CATCHING MOONDROPS by Jennifer Erin Valent

The story is continued with Jessilyn Lassiter, a young nineteen year old, who has grown into a woman as one summer changes her life forever. Jessilyn is one of those girls who has no fear. She stands for what is right and here in the country of Calloway there are many things that needs changing. Here black and white do not mix. Here pain and fear take grasp of life according to the color of your skin. Jessilyn is not alone. Right by her side is Gemma, her best friend, who has skin darker than hers, but to Jessilyn she doesn't see that. All she sees is beauty, a friend and a sister. Life's tragedy brought these two young girls together as the Klan terrorized Gemma's family in "Cottonwood Whispers". Life is not easy, but life brings blessings and love to these two young women. Jessilyn is deep in love with Luke Talley. In Jessilyn's eyes, Luke isn't returning that love fast enough. We see this young relationship take flight through trial and tragedy as a young friend is lynched and changes the lives of these sweet young people. Tal Pritchett is a young black man, a doctor, who has come into town and the town is not ready for a black man, yet alone one who is a doctor and wants to serve those around him. Gemma catches Tal's eye and we see a pure love blossom between kindred spirits. Color is only seen by those selfish people filled with hatred. Jessilyn wants to change the world around her. Jessilyn is willing to give whatever it takes to bring change and peace. We see Jessilyn go through a change herself as she finds the faith those around her carry. I loved this book. I cried and there were also parts of sweet laughter. This is a book that is a must read. It is one that will change your heart and open your eyes to what hate and prejudice can do.

This book was a gift from Tyndale for it's review.

Jennifer Erin Valent is the 2007 winner of the Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest. A lifelong resident of the South, her surroundings help to color the scenes and characters she writes. In fact, the childhood memory of a dilapidated Ku Klux Klan billboard inspired her portrayal of Depression-era racial prejudice in Fireflies in December.
She has spent the past 15 years working as a nanny and has dabbled in freelance, writing articles for various Christian women's magazines. She still resides in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia. Visit her Web site at http://www.jennifervalent.com/.

A song in your heart can only bring a smile

Have you ever had your windows open in early morning and heard the beautiful song of the birds? It is a peaceful, comforting sound to me. I love listening along as they sing about the glory of the morning. It's like it is contagious. It might be that one begins to sing, but that doesn't last long. Soon many are singing along to the sound of simplicity.

I can't say I have ever heard a bird through my bedroom window that woke up on the wrong side of the nest. I haven't heard an angry song. Just think, the birds must make their own nests. Gather their own food. Take care of their young and keep the predators away. They are in danger of storms and winds that blow heavy. But yet as they wake and when they go to bed at night they have a song in their heart that shouts to world, "God is good. God is glory. God is mighty!" Their lives are not so different from ours when you think about it. We too must make our homes. We take pride in taking care of our homes. We raise and protect our children from the evil around us. We must work hard for our belongings and for the food on the table. The storms of life seem to touch us all, don't they? Sometimes it is just a shower, but others it is a storm that ravages our song.

I think of those who have been through a tornado. Everything is swept away within minutes. Some are searching for just the smallest treasure. Then a camera catches a family standing together in prayer. As this family speaks, they don't speak of what they have lost, but what in fact they have gained. They speak of God's protection and love. They know without a doubt that God will provide. That is a song that is catching. That is a song of tranquility of faith. A calmness within the storm. A trust that speaks louder than the wind.

Our song is heard by those around us. We can be singing a beautiful melody or we can be singing the blues. Whatever our song it is being heard. We shouldn't allow our circumstances to interrupt our song. We should allow our song to be turned up, tuned up, so that is drowns out all that clatter around us. One song can change a heart. One song can bring many hearts together in perfect rhyme. Let your song be heard today. Look around at what you do have, not what you are lacking. There is always something wonderful to sing about. If you are having trouble singing this morning, just open your window to an other's song and soon you too will be singing along with a passion that can only bring glory to God.

Psalm 40:3 "He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord."

Psalm 149:1 "Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing His praises in the assembly of the faithful."

Don't give up too fast!

Do you ever just shake your head in wonder at this crazy world we live in? Some days are just hard. Sometimes it feels as though we just can't take a step forward without taking about six backwards. I am finding it hard to understand this world we live in. Maybe that is why it is so hard for me, I never will be able to understand. This world is not my home. I know I am heaven bound and there is nothing here lasting for me.

My husband was to begin a new job recently. It was a job he was excited about. It was with a large company. Great pay. Great benefits. Great everything. He was told to put in his two weeks notice. He was told he was hired. He took all the tests, and passed with flying colors. I haven't seen him this excited in a long time. He was to leave Monday for his training. He wasn't sure what time he was leaving out, so he called. Now, mind you, many people knew he was hired. But. Don't you love those but's? The man who hired him calls and leaves him a message. Leaves a message! Tells my husband he will be hired next time around. There is no opening right now. The look on my husband's face was painful. He calls the man back. Now, my husband is gracious and kind. I must say, I don't think I would have been (I just have to be honest). I sit and listen to the conversation as my husband catches this man in lie after lie. There was simply nothing he could do. As my husband speaks to another man, he too knows my husband was hired. He too is angry and is just as confused. He goes in to speak to the man, and again he lies to his face also.

So, here my husband is jobless once again. He put in his two weeks notice just as he was told to do and expected to begin his new job Monday. But again, disappoint sets in. So, he goes to a job interview yesterday. He gets the job. He turns down the job. This company wanted my husband to lie. They wanted to take advantage of my husband. They even wanted my husband to manipulate others! My husband sat before this man in total disbelief.

Where are the honest people at in this world? Why does one not consider another? Why is it so easy to lie and manipulate others? As I shared with a friend, she says, "It's the world we live in and we are blessed to be sheltered from it." It is so very true. I must say I would not want to be a man. I would not want to shoulder the weight my husband is carrying. I have been blessed to be able to stay home for nineteen years, taking care of our home and teaching our children. I haven't had to go out into the work force. I haven't had to deal with what my husband has. I have although, had to watch what this has done to my husband.

It hurts when others are not honest. It hurts when we are let down. It confuses us when nothing seems to go as it should. But isn't that what Satan wants? He wants us hurt. He wants us confused. He wants us let down, and more than anything he wants us to stay there in that pain. He is active in this world and in those around us. He wants to see us give up. He wants to see us break. But my husband and I slept sound last night. We went to bed with a peace knowing the Lord will provide once again. The Lord will open doors once again. The Lord will give us the strength and peace we need to get through this valley. He will set us on the mountain top and show us His glory.

There has never been one day He has not taken care of us. My husband reminds me daily that I am a child of God. He reminds this girl, who wants to give up at times that God is forever with us. I am blessed to be married to a man who sees all possibilities and chooses to not look at our circumstances to define us. God is bigger than any circumstance. He is bigger than any valley and trial. He sees what is behind us and what is before us. (AS WE SPEAK MY HUSBAND HAS AN INTERVIEW WITH A COMPANY HE HAS WANTED TO WORK FOR FOR YEARS!! RIGHT HERE AT HOME. A SCHEDULE!! SEE I TOLD YOU!! GOD IS GOOD!!)

Whatever you are going through today, DON'T GIVE UP!! KEEP YOUR HEAD UP. KEEP YOUR PRAYERS GOING. GOD IS WATCHING YOU. HE KNOWS EACH AND EVERY NEED. HE HAS A PURPOSE AND PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE. HE WILL SET YOU ON SOLID GROUND WHEN ALL IS SHAKY AROUND YOU!!

When there is no truth around you, stand up for truth. When all around you is dark, be the light before others. We can make a difference in this world by just being who God has called us to be! It is never too late to get back up again. Don't stay in your sorrow. God has your tomorrow!

Proverbs 11:5 "The godly are directed by honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin."

Proverbs 12:17 "An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies."

Psalm 37:37 "Look to those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace."

LETS CHAT FRIDAY with Tricia Goyer

Look who is here today! Tricia Goyer!! I am so excited to have Tricia visit the Nest. What an honor. I fell in love with Tricia's writing style when I read , "The Liberator Series". I must say those books were some of the best I have ever had the pleasure of reading. They were captivating and so realistic. Tricia is a talented writer, speaker and even more so, a wonderful example as a woman of God. Here is our interview:

(Robin) Tricia, tell me a little about yourself..
(Tricia) I am a child of God, a wife, mom, writer, speaker and radio host. In the last 6 months my husband and I moved to Little Rock where he took a job with FamilyLife. We also adopted a new baby girl. I love writing and I have 24 books in print.

(Robin) Since you have walked with the Lord has there been a time you struggled in your faith? If so, would you please share?
(Tricia) Even though I grew up in church I walked away from God during my teen years. I did my own thing and pushed God out of my mind. When I was 17-years-old I found myself pregnant. My boyfriend and friends soon were out of the picture and I found myself alone. It was then that people from my mom's church reached out to me. It's because of their love that I turned back to God.

(Robin) Has there been an "aha" moment in your life that has changed your perspective?
(Tricia) Yes, when I was a young, homeschooling mom and writer my pastor asked me if I'd be interested in helping to start a crisis pregnancy center. I thought I figured out what I was doing for God, but after I prayed about it I felt God asking me to do this for him. That was a big turning point. Before that I did things I thought God would like. After that I started listening. It's made all the difference!

(Robin) Do you have a favorite bible story, verse, song or hymn that gives encouragement when struggles come?

(Tricia) I love Zeph. 3:17. I love the idea of God singing over me!

(Robin) What is one thing you look for in a close friend and what is one quality you hope others see in you?

(Tricia) I look for honesty and transparency in friends. I don't want them to try to “act” like everything's okay. I love people who open their hearts. I hope that people find the same with me. I'm not going to put on a show. I'm going to share my heart in all I do.

(Robin) What are a few of your favorite books you have in your collection you would share with a friend?
(Tricia) I share a lot of my books. Ones I pass on and say, “You have to read this,” are usually ones by Francine Rivers. She's my favorite author.

(Robin) When life seems to go crazy, what is one thing you do to bring comfort and peace?
(Tricia) I go to my bed, cuddle under the comforter and pray. I ask God to come and be with me. I try to focus on Him on His throne and remember He has everything in control.

(Robin) What is one thing about yourself you admire?
(Tricia)Hmmm … maybe that I'm easy to talk to and a good listener.

(Robin) What are a few of the things you love surrounding you?
(Tricia) My family! I also love my books, my computer, and souvenirs from my travel, especially things from my mission trips to the Czech Republic.

(Robin) What are your deepest passions?
(Tricia) God, family, writing, teen moms, WWII veterans, living a life of transparency that reflects God.

(Robin) What is the best advice ever given to you?
(Tricia) See what God is doing and join Him. ~Henry Blackaby

(Robin) In the legacy you leave, what is one thing you hope out shines before all others?

(Tricia) That I was willing to step out in faith and follow God.

(Robin) What are you currently working on?

(Tricia) I'm currently working on a three book Amish series for B&H. The first is Beside Still Waters, and it's about an Amish community in Montana. The community was about two hours north from where I lived in Montana. It's a book about family, community, faith and Montana.

(Robin) How do you define success?
(Tricia) Success is glorifying God and serving him forever.

What a blessing! I told you Friday was going to be good! Francine Rivers is also one of my favorite authors. I know the next Amish books on my list to read!! Thank you for being transparent and sharing your heart with us today.

If you would like to know more about Tricia you can follow these links:

http://www.triciagoyer.blogspot.com/

http://www.genxparents.blogspot.com/

http://www.writerquotes.blogspot.com/

http://www.triciagoyer.com/

LETS CHAT FRIDAY with Sheila Mangum

I am simply delighted to have Sheila join us today. She is one of those ladies that just grabs your heart and you have a friend for life. She is an example of how the Lord can take a willing vessel and use them for His glory and honor. I find Sheila so very humble and just a joy to chat with. I feel she is one of those ladies you could just open up to and she could listen with a heart filled with compassion. I pray our chat blessings you today.

(Robin) Sheila, tell me a little about yourself.

(Sheila) Thank you for asking! I am 47, I live in North Carolina. I have been married to my college sweetheart for 22 years... we have TWO BEAUTIFUL inside and out children, Brittany, 18 (she is a freshman at The University of Alabama), and Stevie, 14 (a freshman in High School... football player). I have a Masters Degree in Christian Ministry and My calling from God is to in the end times to help Him "Prepare the Bride" :) I love sweet tea, Chic fil'a and oatmeal raisin cookies!

(Robin) Since you have walked with the Lord has there been a time you struggled in your faith? If so, would you please share?
(Sheila) Yes, I struggled with "knowing" His will for a particular situation. When it seemed to be peaceful to me that it was His will and the opposite happened.. I was confused.

(Robin) Has there been an "aha" moment in your life that has changed your perspective?

(Sheila) Yes, my "aha moment" has been to understand that "His ways and thoughts" are HIGHER than ours. I believe that finally TRUSTING HIM to bring about good in all situations and to watch Him move and exceed our human minds (in its limited expectancy) is a great peace that "surpasses all understanding" PLUS it makes me smile every time I watch Him MOVE mightily and BE GOD. I had my thoughts of how He should answer my prayers and He showed me different.

(Robin) Do you have a favorite bible story, verse, song or hymn that gives encouragement when struggles come?
(Sheila) JOSEPH without a shadow of a doubt is my favorite bible story. I love his total "heart transformation" followed by God's promises/dreams to him being fulfilled beyond Joseph's wildest dreams. I love when God proves Himself to be the most amazing extravagant trustworthy love of all!

(Robin)What is one thing you look for in a close friend and what is one quality you hope others see in you?
(Sheila) LOYALTY! I believe that successful relationships understand that you are to "grow together" and love through the storm. Not judging, Not condemning. Simply loving as you both grow and learn :)

(Robin) What are a few of your favorite books you have in your collection you would share with a friend?
(Sheila) Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers (FICTION) and Roll Away Your Stone by Dutch Sheets (NON-FICTION).. Two favorites!

(Robin) When life seems to go crazy, what is one thing you do to bring comfort and peace?
(Sheila) Laughing.

(Robin) What is one thing about yourself you admire?

(Sheila) I have never stopped believing or loving God, even when....

(Robin) What are a few of the things you love surrounding you?

(Sheila) God's presence, His love and His people.

(Robin) What are your deepest passions?

(Sheila) To know Him like no one has ever known Him before!

(Robin) What is the best advice ever given to you?
(Sheila) Love.

(Robin) In the legacy you leave, what is one thing you hope out shines before all others?

(Sheila) His will be done on earth. Period.

(Robin) What are you currently working on?

(Sheila) My latest book is ...Becoming a Prepared Bride for Jesus/ 40 Days Behind the Veil.

(Robin) How do you define success?
(Sheila) To have loved others into the kingdom of God.

Thank you so much for stopping in to chat with me Sheila. Thank you for graciously opening your heart and sharing with us. You are a joy and I pray the Lord continues to bring glory and honor for His kingdom through your life and the example that you give. Blessings to you sweet lady.

You can follow Sheila by linking on here:

http://www.sheilamangum.com/

MORNING'S REFRAIN (Book 2 in Song of Alaska series) by Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson does it again with book two of this series. What does she do? She grabs your heart with a richness and boldness in her writing style. Morning's Refrain picks up with Lydia's son, Dalton Lindquist. Dalton is a wise young man, but he is searching for himself. He knows there are family secrets and wants the truth of the matter. He is hoping to find himself in that truth. But what he finds is that his mother protected him, loved him, and fought to save him. We see Dalton grow and find love. Ms. Phoebe Robbins comes into his life. I should say falls into his life in a magical way. Do you believe in love at first sight? Here in Sitka anything is possible. As Dalton leaves Alaska with his sister, Evie, when they both go to Missouri in search for answers. Answers that will let the past be so they can move on to the future. Dalton finds he is a Lindquist, not a Gray, and he comes to find himself as the young man God created him to be. We go on an adventure with Dalton and Phoebe. Phoebe's family has secrets of their own, and together they learn how to overcome. Tracie Peterson shows us how betrayal, revenge, and scandal can tear apart a family and friendship, but with a hope and faith in Christ, we can overcome any obstacle in our way. Nothing is too big for God.

You will love this second book of this series. "Twilight's Serenade" will continue this trilogy and I am without a doubt it will leave us wanting more.

This book was a gift from Bethany House for it's review.

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie's Web site at http://www.traciepeterson.com/ and her blog at http://www.writespassage.blogspot.com/.

THURSDAY'S SCRIPTURE

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace."

I recently changed my blog. Change seems to be an active part of my life. I am learning that with change comes many different blessings, sometimes in disguise. Time is continually creating new things in our life. As I change my blog to a more Autumn look with leaves falling and changing, it just brings into account the changing of the seasons in my life.

We have no control over time. We can choose to live in the past or move into the future. We can choose to fear the future or we can trust in the here and now. In time we age. In that age we gain wisdom and understanding of life. As we grow and go through change God somehow teaches us the lessons we need to learn and gives us strength to endure those hard days to come.

We take time for granite. We seem to just about take everything for granite. We don't know what will happen in the next moment, but we plan for tomorrow like it will never end instead of fully living for today like there is no tomorrow.

If we cannot control time then we cannot control when we are born or when we die. But between those two amazing moments of life we can live life with a certainty in Christ. Everything beautiful has it's own time. I am learning that even if it is struggle in my life, God gives me everything beautiful. Even those hard times that fall upon us bring beauty. We can look to the butterfly, the trees, and see what happens in change.

Everything under the sun has purpose. Just as we enjoy the sweet things in life, those bitter have a purpose also. Change is something normal. We often try to fight it. We try to stop it. We try so hard to keep time just as it is or move it forward. But we need to learn to embrace right now for whatever it is in our life. If you are traveling down a long road today you will get to your destination, just as if you are on a short path. May we just not set our sights on the destination, but all those moments we pass getting there. We seem to skip over so much just to get to where we want to go, but in doing so we rush over those important lessons. I think each lesson will carry us further down the road. Each moment we can take in will lead us on with a deeper meaning and a more purpose filled life.

Pain is not fun. There is nothing exciting about hurt. But in those moments there are precious seeds for growing and stones that need overturned. When we search this life for all it has for us we will find ourselves in all God has for us. We will see Him in those darkest of places and He will shine before us in the most glorious ways.

Life brings new everyday. Soak up the sun today. Enjoy that sunset. Grab your umbrella for the rain and keep your eyes open for the rainbow.

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."

The things of this world are temporary. Nothing is lasting but the Kingdom of God. We need to stay focused on those things that are lasting. Heaven is lasting and forever! We can joy in that. Our time here is but short, but in that time we can choose to live for a God who does not doubt and we can choose to have a faith that can move mountains.

When something doesn't make sense to us, it doesn't mean it is meaningless. God will reveal to us in His perfect time His will and purpose in all. When we choose to trust in Him, we can live a life without fear. We can grasp hold of those changes that come, knowing in each one there is a beauty to be discovered and uncovered.

Trust in the God of heaven today. He is there in that change. He is there tomorrow waiting for you. He is in yesterday's past and He is alive and living in today here with us, in us and He wants us to explore life with a passion and purpose. Live today. Put on those dancing shoes and get out on that floor. Dance each moment of this life like is the last dance of the party!

Matthew West - Save A Place For Me (Official Music Video)

FFH - One of These Days

WEDNESDAY'S WOMAN

Mark 7:24-30 "Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn't want anyone to know which house He was staying in, but He couldn't keep it a secret. Right away a woman who had heard about Him came and fell at His feet. Her little girl was possessed by an evil spirit, and she begged Him to cast out the demon from her daughter. Since she was a Gentile, born in Syrian Phoenicia, Jesus told her, 'First I should fee the children-My own family, the Jews. It isn't right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.' She replied, 'That's true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children's plates.' 'Good answer', He said. 'Now go home, for the demon has left your daughter.' And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone."

We can find this story in Matthew 15:21-28 also.

This woman is not a follower of Jesus. She in fact is an idolater. She has worshipped her own gods, but now her daughter is very sick. A demon has her in his grips. Can you see this mother? Here her daughter is very ill and she has tried everything. Maybe she has prayed to her gods. Nothing has brought healing. She hears of Jesus. She knows He is near and she goes to Him. She falls at His feet. I can see her tears as she is asking for His healing power over her daughter. I can see her stepping in where Jesus is now staying. He was trying to find a place of rest, but this woman sought Him out. Wouldn't you? Wouldn't you do anything for your child? I know I would. This woman has apparently tried everything she knows, now she is going to try something new. She hurries to Jesus and falls at His feet, begging Him.

Jesus knows she is not a believer. Jesus knows why she is there before Him. He shares with her that His greatest hope is to help His own people, those who walk with Him, those who believe in Him. She doesn't walk away. She stays. She understands. She is persistent. In her persistence she shows the Lord she believes in Him. In her persistence she is wrapped in hope. She is showing humility as she falls to His feet. She also shows Jesus she knows the importance of His people, but she too knows He has enough love to reach others. She is confident in Him. She is reaching out with everything she has.

I can relate to this woman on so many levels. When it comes to our children we are willing to go the extra mile we wouldn't do for ourselves. She knows her daughter needs help. She comes to understand there is only One who can reach her. One who can heal her.

Jesus extends His grace to those who are willing to come to Him. He extends His mercy to those who are willing to accept Him as Savior. Jesus knew the need before the woman came to Him. Jesus works to bring us to Him in many ways. Jesus knew healing would come to this young girl when her mother realized He was her hope. She believes in Him. She is trusting Him with her daughter's life.

Through this one women I wonder how many others came to know Jesus. I wonder how her life and her daughter's life were changed. Through every circumstance Jesus guides us straight to Him. We often don't even realize how much we need Him until He is all we have left. In those drastic moments of the unknown we turn to Jesus. The amazing thing is that He is always there. It didn't matter that this woman had worshipped others before Him. It didn't matter of her past. It mattered where she was at the moment and that was at His feet with a belief that showed Him she was willing to humble herself before Him.

In Matthew 15:28 it says, "Dear woman, Jesus said to her, your faith is great. Your request is granted. And her daughter was instantly healed." At first He did not answer her. He was seeing how great her faith was. In our prayer and persistence Jesus sees a faith that is mighty. I see a woman who loves her daughter and knows there is one answer, and that answer is Christ Jesus. Maybe she had witnessed His healing power before. Maybe she had heard of others speak of Him. Now she too would share with others the healing of her daughter. She now would share the love of Christ with others.

The way we react to circumstances that touch us shows others just where we are in our faith. Our reaction speaks volumes of whether or not we really believe what we say we do. Our life is a testimony to our belief. When we turn to Christ to carry us through, others too will see a strength and a peace that they too will want. Life is just hard sometimes. We don't understand everything that touches our life, but we don't have to. We just need to have a faith that brings us to humility that brings us to the feet of Jesus.