Category: book review

Transforming Society Through Faith in Jesus

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I just finished reading the latest issue of The  Voice of the Martyrs magazine subtitled,  “HEEDING GOD’S CALL IN COMMUNIST NATIONS”.  We are only an election away from socialists and/or communists coming to power in any country, so no one is exempt.

Our Response?

What should be our response? First, we can never trust that our help comes from those who rule. We as Christians must remember that:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

True Freedom

Second, the best way to change a society is to bring people to Jesus.

“Genuine revival among Ethiopia’s Christians led to Communism’s defeat in their country… Scripture, history, and today’s persecuted Christians bear witness that ultimately only Christ, enthroned in the hearts of our people,  can make and keep our nations free.”               VOM President, Cole Richards

A Sound, Disciplined Mind

Wednesday evenings Women’s Group at our church is beginning a book study, A Sound, Disciplined Mind by Nancy Dufresne.  As Nancy says on the back of the book, you can live free from worry, fear, doubt & depression… not matter what is going on around us.

When we accept Jesus:  your spirit is renewed, but your body and mind are not. They need to be disciplined to come into alignment with the renewed spirit within; your heart that belongs to Jesus. (P.12)

Right Thinking

“When you think wrong, believe wrong, or speak wrong, you give place to the devil… When you have right thinking, then you’ll have right believing and right speaking, and you will keep the door closed to the devil.” (P.15)

Renewing Your Mind

Start by reading God’s Word. Don’t just read Scripture, but think deeply into the Word. Mutter it to yourself. (This is true meditation) Talk to God about His Word. Thank Him for His Word.

Speaking in Tongues

Dufresne recommends speaking in tongues daily. I find doing this encourages my soul to praise the Lord and opens up my mind to connect with my soul. You can’t just try to get the devil’s suggestions out of your thoughts. You need to flood your mind with the truth of the knowledge of God’s Word and flush out the other thoughts.

Testimony

I encountered a woman manning a booth at a festival I went to this summer who practices Kripaula yoga, Reikei healing, tarrot cards… and has a group who have begun a “church,” and she’s got 30-some state certified healers. She said they believe in the Bible.

Well, I began speaking in tongues. She told me I was messing her up. She was trying to get a word for me but couldn’t.  I told her I was speaking in tongues, asking the Spirit of God who to say to her. She let me hold her hand, and I prayed that the Lord would reveal to her the true Spirit of God.

My Takeaway

First, I witnessed that the spiritual battle is real, and if we have the Holy Spirit of God, we have an effect on others. Second, the more we grow in our relationship with the LORD, the more like Jesus we become, and the more we can bring heaven down to earth. All for His glory!

Conclusion

I’ve only read the introduction and first chapter in this book so far, and we haven’t had a meeting yet to discuss it. So far, I can tell you:  get into the Word, apply it to your life, and make sure you fellowship with the congregation God wants you in, that helps teach you the Word. The more you put in, the more your heart and mind align with God’s Word and the more the kingdom manifests and the devil gets put in his place.

Shalom, dear readers!

From my new publicity in progress

Wow! So much happening!

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Philippians 1: 6 … being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

So much has happened since my last post. The Lord will need to let me know where to start. I have been back from Uganda since the 14th, and as my husband John says, I’ve been on “couch duty” several of these days. We’ve had snow events, inauguration day, and more during my days of reverse culture shock.

A winter sunset in Henderson, NY

With head cold type symptoms since our final flight to Syracuse late last Tuesday evening, it’s been difficult to start anything. Of course, physical things came to a head- looking like thrush in my mouth- during the holiday weekend. Then we were snowed in yesterday, so I finally got to the doctor for diagnosis and medicine today.

Along the road in Uganda

Coming home two weeks into our church’s 21-day January fast, I wasn’t sure how to join them, but God knew! We fasted our regular diet and living conditions while in Uganda, then I’ve been having smoothies for breakfast, only eating two meals a day, because of my sore mouth since I returned. The reason for fasting is to buffet your soul to let your spirit rise up. That mission is accomplished!

This is the book I’m currently working on. Carlie really puts forward a good explanation of the basis of fear, beginning with Genesis 3. Eve had an identity crisis. We need to understand our identity in Christ. Through the 10 spies, she shows how we fear because we think we’re responsible for taking the land the Lord has for us.  No matter how many mighty acts God performs, we fear because we forget He is able. Through examples from the Bible and personal experiences from her husband Ashley, other friends, and her own life, I recommend this book as a primer for living a life free of deception and fear which come from the enemy

I’m deciding what to use for my devotions again this year. I knew I didn’t want to start while I was busy on our trip, which is why I started Carlie’s book. Yesterday, I was watching a friend on LinkedIn (sorry, I can’t find her videos I watched or think of her name). She’s a biblical scholar and was talking about how to read the Bible. She recommends using The Daily Bible, and it sounded like a good place to start for 2025. I found the Daily Bible in large print on Amazon, and they tell me my delivery will arrive on January 29th, so I look forward to working my days around the daily readings through January 2026.

What are you using for your own devotions this year? Read any good books lately? Let’s start a conversation.

This is my David’s Kidz sponsor child, Winnie

I will share about my actual mission trip in my next post. I pray that your year is starting well and that the Lord’s favor shines brightly for you.

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Overcoming Challenges: God’s Promises Explained

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Glory in the Sky!

Here we go with a smattering of things I’ve encountered in the past week. I hope you can make sense out of what I’m putting together. I am reading several books so I can decide which to take with me to bless the people in Uganda when I go in January, I will share two of them here.

God has heard the cries of the children. All the enemy is doing is aimed at destroying the children! We need to boldly rise up and destroy all the enemy’s plans with the truth. Of course, in the power and authority of Jesus Christ, we shall overcome! Riots shall come, but don’t give them any attention and they will fall apart (most of the people involved are paid to riot). 

Psalm 20:1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble;
May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; 2 May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion;
3 May He remember all your offerings,
and accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah

There is a banner of victory over the lives of God’s elect, declaring, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place” 2Corinthians 2:14.                                   From: Called To Breakthrough. by Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider p. 103

Having Jewish blood myself, I enjoyed reading Kirt’s story. He’s had an amazing life so far, mixed with joy, angst, and persecution. In the last chapter of the book, he gives keys he’s found to truly living with our Messiah. I want to concentrate on these things he points out as I prepare to head to Uganda.

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
8 They have bowed down and fallen;
But we have risen and stand upright.

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

In The Gift for all people; Thoughts on God’s Great Grace, by Max Lucado, he shares the above passage from Romans. Let’s parse this out.

God is for us,

God is for us,

God is for us,

God is for us…

Go ahead. Read each line, as you emphasize the word in orange.

Now, if God is for us, let’s read each of the following:

Who can be against us?

Who can be against us?

Who can be against us?

Who can be against us?

I break in here to share about The Gift for All People. You may notice this book is smaller than average. I’ve read most of it in the past hour or two. I think it may make a wonderful gift for someone on your Christmas list? Here’s the book in a nutshell, from the back cover.

“More than anything, God wants you to be with Him. The God who designed your world, the God who placed you on the planet, simply wants you home with Him, and to bring you home. He offers you a gift… the gift of eternal salvation.

My prayer is that through the pages of this book you’ll see His gift like you’ve never seen it.

If you’ve already accepted it; you’ll thank Him again. And if you’ve never accepted it, I pray you will. For it’s the gift of a lifetime. A gift for all people. – Max Lucado

SOOO… If God is for us, who can be against us? God Is… not maybe, not has been, not would be, but… Right Now, God is FOR you!

As God told Rabbi Kirt, “Ascending the day.” It’s our calling.

Let’s get out and rejoice, spreading the Glory of the Lord from soul to soul, spirit to spirit. May our days ascend in Christ, not descend into the worldly trials of the day.

I leave you with a blessing from one of Rabbi Kirt’s favorite Hebrew sayings [translated]. (As found in Psalm 84:7) “May you go from strength to strength.” 

Shalom, dear ones!

Pray For… And Prepare!

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Psalm 122:6 tells us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem… May they prosper who love you.” Do you pray Shalom for Jerusalem? I do, and I realize this is the major reason that my family is prospering… not just financially, but in all ways.

This morning, my devotional chapter is Genesis 43, when Jacob finally lets his sons take his youngest son, Benjamin, to Egypt.  Katie Davis Majors says this chapter marks the beginning of God’s redemption story for Judah… and ultimately, I say, us! It always overwhelms me to tears with the great love and restoration of our God displayed. I like what Katie said,

“How often we hold on to something we believe to be precious, only to realize later that letting go yielded a much better result.”                                                            -Our Faithful God Devotional p. 249

Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 … indeed, I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord…  that I may gain Christ.

Are you holding on to something God is asking you to give to him? I’m asking the Holy Spirit to show me what -and how- to give up what I’m holding on to… and what that thing  is! I realize that there’s nothing in my life that didn’t come from God. I also realize from  God’s Word that in Christ, all things consist, and all things come from Him and go back to Him.

What do you need to give up to go deeper in the things God has for you in Christ Jesus? I just read Eddie Hyatt’s book:

Turns out, God has kept a remnant through all generations that have experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Those who moved in the Spirit, spoke in tongues, and exercised the gifts of the Spirit, such as healing, were often written out of history. Alternately,  their stories were written from their detractors’ point of view. They were branded heretics, witches, or of the devil. They were put out of the church, lost family, friends…, burned at the stake, persecuted in many ways. To this day, those who won’t deny Jesus, who move in the gifts and speak in tongues, are persecuted in these ways. God doesn’t change, and neither does the devil and his tactics.

From reading Hyatt’s book, I found Phoebe Palmer. Her book is an account of Phoebe and her  travels with her husband to England, Scotland, and Ireland in the mid-to-late 1850s. They were part of the revival that was happening in the U.S.A. at this time, and the churches in the British Isles begged them to come spread the fire.

Watch and pray, get deep into the Word, and release your heart and life from the dross of the world that’s built up. We need to cleanse ourselves to run freely.

I found you can get the Kindle edition of this book for $.99 or a hard copy for an exorbitant price. You know which I chose! Some of what occurred has been repeated in revivals since then, like the contemporary Toronto Blessing. The Sword of the Spirit was piercing hearts and laying many out as they wrestled with the sin in their hearts. Afternoon meetings ran into evening meetings. Bars and stores closed.

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Well, I believe another heavy move of the Spirit has begun. Out of the turmoil we’re experiencing, I believe people’s hearts are going to be [and are] touched, and multitudes will come running and ask us how to find Jesus! Are we ready?

I leave you with my Scripture for 2024, which I haven’t referred to recently. Hold on to this as you walk through the coming days.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Tying up loose ends…

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I honor my brother, Karl, today. He passed away May 24th, 2024, and today, August 23rd, would be his 68th birthday. I share this poem he wrote about his sisters:

Sisters

Friends, playmates, rivals.

Happy together, sometimes mean.

Teaching each other in time spent together.

Each her own person, together a team.

Value each other and enjoy your lives.

1/26/1999 Karl E. Stahl

Call To Action

One of Karl’s desires was that he could publish a book. This poem is from a booklet of poems Karl’s friend from high school printed for him. It’s title is: Just Focus Poems by Karl Stahl Copyright 1999 by Karl Stahl. Poems include: A Hint of Infinity, An Epic Journey, Drunk, A News Photo, At the Department Of Social Services, Panic Attack, and Sisters. If you would like a copy of this booklet of poems, please let me know and we can have more printed.

Psalm 2

One of the chapters of my devotions this past week was Psalm 2. I think it’s an appropriate study for this time in our world.

The Messiah’s Triumph and Kingdom

2 Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.”

Isn’t this what’s going on around the world today? The nations rage and plot. They want to throw off the restraints of the Lord. It seems easier to make your own rules and make your own gods.

God’s Derision/Wrath

4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
The Lord shall hold them in derision.
5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
And distress them in His deep displeasure:
6 “Yet I have set My King
On My holy hill of Zion.”

First, the Lord laughs; holds them in derision. He speaks to them in holy wrath… I have set My King on MY holy hill of Zion. King Jesus!

Son-ship/ Inheritance

7 “I will declare the decree:
The Lord has said to Me,
‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ ”

Yes, Jesus is the Son. Through Him, we are also sons & daughters. We shall ask Him for the nations and the ends of the earth for our possession, in the Name and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing can stand against Him, or against us who are called by His name!

Be Wise/ Be Blessed

10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Speak to the kings and judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with Fear, Rejoice, Tremble, kiss the Son in honor before His righteous anger destroys those who plot evil.

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO PUT THEIR TRUST IN Him! Do not be afraid of what is coming. Pray, declare the Lord’s will, and stand firm. Your salvation is near! Hope in God alone.

ELECTIONS

May I remind you, only about 33% of professing Christians exercise their right to vote. Oh, but “I don’t support any of the candidates; I don’t know who to vote for, so I never vote”. Well, seek the Lord while He may be found. He will lead you to the right choice. No candidate is perfect; look at the people God used throughout the Bible. What would happen if Christians stood up and grasped their God-given right to vote? Maybe God’s chosen candidates winning by a landslide???

In Conclusion: I declare an open heaven. By faith, take down what you need. Shalom, my readers.

So Much Hapening!

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On the road again, on Father God’s path!

Sorry to take so long getting back to this post, but it’s the”lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer,” as that old song by Nat King Cole goes. Well, maybe not so lazy for us here! I’ll explain why.

ACTIVE LIFE, OR BUSY LIFE?

Planning for my brother Karl’s memorial service at the Presbyterian church in Lowville at the same time as a double graduation party at our house and lots of visiting family to coordinate, on top of my weekly cleaning job, our traveling job, and work cleaning at the motel. On top of tending the garden, replacing our septic tank, helping at the historical society, and so much more daily stuff.

Flowers for Karl and the church women feeding & serving us well after his memorial service and burial.

I am learning [slowly] to say, “I’m active,” instead of “I’m busy!” It’s a blessing and a privilege to have all these opportunities from the Lord to minister to others. Even though it can get tiring, I thank Him for the strength for each task He puts before me.

This is a great message from Facebook!

BOOK REVIEW

If you are connected with me on Goodreads, you’ll notice that I’m on a reading streak in the midst of all this life going on! One of the books I read is Valery Comer’s new book, A Sunny Sweetheart For A Cowboy. I enjoyed getting back to the Sweet River Ranch with the Sullivan crew to see a  prickly cowboy softened by a  sunny cowgirl. She’s got ADHD that she’s covering with a positive attitude, trying to crack this tough nut of a cowboy. She’s broken when a call from her sister flings her back into her troubled family. Will she and the surly cowboy overcome the past and trust that God truly is good?

Check it out at: https://valeriecomer.com/books/a-sunny-sweetheart-for-the-cowboy/

Valerie has a gift for creating characters that hit home. If you’re willing, her books give excellent relationship tools for your own life. I’m glad the quality of Christian fiction has improved these days, and Valerie Comer is one of the best series I’ve read!

GRADUATION

Faith’s graduation cap

So, last Saturday was an excellent day with family, friends, and an abundance of good food  for the graduation party. (Two grandsons spent the rest of the week with us, helping eat leftovers). We had rain most of the day, but a good time between our garage and house. We celebrated our granddaughter Faith and nephew Ethan’s accomplishments well. Thanks to all who were able to come.

Faith showed me her award/achievement cords and sashes, accompanied by brother Caleb & furry friend

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Monday, July 1st, was the memorial service for my brother Karl. Pastor Greg Jenkins did a good job organizing the service at Lowville Presbyterian church, and Iseneker Funeral Home did an excellent job helping plan and execute the day, including the service, transport to the cemetery and back, and an extra container of homemade cookies for us to take home.

The memory book set I chose,
Karl and our Mom’s favorite bird.

It was a blessing to have all three of my sons attend with their families and to have my sisters, Gretchen and Trina, there. With them were Gretchen’s husband Jim and Trina’s son Ethan with his girlfriend Penny. I’m glad our cousin Victor, from Utica, was able to attend also. Small crowd, but I’m glad some of our closest friends were there. Our old friend, Scout Master Scott Gray, honored Karl’s achievement of attaining Eagle Scout, and our friend Jim Deavers shared the amazing dedication and time Karl contributed to Lewis County Search and Rescue [LCSR].

It was a beautiful day to pause and celebrate a life well-lived and the hope and assurance of heaven. Trina and I sang Morning Has Broken together, a tribute to Karl’s love of nature. We all sang Holy, Holy, Holy , Great Is Thy Faithfulness, and Precious Lord, Take My Hand to continue to thank God for the morning and His faithfulness. We concluded with Amazing Grace, since it was one of the last hymns Karl sang, late in his nursing home stay.

This photo includes Jim, myself, Trina, and Gretchen. We are presenting Jim, representing LCSR, a memorial thanks with a hand-made glass cross Trina’s friend made in honor of Karl’s life and his service to the ambulance. You may make memorial donations in Karl’s name to Lewis County Search & Rescue, Lowville Free Library, or the American Heart Association.

Here is a link to his obituary.

https://www.isenekerfuneralhome.com/obituary/Karl-StahlFuneralService

WHAT ELSE?

Exodus 31:12 Then the Lord said to Moses, 13 “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.

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Within less than a month, both Pastor Jenkins and Pastor Josh Gmitter spoke about taking a sabbath each week. It’s not just Old Testament Law, but a blessing from Father God. Turns out, taking 1 day out of 7 to rest, not doing your usual work, and honoring God can extend your life… and more! Pastor Gmitter calls it “corrective rest”.

You can find Pastor Greg Jenkin’s book on Amazon: Get Their Recipe Now: Discover the Legacy of Your Loved Ones [Paperback – November 10, 2018] it’s a unique book to start conversations to get family history down before it’s too late! (He and I swapped books; mine for his)

You can hear Pastor Josh’s sermon here: https://www.airportchristianfellowship.org/sermons/sunday-july-7-2024-corrective-rest/

AND how about that Biblical-magnitude torrential rain that’s shut things down in Lewis County, NY as I write? Here’s a link to a news story that tells more.

http://www.syracuse.com/news/2024/07/lewis-county-gets-more-rain-than-anywhere-in-ny-roads-and-homes-flooded-cars-submerged.html

The prophets have been warning that God is shaking everything that can be shaken. It’s a time to get closer in your walk with Jesus and trust that the Father truly is faithful to His people. I refer you to my previous post: “Trials Shall Come…” It is a great time to record and share testimonies of His goodness that will encourage others and lead sinners to Jesus. Don’t waste a single day that He gives you, but use your time to bless others as you have been blessed, or as you would want others to bless you!

I leave you with one more set of photos. That’s Grandpa with Owen & Logan on their successful fishing charter, the second bouquet of flowers for Karl [I told Jennifer Isenecker lots of colors for the flowers], Faith receiving her diploma, a good portion of our crew on the playground as part of our evening walk in the park, and Faith’s brothers Caleb & Steven at her graduation.

It’s May!

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Celebrate! It’s May, and God is on the move! I want to honor my youngest grandchild, Ashlynn Hope. Today is her 8th birthday 🎂. Friday the 10th is my youngest son Alex’s birthday. On May 14th, I will be 61. Then, on May 18th, grandson Jackson will be 12. Not to mention, my niece Kristen’s birthday is on the 17th, and don’t forget Mother’s Day on the 12th! What a busy month of blessings from Father God!

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Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. The nation of Israel’s anniversary is May 14th. Let all those who love Israel rejoice and be glad, for the LORD’S promises are truly Yes and truly Amen!

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Joel 2:21 Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And rejoice in the Lord your God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully,
And He will cause the rain to come down for you—
The former rain,
And the latter rain in the first month.

We have been experiencing a lot of rain these past few months. A few days ago, the above scripture came to mind. In the natural, I sense that the Lord is sending both the early and the latter rains at the same time! In the Spirit, I believe this corresponds with the reapers overtaking the sowers of the Gospel.

John 4:35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

Souls are so ripe for the harvest that many are eagerly accepting salvation with very little prompting. Check out testimonies from Iran Alive http://www.IranAlive.org and Voice of the Martyrs http://www.vom.org Ministries for some examples. Also, Crossroads Prison Ministry is looking for Spanish-speaking mentors because they have an increasing backlog of Spanish student lessons waiting for them. Most of these students have questions about their identity and salvation. They cannot wait! http://www.cmcarcelario.org

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Sorry, I realize I have a book review page, but I’m going to share some reviews on this post. I recently connected with author Noel Williamson. His first book I read is, Love is Like a Bag of Popcorn. In this book, Noel shares from personal experience from his first attempts to ask a girl out, leading you through popcorn, sports, movie, TV shows, and pertinent Scripture references, all the way into his newlywed days. I recommend this book for everyone from teens to adults who are looking for tips on godly relationships, whether you are married already or not.

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Next, I read Job Loss AppleSauce Trusting God after Job Layoffs and Finding Comfort in Applesauce. You’ll need to read to the end of the book to find why he capitalized the S in AppleSauce! The way Noel handled things will help others navigate the job market and other life changes. As with the popcorn references in the first book, Noel was clever with his apple references continuing in every chapter! I read each book in an afternoon [of course it was raining] they are short, interesting books. In the same Amazon order, I acquired Willamson’s third book, A Salad Bowl of Wisdom Life Advice from a Diverse Group of Adults. He begins with interviews from a couple people in their 90s, then a friend in her 60s and another in his mid-50s. His original plan was to interview people in their 80s, 90s, and above, but realized his younger-older friends have a lot of wisdom also! I have not had time to get far in this book yet [we were blessed with a dry day], but his easy, personable style is refreshing. I recommend you check out Noel Williamson on Amazon!

By the way, if you have read my book or listened to my audiobook, Musings Along Life’s Journey, please leave a review on Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, or anywhere you post reviews. I thank you in advance!

If I wish you Jesus and Shalom, I wish you everything! May you be blessed and be a blessing, finding joy in all you give and receive from the loving hand of Father God. Until next time, Shalom!

Book Review: The Power of Ownership

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I have the privilege of being invited by Daniel Decker to be on the launch team  for Justin Roethlisberger’s new book. It will be available to the public on April 24th.

After decades of research, advising professional sports teams and Fortune 500 companies, a personal health crisis led Justin to use his methods on himself.

Our society is geared to breakdown and illness, rounds of doctor visits, medicines, and protocols that treat symptoms but do not cure. This is average expectation for most people.  Justin challenges us to leave average behind and choose to be different. He believes that the majority of chronic illnesses could be prevented by establishing consistent, long-term, positive habits and behavior change.

In my own book, Musings Along Life’s Journey,  I shared my foray into getting healthy and my frustration with conflicting advice from experts. I concluded that there is no plan that works for me and you, but we should seek the Lord and experiment with things to see what works for each individual.

Justin gives a framework to build on in order to do this. A challenge he offers on page 198 is, “Allow your body to be the guide – not the study you weren’t involved in, or advice from an expert who doesn’t know you or have context into your life. Empower yourself and be your own study.”

As I began reading, I was skeptical of the spiritual end of his writing.  In the final chapter, Justin reveals his spiritual habits of Bible reading and prayer and uses Scripture that begin a chapter for the first time. I do not fault him since it probably makes the book more appealing to others.

One spiritual theme he touched on throughout the book is that fear is a killer. Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to not fear or be anxious. The Lord knows how we were made, and He knows we can not live in fear and thrive. Another scripture brought to my mind as Justin talked about sleep is:

Psalm 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows;
for so He gives His beloved sleep

I have gained tools to get better sleep. Also, a better way to eat. Justin suggests eating vegetables first, protein second, and carbs last at a meal, which helps your body assimilate the food better. He also recommends a 5- minute walk after a meal.

After reading the digital copy, I eagerly await my print copy of this book. I recommend it as a framework for learning to live your best life, all for God’s glory!

Bible Chapter 8:1-8 passages in the Gospels #1 Matthew

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Most mornings, I am awake enough to see John’s clock beside the bed. Usually, the clock says somewhere between 8:02 and 8:08. In James Goll’s advice about journaling and getting your dreams recorded, he stressed getting down the exact time, because it’s probably a Scripture the Spirit is leading you to look up. This led the Spirit to prompt me to do another Bible series. It’s been a while since I’ve done one, so here goes. I begin with Matthew 8:1.

Jesus Cleanses a Leper

8:1 When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 3 Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

This is the story of a single leper, as opposed to the story of the ten. Notice, Jesus had to be ready “in season and out of season” to minister to great multitudes, but at the same time, minister to the one person in front of him. Another thing I notice is that the leper came and worshipped Jesus, probably kneeling at his feet. Let us worship Him for who He is before we bring our requests.

The Leper’s question is one most of us ask, “Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.” We must believe Jesus is willing to answer our prayers when we pray them. Jesus reached out and touched the diseased man, and said, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Faith, which includes the idea of trust in our Heavenly Father, and His Son, is what needs to be exercised. “Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”

My hands were healed of housewife’s eczema, which could qualify as leprosy according to the Bible definition.

Jesus urged the healed man to not tell anyone but go straight to the priests. Can you imagine what would have happened if the man spread the news and it got to the priests before he did? I wonder how many priests over the generations got a chance to see a healed leper. Being from the community, they would have recognized the man as a leper, even as he came to them healed.

Appearing with the offering prescribed by the Law, fully cleansed, was to be a testimony to the priests. These days we live in, many need a testimony of seeing Jesus healing people to believe. Blessed is he that believes without seeing! But also bless the one who needs a sign to move their heart, bypassing their head knowledge!

Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant

5 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” 7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.

Jesus entered Capernaum, meaning the village of consolation/comfort. The centurion, leader of one hundred soldiers, came to Jesus, pleading with him. Centurions weren’t known for pleading with anyone! Jesus has compassion for those who humble themselves before him. The servant was paralyzed, dreadfully tormented. This centurion was also tormented, by his love and respect for the servant. In Jesus’ compassion, he offered to go straight to the centurion’s home. The centurion was a military man, trained to follow protocol. He knew he was not worthy to have Jesus come to his home. He trusted Jesus to have the power to heal his servant without touching him.

What about us? Most of us have not seen Jesus with our own eyes, but he is just as willing today to honor the scripture from Psalm 107:20 He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions (or fears). What happened in the Bible and in past generations is still available for us today. If it was done in the past, the Lord can still do it today! Let us believe that we serve a prayer hearing, prayer answering Father God. As His children, connected with Jesus, we have the same power and authority available to us that Jesus did.

Here is the most recent book I have read. Wow! Shawn’s accounts of his heavenly encounters through dreams and visions are inspiring. He shares how God is doing a maturing process that will make us as strong oak trees with deep roots. He shares seeing Father, Son, and Spirit working on creating us. Jesus is ecstatic about the destiny they are planning for each one, each person is his favorite. There is a perfect plan for each of us, but the enemy thwarts as much of that plan as he can manage with his minions. It inspired me to dig in deep and realize I don’t have to let the evil one into my plans. If we don’t partner with the evil spirits, they cannot have any power on earth. I encourage you to read this book. It reveals a lot of what’s happened and is happening, and what is about to happen! We who know Jesus have bright days ahead!

I leave you with a photo I took one morning as I awoke, the sunlight shining through the blinds. Notice the Ukranian doilies I have on my dresser. It’s a great memory of our trips there and good for remembering to pray. Since my page won’t let me leave the box below empty, I’ll let you contemplate what’s going on in the firmament between us and heaven.

Tropical Depression Alex (Atlantic Ocean) by NASA Goddard Photo and Video is licensed under CC-BY 2.0

2024 Fasting, Hope, and a few Book Reviews

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The Brownville, NY church Charles G. Finney spent a winter snowed -in at, preaching
and praying in the1800’s revival at its infancy.

New Year’s Eve, I spent about 6 hours at this old church, experiencing a taste of heaven on earth and the burgeoning revival in our area. I rejoiced in seeing people from my former church involvements and many from my current congregation, as well as many I met for the first time. Just thinking about how in eternity, we can fellowship with Everyone who follows Jesus!

What excellent fellowship we enjoyed as we packed the church sanctuary. The worship team was excellent, the Spirit heavy, and prayers effective. Baptisms were performed, and many children and young people were there, all behaving well for such a late evening! Oh, did I mention older saints and people from several different churches attended as well?

Our church has begun our annual January fast. Our concentration this year is Immanuel; Our God is with us, and we are with our God. You can check out http://www.myacf.org for Pastor’s sermon about this fast. I decided to begin fasting at sundown New Year’s evening, only drinking water. The Spirit and fellowship made it easy to pass up the snacks that were there at the church. This year, I decided to concentrate on no wheat, no dairy, and no sugars. I eat enough to take my supplements in the morning, then liquids until after 4 p.m. Liquids continue after sharing a curtailed dinner with my husband, John. The main idea is to take 21 days to make room in my life to grow closer to the Lord, feeding my spirit more than my flesh. Our church does not mandate that members fast or dictate how to observe it, but it helps knowing others are abstaining from food at the same time.

Now for the book reviews. I remind you that there’s a discount for my Musings Along Life’s Journey Kindle version starting January 17th, only 99cents!

The Lost Arts of Christianity by Mike Bartholomew is my current read. I met Pastor Mike at a joint prayer evening last week at our church. He pastors at a sister church in our area. This book was published in 2009 but still holds good advice for coming back to the truths of Christian Living many of us have left off from. Mike covers:

Beginning Correctly, Salty Living, The Spirit Filled Life, Self-control, Patient Faith, Serving, Hospitality, Disciple Making, Praying, Forgiving, Giving, Recognizing the Times, Loyalty, Contentment, Hard Work, Loving the Truth, Joyful Living, Discretion, Unity, Parenting, Submission to Authority, Finishing Correctly.

You will find I covered a few of these topics in my memoir, but Pastor Mike Bartholomew fleshes them out a bit more, since he’s been a Pastor as long as I’ve been a believer, which gives him more examples to share. If you want to find out how to help others find God’s way of living this Christian life or confirm/challenge the life you’re living, I recommend this book, which can be purchased on Amazon or Walmart.com.

The second book I want to share is the new devotional I started today. It’s Our Faithful God Devotional by Katie Davis Majors, 52 Weeks of Leaning on His Unchanging Character.

Katie says,”… we aren’t going to cover the whole Bible in a year. But we are going to read different parts of the Old and New Testaments, soaking our hearts and minds in God’s Word as we look for evidence of His unchanging character throughout the ages.” (From the introduction). Each week, you read one Scripture each day for four days. On day five, you read all four Scriptures. Two days a week, you can meditate/re-read the Scriptures, or use them as catch-up days. Katy starts each day by setting the stage for the chapter you will read, then offers questions to help you apply it to your life.

This seems to be a good place for me to start this new year. I have christened a new journal and look forward to what the Spirit will do with Katie’s prompts. My first assignment is to read Genesis 1 and start a habit of noticing God’s goodness all around, trusting Him to make the dark areas of my life light and good. This means seeing God as Creator of all, still speaking light and life, still declaring His creation is good. My second day, I read the first chapter of Matthew.

As I conclude these thoughts, I speak Shalom to you, my readers. 2024 is a year of expectation. God is on the move, and we are blessed to move with Him! Remember to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, as Psalm 122 says, for the good of our brothers and friends. Also, they that touch Israel touch the apple of the Father’s eye. He will not let the enemy go much farther. His judgement is written in the Scriptures!