What Are You Reading, and Why? Part 2

January 30, 2012

Today is Part 2 of last week’s blog: What Are You Reading, and Why? Today I’ll continue to answer that question we often see on facebook, and tell you about some more books I’ve read in the last year and a half. Again, some of these are oldies but goodies, and many are newer. I know some of the authors. Others I feel I know, after reading their stories.

As you can tell by both blogs, I love reading fiction, because I love “story” and the truths hidden within. They can literally take me around the world, especially if the author has done his research well. But I like to balance my reading with other kinds of non-fiction books as well.

A disclaimer to my post: I’m neither recommending or promoting any on this list. I’m merely sharing what I’ve read, hoping that some of these books might be encouraging reads for you. Thanks to those of you who shared what your’re reading in last week’s comments. I welcome you to do that again, in the comments section below, following this blog. Read more

What Are You Reading, and Why?

January 23, 2012

Someone’s always asking on facebook, “What are you reading right now?” So in today’s blog, I’m answering that question and giving you an opportunity to do the same.

Why? No one’s paying me to promote their books. I’m not trying to get you to read certain author’s books. I just love to read, I enjoy learning, and I believe that books, through the power of God’s Spirit, do have power to inspire, change and encourage lives. Through the years, books have not only encouraged me; they’ve helped to mentor me and keep me grounded in my faith and Christian walk.  And as a writer, the things I read always enrich my writing.

Why Read?

Sometimes I read for inspiration; sometimes for pleasure. Other books I read for instruction, to broaden my world, to increase my skills, or to strengthen my spiritual life. Why do you read?

I’d like to share with you some of the 100 + books I’ve read in the last year or so. At least that’s how many I remembered to write down. These are not in any order of importance, urgency, favorites, or recommendation. Some are older, some newer books. Some may interest you; others won’t.

There is no book like the Book–God’s Word. That’s a given. But accept today’s post in the spirit in which I write it: to offer you some sources that might encourage you in whatever area you need. And at the end of this blog, be ready to offer your own suggestions about what you’re reading so we can learn from each other. Read more

What If You Never Make the Top Ten–or Anyone’s List?

January 16, 2012

The Top Ten

At the beginning of each year you’ll usually hear or read about a list of  people who have made the”Top Tens”:  Top Ten Fashion Designers, Top Ten Bloggers, Top Ten Musicians, Top Ten Authors, Top Ten Wage Earners.

We may never see our name on a ”Top Ten” list–or on anyone’s positive kind of list. Things in our lives can easily slip from bad to worse. And it’s entirely possible that some circumstances will never change, no matter how hard we try to influence them. Life may never seem fair. How can we possibly handle that without giving in or giving up? Read more

Five Ways to Find Healing from Your Past – Part 2

January 9, 2012

Quick Review of Last Week:

Life-altering wrongs committed against us may never be corrected in this lifetime. But what about the times when we’ve wounded others? How can we remove the “Cain-stamped” seal on our souls–the glaring sins and blunders that have almost destroyed our lives in the past?

Only God can completely remove those, but Part 2 shares two more ways to help you find healing from your past. Read more

Five Ways to Find Healing from Your Past – Part 1

January 2, 2012

“Get over it!” “Move on!” “The past is gone!”

Well-meaning friends may offer you their best unsolicited advice, but their words hurt. Why? The past still haunts you. Are new beginnings possible? Is healing a reality? How do we confidently release the past and embrace the future? How do we find the strength to “press on?”

I’ll be the first to admit that some gut-wrenching issues in my life have taken time and even Christian counseling in order to heal and move forward again. So I’m not offering you pat answers.

Life-altering wrongs committed against us may never be corrected in this lifetime. But what about the times when we’ve wounded others? How can we remove the “Cain-stamped” seal on our souls–the glaring sins and blunders that have almost destroyed our lives in the past? Read more

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 25

December 25, 2011

Day – 25 King of Kings and Lord of Lords

 

KING OF KINGS    ROSE OF SHARON   BLESSED CONTROLLER    TEACHER    JESUS   ALPHA  AND OMEGA     MASTER 

THE CHRIST   SON OF  GOD   THE VINE   THE WAY, TRUTH, AND LIFE   SAVIOUR   GOOD SHEPHERD    SON OF GOD

 LORD OF LORDS    WONDERFUL COUNSELOR    MIGHTY GOD    EVERLASTING FATHER     PRINCE OF PEACE     I AM

Jesus, all authority and power has been given to You by Your Father. And one day we will share Your glory and inherit all the throne privileges of Your royal throne forever. Even now, as we approach Your throne day or night, You will welcome our request. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue will delight in confessing You as King of kings and Lord of lords. Read more

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 24

December 24, 2011

Day 24 – Messiah

Lord, some people are still waiting for Your arrival the first time. They wanted a king, not a servant. They wanted relief, not true freedom. They wanted recognition, not relationship. Read more

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 23

December 23, 2011

Jesus, how many times have we stumbled through the dark in the middle of the night trying to find our own way? Why would we choose to go through life the same way? You are the Light of the World, shining in the darkness. Read more

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 22

December 22, 2011

Day 22 – God, The One and Only

Jesus, we experience many kinds of love in our lifetime—love for our parents, our children, our close friends, our mate, and even the unloved and needy. But there is only one love like Yours. Read more

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 21

December 21, 2011

Day 21 – Jehovah-Sabaoth, The Lord of Hosts

Lord, in your strength nothing is impossible. At Your command, a thousand angels would rush to our defense if You so desired to send them. You are Jehovah-Sabaoth, the Lord of hosts. Read more

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