A new year brings with it new opportunities and a clean, fresh slate on which to write. It’s a chance to reassess our lives, goals, and priorities. Whatever mess we may have made of things last year, this year is a chance to make amends and do things differently.
Have you taken the time in this first month of the year to reassess your goals, priorities, and attitudes? Have you prayed and asked God what His plans for you might be? Have you surrendered your own will to the Almighty God who created you and knows you so well?
One of my favorite scripture passages is a great one on which to meditate at the start of a new year. It says, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
Are you seeking Him with all your heart and surrendering all to Him? I have discovered that starting the day surrendering my will to the Lord, handing Him the reigns to my life, asking Him to fill me with His Holy Spirit and direct my steps, makes for a much better day, month, and year. That doesn’t mean that there are no problems. But when problems come it makes all the difference to have the Lord right there to carry those burdens for us instead of shouldering them all alone. It makes a big difference in our attitude about and reaction to the problems.
When I am weak, He is strong. When I don’t know which way to turn He simply says, “Follow me.” When life gets heavy he says, “Cast your burden upon me.” It’s all about keeping our eyes on Him, the author and finisher of our faith, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Great I AM.
Oh, Father God, we love and adore you in this new year of 2009. We give our hearts afresh and anew to you, Lord. Do with us whatever pleases YOU. We surrender our lives, our will, our hearts to you and you alone. Amen and Amen.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Love Finds You In Snowball, Arkansas by Sandra D. Bricker
Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas is a quick and wonderful read! I read most of it on a travel day flying from
Lucy Binoche is a quirky, lovable character who keeps you chuckling as she bumbles through the singles retreat searching for love, when all the while it is there for the taking. All of the characters in the singles group are well written and lovable.
The story is well told by author Sandra Bricker. I loved this book and look forward to reading her next book.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Attention Authors and Publishers!
Promote your book(s) for FREE!
GraceAlley.com announces the launch of "Book of the Day" an online feature for increasing global marketing impact! A true promotional asset for Christian authors, "Book of the Day" profiles books of all genres by Christian authors.
There is no charge to authors or publishers to have a book profiled on GraceAlley.com's Book of the Day -- the goal is simply to help the Christian community discover wonderful books by Christian authors and to give authors an opportunity to get the word out about their book!. The ONLY requirement of GraceAlley.com is a link-exchange in return (which will also help increase traffic to "Book of the Day."
Although Book of the Day is a feature of GraceAlley.com, it will be also promoted as a stand-alone feature to raise awareness and increase traffic. Books will be profiled on "first come" basis; send your Profile in today!
To submit your book for inclusion, copy the following Profile, including Terms, complete and send by email to: gracealleyvideo@yahoo.com
BOOK PROFILE:
Book Title:
Author's Name:
Book Genre:
Book Synopsis: (300 word maximum)
Book Review(s): (if applicable, 100 word maximum)
Author Bio: (75 word maximum)
Price:
Where to Buy:
Website where we can find an image of the front cover of your book to be profiled:
Book Trailers will be included if they can be easily pulled from another website:
Your GraceAlley.com Profile Link (if applicable):
*** It's not necessary to join GraceAlley.com to have your book profiled, but if you join, your book promo will link to your membership page where readers can learn even more about you (if you provide the GA Member Page link at time of submittal). GA membership is free and open to born again Christians. Membership must be approved and is generally approved within 24 hours -- to avoid delay, read Terms of membership before joining. ***
BOOK OF THE DAY TERMS OF AGREEMENT:
Incomplete profiles submitted will fall into the dreaded "slush pile" -- please use care in completing your Book of the Day profile to avoid the horrors of that bottomless pit! Profile Submittals MUST include the Terms of Agreement.
By submitting my book profile for feature on GraceAlley.com's Book of the Day, I agree to have my work featured on GraceAlley.com -- AND -- I agree to add a link to my website(s) and/or blog(s); I will link to:
http://www.gracealley.com/profiles/blog/list?user=3emuhsnmcfyvw
List the Website(s) and/or Blogs(s) where you have linked to the GA "Book of the Day" promo page:
Books will be profiled daily as space permits and in no particular order.
Please help us spread the word about GraceAlley.com Book of the Day to Christian authors and readers in your circle of friends! Also, please consider posting a link to "Book of the Day"on social bookmark sites like Digg.com, StumbleUpon.com, Twitter.com, Del.icio.us.com, etc.
PROFILE SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST:
1. Is your profile complete?
2. Have you included the Terms of Agreement in your submittal?
3. Send your completed Book of the Day Profile, including Terms, to: gracealleyvideo@yahoo.com 4. To avoid delay, write "BOOK OF THE DAY" in the email Subject Line
GraceAlley.com announces the launch of "Book of the Day" an online feature for increasing global marketing impact! A true promotional asset for Christian authors, "Book of the Day" profiles books of all genres by Christian authors.
There is no charge to authors or publishers to have a book profiled on GraceAlley.com's Book of the Day -- the goal is simply to help the Christian community discover wonderful books by Christian authors and to give authors an opportunity to get the word out about their book!. The ONLY requirement of GraceAlley.com is a link-exchange in return (which will also help increase traffic to "Book of the Day."
Although Book of the Day is a feature of GraceAlley.com, it will be also promoted as a stand-alone feature to raise awareness and increase traffic. Books will be profiled on "first come" basis; send your Profile in today!
To submit your book for inclusion, copy the following Profile, including Terms, complete and send by email to: gracealleyvideo@yahoo.com
BOOK PROFILE:
Book Title:
Author's Name:
Book Genre:
Book Synopsis: (300 word maximum)
Book Review(s): (if applicable, 100 word maximum)
Author Bio: (75 word maximum)
Price:
Where to Buy:
Website where we can find an image of the front cover of your book to be profiled:
Book Trailers will be included if they can be easily pulled from another website:
Your GraceAlley.com Profile Link (if applicable):
*** It's not necessary to join GraceAlley.com to have your book profiled, but if you join, your book promo will link to your membership page where readers can learn even more about you (if you provide the GA Member Page link at time of submittal). GA membership is free and open to born again Christians. Membership must be approved and is generally approved within 24 hours -- to avoid delay, read Terms of membership before joining. ***
BOOK OF THE DAY TERMS OF AGREEMENT:
Incomplete profiles submitted will fall into the dreaded "slush pile" -- please use care in completing your Book of the Day profile to avoid the horrors of that bottomless pit! Profile Submittals MUST include the Terms of Agreement.
By submitting my book profile for feature on GraceAlley.com's Book of the Day, I agree to have my work featured on GraceAlley.com -- AND -- I agree to add a link to my website(s) and/or blog(s); I will link to:
http://www.gracealley.com/profiles/blog/list?user=3emuhsnmcfyvw
List the Website(s) and/or Blogs(s) where you have linked to the GA "Book of the Day" promo page:
Books will be profiled daily as space permits and in no particular order.
Please help us spread the word about GraceAlley.com Book of the Day to Christian authors and readers in your circle of friends! Also, please consider posting a link to "Book of the Day"on social bookmark sites like Digg.com, StumbleUpon.com, Twitter.com, Del.icio.us.com, etc.
PROFILE SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST:
1. Is your profile complete?
2. Have you included the Terms of Agreement in your submittal?
3. Send your completed Book of the Day Profile, including Terms, to: gracealleyvideo@yahoo.com 4. To avoid delay, write "BOOK OF THE DAY" in the email Subject Line
Friday, August 8, 2008
Heaven
I recently read the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn and was blown away by how much the Bible tells us about Heaven. I've been a Christian for almost forty years and have never heard a single sermon on Heaven. Yes, I've heard Heaven mentioned in a few sermons, but never expounded upon. Most preachers avoid the subject altogether because they don't feel that they really know enough about it to teach us anything on the subject.
We all have questions about what Heaven will be like. After all, we'll be spending eternity there. After years of research, Dr. Randy Alcorn offers answers from the Bible for questions such as:
What is Heaven going to be like?
Will we really have bodies?
Will animals be there?
What will we do in Heaven?
Will we get bored there?
Will we recognize our loved ones?
Will we go places and do things with them?
How can we know for sure we'll go to Heaven?
I highly recommend this book. Every Christian should read it. You'll see Heaven in a whole new light.
We all have questions about what Heaven will be like. After all, we'll be spending eternity there. After years of research, Dr. Randy Alcorn offers answers from the Bible for questions such as:
What is Heaven going to be like?
Will we really have bodies?
Will animals be there?
What will we do in Heaven?
Will we get bored there?
Will we recognize our loved ones?
Will we go places and do things with them?
How can we know for sure we'll go to Heaven?
I highly recommend this book. Every Christian should read it. You'll see Heaven in a whole new light.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
A Hug From God
Have you ever felt like God just reached down and gave you a big bear hug (or should I say God hug)? Has there ever been a time when you felt a little lost, a bit frustrated, or downright discouraged, when something happened that let you know that God was there, He was aware of your circumstances, and everything was going to be just fine?
That happened to us yesterday, and it's amazing how quickly our outlook did an about face in the light of that God hug. Nothing has really changed in our circumstances. We are still facing the same challenges as we were yesterday. But we know that we know that we know that we're not alone in our trials. We are surrounded and upheld by a God who loves us, who will never leave us or forsake us, and who will meet all of our needs. What could be better than that?
You never know when you might be God's instrument for a hug to someone in your life who desperately needs one on a particular day. Your words of encouragement and support, your offer to help in some small way can be a lifeline to a precious soul who feels completely alone in their troubles. Just knowing someone is praying for you and cares what you're going through makes the burden seem lighter!
So go out there and find someone to hug today!
That happened to us yesterday, and it's amazing how quickly our outlook did an about face in the light of that God hug. Nothing has really changed in our circumstances. We are still facing the same challenges as we were yesterday. But we know that we know that we know that we're not alone in our trials. We are surrounded and upheld by a God who loves us, who will never leave us or forsake us, and who will meet all of our needs. What could be better than that?
You never know when you might be God's instrument for a hug to someone in your life who desperately needs one on a particular day. Your words of encouragement and support, your offer to help in some small way can be a lifeline to a precious soul who feels completely alone in their troubles. Just knowing someone is praying for you and cares what you're going through makes the burden seem lighter!
So go out there and find someone to hug today!
Friday, July 4, 2008
To God Be the Glory
I was driving home from an appointment yesterday, listening to Christian radio when a statement by the speaker hit me right between the eyes.
“You are never too small for the Lord to use, but you could be too big for the Lord to use.” Wow! I’d never thought of that, had you?
It makes sense according to biblical principles. The Lord can only use us when we are surrendered to Him and dependent upon Him. It’s easy for us to become independent and self-sufficient as we become more successful, feeling more self-confident and less reliant upon the Lord. We stop seeking His direction and His help throughout our day because we no longer feel that we need it. We’ve got it under control! No need to ask for help.
One of the reasons I love to go on short term mission trips is that it’s always a time of total dependence upon the Lord, and, thus, a time of watching Him work in amazing ways. These are times when I’m out of my comfort zone. There’s no self-confidence, but total reliance on Him to lead us and work through us to accomplish His will. It’s awesome to behold, and builds my faith like nothing else.
God wants us to live our lives, day by day, hour by hour, relying totally on Him. No matter where we are or what we are doing, to surrender our lives everyday to Him. So let’s be careful as we reach a level of success, to continue to depend upon God as our source and to give Him all the glory for any success that comes our way.
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14)
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)
“You are never too small for the Lord to use, but you could be too big for the Lord to use.” Wow! I’d never thought of that, had you?
It makes sense according to biblical principles. The Lord can only use us when we are surrendered to Him and dependent upon Him. It’s easy for us to become independent and self-sufficient as we become more successful, feeling more self-confident and less reliant upon the Lord. We stop seeking His direction and His help throughout our day because we no longer feel that we need it. We’ve got it under control! No need to ask for help.
One of the reasons I love to go on short term mission trips is that it’s always a time of total dependence upon the Lord, and, thus, a time of watching Him work in amazing ways. These are times when I’m out of my comfort zone. There’s no self-confidence, but total reliance on Him to lead us and work through us to accomplish His will. It’s awesome to behold, and builds my faith like nothing else.
God wants us to live our lives, day by day, hour by hour, relying totally on Him. No matter where we are or what we are doing, to surrender our lives everyday to Him. So let’s be careful as we reach a level of success, to continue to depend upon God as our source and to give Him all the glory for any success that comes our way.
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14)
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)
Monday, June 30, 2008
Loving Liza Jane by Sharlene MacLaren
I spent this past weekend reading Loving Liza Jane by the very talented Sharlene MacLaren. This book is the first in the Little Hickman Creek series, and it's a page turner.
The story revolves around Liza Jane Merriwether, a young school teacher from Boston who accepts a teaching position in a small town in Kentucky in the late 1800's. Having been a teacher for thirty-one years herself, Sharlene does a great job of getting us into the head of this strong-willed yet very lovable young woman as she overcomes obstacles and learns to thrive in her new community. Of course, the handsome widower next door makes the story all the more interesting and keeps us guessing as to how and if they will ever get together.
It's a sweet story, full of unexpected twists and turns where Liza learns that she can depend upon the Lord to see her through every situation. The Hickman Creek cast of characters seem like old friends by book's end. I can hardly wait to get started on book number two in the series, Sarah, My Beloved. My order will be in to Amazon tonight!
The story revolves around Liza Jane Merriwether, a young school teacher from Boston who accepts a teaching position in a small town in Kentucky in the late 1800's. Having been a teacher for thirty-one years herself, Sharlene does a great job of getting us into the head of this strong-willed yet very lovable young woman as she overcomes obstacles and learns to thrive in her new community. Of course, the handsome widower next door makes the story all the more interesting and keeps us guessing as to how and if they will ever get together.
It's a sweet story, full of unexpected twists and turns where Liza learns that she can depend upon the Lord to see her through every situation. The Hickman Creek cast of characters seem like old friends by book's end. I can hardly wait to get started on book number two in the series, Sarah, My Beloved. My order will be in to Amazon tonight!
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