When Did Jesus Leave the Room?

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

When did Jesus leave the room? I'm at a funeral. I'm staring at the television watching the twins towers fall. I'm reading news on Twitter, appalled by things parents do to their children. I'm at the doctor's office and he mentions cancer. I'm at home with my blinds drawn, huddled in depression. I'm at work...and the list goes on. This could be any of us wondering where Jesus is in all of the suffering and pain.

But Jesus didn't leave. He's been with me all along. Maybe I turned my back on him. Or I forgot he was there. Or I blamed him. But he didn't leave. Instead he held me when I cried. He comforted me when I needed it most. He hung in with me, even when I yelled at him. Jesus doesn't leave. I do. I take a step away, a leap over the edge, or withdraw into myself. Yet he whispers in my ear, "Don't be afraid. I'm right here. And I'm not leaving."

I love Jesus and he loves me. There are times I long to be with him in heaven and shove this world behind me. But guess what. He's with me here. He will never leave me or forsake me. Praise God for his constant care.

YA Fiction Review: Gilt Hollow by Lorie Langdon

Book Description:

Willow Lamott’s best friend is a convicted killer, and no one in the small town of Gilt Hollow will let her forget it. Over four long years, she’s tried to fade into the background—but none of that matters when Ashton Keller comes striding into school, fresh out of juvie and fueled by revenge. The moment their eyes meet, Willow no longer feels invisible. Drawn to the vulnerability behind Ashton’s mask of rage, she sinks deeper into his sinister world and begins to question whether he’s a villain, a savior, or both.

Ashton thought he wanted vengeance, until Willow Lamott stepped back into his life. Now he longs to clear his name and become the person she sees in him. But the closer they get to uncovering the truth, the darker the secrets become, and Ashton wonders if his return to Gilt Hollow will destroy everyone he loves.

My Review:
Wow-I'm not sure where to begin with Gilt Hollow. First of all, it's obvious Lori Langdon poured her heart into her writing. She's created a funky college town as a perfect setting for the town of Gilt Hollow. Her characters are vibrant and deep. And the story left me breathless at times. All of that being said, it's been awhile since I've read young adult literature. I was somewhat surprised to find a sprinkling of curse words and a few heated kissing scenes since I received this book from a Christian publisher (Blink, Zondervan). I'm not going to get on my soapbox, but felt the cursing wasn't necessary and the kissing scenes could have been toned down. I was pleased with the theme of forgiveness and how it played out including some references to God. The book is written for older teens (15+) and deals with violent circumstances and teen romance. Lorie is also the co-writer of the Doon series. I received Gilt Hollow in exchange for a fair review.

Restore me with Joy!

©Penny Frost McGinnis

Christmas Fiction Book Review: The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson

About the book:

Abby Wentworth is the glue that holds her book club together. So when she unexpectedly passes away on the cusp of the Christmas season, the rest of the women in the group are stunned, saddened, and sure that, without her, the group can't continue.

They gather "one last time" to open gifts Abby left behind, little knowing how it will change each of their lives--forever.

What I thought:
It's only September, but I'm already reading Christmas books. That's what happens when you're a reviewer. I've enjoyed every Christmas book I've read by Melody Carlson. But I'm not sure I can put into words the excellence of The Christmas Angel Project. Not just because I love Christmas books, but because this is one of those books that makes a difference. Melody has created four real women with legitimate problems. Through loss and sadness they find hope and joy as they learn to lean on God. My favorite line from the book spoke volumes to me, "Sometimes we have to let our dreams go in order to allow God to bring them back to us—in his way and his timing." This is a perfect Christmas read to inspire the celebration of the giving spirit of the holiday season. 

The Waters Churned and Tossed

Matthew 4:18-20
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.

I sat on a limestone boulder along the bank of Lake Erie with my husband. The waters churned and tossed fishing boats up and down while waves crashed on the shore. Despite the rough surface and the strong wind, the people in the fishing boats held tight and waited for the perfect time to drop their lines. Around the corner of the lake we spied a man who cast from the shore. He watched as his line bobbed in the surge of the unsteady swell.

Two of the first disciples Jesus called were fishermen by trade, Peter and Andrew. They knew how to catch fish, but they didn't understand what Jesus meant when he said he wanted them to fish for men. With great patience Jesus taught them. He showed them through kindness, mercy, and example how they could teach people about Him. He showed them through his stories and words of truth how they could interest people in learning more about Jesus and the salvation he came to bring. As a follower of Jesus I'm called to be a fisher of men, one who tells others about my Savior and King. He's prepared me with the Bible as my guide and prayer as my aid. He's given me determination, understanding, and perseverance.

I remember singing the song in vacation Bible school, "I will make you fishers of men, if you'll follow me." As a child I didn't really understand the meaning of those words. But as a believer in Jesus I know now that I need to hang on in the storms and keep casting my line. Praise God for Jesus and his gift of love!

Nonfiction Book Review: Answers to the Most Important Questions About the End Times by Dr. John Hart

Book Description:

The end times can be confusing, or even troubling, as we struggle to understand such things as when Christ is coming back, who the Antichrist will be, when the tribulation will occur, and how to interpret biblical prophecy. If you are curious, confused, or fearful about any of these things--this book is for you.

Dr. John Hart clearly and respectfully offers easy-to-understand answers, letting you know exactly what God's Word says--as well as what it doesn't say--about the end times. This slender volume answers the most frequently asked questions, then explores how those answers affect you, your family, and your friends.

My Review:
I requested the Answers to the Most ImportantQuestions About the End Times in hopes of finding a book that would give me a better understanding of a topic that can be confusing. Dr. John Hart does a good job laying a foundation with scripture plus a timeline of events that lead up to and happen after the rapture. The timeline is not one that is set in stone, but rather a guideline for a better understanding of possible events. He also does a good job giving definitions of terminology as well as a breakdown of the happenings in the book of Revelation. If you have questions about the end times and would like some basic information as well scripture references, this is a good place to start. I am not endorsing that everything on the book is gospel, because I am not an expert on the topic, but I do believe Dr. Hart has made a great effort to understand these biblical principles. I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for a fair review.

A Labor of Love

1 Thessalonians 1:2
We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

A labor of love. I can think of a few. Taking care of my babies, even when they made messes. Cooking meals for special occasions—birthdays, holidays. Editing a friend's written work and being honest about needed changes. Helping a child with homework. Doing the laundry and the dishes. Walking the dogs. When done with a caring heart and a positive attitude, anything can become a labor of love.

In America we celebrate Labor Day as a way to show appreciation for the folks who work each day and contribute to the economy of our nation. As part of the church let's celebrate the many who labor in love without any expected return. They teach, preach, sing, watch over little ones in the nursery, organize programs and events and so much more. Paul thanks God for the people of his time who worked for the Lord. I want to thank all those who work and volunteer in the church today. May we continue to pursue work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope. Praise God for the opportunity to work for Him.