God I Hear You

Do you ever just have this moment where you feel like something cosmic is pulling you or pushing you towards or even away from something?!
I've been experiencing that.  Especially today.  Today I just want to look up at God and say "Ok, I got it!!".

I hear a lot of people say that they never experience God speaking to them.  I hear God all the time.  I've come to terms that maybe my definition of "God speaking" is different than others or maybe that God has to communicate with me differently because I can be so stubborn.  I'm not sure what it is but it seems the last several months, maybe even a year, God has been pushing me towards the mission field.  More specifically, Tanzania.

To be honest, I can't remember specifically when God told me I was going.  It was either during my conversation with him when  he told me he was going to heal me...or during the fasting I was doing right before he healed me.  Either way, it was a few years ago.  I know he told me.  I can't shake it.  I try to talk my way out of Tanzania and into some place closer, preferably downtown Charlotte.  I mean mission work can be done ANYWHERE right?!...so why Tanzania?  I don't know.  I just know that my spirit is becoming uncomfortable.  It's wanting me to move.  I'm seeing my commission everywhere I turn.  From books, sermons, people, you name it.  It's there.

Pray with me.  When I look at this through human eyes I'm left anxious, fearful, nervous, confused, unsure.  However, looking at it through my spiritual eyes I'm at peace.  I know God's voice.  I know I can have peace in Him.  He has it figure out.  He holds all the answers. Pray that I have courage and strength.  Pray for my obedience.  Pray for favor and open doors.  

Healing: 2 Year Anniversary

I can't believe it's been 2 years.  I think about it often though.  If I think about it long enough I can still bawl my eyes out at the wonder of it. My life is so different now.  I still love my sleep and I still hate waking up in the mornings but it's different.  

It's not just my sleeping patterns that are different though.  I'm different.  I think back to where I was in my relationship with God then and how that day God ignited a desire in my heart for Him that I had never experienced. My life was no longer about ME but what God could do through me.  I see that now.  I didn't then but I had the yearning.  I just knew that somehow I had to give back! I knew God didn't heal me so I could sit back and enjoy it for myself.

I think back to the guilt that I was living with.  All of the mistakes I had made.  The failure I felt for "knowing better" and yet stuck in a horrible cycle.  Wondering how I could make the decisions I was making knowing how I would feel afterwards.  I get it now.  There was no cure for any of it, there was nothing *I* could do but seek God.  HE would change me.  He would change my desires.  He changed my life.  The loneliness, the fear, the shame, the anger, the exhaustion, the frustration...He's taken it.  Unlike my physical healing it wasn't an immediate healing.  It's been a process.  He's brought so many things into my life....fostering dogs, small groups, a new church, a sponsored child, sermons, bible studies, friends, to just name a few.  Each thing refining me in a different way.

I have new friends in my life.  Friends that didn't know me the first 30 years of my life.  They see my life now.  They see the whole me.  I wish they could take a glimpse at the old me.  The pain, the hurt, the struggles.  I really DO get what they're going through.  I've been there. Oh how I've been there.  I've made the mistakes but God has redeemed them. 

I just recently watched as Jim Bakker came back to Heritage USA to celebrate how God has come full circle in his life and they called it a Restoration Weekend.  That hit home for me.  God restores.  If all this is nothing but babble, walk away knowing God can and does restore. I'm proof.

The Gaither Homecoming Bible

Book Description

The Gaither Homecoming Bible will make the Bible come alive for those seeking truth in the twenty-first century, even for those who think they already know it. For years, Bill and Gloria Gaither have reached millions of people across generations with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Their music of joy, thanksgiving, and praise ushers people into the presence of God so that He can do His wondrous work in their lives. Featuring inspirational and insightful Scripture devotions by the Gaithers and other favorite Homecoming artists; articles on beloved hymns, gospel songs, and Gaither classics and the inspiration behind them; original poetry by Gloria Gaither to enlighten and inspire; and quotes by greats of the faith, reflecting on the importance of music in the life of believers, this beautiful Bible featuring the New King James Version® (NKJV) is one that readers will treasure for years to come.

Book Review

I have a secret...I have an addiction to Bibles. I love them in different version, sizes, colors, fonts and covers. The Gaither Homecoming Bible is a beautiful hardcover Bible. They used a pleasing font and splashes of color on each page. I was particularly excited to see this in the NKJV since my pastor has recently started to use this version for his Sunday sermons. The downside is that I'm not fond of the hardcover for the Bible I take to church. I would like to have this Bible in a leather cover to allow a heavier use. I also noticed there isn't an index in the back.   I can see this making a great coffee table book!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine By Max Lucado

Book Description

Grace.

We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. The seedy politician falls from grace. Musicians speak of a grace note. We describe an actress as gracious, a dancer as graceful. We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what grace means.

But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, “Do you believe in grace?” who could say no?

Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace?

God’s grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly.

Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.

Let’s make certain grace gets you.

Book Review

This book is my first "Max Lucado experience".  I've heard his name. I've read reviews.  I've seen his books.  For some reason I have always decided to pass his books up.  After reading this book I have no idea why.  Max Lucado did an amazing job intertwining real life stories with the scriptures of God's Word painting a picture of God's grace in our everyday lives.  I can't tell you the last time I read a book in one evening.  Yes, one evening.  I actually had mentally planned out to read a chapter a night for the next 11 days but chapter after chapter it kept drawing me in for more.  I recommend this book for everyone.  From lost sinner to theologian.    A definite read!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: The Voice

Book Description

The Voice™ is a faithful dynamic equivalent translation that reads like a story with all the truth and wisdom of God's Word. Through compelling narratives, poetry, and teaching, The Voice invites readers to enter into the whole story of God with their heart, soul, and mind, enabling them to hear God speaking and to experience His presence in their lives. Through a collaboration of more than 120 biblical scholars, pastors, writers, musicians, poets, and artists, The Voice recaptures the passion, grit, humor, and beauty that is often lost in the translation process. The result is a retelling of the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works, yet remaining painstakingly true to the original manuscripts.

Features include:

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  Italicized information added to help contemporary readers understand what the original readers would have known intuitively
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  In-text commentary notes include cultural, historical, theological, or devotional thoughts
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Screenplay format, ideal for public readings and group studies
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Book introductions

Part of the Signature Series line of Thomas Nelson Bibles

Book Review

I'm just going to be honest.  I don't see The Voice taking over my NIV or ESV as the Bible I'm taking to church with me on Sunday morning.  I do, however, see myself using this a great deal when doing "Reading the Bible in 90 Days" or even when I'm doing a Beth Moore study.  I see this more as a resource than an everyday bible.  I do like the easy level of reading that is used and even the commentary that is scattered throughout.  I would be likely to give this bible to someone who I know has a hard time reading the bible or even to the bible reader who I know likes to read different versions.  I think some people will get hung up on differences, such as them not using Jesus Christ but Jesus the Appointed One.  After reading some other reviews I do have some concerns such as...

2 Timothy 3:16:


(NIV)  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

(ESV) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

(The Voice) All of scripture is God-breathed: in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction and training for a life that is right,

I don't like how they seem to have added to this scripture.  Is the same idea evoked?  

I also do not recommend the digital version of this book.  I had a horrible time navigating through.  There is not enough bookmarks to allow looking up scripture easily!  

Overall I give this a 3 out of 5 rating.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Alex: Before

So today is the day. Today I'm taking on my largest challenge as a dog advocate.  Today I'm opening up my heart and home to a 1 1/2 year old Boxer/Terrier mix in hopes of saving his life.  Meet Alex.

Alex was left at the humane society by someone who stuffed him into a carrier and placed the leftover bag of food on top.  A volunteer found him the next morning upon opening.  They had to cut the crate to get him out.  As you can see in the picture the carrier was far to small for the puppy of just a few months.

From what I have been told Alex was adopted out for 8 months but then returned due to anxiety. He's been back for 4 months and is not adjusting.  

During this last 4 months Alex has been back at the humane society I have been going at full speed with wanting to learn and do as much as I can for dogs.  I noticed that a dog trainer had opened up a dog sitting/training business in our business complex at work.  I immediately went to the interwebs to see what I could dig up.  I found their website and facebook page and immediately sent the owner a note saying that I have begun to foster dogs and was looking to better myself in the area of training in hopes to help my fosters become more adoptable.  I also side noted that I had Sadie and she needed some help in her greeting of new dogs and also with greeting customers that come to our showroom.  She replied saying I should come over to her place with Sadie and let her do an evaluation and talk about what could be done.

During our meeting she mentioned to me about Alex and how the humane society was desperately seeking a foster home for him because they had come to terms that the life he was living at the humane society was not humane for him.  He was miserable.  Talks of euthanizing had begun.  The trainer agreed to help me with training both Sadie and Alex if I would foster.  I voiced my concern that Sadie was not friendly with new dogs and I wouldn't be able to help if Alex and Sadie didn't get along.  She agreed to facilitate the meeting of those two to see how it would work.  Needless to say, it went perfectly.  So perfectly that today I'm a nervous wreck in thinking it's not going to go as perfect as the first time. Today is that day we find out.  Today is the day I find out if Alex can live a normal dog life.  Today is hopefully the beginning.  

I've made it sound like I haven't even met Alex except when he met Sadie but that isn't the case.  On my Saturdays at the humane society I've walked him a handful of times and then the past two weekends I've spent time with him at the shelter with him just loving on him while in his kennel.  I wanted him to get used to my smell, my presence and just me.  My favorite Saturday with him was the first time I walked him.  I wanted to get my phone out of my car so I could take pictures of him but he decided he wanted in.  So we chilled out in my car for awhile.  He took to sniffing every square inch.  Afterwards I took him over to the water bowl where he promptly began digging the water out of the bowl splashing everything near him!  

He's a fun dog and I hope this all works out for everyone!!

God Loves Broken People And Those Who Pretend They're Not By Sheila Walsh

Book Description

Readers encounter a new message about God's redemptive plan for their failures and shortcomings.

One bite of forbidden fruit is all it took to send humanity reeling from God. What Sheila Walsh unveils in God Loves Broken People is that God had a divine plan even then that is hidden underneath our pain and mistakes. God intends to wield our failures, our wanderings, and the deep hurt of our lives not only to drive us toward him but also to give us a deeper experience of his grace and healing power.

So many people, Christians and non-Christians alike, look at their wounds and sense that they are somehow beyond repair, that their moments of weakness make them spiritually defective. In this powerful book full of deep biblical teaching, Walsh encourages readers with God's truth that he is not done with them yet, that he can and will redeem their failures to create a deeper intimacy with him and accomplish his kingdom purposes.

Everyone has messed up somehow, sometime. For anyone who is not able to move beyond and experience the deep love and grace of God, they need God Loves Broken People.

Book Review

After recently going to a Women of Faith conference and drooling at the merchandise tables full of books from the speakers. I was so excited to see a book become available through Booksneeze from one of those women speakers. I remember enjoying hearing Shelia Walsh while in Charlotte and I can say after reading her book her stage personality shined through. I could visualize her saying every word. I have been going through the Beth Moore series, Breaking Free and I found God Loves Broken People tying right along with it. She does a great job tying together her personal experiences and those of others with the points she makes throughout the book. I would say her targeted audience is for a middle to older aged woman who is married with children but as a middle aged single female I gleaned from it as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”