Category Archives: poetry
A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (October 4, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0310346770
Price: $11.72
Purchase: CBD | Amazon | BN
Description
Do you ever wonder why God created you? The Bible spells it out plainly: God created you to showcase His glory—to enjoy it, display it, and demonstrate it every day to all those you encounter.
After nearly 50 years of living as a quadriplegic, and dealing with chronic pain on a daily basis, Joni has learned firsthand the importance of glorifying God through the toughest of situations. Through this devotional, Joni will help you discover how to put God’s glory on display—how to say no to complaining and say yes to daily following God down even the most difficult paths. Along the way, you will find great comfort and encouragement by focusing on the one who longs to lead and guide you every step of the way, every day.
Don’t ever think your life is too ordinary, your world too small, or your work too insignificant. All of it is a stage set for you to glorify God.
Review
Many years ago I had the pleasure of reading When God Weeps by Joni Eareckson Tada. So, when I was offered the opportunity to review her new devotional, A Spectacle of Glory, I gladly accepted.
Just as her book spoke to me, so is her devotional. She writes from a deep place. Her words are rich and full of substance. There is no fluff or superficiality.
I relate to her, in that she knows what it’s like to suffer, and not get healed. She had a diving accident which left her paralyzed, and she has been a quadriplegic now for forty-nine years. She prayed that God would heal her, and went to several healing services, but was never healed. Yet, she never lost her faith, which is why she is my hero.
I read A Spectacle of Glory every morning and it ministers to me. I highly recommend it.
In conclusion, I want to thank Handlebar Publishing and Zondervan for sending me a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Joni Eareckson Tada is founder and CEO of Joni and Friends, an organization that accelerates Christian outreach in the disability community. Joni and Friends provides practical support and spiritual help to special needs families worldwide, and equips thousands of churches in developing disability ministry. Joni is the author of numerous bestselling books, including Joni, Diamonds in the Dust, Heaven, When God Weeps, and A Step Further, winner of the Gold Medallion Award. Joni and her husband, Ken, have been married for over 30 years. For more information on Joni and Friends, visit www.joniandfriends.org
War Ravaged Heart
There are times I’m so worn and weary, when the harshness and realities of life overwhelm me.
When I can’t find the words to encompass all that I’m feeling or experiencing.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
When my heart and soul grieves, I find myself writing poetry instead.
So without further ado…
There are different kinds of hell, you know,
One from within and one from without,
Goodbyes are torture and change a torment,
Helplessness proceeds forth into oblivion,
Emotions tear at the war ravaged heart,
Clouds grey, oppressive and morose,
Where is the sun in the clouds above?
Sadness, disappointment, overwhelming the light.
Accursed is Change and Goodbyes so hard.
Tears run like a dam,
Suspending time,
Hoping once again,
For moments of serenity.
Drunk Dialing The Divine by Amber Koneval
Publisher: eLectio Publishing (November 11, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00A6FCLZG
Price: $2.49
Purchase: Amazon
Description
How would you respond when a friend drunk-dials you to make a prayer request? What do you say when you are furious with God, but aren’t willing to part with Him? How do you vent your frustrations to your Creator? When is it okay to be angry with God?
Drunk Dialing the Divine is an attempt to capture a glimmer of the darker side of the emotional struggle of the deeply faithful. Though each poem begins in a negative space, they resist both the angry and the naively optimistic ending–instead finding a ray of hope in the maxim “Things are because God is.”
Review
I don’t usually read or review poetry. But I couldn’t resist reading and reviewing these poems written by the young and talented Amber Koneval.
I admit, I was pleasantly surprised. I totally resonated and identified with her poems. What a gem to come across such a gifted poet.
I found her poetry to be raw, truthful and relevant. She crafts her words with such depth, precision and artistry.
I related to her poems as I have struggled in my faith with God. So I appreciated the authenticity and power of her poetry.
If you love poems or even if you don’t, you are in for a treat reading Drunk Dialing The Divine.
In conclusion, I want to thank eLectio Publishing for sending me a complimentary copy of this ebook to review.
Amber Koneval is a college student in Denver, Colorado, double-majoring in English and Religious Studies. She is slated to graduate in December of 2013. Her poetry has appeared in such print journals as Time of Singing, The Wayfarer, The Storyteller, Bop Dead City and devozine (forthcoming). Her work has also appeared online formats at Crack the Spine and Exterminating Angel.
Her first collection of poetry ‘Drunk Dialing the Divine’ is now available from eLectio publishing.
Follow her at:
facebook.com/akoneval
amberkoneval.wordpress.com
amberkoneval.wix.com/theamberofthemoment
My Soul Remembers Eternity
As I look up into the vast sky,
My soul remembers eternity.
A place void of sin and full of beauty.
Yearning for His love,
My spirit soars to the heavenlies,
Where His presence dwells,
I plead, “Lord, I don’t want to leave here.”
He says, “My child, I am with you always.”
I stare back at the sky,
Filled with longing,
Missing my Beloved.
My soul remembers eternity.
If only I can see Him once again.
Pilar Arsenec, © 2012
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