HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by TODD BURPO with LYNN VINCENT

Okay, I didn't like this book. I know what your thinking, "But why didn't you like it? I loved it." I think people will either love it or not. One thing I can walk away with from reading this book is a deeper thirst for heaven. I want to dive in more and read God's Word. I want to be so saturated in God's Word that I find myself washed in His goodness until I meet Him on the other side of heaven.

Now, this is the story of a little boy who went under for surgery and a few weeks later begins sharing what he saw while visiting in heaven. Part of me thinks this is one sweet story and I want to believe, but the other part is really skeptical. Lynn Vincent is an AWESOME writer. Yes, I said, AWESOME! She blew me away with, SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT.

Mr. Burpo is a pastor who has a deep faith. I guess I just wanted to hear more about this little boy and his thoughts today. Does he still remember? Praise God for this little boy and his precious life. No doubt, the Lord gave this family a miracle by healing their young son. We can gain great insight on faith and trusting God when we are faced with the unknown. But seeing wings on people? Some things just didn't line up to what I know to be biblically true. I just have more questions than answers. Maybe that is the whole point. To walk away with a deeper yearning, a wider passion for God's Word. This isn't my home. So, maybe I am to set my sights on heaven and dream of all it is to be.

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

ABUNDANT LIFE DAY BOOK (365 Blessings To Begin Your Day) by NANCY GUTHRIE

What a beautiful devotional! I love the design. The colors stand out so brightly. It is the perfect size to keep by your bedside. What do I love about it? Well, it is just as your being drenched in God's goodness. As you read the words for each day you find God's goodness and grace. Each page leads you in scripture and then a paragraph or so of words that encourage and uplift, just as if they were coming from God, pouring over your heart.

Read as you begin your day or as you end your busy day in a quiet moment with Christ. This little book is small enough to place at your desk at work each day or in your backpack for a few moments away to catch a glimpse of God's purpose.  At the end of the page is a prayer. It all comes together so sweetly.

I am a fan of devotionals and this one is at the top of my list. This would make a great gift or just a sweet addition to your own collection of reads as you walk in faith each day.

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

Nancy Guthrie speaks at conferences around the country and internationally, and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Covenant Theological Seminary. She and her husband, David, are the co-hosts of the GriefShare video series used in over 8,500 churches around the world and host Respite Retreats for couples who have faced the death of a child. She is the author of numerous books including Holding on to Hope, Hearing Jesus Speak Into Your Sorrow and The One Year Book of Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament.

THE SWEET BY AND BY by SARA EVANS with RACHEL HAUCK

Grab yourself a cup of coffee and get cozy. You will be in for a long night of reading and you won't need the coffee to keep you awake. This novel will take you on a journey through the life of Jade Fitzgerald. A young woman trying to move forward, but forever stuck in yesterday. She has many regrets caused by poor choices. Many pains brought to her from simply coming from a broken family. Many memories that haunt her.

We journey from her past to her present. I have read books that take us from yesterday to present time and have had a struggle keeping up, but this one just seems to flow. From reading of today and then taking a glimpse back in time, we get to see the full view of Jade and her many mysteries to be uncovered.

Who knew, Sara Evans, could write? Rachel Hauck is at the top of my favorites list. Now, both of these ladies together bring a story of redemption and grace. I had purchased, Softly and Tenderly, the second book in the Songbird Series at the ACFW conference this year. I began reading and realized it was part of a series. I quickly got on line and ordered, The Sweet By and By. I waited patiently for it to arrive and was not disappointed at all. I encourage you to read them in order. The Sweet By and By is the backbone of the series.

This story takes us into the heart of Whisper Hollow, Tennessee. Here is something I love. Jade is almost hollow inside. She has carried such pain for so long and all she needs is to hear the whisper of God. Faith was always near Jade. It flowed from her grandmother's heart. But Jade felt she wasn't good enough for God. She thought she had made too many mistakes in life. Who of us hasn't been there? I know I have, but that is where the sweet grace of Christ comes in.

This is a journey of not just one woman, but many characters that jug at your heart as we watch them move through each trial of life. On some level you will fall in love with each of these broken people. This story opens with Jade inviting her mother to her wedding. A choice she isn't sure of, but one that will change her life. It's awesome to see how each choice Jade makes brings her closer to a God she didn't think loved her at all.

To say I loved this book simply isn't enough. It is one that you read and pass on to your friends. It's just that good.

This book is published by Thomas Nelson.


Rachel Hauck

RITA-finalist Rachel Hauck lives in Florida with her husband, Tony. She is the author of Dining with Joy; Sweet Caroline; Love Starts with Elle; and The Sweet By and By, co-authored with Sara Evans. Visit RachelHauck.com and SouthernBelleView.com. Twitter @RachelHauck, facebook.com/RachelHauckAuthor?ref=ts

Sara Evans

Multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans has been honored with numerous accolades, among them the 2006 Academy of Country Music’s Female Vocalist of the Year and the Country Music Association’s Video of the Year for “Born to Fly." Evans has been named one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People" and won the hearts of television viewer's as the first-ever country star to compete in ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Sara is a Cabinet Member of The American Red Cross. Twitter @saraevans music, facebook.com/home.php#!/saraevans

               Book 2                                                                                                          Book 3

    

I want to simply surrender

Life has it's own rhythm. It's own rhyme. We want to live, but do we really? Do we really make the best out of each and every day? Life is a gift. One moment there is breath and the next there is no air moving. We take for granted even the simplest things around us. Why? Because we just assume we will wake tomorrow and make another go of it.

I want to surrender my whole life to Christ. I want to give Him everything. I want Him to be everything in my life. So, what is wrong? Why don't I feel His presence surrounding me every moment? My selfishness pushes Him aside so I can make my own rules and way of life. We see life as our own, but it isn't. Every waking hour we have belongs to Christ. Do we really get that?

Do we really understand that this isn't our home? We are visitors here. Homeward bound. But instead of acting like a visitor I seem to make my bed in today, skipping past moments I need to slow down for and totally soaking in some that never need to touch my life.

Christ didn't call me to be comfortable. He called me to serve. To live for Him. I should be willing to give all for Him. To love all for Him. But I don't. There are people who I just don't understand. Pride comes into the picture. Anger resonates through my bones. I ask why with no answer. Not even a clue to what the next day will hold. What will I have to endure?

It seems we spend so much time wondering about tomorrow that we miss out on today. We say words that echo ugliness. We miss the beat when it comes to hospitality. We become busy when one needs our attention and we find ourselves saying, "Wait just a minute." What if God told us, "Wait just a minute my child. I'm busy with something right now"? But He never does. He is always present. We just have to make ourselves present for Him. He gave ALL. Do we fully grasp that? Do we really understand what He did for us?

If we did wouldn't we live differently? Why do we look at grace and simply take it as, "It's free. It's mine. Whatever is fine." We cannot look to our Father and ask forgiveness one day and wallow in that sin over and over again only to go to Him again pleading. Those I'm sorry's don't seem to carry much weight. Are we really sorry if we continue in sin? Sin that we invite into our lives. The second time we make a mistake it is no longer a mistake, but a choice. What kind of choices are you making? I know my choices are not always right. I think I look to myself more so for my choices than looking to God for His will.

What am I willing to give up for God? I should live each day with my hands open wide trusting in Him. But I don't. I try to hang on to everything. I want to hold it in my hands tight so that no one takes it away. Time passes by us and we don't even see it happening until it's gone.

Just as the winds blow and the rivers flow my life should be moving with the Lord. In tune to His every Word. As love enters our life we should be willing to love not with the kind of love this world gives, but godly love. The love Christ has shown us. When I look outside my window and see His creation I feel so very small. But even in my smallness there are great and mighty things possible with Christ living in me.

Give God your time today. Give Him your heart. Allow His breathe to touch you and fill you with a sweetness you never imagined possible. Don't look for that next minute to happen. Live in this moment you have right now.

What card are you playing?

Which card are you tossing out there today? The blame card? How about the pity card? The I just can't do it card? We all have them. We grab for them each morning. We might be crabby before our feet hit the floor. Maybe sadness effects us more than our anger. Get in that car and take off down the road and it's not long before the road rage is spilling over. Could it be we just don't want to face the day at all? We take our anger out on those around us and say, "Oh, sorry, just in a bad mood today. You know how it is. Life just gets to you."

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

We have our aches and pains. Believe me. I feel about 89 today. Money seems to be an issue with every family. We tire of the daily grind that seems to play out in our head before the alarm clock goes off. We must face that girl at work that gives us such a hard time. That friend that you love so much is now slipping and your in fear of what to do. Your kids are at school and each day something new happens that adds to your worry list. The kids have homework until midnight, the chores are still calling your name and the dog has to go out. Your feet are killing you. Your heart is aching because you miss your husband that walked out the door. The doctor called and the results of your tests are in. We face life issues every day. So, what are we going to do about them?

"fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

We can turn on the television and see the happenings of the world. It doesn't look too good, does it? The news stations share with us what they want us to know and it seems that the race issue is one the media keeps playing to disturb us and bring anger among the people of this nation. Even though the world is a mess, why do we worry? We either have a God in control or not. I choose to believe He is. Even when I cannot understand everything. I choose Him.

"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Wherever we look we see the evils of this world taking over. Mothers and Mother in Laws do not speak. Daughters face off with their mothers and sons bring their fathers to shame. Drinking has become the answer for some. Drugs for others. We just seem to want to find a way out instead of facing the issues of today. We claim this generation wants everything easy, but what about us? Can we really look to the youth of this nation and stand as examples?

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Where is our positive outlook? Where is that faith we claim to stand in? If you listen in to a conversation all you hear is how bad things are. Well, things are bad, but haven't they always been since the beginning of time outside of the garden? Sin is prevalent in our world and in our lives. Sin doesn't just invade the lives of others. It is right in your heart and mine. We tend to overlook our own sins, but point out sins of those around us. Whatever yesterday brought, today is a new day.

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

We not only live in a me society, but a society that passes the buck. We have a president showing how easy it is done. We want to play the blame card. Really? Is it that hard to see our own mistakes? Life is unfair. It is never perfect, but why give up so easily? People hide their pain. Fear is in their eyes and anger in their hearts. It would be so easy to pull the cover up over your head and wait for a good day.

"It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

We turn from people in our life so easy today. Why not take the time to work things out? Isn't love worth it? Is it really that much easier to carry anger in our heart? We are an angry people, aren't we? We want everything to be our way. When it isn't we claim how unfair life is. Haven't we played that card long enough? We can feel so alone. No one understands and it seems no one really cares.

"The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:9

We can throw that pity card out on the table. The only thing is, no one wants to play that game. It's more like playing a game of Solitaire alone. Why me? Well, why not ask, "Why not me?" Is it so much better when it happens to another? Good. As long as it doesn't happen to me I'm fine.

"Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22

Instead of bailing out and throwing your cards down, why not stay in for another hand? Shuffle the deck and see what you get. God just might have a surprise for you if you give Him enough time with your hand. He knows the deck. It is only stacked against us when we give up. When we allow Satan to have room in our lives and look at everything as though the cup is only half full. It's all about our attitude.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29

The Lord knows what cards are in your hand today. Satan is pretty good at knowing our tells, too. He knows when we are bluffing and when we are standing firm. There is no reason to fold. It's not the cards we are dealt, it's what we do with them that counts. If you get a hand today that you just don't know what to do with, sit on it for a minute. There is no hurry in deciding. Make a decision based on what the Lord is giving you and showing you.

"do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-8

When our kids were small they loved playing games. Our oldest son hated losing. He would throw the cards and lose his temper. As long as he was winning, he was having a great time. We tend to play that happiness card, don't we? If God loves us, well we are going to be happy. We are going to be dealt a great hand and win out every time. We can play the game with grace and honor.

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

Happiness isn't what life is about. Happiness is a feeling. One that changes with each circumstance. Put a Starbucks coffee in my hand right now and I am going to be one happy girl. Put trash in my new purse, I might get a little mad. Joy is real. Joy is lasting. No matter what we face we can still have joy in our heart. Why? It is placed there by the Lord. He knows this world gets to us. Something would be wrong with us if it didn't. We aren't part of this world. This is not our home. We are to look to Him for our wisdom in how to play the cards in our hand.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." Psalm 32:8

We want that ace in the hole card for everything in life. We have something so much better. Why not play the King card? My husband and have played Rummy for years. When we first began playing I would win every single game. It took him a while to figure out my hand, but once he did, he caught on fast. I would hold on to my big cards. You know, those cards that would beat out every other card. Sure I always had a few aces in my hand, but I would toss them before I would my King.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

When faced with a tough hand you just gotta hold on strong and have faith. Not in the cards or in the one holding them, but in the One who gives them out. There is a reason for each hand. Sometimes it teaches us and makes us better for the next. Sometimes it is there to show us we are playing the game wrong and need to take a few more lessons on graceful playing. Sometimes He is just reminding us to enjoy the game and not take life so seriously. See, whatever the card, whatever the hand, we must remember God doesn't just shuffle our cards at random.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

See, this world is watching at how we play and how well we play with others. The eye of the world in upon us. We can show that with each card we are dealt we will play with faith. We need to show that love is greater than any worldly item we might win out in a card game. After all, it isn't what's in our hand, but what is in our heart.

Teens and Their Supernatural Pursuits Guest Post Written by Author Melody Carlson

Have you even wondered why some teens are drawn toward things like Ouija boards or psychics? Or why séances are still popular at sleepovers? Does it just have to do with Halloween and that spine-chilling need for a good scare? Or could it be something more? And, as a Christian, should you be concerned?

Those questions, as well as some confused reader letters, prompted me to tackle the “supernatural” in one of my teen novels (Moon White, TrueColors, Nav Press). And whenever I write an issues-based novel, I’m forced to research—and often in some dark places. So I began scouring websites, learning more about Wicca and the occult, trying to grasp what was really going on with today’s teens—and how I could write about it in a helpful and relevant way.

But, as usual, when I write a teen book, I go back to my own adolescence...trying to connect with my inner teen...and I suddenly remembered a short era when a friend and I got very interested in witchcraft. I had honestly forgotten about this time and was fascinated to recall how we scoured some witchcraft stores on a local campus—I think we even purchased a few things. Fortunately, this interest was short-lived and I became a Christian not long afterward.

However, as I reconnected with my inner teen, I had to ask myself—why had I looked into witchcraft back then? Why do teens dabble with it now? Suddenly the answer became crystal clear. I was searching. I’d been calling myself an atheist for several years by then, but I was spiritually hungry—starving in fact. Consequently I was looking for spiritual answers—something that would fill that empty void within me. I wanted a supernatural force in my life and I didn’t even care where it came from. I needed something bigger than me, more powerful than me, something to hold onto. I had no idea at the time that I was really searching for God.

This realization changed the way I viewed my research. Instead of feeling disgusted and dismayed by the witchcraft/Wicca sites (which are not particularly enjoyable) I began to recognize that these people (mostly girls) were simply searching too. They wanted a power source in their lives just like I wanted one in mine. They just hadn’t found God yet.

This led to another discovery. A girl who’s attracted to a religion like Wicca is usually seeking to gain some control over her life. Something is wrong and she wants to change it. To do so, she’s often enticed to purchase something—like “magical herbs”—to create a potion that will give her some control over her situation. Unfortunately, she doesn’t even realize she’s being tricked.

But think about it, wouldn’t you love to have control over a bad situation sometimes? Wouldn’t you love to be able to change the circumstances that make your life unpleasant? So what if someone offered you the “power” to do just that? Perhaps if you’re fifteen, you wouldn’t see that person as a charlatan and you would fall for it.

Which brings me to another important factor in understanding this generation’s attraction to the supernatural. Follow the money. The more I researched, the more it became painfully obvious that Wicca and witchcraft and the occult are money-making enterprises. Thanks to the internet, these savvy distributors sell anything imaginable—and many things you can’t. That leads to some serious motivation—these marketers want to hook their unsuspecting young customers and reel them in. Of course, these potions and trinkets and how-to books don’t come with a money back guaranty. Nor are they approved by the FDA. Yet they are a multi-million dollar industry.

So, in a way, it’s a perfect storm. Teens that are insecure, lost, unhappy, and searching...meet up with an unregulated industry that offers supernatural answers and power and control...for a price. And, oh yeah, I never even mentioned how this opens a door for Satan to slip in and wreak havoc. For that...you’ll have to read the book.

Guest Post Written by Melody Carlson

Why doesn't she like me?

From the time we are little girls all we want to do is fit in. We want everyone to like us. We want to be friends with all the little girls around us. Have you ever walked into a room and you smile at everyone there, but there is one who turns from you and you end up thinking, "Why doesn't Peggy like me?" We can do everything in our power to try to get someone to like us. We can go above and beyond. We go out of our way to be pleasant, but there are still those people who are not going to like us. See, instead of focusing on all those who did speak to us, we concentrate on those who didn't.

It hurts, doesn't it? When you know you have been nice and reached out, but they don't reach back, it is downright painful. Last night a woman gave me a hug and it was as all I could do not to say, "You don't have to do that." Why? I know she doesn't like me. I have been on the end of her gossip many times and it hurts. Sometimes I just want to ask, "What did I do?" For me, I know what I did. I was part of gossip that touched her ears and she made a choice to believe it, instead of seeking the truth.

We waste such time wondering, "Why doesn't she like me?" Sometimes we know that person doesn't like us, but other times we just assume and that is a line we don't want to cross. Many times, that very person we think doesn't like us, in fact does and they are wondering the same thing about us. Too often than not we have communication gaps with others. We think if they don't make the effort to reach out to us they don't like us. Well, what did we do to reach out to them? We must get to that point in life that it's okay if everyone doesn't like us. We are not going to be best friends with everyone. There are going to be people who drive us crazy. Some we will just not like at all. It doesn't mean we don't have to love them. It just means we don't have to concern ourselves trying to find reasoning why everyone doesn't like us.

Sometimes we try to reach out and there is no love in return. Friends, we gotta get to that place in life where we are content with who we are and we find ourselves complete in Christ. We just love with all our heart whether love is returned or not. It's not an easy thing to do, but we can walk away knowing we did everything we could to make a difference.

We gotta wake up and love those people who are surrounding us. We must walk with joy in our heart and have an attitude that reflects the love of Christ. Be encouraged by those who want to be around you. Be inspired by those who share their life with you. Don't waste your time worrying about who does and doesn't like you. When we waste our time on those thoughts we are giving room for Satan to invade our thoughts. We need to be more concerned with our relationship with Christ. If we are truly seeking Him, He is all we need. He will fill us completely. We won't be searching for others to fill our needs. Christ is after all the greatest friend we will ever have. No one can take His place.

We have parties and invite everyone we know and when only a few show up we wonder, "Why didn't Angela come? Is she mad at me?" We serve in areas at our local churches or in our schools and want others to join us in serving and growing as women. Ladies, we can't be concerned with who isn't there, but lets concern ourselves with who is. For those who choose not to attend a party or a gathering we have, lets not sit back in wonder, but just send them a little note saying, "Missed you and hope your having a wonderful day."

Sometimes others really do have other plans. Sometimes what we are doing really isn't an interest to others. It doesn't mean they don't like us. It just means they want to do something else with their time. We gotta remember we are all in different places in our lives. We are all different people. We put so much thought into areas we just need to let go of and give to the Lord. You know what I mean? Just because we are so excited about an event, doesn't mean the Lord has called others to attend. Love those who are there and be present and whole.

Friendship is something beautiful that we all long for. If we are blessed with one good friend then we are blessed in deed. We just need to be that kind of friend we want to have in our own life. We need to remember to give grace. We expect so much from others and they just simply aren't able to give us all we need. People are going to let us down. Not on purpose, but because we are imperfect. We cannot meet every need of every person. When we are content within our own life we aren't searching for others to fill it. Our emptiness can be made whole only by Christ Jesus.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:12-15

"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Proverbs 13:20

"Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." Colossians 3:12-14

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."  Proverbs 27:17

Instead of us worrying about who likes us lets just be likable people. Our circle of friends will forever change. God brings new friends into our lives as we grow. Friends will come and go, just as the seasons change. We just need to be true to ourselves and allow the Lord to shine through us. We must remember, we are not going to have everything in common with all people, but for those we do, we can find joy and make time for them. It's those friends around us that we can settle in with for a great cup of coffee and a chat that will bless our socks off.

We need to be more concerned with our vertical relationship (with Christ) more so than our horizontal relationships (with the world). When we are good with Him, then we are centered and everything has it's perfect balance.


Lord, thank You for those special people, friends, that You have placed in my life to encourage me and lift me up through love and laughter. Help me to be the kind of friend that I want in my own life. May I be accountable for my actions when I am not friendly to others. Open my eyes to new friends and help me to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people. Forgive me for when I take those special people in my life for granted. For each person that passes me along my journey, may I be able to take a nugget of blessings away to cherish forever.

Gossip is such an ugly fruit

How many times this week have you heard gossip? Maybe you have been part of it or maybe you have been the one who was the recipient of this wonderful gift. What do we really think about gossip? Ask a Baptist girl and she may say, "Well now, it's not really gossip. We just call'em prayer requests. We just like to know what we are praying for." Now, I'm not picking on anyone, I am one of those Baptist girls too. If we say we never gossip, well, we are lying through our teeth.

We do it so much our children pick up the habit and then we find ourselves telling them, "Now, that isn't nice to say. You shouldn't speak about someone if they aren't in the room." But, when your child recites back, "Well gosh mom, you do it all the time", that might be a cue there is a problem.

Do we really think if we are with a friend and they begin gossiping about someone, they really aren't going to gossip about us? You know and the sad thing is, we don't do it to be mean. We just seem to think we need to know what's going on in the lives of everyone around us. Gossip doesn't belong in the word, "Friendship". It doesn't belong anywhere.

Gossip isn't as tasty as we think it is. But in fact, it's downright bitter. It leaves a nasty taste in your mouth and a foul oder in the air. Those little morsels aren't so tasty when you find that they are about you. Do we really ever think about our words and what they do to others? The words we spread to another, they then spread and it doesn't just stop there. Those ugly words get twisted and until finally the person who the words were spoken about hear them for the first time. Do we really think they smile about them? Does it bring them joy? Do we treat it like it's a great gift? No, if it was a gift we would go straight to that person and say it with a smile. But we don't. We wait until no one is looking and we are careful to whisper so others don't hear, unless of course we are in a group, sitting around a camp fire, speaking of people who are not even present!

Our fruit should reflect the Lord and His Spirit of love. Our fruit should be spread with kindness and compassion, bringing joy to every recipient. Gossip fruit is that fruit you see on the ground rotting away. You start to pick it up because it appears to look good, until you have it in your hand and see the rotten side and all the worms crawling out into our hand.

Our words carry power. Words can bring people to Christ or they can turn them away from Christ all together. Why would someone want to be part of a church that gossips right there in the pew? Why would you want to be in a circle of friends if you know as soon as you walk out of the room your name is going to be whispered? There is nothing sweet about gossip. There is nothing fragrant in those words spoken of another.

If we wouldn't want to speak those words in front of the one we are speaking of then we shouldn't be speaking them at all. Not that our lives are any one's business, but if it were, or if we were really concerned, why not just go to that person in love and ask? Why go to another who knows nothing of the truth?

When we waste our precious time in gossip, those are minutes we could be speaking the gospel. We could be sharing a testimony. We could be asking a friend, "How are you doing?" Do we really want gossip to be part of our legacy? Is that what we want to leave behind? No one likes a gossip, but we all want to be part of it. We all want to know what's really going on. Goodness, what is wrong with us? Seriously.

I have had so many things said about me. It use to break my heart. I use to wonder, "How can they do that? They don't even have a clue of the truth." But then I realized, why should I waste my time worrying about what others think? Why am I so concerned with who likes me and who doesn't? There are people who walk right past me and never say a single word to me, but wait until my back is turned. Why be two-faced? If you have something to say, say it. If not, keep it to yourself and don't repeat things you don't know. Why do we do this to each other? Life is hard enough. Why not lift one another up in love. May we be willing to give the same love to those around us that we want to receive.

What would be nice is if we really lived a Christian attitude and loved those around us. It would be nice if we treated others as we want to be treated. We should think of the example we give to our children and the legacy we leave behind. We find gossip in every family and in all circles of life. It doesn't have to be there. It's there because we allow it.

Today can be that day we walk away from the gossip circle. We can not only make a change in our life, but in the life of another by simply saying, "Hey, lets not talk about Marcie." It takes two people to gossip. Two, my friends. We should stand in our Christian faith and stop looking into the lives of others and focus on our relationship with Christ.

There are many things we could be spreading instead of rotten fruit, like love, joy and peace. Throw that rotten bite away and don't pass it on to another. Instead, pick up some laughter and toss it around. Grab for some joy and spread it with a smile. Share the hope of Christ and all He is doing in your life. If we can't find good things to talk about, well then, we might just need to quiet ourselves for a while until we do.

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"  Galatians 5:22-23

“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man [or woman] who talks too much” Proverbs 20:19

“A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret” Proverbs 11:12-13



“A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends” Proverbs 16:28

“A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts” Proverbs 18:7-8

"Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

Lord, thank You for the gift of today. May we use today to spread Your love and joy to others. Help us be good stewards of every gift you give us. Give us strength to overcome our struggles of gossip. Turn our evil words into speech that is edifying to You. May we bring glory and honor to You through not only our words, but our actions as well. Help us to be women of virtue and stand in honor and not only have respect for those around us, but for ourselves. May we not waste our time today spreading gossip, nor listening to gossip, but stopping it in it's tracks and putting an end to the rotten trail of deceit. May our words be fragrant and pure. Holding truth in our heart as we focus on You and Your will for us today.

fifty-five cents

A few days ago I took my mom for an emergency eye visit. After the visit I took her to do her grocery shopping. I was suppose to stop and grab her medicine, but forgot. So, after running her home and unloading all of her groceries I ran back to the drug store.

I can tell you that I was a bit aggravated with myself for having to drive back to the drug store. I was getting very tired and just wanted to be home. I was thinking of all the stuff I still yet had to do at home and it was already getting late in the day.

I pull up in front of the drug store and see a man get out of his vehicle. He was walking with a cane. He was a young man, not old at all. His wife was in the driver seat. I don't know why I noticed them. Well, not until I was in the drug store that is.

As we walk in together, this man went before me. He was there getting medication for his daughter. She was a sick little girl. After he was told how much his medication was, he said, "Let me run out to the car." I had grabbed my mom's medication and was out the door getting ready to get in my car. I look over and he is there digging in his car and his wife is going through her purse. I started to cry. I cannot tell you how much this broke my heart. Why? Because I had been there. I knew their pain at that very moment.

I ran back in and paid for his medication. I am standing there praying that I pay for his medication before he comes back in. But that wasn't the case. As I was on one end of the counter, he was at the other saying, "I'm real sorry, but I will have to come back tomorrow and get that medicine." At this time, his meds are paid for and I turn to leave and she says, "Mrs. Prater, do you want to give him his meds?" I turn and whisper, "No."

I get in my car and just break down. I tell you, I mean I sat and cried for this family. Now, this was a God thing. I had no intention of sharing with anyone. I am not writing so you think I did something huge. I didn't. It wasn't huge at all. You know why? His medication was fifty-five cents. This family didn't have fifty-five cents.

While my husband was laid off from his job there were days when we didn't know what we were going to put on the table. Most people have no idea just how bad it was for my family. For three years we struggled. Of everything I have been through in my life, those three years were the hardest by far.

I think God allows us to go through things just so we can see the pain of others. We can have compassion that we didn't have before. We can relate on a level we never realized we would. When we know a deep pain another shares it's easier to reach out. You just wish you could hug their pain away. It makes a huge difference in the life of another just to have someone reach out. To say, "I am praying for you."

But see, on this day, God placed me right where I was to be. If I hadn't forgot my mom's meds in the first place I wouldn't have been there. God knew this family didn't have the money for their medication and He made a way. I cannot begin to count the times when my family was at a loss and God made a way. God has perfect timing and all we must do is be ready and make ourselves available. This was another reminder for me of all God has done for my family. Even in all my heart bears today, He was saying, "See, I am here."

In the hustle and bustle of our day we miss so much because we are totally focused on us. We are thinking of all we must do in the day and then we are thinking of what is awaiting us at home. What if we just slowed down a bit? What if we just took a glance around outside of our box and our comfort zone? We would begin to see the hurts of those around us.

I have heard the Lord urge me to move on His behalf and just stalled there in the midst of my comfort. We have the idea that someone else will step in. Sure, someone else might have been there at the drug store instead of me to give a helping hand, but God orchestrated His perfect timing. I have learned that receiving a gift is a humbling experience. But my friends, giving is just as humbling. You are opening yourself up to another. It is as though in that perfect moment you connect and all you feel is the gentle hand of God.

"You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." 2 Corinthians 9:7

"Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important." Galatians 6:2-3

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 5:18-19

I wanted to share this with you because I have been there. I have been there wondering, "What are we going to do?" God cares for us and HE will meet our every need. Every need is met by Him. We must learn to trust Him and know that He is bigger than any circumstance that comes our way.

In the three years my husband was laid off times were very hard. But the Lord brought us through. Just as He brought us through that trial, He too will bring us through the next and the next after that. There will always be a next. Struggle will always be prevalent in our lives. That is where God continues to show Himself.

Times are hard and they are only going to get tougher. This is where we can make a difference in the lives of those around us. We can be the hands and feet of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Not until heaven will we fully grasp the difference we have made in another person's life. The same is true for me. I cannot wait to meet all those who stepped in and made a difference when I wasn't even aware of their presence.

Make a difference today. Reach out. Step out beyond your comfort zone. Use what the Good Lord has given you to bring a smile to someone else.

Can you say no and mean it?

Have you ever thought about  how many times we have said to our children, "Don't tell me no"? Think about it. We tell our children not to tell us no, but then again we teach them to be yes people. Not so much through our words, but through our actions. This can be a vicious cycle and a message that can get out of hand.

We ask people, "Well, don't you know what no means?" We expect them to answer with a mighty and humble, yes. But in teaching no, do we ourselves teach the correct form of no? We teach our daughters to say no to young men, but in our daily lives we are constantly teaching them to say yes so we can be accepted and liked by all around us. Isn't that a mixed up message? For instance, we teach them to say no to a young man's advances, but when Ms. Julie calls and wants us to help at the bake sale when we know we cannot, we smile and say, "Of course, I will be there to help in any way I can." We teach no, but we continue to say, yes, even when we don't want to.

The older I get the easier it is for me to say no. I was one of those yes girls who didn't want to make anyone mad and I had the thinking as a Christian that if there was a job to do the Lord wanted me to say yes to everything. That simply isn't true. There are a lot of things He wants us to say no to. If we didn't say no to some jobs there wouldn't be room for others to receive a hearty yes. We say yes when the Holy Spirit prompts us to say yes. We don't say yes out of guilt or thinking a good Christian must say yes to everything.

We give our children a mixed message about saying no. On one hand we teach them to stand up for themselves and say no, but on the other we teach them to say yes because that is just what Christians do. We give until we have nothing left to give. I don't see that is what Christ wants from us. He doesn't want us to be run down Christians only saying yes for all the wrong reasons. He wants us to say yes with passion and be on fire for all He has for us. If we are run down and give out we aren't going to have the energy to give our very best.

Have you ever said yes to something, only later wishing you would have said no? We almost use no as it is a bad word in the Christian language. Let me make it easy for you. It's okay to say, NO! When you say no, stand in your no decision and be positive. When you say yes, do so with a passion and a knowledge that you are to move forward with that yes.

We cannot teach our children to say no if we are unable to do so ourselves. It is that very no that can protect them and give them power. Our children will ask us a question and we say, no. They ask again and again. Instead of us continuing our no answer, we give in and say yes. What is this teaching them? Do you know what happens next? We get mad because we have now said yes!

We cannot teach our children there is a double standard to saying no. No is no! This is why no one listens when no is said any longer. So friends, lets learn to say no and teach our children that no is not a bad word. We too can share that when God says no, He isn't turning away from us, but giving a yes for us in the future. We can teach that the word no can be positive.

"Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough." Josh Billings

"Learn to say “no.” It will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin." Charles H. Spurgeon