Friday, September 26, 2014

TGIF!

TGIF! I watched a Joyce Meyer video at the Battlefield of the Mind book study this week. She reminded us that the Bible first gave us the words "to meditate."  
It is well, it is well, it is very well and that will be my meditation this day. That is what I believe that You, Lord, want me to dwell on. It is well.

Lord, let it be well, let it be well, let it be very well with my family and friends.
Let peace be as the river that flows. Let love arise and healing flow like a balm. I need You so much that I can’t do this, can’t survive, can’t thrive and I can’t live without heavy intervention from You Lord. Your Word says that You will heal, comfort and send help. I need help Lord right now. I need You right now. Please give me direction and intervention.
For the song, It is Well with my Soul click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwHj7l1M9g4
WE pray extra today for those in the military and our policemen. Please cover them with your blood and protection as they serve us.

Joshua 1:8 ESV /


This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Psalm 1:2 ESV /


But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 19:14 ESV /


Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 119:15 ESV /


I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

Psalm 104:34 ESV /


May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.

Philippians 4:8 ESV /


Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Proverbs 4:20-22 ESV /


My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.

Psalm 119:97 ESV /


Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.

Isaiah 26:3 ESV /


You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Desire Fulfilled on the Journey to Restoration


Infertility has reared its ugly head and another marriage is torn by this painful issue. Having walked that road myself, I have to say that Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley really brought life to a topic that can be heartrending. The Desire, may be my favorite of the Restoration Series; it really was hard to put down after I started reading it. Early on, there was a situation that seemed the perfect remedy for Michele and Allan's lack of children but then there was that underlying thread of "God's got a better idea".  We were guided on a path of education concerning mission trips and the painful life that many orphans endure daily as the  dilemma was solved.
 
The reader is introduced to Addis Ababa and Korah, where the sights, smells and poverty shown within this story make you feel as if you were there. This book also reminds you to be grateful for what you have, living in America. Ayana stole my heart right away and she was beautifully depicted. I could barely read for the tears pouring out of my eyes as we were acquainted with her grandmother and the sacrificial heart that was within her.
 
One of my favorite parts of the Restoration Series is the interview that Dan does with Gary at the end of the books. It seems I always end up buying one of Gary's older books and this time it was Guarding Your Child's Heart. I was intrigued with the things that Michelle was learning about a new way to live and love and I was pretty sure that it had something to do with a teaching from one of Gary's nonfiction books.
 
I'm not sure if The Desire was the best title for the book, but in looking over the other titles in the series, I am seeing how it fits. Don't let the picture on the book front confuse you, this is not "chick lit." It is a story told superbly by master storytellers.
 
I'm so glad there is one more book in this series to look forward do. It has been a wonderful journey so far. Thanks Dan and Gary. Y'all rock!
Donna Collins Tinsley