Hope!

©Penny Frost McGinnis

Where is your Faith?

Luke 8:22-25
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.  “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.

In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

Tim and I traveled to the Cleveland area over Memorial Day weekend. On Tuesday, our daughter would be having surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. As we eased into the week with prayer and time reflecting on God's creation, we grabbed some sandwiches and settled into a picnic table by Lake Erie. The water stretched before us much like an ocean; where we couldn't see land on the other side. A few boats bounced along the water. The seagulls squawked. In the distance we saw what the gulls were excited about. A storm with a wall of rain was crawling across the lake. The water turned a deep, dark blue and the temperature dropped about ten degrees. Thunder rumbled and the wind kicked up and lifted the waves. The storm was heading our way. We watched for a while, mesmerized by God's power. The whole scene gave me cold chills. Yet I knew I was safe. Jesus was with us, just as he'd be with our daughter in surgery.

I believe in the power of prayer and the amazing power of God. But, like the disciples I had to find out about that power through experience. The disciples didn't know Jesus well enough to understand that he could speak to the storm and it would obey. They hadn't seen his amazing powers and the miracles he would perform. But in time they would. Like them, I had to spend time with Jesus through prayer and learn about him through the Bible. Every day I get to know him a little bit better. Praise God for Jesus!

P.S. Surgery went well!

Trust in the Lord

Psalm 37:1-4
Do not fret because of those who are evil
    or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
    like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the Lord and do good;
    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

They lived in a perfect world. A lush garden filled with beautiful animals, soaring birds, diving fish, and trees. The two strolled through the greenery and the flowers. They watched the butterflies and the bees. They shared the joy of their lovely surroundings. Until the day they defied God. They disobeyed. Then everything changed.

Living in the world is hard. Ever since Adam and Eve's choice to eat the fruit from the tree of life, sin has flooded the world. With the sin comes discouragement, hurt, and frustration. But the good news, yes the very best, most wonderful news, is— I can totally, without a doubt trust the Lord to bring goodness to my life. He has my best interest in mind. As I delight in him, he gives me the delights of my heart. The joy, peace, and love that only he can give. Praise God that the evil passes away and the love of my Father remains.

Fiction Book Review: Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin

Book Description:

Single mom Julia Dare has a lot on her plate.

A brand new Christian, Julia is busy trying to run her own business, spend time with her widowed mother, and raise her young son, Max, despite his father's less-than-ideal influence on him. When a big account from her event-planning business sends her to the Caliente Springs resort, she's shocked to come face-to-face with Zeke Monroe, the resort's general manager and her college sweetheart.

With his faith in tatters, Zeke Monroe is determined to keep the historic Caliente Springs resort running despite financial difficulties. But when Julia walks back into his life, he can't ignore the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client's dream wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. When Zeke and Julia are pushed to their limits both personally and professionally, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?

Book Review:
Someone Like You isn't just another romance. Victoria Bylin creates realistic characters, warts and all. This may sound strange, but I am pleased to read a novel with a single mom who has to deal with her ex-husband. More often than not that's the reality. Many women have to figure out how to "live" with an ex-husband in their child's life. I enjoyed watching Julia grow in confidence and faith throughout the story. She has a lot to balance and work through. As a new believer she handles it all with prayer and grace.

Rather than a knight in shining armor, Zeke has demons of his own to fight. He's an appealing, yet believable character. The strong spiritual element Bylin threads through the book adds depth and insight. Caliente Springs is a lovely setting for this great read. This would be a good book to pack for vacation. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1TPfW3k

About the author:
Victoria Bylin writes contemporary and historical romances known for their realistic, relatable characters. Her work has finaled in contests such as the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and the RT Reviewers' Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky.

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Fiction Book Review: All Summer Long by Melody Carlson

Book Description:

Tia D'Amico is thrilled to move to San Francisco to help her aunt transform an old luxury yacht into an upscale floating restaurant. What's not to love? Sunset dinner cruises, posh wedding receptions--the possibilities are endless and far more appetizing than staying in a monotonous job in her Podunk hometown. Besides, some of her best memories are tied to San Francisco--especially the memory of Leo Parker, her crush from a long-ago sailing camp.

When Leo Parker himself turns out to be the yacht's captain, Tia is floating on air. But will it all come crashing down around her when she discovers his heart belongs to someone else?

Get ready for a romantic summer in San Francisco, where the future glistens brighter than the Bay at sunset.

Book Review:
I got to travel to San Francisco last year, so when I saw the setting of All Summer Long I wanted to read it. I wasn't disappointed. Many of the places I visited were the backdrop of this sweet story. Melody Carlson is a master storyteller and she uses her gift to weave a tale of love, friendship, recovery, and recognition. Much of the story takes place on the water of the San Francisco Bay aboard an old yacht, being refurbished as a restaurant. How fun! I was thrilled that Tia wasn't a high maintenance kind of girl. Instead she's a smart, hardworking, beautiful inside-and-out, young woman willing to help out family. And Leo is adorable. A kind man who finds himself in a dilemma because he cares too much. This is a great summer read, perfect for vacation or sitting outside by the pool or in the shade. Melody Carlson is one of my favorites. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase at Revell.

And God created flowers...

Are You Prepared?

Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 

She tried on the catcher's helmet, too.

As her brother, cousin, and their six-year-old teammates took the field, Ella Cate, who is not quite two yet, toddled over to her brother's batting helmet. She picked it up then popped it on her head. Next she walked over and picked up her pretty, pink, made-for-a-little-girl, baseball glove and tucked her tiny hand in. Then she grabbed her cushy pink baseball and threw it to her mom. When she noticed me watching her she gave me one of her big cheesy grins. What a cutie. And smart too. She wanted to protect her head from the ball or most likely just thought it would be fun to put on the helmet. But in any case, she'd donned her protective gear.

Paul shares specific instructions with the Ephesians' church about how to prepare-not for a game-but for battle. Not just any war, but the one that plays out in the spiritual world every day; with Satan shouting the battle cry. Praise God he's given you and me the armor we need for protection. Where Ella Cate put on a batting helmet, I wear a helmet of salvation. Instead of a glove and ball, I carry a shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit. Jesus wants me to be prepared to face temptation and sin. He expects me to be ready, well versed in his word, and covered in prayer. Stand firm with me as I pray.

"God, shore up your followers. The people who believe in your son, Jesus. We want nothing more than to serve you. Thank you for your mercy and grace." Amen