Five Reasons I Love Kids
February 6, 2012
photo by Jennifer Hanson
There are so many reasons I love kids. In today’s blog I’ve only listed five. My post is short, but short is sometimes good! I hope this poem I wrote brings you a smile or two: Read more
What Are You Reading, and Why?
January 23, 2012
photo courtesy of Peter Mazurek at www.sxc.hu
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
photo courtsy of yirsh at www.sxc.hu
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
Photo courtesy of duchesssa@www.sxc.hu
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
25 Christmas Prayers – Day 16
December 16, 2011
photo courtesy of PStrijards at www.sxc.hu
Day 16 – Jehovah-Raah, the Lord My Shepherd
Lord, sometimes we try to sneak under the fence in search of our own greener pastures. But as Jehovah-raah, the Lord My Shepherd, You know each of us by name! Read more
25 Christmas Prayers – Day 15
December 15, 2011
photo courtesy of PStrijards at www.sxc.hu
Day 15 – Jehovah-Jireh, The Lord Will Provide
Lord, how foolishly we worry about what we’ll eat, or what we’ll wear. At times we allow the future to loom as a threat and not a joy. Read more
25 Christmas Prayers – Day 14
December 14, 2011
photo courtesy of Billy Alexander, at sxc.hu
Day 14 – El Roi, The God Who Sees
Lord, our finite minds can’t understand the heartaches of the world–the violence of crime, the illness that steals a loved one, the searing pain of separation and divorce. Yet as our El Roi, You see it all. Read more
25 Christmas Prayers – Day 13
December 13, 2011
photo courtesy of Billy Alexander, at sxc.hu
El-Shaddai, The All-Sufficient One – Day 13
Lord, everything our hearts will ever need, we can find in You. You are El-Shaddai, a God who dreams impossible dreams–and accomplishes them through Your believing children. Read more
Encouragement for Writers…and You
November 1, 2011
photo by Rebecca Barlow Jordan
Springtime in Winter
Call me optimistic. Persistent. Unrealistic. Dreamer. But I learned as a writer to discover God’s encouragement in the most ordinary places–like a surprise of Springtime in Winter. Read more
10 Simple Truths/Lessons We Can Learn from 9/11
September 11, 2011
Image via Wikipedia
What have you learned from 9/11? None of us will ever be the same since that day. We’ve all been profoundly touched in some way. Many of those changes were negative. But today, on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, here are at least ten simple, positive truths we can glean from this tragedy:
- Miracles still happen
- Little things matter
- Heroes are real people
- People do care about each other
- Life is precious
- God brings good out of evil, and our only hope still lies in Him
- Courage makes a difference
- Love ones seem dearer; heaven seems nearer
- Crisis can bring unity
- Make every moment count; today may be all you have
No doubt that list will grow, as you add your own lessons and truths. Most of these we knew already; but 9/11 both reinforced and magnified them. Last year I shared a poetic reflection called “If Only We Had Known, that also expressed some simple truths.
Tomorrow is another day. The anniversary memorials will cease, and life will continue as usual. But the lessons we learn will stick with us, if we let them. Like a well-read novel, the takeaway will emerge and contribute to who we are, and to the person we can become, if we let God define the wisdom.
“But as for you, you meant evil…but God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20, NKJV).
“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6, NIV).
Simple Prayer for Today:
Lord, we cry out in solemn remembrance of that day ten years ago–a day indeliby written on our hearts. Comfort those who lost loved ones and friends; draw near to those whose lives changed forever by the cruelty of others.
Jesus, our only hope is in You. Help us to sow love instead of hatred. May we never forget the lessons You taught us–and help us to trust You for the answers we can’t seem to find. Make us wise, as we look to You for direction. Help us trust You for the courage to go on, one day at a time. Equip us to make a difference in Your world. Our nation is in Your hands. Keep us close to You, for it truly is in God we must trust.
What about you? What lessons did you learn from 9/11? Or what truths did that event reinforce for you? Please share your comments below. Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this blog to someone or to re-post on social media, using the buttons below. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!
Rebecca Barlow Jordan is a best-selling inspirational author and speaker, mom, wife, grandmom, and passionate follower of Jesus who loves to encourage others, heart to heart.Rebecca’s Newsletter
