Spirit Led Woman

This hardback Bible is advertised as a study Bible. When I read the description, I wondered how American history was going to be a part of the package... it really reads as a companion to the Bible itself. The Bible points out references that leaders in American history found relevant to their lives and their belief about government. Some of the articles talk about the faith of the founding fathers, the wars America has fought, how Christianity aided the settling of the frontier, and equal rights. Throughout the Bible itself are commentaries of individual Christians in American history and character sketches. It is an interesting Bible/companion rolled into one.

This is my latest book to review from Thomas Nelson Bloggers. There is nothing I like more than to spend an evening (or a day) snuggled up with a good book. I appreciated the fact that this was an 'easy read'. Each chapter focuses on a different person living or travelling through Orange Beach, Alabama. Each is impacted by a man named Jones. Jones seems to know personal things about each and how to fix the biggest problem in each life. As he counsels each, there is an individual moral lesson that shines through each chapter. Love languages, consequences, responsibility... these are some of the lessons that shine in this book. I think it would be a good gift to place in a hospital room, waiting room, or to read on a plane or a trip. The only problem I had with the book is it does not mention or emphasize a relationship with Jesus Christ. For this reason, I would be careful who I gave or recommended this book to.

I remember taking swimming lessons as a small child. To graduate from the class we had to jump off the diving board. I stood on the edge every day. I knew I could swim. I had made friends with my lifeguards and knew they would not let me drown..... but I could not take that step. At night I would think about my lesson time the next day. I would imagine myself jumping off the board and swimming to the side. The next day I would be frozen... on the edge. On the final day of class, one of the lifeguards offered to jump with me. She came behind me and wrapped her arms around me and we jumped together. She gained nothing for her efforts but a chipped tooth (true story!) but I had gained the courage to jump into the water. Even though I am now in my thirties, I MAKE myself jump off the diving board at least once every time I go swimming. Not because I am a great athlete or in great shape, but because I don't want to lose my nerve. I know how easily you can get frozen on the edge of th

When I was a child, I loved to sing. Our church had a children's choir and I loved it. I loved the weekly practices, the performances and the monthly visits to the nursing home. The director, Pat Wallace, was one of my heroes. I knew without a doubt she loved God and me and I would have done anything for her. Singing was one of my joys. Then one day my dad told me I couldn't sing. "You can't carry a tune in a bucket" was how he put it. I knew even then that he didn't say it to hurt me but it did. I lost my confidence and I lost my joy in singing. When I was in high school youth group, the reality that singing 'opportunities ' went to other people confirmed in my heart what my dad had said. Of course I married a preacher! Doesn't everyone know that pastors wives are supposed to sing? Not this one! My husband likes my voice and on occasion I have sang for him when he was in a pinch....but never with confidence or joy. I love to speak in f

It is not in the starting that winners are made....... but the starting again. I was with a new friend tonight and we were talking about starting again. Like most of us, she has experienced hurt in the church. I still remember that first time I felt complete betrayal in someone I had believed in. The devastation is impossible to explain until you have experienced it for yourself; and believe me, you will experience it if you are working for God in a passionate and wholehearted way. Like most of us do, she felt shattered. She admitted that it took time for her to feel whole enough to be a part of a church again. You know, that is ok ! There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking time to allow God to heal you. What is important is what we do in the meantime. This is not the time to hide out and lick your wounds. It is definitely not a time to become consumed with the gossip and drama the situation brought about in other people. It is a time to get alone with God. It is a tim

As you know if you read my last post, I am reading the John Maxwell book Put Your Dream to the Test; 10 questions to help you see it and seize it. I am going to share what I learn in each chapter here one my blog. Is my dream really my dream? How have my plans, goals and desires been influenced by others? Is it possible that my dream is a result of who others think I am? Who I wish I was? 'When the dream is right for the person, and the person is right for the dream, the two cannot be separated from each other.' (Maxwell) Ownership is the first vital step to fulfilling a dream. You have to take responsibility for your dream. One of the excuses we make is that it is not the right time to pursue our dream. I did this for years and then one day I woke up and realized I had not reached ANY of the goals I had set for myself career wise. "the timing will never be perfect for you to pursue your dream, so you might as well start now." How to take ownership of your dream

Every time we do a series by John Maxwell at church we see big change in people's lives. This last time, 3 adults from the group went back to collegeg to pursue their dreams of teaching. The latest book by John Maxwell is called "Put your dream to the test". When I got the opportunity to read and review it, I jumped at it because I love his style and because he has a real gift for inspiring others to believe in themselves. One of my favorite quotes from the book is "A dream is a compelling vision you see in your heart that's too big to accomplish without the help of others." Although Maxwell is also a speaker for organizations outside of the church, I think this pretty much sums up successful church leadership. I am thankful to be married to a man who sees team leadership as essential to a successful ministry. I have been under lone ranger leaders and it is not an experience I would like to repeat. There are a lot of reasons people never start pursuing

I absolutely love the worship at our church. I am so thankful to be in a church that is blessed with a great worship leader, musicians and a worship team but recently God reminded me that it is not about the music or the talent but all about the heart. I started subbing as a personal aide at Brownsville School. This special education school serves seven counties in Southeastern Illinois. The students range in age from young to 22 years old. I have never done this type of work before and it has been challenging for me emotionally. I am a very tender hearted person and my heart hurts for some of the challenges these young people face. I also have so much respect for the commitment and love of their families; sometimes single parents and grandparents. Last Friday, I was privileged to be there when they had their annual talent show. It was totally awesome and I loved every moment of it. I heard several rounds of twinkle, twinkle, little star. Many of the students sang along with c

I journal during my devotional time. Sometimes I look through my past journals and they minister to me in a different way. It is almost like reading the writing of someone else. I read an old entry the other day. I had written the following: "Each of us must walk our faith journey alone. There are times in our walk that our path may coincide with others. During those times the walk is easier but we must continue forward even when we find ourselves alone on the path. " The past few months have been absolutely draining for me. I am finally getting back to who I am. I am rediscovering some things about myself on the way. One way God is ministering to me is through books. Max Lucado's writings have been a big part of the process during this time. The copy of His Name is Jesus I received is a hardcover gift book. It is absolutely beautifully made. It journeys from the birth of Christ to His resurrection. His way of writing opens your heart to the miracle of who C