shoulders, in the slow way he reached up and removed his hat.

The sight of him constricted her rib cage, squeezed the air from her lungs as if she were wearing a corset. But she wasn’t wearing a corset. She was wearing a wedding gown. Just as she had been the last time she’d set eyes on Travis McCoy.

Aiming for Growth in the Christian Life

2012-01-04T10:51:00.000+03:00

Last quarter, Kristel did an experiment for their Science project. Most of us are probably familiar with this. She planted some mungbean seeds in 3 separate containers. Two of the pots she put on a place where it can get enough sunlight. One she watered regularly and the other she watered just once at the beginning of the experiment. The third pot she put in a place with no access to sunlight but she watered it regularly. What do you think happened?

As expected, the plant with enough sunlight and was watered at the beginning did sprout. But because its water soon dried up, the plant also eventually dried up.

The plant that was hidden from the sun sprouted all right but its stems were long and seemed to go in all sorts of direction.

The plant that had enough sunlight and was watered everyday had the most optimal growth of them all. The stems grew straight up and the leaves looked green and healthy.

If the plants need water and sunlight in order to grow healthy, the spiritual man needs certain ingredients in order to grow healthy, too. The following are essentials for Christian growth: prayer, reading the word, fellowshipping with other believers (like in Bible study groups) or attending church and daily obedience to God. With the lack of any of these, we can see dwindling in a Christian's faith life; a twinkling light instead of a bright, shining light.

The Lord Jesus also told a parable that has something to do with planting seeds in Matthew 13:1-23. The seed, representing the Word of God, was sown in different kinds of soil conditions, representing different conditions of a man's heart. One did not understand the seed so it was immediately snatched away by the evil one. Another did not receive the seed with joy and it did not take root. So, when trouble came, he quickly fell away. The third seed did not grow much because it was choked by the cares of this world. The last one received the seed, understood it and did something about it. So, he became fruitful up to a hundred fold.

Another year has just begun, do we pay particular attention to all our needs as a Christian in order to grow? Which soil type are we? Are we listening to the Word and understanding it? Are we happy about hearing the Word but not in doing the Word? Are we TOO BUSY with a lot of cares in this world that there's no chance for the seed to grow? Are we really attentive and receptive to the word so much so that we put it into practice and bear fruit?

I hope we can honestly answer these questions and take the appropriate action. If we really want to grow in our faith life, we need to nurture ourselves with the necessities of growth....

I pray that we will have a more FRUITFUL Christian life this 2012.

But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. ~ Matthew 13:23

Wise Men Still Seek Jesus to Worship Him

2011-12-30T22:53:00.000+03:00

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." ~ Matthew 2:1-2

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. ~ Matthew 2:10-11

The wise men worship Jesus. Image by Julia Freeman-Woolpert at Stock.xchng

Aside from the shepherds that visited Jesus when he was born, were the wise men from the east. They traveled far and really sought hard to find the new born babe. Their tiring journey was nothing compared to the great joy they felt when they found him. Why? Because they wanted to see the King and worship him. They even presented precious gifts to him as a token of their worship.

Did the wise men really know what the birth of Jesus meant? Had they known that someday Jesus would die on the cross to pay the penalty for mankind's sin? I don't think so. But still they did what was right. They worshiped Jesus - the one

who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross. ~ Philippians 2:6-8

They expressed their gratitude in advance to the one on whom we owe the eternal salvation of our lives.

Unlike the wise men, we know today who Jesus is not only as a baby born on Christmas day but as a Savior who died on the cross to save us from our sins. Doesn't He deserve our worship and gratitude? Have we come to worship Jesus and give Him our wholehearted thanks?

Wise men today worship not only the Child of Bethlehem, but also the Man of Calvary.

Have a Christ-Filled Christmas

2011-12-23T16:39:00.001+03:00

I know everyone is very busy now that Christmas day is just a few days away, but I hope we're not too busy to forget the real reason for celebrating the season. Indeed, this is a time of joy for it is that time when we especially remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Remember what the angels who appeared to the shepherds that blessed night said?

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. ~ Luke 2:14"

May the name of God be glorified for by the birth of Jesus is manifest God's favor towards all men on earth. All men are condemned to hell because of sin, but with the birth of Jesus comes the fulfillment of the promised reconciliation between man and God. Man's sin will be forgiven through Jesus and peace with God will be restored. What grace! What favor! What great news!

May all our hearts be filled with joy and gladness as we celebrate a Christ-Filled Christmas!

Watch the video below of our kids singing Joy to the World and Clap the Hands.

God is Real

2011-12-20T16:05:00.000+03:00

Is God real? If He is real, how come we cannot see Him? Well, God is spirit; He's invisible but that doesn't make Him unreal. So, how can we know Him if He's invisible and we cannot see Him. We can know him through His awesome creation, through the words that His prophets spoke and most importantly through His Son, Jesus.

That's one of the marvelous revelations of Christmas. God wants us to know Him. So, he sent His Son, Jesus.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel - which means "God with us."

He is the image of the invisible God...Colossians 1:15

Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." John 12:44-46

This Christmas, let us not just celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior. Let us also celebrate the revelation of God's reality. He is real and He loves us and cares for us. Let us draw near to Jesus that we may know more who God is; that we may no longer walk in darkness but in the light.

Passing On the Blessings this Christmas

2011-12-10T09:43:00.000+03:00

Yesterday, I asked my husband to take down a box of stored winter clothes. The winter season has began for quite a while here and we have to get more clothes appropriate for the season. While sorting through the clothes, I found that many were already small for my children. So, I separated those which my kids can still use from those that they cannot and would have to giveaway. It's a way to pass on the blessings.

I actually learned this when I was a new mother 11 years back. We have brethren in church who have older children than I am. So, whatever small clothes, shoes, old toys that they have, they pass them on to my children. It's really a good way for me to save money that should have been bought for new clothes. I am actually very amused to see that some of those clothes are still being worn by my youngest of 5 children. While the others, I have passed on to other kids younger than my children.

A gift for you. Image by Charles Thompson, sxc.hu

This passing on the blessing is more than just being able to save or give away one's clutter in the home. It's a way of sharing God's love with other people. For the love that those people (Ate CJ, Ate Menchie, Ate Mabel, Ate Luz, Ate Annie) shared with my family, I am truly grateful.

This Christmas season, most people celebrate it as a season of giving. Well, what you give away doesn't have to be always something you buy. It may also be something you have received or what you already have. Another blessing that I definitely would like to pass on to others is the gift of God's salvation. It's something I have received when I asked Jesus to be Lord and Savior of my life. With this gift comes a new life, forgiven from sin and ready to follow the righteousness of God. With this gift also comes the assurance that when some day Jesus comes back again or when the time comes that I enter eternity, I would be with Him also.

Isn't that, in fact, the reason for Christmas? Without Christ in Christmas, there is no Christmas. As Isaiah 9:6 says,

For unto us a child is born,
For unto us a son is given.

And in Matthew 1:21, the angel told Joseph not to be afraid to take Mary as wife because

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

So, if you have not received this blessing of God's salvation this Christmas, I urge you to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today. If you already have this blessing, why don't you pass on the blessings this Christmas?

F.A.I.R.I.E.S. - A Whole New World of Fantasy and Adventure

2011-12-05T09:42:00.005+03:00

I like fantasy stories. But more than reading, I love to watch movies with this genre. I have watched The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, The Never Ending Story, Narnia, Bridge to Terabitha... How I wish that someday this book "F.A.I.R.I.E.S." by M.C. Pearson would find its way to the movie screen, too. The book is very long (482 pages) and, honestly, I haven't had the time yet to finish reading the whole book. But just reading some of the chapters gives the feeling of excitement on every turn of the page. This is something really perfect for those young and young-at-heart who like fantasy and adventure stories. Check out the free look inside chapter 1 of the book at the end of this post.

Today's Wild Card author & illustrator is:

M. C. Pearson

and the book:

F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire

FIRST Wild Card Press (December 5, 2011)

***Special thanks to M. C. Pearson of FIRST Wild Card Press for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

M. C. Pearson graduated from San Jose State University with a B. A. in art, served as a multi-media illustrator in the United States Army, earning the rank of sergeant, and spent four years as a house parent for at-risk youth. Now married over 20 years, she homeschools her two children, volunteers with her church youth group, and runs a book review blog alliance (FIRST Wild Card Tours) while writing and drawing. F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire is her first novel.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Unwittingly chosen to join an army of fairies, who fight for the Light of the One, a teenaged girl learns about spiritual warfare as she attends a military academy with fantastical beings.

FROM THE BACK COVER:

Here lies a most precious treasure,

Awaiting one Chosen to deliver.

Seek out the red cousins in the East,

For on this your greed mustn't feast.

The wealth of a species now in your hands,

Do with it as the light demands.

Give them your gift to unite,

For it is the darkness we all must fight.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS:

"Imagination runs wild in F.A.I.R.I.E.S. Pearson brings young readers through a looking glass and into a world bursting with adventure, heroism, and fascinating creatures. Readers will be inspired to be true to the One and left with anticipation of more to come."
--Jill Williamson, award-winning author of
By Darkness Hid, and other books

"Sprinkled with delightful illustrations, and brimming with a full bestiary of magical creatures, F.A.I.R.I.E.S. is a fun, clever romp through the alternate landscape of the most magical world of all, our own. Read, and take up the call: 'Defend and Emancipate!'"
-- D. Barkley Briggs, author of
The Book of Names, and other books

"F.A.I.R.I.E.S. will appeal to readers who love the interplay of fantasy and reality. A rich cast of eccentric characters and exotic settings make this a fun addition to the folklore of the battle between good and evil."
--Mike Hamel, author of
YA fantasy series: MATTERHORN THE BRAVE

"F.A.I.R.I.E.S. is one of those rare gems I want to tell everyone about. It's highly imaginative, packed with adventure, and full of hope. A must read for kids and for kids at heart. Even better than Narnia! I was thinking about Pearson's wonderfully memorable characters for days."
--C.J. Darlington, author of
Thicker than Blood

"Ms. Pearson's extravagant and imaginative F.A.I.R.I.E. kingdom will surely delight the young and the young-at-heart in this tale of good and evil, light vs. darkness. The fantasy-loving reader will not be disappointed!"
--Linore Rose Burkard, award winning author of
Before the Season Ends, and other books

Product Details:

List Price: $17.99
Paperback: 482 pages
Publisher: FIRST Wild Card Press (December 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615530222
ISBN-13: 978-0615530222

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Four thousand seasons shall pass while our swords grow rusty.

Where once one chose to divide, another shall be chosen to unite.

One changed the past, the other shall change the future.

One must emancipate the other to allow the light its dominion.

The realm, now torn, allows the shadow to abide, as humanity lies blind to its peril.

The bond of friendship must endure, for the army of shadows awaits another tear.

Dust off your swords.

Unite the realm.

Destroy the strongholds.

Foretelling of Didasko Gnome Digdeep

†

PART ONE

MANY ARE CALLED

BUT

FEW ARE CHOSEN

†

CHAPTER ONE

Off and Running

t was an accident!” Mellie yelled, not caring who heard or stared. Tears streaked her face as she fled down the Santa Cruz coastline, away from her family.

You don’t need them, a voice hissed in her ear, Escape. Run away.

Scorching sand burned at her feet and bitterness ate at her heart. Mellie pumped her legs as fast as they would go. Her feet pounded with the rhythm of her emotions, beating a tempo with the crashing waves. Run-a-way. Run-a-way. Run-a-way. Adrenaline pulsed through her veins, quickening her step.

Why did I have to be the youngest? Only 12 years old. Never smart enough. Never athletic enough. I just wish they loved me.

Once, just once, she wanted to do something that would make her sisters see that she wasn’t the stupid, awkward, ugly, little baby sister.

As she ran, she wiped away some tears with the palm of her hand. Her fingers settled on her large nose, a gift from her dad’s Hungarian ancestry.

Chelsea got the ski-slope shaped nose. I had to get Half-Dome. It just isn’t fair.

Her hand dropped to her side and she pinched at her stomach. It still had some of its baby fat.

Ugh, why are my sisters so perfect? What happened to me?

Pushing her short bangs from her forehead in disgust, she mumbled, “Maybe I’ll find treasure. I’ll be the rich one, and then they’ll have to accept me.” But she knew better. California didn’t hold any more undiscovered treasures.

The sand, hot and coarse, cut at her feet. I wish I had remembered my shoes. She wore only a black, one-piece swimsuit and a San Jose Sharks sweatshirt tied tightly around her waist.

Breathing rapidly, she began to tire. She slowed her pace to a walk and looked back across the beach. The sand was so hot that waves of heat rose from it and blurred her view. A lone seagull screeched overhead.

Her sisters were nowhere in sight.

Man, I thought for sure that Chelsea was going to chase me down and kill me.

She had to admit that it was a little gratifying to see the sand fly from her foot, covering Chelsea’s sub-sandwich and freshly oiled stomach. Grinning slightly, the tears stopped flowing. She rubbed her eyes.

Mellie looked in the direction of her sisters. “You guys can never take a joke.” Flipping her golden hair, she turned her head back toward her chosen path. She no longer smiled as she stomped her feet in the cold surf, remembering the hateful words that had been said.

“Oh, waa waa, you stupid cry baby! Go tell mommy! Maybe she’ll feel sorry for her ugly, fat baby. Why don’t you grow up? We don’t want you near us. Can’t you understand English? You are so dumb. Look at her mouth open. Oh wait, here she goes…come on, baby…cry!”

Mellie knew she couldn’t go back. They would only ridicule and torment her further. Her mom would never believe it was Chelsea’s fault. No, the evidence was on Chelsea’s side. Who was the one with the sand all over her oily, coconut-smelling body? Who was the one who had a sandwich full of sand? Mellie walked on.

After her temper finally cooled, it occurred to her that she had never walked so far alone.

How far have I gone?

A shadow passed over her, and she looked up. Nothing was there. A cool breeze from the ocean created a stark contrast to the scalding sand. She shivered but kept walking, lost in her loneliness.

Not until she stubbed her toe on a large broken clamshell did she look at the beach. A chill snaked up her back. Nothing appeared familiar. The sounds of the surf were still there, yet something was decidedly different. She felt dizzy. Looking around, she could not quite pinpoint the change. Then it struck her.

No people.

Where did everybody go?

Even though she could see no one, Mellie could swear that she felt eyes staring at her.

She looked inland across the sand, saw movement near some eucalyptus trees, but decided that the wind must have caused it.

Trees? So close to the beach?

Something shook the trees again, causing goosebumps to stand out on Mellie’s arms. Alarmed, she checked the skyline. The sun was close to setting. She hoped that the police weren’t out looking for her.

Suddenly cold, she pulled at the arms of the sweatshirt still tied around her waist. It fell to the sand. Bending to pick it up, she once again saw a blur of movement, except this time it came from a rocky outcrop by the waves. She shook the sand out of the sweatshirt and hurriedly tugged it over her head.

“Okay, I’m seeing things.” Mellie yanked at her hair, pulling it out of the sweatshirt. She stared at the sinister rocks. “Hel-lo?” Her voice cracked as she spoke louder. “Is someone the-ere? Hello?” No answer. The shadowy rocks seemed to quiver with excitement, beckoning her closer.

Hmm…probably just a seagull.

Even if it was a bird, she did not want to see it.

There’s no way I’m going over there.

The wind picked up and blew her hair into her eyes. The sand spun with the wind.

Yes, definitely time to move. I need to find a road.

She turned back toward the sweet smelling, oddly placed trees.

Mellie arrived at the base of the first, colossal eucalyptus tree. Without warning, one of the branches fell in front of her, then seemed to get up from the ground and pose its bottom stems in a military-like stance.

Mellie screamed and jumped back. “Branches don’t stand.”

“They do if they are walking sticks.” The eucalyptus branch chuckled, stretching to its full height, considerably taller than Mellie’s meager five feet.
She gasped, grabbed the branch, and threw it like a javelin, as hard as she could.

As she took off running, she heard a bark and halted. Turning, she saw a golden retriever bounding toward her with the stick in his mouth. The dog dropped it at her feet. She watched the dog run into the grove of trees and disappear before she fearfully turned back to the possessed stick.

It had already gained its footing again and stood over her. Mellie was too frightened to move this time.

A face emerged from the skinny twig and took on the characteristics of a male human, but none like Mellie had ever seen. He had hair made up in rolls as if it were a powdered, green-silver wig, the same color as the leaves that grew all around his skinny body. His face was long and his forehead high. The twiggy man smiled and said in a distinctly British, albeit breezy, accent, “Do not worry, you are safe.”

Mellie couldn’t answer.

“Ahh…I love new recruits. They are so easily addled.”

Feeling more confused than threatened, Mellie found her voice. “What? What do you mean, new recruits?” She rubbed her eyes, shaking her head. “Okay, I’m talking to a stick now. Yes, I have lost it. I have gone totally mental.”

“Oh, I say, am I to understand that I am the first to be revealed to you?” With round, leathery leaves, the branch resembled a toddler toy with rings stacked on one another.

She dropped open her mouth and nodded.

“Well, let me do this properly, then. Ahem. Mortal, made of clay, you have been Chosen to join the Fantastical, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squads.”

“What? What are you? You look like a stick…but you can talk.”

“Yes, child,” the stick replied with a sigh. “But, I think we are quite past that by now. Have you not heard me? You have been Chosen.”

Mellie opened her mouth wider, closed it, frowned, and opened it once more. “Chosen? For what?”

“You did wish to be different? To change who you were? ’Twas an especially strong desire, yes?” The branch crossed its arms and tapped its twiggy foot.

“Umm…”

“Dear me, this is highly unusual. You made a choice to run away from a miserable life and asked to be set free? Correct?”

“Well, I, ah…yeah. I guess so. What did you say about recruit for some squad?”

“Humph. I see that I was not understood. Yes? Let me elucidate. The Fantastical, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squads , or shall I say F.A.I.R.I.E.S.? have accepted you into their organization. You asked. You were answered.” The branch attempted a smile, but looked impatient instead.

“Fairies? I don’t believe in fairies.” Mellie winced, half expecting him to fall down and writhe in pain until she clapped her hands.

“Quite right. You are not supposed to. If humans truly believed we existed, we would never get anything accomplished.”

Mellie laughed and looked around for a hidden camera, thinking this must be a joke. “Right. Ah…heh…okay, bud, brilliant costume,” she said, imitating the branch’s accent. “Where’s the zipper?” She reached toward him and touched a soft leaf.

The branch slapped her hand away and stamped its foot with a loud cracking noise. “I beg your pardon. I have not been a bud for over 800 springs!” He paced, his leaves crumpling, mumbling to himself about humans and why, in the One’s name, did he listen to that confounded gnome who told him that he needed to stand gate duty. With his rank!

“I’m sorry I upset you. Please, I’m very confused. I’m lost, and I just want to go home.” Mellie bit her lip.

The branch stopped mid-pace. “Home? Earlier, did you not wish for a new life? And riches? I know you wished for treasure, hmm?”

“How do you know that?” Mellie furrowed her brow. “Have you been reading my mind?”

The twig man didn’t answer her questions, asking his own instead. “Ahh, so, you admit this, yes?”

She narrowed her eyes. “Yes, but…well, this really isn’t what I had in mind.”

The branch threw up its twiggy fingers. “Oh, well, of course you did not have this in mind. After all, we are reasonably inconspicuous, especially to humans. How could you have this in mind? However, is it not superior of the One to think that this is what you would have chosen had you known about us? Anyway, ’tis irrevocable now. So, if you would just follow me, we shall get you signed in and enrolled for training.”

The branch marched off between the trunks of two large eucalyptus trees.

Mellie slid uncontrollably after the walking stick. She planted her feet firmly, refusing to budge, but she slid after him anyway. Grasping at branches of nearby trees, she panted heavily as she struggled to resist following the branch. Some kind of invisible tie connected her to him. He seemed to pull her along with his every step.

Mellie thought about her sisters and how mad they were at her. I’m dead meat if they find me. Mellie quickly gave up her battle and ran after the eucalyptus branch, barely keeping up with his stride.

†

The sand changed to coarse dirt, with pebbles and sticks. More and more trees filled Mellie’s vision. Bushes scraped against her bare legs and slapped her face as she moved deeper inside a forest of eucalyptus and redwood trees. She winced in pain as a razor-sharp rock sliced her foot. Stopping to nurse it, she wished once again for her forgotten shoes.

“Excuse me, sir?” Mellie looked around. She could not see the branch anywhere.

“Do not call me ‘sir’, I work for a living.” The branch peeked out from around one of the gigantic trees. “And please, try to keep up. We need to reach the gateway.”

Mellie limped up to him. “Sorry, sir…I mean…umm, what should I call you then?”

“Oh, well, we did skip that. Did we not? Yes, all right, an introduction then.” The branch man seemed to enjoy formal etiquette for he gave an elaborate wave and bowed. “My name is Regnans, family of Myrtaceae, born member of the F.A.I.R.I.E.S., Britannia Wing, rank of Master Nymph Dryad.”

“Nice to meet you, Reg…Reg?” Mellie chewed on the inside of her mouth. Never good at remembering names, she knew she would offend him with her lack of manners.

Sure enough, the dryad raised an eyebrow and pursed his lips. “Regnans.” He gave a hurt sniff, then drolly sneered. “If you find that a difficult name, you should meet the rest of my family, all seven-hundred thirty-four of them.”

“Sorry, I just…well, it is a lot to remember. It’s a nice name, though. My name is Maryellen Goodwin of Bret Harte Middle School, San Jose, California. But everyone calls me Mellie.” She stuck out her hand, intending to shake. Regnans stared at her.

“That is a strange curtsy. However, I guess ’twill do. We must get moving now. The shadows abound, you know.” Regnans made an about face and marched off faster than before.

Another hour passed, and still they strode along the forest floor. Mellie’s feet were now cut, blistered, and bleeding. She kept up as best she could with Regnans’s long stride. Whenever she tried to stop, he would pull her on with that invisible force of his.

Stupid, pompous, magical Star Wars freak.

She whimpered as she limped. Darkness and mist now covered the woods. As she was about to plead for a break, Regnans stopped. Except for her heavy gulps of air, all seemed quiet.

Regnans stiffened even more than usual. Nothing on him moved, apart from his eyes, which darted around quickly.

“All is safe, we may proceed.” He held up a twiggy finger to his woody mouth. “Please do not speak, and try not to breathe so abominably loud.”

Mellie nodded with a disgusted frown. Sweat dripped from her bangs. She tried to calm her breathing, even though her vision blurred, and her legs wobbled. Her blisters had popped by now and oozed wetness.

Regnans moved again, yet this time he took slow, deliberate steps, all the while scanning his surroundings. He walked up to a massive redwood tree and stroked its bark.

A breeze stirred up, rattling the leaves, sounding almost like spoken words. Mellie thought herself crazy again. However, the longer she stood there, the more she sensed that it really was the tree’s language, as if she had never listened to trees properly before. It said, “If you love, you will say the one true love that leads the way.”

Regnans whispered in a leaf rustling voice, “Ah-gaw-pay.”

A loud grumbling sound, as if someone awakened after a long sleep, shook the grove. The redwood tree opened two eyes, each the size of Mellie’s head, and blinked. A great fissure erupted below the eyes in the shape of a crescent, and redish-brown wooden teeth emerged. A long, knobby branch pushed its way out above the mouth and inhaled deeply.

The tree chuckled. Instead of the whispering leaves, a low, rumbling utterance of human speech came from the redwood tree. “Regnans? What brings you to my neck of the woods?” He blinked again. “And who is this? A new recruit? A human? A Chosen?”

Mellie knew she looked silly, standing there with her mouth in an ‘O’ shape, but she couldn’t move. This was simply impossible. There is no such thing as fairies!

“Yes, yes. Please open the gate, we must not dawdle here…they may be watching.” Regnans looked agitated.

A deep laugh resounded from the redwood. “Oh, Regnans. There are none who watch here.”

Regnans mumbled something about hamadryads and their pride, then proclaimed in a slightly louder voice to the tree, “We must be sober, be vigilant, because the shadow walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom it may devour.”

The hamadryad looked chagrined. “You speak true, dryad. Forgive me for acting like an arrogant seedling.” He glanced at Mellie, and with a lowered voice asked, “And what is your name, little human?”

Mellie managed to squeak out, “Mellie Goodwin.”

“Ah, ’tis always nice to have a Good Wind.” The hamadryad laughed heartily.

“Sorry to interrupt this lovely tete-a-tete,” Regnans said, “but would you please open the gate? I left Westside completely unguarded.”

An annoyed creak came from the base of the redwood, followed by a sigh. “Yes, Regnans. Agape you said, and agape it is. Go with the light, my friends.” The large, joyous eyes closed, and the hamadryad whispered in his leaf rustling voice, “Until we meet again, Good Wind.” His face disappeared, and his roots lifted and pulled apart, exposing a tunnel within his trunk.

Regnans grabbed Mellie’s hand with his rough, wooden one, and pulled her inside the opening. The tree closed itself abruptly and left them in total darkness.

Regnans cleared his throat and said, “Let there be light.”

A burst of dazzling brightness sparkled from the tunnel’s wall. Mellie glanced around and noticed a long, winding stairwell leading down into the ground.

“Shall we, then?” Not waiting for a reply, Regnans started down the steps.

Available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com.

Be Thankful Not Forgetful

2011-11-29T00:55:00.000+03:00

Be Thankful. Image by Adam Rifkin, Flicker CC

When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. ~ Deuteronomy 6:10-12

This is what the Lord told the people of Israel when they were about to enter the Promised Land. The Lord had given all kinds of good things to the people of Israel. They have seen all the miracles of the Lord from the time God delivered them out of Egypt - out of slavery, while they wandered in the desert until they reached the Promised Land and fought its inhabitants. The only thing that the Lord is asking in return is that they Do Not Forget the Lord and that they should not follow other gods in the land they are entering to possess.

Well, God had to remind them again NOT to Forget Him. History shows that Israel is not good at remembering. They had just came out of Egypt and were waiting for Moses at the foot of Mount Sinai when they made the golden calf and worshiped it as their gods. God would have wiped them out of the face of the earth if not for Moses who interceded for them (Exodus 32).

Right when they were about to enter the Promised Land, they started complaining again because they saw the giants.

All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" ~ Numbers 14:2-3

When the people of God forget about the miracles that the Lord God performed, they started complaining. They forgot that their God is the Mighty God who can fight for them against the giants. God was so mad at them that He did not allow that generation to enter Canaan except for Caleb and Joshua. For 40 years they wandered in the desert until they died.

This part of history of Israel is a lesson for us that we should be always thankful and not forgetful. If we would only resolve to thank God everyday for the blessings He has given us not forgetting them, then we would not be ungrateful. Ungratefulness leads to grumbling and discontentment. "I wish I had this, I wish I had that. Why does he have that and I don't?" Too much grumbling...this does not please the Lord at all and whatever blessing He has in store will be withheld from us just like it was with Israel.

Oftentimes, we complain about what we don't have. But a better attitude is to be thankful instead for the things that we do have. There are so many of these little and big blessings, we just tend to overlook them...the air we breathe, the good night's sleep, the fact that we have complete body parts, we have a roof over our head, we have clothes to wear, we have food to eat, we have our family to share our lives with... Just take some time to start each day thinking about these things and thank God. Then, you'll start seeing even more blessings that you've never noticed before.

Just be thankful not forgetful.

One of the highest forms of spiritual warfare is also the simplest: stay grateful and content. ~Kenny Luck from the book "Soar"

How Do You Deal with Depression?

2011-11-17T18:08:00.000+03:00

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ~ John 14:1-3

Many people experience depression for a variety of reasons. Some because of losing a job, a family or a cherished relationship. Others maybe because of illness, stress or unwanted major life changes. Whatever is the cause, depression may result to a feeling of lack of control, unhappiness and loneliness to a person. How do you deal with depression?

Personally, I have found that the most important thing that I needed to do when I feel depressed is to find someone whom I can trust and share how I feel. I have also discovered that I could foremost come to God when I feel depressed. Why? Because He knows me, He knows how I feel and He can be there just when I needed Him the most. Of course, I have my husband and my family to whom I can turn to. But God is the best person I wanted to be with.

So, if right now,you just feel so depressed, just cry out to God... and He'll be there.

I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears. ~ Psalm 34:1,4

If you're also battling with depression, let me share with you also this new book I have been reviewing. It is entitled 40 Days to Better Living - Depression by Dr. Scott Morris. It is a journal which can guide you and help you overcome depression. It has true to life stories from real people who have experienced depression in their lives and how they came out victorious. It has 40 days of devotional guide where you can journal your everyday progress in your faith life, physical, emotional, social and nutritional well-being.

I like best how the morning and evening reflections on the Word of God can encourage a person to be persistent in the journey. It reminded some of the important truths like

God walks the journey with us.
We must find the balance in everything.
We need to let go and let God especially over things which we have no control.
We need support from others.

There's much more truths to learn. Read some of them below from the free peak into the first chapter.

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Dr. Scott Morris
and the
Church Health Center

and the book:

40 Days to Better Living: Depression

Barbour Books (November 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings – The B&B Media Group – for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From the time Scott Morris was just a teenager, he knew he would do two things with his future—serve God and work with people. Growing up in Atlanta, he felt drawn to the Church and at the same time drawn to help others, even from a very young age. It was naturally intrinsic, then, that after completing his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia he went on to receive his M.Div. from Yale University and finally his M.D. at Emory University in 1983.

After completing his residency in family practice, Morris arrived in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1986 without knowing a soul, but determined to begin a health care ministry for the working poor. He promptly knocked on the doors of St. John’s Methodist Church and Methodist Hospital in Memphis inviting them to help, and then found an old house to refurbish and renovate. By the next year, the Church Health Center opened with one doctor—Dr. Scott Morris—and one nurse. They saw twelve patients the first day and Morris began living his mission to reclaim the Church’s biblical commitment to care for our bodies and spirits.

From the beginning, Morris saw each and every patient as a whole person, knowing that without giving careful attention to both the body and soul the person would not be truly well. So nine years after opening the Church Health Center, he opened its Hope & Healing Wellness Center. Today the Church Health Center has grown to become the largest faith-based clinic in the country of its type having cared for 60,000 patients of record without relying on government funding. The clinic handles more than 36,000 patient visits a year while the wellness center, which moved to its current 80,000-square-foot location on Union Avenue in 2000, serves more than 120,000 member visits each year. Fees are charged on a sliding scale based on income.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Depression is a serious condition—and 40 Days to Better Living: Depression provides clear, manageable steps for people to manage it, through life-changing attitudes and actions. Readers can select one or more elements of the 7-step Model for Healthy Living—Faith, Medical, Movement, Work, Emotional, Family and Friends, and Nutrition—and follow the 40-day plan to improve their lives, just a bit, day by day. With plenty of practical advice, biblical encouragement, and stories of real people who’ve taken the same journey, this book—from the Church Health Center in Memphis, the largest faith-based clinic of its type in the U.S.—may be one of the most important books your customers will read this year.

The 40 Days to Better Living series offers clear, manageable steps to life-changing attitudes and actions in a context of understanding and grace for all people at all points on the journey to optimal health. With plenty of practical advice, spiritual encouragement, and real stories of those who have found a better life, this simple and skillfully crafted book inspires readers to customize their own path to wellness by using the 7-Step Model for Healthy Living as a guide:

· Nutrition: pursuing smarter food choices and eating habits

· Friends and family: giving and receiving support through relationships

· Emotional life: understanding feelings and managing stress to better care for yourself

· Work: appreciating your skills, talents, and gifts

· Movement: discovering ways to enjoy physical activity

· Medical care: partnering with health care providers to optimize medical care

· Faith life: building a relationship with God, neighbors, and self

Along with tips from the Model for Healthy Living, the easy-to-read format features a Morning Reflection and an Evening Wrap-Up as well as a place for documenting plans, progress, and perspectives. Targeted scriptures and prayers that undergird the focus of each day’s message make this compact book an excellent choice for a daily devotional.

Subsequent titles in the Better Living series will be released bi-monthly and address key health topics including hypertension, diabetes, depression, weight management, stress management, aging, and addiction. All promise substantial support to those who are ready for a newer, better way of living—body and spirit.

Product Details:

List Price: $7.99
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616262664
ISBN-13: 978-1616262662

AND NOW...THE FIRST FEW PAGES: Click on the images to see them larger:

Holding on to Great Expectations

2011-11-06T13:58:00.000+03:00

Expect to learn. Image by Sergio Roberto Bichara from Stock.xchang

Two quarters of schooling have passed and my children are doing fine in school. All of them have an average grade of 90+. Yuan managed to be on top 7 of their class and Janel on top 5 of their class. I am quite satisfied with their accomplishments.

But. Oh, I don't like the but there... but, I don't know. I may be a bit of a perfectionist. If only they are more industrious in their studies, they would do much better. Actually, they used to land a higher spot in the top 10 of their classes, but they have slowly digressed.

I used to have a higher expectation on how they ought to perform in school, but lately, I have lowered my expectations because I just feel a bit disappointed. As the saying goes,

Don't expect anything, because then you won't be disappointed when it doesn't happen.

But then, I can't help but to expect. And I'm glad when I read from Marilyn Hickey's book "Pathway to
Miracles" that there is a direct connection between expecting and receiving and vice versa. She defined expectation as confident belief or strong hope that a particular event will happen. Now, this expectation has something to do with one's faith and she shared ways on how to build up this faith.

One is to overcome negative thinking. To do that, I would need to build a positive foundation of God's word in the lives of my children including in my personal life. I have started to always mention to them Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I have always heard them say "I can't do it;" "It's too hard;" "There's a lot to study," etc. Instead of just telling them, "You can do it," I tell them this verse "I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me."

Actually, as a student, I have always used this memory verse as my motivational verse for persevering and doing well in school, too. Now, I am asking my children to memorize and put this verse in their heart. By doing this, I am not only building their confidence in themselves, but moreso, their trust and confidence in God and what He can do in their lives.

Another way is to avoid speaking or thinking negative thoughts. I am now more conscious than before
about the words I speak to my children. There is a way in which I could say something in a positive way. Like for example, instead of saying "You cannot finish your homework if you don't do them immediately" I could say "You do your homework now so you can finish it and you will have time to play later." Instead of saying "Don't be lazy" I could say "You could do more if you work hard." Actually, there is nothing false about the first statements but it's just said in a negative way. And oh, I am trying as much as possible not to nag. I know they hate that.

And the really powerful way is to pray for them faithfully. God can accomplish so much more in their lives than I could ever hope to do, so I pray for them. I also remind my children to pray first whenever they are studying and when they are taking tests. Why? Because I believe wisdom comes from God. Of course, they still need to do their part by studying.

Does this mean I would always receive what I expect? Probably not. But it should not stop me from continuing to trust God for greater expectations in the lives of my children. My expectation now is not so much that they would land the top spot in their class but that they would do their best in their studies. I want them to live the verse that says, "In whatever you do, do all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). If God gives them the first spot in their class, then Praise the Lord!

What I really pray, believe and expect in the long term for my children is that they will become godly men and women who are faithfully following the Lord and making a positive impact in their worlds. I don't know how but that is what I believe and expect will come to pass by God's grace. I am continually expecting great things from God in my life and in the life of my children.

Great quotes on Expectations from Marilyn Hickey's book Pathway to Miracles:

The miracle of expectancy says that God can do all things.
Expectation brings you to a place of continually believing and speaking the Word of God.
We can't let our failures prevent us from trusting God for miracles in the future.

Looking for Your Pathway to Miracles?

2011-10-29T00:55:00.000+03:00

Are you looking for a miracle right now? a divine favor? supernatural healing and provision? How about just a simple answer to a seemingly impossible prayer request? We are all still seeking for that miracle to happen. And Miracles still happen. But they don't just happen. It's not just a coincidence.

I've been reading this book Pathway to Miracles by Marilyn Hickey, and it is really awesome and inspiring. I could feel the anointing of God in the writing of this book. It is a must read for people who are looking for that miracle to happen in their life.

The author, Marilyn Hickey is a Bible teacher who has ministered to 125 nations and has witnessed so many miracles and healing in the course of her life. In this book, she is sharing a glimpse of it and how those miracles unfold in her life including the key factors which made them come to pass. Yes, it has something to do with faith. Yes, it has something to do with the Word of God (Marilyn did a great job in talking about relevant miraculous Bible stories and encouraging me to memorize Scripture). Yes, it has something to do with prayer and so much more.

There is so much to chew on what Marilyn Hickey is sharing in this book and I would like to read this book again. I don't want to miss to grasp what the Lord is saying through her. She has given me a lot to think about and improve on how I ought to live my life, not just in expectation of a miracle to happen but more importantly in the pursuit of fulfilling God's purpose for my life. I hope you could read this book too. There is a sneak peek of the first chapter of this book below where it talks about the reasons why miracles happen. I'm sure you would like it.

Today's Wild Card author is:

Marilyn Hickey

and the book:

Your Pathway to Miracles

Whitaker House (September 6, 2011)

***Special thanks to Cathy Hickling of Whitaker House for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

At age 80, Dr. Marilyn Hickey, founder and president of Marilyn Hickey Ministries, is still going strong. Known and loved worldwide for her clear, down-to-earth Bible teaching, she’s brought Scripture to life for countless thousands through her radio and TV broadcasts, books, and speaking ministry. In recent years she’s ministered across the U.S. as well as in the Sudan, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, India, China and Pakistan. The author of dozens of books and pamphlets, Marilyn Hickey’s recent Whitaker House releases include: Spiritual Warfare, The Names of God, Total Healing, and Your Pathway to Miracles. She and her daughter co-host the weekly worldwide television show, Marilyn and Sarah.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

In her latest book worldwide Bible teacher Marilyn Hickey offers a “how to” for those in need of a miracle. Dr. Hickey teaches readers how to learn to build trust in God, creatively interweaving faith-building Scriptures with her considerable personal experience, such as giving birth to her daughter after being told it was medically impossible. Christian leaders are applauding the results, recommending Your Pathway to Miracles to their congregations and audiences, with Joyce Meyer saying, “it will fuel your faith and give you a new passion to believe God for the miraculous,” and from Richard Roberts: “allow her new book to set you on your own journey for miracles in the mighty name of Jesus.”

Product Details:

List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (September 6, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603743251
ISBN-13: 978-1603743259

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Everyone Needs a Miracle

What Miracle Are You Seeking?

In the United States and around the world, countless numbers of people are looking for miracles in their lives. When some people say, “I’m praying for a miracle,” they are really talking about wishful thinking or a vague hope that things will get better. Others, however, mean that they are asking God to intervene in their lives based on the reality of His promises. There’s a big difference! Over the years, my ministry has received numerous reports of miracles that have come through prayer and holding on to God’s Word, miracles such as:

My eight-year-old son had leukemia. I called for prayer for strength to go through the treatment. That wonderful prayer partner rebuked the disease and prayed that he be healed in Jesus’ name. Now my son is healed! There is no leukemia in his body! It was such a testimony to the doctors and nurses.

***

I had a nervous breakdown [and when I was feeling the worst I would] listen to you say, “This is the best day of your life!”…Little by little the joy I felt began to increase.…I want you to know that my mind is healed now. I was sick for seven years. I feel the peace of God and the joy of the Lord again.

***

I recently requested that you agree with me to lose weight because I had reached a whopping 203 pounds. Well, praise God, the Lord has done a miracle for me. I went on a diet and have lost 53 pounds, and I’m not through yet.

***

You prophesied that a child who had been kidnapped by his father was going to be returned to his mother. I claimed that word as mine! I had stood in faith for 2 1/2 years before that word; and in less than one month, my son was returned to me. I was tired and weary…ready to give up—your word from God renewed my strength to stand.

***

Everyone needs a miracle of some kind, whether it is one of healing, financial provision, restoration of broken relationships, open doors of opportunity, favor with another person, or another intervention of God. I have experienced many miracles in my life, and I am still experiencing them. Miracles are available to us today because God’s Word promises them. What miracle are you seeking?

Our heavenly Father is a God of the miraculous. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is a miraculous book. It is a supernatural gift, a revelation from God, which He has given for our instruction, comfort, and guidance in life. It tells us of many miracles God has provided for His people over thousands of years. Yet the Bible doesn’t talk just about past miracles; it tells us how we can experience miracles in the present and the future. God hasn’t changed. He desires to do miracles for us, too!

For I am the Lord, I do not change. (Malachi 3:6)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
A Miraculous Sign

A miracle is something that, without the intervention of God, would never have happened to the person who received it. A miracle may also be defined as something that occurs outside the natural processes of life that we would ordinarily experience in our physical world.

In October 2000, I took a group of travelers on a ministry trip to La Paz, Bolivia, and held a series of citywide meetings in the stadium there. There are many indigenous people in Bolivia whose cultural roots are steeped into idolatry, witchcraft, shamanism, and the like, and who need to hear the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ.

One of the travelers accompanying us told me she’d had a unique dream. “I dreamed that there were three rainbows in perfect arches in the sky,” she said. “I don’t know what it means, but it could be the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit or some special visitation while we’re in Bolivia.” I didn’t share this conversation with anyone but kept it hidden in my heart.

While we were in Bolivia, we would hold three nights of healing meetings in the stadium, as well as two days of meetings with Bolivian ministers, because we like to pour the knowledge of God’s Word into the hearts of ministers. We had brought books printed in Spanish, and we had special times of instruction and fellowship with them.

The president of Bolivia invited me to join a breakfast meeting he was sponsoring, and I was asked to speak to some of the key leaders in the government. This was an unexpected and wonderful open door for ministry.

Little did I dream what God the Father would do to prepare the hearts of the people for that breakfast and our healing meetings. The first morning of our ministry training school, we were in downtown La Paz teaching the local pastors. About one thousand Bolivian leaders were there, plus the one hundred and twenty-five people from the United States who had accompanied us on the trip. One of our staff people passed a note to me while I was speaking, saying that there were crowds in the street and that traffic was stopped because there were three rainbows in perfect arches over the building we were in. I said to the people, “There is something very unusual happening outside. We must go out and look.”

We walked outside, and, as had been reported, there were three rainbows in the sky above the building. All three were shaped in perfect arches, and each one was a different color. We were able to capture this sight on video. No one knew what to think. I was shocked that God would perform such an unusual miracle right then and there.

We went back to the meeting and praised and worshipped God. Following the meeting, we boarded our buses to go back to our hotel. When we arrived, we saw that the three rainbows had followed us and come to a stop over the hotel. We also found that witches had gathered outside, protesting by ringing bells and banging pans. The president of the country had called a leadership conference of witches, and these witches were very upset with our being there and with the rainbows that were positioned over the hotel, and they had come to speak curses against us. But let me tell you something: You cannot curse what God has blessed.

In both the Old and New Testaments, the Bible says that Jesus took the curse of our sins on Himself on the cross so that we could be blessed. (See, for example, Isaiah 53:4–5; Galatians 3:13–14.) Knowing this, we rebuked Satan and asked God to bring these witches to salvation in Jesus.

When I went to the breakfast, oh, what a breakfast it was, because of all the news that had been on television and in the newspapers regarding our visit and the manifestation of the rainbows. What timing the Lord has! He had given a woman on our team a dream and then brought it to pass as a sign to us and to the people of Bolivia. Because the three rainbows had appeared over the city, I knew what to say to all those attending the breakfast. I asked them, “What is God saying? He wants to bring revival to La Paz, Bolivia. God wants to move on this country, but He can do it only as we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ.”

The breakfast was a wonderful opportunity to praise God. He had already sent a sign of His presence in the form of the three rainbows. The Bible says that miraculous signs will follow those who believe. (See Mark 16:17.) That was a time when signs both went before us and followed us! I built on the sign God had sent by calling the people to repentance. Then, at the stadium meetings, people were Spirit-filled, and literally thousands of people were saved and healed. There were an unusual number of people healed from growths and tumors. People also came and threw their eyeglasses onto the platform because they could see perfectly without them.

We were able to broadcast these meetings over satellite to all the Spanish-speaking countries in the world. It was an awesome time, a time when God showed up and “showed off.”

Why Miracles?
Why does God do miracles in the lives of His people and in relation to situations that concern them? Our experiences in Bolivia draw attention to five significant reasons God does miracles.

1. God’s Miracles Reveal His Power as Creator-King

When God created the earth and everything in it, including human beings, it was a miraculous event that reveals to us His power as Creator, as well as His sovereignty over the earth. The created world continues to reveal God’s nature and power.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. (Psalm 19:1–4)

The three remarkable rainbows in the sky demonstrated that this same powerful Creator God was involved in our visit to Bolivia. God spoke the world into existence at the beginning of time, and He not only continues to create wonders that glorify Him, but He also brings the things we need into existence as we speak His Word to the circumstances and problems in our lives. As He does so, He manifests His nature and His ways to us.

2. God’s Miracles Reveal the Spiritual Reality Supporting Our Physical World

Miracles make known the existence of an invisible spiritual reality that is the true or ultimate reality in life. Most people live only according to what they can experience through their five senses, but there is a spiritual realm that undergirds, and is greater than, the physical reality of our world, and within which our physical world exists. The Bible tells us that Jesus, who is God the Son, the second person of the Trinity, both created and sustains our world: “All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist [“hold together” niv]” (Colossians 1:16–17).

A miracle sign such as we saw in La Paz, and the resulting outpouring of supernatural healings and other manifestations, revealed to the Bolivian people the presence of God’s spiritual realm and His desire to intervene to meet both their physical and spiritual needs.

3. God’s Miracles Convey His Compassion for His People
God the Father does miracles to bless and deliver His people, because He is loving and compassionate. For example, when He sent Moses to deliver the Hebrews, who were enslaved in Egypt, He told him,

I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey. (Exodus 3:7–8)

In the course of delivering the Hebrews, God performed many miracles, including the manifestations of the pillars of cloud and fire, which were signs of His constant presence with His people, and the parting of the Red Sea, through which He rescued them from their enemies. (See Exodus 13:21; 14:21–30.) And God still saves and delivers today.

God loves all the people of the world. He created them in His image and sent His Son to redeem them. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). When Jesus came to earth, His healings and other miracles were prompted by His compassion. In one instance, when two blind men called out to Him, asking for mercy, “Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him” (Matthew 20:34).

The sign of the three rainbows in Bolivia was a symbol to the people that God knew them and loved them and wanted to move among them in compassion, healing, deliverance, and the outpouring of His Spirit.

The apostle Paul wrote that if God gave His Son to die on the cross for us, “how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). “All things” includes miracles.

4. God’s Miracles Promote Faith in the Truth of the Gospel
Miracles are also a way in which God the Father confirms people’s faith in the legitimacy of the gospel message, helping to bring them to repentance and into a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

[Jesus said to His followers,] “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature….And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;…they will lay hands on the sick, an they will recover.”…And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.” (Mark 16:15, 17–18, 20)

Likewise, God opened the door and validated our ministry in Bolivia by the manifestation of the rainbows, which drew the attention of the people as they saw the sign personally or heard about it through the media. Then, during our meetings in Bolivia, thousands of people were saved and healed. The healings, including those of growths and tumors, were further signs—“accompanying signs”—that confirmed the ministry of the gospel God had given to us for the people.

Please remember that Jesus said we are not to seek manifestations of signs as a substitution for belief in God’s Word. (See Matthew 12:38–39.) And we are not to seek signs for their own sake, as a form of entertainment. However, God will use miracles to promote faith in His Word so that people will believe and be saved, healed, and experience abundant life in Him.
5. God’s Miracles Reveal Genuine versus False Spirituality
The signs accompanying our preaching of the gospel in Bolivia were a testimony to the people of true, godly spiritual activity in contrast to counterfeit spirituality. The witches who had protested our presence there had gathered for a conference in La Paz at the request of the president, who had also invited me to speak to governmental leaders at a breakfast, so there was obviously confusion in that nation regarding what kind of spirituality should be practiced and promoted. To some people, witchcraft or shamanism may seem innocent and helpful, but these things are false and destructive. The witches had tried to cause a commotion and disrupt our ministry, yet God showed that He is greater than counterfeit spirituality. He poured out His Spirit in a powerful way according to His love, bringing salvation, healing, and deliverance to the people.

Please be aware that false teachers and prophets can exhibit counterfeit signs and miracles. Jesus said, “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). And the apostle Paul wrote,

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

(2 Thessalonians 2:9–10)

Genuine miracles from God, however, are recognized by those who know His ways and are enlightened by His Spirit. One of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day named Nicodemus told Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him” (John 3:2). And the Corinthian believers to whom Paul ministered were aware that the message and work of an apostle from God will be confirmed by signs and miracles: “Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds” (2 Corinthians 12:12).

Remember that true miracles bring glory to God—not to a “miracle worker.” They confirm the truth of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection and triumph over the devil and all the forces of evil. (See, for example, Colossians 2:11–15.)
How Do God’s Miracles Come to Us?

God’s miracles—His supernatural interventions in our lives—come to us in different ways. While there may be similarities between these ways, and they may overlap, each is important in itself. Throughout this book, we will explore various avenues through which God brings miracles into our lives. We will also discover what we need to know and act upon in order to receive our miracles. Miracles usually don’t just “happen” in our lives, for, as we have seen, God does miracles for various reasons and gives them as we seek Him through faith in His Word.

Think of yourself as on a pathway to receiving the miracles you desire from God. I invite you to take a journey with me as I relate the adventures of miraculous living that I have experienced in my life, knowing that you, too can experience the same kinds of miracles and live in the realm of the miraculous. The path to miracles is an ongoing one, and we can experience miracles of various kinds throughout our lives.

Let’s be sure not to miss out on all that God has for us. There are consequences of not accepting and receiving the miracles He wants to give us through our faith in Him. The Scriptures say that Jesus “did not do many mighty works [in His hometown] because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:58). We don’t want to forfeit our miracle opportunities, which are part of the spiritual wonder and destiny God has planned for our lives.

If someone witnesses God’s miracles but observes them only as a spectator and stays in unbelief toward Jesus and His offer of salvation, there is a high cost to him.

Then [Jesus] began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.…And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.”

(Matthew 11:20–21, 23)

Not to experience a healing or deliverance God desires for you would be tragic enough, but to lack repentance and refuse to receive Christ would lead to a grim penalty. We don’t want to fall short of God’s purposes for our lives. In this book, we’ll see how to both receive Christ into our lives and enter into the realm of the miraculous. Let us be able to say with Paul, “In [God] we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

Receiving Your Miracles

Through Your Pathway to Miracles, I want to show you how to gain a deeper relationship with your heavenly Father and learn how to live in the miraculous according to His plans. He has spectacular episodes for your life as you hold fast in faith. Get ready to be liberated from frustration and defeat as you set your eyes continually on His positive truths and principles, even as you contend with negative circumstances and situations. You will discover…

how miracles begin
the reasons and seasons for miracles
the roles of faith, expectation, positive affirmation, and prayer
the importance of claiming your miracle
how to recognize the miracles in your own hands
keys to removing mountainous problems blocking your miracles
how to access “giant” miracles for big needs
ways in which God gives favor and opportunity
the nature of “miracle packages”
how to persevere to receive God’s miracle when there seems to be no solution for your problem and all seems hopeless.
My friend, whatever kind of miracle you need, read on!

Stumbling Through Life Toward Heaven

2011-10-16T12:31:00.003+03:00

Life is like an obstacle course. There seems to be a lot of things that would challenge you - your faith, your hopes, your patience, your attitude, your threshold for pain.... But there is no quitting if you wish to finish the course. As is often said, "Winners don't quit" or "Quitters don't win."

I've just finished reading Mike Hamel's book Stumbling Through Heaven. I got it as a review copy through First Wild Card Tours. In this book, Mike Hamel narrated his experiences as he went through the ordeals of being a cancer (non-lymphoma Hodgkin) patient - chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, lots and lots of medicine (antibiotics, probiotics, pain reliever, etc with names that are hard for me to remember) intake, health insurance, diet, etc.

Honestly, I learned a lot from his writings that includes all the technical and medical aspects of having cancer. Mike is a very good researcher sharing even trivial things like being a left handed gives a person 15% advantage to becoming richer and those who go to church regularly live around 7 years longer than people who don't.

Being in a situation like his is not easy. But I like to share three things that I believe have helped Mike to stumble through his circumstances. First is the fact that he is still able to put so much humor into his writings. Though he is feeling all the pain associated with his cancer treatments, he is still able to smile. Despite his grim situation, he still manages to be thankful for all the blessings he receives.

Second, he is also so honest in sharing his thoughts and feelings including his questions and doubts in his faith life. If there is one person who should ask "Why bad things happen?" that would be Mike. Honesty in our situations plays a vital role in finding us the help that we need. How can we get help if we don't honestly acknowledge that we need help? Thanks to all Mike's praying relatives and friends, to all the doctors, surgeons, nurses and all who has helped him in the weakest moments of his life.

Third, he is clinging to hope. We may never find all the answers we have in this life, but we can just reserve those when we get to heaven. As Mike Hamel wrote,

"In the absence of answers we are left with faith and hope. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). My confidence in faith has be shaken by what I've learned and experienced in the past few years. But I still cling on to hope."

My prayer is that if such a time would come that I would have to face an enormous challenge in my life, I would still have the smile, the honesty and the faith and hope to see me through. By God's grace, I can.

However concerned I was with the suffering in the world, I never let myself become lost in brooding over it. I always hold firmly to the thought that each one of us can do a little to bring some portion of it to an end. ~ Albert Schweitzer, Out of My Life and Thought

Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?

2011-10-12T10:44:00.000+03:00

I feel the greatest destroyer of peace today is "Abortion," because it is a war against the child. A direct killing of the innocent child, "Murder" by the mother herself...And if we can accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another? How do we persuade a woman not to have an abortion? As always we must persuade her with love...And we remind ourselves that love means to be willing to give until it hurts.~ Mother Teresa

Are you Pro-Choice or Pro-Life? There is so much controversy surrounding the issue of being pro-choice or pro-life. Even within the Christian community, there is a divided opinion on this. See this article for some of the arguments on both sides.

Basically, one who is pro-choice supports the legalization of abortion. It involves support of the belief that a woman should have the legal right to terminate her own pregnancy.

On the other hand, one who is pro-life supports the belief that generally life begins with the human fetus (or the human embryo) and that the fetus is a person and therefore has a right to life.

As a woman, a mother and a believer, I would not want to go into abortion and would not encourage others to do so. I'm sure others have varied reasons (some rather convincing) why they would want to do that. But personally, I believe that it is only God who gives life and He is the only one who is to take it away.

In connection with this controversy, have you watched the 180 movie? It's a 33-minutes documentary that will surely challenge the way you think about the Pro-life-Pro-choice issue. Watch the embedded movie below and share what you think about it. If you like it, do share it as well with your family and friends. A life may depend on it.

Thank You So Much, Teacher

2011-10-05T11:06:00.000+03:00

Today is World Teachers' Day. Teachers indeed are people to whom we ought to be thankful for. Without them, many of us wouldn't be where we are today.

I have collected some teacher quotes and present them below together with one video from You Tube just to remind us of who a teacher is, what he or she does and what they are able to accomplish.

TO ALL OUR TEACHERS: Thank you so much for lighting our path, for inspiring us to strive and reach our life dreams, for molding us and developing our own crafts and talents and for helping us to learn to stand on our own and make a difference in this challenging world.

Teachers are God's blessings, therefore, I am also ever grateful to God for giving us our beloved teachers.

Teacher Quotes:

A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others.

What the teacher is, is more important than what he teaches. ~ Karl Menninger

A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove ... but thw world may be different because I was important in the life of a child. ~ Kathy Davis

Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers. ~ Josef Alberts

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. ~ Albert Einstein

Teaching should be full of ideas instead of stuffed with facts.

The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.

The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth. ~ Dan Rather

In teaching you cannot see the fruit of a day's work. It is invisible and remains so, maybe for twenty years. ~ Jacques Barzun

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. ~ William Arthur Ward

A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. ~ Henry Brooks Adams

I touch the future. I teach. ~Christa McAuliffe

The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind. ~ Kahlil Gibran

A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on cold iron. ~ Horace Mann

The average teacher explains complexity; the gifted teacher reveals simplicity. ~ Robert Brault

Teachers who inspire know that teaching is like cultivating a garden and those who would have nothing to do with thorns must never attempt to gather flowers.

Good teachers are costly, but bad teachers cost more. ~ Bob Talbert

Great teachers empathize with kids, respect them, and believe that each one has something special that can be built upon. ~ Ann Lieberman

The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.' ~ Maria Montessori

A great teacher gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.

Teachers are expected to reach unattainable goals with inadequate tools. The miracle is that at times they accomplish this impossible task. ~ Haim G. Ginott

A teacher is the one who gets the most out of the lessons, and the true teacher is the learner. ~ Elbert Hubbard

Who dares to teach must never cease to learn. ~ John Cotton Dana

Book Review: 40 Days to Optimal Living: Hypertension

2011-10-01T20:00:00.000+03:00

Hypertension is a disease that develops over time and is a product of both heredity (over which we have no control) and lifestyle (over which we can have control).

    Late last year, my mom had an angioplasty. The heart attack was so sudden and the angioplasty was so urgent. Thank God, she has recovered very well by the grace of God.

    She did not have a health journal like this book 40 Days to Better Living: Hypertension by Dr. Scott Morris. But I would highly recommend anyone who has to wrestle with the condition of hypertension to go through this journal. It gives daily guidance on what to do. It gives encouragement by its motivational true life stories and quotations from Scripture. It gives the needed extra push to help one progress from experiencing physical and emotional setbacks to gaining optimal health.

    I am not a person with hypertension, but this journal gave me enough wisdom and encouragement to do what I need to do in order that I can have control over my lifestyle, thus lessening the risk of having hypertension in the future

Today's Wild Card author is:

Dr. Scott Morris and the Church Health Center

and the book:

40 Days to Better Living: Hypertension

Barbour Books (September 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Millions experience high blood pressure—and 40 Days to Better Living: Hypertension provides clear, manageable steps for you to manage it, through life-changing attitudes and actions. If you’re ready to really live better, select one or more elements of the 7-step Model for Healthy Living—Faith, Medical, Movement, Work, Emotional, Family and Friends, and Nutrition—and follow the 40-day plan to improve your life, just a bit, day by day. With plenty of practical advice, biblical encouragement, and stories of real people who’ve taken the same journey, this book—from the Church Health Center in Memphis, the largest faith-based clinic of its type in the U.S.—may be the most important book you read this year!

The 40 Days to Better Living series offers clear, manageable steps to life-changing attitudes and actions in a context of understanding and grace for all people at all points on the journey to optimal health. With plenty of practical advice, spiritual encouragement, and real stories of those who have found a better life, this simple and skillfully crafted book inspires readers to customize their own path to wellness by using the 7-Step Model for Healthy Living as a guide:

Nutrition: pursuing smarter food choices and eating habits
Friends and family: giving and receiving support through relationships
Emotional life: understanding feelings and managing stress to better care for yourself
Work: appreciating your skills, talents, and gifts
Movement: discovering ways to enjoy physical activity
Medical care: partnering with health care providers to optimize medical care
Faith life: building a relationship with God, neighbors, and self

Along with tips from the Model for Healthy Living, the easy-to-read format features a Morning Reflection and an Evening Wrap-Up as well as a place for documenting plans, progress, and perspectives. Targeted scriptures and prayers that undergird the focus of each day’s message make this compact book an excellent choice for a daily devotional.

Subsequent titles in the Better Living series will be released bi-monthly and address key health topics including hypertension, diabetes, depression, weight management, stress management, aging, and addiction. All promise substantial support to those who are ready for a newer, better way of living—body and spirit.

Product Details:

List Price: $7.99
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616262656
ISBN-13: 978-1616262655

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

I Hate Cramming For Exams

2011-09-11T10:07:00.000+03:00

I hate cramming for exams. I would be a hypocrite if I say that I didn't do it before as a student, but I certainly do not like it. When I home schooled my children before for 2-3 years, we didn't practice any cramming since we follow our own flexible schedules. But since my children started going to community school, the children have to cope up with quizzes in school almost everyday, and guess what comes along with it? Cramming. Again, I don't like it.

What is the meaning of cramming? Cramming means to try to learn a lot very quickly before an examination; a hasty study. Studies say that it is not productive at all because last minute studying reduces retention of material and may hinder the learning process in the long term. Thus, the cliche "Haste makes waste" seems to ring a bell in connection with cramming.

We've been encouraging our children to study in advance for their lessons especially if they do not have any or much assignment for the day. Also, we tell them to study first before playing. Sometimes they obey. But then sometimes, people and things distract them from doing so. I'm praying that they will learn to have better study habits and not be used to cramming sessions.

While looking for quotes on cramming, I found this which says

“I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older; then it dawned on me . . they're cramming for their final exam.” ~ George Carlin

It was a quote by an American comedian. This quote made me reflect, do we have to wait until we are old before we read the Bible, just so to prepare for the final exam? (He must be referring to the final exam when a person dies which will determine whether he will pass into heaven or not).

Everyday, life is full of challenges. Life is made of tough choices. Life is a constant ground for testings. If a person does not learn the lessons everyday, especially those set forth in the Word of God, he will not pass the test. That is why Psalm 1:1-2 encourages us to delight ourselves in the law of the LORD, and to meditate it day and night so that we will not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. Joshua 1:8 also says

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."

As cramming is not effective for learning the lessons in school, it is also not effective for learning the valuable lessons that God's word want to teach us. Christians should not cram spirituality into their lives only on Christmas day or on Easter. It should not even be on Sundays only. Learning and living the Word should be everyday. One lesson builds on another then another. No wonder many Christians fail to pass the test when adversities and trials come. It is because they fail to learn the lessons beforehand. As such, they are cramming to know what they must do or not do on the day of testing.

To end this post, let me share this challenge to us. Do not cram spirituality. Let us build our relationship with God and get to know Him and His word everyday. Then, when trials come, we will be able to stand firm and succeed. May God bless us all.

We Are Just Pilgrims in This Life

2011-09-06T10:57:00.001+03:00

Last week, I was testing the waters if ever we go home to the Philippines. I asked Janel whether she wanted to go home to the Philippines. She said no. But I told her, "We cannot stay forever in this place because we are not citizens here. We are just travelers here. Our country is the Philippines and there is our permanent home."

It would not be easy for my kids to move to the Philippines, since they were born here, grew up here and most of the people they know all their life are here. But, they would have to accept the fact that we are just pilgrims here and would eventually need to go home.

The earth is also not our home. We are all just pilgrims here, passing by until we go to the next life. As the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:20

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.

The verse says we are citizens of heaven. That is if we have believed in Jesus as our Savior. And while we are on earth, we eagerly await his return (an event commonly referred to as the rapture by Christians) or our going there whichever comes first. So what do we do while waiting? Just eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die? Certainly not!

Reading from verses 17-19 of the same book and chapter, Paul is encouraging believers to pattern their life after his (a life of obedience to the cause of Christ - sharing the Good News to all people). That they should not conduct themselves as if they are enemies of the cross of Christ. How do they become enemies of the cross of Christ when they are thought to be followers of Christ? When they follow after their appetites (lust of the flesh) like engaging in vices and worldly pleasures. When they brag about shameful things (pride of life - it's frustrating that many rejoice over their achievements when behind that they are doing shameful things). And when they think only about their life (materialistic life) on earth when what God wants is for us to store treasures in heaven.

Paul continues on to say in Chapter 4 verse 1, "Stay true to the Lord." Are we staying true to the Lord? Are we joyful? gentle to all? prayerful? practicing all things that are taught us? Or have we already forgotten that he will return for his people (or we will return to him)? Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Life here on earth is a constant challenge to see past the busyness that the world brings. This is a reminder to each one of us that we should not lose focus on what matters the most - we are just pilgrims and we must continue to abide in Christ, our Savior.

Finally, let me share this video. A song that encourages us to live our lives in such a way that when Jesus Christ comes, He will find us faithful.

How are You Planning for the Future?

2011-08-26T08:00:00.013+03:00

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, do you not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. ~ James 4:13-17

Image by Rob Owen-Wahl, stock.xchng

I wrote a blog post last week in my other blog, Stay at Home Blessings, about the surprising news that my husband was told by his boss that his contract will end December this year. What came up from this breaking news are questions. "Where are we going to live in the Philippines? Where will the children go to school? What will be our source of income then?" Our children didn't want to move so they, specifically Yuan, told everyone that we should pray about it. We totally agree to that.

In situations of uncertainties, what can a Christian do about it? Well, the first thing that should be done is to pray, as my son suggested. We do not know what the future holds, so by praying, we are trusting in God's good will for us. As Romans 8:28 says, "All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes."

By praying, we are also presenting our requests to God. It is in asking that we receive, right? Matthew 7:7-8 says "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Honestly, I still do not want my family to go, for many reasons than one. But I'm trusting God that whatever happens, He will not allow us to move without experiencing His abounding grace. The least we should do really as Christians, is to worry. As Jesus said, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:27). Worrying will just add wrinkles and more stress to one's life.

He who fails to plan, plans to fail.

Now, a good attitude as well in our present situation is to make plans. James said in James 4:13-17 that we do not know what will happen today or tomorrow. Yes, that's true. Who knows when we will breathe our last? But he isn't telling us not to make plans.

People usually plan about where they will go and live; what they want to do alone or with family and friends; what job or business they will engage in; and what they will do about money matters (verse 13). The fatal mistake is when we leave God out of our plans. James said that we should rather say "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." Thus, what we should do is to pray first then plan and after the plan, pray again. There is nothing that we should boast about our future except the certainty of God's promises that he will take care of our needs if we continue to seek Him.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things be given to you as well. ~ Matthew 6:33

So how are you planning for your future?
Consider further the following quotes on planning for your life and your future.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. ~ Proverbs 16:3
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. ~ Psalm 37:5
I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and don't lean on your own understanding. In all things acknowledge him, and he shall direct your way. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6
Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination. ~ Fitzhugh Dodson

Here is also a link to a good page discussion on Proverbs 16:3 about Committing your plans to the Lord.

The First Will Be the Last

2011-08-17T00:46:00.001+03:00

Image by Stasys EIDIEJUS, Stock.xchng

When dealing with children, you have to be careful in asking "Who goes first?" or "Who finishes first?" Most often than not, they would be squabbling to say "Me, me, me!" And if things doesn't go well, one of them would end up crying because he or she did not get to be FIRST.

What I have just described above is a fairly familiar scenario in our family. I can't stop to wonder why everybody wants to be FIRST (as if I didn't ever want to be first, too). I guess it's embedded in everybody's consciousness that being first is tantamount to being the best or the greatest.

Anyway, I found a simple tactic to prevent my children from fighting over being FIRST. (Sometimes, it works; at times they'd figure it out). I would simply tell them "The last will be first and the first will be the last." Then, they would settle down and wait for their turn. I have even heard Kristel one time tell that to her little sisters even before I could say it myself.

You must have heard these words before. I borrowed it from one of the famous quotes of Jesus to his disciples and is found in Matthew 20:16.

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

What does it really mean? It was the final say of Jesus after telling the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. found in Matthew 20:1-16. In the parable, there was a landowner who went out to hire workers for his vineyard. He hired workers early in the morning, in the 3rd hour, 6th hour, 9th hour and the 11th hour. When the time came to pay the wages, the workers who were hired last came first and received a denarius each. Those who were hired first thought that they would receive more but they equally received a denarius, so they felt they were treated unfairly and started to grumble. But the landowner said that he is not being unfair. He is just generous by giving everyone the same pay.

Though this story is being paralleled to the calling into the kingdom of God of the Jew first, then the Gentiles, the point is, all are EQUALLY shown mercy and grace by God to receive His salvation. So, greatness is not measured by being first or having the best position there is. In the world, that may be so but in the kingdom of God, it is not. In fact, Jesus said in Matthew 20:26-28

...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Jesus gave us the perfect example of greatness - that of being a servant. Are we true followers of Jesus? Then, we must follow his example of servant-hood. In what ways have we been serving the Lord and others? It may be doing the job of cleaning the temple, arranging the chairs before the service, or getting out of your way to help others. In whatever way you have been humbly serving God and others, then you are counted as one who is great in God's kingdom. This is another important truth that I truly pray that I could impart to my children.

When Jesus took a servant's towel -
His honor set aside -
He humbly showed us how to serve,
And how to conquer pride.
~ Sper, Our Daily Bread 2005 Annual Edition, March 24th

Do You Believe in "Pamahiin" or Superstitious Beliefs?

2011-08-08T07:57:00.002+03:00

Two weeks ago, Yuan's teacher in Filipino asked their class to do a project on Filipino "Pamahiin" or superstitious beliefs. The Filipinos are well known for following many of these. After doing some quick research online, he had listed about 41 "pamahiin" already.

Some of those which were familiar to me, and which I followed at some point of time in my life, include

Do not cut your nails at night or something bad might happen to your loved ones.
Do not sleep while your hair is wet or you will have headache or was it you will have more white hair?
If you're the last one to eat at meals, you will become an old maid.
Do not sweep the floor at night or you might sweep away the good luck.
If you meet a black cat on your way, do not continue where you are going or you will have bad luck or accident.
If you're about to leave the house and someone is eating, ask him to turn his plate, to avoid bad luck.
If a glass is broken, someone in the family will die.
When the spoon falls on the floor, there will be a female visitor. When the fork falls on the floor, there will be a male visitor.

Then, there are those which are associated with significant events like

During weddings, the bride should not wear her gown before the wedding or the wedding will not push through.
After giving birth, the woman should not take a bath for some time - 30 days? (I actually don't know how long). The newborn should not be taken out of the house also.
Then, before the child reaches one year old, he/she should not have his/her hair cut.
During the Lenten season's Good Friday, do not take a bath.
During New Year, one should jump as high as he/she can at exactly midnight to grow tall. Funny, I never got to grow really tall even when I did it for how many years.

There are still a lot of other unmentioned "pamahiin" that Filipinos, especially the old folks, still follow today. Some even get mad at their children for breaking these superstitious beliefs. But should we, as Christians, follow these "pamahiin"?

I read this definition of "pamahiin" from the dictionary which states "superstition; a belief or practice founded on ignorant fear or mistaken reverence." Now, let me just comment on that definition. If I would believe on something and would be asked to follow what is taught, I wouldn't want to base it on ignorant fear nor mistaken reverence.

What does ignorant fear mean? It means that you fear something that is not completely known to you, just like how my kids react when their friends say "there is a ghost." They become terrified even when there is really no ghost nor have they seen one. How about mistaken reverence? Mistaken reverence is when we revere something or someone for the wrong reasons like out of fear or just to please someone.

What does God's Word say? First, Hosea 4:6 says "My people perish because of lack of knowledge." So, we should not be forced to believe or do something without knowing its truth. We cannot just entrust to or allow our fate or faith to be controlled by hearsay.

Second, Paul says, true "faith comes from hearing and hearing the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). The Word of God is true and we know Him who has given us His Word deserves our reverence. Therefore, I would rather believe and obey what is written in the Word of God.

How about you? Do you still believe in "pamahiin"?