MONDAY QUOTES

"A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope."

This quote carries much value for not only friendship, but life. We have strength, prayer, blessing, love, encouragement and hope. If you have a friend with all these qualities you are blessed indeed.

A friend prays for you. They know your needs, as well as your heart. They can read you like a book. As each page turns, they are glued to each word. As chapter brings a new journey, they too are there to walk the road with you. And as that last page is read, you know there is going to be a sequel, a continuation of the bond you share.

A friend helps you when you are hurting the most, asking those important questions that no one else will. They reach in to the depths and pull you out, setting you on solid ground. You know your friend will walk the valleys with you. A friend may not understand all, but they will encourage you to be the best. They will love you when all others seem to walk away. A friend will give you hope when it looks as though the door is closing. They will point you to the open door, and help you see the morning sun.

For me, I think the most important value of a friendship is trust. If that trust is broken, the bond therefore you held so dear is crushed. But a friendship grounded in Christ can survive anything. When we realize we ourselves are not perfect, and we will not expect others around us to be perfect. But we must be the friend we want for ourselves. So with that comes forgiveness. A friendship will have those ups and downs, twists and turns, but a true friendship will stand the test of time. Friendship is like a good pair of flip flops. They are not going going to rub you the wrong way. They are not going to break just when your going up a huge hill, and they will be comfortable in the rockest of places. They will make you feel free to wiggle your toes. And if your really blessed, you will have one of each color to match everything you are!

A friend values you. A friend honors you. A friend respects you. And with that respect, is this; "Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." Honesty is what friendship is grounded in. With a friend you should be able to be honest, and you will be if you care deeply for that friend. If there is not honesty, can you really have a friendship? Honesty goes a long way. If I have a little something in my nose I want my friend to tell me, not just stare at me with a smile. That's what strangers do. If I take a dive off the deep end of the pool, I need a friend who is going to jump in after me, bringing me to safety. A friend is one you know is always there with you. They are there on those good days. Those days where you think the sun will never shine again. They are there, standing next to you in those celebrations, cheering beside you. In those life changing moments, they are there praying with you, giving you hope, and encouraging you through each moment.

A friendship is not just about one, it is about two people making a connection, building a bond, a life long, unbreakable bond where you not only have a friend, but a sister. A sister is honest. If she sees you slipping, well, believe me, she is going to be there to help you stand. She will share her heart with you. She will cry, laugh, and talk all night long if you must. In a relationship you sharpen each other. You build your relationship strong in Christ, and nothing can break that. You bring the best out in one another. You lift each other up. You share your deepest dreams, and your longest struggles with a friend. You depend on them to be honest always. That doesn't mean honesty always feels good, but you know with wisdom and love, it is good. Honesty grows us, bears all things, and when you have an honest friend, you are truly blessed.

In speaking of all the qualities of a friend, we don't have to share those that do not build a friendship strong. When we make Christ the center of our lives, all else seems to fall into it's place. I love talking about Christ with my friends. I love sharing in His hope. Christ will be that best friend for you. He will stand in the gap. He will answer the call. He will never be late. He will forever be honest, and He will lead you with wisdom in a love all of His own. He will pray for you. He will be there throughout the night, and when the sun comes up again. He will cry, laugh, and cheer you on, like no other. You will forever have a friend in Jesus. And the amazing thing, well, He is the One who chose you! He chose me! Jesus is our example for friendship. In Him we can find all we need to know how to love, respect, and nurture a friendship into something beautiful.

Friendships take time. As they grow, we grow. As we learn about our friend, we too learn about ourselves. My mother always told me, "If you have one good friend in your lifetime, you will truly be blessed." I must say, "I am one blessed girl." The Lord has been good to bring those friends into my life that cheer me on, lift me up, and dream big with me. I cannot say I just have one best friend, for I am blessed with many who make an impact on my life. As each one adds something unique to my life, they also add to who I am. The Lord always seems to know where I will be, and just where another will be for our paths to cross. I love it when He brings new friendships into my life, and builds those older ones even stronger.

As Jesus walked with twelve disciples they were in His circle, but within that circle He had those He was closer to. He gave us a beautiful picture to plant ourselves where we are at. Grow with those around you, and bloom where He has set you. When we step out of that box, we will find friendships in the strangest of places, and just might find ourselves being blessed by those we never expected. Always expect the unexpected, and you will see the greatest blessings!

RANDSOMED DREAMS by SALLY JOHN

All of Sheridan's dreams had been randsomed after a fateful day when her husband, Eliot, the U.S ambassador to Venezuela was shot. The bullet did not take the life of Elilot, but stole the dreams from their lives. All seemed perfect until that day, and then life was never the same. Eliot went into hiding, staying in his pain, as Sheridan slowly lost all hope of ever feeling love again. Sheridan keeps hearing her mother's voice telling her that Jesus is calling. Sheridan hears the call, and is wanting to move forward with their life, but Eliot is still lost in pain. We watch the Lord move in their lives through several people who give hope and life to them again. As Sheridan struggles with the fact that her whole life is now just taking care of her husband, she comes to realize it was God all along taking care of Him and she too. They find their way to life again, to love and begin to seek those dreams they once held dear. We see Eliot move from being stuck in his circumstances to overcoming them. Sheridan faces her sister that she hasn't seen since before the accident, she faces her father's death, and her mother's memories. Through all this healing begins, and those randsom's dreams are once again held within her hands. I enjoyed this book, although at times slow, and I did not feel close to the characters. I felt a distance from them as they were not developed a great deal. It speaks of hope, faith and love. It shows that God is always in control, even when all is quiet. It is in that stillness that we find Him.

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 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.

What's In Your Survival Kit?

My husband receives all those magazines that I just seem to set aside. You know, like, Field and Stream. But this morning I picked it up and it caught my attention. On the cover was a picture of a real mountain man. You know, there are times I think my husband might be that mountain man in disguise. If there was ever a show he would excel on would be Survivor! The man simply has more knowledge about the outdoors than humanly possible. Now me, I would never make it on Survivor. Please! This girl HATES to sweat! You have animals, bugs, nasty food, if there is any, and all that running in those little skimpy suits!

But, all this got me thinking about what you would need in a survival kit. Well, you would need a compass, water, food, and would need tools to make a shelter. All of those items are very important for survival anywhere, right? You have those who hike and get lost in the wilderness. Those who trek up large mountains and get snowed in. And we see those who have been abandoned on a lost island. Now, unlike the movies where a beautiful woman comes to save your life, or in my case a handsome man running across the sand to save me(maybe we should stop right there.lol) In any case when we are in despair we are needing someone to come along and see our S.O.S sign. There are times we don't even have to be up a mountain, down a creek or on an island to have one of those. Sometimes in our everyday life it is just written on our faces. I am blessed to have those special people in my life who know how to read my face, know me well enough to know when I am about to sink in the quick sand before me.

Now, lets go back to that compass. A compass leads the way, points north, and keeps us on track. We need a compass in our life. One to point the way for us, to lead us through this life so we know exactly where we are and just where we are going. When we carry a compass we must trust it, put our faith in it and believe it is going to get us to where we need to be. Jesus Christ is our Forever North. He is that compass that will lead us, guide us, and walk with us through those deserts, valleys, and over those mountain tops. We can trust in Him, believe in Him, and have faith that He will never let us down.

Lets see, water. Yes, we must have water to live. We can only survive so long without water. When we are thirsty we search for something to quench our thirst. There are times we can look in the wrong places for the water needed to quench that thirst that seems to be taking over our thoughts and actions. There is contaminated water, that water in which makes us sick to drink, that water that will set us on a course of disaster. We must seek out the water that will bring life, not death. We need to seek the living water in which we will never find ourselves in thirst again. Jesus Christ is that Living Water for us. He will quench our thirst, filling us with all we need for the trek before us. In His water we will find life, abundant life, crystal clear, refreshing water for our soul.

Now, we also need food, right? But what kind of food? We need food that will provide nourishment, that will give us all the nutrients we need. Food that will not leave us hungry and wanting more, but food that will fill us, giving us needed energy, the boost to move forward, and food that will provide growth and stamina. God's word is food for our soul. God's word will provide us with growth, with all that is needed to make those long hikes into the unknown wilderness. It will give us the needed benefits of wisdom to know which trees we should cling to and steer away from. It will show us the fruit that is good for us to eat of, and the fruit in which we should never touch.

Along with all of these tools we also would need to find shelter. A shelter in which we can find peace and rest. A shelter not built on the sand, but one built on solid ground that is lasting and true. One that will protect us from the elements of the storm. One that will keep the rains and wind from us. One that is higher than the tide, and for our shelter we could not find one more lasting than Jesus Christ. His shelter is like no other. His shelter keeps us from harm, gives protection, and provides us with safety from all. Within His shelter we will find all we need through the darkness of the night and in the heat of the day.

When we pack that survival kit we need to make sure we pack those things which are lasting and meaningful. Those things that will endure the trek. We need to pack His love, His grace, His strength, His comfort, His wisdom, His knowledge, and His word. When we have His word we can find Him. When we have Him, we have all we need for our journey, no matter where we are headed. Trust in Him and He will lead the way.

Oh, and that S.O.S sign? Well, Jesus knows us better than anyone else. He can not only read our face, but our heart. He knows when we are in need and when we are lost in our journey. All we must do is call out to Him. Say His name and He will come running with all you need to make it through, to see through the fog, and He will give the needed equipment to get out of the tunnel, that hole we have fallen into. He will show us the way by shining a light before us, wrapping His arms around us, and even carrying us on those paths that are just too hard to bare. Know Him today. Believe in Him for tomorrow, and trust in Him for forever!

John 4:13-14 "Jesus replied, Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life."

Matthew 6:31-34 "So don't worry about these things, saying, what will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."

Psalm 43:3 "Send out Your light and Your truth; Let them guide me. Let them lead me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You live."

Psalm 9:9 "The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."

Psalm 18:30-32 "God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect."

NO GREATER LOVE by KATHI MACIAS

Before I picked up No Greater Love I didn't know much about the Apartheid. This book reached into my soul, down into the depths of a greater love. The Apartheid lasted between the years of 1948-1994 in South Africa. I was a time of tragedy, and a mockery of human life. In this amazing novel by Kathi Macias, she takes us there, in the depths of the pain and suffering, but also showing how big God is. We meet Chioma, a young victim of the Apartheid. She not only watched the lives of her parents be taken, but also her brother, Masozi. She finds herself living on an Afrikaner's farm, with a Christian family, who in their faith, have lost their way in this great belief of the Apartheid. Beyond all color boundaries, Chioma finds herself having feelings for Andrew, the son of this family. Chioma finds herself again watching death, and running for her life. She finds shelter in the camp of those fighting for the cause, but is their fight any more right than the other side? There is no winner on either side, only tragedy and suffering in loss. Chioma finds herself with great decisions before her, and in the deepest part of her soul she hears God calling to her. He reaches her through missionaries and we see her light up as she finally finds peace in all this suffering. Throughout this book the gospel is told in such beautiful ways. As our Savior died for us, we see there is no greater love than His. We see that in a greater love we too must be willing to give our lives for a friend. This is a book that was richly written, molded in passion, and touches the reader as though you are right there with these characters you will never forget.
This book was a gift from Kathi Macias for its review.
You can continue this story in "More Than Conquerors".
http://www.kathimacias.com/
Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 30 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and recently won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time riding their Harley.

LETS CHAT FRIDAY with Melissa Scarbrough Mashburn

I am so excited to be chatting with Melissa Scarbrough Mashburn today! Mel is one of those girls you would love to invite over for tea, sit on the deck and just chat! You might find yourself laughing a bit too! This is a woman who is serving God with passion. You can clearly see Him in her life. These chats are becoming such a blessing for me as I learn about these women, they are reflecting a light back to Christ, and wow, is He shining through them! So, lets get on with our chat, enjoy and be blessed!

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

(Melissa) I’m a country girl trapped in the city of Ft. Lauderdale. I was born and raised in a small town just outside of Louisville, KY, and truth be told I still consider myself a KY gal even though I’ve lived in the Ft. Lauderdale, FL area for 23 years. I’m married to my best friend, Matt, for 17 years and have two amazingly awesome teenage sons, Nick and Bailey. My hubby went into full time ministry about 7 years ago and such the adventure called our life has taken on an even greater purpose. I’m absolutely a speak the truth in love, what you see is what you get, kind of girl who loves watching God do a mighty work in the lives of ordinary people.

(Robin) Since you have walked with the Lord has there been a time you struggled in your faith? If so, would you please share?

(Melissa) I’ve had so many struggles in my walk and each and every time I have waivered He has gently loved me, corrected me, and drawn me back to Him. One time in particular was a devastating desert season for me, it was the summer of 2007, and I really sort of lost my way. I doubted my faith, my walk, my call to ministry, basically my whole life. It was also during this intense season of struggle that I had some of the most amazing and sweet time with the Lord. He really and truly drew me closer to Him each and every day during that time. I look back on it now as a time of renewal instead of struggle.

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

(Melissa) Yes, actually, after that season of doubt He laid on my heart such a peace and such clarity of my purpose. It was as if the veil had been lifted and I was able to see clearly that “doing” ministry for Him wasn’t the same as “living” for Him. I realized that just because I was in paid ministry didn’t mean that I had to work all the time and neglect the very first call He had on my life and that was my family…Family First was something that He kept laying on my heart and that was a HUGE Aha moment for me.

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

(Melissa) Oh my goodness, I love, love, love to share the verses He laid on my heart during some of my most intense seasons of my life…- Psalm 40:1-3, I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. - John 16:32, Yet I am not alone for my Father is with me - 1 John 3:21-22 21Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. - Philippians 4:6 ~ 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

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

(Melissa) I absolutely love people, but have been hurt so many times by people, we all have, haven’t we? I have lots of “friends” in my life, and they are a huge blessing to me, but if I am to truly let someone in, I mean, really let them in then that takes; Time, Loyalty, Truthfulness, Integrity, Honesty, Passion for Christ, Sense of Humor, and lots and lots of Grace! I hope when people see me they see a woman who is far from perfect, but who is truly seeking to be all she can be in Him.

(Robin) What are a few of your favorite books you have in your collection you would share with a friend?

(Melissa) Yikes, that’s a hard one…I am a voracious reader…BUT…I don’t like to share my books. I know, I know…that’s horrible, but it’s true. I love to buy books for people, and generally I won’t buy a book for someone that I haven’t already read. When I read my books I write all over them, highlight, dog-ear, you name it, and I could not bear to part with them…but, I will buy a copy of that book for a friend. Some of my must reads are;- Bible (obviously), reading the ESV version now- The Hole in our Gospel, by Richard Stearns (wow!)- Radical, by David Platt- God Chicks, by Holly Wagner- Visioneering, by Andy Stanley- No Other Gods, by Kelly Minter- What Happens When Women Walk in Faith, by Lysa TerKuerst

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

(Melissa) Go to my back porch, we redecorated it to make it our “Quiet Room”. It has outdoor furniture, ceiling fans, water fountains, candles, and a big comfy chair. I usually grab my Bible, a cup of coffee, my blankie, my journal, a pen then head outside to spend some time thinking, praying, and listening to what God is trying to tell me in the midst of the “craziness” called life.

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

(Melissa) My sense of humor…I seriously can laugh at something in almost every situation, good or bad. I like to bring JOY with me wherever I go…there are too many people that bring you down, I want to be one of the ones who lift you up!

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

(Melissa) My family…I am truly a blessed woman to be married to a man who is passionately pursing Christ in what he does every day. He has a passion for making the church run smoother so that more people can hear the Good News. I am also so truly blessed to be the mama to my two sons…they truly are such a gift. They still like to snuggle, goof around, spend time with me, protect me, and take care of me…and they are teenagers; which is a rare blessing indeed.

(Robin) What are your deepest passions?

(Melissa) Faith, Family, Friends...it really is the cornerstone of who I am and what I live for each day! My deepest “passion” is first and foremost Him, but I truly feel like it is my mission to “Encourage women to live with an authentic faith by being transparent, renewed and transformed.”

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

(Melissa) I don’t want to hear you say that you “can’t” do something…you can, just keep trying! ~ My dad used to say this to me over and over and over while I was growing up. We joke about it now, but in all reality, it probably drives me more that I ever even realized.

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

(Melissa) Grace! The fact that He would choose me to do anything for Him still rocks my world. I know how “bad” I’ve been in my life and I know how far He has brought me out of the mirey pit.

(Robin) What are you currently working on?

(Melissa) * I’ve just stepped in as Co-Founder of the Praise and Coffee Nights Ministry with Sue Cramer.*I’m working with Noelle Mena to launch the new Take Root and Write Devotions website.* Preparing for the one year anniversary of the Godly Gals series in Mel’s World.* Leading VBS this summer as well as a Summer Women’s Small Group at my church.* Writing devotionals and articles with; Internet Café Devotions, 5 Minutes for Mom Faith Lifts, Exemplify Online & Magazine, and Blissfully Domestic (Inspired Bliss)* Speaking/Managing the South Florida Praise & Coffee Nights

(Robin) How do you define success?

(Melissa) That is a great, and hard, question! If you had asked me that a few years ago it would have everything to do with status, money, and influence…now that I am a little more seasoned with battle wounds/scars I would probably say something like…”Success is getting up every day doing the very thing that God created me to do.”

Where can you find Melissa: You can find me hanging out in;

Blog ~ Mel’s World with Melissa Mashburn

Twitter ~ @Mels_World

Facebook ~ Melissa Scarbrough Mashburn

Facebook Group for Mel’s World ~ Mel’s World with Melissa Mashburn
(Daughter of the King, Wife, Mom, Pastor's Wife, Writer, Speaker...all around God Chick!)

http://www.melissamashburn.com/ - Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn ~ Encouraging women to live with an authentic faith by being transparent, renewed and transformed. ~ Romans 12:2

Wanna know what I'm up to right now, then follow me on Twitter -> http://www.twitter.com/Mels_World

Stop by my Facebook Page to stay up to date on everything that's going on in Mel's World Acts 20:24 - But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love.

Isn't she something? I knew she would bless you as she made this girl smile. Melissa, thank you so very much for stopping in today to chat with me, sharing your heart, passions, and wisdom. You are one of those girls you want to have in your circle of friends, surrounding you with love, encouragement and added laughter. May the Lord continue to bless through your ministries. Let your light shine girl!!

Step Out of That Box

We can build walls around us keeping others out, and protecting ourselves. We can find ourselves just staying in our comfort zone, allowing fear to control us. In that fear, I think we can find fear of failure. What if we mess up? What if we make a HUGE mistake? What if it's not perfect? If we mess up, well, we clean it up best we can and keep moving. If it's a dandy of a mistake, well, we learn, we grow, and we know not to do that one again. And if it's not perfect? Well, we must stop kidding ourselves about perfection. When we try 100%, when we give it our all, when we follow Christ with everything we have, we can't go wrong. Perfection comes through Christ and Him alone.

When we choose to just stay in our box we are missing out on so very much. God has such gifts for us. He has such amazing work for us to accomplish through Him. There is life to be lived, real, meaningful life. When we are staying in that box with those walls around us, we are wasting precious time.

Those attitudes such as, "I wish I could do that", well, what is holding you back? "That would be so awesome to do", well, do it! What is sad is not even trying. Failure to me is just sitting back, letting time go by, living in fear. We must learn to let that fear go, try new things, shoot for the moon. Hey, if you don't hit the moon, there are plenty of stars out there to land on!

I don't want to look back on my life and see wasted time, time that could have been filled with so much, but I missed it by letting fear keep me in my box. We must take that first step. If we miss a few, well, short of falling, we just get back up and keep climbing!

We all need encouragement, right? Sometimes those we need it from the most are not giving it. My husband is one of my biggest encourager's. And He hates to read, but loves to see me get excited about my passions. He cheers me on, leads the way and tells me, "You can do it!" When we are not receiving encouragement from those close to us, don't fret about that. Find your encouragement in Christ. Get out of that box and find others who share the same passions as you do. I must be honest and say my friends are not real big readers, at least most of them. Some don't understand me writing, while others lift me up with their kind words. I must learn not every friend is going to share the same interests I have, so what do you do? You get out there and find those that do. You surround yourselves with encourager's! While others are encouraging you, encourage others in the Lord. Sometimes all anyone needs is a smile, a hug, or just an "I'm thinking of you." In just asking someone about their passions you can see their eyes light up and wow, do they love to talk about their passion. I would love to find a reading/writing group close to me that I could be part of. I have friends who have that blessing and I think it's wonderful. If you love to crochet and your friends don't, find others with that same love. Do you love the outdoors and hiking? Get out of that box, and live! Don't let fear keep you back.

Open God's word and find His encouragement there. It is His love letter to us. There is no where else I can find myself more than in His word. You have heard that saying, "Live, Love, Laugh?" When we are living, we are loving, and in that deep rooted love we find laughter to fill our soul. When we surround ourselves with those encourager's, we feel that joy that just lifts us up and sets us on our way.

Ever watch a flower bloom from the bud? That is what happens when we step out of our box. With each little step we begin to blossom slowly, until that bloom if fully visible and the fragrance is sweet smelling, and all around sees the delicate beauty radiating outward.

If we stay all closed up in fear, we are never going to blossom in the ways the Lord has for us. We will have set backs, but you know as long as you are taking one step at a time your still going somewhere. In taking two steps forward and one step back, well, that's still one step toward your goal.

When we let go of our fears, all possibilities are before us. Take a chance, make a change and move out of that box today and see all that is before you with new eyes!

Romans 12:7-8 "If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."

Romans 15:5-6 "May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

THURSDAY'S SCRIPTURE

We love to talk don't we? When someone hurts us or makes us angry we are all over that with our words, our opinions, and spouting things we shouldn't say. Words hurt. They cut like a knife into our heart, leaving a gaping wound that takes forever to heal, especially when the knife just keeps going in repeatedly deeper.

Hurt people, hurt people. Plain and simple. Just a few days ago while at our post office I pulled in a little crooked while my son ran in to get the mail. He comes out with a package! One of those brown ones full of books I love to get! Well, I began to open it. No one was by us, so I knew I had time. As I looked through the other mail, a man pulls up in a big car, honking his horn. I don't mean just a little tap to let me know he was there, but blaring on it. At first when I looked up I thought it was a friend just playing, but no, no friend here. With his window down, I wave, and say, "Oops, just a moment." He didn't like that very much, as he started cursing through his open window. Now, part of this fleshly girl wanted to open my door and tell him exactly what I thought, but I didn't. I sat there, looked at him, and said, "Sorry", while he was still screaming at me. Now, don't go thinking I really took the high road there, cause in my mind, well, lets just say, he was being dragged out of his car and slapped over the head! But in that moment I kept my mouth shut. I didn't yell back, but moved so he could get to the outdoor mail box. I don't know, maybe he didn't get sleep, maybe he had a really important package to deliver. I could just maybe all day long, but in reality, he was just rude, and crabby.

We can make all kinds of excuses for our behavior can't we? We love to blame it on others. We like to play that place it and face it game, only we would much rather be placing the blame than facing it. It's easy to point the other finger at another, saying they were wrong. But we don't just do that, we speak about them, we even shout about them. There is something about being hurt, that just changes us, making us hurt others. I am not even sure if we mean to, if we really know what we are doing. I think the point is, when we are hurting, we just really don't care.

Now, see, I can point the finger at this man and say how wrong he was, but if I look at the big picture, even though we live in a very small town, everyone knows each other, and most are so gracious, I wasn't suppose to park there, even for a second. But since no one was there, I did, and if I had been doing what I was to be, the whole episode could have been prevented. Now, I am not making excuses for the man either. His behavior was ridiculous to say the least. To him, I interrupted his day, his plan, and I was in his way. For me, I was just picking up my mail, and going to town with my son. As my son sat there, he was not happy about this man cursing at his mother. (Our sons get very protective when they get older) But I quieted my son, and shared with him that in that moment the best thing to do was just drive away. Nothing I said to this man was going to help the situation. There are times it is best to walk away, saying nothing, but being in prayer.

I am sure there were times during trials I have gone through that I might not have been smiling Sally either. Hurt has a way of changing us. Hurt brings us down into depths we didn't know existed until we are there, feeling alone and as though no one cares.

In John 19 is where we find Jesus on the cross. Another place where we witness Jesus on the cross is in Luke 23. The verse that speaks to me today is verse 34, "Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." And the soldiers gambled away His clothes by throwing dice." In this picture I can choose to see the ugliness around Jesus, the name calling, the beating, the blood, all those shouting things about our Savior, mocking Him, and tearing His clothes. I can see this picture before me of all the anger around Him. The people who choose to not believe. Those selfish, mean and hateful people shouting, cursing, and degrading Jesus were not seeing what others were seeing. They were not seeing their precious Savior upon the cross. They saw a man, a threat, someone who they didn't like. But instead of seeing the ugliness, I choose to see the beauty. Although there is no beauty in death and blood, it was that shed blood that saved me, that freed me, and removed the chains of this world. I see obedience, I see hope, and I see love. Jesus didn't mock those in return. He didn't shout to the roof tops telling them how wrong they were. He didn't hurt those in return who were hurting Him. In reality He was showing the love He had for them, they were just not willing to see it. Even as Jesus hung there between two others, criminals, He didn't scorn them. In fact He spoke and said, (verse 43) "I assure you, today you will be in paradise with Me."

Listen to verses 35-42 "The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. He saved others, they said, let Him save Himself if He is really God's Messiah, the Chosen One. The soldiers mocked Him, too, by offering Him a drink of sour wine. They called out to Him, If you are King of the Jews, save Yourself! A sign was fastened above Him with these words: This is the King of the Jews. One of the criminals hanging beside Him scoffed. So Your the Messiah, are You? Prove it by saving Yourself-and us, too, while Your at it. But the other criminal protested, Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong. Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into Your kingdom."

I can't imagine what sour wine would have tasted like, but I have had a sour taste in my mouth, and leaves an after taste doesn't it? We seem to take our hurts as though we are the only one who has been hurt, but we forget to look upon the hurt our Savior took that day. Those who knew Him, were on their knees, weeping. Those who didn't were laughing it up, watching with smiles. But Jesus says, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are are doing." (verse 34a) He didn't say, "Get them! Don't let them into heaven!" Jesus forgave, and He loved. Jesus looked beyond Himself and His pain. He looked to us, those He loved, those He came for.

In all of our hurt, there has never been one to come before or after that took more pain and suffering than Jesus. He shows us through not only His life, but His death how to live, how to love and forgive.

If you are holding onto an offense today, let it go. Let it go and let God work through that offense and offender. Allow Him to work in you to bring healing and peace. We are to pray for one another, lift one another up, and when those offenses come, don't hold them in our hearts, allowing bitterness to take root. Bitterness is like a cancer that will slowly eat you alive.

We have a choice my friends. We can take the offense and hold it, or we let it go, knowing we are a child of the King. God works through all things. We can't change others, but we can change ourselves, and that is the best place to begin. We can change how we receive another and how we react to all circumstances. If we look to Jesus, He will show us the way, just as He did upon the cross. On the cross is where we find forgiveness and love. Allow the Lord to heal your heart today. Allow Him to wash over, washing you with grace for yourself, and grace for others.

Proverbs 17:9 "Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends."

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged."

WEDNESDAY'S WOMAN

Sarah is one of those women I would love to have lunch with, just chat, and ask, "How did you do it?" Here is a woman who was faithful to her God and her husband. We seem to think we carry so much today, and yesterday was much easier. I think Sarah would disagree with us there. Life was anything but easy. And as a woman who was barren, she carried pain with her, she suffered inside wanting a child so badly. Can you see her pain? But through her pain, she choose to believe, and God promised to fulfill. Genesis 21:1-7 "The Lord kept His word and did for Sarah exactly what He had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. And Abraham named their son Isaac. Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born. And Sarah declared, God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet, I have given Abraham a son in his old age."

We see God calling Abraham to pick up all they have and head out for a new nation. Abraham hears the call, and follows, but Sarah is right by his side. This had to be difficult to say the least. I have always wanted to live in another state, but what keeps us here is our family, friends and church. I can't imagine just picking up one day and not looking back, but that is exactly what they did. This was not just hop in the car, travel an afternoon and stay in a luxury hotel, and leave out in the morning. This was a journey that was not only long, but a journey of faith also. I think through this journey is where Sarah's faith increased.

Sarah was barren. She was wanting a child, and waiting on God. Her waiting continued for a long time. Sarah was ninety years old when she became pregnant. Okay, ladies, having a baby is hard enough at a young age, but at ninety! God blessed Sarah in her waiting.

Sarah lived to be one hundred and twenty seven years old. In all those years Sarah was a light to the world before her. One thing I love about Sarah is she was submissive. Not only to God, but to her husband. She was a mother, and one who carried great love for her family. I picture Sarah as the virtuous woman(Proverbs 31).

In 1 Peter 3:3-6 it says; "Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. they trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands. For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do."

There is a key here in this verse. That we as women can lead in our home under our husbands just by allowing God to lead us. When we are obedient to God, others will see, and be blessed. When we are loving and respectful, our husbands will see the Lord moving through us, just as in Sarah when she was obedient to Abraham. First she was obedient to God.

There is much to learn from the women of the bible, and Sarah is one of those who stand out with grace and honor. In Romans 9:9 it tells us of God's promise. "For God had promised, I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son." God keeps His promises. We must learn to believe in Him at all times, even when all is quiet, even when struggles are in front of us. God's promises are true.

We can begin reading about Sarah in Genesis chapter 12 when Abraham receives his call. Even when Abraham struggled, Sarah stood by him in love. When Abraham was fearful of others finding out she was his wife, for fear they would kill him, and capture Sarah for her beauty, she stood by him as his sister. (Genesis 12:10-20 along with 20:1-18) Abraham was trying to protect Sarah, God protected Sarah and used her and Abraham in mighty ways. God shows Himself strong in our lives when we trust in Him and seek His ways.

This is a story of hope, faith, and love. When we believe as Sarah did, our faith is strengthened. As our faith is strengthened we begin to have a new found hope, and through that hope springs love, unconditional love.

THE VOYAGE OF PROMISE (book 2 of The Grace In Africa Series) by KAY MARSHALL STROM

This is book two of this amazing series that all began with The Call of Zulina (book one). This story is set in 1792 and is so well written it takes you back to a time and place of long ago. We find ourselves in West Africa in the middle of a slave trade. We meet Grace Winslow as her life as she knows it is torn apart at the seams. Nothing will ever be the same for her. Grace is a dreamer and finds it hard to accept life as it is, but she is looking for all that it can be. I love the character of Grace. As her life around her is changing, she too is changing as we see the love of Christ through her. She finds that she cannot change everything, but there are some things she can, and herself is one of them. I found Grace a bit like myself, stubborn. We go from West Africa to London, and what an amazing ride this is for the reader. Kay has a way with the language, and shows such passion through her writing, that you feel as though you are right there with Grace. The voyage that Grace takes goes far beyond the oceans, but into her own heart where she begins to soar. I loved this story of love, freedom and change. I know it is one you will also enjoy to add to your collection.

This book was a gift by Abingdon Press for its review.

Of Kay Marshall Strom’s 34 published books, four have been book club selections, nine have been translated into foreign languages, and one has been optioned for a movie. Her writing credits also include numerous magazine articles, short stories, two prize-winning screenplays, books and stories for children, and booklets for writers. Her writing has appeared in several volumes, including More Than Conquerors, Amazing Love, The NIV Couple's Devotional Bible and The NIV Women's Devotional Bible, and The Bible for Today's Christian Woman. Her work also is included in a number of compilations, including various books from the Stories for the Heart series. Her best-known book is Once Blind: The Life of John Newton, which is packaged with the recently released DVD Amazing Grace. She also has written several books with her husband, Dan Kline. Kay is a partner in Kline, Strom International, Inc., leaders in communication training. She currently lives in Eugene, Oregon. Website: http://www.kaystrom.com/.

It will be out for publication in 10/2010

WHEN THE DEVIL WHISTLES by RICK ACKER

Our choices always come with consequences, good or bad and Allie Whitman is finding that out as she is a professional whistle blower. Allie meets up with Connor Norman. These two are out to make money and are making lots of it as they are uncovering billions of dollars of fraud. It is their job to find these committing fraud and blow the whistle, but this is not as easy as it may sound. There are many decisions to be made, life changing decisions, and is Alley ready to face those in the long run? We watch as these two characters build throughout the story. We watch them transform before us. Leaving behind their old selves, and becoming new. I found this book challenging as it faces us to look at our decisions on a deeper level. Do we always react as we should? Does the truth escape us to find ourselves in safety? These are the challenges that Allie and Connor face together. If you love intrigue, mystery, and truly taking a deeper look at yourself, you will enjoy this book. Crime, claims, and fraud run deep in our government and within companies. These characters weed those out, bringing about truth. But what they do with that truth is what makes this book interesting.

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

This book will be released 10/2010.

Rick Acker is a Deputy Attorney General in the California Department of Justice. He prosecutes corporate fraud lawsuits like those described in When the Devil Whistles. He has led confidential investigations into a number of large and sensitive cases that made headlines in and out of California. Rick holds law degrees from the University of Oslo and the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated with honors. In addition to his novels, he is a contributing author on two legal treatises published by the American Bar Association. Rick lives with his wife in the San Francisco area. Visit him on the Web at: http://www.rickacker.com/.