Category Archives: forgiveness
Words Are Cheap
I’m sure you heard the expression, “Actions speak louder than words”. Well, it’s true, it does.
This is something I strongly believe in. I do not want to hear someone talk about their faith as much as I want to see it demonstrated in their lives.
What’s the point of spouting off Scriptures at someone, when you turn the corner and are living a double life?
I know about that because I used to be one of those people. I would quote bible verses and then later be rolling in the hay.
Such hypocrisy, I get repulsed just thinking about it.
I would say how much I loved Jesus one minute and be fornicating the next.
Obviously, I wasn’t going around advertising, but sadly, this is how I was living for years.
Perhaps I thought I was fooling those around me, but I wasn’t. I was living in sin and God was grieved.
And so was I. I was not happy living a double life, I was miserable. I knew I was living a compromised life and even though I tried to make justifications for it, I knew deep down it was wrong.
I felt guilty as charged and masked it by doing good works.
I would go to church faithfully, attend bible studies, read my bible, prayed, sang in the choir and even did missions work.
You see, I thought by “doing” these things it would justify my wrongs somehow.
Sin is sin. There is no justifying doing wrong with doing good works.
I wasn’t fooling God or anyone when I was living in sin. I was only hurting myself.
You see, God forgives us, but we still have to pay for the grave consequences of our wrong choices.
We reap what we sow. It’s the law of life, you just can’t get around it.
If we say we love Jesus, then we have to demonstrate it in our actions. In our lives. Not just what comes out of our mouths or in our “acts” of phony piety.
We just cheapen His grace and exploit His salvation.
If you are struggling as a Christian, then be honest about it. Don’t hide or perform or act.
Pray and ask the Lord to give you the strength to repent and turn away from it, whatever “it” is.
Just don’t accept it or believe God will forgive you anyway. Yes, He forgives and He loves you, but He’s also a just God… and I can tell you from my own personal experience that I paid a heavy price for “choosing” to live in sin.
I don’t know who I’m speaking to today, but for whatever reason, I was lead to write this just for you.
Jesus loves you and wants you to get it right. Whatever you are doing isn’t going to lead you to experience His peace, joy or love.
All you have to do is repent today and He will give you the strength to overcome whatever it is you are struggling with.
He did it for me and I know He will do it for you too.
Love Finds You In Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Summerside Press (January 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609365690
ISBN-13: 978-1609365691
Price: $12.99
Purchase: Amazon | BN | CBD
Description
Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But Ginny needs advice from the one person who will look out for her best interests—her former fiancé, Brett Miller. She travels to the remote town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, where the town’s colorful characters and stunning scenery provide respite from LA’s pressures.
In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children’s governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover—as Ellie did—that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?
Review
I have a confession to make. I hardly ever read love stories. I don’t even listen to love songs either. I typically would not choose this genre to read or review. But, I love the authors and decided why not.
I’m so glad I did because I would have really missed out. I was completely blown away by Love Finds You In Glacier Bay. Yes, it’s fiction and yes, it’s a love story. Yet, it’s also so much more than that.
I laughed, I cried, I mean, really crying. I was on the bus reading it and tears were streaming down my face. I just couldn’t help it.
This story is beautiful, enriching, fascinating, deep, life transforming, redeeming and victorious. The characters were so real and as I read, I could envision each one and feel what they felt too.
I was hooked by the first page, without exaggeration. I did not want to put this book down and I certainly did not want it to end.
I know this will sound peculiar, but I even sensed the presence of God when I read this book.
Love Finds You In Glacier Bay, Alaska was healing for me. This story spoke truth to my heart, mind and spirit.
I highly recommend this book. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Tricia Goyer (triciagoyer.com) is the award-winning author of more than thirty novels. She and her husband have six children and live in Arkansas.
Ocieanna Fleiss (ocieana.com) is a published author and editor. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area. This is the authors’ third book together.
Happily Ever After
This is the scenario, you have this picture in your mind of what marriage is supposed to be like or some ideology of what you imagine it to be.
Frankly, Hollywood has done us a disservice with their unrealistic and irrational portrayals of pie in the sky and happily ever after.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
The truth is marriage is hard work. It doesn’t come ready made like Cool Whip. Quite the contrary.
I’m sure you heard the first year is the hardest. Believe me, it is.
Two galaxies crashing together under one roof with all their quirks, baggage and what not.
Excuse me, but that ain’t easy.
Single people look at married couples with envy (or vice versa). Meanwhile, what they see is only a snap shot. A glimpse in time.
I feel like telling them to come on over when I’m having an intense fellowship session. I wonder if they’d envy me then?
They have no idea what takes place behind closed doors. Just because they’re smooching and smiling at the moment, doesn’t mean that’s the whole story.
People walk around pretending they have a perfect marriage. God forbid they should keep it real.
If you would have asked me back in the day if I loved being married, I would have looked at you like you were crazy.
For the record, no, I did not like, enjoy or think marriage was the greatest thing on earth. Quite the contrary, I wanted to run from it. It was too hard, hurt too much and it was not what I had signed up for.
The marriage is bliss thing is simply not true, so please don’t buy into the lie.
I can tell you this, I am not at the place I was before, where I simply hated being married with a passion. Where I wanted to be single again and do whatever the heck I wanted.
I had dreams, places to go and people to see. Marriage was cramping my style.
But like everything in life, you have to work at marriage. The word “work” is like the bubonic plague in our microwave society.
We want easy and quick. We don’t like to work or wait. We want everything yesterday.
The minute something doesn’t go our way, we want to run, hide, escape or… cheat.
Yes, I’ve done that too (in the past and not on my husband)… and let me tell you, cheating doesn’t solve your problems, it just adds to them. Instead of having one headache, you have two.
In the beginning, everything is great. It seems like a dream come true. You found your soul mate. Someone who completes your sentences. You feel alive, you feel beautiful, you feel like someone finally understands you… until… the bubble bursts, the nightmare begins and then… the jokes on you.
I know marriage is hard and it hurts, and you want it to give up or get out. You want the ideal situation. I understand all of this.
But marriage isn’t ‘presto magico’. Both parties have to work at it.
My suggestion for anyone at the brink of giving up, is to pray, ask for the Lord’s help and go to marriage counseling. Seriously, don’t underestimate counseling.
I’m thankful I hung in there and didn’t give up, because I can finally say… today is a new day.
Can you relate to this? Are you struggling in your marriage?
Past Regrets
There are times I feel trapped, bogged down with responsibilities and obligations.
There are people I love who are depending on me. I can’t let them down. I can’t make a mistake.
We need an income to keep a roof over our head, food in our stomachs and clothing on our backs.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much of my time is given to a corporation. How my life really isn’t my own. How my time is given in exchange for a paycheck.
Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for a good job. I’m not complaining.
I’m just facing where I’m at in life. Who knows, I may even be going through a midlife crisis.
I’ve been ruminating on past regrets. In that, I chose a steady income instead of pursuing my dream.
Granted, things could be worse (and they have been).
However, there are those whom are not afforded the ability to ruminate, because all they do is work to feed their kids, barely making ends meet.
So… in the grand scheme of things, I am considered blessed.
But right now, I’m not talking about my job, I’m talking about a dream.
My friend Andi Cumbo wrote a thought provoking blog post entitled “To Quit or Not to Quit” which sparked this post.
A long time ago, I quit acting and singing. Why? For the very same reason I mentioned above. A job. A steady paycheck.
I sold out and forfeited my dream for the illusion of security. I can’t express how bad of a decision that was.
Which is why I’m proactive in reminding my sons to pursue their dreams and do something they love.
If you do what you love, then you don’t mind working twelve hour days. You will be investing your time doing something you believe in and are called to do.
This goes beyond simply working to get a paycheck.
When you work a conventional job, there are no guarantees. You can be there today and gone tomorrow. You can be offered benefits one day and then it be taken away the next.
In this day and age, you can’t invest in a job or put all your eggs in one basket.
You need to invest in yourself and in your dream. Dreams come from God.
When you work toward a dream, it’s yours for keeps. No one can mess with it or take it away, unless you let them.
So yes, I live with regrets and admit I’ve made some pretty bad mistakes. But does that mean it’s over for me? Should I just give up, throw in the towel and call it a day?
No, I’ve already done that, and all for the wrong reasons I might add.
I’ve made some mistakes, so what, you’ve probably made some too. We all do. But should that mean it’s the end of the world?
This is not our final chapter in the big book called life.
I feel like God is giving me a second chance … so I’m priming up for 2013.
I may have given up in the past, but I’m not now. I’m going full steam ahead, no matter what.
Won’t you join me?
Do you believe your dream isn’t attainable? Do you feel hopeless and want to give up?
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Zondervan
Language: English
ISBN-10: 031032906X
ISBN-13: 978-0310329060
Price: $26.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Ten years ago, Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Life, which became the bestselling hardback non-fiction book in history, and is the second most-translated book in the world, after the Bible. PDL has inspired and changed tens of millions of lives … more than any modern book. NOW, Rick has updated and expanded the book with new chapters on the greatest barriers to living your purpose, plus 42 video introductions to each chapter theme, and 42 additional audio messages that go deeper into each chapter. He has also created a new small group curriculum and new sermon series for pastors, and new follow-up events to conserve the evangelistic and discipleship results you will experience. In the original 40 Days of Purpose campaign, churches averaged 28% growth in attendance, and over 100% growth in small group Bible study! People WANT to know their purpose in life! The Purpose Driven Life will enable a new generation in your church to discover God’s purposes for their lives and empower your church with a fresh new wind of hope, joy, and vitality!
Review
Wow! I can’t believe it’s been ten years already. I first heard about The Purpose Driven Life in March 2005. It was when this woman was held hostage. Her name then was Ashley Smith. She’s married now and goes by Ashley Smith Robinson.
Her story is amazing because as a result of reading excerpts of The Purpose Driven Life to her captor, he let her go and turned himself in.
When I read this story in the news, I went out and bought the book right away. I was fascinated to know what The Purpose Driven Life was all about.
I read it back then and started telling everyone in my circle about it. I even bought copies and gave them out to people.
I love everything Pastor Rick Warren preaches and writes about. He has a brilliant way of breaking things down and making difficult concepts easy to understand. He keeps your interest and he is never boring.
The anniversary edition of The Purpose Driven Life is even better. There are two new chapters added: “The Envy Trap – I must be like you to be happy” and “The People-Pleaser Trap – I must be liked by you to be happy”.
Also, what I totally think is fabulous, is there are QR codes and web links incorporated providing a video intro and 30-minute audio message by Pastor Rick Warren for each chapter.
If you are not familiar with Pastor Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life is a great introduction. This is one of my favorite books ever. I highly recommend it to everyone.
In conclusion, I want to thank both Zondervan and Thomas Nelson for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.
As founding pastor of Saddleback Church, Dr. Rick Warren leads a 30,000 member congregation in California with campuses in major cities around the world. As a theologian, he has lectured at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, University of Judaism, and dozens of universities and seminaries. As a global strategist he advises world leaders and has spoken to the United Nations, US Congress, Davos Economic Forum, TED, Aspen Institute, and numerous parliaments. Rick has also founded the global P.E.A.C.E. plan, which Plants churches of reconciliation, Equips leaders, Assists the poor, Cares for the sick, and Educates the next generation in 196 countries. www.purposedriven.com
Everything by Mary DeMuth
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Date: October 16, 2012
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400203988
ISBN-13: 978-1400203987
Price: $16.99
Purchase: Amazon | BN
Description
“I don’t write this book as a condemnation or as a sermon. The last thing I want to do is provide a ‘how to be the best Christian in ten easy steps’ guide. I pen these words as a fellow struggler who is learning that what we think about God matters, how we allow Him to reign in our hearts matters, and how we obey Him in the moment matters. It all matters. Everything.”
Author and speaker Mary DeMuth has been abused, foreclosed, abandoned, and betrayed. She has been pressed and drained till it was too much . . .
But it was just enough to bring her to a place of surrender, piece by precious piece. In that surrender, she found the freedom of giving everything to God. And through Scripture, community, and the work of the Holy Spirit, she gives it all over again, every day.
In this gentle and challenging book, DeMuth describes the process and the nuances that shape us to be more like Christ. Her words are clear, vulnerable, and thought provoking, and every chapter is infused with Scripture.
Most of all, DeMuth provides personal and practical evidence that there is no greater pursuit than Christ. We must surrender everything, but it does not compare to the Everything He is, the Everything He gives.
Review
I received an advanced copy of Everything to review. I also had the privilege of endorsing this beautiful book.
I read this book on my week off from vacation back in July. God spoke to me that week through Everything. I was beyond blessed.
While I was reading about Mary DeMuth’s life and experiences. I was able to put myself in her shoes. At times, I even felt we lived parallel lives.
I laughed and cried throughout this book. Everything made me think; it convicted me as well as challenged my walk with Jesus.
I had to ask myself the same question many times while reading this book, is Jesus my everything? If I say He is my everything, do I live as though He is?
I loved Everything and I highly recommend it. I believe in the message and believe every Christian should read this book.
***Special offer for a limited time only*** If you’d like to receive these sweet gifts, purchase Everything October 16-23 and send the receipt to EverythingPromo@ThomasNelson.com. Check out the details here.
Mary DeMuth is an author and speaker who loves to help people lived uncaged, freedom-infused lives. She’s the author of fourteen books, including six novels and her critically acclaimed memoir, Thin Places. After church planting in Southern France, Mary, her husband, and their three teenagers now live in a suburb of Dallas.
Website: MaryDeMuth.com
Facebook: AuthorMaryDeMuth
Twitter: MaryDeMuth
He said He wanted to Kill Me
Last night I decided to go to church for prayer service. Before I was married and had kids, I lived at Times Square Church. I was there every Tuesday and Friday night and all day Sunday. I even served on the choir before someone told me they wanted to kill me.
I never told a soul. I just stepped down quietly from the choir. I mean, who in their right mind was going to stay in the choir after that? Maybe I should have stayed, but deep down, I was disillusioned.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
Early one Sunday morning, I was praying alone in the choir section when I sensed a presence. I opened my eyes to find a tall male standing before me. I recognized him, he was in his choir robe like me. He said he needed to ask my forgiveness. I asked him for what (since I never had any dealings with him). He said for wanting to kill me.
I think I was traumatized at that moment because all I said was, I forgive you. I can’t believe that’s all I said.
Why couldn’t I have told him, “Hey dude, what did I ever do to you to warrant your wanting to kill me?” I mean, wouldn’t that have been more normal?
Eighteen years later, I think back and wish I would have had enough courage to ask him why.
I went through a whole gamut of emotions and questions. All I was doing was praying. Aren’t you suppose to feel safe in church? I did not feel safe at all. I actually never looked at church the same way again.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Times Square Church greatly. It is where God brought me, put me, planted me and where I grew up in the faith. It is where I first experienced the presence of God. The preaching is phenomenal and I’ve made great friends there. Many who are now leaders or serving overseas as full time missionaries.
It’s not the church’s fault, it’s not anyone’s fault. However, last night, memories began to flood my mind and emotions began to well up. Yes, I forgive this man, wherever he is. The irony of it all is that I didn’t even know his name. But his face will be forever etched in my memory.
Conceptually, I understood at twenty-seven that evil was using this man as a host. But it’s still hard to grasp something like this magnitude, especially since it happened in church by a supposed brother in Christ. I couldn’t understand it, still don’t and perhaps I never will.
However, since then, I no longer close my eyes when I pray in church. I do for second or two, but then I open them again. I only pray with abandon when I’m alone and in the confines of my home.
I wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience in church? If so, please share. I would love to know I’m not alone.
Book Review: “Exposed: Inexcusable Me… Irreplaceable Him”
Exposed: Inexcusable Me… Irreplaceable Him
By: Shannon M. Deitz
Publisher: Believers Press
Published: May 2012
Price: $14.99
Language: English
ISBN: #978-0-9852503-0-0
Purchase: Amazon
“Take no part in fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them…for everything exposed by the light becomes invisible.” Ephesians 5:11,13
Description
Having spent nearly two decades of her life in the darkest valley of self-destruction, Shannon Deitz believed she was unworthy of God’s love. After she witnessed, as a child, the sex and drug-induced downfall of her sister, Shannon turned away from her Catholic faith and found herself caught in a wild and carefree lifestyle where she drank, partied and sought comfort in abusive relationships. She was raped — not once, but twice — by two different boyfriends. As she hit rock bottom, Shannon experienced an intense spiritual battle and inner struggle. Finally seeking truth, she understood that her life had never belonged to her. It had always belonged to God. His desire was for her to come to Him on her own — not out of compulsion, but from a heart full of love.
EXPOSED: Inexcusable Me… Irreplaceable Him is the story of one woman’s courageous journey from a destructive self-filled life to a place of spiritual self-discovery. This book exposed the awful truths of sexual and emotional abuse that many experience today. But it also reveals a restorative truth-no matter how deeply your wounds may run, you will always be worthy of God’s healing grace.
Review
EXPOSED: Inexcusable Me… Irreplaceable Him is a transparent memoir which chronicles the life of Shannon M. Deitz I became interested in this book after I read the description. Unfortunately, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. This book hit close to home; as if I was reading about my own life. I was completely caught off guard. I wasn’t expecting nor was I prepared for my past to hit me like a tsunami and overwhelm me like it did. Needless to say, this book was difficult for me to read. There were so many parallels the author and I share. I identified with the various experiences she went through and also how she felt on many levels
What did appear to be a common thread or theme for me throughout the book is spiritual warfare. She described many spiritual battles and supernatural experiences which I also related to. Unfortunately, these experiences weren’t positive ones which I believe tied into why she went through so much. Shannon Deitz spoke a great deal about her Catholic faith as well. I’m an Evangelical Christian, so I had some difficulty relating to her experiences with C.C.E., Catechism, The Eucharist and praying to St. Bernadette of Lourdes.
EXPOSED: Inexcusable Me… Irreplaceable Him is a poignant and powerful story about tragedy, forgiveness and redemption. Shannon M. Deitz does an excellent job writing explicit details with integrity and tact. However, based on the content, I would strongly recommend this book be read by mature audiences only.
In conclusion, I want to thank Shannon M. Deitz for the courage in writing her story. I also want to personally thank The B&B Media Group for sending me a complimentary copy to review.
Author
Shannon M. Deitz is the founder of Hopeful Hearts Ministry and a worldwide speaker reaching out through personal testimony to offer the hope of Christ’s light and love to those who are suffering. A portion of the proceeds from EXPOSED: Inexcusable Me… Irreplaceable Him will go directly to help survivors of abuse through the Maria Goretti Network. Learn more about Shannon’s ministry.
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