Thursday, January 21, 2016

Just Be Held & Keep on fighting!

The song that Casting Crowns sings - Just Be Held

"Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on

And when you're tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There's freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go

So when you're on your knees and answers seem
so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, Just be held

When your eyes are on the storm
You'll wonder if I love you still
But when your eyes are on the cross
You'll know I always have and I always will

And not a tear is wasted
In time, you'll understand
I'm painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in my hands

Lift your hands, Life your eyes
In the storm is where you'll find Me
and where you are, I'll hold your heart
I'll hold your heart
Come to Me, find your rest
In the arms of the God who won't let go."

I remember the 1st time I heard that song and I broke down. At that point my sister was fighting with her husband for his life. She still is as he is about to go on the heart transplant list and wait to get a new heart. You talk about putting your life in God's hands.. that is truly trusting God. It is scary. You know someone's life on earth has to end so you can continue to live. My son was just informed of this and is now more worried for his Uncle life. My heart breaks for my sister and my nephews. Their life still has atleast one more upheaval to go.

I think of their trials and know mine isn't near as bad, but the enemy allows us to beat ourselves up. "You aren't good enough." "You are the reason that person has an issue with you." "You don't have life together enough."
I find in life I feel like if I took a few steps back in life - who really would miss me? Then I have to think.. I am here for a reason. God wants me to just turn to Him. I need to keep going forward and trusting Him. I have 4 little eyes on me and in the end, if I can lead them to the Cross that is ALL that matters in this life. This life is hard. Sometimes we need to just back away REST and Be Held and then continue on this life. God Cares about You and that is enough! The world wants you to think otherwise, but don't let the world win!

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

An Amish Year by Beth Wisebook (Amish Fiction)

You can't go wrong with reading a Beth Wiseman book.

Since it is broken down in 4 different stories, it is better for you to see what the Author's book gives: << Spend a year in Amish country with four sweet romances. Rooted in Love (previously published in An Amish Garden) Rosemary Lantz is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul Petersheim has pursued Rosemary for years, but Rosemary keeps turning him down. What Saul doesn’t know is that she has good reason—something no one can know—especially not him. A Love for Irma Rose The year is 1957, and young Irma Rose has a choice to make. Date the man who is “right” for her? Or give Jonas a chance, the wild and reckless suitor who refuses to take no for an answer? Irma Rose steps onto the path she believes God has planned for her, but when she loses her footing, she is forced to rethink her choice. Patchwork Perfect Eli Byler has been a widower for two years when he chooses to make a fresh start in Paradise, Pennsylvania. As Eli juggles the admiration of two women, he meets Miriam Fisher—the most unconventional Amish woman he’s ever met. She doesn’t fit the mold for what Eli is looking for, but it isn’t long before Eli realizes that Miriam is everything he wants. But Miriam has no plans to get married—ever. Will Eli be able to change her mind? When Christmas Comes Again (previously published in An Amish Second Christmas) Katherine knows the first Christmas without Elias will be hard for her and the children. But when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of her late husband, Katherine begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store.>>

I had already read the 4th story coming into this book, but you can always be refreshed by reading Beth Wiseman. She places you in the story and uses the scriptures and the storyline to inspire you in your daily life. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves reading and being inspired. 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