Patience Is As Patience Does

As women we can become hurt very easily. We tend to carry those hurts with us. At times not even realizing we are doing so. That is until something minor happens and we just explode as those tears start rolling about like a tidal wave. All I can say is, watch out and head to higher ground.

There have been times when my husband, son say something that should bring laughter, but somewhere comes a flood of emotions I wasn't ready to let go of and they sure weren't ready to receive. Ever been there with me?

I can hold those hurt feelings in and you know what? The only person I am hurting is myself. That person who said the hurtful words doesn't care they said them and many times they don't even know they have hurt me because I tend to just keep it all inside. Once those words are there they begin to churn like butter. They become thick and settle in my heart. The only difference is, they are not sweet like butter, but grow bitter and hard like plaque, causing blockages. Now there is no where for them to escape. It's almost as though I am holding them captive until I am ready to release them.

When you think of patience, what is it that comes to mind? For me, it's waiting on God. Having patience when I cannot see up ahead. Patience while He is at work in the construction zone of my life. Seems like there is always a yield sign in front of me. "Slow down as you pass. Injury could occur if too close." It's like when you are brewing tea on the stove top. That tea gets mighty hot. It begins to bubble. If your not careful you could get burned. You make sure that handle is turned so you don't bump it and turn that hot pan over on you. It takes a long time for burns to heal. That's me when I have hurt feelings. They brew inside and most likely whoever is next to me is going to get burned. Ouch!

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh."

Galatians 5:16

"But if you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law."

Galatians 5:18

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Galatians 5:22-23

When we share the fruit of the Spirit we tend to leave off the last part of that verse.."against such things there is no law." That is an important aspect of this verse. See, when we carry these characteristics with us we don't need to add any man-made rules. We don't have to add on anything, because when we are walking in these characteristics we are walking in Christ. He shines through each of these and the amazing thing is, you can't carry out one without the other. They all go hand in hand.

So when I get my feelings hurt, I must remember, it is not that person, but Satan. Yep, that mean, ugly Satan coming to attack me through another. Friends, it doesn't have to be an enemy for Satan to use in his attack. That really doesn't hurt as much as if it's someone you love. Someone you have been friends with for years. He uses the very people we love the most to bring about an attack. This is why I say, most of the time, that person doesn't even realize they have hurt us. The words they spoke weren't meant as an attack, but that is how we accepted them. Oh, we can be our own worst enemy, can't we?

Patience is the ability to endure injuries inflicted by others and the willingness to accept irritating or painful situations.

I need more patience in my life. How about you?

This doesn't mean you stand there like a doormat and allow others to step all over you. This means to endure it, let it go, and allow God the room He needs to work in this area. I think of it as the construction zone. The road can be bumpy. There can be a huge drop off. Sometimes the path ahead is not easily seen.  During the construction you must take a detour or sit still until you can move on through. But whatever the situation, it calls for patience.

Jesus showed us how to endure painful situations. He showed this through His life, His ministry and His death. We have His example to follow. He didn't lash out to those mocking Him. He didn't fight with those who didn't want to accept Him or believe Him. He remained focused on His ministry to bring salvation to all.

We cannot change others. Many times we cannot even change the circumstance, but we can change ourselves. We can change our attitude and our reaction. Just what if we loved on that person attacking us. Would it really be an attack? Might it be an opportunity to allow them to see Christ in action through our lives?

When we remain in that angry state we are only hurting ourselves. That person who attacked isn't hurting inside. They go to bed at night and rest comfortably. Me? When I am attacked I stay awake all night drowning in my tears. I'm not doing anyone any good at all. In fact, I have just waisted a whole night on what I should have just given to the Lord. I could have spent that time praying for that person who attacked me. I could in fact, just let it go and trust God with the situation.

"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Ephesians 4:2-3

It takes two people to have an argument and only one to bring peace. You can be the peacemaker just by speaking in love and refusing to allow anger to control your actions.

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you."

Colossians 3:12-13

Hurt people, hurt people. Someone hurts us and all we think about is, "How could they do that to me?" Friends, we don't know what that other person has been through that day or what someone else has said to them. Now, that is no excuse to bring hurt to another, but if we can stop and pray first, the situation will be under control, because we have now invited Christ into the situation and we are going to trust Him in how it turns out. Many times all we want to do is lash out to them. How calming is it to go the Lord and just ask Him to remove anger and fill us with the same grace He forgives us with daily? We don't always have to prove ourselves right. Sometimes it is better to just walk away.

"It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life."

1 Timothy 1:15-16

My Plans or His Plans?

There are times when we think we are moving no where, but that no where is somewhere to God. Think of Esther. Here is a woman of great beauty. She had plans of her own, but God's plans prevailed. Turns out, His plans saved thousands of Jews. Pretty cool when you think about how His plans always works out to bring glory to our Father.

Sometimes I think I get in the way of His plans for my life as I am constantly trying to do it my way. I can hear Him now. "Daughter, if you would just listen to Me, all things will work out just fine." I tend to push (no shove) Him out of the way when I don't think things are going well. God has to giggle at us sometimes as we think our way is best. I imagine Him saying, "Really? That's your move?"

Every choice we make leads to the next. If we could just follow the guidance of our Savior, each step would be in tune with His purpose for our lives. One wrong decision on our part can change the lives of many. Think about that and let it settle in for a bit. Each choice we make will effect those around us. Sometimes for generations to come. This is why it is so important for us to make wise decisions. Decisions that we have prayed over and sought out the guidance of God before we take a step in either direction. Praise the Lord for U-turns. I get off track and He is right there to lead me back on track. But if I would have listened to Him in the first place and followed His leading, there would be no need for a U-turn.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

Proverbs 19:21

"For surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield."

Psalm 5:12

Did you know in the book of Esther God is never mentioned? It's true. Even though God is never mentioned we can see Him there loud and clear. Esther was alone after the death of her parents. She went to live with her cousin, Mordecai. He loved her as his own child. She looked to him for guidance and for safety. Esther was that girl who walks into a room and everyone takes notice. She was breathtaking to all. I see her as uncertain. She had to be thinking, "Okay, what's next? What trial will I have to face next?" Ever feel that way? I do. It's like I am just waiting for the bomb to drop. When we do that, we lose focus and we start expecting the worse, when God has the best in store for us. Even when we have to face those trials we'd rather pass up.

She was forced to go to another country. Can you imagine? You lose your parents and now you lose your home too. She travels to a new land where she really stood out. The King has his eyes set on her, but she wants nothing to do with him. She could have been very bitter, but she was just the opposite. She fasts and listens for the guidance she needs to move forward. She was willing to sacrifice herself for the good of those around her. In her wise choices she saved thousands of Jewish people. She married the king and took the place of Queen Vashti.

See, Mordecai warned Esther of plans to have the Jewish people killed. Esther had to choose what to do with this information. You couldn't just go up to the king and start chatting. "Hey, how ya doing today? By the way, the Jewish people are about to be wiped off the face of the earth. Just thought you should know." If you went before the king without permission, you were as good as dead. But Esther, in all her courage, faced the king and shared of the plans of Haman. Well, the king listened and Haman didn't have the opportunity to make anymore plans. Yep, sure enough, he was killed right there on the spot. Esther, the woman of beauty, saved her people.

I am sure Esther could look back at her life and ask, "Why God? Why did my life carry such circumstance?" After all, she didn't end up where she thought she would be. It was every girl's dream to be queen, but not Esther. She was beautiful, well loved, obedient, courageous and wise. She faced danger, was a foreigner, orphan and married a king in which she didn't love, all for the people she loved. Can you see God there? This is exactly what our Savior did for us. Esther didn't have to follow God's plans for her life. She could have easily went the other way. But she didn't. She made her mark in history, not just for being beautiful, but for obeying and serving those around her. Even though she didn't think her life would bring about blessings, God had more in store for her than she could ever imagine. He too has a wonderful life filled with joy planned for you and me.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."

Jeremiah 29:11-13

A few weeks ago my son and I were chatting about life and our choices. I had shared with  my son that I had a full ride to SLU and I turned it down. I walked away from something that could have very well had me on a totally different path. My son says, "But Mom, if you would have done that than you may never have met Dad". I do realize I allowed blessings to pass by, but even so, God knew where I would be in my decision. Even in our choices that are made without wisdom, God can still bring blessing upon blessing. He has a way of turning ash into beauty. The point is, when we totally surrender to Him and seek Him first, His plans are made perfect in our lives. Those moments we think are small are huge to God and His plan for our lives.

I am sure I missed out on great blessings. But, as my son spoke of his father. It wasn't until I met him that I came to know the Lord. I think my path was right where God wanted me to be. As I look back at all that has touched my life I can clearly see how God has moved on my behalf. Even in my wrong choices, He has brought great blessings. Just think if I followed His leadership daily, moment by moment, the great joys that I could experience.

Bloom where you are planted. Esther blossomed in a foreign land and brought great glory to God through a life she didn't expect and didn't foresee. God has your life in the palm of His hand and there is no greater place to be than in His presence. It is there we see His mighty power at work and His gentle grace applied in all the right places.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

Proverbs 3:5-6

HARRIET BEAMER TAKES THE BUS by JOYCE MAGNIN

Joyce Magnin grabs my heart with laughter. I take a look at the cover of the book before me and I can just picture what's inside. I know I am not going  to be disappointed. She takes  you on a memorable journey and gives you a gift to treasure as you walk away.

Oh Harriet is a wonderful character. She is filled with just about every emotion as she is getting older and things are not as easy as they once were, but she isn't giving up any time soon. I love that!

Circumstances arrive and Harriet is willing to face them, but she feels the need to do it her way. What I love is the fact that although she thinks she's doing it her way, God is really at the wheel here, doing the guiding. Harriet is moving to California. She has a lot to come face to face with and one thing is her pride. Ouch!

Something I can carry away from this story is, when things get rough, I don't have to give up, I just have to allow God room to take the wheel and trust Him along the ride.

This book was a gift from Zondervan for its review.

Joyce Magnin is the author of five novels, including the popular and quirky Bright’s Pond Series and the middle grade novel Carrying Mason. She is a frequent conference speaker and writing instructor. Joyce lives in Pennsylvania with her son, Adam, and their crazy cat, Mango, who likes to eat nachos.

STAND BY ME (A SouledOut Sisters Novel) by NETA JACKSON

Have you ever found yourself being really irritated by another person, not really understanding why, but in that first meeting you really just don't like them? Yes, me too. This is at the center of this book. Two ladies. One strong willed and ready to shout glory everywhere she goes and another, a new Christian, a little quiet and reserved. God has great things in store for these women and those who surround them. Watch out, just when you think that person irritates you, well, she just might be the girl God has in store to walk the journey with you.

I loved the story line. The characters were so real. You got to see the good, the bad and the ugly. Neta Jackson writes about real people and real issues. Although you could read this book alone since it is the first book in this new series, it would be a blessing for you to read the Yada Yada Prayer Group Series along with the Yada Yada House Of Hope Series.

This is defiantly a book of faith. A book filled with faith, hope and love. We see redemption, forgiveness and love blossom in the hearts of those who live for the Lord. Kat is new to faith and trying to stand on her own is not easy when she has a family who doesn't stand with her. Avis is that woman we all want in our lives. That woman who is there to lead us and keep us in line when we stray. What I really loved seeing was the growth of the characters. Whether they had been Christians a long time or a short while we got to see a glimpse of their growth through the circumstances in their lives that brought them closer to the Lord.

We see the mother-daughter relationship, along with its ups and downs and we get to witness friendship take root and blossom. I really enjoyed reading this book. One thing I took away from this book was the importance of remembering God's perfect timing and how I must remain still and listen for His call.

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

Neta Jackson's award-winning Yada books have sold more than 400,000 copies and are spawning prayer groups across the country. She and her husband, Dave, are also an award-winning writing team, best known for the Trailblazer Books—a 40-volume series of historical fiction about great Christian heroes with 1.5 million in sales—and Hero Tales: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Christian Heroes (vols 1-4). They live in the Chicago metropolitan area, where the Yada stories are set.

I Can't Do This!

"I just can't do this anymore!" Oh, the times these words have flowed from my lips. The times fear has hit me and smacked me to the floor. Anger that has come ragging like a river flowing out of control. When the impossible stands toe to toe with you and your left with a feeling of uncertainty. Have you been there with me?

You have words with your husband that cut like a knife and you just want the hurt to end. Your child is rebelling in every way and all you want is for peace to enter your home and make rest. Your parent finds themselves in the hospital and now you must make all the decisions. Your job is controlling your life. The in-laws are not making life easy. The doctor calls with news you were not ready to hear. "I can't do this anymore!", flows from your lips as despair hardens your heart. Your trying to protect yourself from the pain of unrest, so you push everything aside. Even those you love so you can feel some sort of ease. The pain is still there though. It isn't going anywhere until it is dealt with head on, and lets be honest. That's not an easy thing to do. I hate confrontation. When there's a problem, I just want it solved, so life can be smooth again. I would just like to sweep it all under the rug and forget it's there. But the dust still stirs and your heart is left an emotional wreck waiting to explode as you step lightly on the glass surrounding you.

"I just can't do this anymore!"

I speak the words and I hear my Savior say, "Yes you can, sweet daughter. You can do it with Me." I tell Him, "No, I can't. I don't want to!" He gently says, "This is a road we must travel down to get to our destination."

I have made situations worse by saying, "I can't do this anymore." It's almost as if I am ready to just give up. I was looking at things all wrong. I didn't need to give up. I just needed to surrender to the Lord and allow Him the room He needed to work.

It's like taking a trip with your child and ten minutes out of the drive way you hear, "Are we there yet?" So I surrender and find peace in the Lord for the moment, but it seems as though I am asking Him, "So, are we there yet,cause I'm really tired?"

I hear Him tell me, "Rest daughter. Rest in Me."

It has taken me a long time to understand what He was meaning. He didn't mean all around me would be just perfect. He meant that in Him all would be complete. I could trust in Him no matter what. In my depth perception I could only see a few feet ahead. He could see years ahead. He knew and He knows the depths of despair we are in today. He knows the pain in our hearts. Sometimes the road less traveled is the very road we are on today. It's the road He has us on and friends, we don't have to spin our wheels. He is there to pull us out of the pit. He is there to give us all we need for the journey. We might be in to packing a heavy load, but He knows what we need for the journey and what needs left behind.

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies."

2 Corinthians 4:8-10

"Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."

2 Corinthians 12:9

"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."

Psalm 27:14

The Lord is here cheering you on today! He is saying to you, "You go girl!" He has all the strength and courage you need. There is no Goliath too big for Him. No problem He can't handle. Find yourself wrapped in His love today. In our weakness, His mighty strength lifts us up and sets us on higher ground.

WORDS SPOKEN TRUE by ANN H.GABHART

Okay, at just the mention of Ann H. Gabhart book, I am excited to see what is to come. You hold in your hands a gift  that you  will soon not forget. She never disappoints. She has the ability to take you on a journey. One in which you travel with her to another place and time. You don't just know the names of the characters, you walk away as if they were family. I have had the honor of reading many of her books and I have yet to read one I didn't like. In fact, I LOVED each and every one I have picked up.

So far, this one just might be my favorite. From beginning to end, Ann grabbed my heart. This is a story that beckons you to grow in faith. To take a journey in the shoes of another and learn what faith and grace are all about.

This story is woven in such a way that your heart is stirred with each sentence. The main character is fearful of the dark. The light gives her solace and freedom from the fears that overtake her. When I got to the last chapter I didn't just read it, I soaked it all in, friends. I even read it twice. I must say, I have never done that with any book I have read. This last chapter was my favorite. It is just like reading a love story between my Savior and me. A story of healing, safety and rescue. Redemption flows through the words penned.

Newspapers, murder, intrigue, deceit, love, forgiveness and trust. It's all there, wrapped in pages that will hold your attention until you soak up the very last words.

Ann Gabhart is at the top of my favorites list. It doesn't matter what she writes. They are all absolutely lovely. This latest gem will not disappoint. It is one that will leave an impact on your heart.

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

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, and The Blessed. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in Kentucky.

I'm An Original. Not A Reproduction

Your not a reproduction. Your an original. Do you know the Lord has been telling me this all morning. I am still trying to let those words soak in and find meaning there. You gotta love a God who tells you exactly what you need to hear. There's only one me. He created me just as I am. Shouldn't that be good enough?

You would think so, but as humans we are always trying to change ourselves. We are always comparing ourselves to others. We look at all the things those around us are doing and then we look at our life. I ask myself daily, "Am I really making an impact? Am I really where I need to be?

We live in a world where we are always hearing what we should be. What we need to do to find success. How to improve our lives. How to..how to..how to. Do we ever just stop to think, "Lord, what do You see?" We are always trying to recreate ourselves. Isn't that a gentle job of the Lord? That job doesn't belong to the fashion magazines or what the red carpet has on for show. There is only one self help book out there we should be reading.

It's so hard to share truths about our own lives. You ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you my life is an open book. But there is no one who knows me like my Savior. You know, each morning I walk past my mirror and look at myself and think, "Ugh, what a mess". I don't think it's getting older. I think I have always done this as far back as I can remember.

I sit and think of all the things I need to do, and at the end of the day I am kicking myself because I didn't get them all done.

I look at the projects before me and I wonder if this is even what God wants me to do. I see writers who pen thousands of words a day and shine light on all they do. I sit here at my desk and wonder, "How in the world do they spend that much time on the computer accomplishing so much?" Sometimes I just feel like giving up because I see the task before me as just too big. How do you divide that time and make room for everything? I simply can't.

I try and I try and I try.

But then I get an email from a reader who was touched by something I have penned. I receive a card in the mail from an author who just wanted to send encouragement. I get a simple text from a friend that says, "Thank you". Best of all, my hubs will take my hand and say, "I love you". I will hear one of my children say, "Thanks so much, Mom". My mother will call and say, "Rob, thanks for doing my laundry". Then, it all makes sense. It's like God opens a window and lets the Son shine in on my cloudy day.

Whether I get that book done or not. Whether I pen 20,000 words a day or not. Whether I accomplish everything on my to-do list, I am still a child of the King. I am His daughter. I am His princess. He created me. I am therefore created in His image. Even on those days where I wouldn't make run way material, in His eyes, I'm already there, and He is there to lead me down the aisle.

Friends, we don't have to compete with others. We don't have to measure up to anyone else. It's okay to get rid of that to-do list and simply just do what you can. See, I am realizing as long as I have my eyes on my Savior, I am who I am suppose to be. I am right where I am to be when I am focused totally on Him.

We get caught in a trap when we begin looking for encouragement through others. Sometimes it just isn't there. There are always going to be people looking at you as if you are a never going to be anything or do anything. But then again, you will have those in your life who cheer you on with love. Those who look up to you, not because of what you do or who you are, but because you have loved them.

I'm an original. Saved by grace. Created by a King.

With each stroke of a brush He creates in me. He uses every color and every angle to design me into beauty. He uses every tool to complete in me so that my finished work is perfection. He doesn't erase, He only adds. I know I am a work in progress, but to Him I am already beautiful. I don't need to look to others to see what I need to change or add to my life. I only need to watch what my Master Designer is doing and follow Him.

Sometimes I think it would be great for us to throw out all our mirror and scales that we look at in despair. When faced with the mirror too often we are not there to see the beauty before us, but we are there picking out every single flaw. As for that scale. Ladies, we allow that scale to determine whether we are happy that day or not. If not, that fridge is the closest thing to happiness we are going to find and then it's back to the scale all over again.

As mothers we compare ourselves and boy, is that bar set high. Why do we do such things? As mothers we often say of another, "I would never do that to my child", or "I would never allow that to happen"? Really? Have you been there? Have you faced what they have faced? Do you know all the details that have led up to that point?

Even as friends, we skip out on one another when things aren't going perfectly. We don't make time for one another and often when we do, it's all about us. I often wonder how many times do we say to  another, "So, tell me all about what's going on in your life today? What's the Lord doing for you today?" We live in a me centered world.

Joy..Joy..Joy..

I hum the words to the song today, "I've got joy joy joy down in my heart..down in my heart..down in my heart..I've got joy joy joy down in my heart today". Do you have that kind of joy? Not the happiness we search for in this world. Not the things this world can offer or the things we buy to make us smile. Not the high of having a great day where all is perfect, but the joy that makes everything okay. The joy that makes you smile from your heart outward. The joy of being loved by a Savior who chose you! The joy of simply being a daughter of the King of kings. The joy that overrides all wrong. That joy that keeps us centered and away from selfish behavior. The joy that captures the intimate moments of the day. Real joy that lasts.

See, my Savior, doesn't want me to be like anyone else. He wants me to be the me He created me to be. He wants me to look in the mirror and see Him. He wants me to make my day around Him, not my plans and then Him. Whether I pen 10,000 or just 10, as long as they honor Him, those words hold power. If I get my toilet cleaned today, that's great. Life is too sweet to live by checking job by job off a list. Our daily lives should be filled with gratitude and kindness. It is in that sweet attitude that we can face those tasks before us with a whole new attitude.

Each day brings something new. We don't have to wake like we are attacking the day. Why not wake enjoying each moment without dreading the next and simply waiting for Friday to arrive? We need to fill our days with passion. It's that passion that draws us nearer to the Lord and seeks His will for our daily lives. Passion is an outward action that begins inward with the Lord.

Friends, I hope today as you pass by that mirror you can see the beauty that God has created in you. It is my prayer that you feel loved just by knowing your Savior created you because He wanted the world to see Him through you. I encourage you to not look to your neighbor, your friend, that person who seems to have it all together and think you have to keep up. Your doing just fine. Settle in your day focused on the One who gave you today as a gift. Get comfortable in your own skin. Love those very people around you. Most importantly, allow the Lord to love on you today and accept all He has for you.

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be outnumbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, You are still with me!"

Psalm 139:13-18

NOT THIS TIME by VICKI HINZE

First of all, I just gotta say, I hate when reviewers give the story away, chapter by chapter. Goodness, don't ruin the story! So, not this time, friends. lol Vicki Hinze is a ROCK STAR writer who grabs hold of your heart and doesn't let go. Even after that last page, your left with an imprint of the power novel you have just spent the night reading. Yes, reading Hinze at night is a must!

She sets the stage and takes us for a ride once again at the Crossroads Crisis Center. Goodness, the more good these characters try to do the more evil that gets twisted into their lives. Pretty much like our real life walk with Christ.

We get to follow the lives of Beth and Joe. Characters that I fell in love with from the start. We too meet the characters who grabbed our hearts in the other books, but it's these characters that really stand out in this third installment of this series. I must tell you, reading these books in order would give you a greater impact of the story.

Friendship, deceit, love, kidnapping, suspense. It's all here in these pages of this thriller. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Wham! Something else gets tossed in the picture and once again your on the edge of your seat. Well, I suppose you never leave the edge. Hinze has a powerful way of keeping you there.

What I love about her is the fact that she ties in faith with the story your reading. Every novel is a life lesson. Her characters are real and stand out as they face their demons. Friendship is not always what it seems. Judgement finds a way into our lives, but truth always prevails. Betrayal takes us to the edge and we find ourselves wanting revenge. The past has a way of haunting us when we are not grounded in faith. Even in our faith attacks still come. This is the very thing I love about Vicki Hinze. She can take all of these things and turn it into a page turner that leaves you searching God on a whole new level. That my friends is a powerful writer.

At the end of each book Hinze shares a reader guide where she asks questions. I loved pondering over these questions. I love reading a book and when I set it down it's message still remains in my heart.

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

Vicki Hinze is an award-winning author of multiple novels including Forget Me Not and Deadly Ties. Hinze’s willingness to take risks in writing and genre has earned her a reputation for trail-blazing skill. She holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing and a Doctorate in Philosophy, Theocentric Business & Ethics and served as vice president on the International Thriller Writers Board of Directors. She lives in Florida with her husband.

HEART ECHOES by SALLY JOHN

This book grabbed my attention from the first pages. Tragedy hits through an earthquake. You can't find your family and you witness something horrific before you. Sally John is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. This is the third book I have read from her and I LOVED it! The first book I read by Sally John was entitled,  Ransomed Dreams, and the second, Desert Gift. I quickly knew this was an author I was going to love. This is the third installment in this series. You do not have to read this series in order. What I love is the powerful impact all three books make. In each she touches on a different subject. One that has reached us all in some form.

We have a family that is going through some difficult times. Teal, River and Maiya make up this family. I love how Sally John uses an earthquake and after shocks to perfectly capture the shaking foundation of this family. On the surface all seems fine, but all it takes is one moment to change everything. One earthquake can cause major damage, but the aftershocks are just as frightening. What happens after an earthquake? You rebuild and that is what Sally John has captured here in this beautifully written novel.

The characters were so real and I could relate to each of them on some level. John shows us that after the earthquake we can always find grace in God's comfort. Even during the earthquake He is still here unmoving and present in all around us. Even on shaky ground, He is in control. He's in control even when you have a teenager who is rebelling. This is a book about marriage, raising children, facing your past and letting go so you can move forward. Some how we all rebel against something. It's in facing those fears that we find the strength we need to move forward. Sally poignantly pens a story that is rich in truth of today's world. Touching on issues that we all face.

Sally John takes us on a journey of faith, hope and love through a family we can all relate to. This is surely one you will enjoy too. I love walking away from reading a book that not only took me to a new place, but one that I enjoyed and learned from as well.

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

Sally John:

When the going gets tough—or weird or wonderful—the daydreamer gets going on a new story. Sally John has been tweaking life's moments into fiction since she read her first Trixie Belden mystery as a child. Now an author of more than fifteen novels, Sally writes stories that reflect contemporary life. Her passion is to create a family, turn their world inside out, and then portray how their relationships change with each other and with God. Her goal is to offer hope to readers in their own relational and faith journeys. Sally grew up in Moline, Illinois, graduated from Illinois State University, married Tim in 1973, and taught in middle schools. She is a mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. A three-time finalist for the Christy Award, she also teaches writing workshops. Her books include the Side Roads series, the Safe Harbor series (coauthored with Gary Smalley), The Other Way Home series, The Beach House series, and In a Heartbeat series. Many of her stories are set in her favorite places of San Diego, Chicago, and small-town Illinois. She and her husband currently live in southern California. Visit her Web site at www.sally-john.com.

We All Need An Advocate

Everyone needs an advocate. We must stand for those who cannot stand for themselves. This is what Jesus Christ did for us. This is what He does for us. We cannot save ourselves. We cannot experience heaven on our own account. We are saved through the blood of Christ. We experience His love daily. We don't have to be saved to experience His love. But for us to see the other side of heaven, we must accept Him into our lives and into our hearts. This is what true love is. He gave us the perfect example of unconditional love. He continues to love us even when we choose to not love Him in return. We have value in Christ. He sees us as we were created to be.

It is Jesus who connects us with our Heavenly Father. Without Jesus there would be no way to reach God. Jesus is our Advocate. He is that middle man who chose to step in and stand in the gap for you and me.

We are perfected through Jesus Christ as He lives in us. Plain and simple, there is no greater love than the love of Christ. When He is alive in us, it shows through our actions and words. Our life is a living testimony of His gracious love. Our relationship with others is a reflection of our relationship with Him.

"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him", and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." 1 John 2:1-6

Friends, these are powerful verses. In just six verses alone, it gives us so very much. Sin disconnects us from Christ. Our sin is like a brick. One by one, we build a brick wall between us and our Savior. Because of our sin we can no longer get to Him. We must knock down that wall we have built up. How do we begin? Brick by brick. Sin by sin, we ask forgiveness from our Savior. We ask that He forgive us of the sin that has overtaken us and it is then that we feel the grace of God wash over us. In that grace we find forgiveness and peace. We cannot allow that brick wall to stand. We must realize that the Holy Spirit gives us the power to overcome sin. The Holy Spirit is our guide and reinforcement to conquer the sin and the temptation before our very eyes. It is through Him that we can not only knock those bricks down, but see them before they begin to stack upon one another.

Plain and simple, we cannot say, "I love the Lord", and sin against Him. In God there is no darkness. There is no love in sin. Sin can only be made in darkness. There is no light in sin. When we keep our eyes on Christ we remain in His light and it is His light that makes our path clear.

We say, "Oh yes, I know Sarah", when in fact, we do not. We may know of her. We may have heard of her name, but that doesn't mean we know her. We may be friends with someone who is friends with her. That doesn't make us friends. In order for that friendship to form, we must spend time with her. We must get to know her. We must allow her to get to know us. We form a bond, a kinship, a friendship. It is through talking and listening that we grow intimate and have a knowledge of one another.

Have you been away from Jesus? Has He become an acquaintance to you? Just someone in passing? Today can be reunion day for you. I think we all need a reunion, don't you? A time where we can look back and a time where we can see moment by moment of the blessings that have been poured out. A glimpse at the times we have missed and an opportunity to catch up.

We should be able to ask ourselves, "Am I closer to the Lord than I was a year ago?" If not, we are in need of that reunion with Him. As our Advocate, He is waiting to step in and show us His great love that reaches all. We must remember, we are on a journey. There will be days where we are on fire for the Lord and those in which we fall short. But that is where our Advocate steps in. He knows we are going to fall short. He is there to pick us up and place us where we are to be.

I know there are times in my life where the Lord is shining through clearly for all to see. Now, even I know, that's not me, that's all Him. But I too have those days where I know those around me are not seeing even a glimpse of Christ through my actions. It's on those days I hear Him saying, "Daughter, why are you not obeying Me?" Too many times I choose to ignore His call to mercy. Our flesh is an evil thing. I fight my flesh daily. Praise God, I am a work in progress and He isn't finished with me yet.

Many times we skip out on reunions. We don't want others to know what we have become or where we have been. It's funny really, we tend to put on a show for everyone. It's when that mask comes off and we show our true selves that others do the same. Jesus doesn't care where you have been. But He does care where you are going. He can take care of your past just the same as He holds your future in His hands. We want others to see us doing good and being a success. Well, the Lord has another definition of success and it has nothing to do with this world's view. Success is when we follow God and totally sell out for Him. It's when we allow Him to live in us and through us, touching the lives of those around us. It's making a difference for Him. Success is hearing our Heavenly Father at the end of our last breath say, "Well done, my good and faithful child". Friends, we must allow this world to witness our missteps. Through our failures God can create beauty. He is in the business of reconstruction.

We need to see growth and change in our lives. Each year we should be moving toward Him. Too many times we get caught up and sin and think there is no way back. Friends, lets not look at it as a way back. Lets look at it as a moving forward. Reaching new heights and growing in ways we never thought possible. God has a way of taking our sins and turning them into blessings. If He can turn ash into beauty, He too can take your sin and turn it into something usable for His glory and honor.

Our obedience to Him shows our love for Him. If we are not obedient to His Word than our love is missing. We can't say, "I love you, God", and turn around and ignore His Word. We are not powerless against sin. The closer we are to the Lord, the closer we are to the person He is creating us to be. The more our eyes are upon Him the less we will sin. We will never be sinless, but we can sin less.

The Holy Spirit will help us conquer our sin. Friends, today is Valentines Day. A day to celebrate love. This can be your reunion day with your Savior who has written you the greatest love letter ever penned. Allow His words to penetrate your heart. It is His Word and His love that will change your life forever. Although Valentines Day is celebrated one day a year, His love is everlasting.