Posted on

Thankful Thursday ~ “Thin Places”

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
~ Psalm 18:2 (ESV)

I personally put books in three categories: pure enjoyment, teaching and life-changing. Mary DeMuth’s book “Thin Places“, which came highly recommended by my sweet friend Lori, fits in the third category — life-changing.

Last weekend I was able to read “Thin Places” (hubby was down with a terrible migraine 🙁 ). Little did I know that Mary’s book would have such an impact on me personally; one chapter in particular (“Like Me”) hit very close to home. You see, I want all people I come in contact with to like me. I usually do not speak up when someone is disrespectful or hurtful; I just let it be. I want to be accepted; fit in; do not want to ‘rock the boat’.

But guess what: not all people liked Jesus either (He was actually hated by some of His contemporaries). How in the world would I think that I could ‘satisfy’ all people — that is sheer impossible. There will always be people who won’t like me – and I am good with that. I am who I am – why should I always ‘fit-in’? No more! I will stand by what I believe is right and speak up!!!! So what if that bothers some people…I can still be respectful.

Mary, your book is amazing and am thankful that I was able to read it. Thank you for your willingness to share your story; God used the book to bring healing to my aching soul.

If you have not had the chance to read the book “Thin Places” please let me know in the comment section. I highly recommend this book and would like to give away a copy (random drawing). Winner will be announced next week (Friday – April 30th).

What are you thankful for this week? Please visit my dear friend Lynn at “Spiritually Unequal Marriage” to link up with other Thankful Thursday participants.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: God can use regular books to bring healing to your soul…

Posted on

In Honor Of & The Winners

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” ~ Genesis 20:12 (ESV – emphasis mine)

Today, April 17th, would have been my dad’s 72nd birthday if he would not have passed away in 1991. In 2006 I wrote a tribute to my dad; you can read it here if you like.

My earthly father had much influence on who I am today. I was blessed that he didn’t shy away to share God’s love and truth with us kids. Yes, my dad was strict with me, but I am thankful for that. He taught me right from wrong. He taught me that life is not always fair; but if you trust God, all will work out. He was right – life is not fair, sometimes it is hard to keep going without getting too discouraged.

I guess that why the photography-book project is so close to my heart. To honor God and my earthly father. Both have (had) great influence in my walk of faith. The little detour I took when I was younger pained both, God and my dad. I often wish that my dad could see who I am today (Dad I am so sorry for the things I did and said – I love you!)…I pray that the book will glorify my Heavenly Father and would have made my earthly father proud.

And now to the two winners. I had a hard time choosing the title for the book, because all of them were perfect  (thank you all who suggested a title). I ended up choosing Debbie’s (author of “Heart Choices“) suggestion “Fill me to Overflowing”. Debbie – I will send you a hard-copy as soon as I have it published (hopefully by May 20th). The second winner of a soft-copy comes from this post. The winner was chosen by Random.Org 😉 :

Congratulations to Melanie from The Fruits of the Spirit for winning a soft-copy of the soon to be published book.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: trust God for today, tomorrow and especially life ever-lasting.

Have a blessed Sunday,

Posted on

Where Joy and Sorrow Meet

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:18

I just returned from Good Friday service. The below song was sung; it made me weep. What a gracious God we have.

Humbled by His amazing grace,
Iris

Posted on

Thankful Thursday ~ Always Something New

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” ~ Psalm 28:7 (ESV)

As I had mentioned yesterday in my post “Fear of Change” God has been working on my heart — I don’t seem to mind changes as much as I used to…One thing I know for sure though, just like David pointed out in the above Psalm “The Lord is my strength…”.

In going with my theme for this year, the changes that happening currently in my life, I face fearlessly (most days). We are having changes again at my work, but this time I am thrilled!!!! We are getting a wonderful, knowledgeable supervisor in our region. I am really excited to work with her; she has taught me so much when I went through training 2 1/2 years ago. Also God answered my prayer for help with my work-load. We were able to hire another person who has worked previously for the company and knows all the ins-and-outs. The best part – she is a believer (God you are marvelous!!!!!)…

The second change that is happening I am thankful for this week has to do with LWG. My sweet friend Lori from Lori’s Reflections redesigned out devotional blog. The launch is on March 1st!!! I am so excited about the new design. Lori did an awesome job. I hope that you will take some time next week to explore our redesigned team blog. There will also be a drawing of a neat little price. But you have to stop by to find out what…Lori, thank you from the bottom of my heart to make the change happen — it was time after 3 1/2 years :)…

One other change that I am making (something I wanted to do for a long time), I will have on the first of every month a guest blogger at “Grace Alone…”. This upcoming Monday, Kathy Howard will stop by to introduce her new book “God’s Truth Revealed“. I am excited about the opportunity to have Kathy share her ministry with my readers.

So, what are you thankful for this week? Please do share with us by leaving your link below.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: Even thought life can change, God never changes!!!

Thankful Thursday Participants

1. Debbie @The Way We Are
2. Nancie@MoreThanConquerors
3. Pia
4. Melanie
5. MageeMommy
6. The Pondering Princess
7. bp
8. Rita @Following 31
9. Jocelyn
10. Karen @ Living Life
11. Laurie@Nana’s House
12. jo.attalife
13. LeAnn @ See Great Things
14. It Feels Like Chaos
15. Laurie @ Women Taking a Stand
16. Denise
17. Heather @ Marine Corps Nomads
18. Chris		 19. Debbie @ Heart Choices
20. Bernice@ My Journey ” simply THANK YOU LORD”
21. gemini
22. Joan @ Reflections
23. Janet @ Wildflower Thinking
24. Dana
25. Mary
26. Amazing Grace, Philippines
27. Sandy @ The Tablet of My Heart
28. John the Beloved
29. Arlene – Accepting Change
30. The Journaling Gina
31. Alicia @Making Time For Mommy- Thankful for my family
32. Kristi-Kikis Corner
33. Blessed Mom of 9
34. annies home –
35. K @ In The Lord’s Path
36. Noreen		 37. SusanD
38. Wendy @ Faith’s Firm Foundation
39. Rocks@ Made to Worship
40. Cora
41. Erica
42. Yoli ~ Apron Senorita
43. Heather @ A Day In My Life
44. Holly @ Broken for God
45. Heather @ Becoming A Titus 2 Woman
46. Nancy @ Homemade Blessings
47. Cindy @ *She Sparkles*
48. julie @ mom by faith
49. Claudia
50. By Grace Alone
51. Marsha
52. Saint Shellie

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.

Get The Code

Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.