Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Two Defining Forces
Romans 3:22-26
This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
I just finished reading a book based on a letter
written during the American Revolution. In the story one of the main character,
along with an army of men, went to war with his muzzle loader to acquire the
freedom of all Americans. Since that time, we've had countless soldiers continue
to fight for the freedom of America. I thank God for those who have given their
lives, their time and their families to allow me to worship God.
I've read a saying that says something like this: "Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom." -Author: Unknown
Jesus died to free me from the weight of sin in
this world. He came to earth and took on the burden of any who believe in him.
He gave his life. That's true freedom! The freedom to live in this world
without the burden of sin. The freedom to live in this world and not of this
world. The freedom to love God and love people. I thank the Lord for sending
his son. To live in this world without Jesus would be hopeless. To live in this
world with Jesus means to live with hope and joy. I love Jesus and thank him
for his sacrifice!
Friday, July 6, 2018
Fiction Book Review: The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck
Romance has never been actress Chloe Daschle’s forte—in life or on screen. But
everyone knows who to call for a convincing death scene . . . and it might be
killing her career.
When Chloe is given a peek at the script for an
epic love story, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands and request
an audition for the lead female role, Esther Kingsley. The compelling tale,
inspired by family lore and a one-page letter from the colonial ancestor of
scriptwriter Jesse Gates, just might break her out of this career-crippling
rut. Jesse would rather write about romance than live through it after his past
relationship ended in disaster. But once on-set together, the chemistry between
Jesse and his leading lady is hard to deny.
Centuries earlier, in the heart of the
Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow wrote their saga
off the silver screen. Esther’s Loyalist father opposes any relationship with
Hamilton, but Esther must face her beloved father’s disapproval and the dangers
of war in order to convince Hamilton of their future together. Hamilton has
loved
Esther for years, and on the eve of battle pens the love letter she’s
always wanted—something straight from the heart.
Set in stunning upcountry South Carolina, The
Love Letter is a beautifully crafted story of the courage it takes to face
down fear and chase after love, even in the darkest of times. And just maybe,
all these generations later, love can come home in a way not even Hollywood
could imagine.
My Review:
When I started reading The Love Letter, I didn't know what to expect. What I found was a story of faith. It took me a bit to adjust to going between Hollywood and the Revolutionary War, but once I got the hang of it, the story unfolded beautifully. Chloe is an amazing character who struggles and faces obstacles; but relies on her faith to help her. And that's not the norm in the acting industry. Esther, also an amazing character for her time, carries the Esther/Hamilton story into unknown territory for that day. The parallel stories create an interesting journey and a superb ending. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
When I started reading The Love Letter, I didn't know what to expect. What I found was a story of faith. It took me a bit to adjust to going between Hollywood and the Revolutionary War, but once I got the hang of it, the story unfolded beautifully. Chloe is an amazing character who struggles and faces obstacles; but relies on her faith to help her. And that's not the norm in the acting industry. Esther, also an amazing character for her time, carries the Esther/Hamilton story into unknown territory for that day. The parallel stories create an interesting journey and a superb ending. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Hello, Black-eyed Susan!
Every year I look for the first black-eyed Susans of the the summer. I love to see them dance in the fields and along the roads. My favorite flower arrives just in time for my birthday. I believe they are God's way of reminding me he created me and he loves me. Today I discovered the first Susan bloom in my own flower bed. She smiled and said, "Hello! I'm here."
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Shout like the Lilies
Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Tim and I stopped by the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
Park to gaze at the Ohio River and watch the birds and other wildlife. Across
the road we checked out the bridge dedicated to the 18th President. I enjoyed
seeing the plaque of Grant in his Civil War Uniform and the lanterns and
miniature cannon that graced the corners. On the way back to the Jeep, I
noticed a wooden fence row that stretched across one end of the small park.
Tiger lilies shot up through the slats as if they were poised to announce,
"Attention, please. This is where Ulysses S. Grant was born."
The lilies appeared to trumpet good news. Just
like Isaiah 40 proclaims—"Do you not know? Have you not heard?" I
have heard the news, and I am so grateful. Some days I am exhausted. My energy wanes
and I crave rest. But guess what, God renews my strength, because I place my
hope in him. He alone gives me the energy I need. He helps me walk, when I can
no longer go. I mean that literally and spiritually. There are days when my bum
knee doesn't want to move, but God lifts me up with his encouragement and keeps
me on my feet. Because I know Jesus loves me and supports me, I want to shout
like the lilies, "The Lord is the everlasting God." He loves me and
cares for me, even the everyday things. He is the hope this world needs.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Fantasy Fiction Review: The Story Peddler (The Weaver Trilogy Book 1) by Lindsay A. Franklin
Description:
Selling stories is a deadly business---
Tanwen doesn’t just tell stories—she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way from poverty is to set her sights on something grander: becoming Royal Storyteller to the king.
During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king’s guard hunts her down . . . and they’re not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and discovers she’s not the only outlaw in the empire. There’s a rebel group of weavers . . . and they’re after her too.
My Review:
Lindsay A. Franklin is one imaginative and talented writer. The Story Peddler may not have crystallized in my hand, but the descriptions came to life in my head. The characters are fantastic, the setting spectacular, and the story is amazing. I love that Tanwen is a spunky character ready to discover her life. The many folks she meets along the way add a flair that only a good fantasy can boast. The Christian truths woven throughout the story add an element of depth and wisdom. The Story Peddler reminds me of one of my favorite fantasy books, The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo (but written for adults.) This book is every bit as good. The first book in the trilogy, I guarantee, will leave you wanting more. I received this e-book free from NetGalley with no expectation of a good or bad review.
Lindsay A. Franklin is one imaginative and talented writer. The Story Peddler may not have crystallized in my hand, but the descriptions came to life in my head. The characters are fantastic, the setting spectacular, and the story is amazing. I love that Tanwen is a spunky character ready to discover her life. The many folks she meets along the way add a flair that only a good fantasy can boast. The Christian truths woven throughout the story add an element of depth and wisdom. The Story Peddler reminds me of one of my favorite fantasy books, The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo (but written for adults.) This book is every bit as good. The first book in the trilogy, I guarantee, will leave you wanting more. I received this e-book free from NetGalley with no expectation of a good or bad review.
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