Prayers Reach Heaven

2 Chronicles 30:27
The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place.

I love to witness our grandchildren's prayers. Their sweet "Charlie Brown" voices resound with sincerity. No traces of doubt color their words. They know God listens to them as they bless the food, or ask God to make their friend or family feel better. Children trust God to listen. So why is it, as adults, doubts niggle in to our prayers. We dismiss talking to God as childish or pointless. Belief slips and fear takes over.

Maybe in life, no one listens. Days are too noisy with social media, television, negativity, or defeat to reach out. Then there are the busy days. Too much to do, not enough time. Or, maybe we think God doesn't want to hear from us anyway. How could he? I'm a sinner, why would he listen to me? But I have amazing news! The creator of the universe, God himself, loves you and me. He considers us his children. And he wants to hear our words. Whether we pray out loud or think our prayers, every single word we breath toward him is precious to him.

"He turned his ear to me." Yes he leans toward us, with his ear in our direction, ready to listen. I love the picture 2 Chronicles paints of prayers rising to heaven. Because that's what happens—prayers rise and God leans down to listen. That's just beautiful!

Psalm 116:2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

Fiction Book Review: Julie by Catherine Marshall

Welcome to this stop on the Julie by Catherine Marshall Reissue Celebration Blog Tour with JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Julie

Author: Catherine Marshall

Publisher: Gilead Publishing

ReIssue Date: April 17, 2018

Genre: Historical Romance Fiction

· JustRead landing page

Purchase Julie at:

· Goodreads

· Amazon

· ChristianBook

· Book Depository

· Itunes

Will the dam hold?

Julie Wallace has always wanted to write. Trying to escape the Great Depression, Julie’s father buys the Alderton Sentinel, a small-town newspaper in flood-prone Alderton, Pennsylvania, and moves his family there. As flash floods ominously increase, Julie’s investigative reporting uncovers secrets that could endanger the entire community.

Julie, the newspaper, and her family are thrown into a perilous standoff with the owners of the steel mills as they investigate the conditions of the immigrant laborers. As the Alderton Sentinel and Julie take on a more aggressive role to reform these conditions, seething tensions come to a head.

When a devastating tragedy follows a shocking revelation, Julie’s courage and strength are tested.  Will truth and justice win, or will Julie lose everything she holds dear?

My Review:

I read the story of Julie, years ago, when my grandmother gave me a copy. I've enjoyed it now as much as I did then. Julie's story is a powerful testimony to faith. Alderton was a town filled with problems, but within the framework we meet several wonderful, faithful people. I especially enjoyed the way Julie's family worked together to try to establish a newspaper and the many folks who God sent to help them. Catherine Marshall's research about the Johnstown flood and difficult working and living conditions for the blue collar workers enhance the story with accuracy and believeability. The story is full of excitement, a bit of romance, a thread of faith, and a nod to families and people who work together for the good that God has called them to. If you haven't read this wonderful book, you have a chance to now. Julie is being re-released by Gilead Publishing. I'd also recommend this story for Young Adult readers. I received a complimentary copy of the book and a positive review is not required.

About the author:

Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), “The New York Times” best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel “Christy.” Based on the life of her mother, “Christy” captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in “A Man Called Peter.” A decade after Dr. Marshall’s untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of “Guideposts,” forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine’s enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.

(1) Winner will win: 

• $25 Amazon Gift Card
  
• Bookmark Swag
• Necklace (exact or similar & *subject to change)
• Print Copy of Julie

(Only Gift Card open internationally. Others open to US Mailing Addresses)

Enter Here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7425d38e146/?

JustRead Publicity Tour Landing Page

April 23
Backing Books
Beautifully Broken 
Glamamamas Goodies
Glimpse of Our Life
The Power of Words
Remembrancy
Just Commonly
Book Reviews by Steph


April 24
All of a Kind Mom
Amanda In PA
Locks, Hooks and Books
Two Points of Interest
This Chattanooga Mommy Saves
Savings in Seconds
Veronica's 'Views
Meagan Davenport
Faery Tales Are Real


April 25
As We Walk Along the Road
Texas Book-aholic
Book by Book
Christian Chick's Thoughts
Bibliophile Reviews
Moments
Quilting Along Life's Way
Girls in White Dresses
Mom 2 Mom Connection


April 26
A Baker's Perspective
Impressions In Ink
A Room Without Books is Empty 
Christian bookaholic
Mocha with Linda
Lighthouse Academy
Running Through the Storms 
Coffee Addicted Writer
Live. Love. Read.
Thoughts from Mill Street
God's Peculiar Treasure Rae


April 27
For the Love of Books
I'm Hooked on Books
She Lives to Read
Becky J Miller
Jami's Words
Ponderings of a Poet & Procrastinator
Have A Wonderful Day 
Pause for Tales
Hope for Today's Heart
Neverending Stories
Jen Around the World
Maureen's Musings
Singing Librarian Books
Splashes of Joy 
Katherine Scott Jones
My Full Cup

Children's Picture Book: Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

Book Description:

A lavish new picture book from Caldecott-winner Sophie Blackall that will transport readers to the seaside in timeless, nautical splendor!

Watch the days and seasons pass as the wind blows, the fog rolls in, and icebergs drift by. Outside, there is water all around. Inside, the daily life of a lighthouse keeper and his family unfolds as the keeper boils water for tea, lights the lamp's wick, and writes every detail in his logbook.

Step back in time and through the door of this iconic lighthouse into a cozy dollhouse-like interior with the extraordinary award-winning artist Sophie Blackall.

My Review:
When I walk along a sandy beach and dig up a sliver of sea glass or a pretty shell, I'm excited at my sweet treasure. That's how I felt when I discovered Hello Lighthouse. For years, I've admired the keepers of lighthouses and their stories. This delightful book ties those tales into a lyrical memory dedicated to all the men and women who saved many-a-ship from disaster. Sophie Blackall's gorgeous illustrations, along with her beautiful text make this a book to treasure. I borrowed this copy from the library, but I think I may have to purchase one for myself. Just to enjoy!

God Listens!

Happy Earth Day!

Sprinter?

2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

What happened to spring? Most of the Midwest states have experienced a new phenomenon called "sprinter" (spring & winter.) We're wondering where the pleasant sixty-five degree temperatures have hidden. Where the sunshine went to rest. We've had a sun-kissed day here or there, but only a tantalizing taste. No full blown, run outside and dance in the breeze kind of day has arrived. The result—downhearted folks who need a boost of tulips blooming without snow laced over them.

When winter hangs on well into April, we become restless and discouraged. This is much like seasons of life, where darkness seems to hang over our heads. Maybe the tragedy of loss, discouragement from what seems like every side, or the results of sin drags me down. Or the melancholy feeling of defeat or failure. The good news is spring does finally come. Yesterday, I heard the birds twittering their welcome.

Through the darkness, God will encourage and refresh our hearts. His robins will sing a song of joy. Regardless of the situation I'm in, I have wonderful hope in Jesus. I may feel discouraged and alone, but I'm not. Jesus is with me, and he strengthens me. Pray for his encouragement and open the Bible to his verses of grace. He's the light in the darkness. The spring after winter.

Like the essence of spring, Jesus refreshes my soul.

Here's Hoping