Blind Sight to Blurred Vision

I was a student at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and it was my first Easter away from home. Due to a 5-hour distance between school and home, and the need to save money, I wasn’t able to go home for the weekend (Spring Break and Easter did not fall in the same week that year). So, I had no family to be spend Easter Sunday with (more appropriately called Resurrection Day for Christians).  Honestly, Easter was no big deal to me at this time. I had become calloused to its meaning. It was spending the Holiday alone that bothered me the most. I wouldn’t have minded staying at school so much if I had been surrounded by my friends; but they had all found someplace else to go, so I was feeling lonely and depressed. I later found out, being alone that day was what I needed. It taught me a surprising, yet valuable, lesson about myself, and helped me have a better appreciation of Christ's love for me.

During my time at school, I normally attended a church with my closest friends but, since none of them were available that weekend, my neighbor invited me to go with her. I accepted her offer and was excited about having some company. Besides that, her church was having a pancake breakfast that morning. "Why not?" I thought. So, I finished getting ready and knocked on her door. It was disappointing to find she had overslept and couldn’t make it to the church bus on time. The church service I usually attended had already begun by that point, and I felt like staying in my room and not going to church at all. However, something kept pulling at me to go ahead and take the bus to my neighbor’s church. Finally, since I was already dressed, I decided I would go ahead without her.

At church, I sat at a table eating pancakes with other college students I barely knew. I felt out of place. I finished eating, then headed upstairs to the sanctuary, arriving earlier than most of the others. I took a seat near the back and waited for the service to begin. As I sat there, I noticed a big, square, stained glass window at the front of the church. The framed window embraced an array of beautiful colors consisting of blue, yellow, green and red. Under other circumstances, it would have been interesting to me. However, I hate to admit it, I was still feeling sorry for myself and didn’t pay much attention to it. It was just a window.

The service began like any other service, with prayer and singing. I went through the motions with no real joy in my heart. But, then, my attention was sparked when an unexpected performance took place at the front of the church. The story of the "Ragman" was read by a student and dramatized by several others in pantomime style. To be brief, the story was about a man (symbolizing Christ) who traded his new, clean rags for someone else’s old, dirty rags. As he took a dirty rag, he also placed upon himself whatever infirmity that person had - a broken heart, a bleeding wound, a missing arm, or a fatal disease. Finally, the ragman entered a garbage dump with all of his dirty rags.... and he died.

It was during the telling of the ragman’s death that, for some reason, I was drawn to look up at the stained glass window again. This time, I was surprised to find myself focusing in on all the pieces of red stained glass. What I saw amazed me. I must have been blind not to have noticed it before. All of the red pieces were centered in the window and came together to make a cross. A beautiful red cross, symbolizing the one which Christ had been nailed to. He hung on a cross and shed his blood for the forgiveness of sins, all out of love. At that point, I realized how calloused I had become to the meaning of Easter (Resurrection Day). My vision was blurred as hot tears filled my eyes. The Lord’s presence surrounded me and I no longer felt alone. I knew the Lord was there with me, and had been the entire time. The reality of Christ's death and resurrection was once again renewing my soul.

When I left the church that day, I was a different person. All I could think about was the cross in the window, an unforgettable surprise. The sight of it made me realize how easy it is to take Christ's love for granted. This realization helped me understand the importance of celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's not just another day. It's a special day that helps us reflect on the Lord and what He did for us.

As Easter comes around this year, I hope you don't think of it as "no big deal." Instead, realize that Easter helps us remember the biggest deal there ever was.

 

"I Like Giving" by Brad Formsma (Book Review)

I LIKE GIVING by Brad Formsma is a book based on the website by the same name: ILikeGiving.com. Both the website and the book include many stories about GIVING, that help inspire all of us to make a difference in others lives - and how age or money does not need to limit us!

Here is an example of one of the stories in video form:

I LIKE BEING 98

 

The book is the written form of the stories. It has twelve chapters which share inspiring stories, but also includes personal experiences from FORMSMA as he shares his journey to living a more generous life. You can click below to read the first chapter: 

I LIKE GIVING - FIRST CHAPTER

 

Here are some good quotes from the book:

"Joy doesn't come from filling your life with stuff. Joy comes from giving your life away." (p. 20)

"Giving is living, and when you start living generously, you'll be ruined for any other type of life." (p. 26)

"Did you know that giving actually has measurable health benefits and can help you live longer?" (p.67)

"Sometimes the giving that makes the least amount of sense brings the most joy." (p. 76)

"Giving is something you get to do, not something you've got to do. Giving promotes life and happiness. In fact, I've never met an angry and bitter generous person."  (p. 97)

"Every time we give, a story begins, and the rippling effects of one simple act are immeasurable." (p.195)

 
To go along with the "I LIKE" theme....

I LIKE hearing inspiring stories.

I LIKE receiving practical ideas on how to give to others.

I LIKE listening to the Lord's prompting to help make a difference in someone's life.

I LIKE giving.

Pick up a copy of the book when you get a chance! I received my copy FREE from Blogging For Books for review purposes, and I have expressed my own opinions about it.

A Possible Sleep Disorder for EL

EIGHT MONTHS AGO, our daughter was diagnosed with seizures and began taking medication to control them. As far as we know, she has not had any more visible seizures (unless she has had some at night that we haven't seen). However, for the past 6 months (or there-about), we have noticed some differences in EL's behaviors:  signs of depression, easily irritated, outbursts of anger, difficulty comprehending, and a decrease in cognitive function. After Christmas, I called her Neurologist to discuss whether or not the seizure meds were the cause of these changes. She said it is very possible. However, she also wanted to rule out a sleep disorder, since we had previously discussed EL's seeming lack of sleep. We were referred to the sleep clinic and an appointment was set for March 12th (which was this past Wednesday).

Our consultation with the Nurse Practitioner at the sleep clinic went well. They asked us a lot of questions and determined EL should be evaluated for a sleep disorder. The NP suspects either Restless Legs Syndrome or Sleep Apnea. Based on the behavior changes, and family history, I am thinking more along the lines of Sleep Apnea, but we will see. We are waiting to be scheduled for an overnight stay at the clinic, most likely sometime in April. I will be staying with her in the room. They will hook her up to all sorts of machines and watch her breathing, movement, sleep cycles, etc. They will also do an overnight EEG to determine if she is having seizures in her sleep. This is something we have been wanting done for several years, so its good we are finally getting it done. In the meantime, we are increasing EL's iron intake, and will also be giving Melatonin - two things recommended by the NP.

I am thankful for good doctors and for the medical technology that provides us with needed answers; but, if I were to say I'm not tired of seeing all these specialists, I would be lying. I know EL is tired  as well. Over the past 9 months, she has seen her Pediatrician, a Neurologist, an Endocrinologist, a Neuro-surgeon, an Ophthalmologist, a Neuro-Oncologist, and now the sleep clinic. She has also had bloodwork drawn several times, has had a sleep deprived EEG, and had 3 MRI's. It has not been easy on any of us. BUT...  the difficulties we face in this life are only helping to draw us closer to our Lord.

James 4:8 - Draw near to God and

He will draw near to you.

 

Veggie Tales Book: Pirates, Mess Detectives, and a Superhero

My kids have loved VEGGIE TALES since the 1st episode came out on VHS. So, when I had the chance to review a new Veggie Tales book "PIRATES, MESS DETECTIVES, AND A SUPERHERO," I took it!

Karen Poth is the author of this book. It is a hardback, colorful book that includes three Level 1 readers into one. A fun book for parents to read aloud to their kids; or it can give some fun reading practice to beginning readers as they read on their own. More accomplished readers would enjoy it also!

The first story, "Pirate in Training," shares how Junior Asparagus didn't like school and wanted to play all day long, like a pirate. The pirates explained that it was hard work to be a pirate also, and that school can open up doors you would never be able to walk through without an education.

The next story is "Larry Boy and the Mudslingers." It's a creative story about anger and forgiveness.

Then, "Listen up, Larry" is a detective story that explains the importance of listening when someone is talking to you.

I give the book a thumbs up. All three stories have good moral standards shared in a fun, simple way; and the illustrations are nicely done. So, if you and your kids enjoy Veggie Tales, this would be a good book to pick up.

NOTE: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Thrive

Are you thriving?

My favorite contemporary Christian artist is CASTING CROWNS.  I've been listening to their newest album THRIVE over the past week and, as always, I am not disappointed in the music or the lyrics. Their albums always bring encouragement to me. Here's a little sample from 3 of their new songs...

From the title song THRIVE:
We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
Its time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive

From the song JUST BE HELD:
So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, its falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held

From the song YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE:
I want to know You more
I want to make You known
I want this world to see
That You're alive in me
Jesus, You're the only One
Who can right every wrong
You are the only One
Who can calm every storm

From the Casting Crowns Website:
God didn’t put you here just so you could survive through hard times. He put you here to thrive, to dig in and to reach out, and this record is an effort to draw a picture of what a believer, a follower of Jesus, would look like if they dug into their roots and understood God and themselves more.” ~Mark Hall

All of the songs are based on Scripture, and the verse chosen for the title song is Jeremiah 17:7-8, which says: Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.

Are you trusting in the Lord?
Are you planted by the Living Water?
Are you continuing to thrive, even when the heat tries to destroy you? 

 

BOOK REVIEW: Bible Stories for His Beautiful Princess

What a sweet book! BIBLE STORIES FOR HIS BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS is written by bestselling author Sheri Rose Shepherd, and adorably illustrated by Shelley Dieterichs. The book is medium-sized, easy to handle, and uses lots of little girly colors like pinks and purples to make it appealing to all little princesses. 

There are 37 short chapters, so that’s enough for more than a month’s worth of devotionals. Each devotional starts with a verse from God’s Word; then the main text has a couple of short, easy to read paragraphs that coincide with the verse; then there is a short prayer; and, finally, a "Princess Jewel" which is a simple truth/summary of what was just read.

At the end of the book, there is a "letter from God" that shares what a special treasure your little girl is - a beautiful princess in God’s eyes. Then, the final section is a salvation prayer that can be used if needed.

I can see that the main purpose of this book is to share how much God loves and cares for His children and how He wants them to know Him better. It’s a special book written for the special little girls in your life. It would make an excellent Easter gift!

Disclaimer: Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I have shared my own opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: Let There Be Light

The Biblical creation of the world is presented in a unique way in LET THERE BE LIGHT, written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and illustrated by Nancy Tillman.

Each of the pages in this children’s book include original illustrations which are accompanied by a few words of text. With those words, the author describes what God (our Creator) made on each of the 6 days of creation. Then, he also shares how God rested on day 7, and how He was very pleased with his work.

The illustrations are beautifully done, and have little surprises interspersed throughout the pages. For example, a vague figure can be seen among the clouds or in the center of the sun on some pages, representing the Creator no doubt. It was fun to look at the pages and try to uncover the hidden pictures.

I would say the book is good to share with the little ones in your life. The only criticism I have is something my husband pointed out to me:  The end of the book has the potential to cause confusion regarding the creation of Adam and Eve, the first people. While the text speaks of the creation of man, the illustration shows several children rather than an adult male and female couple. So, this would need to be discussed with your children as you read it to them. Also, the book does not include any Scripture references.

It is probably best suited for ages 4-8, but kids of various other ages could enjoy it also. It can bring about interaction, discussion, a time of learning about the days of Creation, and a time of togetherness.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program (previously known as Book Sneeze). I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

BOOK REVIEW: Pirates on the Farm

I recently read PIRATES ON THE FARM to my kids to get their opinion of it. Its my newest review book and, since its a children's book, why not ask the children? So, the three of us  sat on the couch and snuggled together so we could all look at the colorful pictures together. 

I asked my 11-year-old son what he thought of it, and he said he loved it. What boy doesn't love a funny book about pirates! I  asked him to rate it between 1 and 10, with 10 being the best book ever. He said he would give it an 8.

I think I can agree with that.

The book shares a message about loving our neighbors (Luke 10:25-37); about befriending those who are different than us; about giving people a chance; about sharing God's love with those who need it most. It conveys this message in a fun way that is appealing to ALL ages.

Before reading the book to your kids, I do suggest looking up the vocabulary words in the back of the book. Many of the words are difficult to read and understand. (Examples:  doubloons, hardtack, scrimshaw, and seadog). Its interesting to learn the definitions to these pirate-loving words. In that sense, the book can be used as an educational tool. However, smaller children may have a harder time "getting it." 

Overall, it is a fun book with a good message. A great conversation starter!

Disclosure: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

My Favorite Hymn

I love rich, wholesome words; and I love music. When the two are put together, it becomes an amazing combination that can touch hearts like nothing else can. It becomes a song.

In the past, I have been asked what my favorite song is, and I could never choose. There are so many that touch my heart deeply. But, I especially love Christian songs that bring encouragement to me in some way. In fact, earlier this year, I made a list of 20 DIFFERENT SONGS that encourage me.

I have also been asked what my favorite hymn is. Hymns are another type of prayerful song, typically sung in worship services with other Christians, that are meant to specifically express honor and praise to God. Matthew 26:30 tells us that Jesus and his disciples sang hymns together.

After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (NAS)

I decided to try and pinpoint which old hymn speaks to me the most.

First, I asked my family members what their favorites are...

My husband's favorite hymn is: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
My Dad's: BLESSED ASSURANCE
My Mom's:  GENTLE SHEPHERD
My Father-in-law's:  HOW GREAT THOU ART
My Brother's:  THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
My Grandma Mac's was: BECAUSE HE LIVES

I love ALL these hymns. They are wonderful and speak volumes. But, I can't say that any of them are my absolute favorite. When I was a little girl, the first hymn I ever learned (and I believe it was also my brother's first hymn he learned) was The Old Rugged Cross, so that was my favorite for many years. But, as time went by, I realized it was only my favorite because I knew all the words to it. Of course the words are GREAT; but, it just wasn't MY hymn - the one that I could really say fit my life the most. It has taken much thought for me to figure it out, but this is what I finally came up with...

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

Written by:  Horatio Spafford 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul. 

Refrain:

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Refrain

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Refrain

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:

If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

Refrain

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,

The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

Refrain

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Refrain

If you are interested in hearing the story behind this hymn, here is an interesting

10 MINUTE VIDEO.

BOOK REVIEW: Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe

I had a book once that I highly recommend to other wives called "The Power of A Praying Wife."   It is a great book by Stormie Omartian. It gives examples of prayers to pray for our husbands in the various areas of his life. I loaned it to a friend of mine a few years ago, and told her to keep it as long as she needed it. It has not been returned yet, which is fine, so I figured I might just need to go buy another copy of it someday. Then, I was given the opportunity to review "Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe" by Sharon Jaynes.

This book by Jaynes is similar to Omartian's book in that it gives prayer examples. However, it is also very unique in the way it lists the prayers. The author explains what it means to pray for your husband from head to toe, mapping out 16 different areas to concentrate on. Then, there is a 30-day guide to follow, which can help develop consistency in your prayers, and teaches you HOW to pray for your man, using Scripture as a guideline.

I will still continue recommending Omartian's book to other wives, but this one by Jaynes is just as good. In fact, if you are looking for a NEW way to help you deepen your prayer life, be more consistent in praying for your husband, and want to strengthen your marriage, I highly recommend it. To put it simply, I like it, and will continue using it.

Take a peek at CHAPTER ONE, and see what you think!

NOTE:  I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.