Category Archives: faith
The Author of Dreams
As the new year approaches, I begin to reflect on the past year. I ponder the things I learned and what I would do differently.
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As I look back some memories are blurry or fuzzy. While other memories stand out and are noteworthy.
This year I took many risks and made a big investment … in my dream.
Do you ever wonder where dreams come from? Why we desire the things we do? What makes us interested in one thing more than the other? Where our passions and desires come from? Why we love what we love?
Who made us this way?
God made us this way. He gives us our gifts, passions, desires, and dreams. God is a creator and master artist.
God is the first and best selling author for eternity. God made you and me to be who we are. He knew us before we were formed in our mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13) How awesome is that?
He knew me… He knew you… He created us to be exactly who we are. He gave us our dreams. He gave us our imaginations. He gave us our passions. He is a giver of good and perfect gifts. (James 1:17)
Friends, I can not stop praising Him; for His goodness, His mercy, His salvation, His compassion, His forgiveness and His generosity.
As I look back and reflect on 2012… all I see is His signature upon my life.
How can I think about me, when all I want to think about is Him? If it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t be where I am today, doing what I’m doing right now.
A lot of you don’t know where I’ve come from and where I’ve been. If I were to tell you, I believe you would start praising Him too.
He is my inspiration. He is my everything.
I look back on this year and on my life and all I see is His faithfulness, love and goodness toward me. I can’t help but praise Him and pour out my heart with thanksgiving and appreciation. May He receive all the glory.
I thank Jesus for all He is doing in my life. He is real. He is everything the Bible says He is. He makes dreams come true, because He is the author of them.
This song “Brand New Me” by Alicia Keys reveals a little bit about me. Thanks to Jesus, I’m a brand new kind of me.
I am grateful to Jesus this year. What are you grateful for?
Dancing with Angels
Today I am guest posting at my dear friend and gifted writer Christa Sterken. I met her at Jeff Goins TribeWriters course.
She came up with a wonderful concept of doing advent guest posts reflecting thoughts on Christmas.
Please visit her website and read what Christmas means to me.
What Does Giving Look Like?
When I was growing up, giving looked like a table full of home made food. My family toiled at making delicious dishes while I delighted in the aromas that filled the house.
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Now that I’m older and have a family of my own, I try to emulate my family’s tradition.
My father is a chef. He grew up in a poor fishing village. As a child he suffered terrible hunger and poverty.
He would always tell me stories about his childhood. How there was no food and many times he would go to bed hungry.
I learned about poverty through my father. I grew up privileged in the sense that I had a roof over my head, food to eat and clothing on my back.
Cooking was an act of giving in our home. My father grew up not having food, so he always made it a point to feed the homeless. He never forgot where he came from.
My father’s life and example taught me to be compassionate toward others in need. Which is why I love supporting organizations like Compassion International. They are doing a wonderful work helping children in need.
Right now, they are having a campaign to raise $20,000 for children living in poverty. If you would like to sponsor a child or donate to the Compassion International Christmas Catalog, please click here.
What does giving look like to you?
How To Use A Runaway Truck Ramp by Shawn & Maile Smucker
Paperback: 268 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1481033581
ISBN-13: 978-1481033589
Price: $14.95
Purchase: Amazon
Description
Like all epic road trips, Shawn & Maile’s story covers as much interior mileage, from one state of mind to another, as their big, blue bus does the physical miles across the United States. This book is many things: a travelogue, a parenting manual, a spiritual narrative. But most of all, it’s an engrossing tale told by two wise and thoughtful writers. Don’t read it if you’re not prepared for the oncoming wanderlust. – Jason Boyett, author of “O Me of Little Faith” and “Pocket Guide to the Afterlife”.
Review
I read How To Use A Runaway Truck Ramp slowly and deliberately like savoring a delicious meal. This story is such a delight.
I enjoyed getting to know this family as they embarked on an adventurous road trip across the United States in a big blue camper bus called Willie.
In the book, Shawn and Maile took turns narrating their perspectives of this adventure. There were ups and downs as they shared which left me either thinking or on the edge of my seat.
What a treat it was to read their cross country adventure. They both equally write beautifully. Their story is honest, heart felt and genuine.
I highly recommend How To Use A Runaway Truck Ramp. I haven’t read a story quite like it and I’m sure I never will. I guarantee you will love reading their story.
If you don’t already, I would also recommend you follow their blogs. I can’t wait for their next book.
Maile and Shawn live in Lancaster, PA with their four children. Shawn is the author of Building a Life Out of Words and blogs daily at shawnsmucker.com. Maile blogs at mailesmucker.blogspot.com.
Guest Post: An Impromptu Meeting
I have the privilege of guest posting for Tim Allen today for his 12 Days of Guest Posts Christmas series.
I wrote about my impromptu meeting of someone very special.
Please visit his website to read more.
Resistance: The Writer And The Struggle
I am a contributing writer for Godly Writers and today I write about the struggle for every writer… Resistance.
I struggle with the voices which tell me I’m not a writer and that I shouldn’t bother.
I have been especially thinking about resistance after reading two of Stephen Pressfield’s books; The War of Art and Do The Work.
To read more, please visit Godly Writers.
Godwink Stories by SQuire Rushnell & Louise DuArt
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Howard Books
Language: English
ISBN-10:1451678568
ISBN-13: 978-1451678567
Price: $14.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Building on the themes in his popular book When God Winks, SQuire Rushnell shares real-life stories that are certain to uplift and encourage you. The stories in this book reaffirm that godwinks happen to everyone. We just need to learn how to see them, allow them to unfold, and accept them as direct, person-to-person communications from God to each of us.
As you’ll see, those so-called coincidences that you’d been dismissing so easily really do mean something. And you need to pay attention. They are like unopened gifts that have been placed upon your doorstep.
You will be amazed to read how every joy, every hurt, and every worry that happens to you has already been written about in the Bible. Godwink Stories simply draws upon the parallel between the stories of real people and God’s wisdom in the scriptures.
Godwink Stories can be read in various ways. You can read the book cover to cover. Or follow along each week for a year. It’s also perfect to read for a pick-me-up story that fits your need of the day.
Whether you’re looking for encouragement in a time of need or a story that speaks of joy, there’s a godwink story just for you.
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Godwink Stories offers weekly readings of godwinks and miracles to encourage and inspire you in every situation. These true stories— from ordinary people—provide
Messages of “don’t give up”
Heartfelt need for love and guidance
Hope in the midst of medical crises
“Just in time” moments
Peace in times of sorrow
Tender love stories
Amazing answers to prayer
Review
Isn’t Godwink Stories a great title? Just by the title alone, I wanted to read this book. I was pleasantly surprised.
I laughed and cried through this heartfelt devotional. I was moved, inspired and encouraged by the stories.
The stories are basically letters from people like you and I who had, what I refer to as a God moment. Godwinks are moments where God shows up miraculously in someone’s life.
The various chapters in this devotional are filled with stories which will leave you spiritually encouraged, invigorated and refreshed.
I was especially touched by Chapter 3 entitled Angels, Chapter 4 entitled Prayer Encouragement and Chapter 52 entitled Love Times of Sorrow. These stories made my cry.
I believe Godwink Stories will make an excellent Christmas present. I highly recommend this book and believe this devotional will be an encouragement to many.
In conclusion, I want to thank Howard Books for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to review.
SQuire Rushnell, a former television president and CEO, was for twenty years an executive with the ABC Television Network. Father of such programs for young people as Schoolhouse Rock and the ABC Afterschool Specials, he also led Good Morning America to the #1 spot. Author of the word-of-mouth phenomenon When God Winks, SQuire lives in Martha’s Vineyard with his wife, Louise.
Louise DuArt, one of the world’s top comedic impressionists, has costarred with comic icon Tim Conway in a national touring show for one and a half decades. In starring roles on Broadway and in her eight-season talk show on ABC Family, her roster of 100 characters ranges from Judge Judy to Barbara Walters, Bart Simpson to Barbra Streisand. Louise has toured as a speaker with Woman of Faith, and performs with her husband in Three Couples, a life-changing evening of music, inspiration and comedy. With SQuire, she coauthored Couples Who Pray, a breakthrough book encouraging partners to take The 409 Prayer Challenge.
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.
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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?
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
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
All for the Masquerade
I’ve been quiet lately. I’ve been processing since my return from a conference and the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
I’ve been thinking the three C’s: Christians, Conferences and Churches. I realize in all three, people hide behind a masks.
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I remember learning the waltz once. I believe it was when I was attending acting school years ago. I didn’t find it difficult to learn.
The steps are repetitive and monotous, around and around you go…
As with any dance, there must be proper form. The traditional waltz is both elegant and dull.
Christians seem to like to masquerade and dance the waltz. We seem to like to hide and go around in circles.
Much like the Israelites did in the desert, never entering in and reaching the promise land.
I can just see God looking down and thinking, “There they go, masquerading and dancing the waltz again.”
I don’t know Lord, I honestly don’t know… but I agree, the waltz is whack and the whole masquerade thing is played out if you ask me. It’s got no swagga, no flow or flava…
We’re just dancing in circles like a bunch of lost robots with plastered smiles on our faces… meanwhile we’re dying inside.
I don’t know about you, but when I walk into a room full of Christians whether at a church or conference, it seems I can feel the weight of their pain and hurt behind their smiles.
Everyone looks good on the outside; make-up’s perfect, hair and nails did, matching Gucci bag and shoes, a fashionable hat even… ohhhh and that smile, that same smile I see time and time again… The smile with hurting eyes…
Their smiles say one thing, while their eyes say another. Switching their gaze away quickly, lest anyone finds out. The truth.
We are so afraid to be found out and exposed. So afraid to be seen for who and what we are.
So we just carry on, dancing the waltz and hiding behind our masks… smiling whilst our hearts cry and souls die.
All for the Masquerade.
Why do you think people wear masks?
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