The Blessed Life...

"Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be put in your lap.  For with the same measure that you use it, it will be measured back to you."
 - Luke 6:38 (NKJV)

     As I continue seeking God's Perfect Will for my life (NOT just His Permissible Will); this book was suggested to me on several occasions.  Thank God for a Spirit-Led Husband and good friends who know my heart, and love me enough to point me in a Divine Direction!  So, it was after prayerful petition that I dove into this Wisdom Packed study; and how Greatly Blessed I am for it!!  There is MUCH to be said about Obtaining and Maintaining a Blessed Life, and I am just beginning to get a grasp on the power!  Along with seeking God's Perfect Will, I have been led to consider my Heart Condition.

     Now, if you follow my posts, you'll see that I have taken a Stand for my Health this year; but this kind of Heart Examine has gone beyond my physical body and into the Supernatural Realm.  I have begun to notice the impact my attitude has on every choice I make, and more importantly on my results.  Another Scripture that has been on my heart lately is found in Colossians 3:23 - "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and Not to men".  Notice, it does not say "and SOME of what you do" or to do it "sort of"; it says WHATEVER you do, do it HEARTILY - which means sincerely, without restraint.  What wise counsel!!  I began imagining what my life would be like if I did EVERYTHING  Heartily as to the Lord, and I felt joy and peace in new and exciting ways.  I even began to consider that if I approached my Fitness and Nutrition "as to the Lord" the burden of my flesh may be replaced by worship.  

     This week, I have purposed to do everything as an Act of Worship as to the Lord; and have been blessed with new energy, peace, and joy!  I have been filled with a new vitality, even in the little things - like not drinking soda or consuming large amounts of sugar.  I've also found this same vitality as I sow into my family's "Love Tanks", and I've experienced the abundance that is promised in Luke 6!!!  I am clear that I have more work to do in this area, but I am certainly grateful for a new opportunity to Give and Live On Purpose!!  Please join me in continuing to Dive Deeper into The Blessed Life!!

    

     

A MASTERPIECE...

"For we are God's Masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, 

so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

- Ephesians 2:10 NLT

As we enter this Season of Harvest and Thanksgiving, I invite you to pause with me and consider Yourself as God's Masterpiece. 

Courtesy of Bethany House Publisher, I received a copy of my Favorite Author's latest novel, the first in her new series set at The Belmont Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee.  Tamera Alexander continues to challenge and inspire me through her historically rich, romantic fiction novels, and A Lasting Impression is no exception!  In this post Civil War era, we are introduced to "a nation mending, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves-and each other-for who they truly are."

This eloquently written story reminds me of God's Grace, His ability to Forgive and Restore, and His desire to lead us into Second Chances - FULL of Abundant Blessings!  I wonder, how many times do we resist this progression in order to question our worthiness?  How often do we get stuck in our "doing for others" that we forget  whom we owe ALL of our ability and opportunity too?

I LOVE to meditate on what it means to "be God's Masterpiece...created to do good things He has planned for us long ago".  I am not an artist, but as I connect with Claire Laurent's passion to create, I become aware of the emotion and delicacy involved in the process.  I can imagine each brush stroke taken to design and blend the variety of colors into one beautiful masterpiece, and feel humbled considering God's love for me!!  I begin to see the Joy of the Lord as He painfully placed His signature on our hearts, and treasure the thought of being considered priceless!!

"A Lasting Impression" is Rich with sweet lessons of faith, forgiveness, courage, honor, restoration, trust, and love!!  I am blessed by the opportunity Tamera Alexander's writing gives me to not only enjoy a good story, gain some historical insights, but also to reflect and respond to my own heart condition!  In this moment, I am left with the challenge of considering the "Why" behind my actions, and equally important, the Lasting Impression I am creating.  May we be filled with Wisdom and Understanding as we continue to press forward in faith, and may you be blessed as God's Masterpiece!!! 

One Call Away - A Memoir by Brenda Warner

"Answering Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith"

Do you sometimes find yourself feeling alone and discouraged with your current circumstances?  Are you stuck in a rut full of distractions?  Do you hesitate to answer the phone, for fear of who might be on the other end with bad news?  Brenda Warner shares her life and her heart in "One Call Away" as she considered similar questions.  In this intimate glimpse, Brenda allows us to connect with her and her journey...a path that led her through Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith!!    

Book Description

Brenda’s life has taken twists and turns that are stranger than fiction. It always seemed as if she was just one phone call away from the next explosive change. Each time her plans fell apart, she had a choice: would she give up, or would she press forward and learn from the unexpected? One Call Away is the inspiring story of a woman who has prevailed through many of the circumstances that discourage women: tragedy, poverty, betrayal, and humiliation. But unlike most women, her life has been on display in the media.

Brenda’s faith and God’s strength enable her to face challenge after challenge: an accident that leaves her son blind and brain damaged, a crumbling marriage, a tornado that kills her parents, a new relationship with promising football player Kurt Warner, and the pressures his sudden success brings to their growing family.

Through food stamps and funerals, Super Bowls and serving others, Brenda’s strength is unwavering. Her determination to dream new dreams, willingness to learn from her mistakes, and commitment to giving back to her community make her a role model for women of all backgrounds.

Her dreams haven’t materialized as she had imagined, but Brenda has found that God has a much bigger plan for her. Conversational and candid, One Call Away invites readers facing their own difficulties to trust God and discover hope in the future.

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time reading about this Amazing, Inspiring woman!!  I could SO relate to many of her experiences, responses, and choices to move forward on purpose!  I appreciate her willingness and ability to be vulnerable as she brings Glory to God in All that He has done in her and through her!!  This is a woman of action, and her memoir inspires me to do the same.  Her and her family continue to do powerful, abundant work through "First Things First Foundation" as they put action to their testimony!  I love her heart for children, and honor her for her sensitivity to celebrating the joy that they are!!  I am encouraged by her faith as she pressed forward regardless of her circumstances!  As I review my complementary ebook from Booksneeze,  I am in gratitude for this woman who chooses to honor God in such an outloud and profound way!    I highly recommend this book for anyone asking the above questions, as well as those looking for inspiration and motivation to carry on!!  Like Brenda, it has been my experience that no matter where we are in our journey, God is only One Call Away.  Knowing that gives me hope for tomorrow, faith for the future, and an ability to find joy in the journey!!

His Steadfast Love by Gloden Keys Parsons

CAPTIVATING!!!

Thank You, Booksneeze for the opportunity to preview this complementary ebook - it has truly been my pleasure!  I Highly recommend this incredible story for those desiring an adventure into the Civil War era...

This well-written, heartfelt story captivated my heart and my time!  I was moved by the vastness of God's grace as reflected through such vivid characters and settings!  I was awakened to a time where courage and freedom became powerful motivations; a time where reality seemed unreal, and faith, hope, and forgiveness became lifelines to a better tomorrow.  I was grateful for the power of  Love and Godly Character to heal deep wounds and restore families!  I am encouraged by the Happily Ever After of such Steadfast Love!!

May we also embrace the Grace of forgiveness and choose to walk a life of Peace and Love for others!!

Storm Warning by Billy Graham

I received this book free, courtesy of Booksneeze several months ago, and have taken my time reading it!  For those of you interested in the "Signs of the Times", this book sheds some light and wisdom on this ever captivating topic!!

Book Description:

An examination of the imminence of Christ's return in light of today's headlines and the events recorded in Scripture.

The morning newspapers are jammed with alarming headlines and stories asking questions no one can answer. In Storm Warning, Billy Graham examines the problems facing America today compared with what is to come as revealed in the Bible. He answers the tough questions as only he can with astute biblical insight, and points to the hope and renewal found in Christ—for our families, our nation, and our world.

Includes an in-depth analysis of the four horsemen of Revelation chapter six as well as insight on:

Signs of the times The Apocalypse Standing before God

It is my belief that God is Graceful and Loving, and ALWAYS makes a way where there seems to be noway; and to that extent, I am happy to rest in the Calm of the Storm!!