Is it a rose bush or a thorn bush?

 

Abe Lincoln said, “We can complain that rose bushes have thorns, or we can rejoice that thorn bushes have roses."

 Once in a time of prayer and prophecy Brother Steve Scheffler said I was a rose whose thorns would prick the hearts of men. Although I feel I write mainly for women those words have always been in my heart. I realized once again today that my “father vacuum” that pain of not really knowing my paternal family roots, likes to show itself at the oddest times, to try to get me down and make me feel as if I was an abandoned child. Yet on the other hand I know deeply in my heart that the relationship I have with my Abba Father could never have been as strong if I had an earthy father meet that need. The path for me was abandonment by my real father, not knowing grandparents on that side, abuses by men and then a slow gradual healing as I cried out to the Lord from early childhood. I sought him in tears, in frustrations, in crazy situations and more. He was there for me and always will be my Rock and Fortress.

The Rock and Me

I am a rock
But not a fortress
A mighty One
I lean on

He is my Rock
And comforting arm
Presiding, watching
Keeping from harm

A long road
With many turns
Pits, caves and snares

We rock together
Jesus and me
Through tears and pain
Two Rocks are we.

Donna Collins Tinsley written a long time ago, when I found out someone asked my brother, Charles, “How is your sister, the rock?”

From Suzi Yelvington’s book YOUR WORDS ARE POWERFUL. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SPEAK: “I DECLARE…I am inspiring others, in turn I am inspired.”

Praying with Shonda and the mothers at Somebody’s Mother Online Prayer Support Group, today. An extra prayer that was on my heart today was for women who are trying to conceive; may the Lord prepare your womb and heart and send that child in Jesus name.

Spiritual Warfare from Ephesians 6 The Passion Translation

¹⁰ Now my beloved ones, I have saved these most important truths for last: Be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus. Stand victorious with the force^[i] of his explosive power flowing in and through you.

¹¹ Put on God’s complete set of armor^[j] provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser!^[k] 12 Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms.^[l] For they are a powerful class of demon-gods^[m] and evil spirits that hold^[n] this dark world in bondage. ¹³ Because of this, you must wear all the armor that God provides so you’re protected as you confront the slanderer,^[o] for you are destined for all things^[p] and will rise victorious.

¹⁴ Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph. Put on holiness as the protective armor that covers your heart. ¹⁵ Stand on your feet alert, then you’ll always be ready to share the blessings of peace.

¹⁶ In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the Evil One!^[q] 17–18 Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword^[r] of the spoken Word of God.

Pray passionately^[s] in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times. Pray the blessings of God upon all his believers. ¹⁹ And pray also that God’s revelation would be released through me every time I preach the wonderful mystery of the hope-filled gospel. ²⁰ Yes, pray that I may preach the wonderful news of God’s kingdom with bold freedom at every opportunity. Even though I am chained as a prisoner, I am his ambassador.

With God, Nothing Shall be Impossible!

 

On Mondays our main prayer focus is our family or extended family. The Lord knows our hearts towards those we love. He knows the unspoken heart cry. He knows the feelings of loss and helplessness as we yield what we can’t change or control into His great Father hands.

He knows the financial needs, the needs for the necessities of life; many struggle in this day and age just to be able to buy gas to get to work, or medicine for their children. Babies are born prematurely and have extra health needs and we pray for miracles.

Families are estranged because of addictions or emotional issues and need healing as only You can do. The Bible says, With God, NOTHING shall be impossible!

 

His hand is not so short than He cannot save. Jesus is the answer and our strong help and that will always be the case. His ear is open to our prayers for help and hope. He is such a creative God that He brings forth beauty and grace and gifts within us that we never thought were there. He can bring the dormant seed to life. We praise His name and ask that He cover our families today. We thank You, Lord Jesus ahead of time for Your great blessing and favor towards our loved ones.

 

From Suzi Yelvington’s book YOUR WORDS ARE POWERFUL. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SPEAK: “Get into the daily habit of asking yourself, Does this support the positive life I am trying to create?”

 

Some may want to join in giving up a meal to fast for our families. A song and a prayer about the Family Tree:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlqH5-T9WtI

(139) Family Tree by Matthew West (w/ lyrics) - YouTube

I can't get enough of Dan Walsh's novels; my review of his newest, The Longest Road

 

The Longest Road (Epic Journey Series Book 2) ** Long-Awaited Sequel to Dan’s Award-Winning Novel - The Deepest Waters **by Dan Walsh

Since The Deepest Waters was one of my all-time favorite novels, I was so excited when this book, The Longest Road came out. Dan Walsh NEVER disappoints, and his characters and the story setting in this book are some of his best.

The setting is 1857, and we saw some of what John and Laura's lives were like after The Deepest Waters book. Their friend, former slave, Micah's youngest daughter Hannah has been sold to a slave owner from the South, who has ulterior motives for buying her because of her beauty. John, Laura, Micah, and Micah’s son, Eli come up with a plan to rescue Hannah. You don’t want to miss this story.

We do hope for more about these characters, Dan.  In the Author’s Notes Dan said that Micah was his favorite character and I have to add an “amen” to that for myself, also. Dan has taken historical fiction to a new level with this book. I read it months ago, forgot to post a review, but now feel Black History Month might be the perfect timing to introduce it to people.

I wish somehow both novels could be combined and made into a movie. Intriguing through and through!

My review of Murder of Cowboy Gene: Florida Murder Mystery Novel 5 by Jay Heavner

 

Murder of Cowboy Gene: Florida Murder Mystery Novel 5 by Jay Heavner

 

I have to say, this novel by Jay is the best I’ve read so far in the series. His writing is getting better each novel, in my opinion. I hope some of that is because of your joining us at Word Weavers Volusia County Group, Jay.

It’s really interesting to read a book that gives the “total male” perspective on life. Jay’s characters always remind me of somebody I know or used to know. I like Roger, glad he looks like Sam Elliot, and the donkey addition made me smile, plus the dog’s dislike of his friend, Bill made me smile, too. Some of Jay’s writing, I admit, make me laugh out loud and that is much welcomed in my life, especially in the days we live. He interjects history and places that either I knew nothing about or reminds me of the area in Brevard where a lot of this novel takes place.

I like the characters and I’ll not give a spoiler alert about Cowboy Gene, but the story surrounding him, and the care he gives to his mother are admirable. Sometimes we all just do the best we can with what we have and although it might not have been the right thing to do, the story was believable.

I loved the cover picture, it not only reminded me of Jay but during the pandemic my husband grew a beard and he is looking remarkably similar, now.

Jay, you strike me as a man who is enjoying his life writing novels, and I’m very happy for you. Your laid-back manner must do with your family roots and where you grew up. When I got to a certain point in the book, I made sure I kept reading to the end. Readers will, too.

WAKE THE DEAD by Victoria Buck will rock the world as you know it.

 I realized I'm behind on some book reviews for some awesome writer friends. I read this book a while back, so I may need to reread it again to refresh my mind, but for now here's my review.

WAKE THE DEAD by Victoria Buck

Chase Sterling is a creation of the wonderful, imaginative mind of Victoria. I was already a fan of her blogs and had known that she is a wonderful, insightful writer. Not really normally being a fan of science fiction, I was on the slow side of buying but now that I have, I will definitely finish the trilogy.

I believe the book is fueled by a passionate faith. I liked the part about the “town of old vans” and also about Chase’s eleventh birthday. Doctors, data, drama, robots and more are in this book. The story is intriguing and I just am not sure about the how the world is advancing, but I think it is worthy of a movie, if Hollywood is listening.

WAKE THE DEAD by Victoria Buck will rock the world as you know it.

Keep writing and we’ll keep reading, Victoria.

Praying for those who grieve

 

Lord, we thank you for Your many blessings to us and the healing that comes as we pray for each other. We thank You that You are all we need, that You are our all, our everything. If I had no voice to sing my spirit would call out to You because You are the hope we are needing.

   “You can be too broken to be.” Ann Voscamp also talks about grief here:

 “There is no fear in letting tears come. Sadness is a gift to avoid the nothingness of numbness, and all hard places need water. Grief is a gift, and after a rain of tears, there is always more of you than before. Rain always brings growth.”

For me when there has been a recent death that affects someone I know personally, it seems a bit harder to post, because I know their pain and grieving will take time, much time. But it’s Saturday and the day we focus on those families who’ve lost loved ones, maybe recently, maybe it’s been a while but grief has its own timetable. We pray for strength for the journey, comfort from the Lord and His people and for love to surround you through the numbness of coping with what must be dealt with. Jesus, lover of my soul, bind our wounds and make us whole. Praying for those whose loss is so new and tender especially.

Show us how to live, one day at a time, giving You glory. Your love never fails, though sometime our faith does. Help us to remember that the same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in us.

"In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you."

  Jesus is not telling us that heaven has compartments or that we will have little places in which to live.  In the ancient culture, a father's house was where the extended family lived.  Rooms were often added on as the family grew through birth and marriage.  What Jesus was doing was using the present day illustration of a loving, tight, family community.  So, Christ is saying that He is preparing a place for us in heaven where we will dwell with God in close communion with Him and that there is room in heaven for all whom God calls to salvation. (by Matt Slick)

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=You+Are+Dancing+in+Heaven&&view=detail&mid=A40B4D29A872FFCACDE3A40B4D29A872FFCACDE3&&FORM=VRDGAR

Quote of the day from YOUR WORDS ARE POWERFUL, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SPEAK by Suzi Yelvington: “ The enemy will want you to pay attention to your feelings; Jesus wants you to pay attention to His truth.”

Augustine said it stunningly: "In my deepest wound, I see Your glory and it dazzles me."

 

Saturday's prayer

 It’s Saturday and the day we focus on those families who’ve lost loved ones, maybe recently, maybe it’s been a while but grief has its own timetable. We pray for strength for the journey, comfort from the Lord and His people and for love to surround you through the numbness of coping with what must be dealt with. Jesus, lover of my soul, bind our wounds and make us whole.

Be more in me today. Show us how to live, one day at a time, giving You glory. Your love never fails, though sometime our faith does. Help us to remember that the same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InsifiZxVXU

"Sometimes the best remedy for grief is finding some way to touch somebody else's life," says Dr. Larry Crabb.

Quote of the day from YOUR WORDS ARE POWERFUL, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SPEAK by Suzi Yelvington: “Pray over your God-given dream. Life goes by fast not to do what you were called to do.”

“I declare… I will start my day with prayer every day.”

A prayer read at a recent memorial of one of our mother’s:

Afterglow

By Helen Lowrie Marshall

I’d like the memory of me

To be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an afterglow

Of smiles

When life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo whispering

Softly down the ways.

Of happy times and laughing times

And bright sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve,

To dry before the sun

Of happy memories that I leave

When life is done.

All That We Carried by Erin Bartels will carry you away. My book Review:

 

All That We Carried

by Erin Bartels  (Author)

 

All That We Carried by Erin Bartels is the second book I’ve read by the author. I see growth in the way she weaves the story and I like the characters in the book. Especially Josh. There were many questions and story lines that made you wonder where she was going with the plot. The relationship between sisters can be so complex, even under normal circumstances. The loss of the parents and the way they died made it very intriguing when you add the old friend into the mix.

I also thought the art-work on the cover and the title were very good. I was surprised by the ending circumstances; some may have thought Josh was supposed to be Jesus, but I felt more an angel unaware or a very good Christian in the flesh.

Regardless, of who he was he created a thirst within the sisters for what he had.

Well done, Erin. Although I received this book free of charge from Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review; I’m so very glad to have read it.

Donna Collins Tinsley

https://thornrose7.blogspot.com/

THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD

 

 Today as I think about families, those who are sick and in need of a Healer, those who emotionally want to give up, those who are afraid their children will die of an overdose on the streets, those who are afraid their loved one will just decide to end it all, I pray. I pray because that is really all I can do. I yield, although sometimes I want to try to fix someone, sometimes I may even want to shake someone, I yield because letting go and letting God is the only reasonable thing that I can do. It will keep me sane in an insane world. Some of the post below I posted recently but I thought it might help someone today to focus on the goodness of the Lord.

 

When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:18-19

The Ways of the Lord Towards Us

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100:5

His ways are good even when we can't see for the darkness. His ways are good even when they aren’t our ways. His ways are good through the valley of the shadow of death. His ways are good when we are lonely because He will come to us. His ways are good when we are struggling because He can calm the struggle. His ways are good when our children have abandoned or forsaken us (and Him) or gone astray because He is the mighty shepherd who searches for the lost one. His ways are good in pain as He is the healer. His ways are good when the road is long and the journey seems too hard to travel, for He travels with us.

 

His ways are good we will believe for this year. We can’t create, change or cure but His ways are good and He can. Think on your blessings, as that is the only way to overcome the darkness of this world. He is the light and His ways are good!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ak0OoFBw3c

 

 Feel free to join us; we are praying over at Somebody’s Mother: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/119408188089314/

Backtracking to my Christmas blog and a Happy New Year to you!

 This is not the first year that I got so busy with life or as the saying goes, "Life gets in the way of living," that I forgot to post my own Christmas note to my blog. It was a wild year on so many levels and now we are already into 2021. My Mama used to say, "Better late than never," so here it is:

It’s Christmas, Breathe and Pray; it will get you through the Day!

"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT

Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein be content.” Helen Keller

Life can leave you breathless or life can knock the breath out of you. Death. Overdose. Family drama. These are the types of things that knock the breath out of you.

We thought we would have more time. Death arrived.

We thought they were working their program. Overdose arrived.

We just want everyone to be happy. Family drama arrived. Just in time for the holidays.

But what are the things that leave us breathless? A baby in the family, whose smile makes life worth living. A toddler makes us laugh.  A beautiful sunrise. The Word of the Lord. A beautiful sunset. A friend’s hug. The tears of a sister or sister-in-law, grieving loss, but those tears are precious in the sight of the Lord. They are kept in a beautiful urn in heaven, where the sound of them trickling down is as a beautiful waterfall. Pause and think about these things.

THIS HAS BEEN A YEAR.  I think we all would agree about that. Perplexing, anxious perhaps, hard to figure out. Isolation has made us feel lonely. We don’t even feel like ourselves, at times, truth be told. Getting out to go to the doctor is the thrill of the day. Being together with others outside is something to look forward to. Exercise is something that is a love/hate relationship, but helpful. Comfort food has replaced friends at times. Then the results of that eating, when we see ourselves on a Zoom meeting, makes us never want to “zoom” again. Or eat. Husbands grow beards because no one notices behind the masks. Or so they think. At least they can pass as Santa Claus to the grandchildren.

Words seem shallow. Words are hard to come by. Have the days of writing, ended, I wondered if the Lord would even give me a Christmas message this year? He has always been faithful. He will be ever faithful, still. Right now, His Word through the Passion Translation is what I offer. These have been my “go to” verses for most of this year.

 

Return to us again, O God!
How much longer will it take until you show us your abundant compassion

Let the sunrise of your love end our dark night.
Break through our clouded dawn again!
Only you can satisfy our hearts,
filling us with songs of joy to the end of our days.

 We’ve been overwhelmed with grief;
come now and overwhelm us with gladness.
Replace our years of trouble with decades of delight.

Let us see your miracles again, and let the rising generation
see the glorious wonders you’re famous for.
O Lord our God, let your sweet beauty rest upon us
and give us favor.
Come work with us, and then our works will endure,
and give us success in all we do. Psalm 90:13-17 The Passion Translation

 

My Prayer

 

Let Your scent be on me

And let me carry it within

Surround me with Your Holy Spirit

Consume my body and existence

With Your burning fire

Blaze through me and

Let others feel the fire

 

Let them see You, Lord

Not me

Infuse me with Your glorious light

Stronger than the sunrise

Clear, pure, shining, purging

Light of God

 

Praising You, I will shine

This light on others

They will recognize Your Spirit

As love will overflow into

The action of doing for others

What You would

Have me do

Treating them as I would

Want to be treated

Loving until it hurts

Loving through the hurt

And then, loving more.

 

Live ready. Love well! Merry Christmas from Donna Collins Tinsley 2020