How were you pursued?

On Sunday my pastor was speaking about pursuing. About God pursuing us and how we pursue those we love. It brought me back to the very time my husband was pursuing me. Which in fact led me to respond to the pursuing of the Lord.

I was living in the country. Life had just changed dramatically for me. I had just had my second baby and was just focusing on my children. My girls were everything to me. Being a single mother was difficult, but looking into the eyes of my girls each day gave me hope and they inspired me to press forward. I wasn't looking for a relationship. I was just concentrating on being a mother.

One day while I was visiting my mom who lived near we had a visitor. Now, let me back up just a bit. Down the road at another home there was a man speaking to his uncle about life. They had been deer hunting and now were simply sharing stories. See, this man had been hurt in a relationship also. He was finding it hard to trust and thought maybe he too was just better off alone. But as they talked this uncle said, "Lets go for a ride to friends. I know of a beautiful young woman who feels the same as you." Funny thing was he had no idea I was there visiting and  little did I know in my sweat pants and pony tail that we would soon have visitors. This was the visit that changed my life.

As this young man sat before me in his camouflage we chatted. As we talked about our children he asked if he could hold Whitney. I handed her to him with a smile and within minutes she threw up all down his back. I am now horrified. But he is thinking otherwise. He chuckles and thinks nothing of it. They spend a bit more time visiting with our family and as he leaves to go I look to my mother and I say, "I am going to marry that man." Of course, she thought I was crazy. How could that be? We just met and spent only a few hours chatting. But, there was just something there. A connection I had never felt before.

Three days later he called and asked me out on a date. Our first date? Pizza Hut in Houston, Missouri. I live deep in the country and restaurants are scarce.  Now, remember that pursuing part?  We live over two hundred miles away from one another! Yes, my now husband drove over two hours each way to take me out on our first date. He did this every single weekend. He drove to see me each weekend after working sixty hours a week. It was winter and the roads were sometimes dangerous, but it didn't stop him.  It was during this time that he began sharing Christ with me. It was a few months later and we were married and a year later when I accepted Christ as my Savior. See, when we met, my husband, had two children and I had two children. Together we had our son, Jacob. Our family is forever bonded together by that day we met twenty years ago. As Jacob ties our family together, Christ is the center.

I was being pursued by my husband and my Savior. I was not only being pursued as a wife, but as a daughter. In February it will be our twentieth anniversary!! Our paths crossed twenty years ago and they have been connected every since. As we have been walking together the Lord has been with us every step of the way.

 My friends, no matter what road you are on today you are being pursued by a loving God who wants to have a relationship with you. He has been seeking you your whole life and is waiting for you to answer. He is hoping you will respond and say yes.

 

It's one of those kind of days

This morning I posted to status' on my FB page. The first said, “A faith that hasn't been tested can't be trusted.” Adrian Rogers.... Our faith will be tested through trials and struggles. The way for our faith to grow is to keep our eyes focused on what the Lord is doing and not our circumstances. Believe and pray in victory!! He has already won the war!! The second post said, "Does anyone ever just want to pack up and move far far away and make a new beginning? I am ready. I just need a bag big enough and a destination!!"  Sound like I am fighting my flesh today? You betcha.

I wake with such determination to focus only on the Lord and where do you think my thoughts are headed within ten minutes? You got it, right back to Ms. Pity Party. Here I am posting a statement about struggles testing our faith and an hour later I am posting that I would love to move far away. LOL Even if I did move do I really think those struggles would stay behind?

I want to encourage others, but I also must be real. Walking in faith is not saying struggle is not present. Struggle is very active in our walk with Christ. I think I am just tired of daily struggle, but aren't we all? We all have struggles that are different. Some have just begun while others have been on the road longer. Can we really say one struggle is harder than another? I am not so sure we can. I think all struggle is prevalent. It all matters. It's really easy for us to look at others and say, "There are many who are hurting worse." Yes, there are, but does that make our hurt any less? Hurt is hurt and it effects us all differently.

Some let things just simply roll of their back while others take it to heart and it deeply hurts. We hide our pain and try to put on a smile. Sometimes are pain can no longer hide itself, but it rages through us and effects every aspect of our lives. So, what do we do? I don't want to hide. I want to be real. In my weakness I am crying out to the Lord to give me strength.

Today I am wrapping myself in chores. It's easy to clean out a fridge when there is no food in it. I am cleaning out cabinets and sweeping floors. I have laundry going and I am moving from one task to another. I have my paper out and I am just going to start writing down all my feelings. Words or half sentences. It doesn't matter as long I remove all that hurt and anger dwelling within me. It has to be released. I must remove all doubt. If it isn't I can't focus on Christ. I will just simply sit here and soak in my tears today. In letting go I can move closer to Christ leaving my pain behind. Sure, I might pick it back up in a few hours, but then I just must let it all go again and leave it at the foot of the cross. It is not my burden to carry.

As I lay my burdens down today I am choosing to pick up every thought of thanks. Every inspirational quote and every scripture that will help me to stand firm in the word and find myself in the presence of the Lord. Since I began writing, Simply Robin, I have had to focus each day on being thankful. Why is that so easy for us to forget? We wrap ourselves in that blanket of self and we don't want to look any farther than that. I am learning it is that very struggle, that moment in which I think I can't do it anymore that the Lord shows me I can. I can through Him and Him alone.

Philippians 4:6-9 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."

LETS CHAT FRIDAY with JULIE MILLER GORMAN

Welcome to a new year of Lets Chat Friday my friends. I am so excited as this new year begins. I am just awaiting to see all the Lord is going to do in my life and yours. We have a God who is in the business of restoration! He can take our deepest hurts, and our loudest pains and wash them away with a newness we never knew existed. All it takes is trusting Him and surrendering all to Him.

Doesn't this dessert look scrumptious? We all love our sweets. They satisfy a hunger, but friends, this morning as Julie Miller Gorman and I chat you are going to be filled with so much more. Encouragement, inspiration and wisdom on how to walk with purpose and passion in your Christian faith. Julie is a returning guest. She is my first guest of the new year 2011. Our first chat in June of 2010 was just a blessing. Here I am once again with Julie and this time we have new questions. Life has brought changes for both of us since that first interview, but you know, God is good. He brings us through everything with a new perspective. He can use every obstacle as an opportunity to bring us closer to Him and the child of God He has created us to be. I pray you are blessed today by Julie. She is just one of those ladies who you meet and it feels as though you have been together your whole life. She just makes you feel at home in her company. Sit back, grab a cup of your favorite tea and enjoy our sweet chat.


(Robin) Julie, please tell us a little about yourself.
(Julie) Robin, thank you for such an awesome opportunity to share, I pray every reader finds a little nugget of encouragement in my story. I’m a wife, mother, and minister. I enjoy hot bubble baths on cold days, listening to Chris Tomlin music any time, and am a sucker for a good movie and popcorn any day of the week. I love writing, preaching, and watching God use the messages He give me to encourage, empower, and equip believers for ministry.


(Robin) I would love for you to share your testimony
(Julie) Like many of your readers, I grew up in a severely dysfunctional home (every abuse was present). My desperate longing to be loved paved the way for MANY poor choices including an incessant search for “mister right”. I always loved God but the practicality of walking out my faith sojourned up and down the twisting turns of broken-relationships. At 21 I married, at 28 I divorced, during those seven years I ministered as a missionary and evangelist, while hiding the secret struggles of my first husband…eventually his “private sins” led me to the place where I couldn’t go on. My divorce opened the door for the enemy to shout endless accusations and an overwhelming feeling of failure, loneliness, and disqualification. However, in the months following my separation, GOD revealed HIS AMAZING GRACE. One night, as I sat at the end of the bar, wondering how my life had spiraled so out of control, God gently spoke to my spirit saying, “Julie, there is no where you can run, that my grace won’t find you still.” I remember thinking, Lord, this is a bar…You’re not suppose to be in a bar. All the years I spent preaching on grace became REAL as I experienced God’s unconditional love. Since that time, my life has never been the same. Though I accepted God in my heart at the age of 6…the realization of my salvation and the evidence of GOD’S LOVE took place in a bar some 15 years later. Once you experience true GRACE…you can’t remain the same. Since that time, God blessed me with an amazing husband and three wonderful children.


(Robin) In your journey as a woman what has been the most challenging?
(Julie) Oh wow…besides dealing with ever increasing hormones at age forty (LOL) I’d have to say, my greatest challenge has been resting in the grace God revealed to me (in that bar). As a woman, I tend to compare myself with others, scrutinize my “self-proclaimed” flaws, and wonder if I really matter. I battle with questions like: What do I really have to contribute? Is God pleased with my life?...Throw all those questions into the mix of wanting to please my husband, raise Godly children, and make a difference in the world around me…and…well… you probably have the same scenario most women face…the proverbial check list of: LAUNDRY…check. Dishes…check. Carpool lines…check. Encourage others…check? Please God…check?? Walk in the freedom of being loved by an amazingly good FATHER…check??? My passion to empower and equip others, if not tempered and surrendered, can turn into a weight that God NEVER intended for me to pick up.


(Robin) What has been the most challenging aspect of being a mother and the most rewarding?
(Julie) Man…just mention my kids and you make me smile! Wow, where do I begin? I think for some, mother-hood comes more natural. For me, I grew into being a “mommy” and probably still have a long way to go. My greatest challenge as a mother is making sure I communicate the “right” messages. Challenging my children to be the best they can be without mixing the message of “having to be good enough” to be rewarded…the challenge of helping them make “right choices” without squelching the opportunities of allowing them to make the mistakes that actually lead them closer to Jesus. By God’s grace, my greatest reward has been in receiving a deeper revelation of God’s amazing and unconditional love. Amidst all the mistakes, God has showered me with hidden treasures of endless hugs and kisses…and amazed me with three beautiful children who lavish unconditional acceptance. Among all the honors I’ve received, the recognition, the accomplishments…TRULY there is no greater honor than being a wife and mother. I witness God’s unconditional love through the love I have for my children, and through the love I receive back from my children.


(Robin) I believe a mistake is only a mistake is we cannot walk away with a greater wisdom. Has there been a time in your life where struggle occurred from a poor decision and if so, how did you overcome?
(Julie) Oh boy, where do I begin…LOL. I could talk about a lot of poor choices here…like marrying our of my desperate need of wanting to be loved, a decision that resulted in divorce…or re-marrying before working through the necessary healing needed from my first marriage, a decision that caused a lot of heart-ache and frustration. But quite honestly, I think my greatest struggle and poor decisions have been made in the day to day choices I make… like a poor decision of not remembering who God says I am, those decisions cause me to cave to feelings of isolation and unworthiness. Or, when the enemy whispers, “You’re a failure. You’ll never be good enough!” and I believe him. It’s during these moments that I have to make new choices, and choose to remember WHO GOD IS and hold fast to WHAT HE HAS PROMISED. Choosing to remember WHO GOD IS AND WHAT HE HAS PROMISED is the only way to overcome Satan’s barrage of accusations.


(Robin) How do you define success?
(Julie) Success is a result of obedience. I’ve heard it said that if God calls you to be a ditch digger, you’d have to step down to become the president. In other words, success isn’t found in accomplishments, accolades, or achievements, but in the quiet recesses of our mind, it’s the inner-sanctuary of rest that we find when we are convinced that one day we will hear, “WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.”


(Robin) Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself at the age of eighteen to prepare you for life ahead?
(Julie) Whew, now there’s a thought. Aside from saying don’t be too serious, slow down, enjoy life each day, and you don’t have to earn God’s love…I’d probably quote the same message I recite at the end of every Radio Broadcast I do: “DREAM BIG…LAUGH OFTEN… REMEMBERING GOD’S GOT IT ALL UNDER CONTROL!”


(Robin) With a new year beginning, what do you hope to accomplish this year?
(Julie) This NEW YEAR Brings a lot of excitement: I will preach in a few different countries, currently, I’m hoping to raise financial support to help TEEN CHALLENGE in the UKRAINE and an orphanage in HAITI. I’ll also be travelling and speaking with an amazing group of ladies on the WOMEN INSPIRED TOUR. (You can read more about Women Inspired at: http://www.womeninspired.org/) But aside from all the ministries, my hope for this New Year is to live each day with JOY, LAUGHTER, PEACE, and LIVE each day knowing God orders my steps and I can’t miss His Plans or mess them up.


(Robin) What encouraging words would you give to someone encountering loss?
(Julie) Wow Robin, more than words I would want to just hug them around the neck, offer a shoulder to cry on, and sit quietly with them. Sometimes loss is so great that words just don’t suffice…but with every ounce of sincerity I would muster the courage to say… “I know you feel strangely alone right now, I know there are no words I can offer to make your pain disappear, but I want to encourage you with this truth…God is near. His word declares He is close to the broken-hearted and He saves those who are crushed in spirit. So, though it feels He’s abandoned you…YOU ARE NOT ALONE…and some how…some day…God will take every part of your suffering and use it for good. Jeremiah 29:11 promises us, His plans are to bless us and not harm, his plans are to give us a hope and a future.” So when you’ve done all you know to do to stand…stand firm. (Eph. 6)


(Robin) My pastor says, "If the Lord has done something for you the least you can do is say so." Dear friend, what is the Lord doing in your life?

(Julie) God has taken me on an amazing journey the past couple of years, stripping me of self-reliance and removing multiple, hidden layers of pride. It has been painful but amazingly freeing. And now, He seems to be bringing me into a wonderful season of opened doors. He’s connected me with an amazing agent at Books and Such (http://www.booksandsuch.com/) Currently, I’m in the process of pitching 4 new book proposals for 2011. He’s also aligned amazing relationships and speaking engagements with some wonderful women at WOMEN INSPIRED (http://www.womeninspired.org/) And, He’s opened doors for me to travel and minister in Kiev, UKRAINE (A city He promised I would minister in over 18 years ago…talk about waiting for fulfilled promises). This next year, I will travel and minister throughout several cities in the Ukraine, conducting several conferences. (Learn more at: http://www.juliegorman.com/) He’s blessed me with an amazing husband, Greg, who continues to steal my breath away when he holds my hand, and after 12 years of marriage…that’s not too bad! ;) I truly am blessed with wonderful friends, like you, and I am so grateful for His continued grace.

(Robin) What empowering advice would you give to someone facing adversity?
(Julie) God doesn’t waste anything. Press into Him and remind yourself daily of WHO HE IS and WHAT HE HAS PROMISED! Remember, God fulfills all of HIS PROMISES. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!


(Robin) In your legacy what do you hope to leave behind?

(Julie) My passion is to see others live their GOD GIVEN Purpose. I hope to leave a legacy, where my husband, my children, my friends, family, and all that I come in contact with, truly experience a greater revelation of WHO they are in Christ, and that in every way possible, live the design GOD intended for them. I hope my legacy encourages them to embrace the powerful truth that they are “GOD’S workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Eph. 2:10)

Julie, my friend and sister in Christ, thank you for stopping by once again. I think you should just become a regular. How about you friends? Julie you just bring such a fresh look into God's word. You make everything about Him and that is the key to being a Christian woman. When He is first in our lives everything else just fits in it's perfect place. Blessings to you on all your new adventures and continued growth on those you have brought to life as you live life as a willing vessel of the Lord. As Julie says,

remember to always DREAM BIG, LAUGH OFTEN, and REST KNOWING GOD's got it ALL CONTROL.

Friends, if Julie touched your heart. Gave you a nugget of wisdom or simply made you smile today let her know your thoughts, your questions and your prayers. Gather up a few minutes and check out the links below. I promise, you will visit again and again. Next week my guest will be Peggy Reeves! I am so excited to have her join us. Please come back and see all Peggy has to share. Blessings and love!!

 
http://hisloveextendedministries.com/
 
http://juliegorman.com/

http://hisloveextendedministries.blogspot.com/

The Ultimate Frenemy

Oh, those frenemies. You know them. They seem friendly enough, but when you turn your back, watch out. Although this might be a new word we use in our language the concept is anything but new. Women can be just downright mean and hurtful. Oh, that jealousy kicks in and it's like we have another personality. That friend that you thought would be by you forever is now facing you with anger and resentment. She isn't doing it to your face, but in lies behind your back.

In 1 Kings 3:16-28 we find the story of two women. They are prostitutes. They live in the same home. I am guessing they were at least friends at one time. Maybe they stayed up late and had long talks. Maybe they talked about the future and making a new life for themselves. Maybe they shared their pasts and secrets. Letting it all out. But then one day everything turned. Was it building over time, or did it just happen?

See, both of these women were pregnant. They were both due at the same time. Surely they must have had a bond. But as these two women gave birth one women found herself without her child alive. She was thinking her baby was dead. How could this be? They find themselves in front of King Solomon and his wisdom. As they are meeting in front of him the story is told that one friend's baby did die as she rolled over on him, but then switched her baby for the other. In turn making the women wake in horror to find she has lost the very child that is going to bring her joy.

I love how Solomon didn't address these women as prostitutes. He knows it is against the law, but  he addressed them as mothers. Solomon knew what was important. He tells them to get their stories straight. They each tell their side and Solomon gives his wisdom before them. He says to cut the child in half and give each woman accordingly. As one woman stands unconcerned the other says, "No, give him to her." Solomon in all his wisdom knew that she was the real mother. She was willing let to go of her son if he only lived and was loved. She knew it wasn't about her but him.

It doesn't tell us what happens to these women after. Maybe they parted. Maybe they chose to forgive. What would you do? I think that would kind of break the trust barrier for me. I might be able to forgive, but I am not sure I would ever allow her in my home again. We can only think positive here though. Maybe this was a fresh start for both of them. A new beginning. Sometimes we have to let go to begin anew.

It seems frenemies begin on the playground and go through high school with us and carry over into our adult lives. We like to play the blame game. We like to talk about what the other has done to us. But have we taken the time to look into the mirror? Many times our worst frenemy is our self. Yep, that pride we carry around. We have envy and strife. Jealousy can be worse than a car wreck. It can tear one person apart as it destroys another. I mean really, what made these two women go at it? Was one clueless or did they both know there was a problem?

The mirror doesn't tell the whole story. There is a bit of a lie or a cover up in the mirror. We might be able to see the scar, but we can't see the damage deep within until we open up that scar and look at the pain. We must begin to look deeper. Before we open our hearts up to friendship, make Christ our best friend. Before we begin new relationships might we pray about them. We don't need enemies in our lives to strip us of all spirit and fill us with doubt. We must surround ourselves with those very friends who lift us up and make us better people.

We never have to say good bye to a friend. We can keep those memories in our heart. We can learn from every friendship. But sometimes we must step back because that friend no longer brings out the best in us, but the very worst. We might have to step back but they can always remain a friend in our prayer life.

"When we consider the blessings of God—the gifts that add beauty and joy to our lives, that enable us to keep going through stretches of boredom and even suffering—friendship is very near the top."

Donald W. McCullough

1 Samuel 18:1–3

"After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn't let him return home. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself."

Proverbs 12:26

"The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray."

Proverbs 18:24 Proverbs 27:5-6

"There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother." 

"An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy." 

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." 

We see the friendships of Ruth and Naomi, Jonathan and Saul, and many more. God gives us perfect examples of what friendship is and is not. Before we go searching for friendships may we make sure we first are the kind of friend we ourselves would choose. Friendships are not designed to hold us back but to encourage us to soar.

THE MAP ACROSS TIME by C.S LAKIN

Are you ready for a fairy tale? Here we have the second book, "The Map Across Time", of the "Gates of Heaven Series by C.S Lakin. I must admit this is not a book I would have chosen for myself. I am not a fantasy reader, but this book came and  I read the back cover. These words hit me, "The Map Across Time, a sweeping epic of unfailing love and trust, shows how those who feel they are insignificant and unworthy have merit and serve heaven's purpose, even if that purpose is hidden." It was these very words that brought me to open the pages. For this is how I was feeling at the time of the arrival of this book. It was one of those God moments that you just sit back and say, "Wow".

Some might say this book is written for young adults more so than adults. I am not so sure I agree. Is it a fairy tale? Yes, but one adults can relate to. It is one with deep meaning. I am hoping to go back and read the first book of the series, "The Wolf of Tebron" and follow up with the third, "The Land of Darkness". I think I could have gained even more from reading the first of the series. It would have unlocked many questions.

We find ourselves in the Kingdom of Sherbourne. This land is destined for destruction by a curse. The king is filled with selfishness and pride. He really is an ugly character. He has two twin children. Aletha, the daughter of beauty and strength and his son, Adin. Adin captured my heart. I loved his character. Although Adin appears to be weak and sickly, he is nothing of the sort. Adin stays clear of mirrors. He doesnt' even want to see himself. Why? He is the prince, but he isn't one the king is proud of. Adin is trying so hard to capture his fathers love, but nothing he does seems enough. The bond between sister and brother is unbreakable. Together they find the source of this curse and the adventure begins.

There are many rich characters within this story. Reya, a woman who cares for the children protects them that all costs. She knows of secrets and they unfold throughout the story. I found myself turning pages and wanted to see just what was next. I was cheering Adin on!!

We see how just one person can make us feel so unwanted. All we want in life is to be loved and accepted. This book tells the story of our Savior who is rejected daily. Who is found unworthy of our love after He has given all so that we could have life.

We all have a purpose. Sometimes we are trying too hard to find acceptance in others and that is where we miss our own gifts and purpose in this life. This is a story you will love. It is one you will love reading to your children and passing to your young adults. Others compare it to a C.S Lewis book. I do not. I think this book can stand alone and doesn't need to be compared to another.

This book was a gift from AMG Publishers/Living Ink books for it's review. http://www.amgpublishers.com/ and will be released early 2011.


“C. S.” Lakin comes from a family of successful writers. She grew up collating television scripts for her mother, a screenwriter, story editor, and producer for television. As an adult, Susanne assisted in developing series for television, and while raising two daughters and running a bed and breakfast inn in northern California, wrote her first three novels and a cookbook. In 2009, Susanne’s contemporary novel, Someone to Blame won the Zondervan First Novel contest at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. The novel will be published by Zondervan in August of 2010. She and her husband, Lee Miller, continue to live in California, where she currently works as a freelance copy editor and writing mentor.

THE TROUBLE WITH BRIDES 3in1 by DEEANNE GIST

The The Trouble With Brides is three novels in one volume. I happen to love books that come packaged into one. As soon as I am finished with story I don't have to wait. I can just jump right into the next story. That is exactly what I did here. The first book, A Bride Most Begrudging, was the opener and did it begin with a bang. We meet Lady Constance as she is boarding a ship to try to save her uncle. An uncle that means the world to her. Soon, Constance finds herself in deep trouble. She is now being held captive as a prisoner. Not as a slave, but as a bride for sale. Yes, you heard me, a bride for sale. Wonder why she is so begrudging? I think I would be too. She and her father do not have a pleasant relationship to say the least. He is not at all happy she is a woman of study. He already has her married off. But she is unstoppable. She is bought by Drew O'Connor. As Lady Constance is from England, her home now will much different. She no longer will be treated as a Lady, but as Constance. This is a change for her. The wilderness is not ready for Lady Constance, but she is a fighter and soon finds her way. Drew and Constance marry, but for the sake of her safety in the colonies. There is so much to this story. There is true history and the characters just draw you in as though you are right there staring at the Indians with them. This is a story you will love. It was pure romance. A romance of every girl's heart. The second book, Courting Trouble, takes place in Texas. We meet strong willed, Essie Spreckelmeyer, who is ready and willing to find herself a husband. She is tired of waiting upon the men to come courting, so she finds herself seeking someone to fill her heart. All she wants is to be loved. She wants to be accepted. Why is it so hard for her to find a husband? This story leads us to fall in love with Essie's family. They certainly want what is best for her. It takes her a while to figure out, but the ending is worth waiting for. I love who she chooses. She chooses one who will never nor forsake her. She finds her true love and He was worth waiting for. The third and final story, Deep in the Heart of Trouble, takes us into New York, four years later and leads us with more of Essie.  Miss Essie's father is an oil man and has a hired hand, Tony Morgan. He isn't looking for love and Essie sure is not the girl he would be seeking. She is such a strong girl, it is going to take one special man to connect with her, but that is exactly what happens. This is a love story that holds romance. We see Essie blossom even more. I found this story to be funny in parts watching these two come together. Don't you love watching love happen? I love how before Essie finds the man of her dreams, she first makes her Lord, the One in which she lives for. These three stories were long reads. What do I mean? I enjoyed them so much I simply took my time. Gist brings such great history into each one and makes the characters just pop out of the pages before us. This is a series you will enjoy if you love historical romance with a little bit of intrigue.

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

Deeanne Gist has a background in education and journalism. Her credits include People, Parents, Parenting, Family Fun, and the Houston Chronicle and she has a degree from Texas A&M. Dee is the author of five previous bestselling novels including A Bride in the Bargain and she lives in Houston, Texas. Visit Deeanne's Web site at www.deeannegist.com

Why can't I pay attention the first time?

As a parent I cannot tell you how many times I have said to my kids, "Please pay attention." As a home school mom, my kids probably heard it more than anything else. We can be teaching our kids and say, "Please listen to me." All we want is there full attention. Why? Because we love them. Sure, we want to teach them. We want lead them down the right path. We don't want to see them make the same mistakes as we have. But all those things come down to love. If we didn't love our kids we wouldn't keep repeating ourselves.

As I was reading tonight I came across Proverbs 4:20-27. I must say, I read through this once, and started to read on, but I stopped. As I looked again, I placed my name before each passage. I could clearly hear the Lord's voice simply saying, "Listen." I read over a few times and handed my bible to my son. I asked him to read and he gained different things from the passage than I. But isn't that what is amazing about God? He knows exactly what each of us need to hear. We just have to be willing to stop and listen.

"My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let the penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil."

All He wants is our attention. He wants us to not just hear and let it move on out like the wind, but really focus on His word. What comes out of our mouths is what lies in our heart. Those actions that we think no one sees? Those too are deep within our heart. He is asking us to make room for His word and allow it to saturate our heart. Without our heart we could not live. It is the essence of life. Just as His word is. His word brings life. His word is life. His word should be the heartbeat of our life.

He wants us to get it the first time. He wants us to take our time with Him and really listen. We can focus on our attention on everything we want. Put in pretty purse in my vision and I am fixed there. Put on a football game and we are glued until the last quarter. It's like the flutter of a hummingbird. We never really know they are there until all is quiet and we hear the beating of their wings. We focus in on the sound and then we see the beauty before us.

What happens as we enter that last quarter of life and we stand before Him wishing we would have listened? What happens when we have no other second chance to hear His word penetrate our heart? Will we see all those blessings we missed? Will we watch as those missed opportunities  flash before us? All we have to do is listen. Doesn't He deserve our attention? All we have to do is back up, take a second look and we will hear His sweet whisper before us. He wants to spend time with us. Do you hear Him? As we ask our children to listen to our every word, might we remember to listen to the words our Father.

Don't leave us here at the Sea

Ever find yourself crying out to God saying, "Don't leave me here"? Oh, in faith we follow Him, but then something tragic happens and we are ready to hang our faith up. We are ready to throw in the towel when the going gets tough. We are on our knees in prayer wondering why He hasn't moved yet. Oh, this world can just about take everything out of us. We try and try. The more we try the more steps we take backwards. It just seems like we have left. But have we really? Would God leave us?

In Exodus 14:1-31 we see the Israelites running from the Egyptians. Sure, the Pharaoh said they were free, but just about as soon as they were about to celebrate here come the Egyptians on their trail once again. Sound like your life? When one thing breaks it seems like everything goes at once. Just when we think we have seen the last of trial, there it is attacking once more, trying to take us under.

So, here are the Israelites. They are facing the Red Sea and the desert behind them where the Egyptians are coming in for attack. What choice to do they have? They are thinking they just should have stayed where they were. Ever feel that way? You wonder why God brought you this far and now what do you do? Remember, He is going to use every obstacle to bring glory and honor to God.  Sure, they can lash out at Moses and blame it all on him. Isn't that what we like to do? Place the blame somewhere. It doesn't matter where we place the blame as long someone accountable for our trial. Usually, we take it out on the very one standing along with us. We take it out on those we love. Why? Because we take them for granted. We know they aren't going to leave us. At least we hope not. That's where we find ourselves with the Lord. Will He leave us? We sure hope not.

My friends, God is not going to leave you. He is going to make a way. He is going to provide the ram in the thicket. Listen to this powerful verse. "And Moses said to the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.'" (verses 13-14)  Isn't that powerful? We don't have to fear. We don't have to stand teary eyed. God is with us. We might find ourselves between the desert and the sea, but He is going to make a way for us. He isn't leaving us to fight for ourselves. He will fight as long we have faith and trust Him.

We will be attacked by Pharaoh's, horsemen and chariots our whole life. This world throws everything at those who follow the Lord trying to sway our faith. We must stand strong and make Him the foundation of our faith.

My husband is having a hard time today. He is about to give up. He has those days where his faith brings him through and then those where the chariots are right behind him ready for battle. Don't we all have those days? Friends, we get lost in the unknown, but nothing is unknown to God. He knows our battle. When you find yourself between a rock and a hard place, choose the Rock to cling to. Don't give in and let the wind and waves carry you away. Allow the Lord to lift you up. Trusting in Him will not only help us through today, but give us what we need for tomorrow. It is that very trust that brings such amazing faith.

I am seeing God move in ways despite our trials. What if I decided to just focus on the trials? I would miss tremendous blessings. God doesn't want us focused on anything but Him. Don't allow your fears to make you turn and watch the enemy approach. Just focus on God and watch Him carry you across to safety.

Just in case you change your mind

Have you ever found yourself afraid of what's up ahead? In fear we just stop. We are afraid to move forward and we sure don't want to go back. The Israelites felt this way as they were in the desert on their sojourn to freedom.

Exodus 13: 17-21 shows us much about God's love for His children. He doesn't just show us the way and leave us on our own to get there. He leads and surrounds us with His presence. See, the Israelites were leaving Egypt. The Pharaoh has released them (or so they thought). They were on their way to the land of milk and honey, but the journey there was a hard one. The road that was most traveled might have lead them straight into battle. The Egyptians could recapture them at any point and make them stand for battle in their own defenses. The Israelites would have been put in positions for war without any preparation. Surely, this would have led to their demise.

But God had a better way. He took them along a different route. Although they thought this journey long and hard, God was protecting them. They didn't understand just much harder it could have been. So, in faith, they follow.

I love verses 21-22 "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of ire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people." He was making a way a for them.

Even though they had believed, turned away, believed, and turned away, God was still in their lives. He wasn't going anywhere. He was ever present even when they doubted. They struggled in their faith, but He never wavered wanting what was best for His children. He blessed and He chastised in love. Through their willingness to follow, He continued to bless. He is the Light of our lives. He is that strong presence we feel in our walk when we are confused or the road ahead just becomes too much. It is His hand that we feel as we make it up the hill and His hand that we feel so we don't go tumbling down too fast.

So, why the pillars? If He was the cloud to lead in day and the fire to lead at night, they were concentrating upon Him, not their fears. When they kept their eyes focused on Him there was nothing that could take their attention away. Is it really that simple? Can our lives really be that easy? Could that be why sun rises and sunsets are so breathtaking? Is it a reminder that God is near?  He will set our path to begin the day and light the night to wash away our fears.

I'm not saying we won't have bumps in the road and road blocks along our journey, but if we simply stay focused on Him there is nothing that can detour us from following our Savior home. He makes the journey safe when we are following His every command. He gives light to each step if we are willing to be obedient.

Before we set off for our journey, might we seek His map. Before we pack for the road, might we make sure we are prepared. By prepared I mean prayed up, armor on, battle ready and eyes focused on the mission ahead. He knows the destination He set before us. He has control of the GPS if we will only listen and not shut it off.  

Praise God it's a new year!

Wow, 2010 has been a year I don't think I will ever forget. For some, this day means nothing. It's just another day. For me, this day is a time for me to reflect. This has been a hard year. It is one that has tested my faith and made me feel as though I am barely hanging on. But as I reflect, I am not going to be reflecting on all those trials and situations that have caused me to tremble in fear. I am not going to allow my circumstances to define my year. It is a year where I am praising God. I am praising Him for never leaving me. Never letting me stay down when I fall. I have watched Him draw me closer to Him  more this past year than in any other in my life. This has been a teaching year for me. It is the year that has defined my faith. What do I mean? Either the Lord is enough or He isn't. When I say He is enough He has to be. This is the year I have learned that He is enough and He is all I need.

We have lost a lot. We have feared losing everything. When your husband has not worked for two years lets just say it takes a toll on every facet of your life. That's why I say this year has been a test. I have watched the Lord move in my husband. Let me tell you a bit about him.  He is quiet. This year has been humbling for my husband. I have watched him grow and reach to the Lord like never before. I have seen him trust God when everything is breaking. My husband is so thankful. I am blessed to have a front seat in watching him become the man God has called him to be. I watch him reach out to others and give a helping hand. It's funny really. It seems the poorer we are the more we cherish.

Life is not about what we have. It's about who we have. When we have Jesus Christ in our life everything has purpose and meaning. Now, things in our life can get much worse before it ever gets better. By the world's standards we would be fools depending on the Lord. By God's standards I pray He sees us as obedient and faithful. Life's meaning is grounded in Christ Jesus. It's your family surrounding you. It is your friends who bless you. It is finding joy in everything. It is looking around that bend you can't see and trusting God is around the corner. It is letting go of all that is unimportant and embracing all that is. We must search our heart to find out just what means the most.

I am closing this year with a new faith. I am letting go of yesterday and inviting tomorrow as a challenge. It is a new journey and I want to see each day for what it is. A gift. I want to live in such a way that my life brings glory to my Savior.

I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. Sure, we all seem to make them, but none really keep them. I say, give this new year to the Lord and trust Him with each day. Allow Him to plan your future and prayerfully seek Him for His perfect will for your life. Follow through with what He has called us to and praise Him for those easy times and those times that bring us to our knees. After all, isn't it those very times that He shows Himself even more? What are thankful for my friends? I would love to hear what you are praising Him for.

Happy New Year my friends!!

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."