Forget it! Move On!

Something occurred this morning which has me thinking about times past- sometimes spending time remembering can be a good thing.... but not always. 

I’m sure you’ve all heard someone say, “I’ve got eyes on the back of my head.” However, God created us with our eyes in front because it’s more important to look ahead to where we’re going than dwell on where we’ve been. 

Spending time on the “what ifs” will do nothing to change the past. It can’t be changed. Sadly, there is no time machine which allows us to travel back in time and undo a mistake or make a different choice. 

A marathon runner doesn’t replay that last hill over and over; if he did, discouragement would overtake him and he would fail. Instead, he focuses on the next hill and presses on toward the goal. 

Today, I challenge you to press on. Forget those former things which weigh you down and keep your eyes fixed on the prize. 

May your day be blessed💜

Our Imperfection...Made Perfect

I have an antique library card catalog next to my desk upon which I have a bunch of clutter...amidst the clutter is this wooden block with one of my favorite verses, Jeremiah 31:3 😊

Each time I look at it, however, I see the imperfection. The crafter wrote "and" instead of "an." It always bothers me.

This morning I said to myself, "Lord I wish this didn't have that mistake - or I wish I would have seen it the day I purchased the block" (there are sayings or verses on all sides - and when I saw this side- it immediately went into my basket ...in such a hurry that I did not pay close attention and did not notice the flaw).

Today, the Lord whispered back to me...this block was created by man-in all his imperfection. Yet when viewed through my eyes- I only see perfection. The day you bought this block, I allowed you to see through My eyes-perfection...in the same way I view you."

I am so grateful to my Lord- the Lover of my soul- who loves with a perfect, unconditional, everlasting love -his creation, who because of His amazing sacrifice, is able to view me as one who is perfect and worthy of His unconditional, everlasting love.

May your day today be blessed!

Book Review: Jacks: A Novel by Trevor Rudolph-Higgenbotham

Having myself worked in a large metropolitan teaching hospital for many years, I was anxious to read this title. Many of the encounters of Jacks, a hospital chaplain were very much like encounters one would expect from one in such a position as Jacks helps families navigate the medical maze which is present in institutions of medical academia. I found myself drawn in to many of the stories - emotionally connected. At one point I did remind myself that this book is a work of fiction - it is very believable.

I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Man Myth Messiah by Rice Broocks

Evidence for the existence of Jesus is presented in Man, Myth, Messiah. Author Rice Broocks examines the notion that Jesus was simply a myth. The reliability of recorded ancient transcripts, historical facts, and scripture are presented, along with encouragement for believers to take things a step further by presentation of the need to actively be engaged in discipleship and evangelism – especially in this age of post-modernism where people are inclined to toss aside their faith. Christians need to not only understand and believe, be to be able to explain why they believe. Oftentimes, it is not enough to simply argue “I believe” without providing some evidence to back one’s faith.

The author presents a compelling argument in easy-to-understand language. Arguments which are most-often encountered as to the “myth” may now be more easily defended as a result of the way in which Broocks tackles the field of apologetics

I would recommend this book to anyone who questions the existence of Jesus Christ. The book could also be used as a teaching tool in a small group setting.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review nor did I receive monetary compensation. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Illustration Friday: Tool

Pausing a moment to pull some art from my files for this week's Illustration Friday topic.... TOOL

Today, this is my tool of choice...I feel a smoothie coming on!

Book Review: Lifted From Darkness: A True Story of Breaking Free

I was unable to put this book down once I began and read it within several hours. Lifted From Darkness: A True Story of Breaking Free is a book which will take you on an emotional roller coaster as it grips you in the first pages and carries you through to what you hope and pray with all your might will be a happy ending. Living a double life, on the outside working hard to portray to the world that all is well with her marriage, too full of shame to admit to herself, or anyone else she may have made a mistake, Alexa finds herself being held prisoner in a life which can only be described as a living hell. Several times throughout, I found myself in tears as I was reminded the words I read were not fiction. The suffering the author endured for ten long years at the hand of her abusive husband is unfathomable to any who have never experienced such abuse. The one constant is that God never left her side and carried her through, eventually redeeming everything that the enemy had stolen from her. I am confident you will not only be blessed as you read Alexa’s story, but it may spur you on to get involved in helping victims of domestic violence – at the very least, your eyes will be opened to the atrocities which many suffer and you will be inspired to pray. As a future counselor, this book is one I will be adding to my shelf of books I share with my clients. I highly recommend this title.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review nor did I receive monetary compensation. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Pencil Drawing

I always see a hundred things that need to be changed when I look at a drawing two days later. This one needs a lot of work...but I'm just not feeling it today.

Book Review: Monkeys and the Chair by Renee Oppenheim Peacock

I had glanced at one or two reviews before deciding to read this title, and was excited about the potential of the subject matter, especially considering my closeness to several friends who have children with cerebral palsy. However, I thought the writing could have used some better focus throughout to help bring all components together. It read more like a series of stories, and it seemed obvious to me that the author is lacking experience as a writer. I found myself skimming through some parts rather than my typical “slowly savoring every word” – This book did not call out to be savored. There is potential, with some further editing. That being said, I will say (speaking from experience) authoring a book is tremendously difficult – especially when telling one’s own story. I am doing my best to provide a fair review and do not want to come off as being negative, however, this book did not live up to my expectations upon reading those initial positive reviews which caused me to request this title.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: I Will Praise You in the Storm: The Story of Stephen and Holly Deaubé, a Journey of Faith

Two words: Unshakable faith. If I had to sum up this book in two words, those are the two I would most certainly choose. I cannot even imagine having to face the challenges of raising two children with such dire medical needs. Each received a liver transplant, and while I watched much of the same medical drama unfold around my own father’s heart transplant, I kept trying to place myself in the shoes of the parents. I do not know that I would be able to endure seeing my child suffer but for the grace of God. Whether or not you have any personal dealings with anyone who has undergone an organ transplant, or if you are simply a parent of a healthy child, or you would like to gain some insight into the lives of those who, through their suffering, learned to lean mightily on God’s provisional strength, I highly recommend this title.

Disclosure: I received this book without cost from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: How to Live in Fear: Mastering the Art of Freaking Out by Lance Hahn

Written by a pastor who is an expert on the subject by virtue of his suffering, How to Live in Fear: Mastering the Art of Freaking Out by Lance Hahn is an excellent, inspiring and insightful book on dealing with anxiety issues. As a future counselor, I was primarily interested in reading this book with hopes of being able to add it to my “toolbox” of references which I will be able to offer future clients. Additionally, a member of my family suffers with disabling anxiety and I hoped this book would offer some greater insight into what she experiences. The author did not disappoint. Not only did it offer a glimpse into the world of anxiety sufferers, but provides a guide for dealing with anxiety attacks and suggests ways those who suffer may seek support. Written in easy-to-read prose, the author helps to remove the stigma of mental health disorders and the shame which sometimes is felt by those who deal with disabling anxiety. For sure, I will be able to offer this title as a help to my future clients. I would recommend this to anyone who suffers from anxiety disorder or panic attacks.

Disclosure: I received this book without cost from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Ascent from Darkness: How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior by Michael Leehan

An honest look at a man’s journey to a relationship with God, via an intense detour through the passages of evil. In this writing Michael Leehan chronicles his experience living as one who gave himself over to Satan. Participating in ritualistic blood sacrifices, the killing of animals, all while doing the bidding of the one true enemy of his soul, in spite of the fact he considered him to be an ally. Receiving the dark assignment to murder a pastor, Michael Leehan shares how he infiltrated the church for the express purpose of carrying out his dark mission. Thankfully, today he has completely turned his life around and now serves in the very church he once planned to destroy. An exceptional read – I give this one 4.5 stars

Pencil Portrait Doodles....part 3...

Sara - just before she laughed.... (wink)

Pencil Portrait Doodles....part 2...

He's not about to go out without his duck cane and his conductor's cap.

Nope, not ever.

Pencil Portrait Doodles....

A young man waiting for the bus - in a crowded city - but he knows no crowds - as he escapes into the noise of his mind.

If one looks closely, one will see the background is a bunch of written words...his thoughts...spilling into the noise...

Illustration Friday-Tropical- parts 2 and 3