It's Messy

Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Forgiveness is hard.

I was probably five years old when I learned my first lesson in forgiveness. Our family visited my aunt and uncle. On their coffee table sat an enticing bowl of candy (I'm trying to blame the bowl.) When we got ready to leave, I snatched a couple of pieces and stuck them in my pocket. When Mom tucked me in she

picked up my pants and out fell the two pieces of foil wrapped delight. "Did Uncle Lynn give these to you?" My little head shook a slow no. "Did you ask before you took them?" Another head shake no. "Tomorrow we'll take them back and you can apologize to your aunt and uncle." I'm sure my eyes were big as saucers as I nodded. "Now you need to tell God you're sorry for taking something that didn't belong to you." I prayed and asked God to forgive me.

I often write about grace and the beautiful act of God's love. But I think sometimes I forget about the messiness of forgiveness. The word of God, in black and white (sometimes red) lays out what God considers sin. As I think about the many acts God points out as sin, He's selected them to protect me. But the thing is, God gives me the choice to follow his wisdom or not. But I know, even when I fail, God has my back. He's given me a way to come clean through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Forgiveness frees us from sin, and the act of forgiving another person frees us from hate and anger. Yes—it's messy. Sometimes it's easier to hold a grudge or become complacent. But the anger toward the other person burns a hole in the heart. I've been there, both needing forgiveness and offering forgiveness. In both situations, God lifted my burden and filled me with peace.

God offers forgiveness and hope to everyone. Seek him.

Historical Fiction Review: Her Secret Song (Brides of Hope Mountain #3) by Mary Connealy

Book Description:
After a rough winter spent alone, Ursula Nordegren realizes she must overcome her fears of the outside world and begins a trek down Hope Mountain. Along the way she finds a badly wounded stranger and realizes God may have used her decision to leave as a way of saving the man.

Wax Mosby was climbing Hope Mountain in part to atone for his terrible choices. He was hired to drive out the Warden family and now knows he was duped. But when he's wounded during the climb, the last person he expects to rescue him is a beautiful blond woman with the voice of an angel.

As both Ursula and Wax weigh the costs of living new lives, the two find an unlikely bond. And they're joined by Ursula's sisters and the Warden family as the final showdown over the family ranch looms with the coming of spring.

My Review:
Ursula's story is one of fear, hope, and reconciliation. She's a strong mountain woman, which I love, who steps out on faith and follows God's call down the mountain. The story moves on to her pouring grace over a man she finds injured and coming down the mountain to find her life. There are scenes worthy of an old western as the good folks fight off the bad. Her Secret Song is book 3 in the series Brides of Hope Mountain. I have not read books 1 or 2, but the author reflects enough on Ursula's sisters' stories from the previous books to pick up the thread. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Bible Review: NIV, Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls by Zondervan

Book Description:
Girls will get creative through coloring and journaling in the NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible for Girls. Included are pencils to color, blend and shade the

detailed line art surrounding hundreds of inspiring verses. This Bible gift set is perfect for the special young girl in your life and will become a cherished keepsake full of personalized creative expressions of faith.

Features include:

• Complete text of the accurate, readable and clear New International Version (NIV)
• Over 600 verses illustrated in ready-to-color line art
• Four colored pencils
• Six sheets of stickers designed for girls
• Thick white paper for writing and doodling
• Lined, wide margins for notes and reflections
• Satin ribbon marker
• Beautifully debossed and screen-printed cover
• Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface in a readable 8-point print size

Using the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV) text makes the Bible accessible and easy-to-read for kids. The NIV is the result of over 50 years of work by the Committee on Bible Translation, who oversee the efforts of many contributing scholars. Representing the spectrum of evangelicalism, the translators come from a wide range of denominations and various countries and continually review new research to ensure the NIV remains at the forefront of accessibility, relevance, and authority. Every NIV Bible that is purchased helps Biblica translate and give Bibles to people in need around the world. 

My Review:
This Bible has some great features. The books of the Bible are listed in the order we are familiar with as well as in alphabetical order, making access easy. Girls can read the tips for Bible journaling and learn how to make this a great Bible reading experience. The illustrations are inviting, and there is room for notes in the margins and the back. The white pages with the black ink is printed with an easy to read font. The cover is sturdy, colorful, and well made. The colored pencils twist out from the top and come in four colors: blue, red, purple and yellow. The stickers offer encouraging messages on flat finish paper, for easy coloring. This would make a lovely gift for twelve years and up. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

True Freedom

Until I seek forgiveness and give forgiveness, I'm bound by the chains of sin and despair. 

True freedom comes from reconciliation with God and people. 

 

Book Review: Finding Wings (Chandler Sisters Book 3) by Deborah Raney

Book Description:
Taking care of her family is a blessing, but Britt thought there would be more to life--like falling in love 

Being the youngest of three sisters isn’t always easy for Britt Chandler, especially when her older sisters have successful lives and hers is still on hold. She put everything aside to care for her dying mother, but now their mother is gone. Just as her life finally has a chance to blossom, her sister is ordered on bed rest during a difficult pregnancy, and it looks like God is again calling Britt to be a family caregiver--and nothing more.

Rafe Stuart is unable to forgive himself for a childhood mistake that had grave repercussions. And no matter how many lives he saves now as a first responder, he can’t ever seem to do enough penance to free his soul from that decades-old tragedy. There definitely isn’t room in his wounded heart for love; it’s much too dangerous.

When these two struggling souls encounter each other, sparks fly. But they’re both scared the fire that might result could destroy them--and the others around them. How can they begin to trust God to have the best for them and real purpose for their lives beyond what they’ve dreamed . . . or feared?

My Review:
I love Britt's story. As always, Deborah Raney has taken on some difficult topics and created a beautiful story filled with hope. I've read all three of the Chandler Sisters books. Finding Wings resonates with me the most, perhaps because I'm the youngest child or because Britt is searching for her purpose. Deb tapped into the realities of being the youngest daughter and brought that to life. The family contrasts in the story add depth. I cheered for Britt and Rafe as they struggle to make time to get to know each other and care for family. There's also a beautiful surprise for Jo, Britt's sister. If you haven't read the series, I highly recommend it. Once you read Finding Wings, you'll want to know Phee and Jo's stories, too. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Consider Love

Romans 12: 9-10
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

In this time of topsy-turvy living, we need more love.

Most of us are ready to say goodbye to 2020. The year brought a lot of grief, pain, and suffering. People have turned against each other in disagreement, or just been frustrated with each other. We all have opinions. That's okay until our opinions become more important than people. Consider kindness. Speak with compassion.

God calls us to love, not just those who are easy to love, but all people. I need to pour love over each person as in turn Jesus pours love over me. Instead of anger—love. Instead of hate—love. Instead of frustration—love.

Jesus tells his disciples, in John 13, to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” He knew when he went to heaven he needed to leave his followers with a direct command. Those words are for me, too. Jesus wants me to love others and show love by listening, offering compassion, meeting needs, and sharing Jesus. Loving people is hard sometimes—I struggle just like everyone else. But God offers a tool box with two important tools, the Bible and prayer. Through his words and the Holy Spirit's guidance, I want to spread more of his love and compassion.

Before you speak or post on social media consider whether there is love in your words.

We are our words.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Book Review: Until I Met You (Restoring Heritage Book #2) by Tari Faris

Book Description:
When she hears that the small town of Heritage, Michigan, is looking for a new librarian, Libby Kingsley jumps at the opportunity. Little did she know the library is barely more than a storage closet stuffed with dusty, outdated books. What the community really needs is a new building. But the only funds available are those being channeled into the new town square, and the landscape architect in charge of the project wants nothing to do with her plans.

All Austin Williams wants to do is get the town square project finished so he can do right by the family business and then extricate himself from the town that reveres the brother who cost him so much. But the local media and the town's new librarian seem to be conspiring against him at every turn. Will the determined bookworm find her way into his blueprints--and possibly even his heart?

My Review:
I love Tari Faris's books. This is her second in the series and her second book published. Tari's fresh, fun voice gives a unique flare to her characters. In Until I Met You, we see the flaws, warts and all, as the emotions fly. Libby has issues, but she also has a heart for the new project she's faced with. Austin expects too much of everyone, including himself. The town of Heritage is the perfect stage for Tari's stories. I love what they are doing with the library as they make the town come to life. Along with Libby and Austin's stories, we get a bonus. Olivia, Libby's roommate and Nate, Austin's brother, have their own relationship to work through. If you are looking for a fresh new voice in inspirational fiction, pick up a copy of Until I Met You. If you haven't read it, you'll also want to read the first Restoring Heritage book, You Belong With Me.  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.