February 2014

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Life is full of hardships; hardships that leave unanswered questions, perhaps the greatest of which are “Why?” and “How long?” I know many of you are dealing with extremely difficult situations: financial, health, loss of loved ones. Situations that can easily rock one’s world and faith.

Driving to church last Sunday, with me coming out of an extended and painful “flare”, my husband said, “You need to trust.”

Being in no mood to hear anything, I scowled, arms crossed. “Trust what?”

“Trust God. That He will protect you.”

Wrong answer.

Though my husband, in his amazingly patient and loving way, was trying to encourage me, I knew if my trust rested on God’s “protection”, there was a good chance it’d be broken. My trust needed to rest in His nature, sovereignty, and wisdom, and in my full and unconditional surrender. For that is where the peace and blessings come from.

Ginger picToday a dear friend who’s had her share of difficulties talks about one of the most poignant songs in contemporary Christian music. After you read Ginger Solomon’s devotion, I encourage you to listen to the song embedded below, and as you do, surrender and trust that God is good and loving and faithful.

Mercies in Disguise

The other day I heard the song “Blessings” by Laura Story. It’s been around for a while, but for some reason this time something about the lyrics struck me. It’s like reading that same Scripture over and over and then one day it comes to life in your heart.

I can relate to these words in so many ways. I know that blessings can come through raindrops – the first date I had yellow-leaf-1087751-mwith my husband it was raining. I know that healing can come through tears – I have cried to the Lord and felt a physical hug from Him that healed the broken places in my heart. I have doubted His goodness and His love, and I have spent countless nights awake and wondering what the next day would bring. And yet, through it all He has loved me WAY too much to let me stay in a place of comfort too long.

Through the greatest disappointments in my life I know God has been beside me. I may not have felt like it at the time, but feelings are fickle creatures and should not be trusted. It reminds me of the Footprints in the Sand picture. Sometimes when we least feel God it’s because He’s carrying us rather than walking beside us.

James 1:2-3 (NKJV) says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” This verse doesn’t say IF, but WHEN. We’ve all had trials, and we’re likely to have a few more before our time here on earth is complete.

In One Choice, my heroine, Cahri, is angry at God because her parents were killed in the country where they were missionaries. She felt God had abandoned her. Then she was summoned to participate in the Bridal March. She once again felt as if He had forsaken her. We all know God is always with us and will never forsake us (Heb. 13:5), but how often do we forget it when we’re in the dark places? Cahri feels God’s presence at various times throughout the book, and finally remembers how much He loves her later in the book – three long years after the death of her parents.

Will we allow God to turn our raindrops into blessings and our tears into healing?rememberings-675103-m

Will the sleepless nights send us to our knees crying out to God?

How long will it take us to remember that God always wants the very best things for us?

***

Pause to listen to Laura Story’s song titled Blessings:

Ginger Solomon is a Christian, a wife, a mother to seven, and a writer — in that order (mostly). When not homeschooling her youngest five, doing laundry or fixing dinner, she writes or reads romance of any genre, some sci-fi/fantasy, and some suspense. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, president of her local writing group, and writes regularly for three blogs. In addition to all that, she loves animals, horses especially, likes to do needlework (knitting, crocheting, and sometimes cross-stitch), and loves to sing in the choir at church. Visit her online at A Bed of Roses…Thorns Included, Writing Prompts & Thoughts & Ideas…Oh My!, Inspy Romance Blog, Facebook, Twitter @GingerS219, and Pinterest

OneChoice 453x680One Choice:

Cahri Michaels is American by birth, but Belikarian by choice. Being selected to participate in the Bridal March forces her to give up the independent life she’s created for herself. She’s not ready to be anyone’s wife, much less to a man she doesn’t know.

Prince Josiah Vallis despises the centuries old tradition—the Bridal March—that is forcing him to choose a wife from fifty women. Why does it matter that he’s twenty-five and still single?

When Cahri and Josiah meet, sparks fly. Will it ignite a godly love that can see them through or will they be burned, never to be the same? Buy it on Amazon, at Barnes and Noble, Astraea Press and Smashwords

 

 

LivingbyGracepicLet’s talk about this. How have struggles deepened your faith and relationship with Christ? How has God walked you through moments of pain or fear? How has He revealed Himself through it or offered blessings that came through raindrops?

Looking back over my life, I’ve found my darkest moments have also led to my greatest growth. Living with chronic illness, most specifically, autoimmune issues, is a perfect example. There’s an inherent uncertainty that comes with health struggles, an that uncertainty, for me, keeps me centered in the cross and focused on eternity. On my good days, it spurs me to action, motivating me to make the most of every ounce of energy and health, because it could be gone tomorrow. On my bad days, it draws me to Christ’s feet where I experience comfort and love. Ultimately, it’s deepened my relationship with God in a way I know wouldn’t have occurred otherwise.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below or at Living by Grace on Facebook.

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3-friends-5-1094303-mSometimes we just need a friend, someone who sees us, really sees us, and steps in to help, support, and encourage. And sometimes we need to be that friend, seeing others, stepping in to help, support, and encourage.

But what happens when we give and give and give and our efforts aren’t reciprocated?

That hurts, deeply, because as humans, we assign all sorts of meaning to the lack of aid. Meaning like:

Maybe our friends don’t truly care. Maybe they’re just using us for their convenience and comfort.

And because we are sinful, selfish people living in a sinful, self-centered world, that could very well be true. So, how do we find refreshment when those we care about are sucking us dry?

Our family has moved. A lot. With moving comes loneliness. Isolation. Grieving and rebuilding.

About five years ago, after a rough patch that included three moves in under a year, we landed in a small town twenty minutes from Kansas City. At the time, we homeschooled, and in need of social interaction, our daughter and I joined every homeschool coop and support group we could find. Our family also embarked on a long and discouraging search for a church home, made all the more difficult due to the two wonderful churches, one in Southern California and the other in Bossier City, LA, we had left. You may have heard it said, to embrace the new, you have to release the old. Only I wasn’t ready. I wanted to find our old church in our new town.

So, here we were, stuck in a small town, no family around, and spending long hours camped out in the living room with school books scattered around us.

Did I mention we were lonely?

Being an old hand at this moving thing, I did what I’d done in every other state we’d resided: I got involved and focused on being the friend I wanted to have. Proverbs 11:25 became very important to me:

“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25 NLT).

Only, the verse didn’t seem to work. Not this time. In fact, the more our family gave–helping folks move, build decks, teaching and watching their children–the more others asked of us. But when we needed help or even a friend to share those long, lonely afternoons, those same folks dissappeared.

I grew hurt, then angry. Why, Lord, wasn’t I being refreshed? How long would we be lonely? How long would my daughter be lonely? (Few things can break a mother’s heart like watching your child’s heart break.)

It wasn’t fair!

Then, as if in answer, I remembered our time in Louisiana. Two women in particular came to mind. Both of them purposefully, lovingly, and persistently came along beside me at a time when I really need a friend. In amazing, extremely sacrificial ways.

For example, when moving vans came to transport our belongings from storage lockers to the midwest, one of these precious women showed up at seven am to take our daughter for a day of play. This woman lived 30 minutes away from our storage locker. From pick up to drop off, that was two hours of total driving.

I’d never asked for her help. She just showed up.

Because she did, instead of my daughter waiting in the extreme heat for six plus hours (storage lockers don’t have air conditioning), she got to enjoy some time with some very sweet and loving friends.

As I thought back on these events, I realized, the refreshment God offers isn’t always a give-and-take. Sometimes we give and give and give to someone who is either incapable or uninterested in reciprocating.

But our refreshing will come. Perhaps later that day or the next, or maybe a year or more down the road. untitled-1402915-m

And ultimately, our refreshing comes from God. Because He’s still sovereign, even when we’re lonely. I’ve learned when those times come, the best thing I can do is draw ever closer to Him, seeking comfort in Him and Him alone, asking what He’d have me learn from the experience.

Because as cliché as it sounds, it’s true–God never, ever wastes a tear, and through every heartbreak or struggle He allows, He’s working things out for good.

livingbygracepic.jpLet’s talk about this! Where are you today? Do you feel as if you’re giving and giving and giving but receiving little, maybe not even a thank you, in return? When that happens, it’s easy to focus on the taker. But that only leads to bitterness and anger. Rather, we must focus on the ultimate Giver, the One who gave us those words in Proverbs, trusting His loving sovereignty as we patiently wait for those springs of refreshment to come.

When you face one-sided friendships, what are some things you do to gaurd your heart and mind from the toxins of bitterness? We’ve all heard it said that Jesus alone can meet all our needs, but what does that look like in the day-to-day? Have you ever been on the receiving end? Perhaps in a place, emotionally, financially, or mentally, where you had nothing to give and were in need of a great deal of support? If so, did God send people to come alongside you? Tell us about what that time, that aid, meant to you. You can share your comments here or at Living by Grace on Facebook.

Now, to announce the winner of last week’s book give-away! Mary Preston, congrats! You won a copy of Laura Jackson’s Worth the Wait. I’l;l be contacting you soon to discuss the best way to get this book to you.

And before you go, check out my article on finding marital intimacy on Internet Cafe’ Devotions, my post on imperfect memory making on Faith-filled Friends, and my thoughts on finding and holding on to deep and lasting love on Inspy Romance.

Other resources you might find helpful:

Friendships of Purpose by Edna Ellison

Beyond Me by Kathi Maccias

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valentines-day-background-3-1335571-mHappy chocolate, roses, and lots of snuggles day! 🙂 As a fun Valentine’s Day treat, I encourage you to pop over to Family Fiction to read my short inspirational romance titled, Love Long Lost but Not Forgotten.

With my debut novel, Beyond I Do, releasing from New Hope Publishers this fall, I thought some of you, accustomed to my blogging, might enjoy checking out my fiction. If you like it, please consider giving the story a “thumbs-up”, which constitutes as a vote for the readers’ chioce awards, and of course, feel free to share the story with your friends. :)You can also visit the board I created for this story on Pinterest.

I also encourage you to stop by Faith Filled Friends to share your favorite Valentine’s Day memory and learn who won our Launch give-away basket. Then come back tomorrow for some Faith-filled news.

2013-07-08 23.15.16-1Today author Laura Jackson shares a thought-provoking look at the “then and nows” of teenagehood. As a mom of a teen, I’m always on the alert for inforamtion that might help me understand and reach the heart of my teen. As a fun bonus, Laura is giving away a copy of her young adult novel, Worth the Wait to one reader randomly chosen from the comments below.  and learLooking back on my teen years, I remember hearing one of the most dreaded phrases over and over.

Teens… Taking Time to Reach Their Heart by Laura Jackson

When I was your age……

It’s usually followed by some complaint about how today’s youth somehow don’t measure up to previous generations. A quick look at the news will convince anyone that today’s teens are struggling. But to compare them to how things were in the past isn’t quite fair.

Consider the things teens today deal with that we didn’t:

*Social Media—constant communication with others, cyber bullying, and sexting

*Sins blatantly shown on TV as normal, accepted, and even admirable. Casual sex, drugs, and underage drinking are status quo and even glorified in both TV, books, movies, and music.

*Violence as entertainment (video games and TV)

*A focus on outward beauty—the impossible standards that photoshop drops on our shoulders

*A society that is becoming less and less accepting of Christian values and beliefs

Yes, today’s teens aren’t the same as kids in past generations. They’re dealing with things we never thought about. (I’m so glad I didn’t have social media when I was a teen, aren’t you?)

Our Christian teens spend most of their day being bombarded by the world and its temptations. Their struggle is real, and it’s hard.

Instead of telling them what things like when we were their age, let’s sit back and listen.  Because we don’t understand what they’re going through. And that’s okay.

When we listen without interrupting, we build relationships. When we listen without lecturing, we give them a safe place to rest. When we love them unconditionally and pray without ceasing, we can change things because even though the world is ever-changing, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

And that’s what teens need most. Unchanging, unwavering, and unshakable love.

And just maybe, it’s what we all need. Perhaps the generations aren’t so different after all.

9781938708268TwitterWorth the Wait:

Ellie Lansing has a picture-perfect life with a close-knit family and the perfect boyfriend. But her world is suddenly knocked off center when her drool-worthy boyfriend cheats, and her always-has-it-together mother is diagnosed with cancer. Ellie doesn’t get it. She always does the right thing – doesn’t God owe her a happy life? Through her heartache, Ellie learns that sometimes what seems like the end is really just the beginning and that what God has for us is always worth the wait.

Laura Jackson loves books—reading and writing them. A life-long reader, Laura studied English in college and taught 7th grade language arts before earning her Master’s degree and becoming a school librarian. Now, she spends her days sharing great books with kids and her evenings writing books about teenage girls discovering God and His plan for their lives.

Let’s talk about this! If you’re a parent or a grandparent of a teenager, what are some ways you’ve attempted to reach their heart? Do you ever livingbygracepic.jpfeel as if you’re giving more corrections than affirmations? If so, perhaps it’s time for some one-on-one bonding. Do you try to spend time with them consistently? Lately, with book contracts, ministry obligations, and all the other busyness that comes with every-day life, I can easily get so wrapped up in my to-dos, I forget to connect. So, I have to schedule time in, time where just my daughter and I get away to do something fun or silly. And I believe our relationship is much better for it!

Share your thoughts here in the comments below or at Living by Grace on Facebook, AND get entered into the drawing for a copy of Worth the Wait.

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help-566365-mI know a chunk of you are dealing with major health concerns. Our faith and emotions can be dramatically affected by how we feel physically. If you’re struggling to keep your head up, or even if you lack the energy to keep treading, may you find encouragement in today’s devotion, written by multi-published author and brain tumor survivor, Lillian Duncan.

Note: Lillian is giving away an ecopy of her novel, Betrayed. Winner will be chosen randomly from the comments left on this post. 

For those of you dealing with chronic illness, after you read Lillian’s devotion on triumphing in Christ, I encourage you to read my post on Pushing Through.

What a Day That Will Be! by Lillian Duncan

2nd Corinthians 2: 14

Now thanks be to God who always leads in triumph in Christ.

 Do you believe the Bible to be true, holy, and God’s words? I’m going to assume your answer is yes, then what about the above verse? It says God always leads us in triumph.

Really? That doesn’t always seem to be the case to my human way of seeing things.

I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors not quite two years ago. Since then I’ve had treatments and side effects that have left me completely deaf in one ear, partially deaf in the other with the possibility of still losing it completely. I also have permanent balance issues unless God chooses to heal me supernaturally. In the last 14 months, I’ve been on a strong steroid for 7 of them. I don’t have time to tell you what kind of havoc they’ve wreaked on my body.

Doesn’t sound much like triumph, does it?

And yet through Christ I have triumphed.

I haven’t lost my faith. I’ve grown closer to God. And in spite of my health issues, I managed to write 2 full-length novels and 3 novellas, received 2 new contracts, and just had a book released.

Not bad if I say so myself. But all the glory and credit goes to God. Without Him I couldn’t have accomplished any of that. praying-for-you-946931-mEach day, I depend more and more on Him in all things.

But that’s not the triumph, I want to talk about today.

Life happens, tragedies happen, people get sick, people die. God never promised us a life without difficulties, and yet the promise that we will always triumph through Christ remains true.

Our triumph may come in this world, but it may not. Most of us are too attached to this world we live in. We become short-sighted and think that if God doesn’t answer our prayers here and now, He doesn’t love us. That His words and promises aren’t true.

But this world is not our home!

People don’t like to think about it, but our triumph may not come in this life, we may have to wait until we get to the Promised Land—to heaven.

But oh what a joy! What a triumph it will be when we see Jesus! What a day that will be!

Betrayed_h11347_300 (1)Betrayed:

Witness Protection Program claims they can keep anyone safe if only they follow the rules so Maria follows the rules–every rule. She’s given up everything–her friends, her family, her past, even her name to ensure her daughter has a future.

Reborn as Veronica Minor in the sleepy little town of Sunberry, Ohio, she struggles to rebuild their life amid the beauty of her flower shop. A life where her daughter can have a happy normal childhood. A life where her daughter will never know that her father was a monster.

When a child disappears, Veronica prays it has nothing to do with her past, but what if she’s wrong? Not knowing who to trust, she trusts no one…and that’s her first mistake.

Lillian Duncan…Stories of faith mingled… with murder & mayhem.

Lillian is a multi-published writer who writes the type of books she loves to read—suspense with a touch of romance. Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: www.lillianduncan.net.  She also has a devotional blog at: www.PowerUpWithGod.com  as well as her personal blog, Tiaras & Tennis Shoes at www.lillian-duncan.com

LivingbyGracepicLet’s talk about this. Sickness, betrayal, financial upsets, and tragedies can rock us to our core. They can thrust into isolation and despair or into ever-deepening surrender. The choice is ours. Despair is a nasty, dark spiral to fall into, but surrender… there’s no better place to be.

What about you? How do you find and maintain surrender and a Christ-centered focus when your world shifts out of control? For me, I do best if I spend less time venting to man and more time praising God. I don’t praise Him for my illness, but rather, I praise Him for His presence and deep understanding. When I do that, something amazingly surene happens–He draws me close and fills me with peace, a peace that truly does surpass my circumstances (Phil. 4:6-7)

Additional resources you may find helpful:

Strength in the Struggle

Strength Under Pressure

Pushing Through

If God is in Control, Why Do I Have a Headache? by Debbie Taylor Williams