tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86421673783675487212024-03-05T22:23:03.391-08:00Thoughts on BooksCathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.comBlogger514125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-26309573023795756322021-04-19T14:42:00.000-07:002021-04-19T14:42:17.423-07:00Identity Theft - Reclaiming the Truth of Who We are in Christ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV1JthccHvnIFRhHE6M36901WRZx4T1Eq1Pg11ApK7f6BM-WWDlu9Va34hrv_ihEqOT_IpCcfAy2WaWlwAffqiYwrmKGWJ-83U6CxSeNrloLHblZ2ERDzONkOpYjC1PzYJxf8wppKHnE/s1600/5c3914be63a46-kruger_identity_theft.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV1JthccHvnIFRhHE6M36901WRZx4T1Eq1Pg11ApK7f6BM-WWDlu9Va34hrv_ihEqOT_IpCcfAy2WaWlwAffqiYwrmKGWJ-83U6CxSeNrloLHblZ2ERDzONkOpYjC1PzYJxf8wppKHnE/s400/5c3914be63a46-kruger_identity_theft.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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</div><p>This book was so encouraging, as it reminded me of who I am in Christ. There are 10 chapters, each an essay on the truth of who we are as Christ followers. Each chapter is written by a different female author, which was really nice. </p><p>Here are the chapter headings and authors:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>1. Free: Rescued by Grace - Jen Wilkin</b><br />
<b>2. Reflection: Made in God's Image - Hannah Anderson</b><br />
<b>3. Child: Beloved by the Father - Courtney Doctor</b><br />
<b>4. Saint: Redeemed by the Son - Melissa Kruger</b><br />
<b>5. Fruitful: Filled with the Holy Spirit - Jasmine Holmes</b><br />
<b>6. Member: Connected to the Church - Megan Hill</b><br />
<b>7. Beautiful: Clothed in Splendor - Trillia Newbell</b><br />
<b>8. Servant: Reaping a Reward - Betsy Childs Howard</b><br />
<b>9. Worshiper: Shining Brightly in the Darkness -Lindsey Carlson</b><br />
<b>10. Citizen: Longing for Home - Jen Pollock Michel</b><br />
</span><br />
<br />I thought I'd share a quote from each chapter that stood out for me.</p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>From chapter 1 - Free: Rescued by Grace:</b></span></p><p><b>"...I wonder if for many of us, our problem was not with salvation itself, but with our understanding of how salvation brings freedom. Not until my early 20's did I gain any clarity on this issue. I knew I served a God<i> who was and is and is to come</i>, but I had yet to learn that I possessed from Him a salvation of which the same could be said. <br /></b></p><p><b>Salvation from sin can be broken down into three categories: justification, sanctification, and glorification. For the believer, our justification <i>was</i>, our sanctification <i>is</i>, and our glorification<i> is to come</i>. We were saved, we are being saved, we will be saved."</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>From chapter 2 - Reflection: Made in God's Image:</b></span></p><p><b>"You may find as you begin to center you identity more fully on God that little about your life changes - at least externally. Most likely, you will still use certain categories to explain how you spend your days. You will work your job, love your family, and serve others. But while life around you may not change, centering your identity on God will make you a different person in it."</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>From chapter 3 - Child: Beloved by the Father:</b></span></p><p><b>"Is everyone a child of God? The answer is, no, not in the sense we're talking about. Every person is a <i>creation</i> of God, and He, as the Creator, certainly plays a fatherly role in many ways. But what we are talking about here is a special relationship that the New Testament uses two different terms to convey: new birth and adoption. They are two ways of looking at one reality - we have to <i>become</i> children of God.<br /></b></p><p><b> John tells us,<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i> '<span style="color: #0b5394;">But to all who did receive Him (Jesus), who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God' (John 1:12-13).</span> </i></span>Adopted and born again. Children of God. If you've believed in Jesus through the work of the Spirit, then you can rest confidently in the truth of your identity - beloved child of the Almighty God."</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>From chapter 4 - Saint: Redeemed by the Son:</b></span></p><p><b>"...how we think about ourselves greatly affects how we live as we wait for Jesus to return. <i> </i></b></p><p><b><i>Living as a saint who struggles with sin is profoundly different from living as a sinner who's desperately trying to be a saint."</i></b></p><p><b>"We're saints not because of anything we've done, but because of who Jesus is." </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>From chapter 5 - Fruitful: Filled with the Holy Spirit:</b></span></p><p><b>"Are you abiding in Christ, or are you abiding in the security of the work of your hands? Are you abiding in Christ, or are you walking in shame at the <i>lack</i> of the work of your hands? Neither will do. And neither is what we are called to. </b></p><p><b>Our identity is found is abiding in Christ. If we're fruitful, it's because He has given us increase, and we praise Him for that. If we're floundering, we rest in the fact that our true worth comes from His work on our behalf, and we praise Him for that.</b></p><p><b>In either season, we press toward the mark, resting and working for His glory alone. That is where our identity lies."</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>From chapter 6 - Member: Connected to the Church:</b></span></p><p><b>"The church is not a human invention - a group of people who thought it would be a good idea to get together since they share the same beliefs and spiritual practices. The church is established by Christ, and exists for the glory of Christ."</b></p><p><b>"The church is fundamental to the identity of everyone who belongs to Christ."</b></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>From chapter 7 - Beautiful: Clothed in Splendor:</b></span></p><p><b>"Psalm 100:3 'Know that the Lord, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.'</b></p><p><b>We are His! We are God's creation (Eph.2:10). Each intricately designed cell, every single strand of hair - everything - was designed by God (Matt. 10:30), made for His glory (Isa. 43:7), and therefore intrinsically beautiful. But far more beautiful in His sight is the person we are becoming as we pursue holiness and follow Jesus in this world."</b></p><p><b>"The only beautiful thing that will ever truly satisfy isn't a 'thing' at all. It's a person - Jesus."</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>From chapter 8 - Servant: Reaping a Reward:</b></span></p><p><b>"Imagine you're a first-century indentured servant. Day after day, you wash your mistress's clothes in the river. You dry them in the sun to bleach the natural fibers. You hope she will notice the care you take to please her, but she never notices. In fact, she takes out her bad moods on you by mocking you and speaking harshly. <br /></b></p><p><b>In this situation, you're faced with a choice. You could stop trying so hard since you're never going to be appreciated. Or you could choose to do your best because you know the Lord of all the earth will see your efforts and be pleased by them."</b></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>From chapter 9 - Worshiper: Shining Brightly in the Darkness:</b></span></p><p><b>"Through His Word, His Son, and His Spirit, we've been afforded a front row seat to view endless examples of His kindness and mercy, so that in response, we might praise <i>Him</i>."<br /></b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>From chapter 10 - Citizen: Longing for Home: <br /></b></span></p><p>The author of this chapter shares this quote from C.S. Lewis:</p><p><b>"Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy (my desire), but only to arose it, to suggest the real thing. If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or be unthankful for, those earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy or echo or mirage. I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country...I must make it the main object of life to press on to the other country and to help others do the same." </b><br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDJl2qCH7Vi7JlqHV9O-hl7VbSXqsBdOG7jHr4chD_8DGbzyAkZrF_9xeOukkhRTo8LvUNqEGMx4mkCIO6JPY6LTkwzBE1m4C6elFKiV3covAvwl77gT1VEc9uIzH5PXbjI7OkwcoFLE/s1321/divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="1321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDJl2qCH7Vi7JlqHV9O-hl7VbSXqsBdOG7jHr4chD_8DGbzyAkZrF_9xeOukkhRTo8LvUNqEGMx4mkCIO6JPY6LTkwzBE1m4C6elFKiV3covAvwl77gT1VEc9uIzH5PXbjI7OkwcoFLE/s320/divider.png" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b>I hope these quotes piqued your interest in this book! It also contains questions for group discussion at the end of each chapter. It was very good and I highly recommend it.<p></p><p><br /></p>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-36792115559062047932021-02-01T14:27:00.000-08:002021-02-01T14:27:00.033-08:00At Home in Mitford<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGzeQeo95r7oA1LWMSx1nqEICu8XVFA-7tOZEs4D3mw4yVylaIU7PqWjTgu_P_rwkDgwK4xV1ok-VuDqa_tKGHwd5MF-AxDUVYf2dIhVXsCBJKAzqWJGxHgayX0GJGk7Lnz9Fpknf3f8/s2048/81W0sFo-kYL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1338" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGzeQeo95r7oA1LWMSx1nqEICu8XVFA-7tOZEs4D3mw4yVylaIU7PqWjTgu_P_rwkDgwK4xV1ok-VuDqa_tKGHwd5MF-AxDUVYf2dIhVXsCBJKAzqWJGxHgayX0GJGk7Lnz9Fpknf3f8/w261-h400/81W0sFo-kYL.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><p>This was such a great novel! I found it moved so naturally through the lives of the characters who lived in this fictional town of Mitford, North Carolina.</p><p>The rector, Father Tim (60) is the central character of this book and pastors a local Episcopal church. I loved his humility and how flawed he knew he was, how he continually shared Scripture with himself and others and how he looked to God for guidance. It felt so encouraging, rather than preachy. <br /></p><p>The way Scripture should be applied in each of our lives and the lives of others. </p><p>At one point Father Tim takes in a young boy in need. The boy is very rambunctious and can sometimes be a strain on him, but he continues to care for him unconditionally. I loved this prayer Father Tim prayed over him:</p><p><b>"Father,</b></p><p><b>Thank-you for sending this boy into my life, thank-you for the joy and the sorrow he brings. Be with him always to surround him with right influences when tests of any kind must come. Give him wisdom and strength to act according to your will."</b><br /></p><p>As a mother this really struck a cord. It's a prayer, even as a mother of adults, I'm reminded to pray. 'Lord let <i>Your</i> will be done.' ...not mine.<br /></p><p>There was also the beginning of a sweet romance. Awkward and funny, sweet and precious. I loved it!</p><p>I found all the characters in this novel, to be enduring and fun to read about. I'm looking forward to reading more about them in the rest of this series. (This is book one of fourteen!)</p><p>I highly recommend this one!</p><p> </p><p>Buy it <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014025448X?ie=UTF8&tag=thouonbook-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=014025448X">HERE</a></b> on Amazon </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-57754996561627502422021-01-18T14:30:00.004-08:002021-01-28T19:36:40.098-08:00You're Not Enough (and that's ok)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZZX9DEkqDD9EhieX682bspZVDs6e2kuk3gQ76DcHTxLHmhkDcJ4-cYad4SW1GxVmXAKiQigJiWxyVEI7JVDuCd4IXHOqYaVxrbz7mfN2MIsmBzfhjIQ1o8RPrWCVqw1_YJrmBogbr5E/s2048/71sUxxneTsL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZZX9DEkqDD9EhieX682bspZVDs6e2kuk3gQ76DcHTxLHmhkDcJ4-cYad4SW1GxVmXAKiQigJiWxyVEI7JVDuCd4IXHOqYaVxrbz7mfN2MIsmBzfhjIQ1o8RPrWCVqw1_YJrmBogbr5E/w265-h400/71sUxxneTsL.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><p></p><p>When I was Allie Beth's age, almost 25 years ago, Oprah was in her heyday and I sadly watched. At this time, Oprah was encouraging women to put themselves first, and if they didn't, she informed, they would be useless to help anyone else. I knew this was wrong thinking, but no one was correcting her. Of course this isn't anything new. The enemy has been trying to convince women since the beginning, to question God and look to self. </p><p>In the introduction Allie Beth says here: <br /></p><p><b>"If self-love
isn't a new phenomenon, if we've been taught for decades that our lives
will be made better just by loving ourselves more and feeling confident,
why hasn't it caught on? Why aren't we all happier?</b></p><b>In fact, it
seems we're <i>less</i> happy than ever before. Americans under forty are more
depressed, anxious, lonely, and suicidal than any generation before us.
We report stronger feelings of purposelessness than any other generation
too. We are isolated and unsure of what we want to do with our lives.
Many of us feel empty." </b><br /><p>This book sets out to stand up against this way of thinking, but most importantly this book stands up for what God says in His word about this and about us. We aren't enough, and that's ok.</p><p>If we were enough than we wouldn't need a Savior. </p><p>Also from the introduction:</p><p><b>"The answer to the purposelessness and hollowness we feel is found not in us, but outside of us. The solutions to our problems and pain aren't found in self-love, but in God's love.</b></p><p><b>The God who created us, who created the universe, who is the same yesterday, today and forever, is the one who provides us with the purpose and satisfaction we're seeking. While self-love depletes, God's love for us doesn't. He showed us his love by sending Jesus to die for our sins so that we could be forgiven and live forever with him. Self-love is superficial and temporary, God's love is profound and eternal." </b><br /></p><p>This book has five chapters which talk about these 5 myths:</p><p><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Myth #1 - You Are Enough</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Myth #2 - You Determine Your Truth</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Myth #3 - You're Perfect the Way You Are</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Myth #4 - You're Entitled to Your Dreams</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Myth #5 - You Can't Love Others Until You Love Yourself</span></b></p><p> </p><p>I thought I'd share a few bits and pieces from each chapter.</p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Myth #1 - You Are Enough</b></span></p><p>Allie Beth says here: <br /></p><p><b>"The first step to getting out of whatever unhealthy cycle you're currently in is realizing just how not enough you are. That means letting go of the responsibility to be your own source of fulfillment - a responsibility that was never yours in the first place."</b></p><p>As Christians we know that we couldn't have come to Christ without seeing our sinfulness first. Repentance comes from a heart that knows its own sinfulness and repentance always leads to joy. It's never been our responsibility to make ourselves happy or enough, It's always been God who can solely do this.</p><p>She continues here: </p><p><b>"There's a reason Jesus describes himself as Living Water and Bread of Life: He satisfies. The searching for peace and for purpose stops in Him alone. He created us; therefore only He can tell us who we are and why we're here."</b></p><p><b><span style="color: #e06666;"><i>"And Jesus said to them, “I am the <span class="criteria">bread</span> <span class="criteria">of</span> <span class="criteria">life</span>. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." John 6:35</i></span> <br /></b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Myth #2 - You Determine Your Truth</b></span></p><p>This chapter talks about the false way the world looks at truth.<b></b></p><p>Allie Beth says here:<b><br /></b></p><p><b>"While it's <i>true</i> that we have experiences and trauma that shape us, these things don't equate to moral <i>truths</i>. They just happened. And maybe they were significant, and maybe they taught us something. But in order to know whether these lessons we learned are truths worth building our lives on, we have to compare them to the standard of truth, God's Word."</b></p><p>This chapter talks a little bit about the false teachings of prosperity and how it teaches us to love self first.</p><p>She continues here: <br /></p><p><b>"The prosperity gospel and Hipster Jesus Christianity are self-worship disguised as genuine faith. They focus on what we think we deserve rather than who God is. They obscure the true Gospel in exchange for a message that appeals to our natural self-centeredness. As John Piper says of the prosperity gospel, they are doctrines that... 'clothe the eternal gospel of Christ in the garments of worldiness.'" </b><br /></p><p>Allie says here of true church:</p><p><b>"The hours we spend in church should be defined by self-forgetfulness, not self-fulfillment."</b></p><p>Amen!</p><p><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>"This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their
understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of
God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness
of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to
lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. </b></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>But you have not so
learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by
Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former
conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful
lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on
the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness
and holiness." Ephesians 4:17-24</b></i></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Myth #3 - You're Perfect The Way You Are</b></span></p><p>In this chapter she brings up the Enneagram, a type of personality test that has distracted thousands from the true living God and encouraged them to turn their focus onto self. The man who designed it and its number system says he received it from automatic writing, an occultic practice. (<i>I have left a link at the bottom of this post to a video on the Enneagram with Doreen Virtue, who Allie Beth has interviewed in the past</i>) </p><p>This was very interesting and disturbing to read about. Her point in sharing about the Enneagram was to show how its basic premise is to find the perfection within yourself and how misleading that is. </p><p>She says here: <br /></p><p><b>"The world of self-love tells us that knowing ourselves is essential happiness. We're told that our inner perfection, once found and unleashed, will empower us to succeed and have peace. God tells us something different: that knowing Him gives us the peace we're looking for and that His love gives us the confidence we're looking for.</b></p><p><b>Once we realize just how not perfect we are, and how little self-discovery contributes to our fulfillment, we begin to see just how unreliable we are as masters of our own fate and rulers of our lives.</b></p><p><b>This means that rather than follow our hearts, as we're so often encouraged to do, we should question them."</b></p><p><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>“The heart <i>is</i> <span class="criteria" id="yui-gen28">deceitful</span> <span class="criteria">above</span> all <i>things,</i><br /> And desperately wicked;<br /> Who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9 </b></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>Trust in the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span> with all your heart,<br /> And lean not on your own understanding;</b></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>In all your ways acknowledge Him,<br /> And He shall direct your paths. </b></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>Do not be wise in your own eyes;<br /> Fear the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span> and depart from evil." Proverbs 3:5-7</b></i></span><br /></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Myth #4 - You're Entitled To Your Dreams</b></span></p><p>This quote pretty much sums up this chapter: <br /></p><p><b>"God made us for Him, not the other way around. He exists as a king to be worshiped, not a genie who grants us our dreams and wishes. When we follow Him, He promises us not to give us everything we want but something far better - Himself." </b></p><p><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>"Then <span class="criteria">Jesus</span> said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after <span class="criteria">Me</span>, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow <span class="criteria" id="yui-gen113">Me</span>.' " Matthew 16:24</b></i></span><br /></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Myth #5 - You Can't Love Others Until You Love Yourself</b></span></p><p>Allie Beth says here: <b><br /></b></p><p><b>"Our minds have so intertwined self-affirmation and success that we're afraid that if we stop telling ourselves how great we are, our lives will take a nosedive into misery. We'll start to wallow in self-pity, our relationships will grow toxic and codependent, and we'll fail at work because we'll be crippled by our own self-doubt.</b></p><p><b>But that fear ignores the reality that as Christians, our options aren't boiled down to high self-esteem versus low self-esteem, or self-love versus self-hatred. We choose neither. Instead, we operate out of total self-forgetfulness."</b></p><p>She than quotes Tim Keller from his book The Freedom of Self-forgetfulness (<i>which I highly recommend! I'll leave a link to my thoughts on that book at the end of this post</i>)</p><p>Tim Keller says here: <b>"the essence of gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or thinking less of myself, it is thinking of myself less."</b></p><p>Allie Beth goes on to say: <br /></p><p><b>"Believing the lie that we have to love ourselves before we love other people will cause us to miss out on the most joyful experiences of our lives. And even more important, there are people whose needs won't be met because we're too busy meeting our own needs to pay attention to theirs."</b><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b><i id="yui-gen32"> </i></b></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b><i id="yui-gen32">"Let</i> nothing <i>be done</i> through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4</b></i></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ukgbDxPlS23GpzZfF69jG2TROmZggyYA2AbWqo-Sm7UHQIdGA2ALE8pbuFbO5NCxIjyS7GV-x9V3x2AGeOfydjKUQpmfk3-vgxrQnHq3u8LZC_EWZ-4ILSYkLAqLT7x04nBJmSywAVA/s1321/divider.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="1321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ukgbDxPlS23GpzZfF69jG2TROmZggyYA2AbWqo-Sm7UHQIdGA2ALE8pbuFbO5NCxIjyS7GV-x9V3x2AGeOfydjKUQpmfk3-vgxrQnHq3u8LZC_EWZ-4ILSYkLAqLT7x04nBJmSywAVA/s320/divider.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>This was such a great book! I highly recommend it to those who may be confused by all the self-love philosophies in the world and unfortunately have seeped into the church. Also to those who would think this book would help someone they know caught up in the self-love phenomenon. </p><p>I'll leave you with this quote from John Piper I recently found in his book 'What Jesus Demands from the World'...</p><p><b>"Look away from yourself. Seek from God what He alone can do for you. Moral improvement of the old you is not what you need. New life is what the whole world needs. It is radical and supernatural. It is outside our control. The dead do not give themselves new life. We must be born again -<span style="color: #e06666;"><i> 'not...of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.' </i><i>John 1:13</i></span> That's what Jesus demands of the world."</b><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>*Note </b>- Link to my post on Tim Keller's book... <b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-freedom-of-self-forgetfulness.html">The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness</a></b></p><p><b>*Note </b>- Video link...<b> <a href="https://youtu.be/HUxKJyMdaew">Talking About the Enneagram: Is it Dangerous? Things Christians Should Know</a></b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>Buy it <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593083849?ie=UTF8&tag=thouonbook-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=0593083849">HERE</a></b> on Amazon </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p></p>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-44472316209103703662021-01-11T12:08:00.004-08:002021-01-11T12:19:39.215-08:00Reading Goals for 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3xqUfsmiMxYfg70nUZtcvlP-2Tnyh80kqgjeS9AFv4M3mtBt6fBFwbKIKsTcZexNdfoExxTIHyI0HXmv9MoXOFnojLj80i2MUhttOIiwtWxYYos1eg_9THfupXYpEz-y517hUAXH6Yk/s1920/additional_ef58eacd79e0f54b45b5a50954d63dbb42f58c0a-8+44.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="1920" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3xqUfsmiMxYfg70nUZtcvlP-2Tnyh80kqgjeS9AFv4M3mtBt6fBFwbKIKsTcZexNdfoExxTIHyI0HXmv9MoXOFnojLj80i2MUhttOIiwtWxYYos1eg_9THfupXYpEz-y517hUAXH6Yk/w640-h436/additional_ef58eacd79e0f54b45b5a50954d63dbb42f58c0a-8+44.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /><p></p><p>A new year is always exciting for a reader. We re-evaluate all we want to read and make lists of the books we'd like to add to our TBR's.</p><p>This coming year I have a few reading goals I'd like to accomplish.</p><p>Firstly I'm setting my annual goodreads goal to reading 50 books once again this year. </p><p>I've also started a book Instagram, you can check it out here... <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cathy_thoughts_on_books/">Cathy@Thoughts on Books</a></b><br /></p><p>I'd love for you to come by and follow and talk books!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ukgbDxPlS23GpzZfF69jG2TROmZggyYA2AbWqo-Sm7UHQIdGA2ALE8pbuFbO5NCxIjyS7GV-x9V3x2AGeOfydjKUQpmfk3-vgxrQnHq3u8LZC_EWZ-4ILSYkLAqLT7x04nBJmSywAVA/s1321/divider.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="1321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ukgbDxPlS23GpzZfF69jG2TROmZggyYA2AbWqo-Sm7UHQIdGA2ALE8pbuFbO5NCxIjyS7GV-x9V3x2AGeOfydjKUQpmfk3-vgxrQnHq3u8LZC_EWZ-4ILSYkLAqLT7x04nBJmSywAVA/s320/divider.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Secondly, I'd really like to get to some of the books on my shelves that I've had for years, books like Francis Schaeffer's trilogy.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81ZwKi4DxEZBePFVUwWEzW3A3rDuHglvR6nq5RPOIbC4GQjc6sOA9zTOHdJ5tlKX0jObD_YlihZb2chZriNIc7Wr7_SjhN2I7r87dWClX2TnZhyphenhyphenOhmTv4zYECf77Q2kyIO4BlbanGY7w/s2048/81W5fljFIuL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1362" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81ZwKi4DxEZBePFVUwWEzW3A3rDuHglvR6nq5RPOIbC4GQjc6sOA9zTOHdJ5tlKX0jObD_YlihZb2chZriNIc7Wr7_SjhN2I7r87dWClX2TnZhyphenhyphenOhmTv4zYECf77Q2kyIO4BlbanGY7w/w133-h200/81W5fljFIuL.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><p> </p><p>Thirdly, I would like to read a few more classics than I did this past year, </p><p>These are the 6 classics I read in 2020: </p><p><b>Les Miserables by Victor Hugo<br /></b></p><p><b>Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens </b></p><p><b>The Imitation of Christ by <span class="aCOpRe"><span>Thomas à Kempis</span></span></b></p><p><b>The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway</b></p><p><b>Evelina by Frances Burney</b></p><p><b>The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>Les Miserables and Evelina were my favorites. : )</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4cAm_Wv5VOr1-7mwhLfnqIgKzl2Mh4nigzIGL9B_2sSWJBiAdL5mp3OVipKCDDYzAOMXCj1h2EQlE6eF6iqch4Lr23zgSv9H5xNtHvyCu6ABbQMA0ImDIlWyZNTuQBC5tzJtKGmpKas/s475/14800188.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4cAm_Wv5VOr1-7mwhLfnqIgKzl2Mh4nigzIGL9B_2sSWJBiAdL5mp3OVipKCDDYzAOMXCj1h2EQlE6eF6iqch4Lr23zgSv9H5xNtHvyCu6ABbQMA0ImDIlWyZNTuQBC5tzJtKGmpKas/w130-h200/14800188.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfZR55ZFKvrSVsvmzW6J3LdOLVnS9glzSk74223Pthl3kXwO4y1TdLom_5WE9zxAC1d9c3acxpsmKqJsR_0T1QoAKC2S4oIU-VzfgnbIzfwRjTDZeG8HqY52vTNtBpRT9olg3_zmq6Ww/s400/22571706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="274" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfZR55ZFKvrSVsvmzW6J3LdOLVnS9glzSk74223Pthl3kXwO4y1TdLom_5WE9zxAC1d9c3acxpsmKqJsR_0T1QoAKC2S4oIU-VzfgnbIzfwRjTDZeG8HqY52vTNtBpRT9olg3_zmq6Ww/w137-h200/22571706.jpg" width="137" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ukgbDxPlS23GpzZfF69jG2TROmZggyYA2AbWqo-Sm7UHQIdGA2ALE8pbuFbO5NCxIjyS7GV-x9V3x2AGeOfydjKUQpmfk3-vgxrQnHq3u8LZC_EWZ-4ILSYkLAqLT7x04nBJmSywAVA/s1321/divider.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="1321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ukgbDxPlS23GpzZfF69jG2TROmZggyYA2AbWqo-Sm7UHQIdGA2ALE8pbuFbO5NCxIjyS7GV-x9V3x2AGeOfydjKUQpmfk3-vgxrQnHq3u8LZC_EWZ-4ILSYkLAqLT7x04nBJmSywAVA/s320/divider.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>This past December, I so enjoyed Paul David Tripp's advent devotional, so I've decided to pick up his yearly devotional called 'New Morning Mercies.' So far I'm really enjoying it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00P8X2N7uJK85RNjQrbLJiUhhO6JBj7_C4-qMR9JQ99vcARsDrjZS-eWpC1P21ZwRcYnCGTwsHxSICysjcA7DDOJ0vEEnzSR5NFEGyQHVSYJdpP2n4IWq84tDTBPHsrb0H7yw5MED9uM/s2048/91JGyeH%252BglL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00P8X2N7uJK85RNjQrbLJiUhhO6JBj7_C4-qMR9JQ99vcARsDrjZS-eWpC1P21ZwRcYnCGTwsHxSICysjcA7DDOJ0vEEnzSR5NFEGyQHVSYJdpP2n4IWq84tDTBPHsrb0H7yw5MED9uM/w133-h200/91JGyeH%252BglL.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I would also like to continue with my Bible reading. I read my Bible one book at a time, usually reading a chapter in a sitting. Then studying what stood out to me. Such as looking up a word I didn't understand or looking up a passage in a commentary. (I use Matthew Henry's commentary) I also like to go back and forth from the New to Old Testament books. Right now I'm reading the book of Joshua and finding it really interesting.</p><p>Here's some encouraging and sobering words from Joshua 24:14-15<br /></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>“Now therefore, fear the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span>, serve Him in
sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served
on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the L<span class="yhwh" id="yui-gen34">ORD</span>!</b></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>And if it seems evil to you to serve the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span>, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that <i>were</i>
on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose
land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the L<span class="yhwh" id="yui-gen37">ORD</span>.”</b></i></span> <br /></p><p> </p><p>One more goal of mine for 2021 is the try to memorize more Scripture. I believe it's important to hide it in our hearts, especially in the days we are living in. </p><p><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Your word I have hidden in my heart,<br /> That I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11</span></i></b><br /></p><p></p><p><br />This is the first verse I've memorized this year:</p><p><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>"...faith comes from hearing, and hearing comes from the word of God." Romans 10:17 </b></i></span></p><p>I think this verse is fitting for a year of memorization! </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ukgbDxPlS23GpzZfF69jG2TROmZggyYA2AbWqo-Sm7UHQIdGA2ALE8pbuFbO5NCxIjyS7GV-x9V3x2AGeOfydjKUQpmfk3-vgxrQnHq3u8LZC_EWZ-4ILSYkLAqLT7x04nBJmSywAVA/s1321/divider.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="1321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ukgbDxPlS23GpzZfF69jG2TROmZggyYA2AbWqo-Sm7UHQIdGA2ALE8pbuFbO5NCxIjyS7GV-x9V3x2AGeOfydjKUQpmfk3-vgxrQnHq3u8LZC_EWZ-4ILSYkLAqLT7x04nBJmSywAVA/s320/divider.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>God bless and I hope you all have a year filled with the peace and joy of the LORD. <br /><br /> </p><p></p><p><br /></p>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-85541231692626544512021-01-04T14:17:00.000-08:002021-01-04T14:17:34.284-08:005 books on my future reading list<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1UWcbNfDlK0UHygkA1BPnFXibznyHyJQwXaiU6PPdquWbjM_j9k-UrUIqLr7Jlk0a0To50GjKjwzeMKyI1ewuLKogBYCpwhRJdTA1RC0SkMDfC6jImooEebeafxvzvHkayCs6CDShfg/s2048/81HoRUqCwOL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1335" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1UWcbNfDlK0UHygkA1BPnFXibznyHyJQwXaiU6PPdquWbjM_j9k-UrUIqLr7Jlk0a0To50GjKjwzeMKyI1ewuLKogBYCpwhRJdTA1RC0SkMDfC6jImooEebeafxvzvHkayCs6CDShfg/w261-h400/81HoRUqCwOL.jpg" width="261" /></a></div> <b>Gentle and Lowly</b><p></p><p>Something I need to do more of, is to rest in Jesus. I always love it when I find a book that teaches this.<br /></p><p>Goodreads say here: <br /></p><p><span id="freeText5719093900535653133"> <b>"This book draws us to
Matthew 11, where Jesus describes himself as "gentle and lowly in
heart," longing for his people to find rest in him. The gospel is
primarily about God's heart drawn to his people, a heart of tender love
for the sinful and suffering. </b></span></p><p><b><span id="freeText5719093900535653133">These chapters take readers into the
depths of Christ's very heart for sinners, diving deep into Bible
passages that speak of who Christ is and encouraging readers with the
affections of Christ for his people. His longing heart for sinners will
comfort and sustain readers in their up-and-down lives." <br /></span></b></p><p><b><span id="freeText5719093900535653133"> </span><span id="freeText5719093900535653133"> </span></b></p><p><b><span id="freeText5719093900535653133"><br /></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJsCRYH2ptq5nAVg81womyeKD6V8h69pPaP6WnXDpXIL794esArXeqEfrQX0u50BEGuX-f0VsH0KMoUtILO5oaDzTJI5D0KMz6AIAFpjVR3QIgmwvvxT2JG6YdF2Bjec92DHa6nNQZ90/s2048/81hSVzuM43L.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1348" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJsCRYH2ptq5nAVg81womyeKD6V8h69pPaP6WnXDpXIL794esArXeqEfrQX0u50BEGuX-f0VsH0KMoUtILO5oaDzTJI5D0KMz6AIAFpjVR3QIgmwvvxT2JG6YdF2Bjec92DHa6nNQZ90/w264-h400/81hSVzuM43L.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><p><b>The Other Bennet Sister</b></p><p>I love Jane Austen and have read my favorite novel, Pride and Prejudice many times. This is a re-telling with Mary Bennet's story at the forefront. I've read the first few pages and found the writing beautiful. I'm looking forward to getting to this one soon!</p><p>Amazon says here:</p><p><b>"What if Mary Bennet’s life took a different path from that laid out for her in <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>? </b></p><p><b>What if the frustrated intellectual of the Bennet family, the
marginalized middle daughter, the plain girl who takes refuge in her
books, eventually found the fulfillment enjoyed by her prettier, more
confident sisters? </b></p><p><b>This is the plot of Janice Hadlow's <i>The Other Bennet Sister</i>, a debut novel with exactly the affection and authority to satisfy Jane Austen fans."</b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0STlJE80bAJMChdGqR54pvTnBMZ16_dEEMbzU3TWuAZ3dTz4msBEksHFhw1o5n-RITdX-JMzR5tnsHtw5rE3MgprejXQb1NJHZk_xz00-2dODK2l24xkdAV2_X7HpqXPdqiu8Mbj4Fxg/s2048/81DwbZaSsjL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0STlJE80bAJMChdGqR54pvTnBMZ16_dEEMbzU3TWuAZ3dTz4msBEksHFhw1o5n-RITdX-JMzR5tnsHtw5rE3MgprejXQb1NJHZk_xz00-2dODK2l24xkdAV2_X7HpqXPdqiu8Mbj4Fxg/w266-h400/81DwbZaSsjL.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p><b>Another Gospel?</b></p><p>I'm really excited to read this one. I've been listening to Alisha on her podcast and have been encouraged by her stand for the Lord and His Word.<br /></p><p>Melissa Kruger says here of this book: <br /></p><p><b>"Is it possible to reconstruct faith after deconstruction? Using her own
season of spiritual doubt as a backdrop, Alisa Childers explores the
validity of Christianity―as well as the inefficacy of progressive
Christianity―with precision, insight, and intellectual integrity. <i> </i></b></p><p><b><i>Another Gospel?</i>
is a needed and welcome book that reveals the ways historic
Christianity can stand up to our doubts, concerns, and questions."</b></p><p>And Randy Alcorn say of it here:</p><p><b>"Deconstructed faith stories are the new normal. We all know people who
once seemed to be solid Christians but have walked away. Alisa’s story
of her own reconstructed faith is a breath of fresh air. </b></p><p><b>She shares her
doubts and struggles and the journey God led her on to rediscover the
solid Rock on which she stands. This excellent book is full of hope and
sound reasons for faith in Jesus and God’s Word." </b><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKVgtoLQMapDBk0hyphenhyphenAClsF5XIGTmPpXfgqO7KiM42Mq1wSgwY7E5QKFoJUAYMMJF8cbkAlOIlO0RjWg1d6AZuSqj9-odQo2761Sfoxvw74etn6K946mzwiwdA0ifHZd7URlANUsUFREo/s2048/81W0sFo-kYL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1338" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKVgtoLQMapDBk0hyphenhyphenAClsF5XIGTmPpXfgqO7KiM42Mq1wSgwY7E5QKFoJUAYMMJF8cbkAlOIlO0RjWg1d6AZuSqj9-odQo2761Sfoxvw74etn6K946mzwiwdA0ifHZd7URlANUsUFREo/w261-h400/81W0sFo-kYL.jpg" width="261" /></a>At Home in Mitford </b><br /></p><p>This is a first book in a series of books that sounds delightful. I've just started it and really enjoying it so far.<br /></p><p>Amazon say here: <br /></p><p><b>"It's easy to feel at home in Mitford. In these high, green hills, the
air is pure, the village is charming, and the people are generally
lovable. Yet, Father Tim, the bachelor rector, wants something more.
Enter a dog the size of a sofa who moves in and won't go away. Add an
attractive neighbor who begins wearing a path through the hedge. </b></p><p><b>Now,
stir in a lovable but unloved boy, a mystifying jewel theft, and a
secret that's sixty years old. Suddenly, Father Tim gets more than he
bargained for. And readers get a rich comedy about ordinary people and
their ordinary lives."</b></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgPn2dd-ron6oJm5GAK4KJ3i3-lmgU9aIoeg6mvxpfSG49DsWygolfblgN1oC_9p94fi_dgjDj5TgGfSH2h-7hkueU898lx30sq0NuLH16Nuc1IoNLqH1QHGTopLVuE3WuJ0f4_90kGI/s2048/91JGyeH%252BglL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgPn2dd-ron6oJm5GAK4KJ3i3-lmgU9aIoeg6mvxpfSG49DsWygolfblgN1oC_9p94fi_dgjDj5TgGfSH2h-7hkueU898lx30sq0NuLH16Nuc1IoNLqH1QHGTopLVuE3WuJ0f4_90kGI/w266-h400/91JGyeH%252BglL.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p><b>New Morning Mercies</b></p><p>I recently read Paul David Tripp's Advent devotional and loved it. So I'm excited to read through this one this coming year.</p><p>Goodreads says here:</p><p><b><span id="freeText2866656463048008581">"Mornings can be tough.
Sometimes, a hearty breakfast and strong cup of coffee just aren't
enough. Offering more than a rush of caffeine, best-selling author Paul
David Tripp wants to energize you with the most potent encouragement
imaginable: the gospel.<br /><br />Forget "behavior modification" or
feel-good aphorisms. Tripp knows that what we really need is an
encounter with the living God. Then we'll be prepared to trust in God's
goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory each and every day."</span></b>
</p>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-113684826664317562020-12-28T13:01:00.002-08:002020-12-29T10:47:36.786-08:0010 Great Reads of 2020<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHCMylh8uqMCwfMrnVgoIETeeT_iAjFpoTvzaQE2V-If3xojoNYA_z0DNzppAc6qF4SUNxL5oYU5JU8E2558xXEjb8G1HiCIXOs8SixcJHjIntzGvCZK_YEZICCaP3aPMNYQuPQA94Gw/s400/268b99b076a8422de20875cc48e071ce.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="400" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHCMylh8uqMCwfMrnVgoIETeeT_iAjFpoTvzaQE2V-If3xojoNYA_z0DNzppAc6qF4SUNxL5oYU5JU8E2558xXEjb8G1HiCIXOs8SixcJHjIntzGvCZK_YEZICCaP3aPMNYQuPQA94Gw/w640-h435/268b99b076a8422de20875cc48e071ce.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> </p><p>My goal for 2020 was to read 50 books and I was able to surpass that to 66 books. I so enjoy reading and audio-books have allowed me to read even more. I listened to the 2 classics on this list and found it really enhanced the experience. Maybe you'll find a good read here to add to your 2021 reading!<br /></p><p> Here are my favorites from this past year...</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Identity Theft by Various Authors</b> - Each chapter in this book deals with who we are in Christ, as Christians, encourages us to find our identity in Him alone, and to not let anything rob us of it. I loved that the chapters were written by a variety of female authors. It was nice to hear different and unique voices all coming together to teach the same Biblical truths.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrgpuEVFAP5iwq55EhZ5PNSj5r1-qazvtswCkYGaoLHisFZAEnuaUAQi8WlvSZIJHEQfrAaLfJiNiZGeH3lrDvNMSJtd-0-yWhAPyc1QO7BlYhylshbvJT3BsaRkPUxbHNALjY-El0lM/s500/5c3914be63a46-kruger_identity_theft.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrgpuEVFAP5iwq55EhZ5PNSj5r1-qazvtswCkYGaoLHisFZAEnuaUAQi8WlvSZIJHEQfrAaLfJiNiZGeH3lrDvNMSJtd-0-yWhAPyc1QO7BlYhylshbvJT3BsaRkPUxbHNALjY-El0lM/w265-h400/5c3914be63a46-kruger_identity_theft.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><p></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Evelina by Frances Burney</b> - This was a really fun classic novel. It had inspired Jane Austen's writings, which made me curious about it. A diary of sorts of a young quiet girl learning the ways of life in 18th century London society. I loved her attitude and reflections. It was nice to hear her inner thoughts, when others thought she was simple and boring, she was thinking intelligently and deeply. It was an introverts delight to read!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdHF3KsT4HrSAlgOTUl91Z5cgr2b5JhhtXzh0ZoykGH67JgrMmaMBzh-iAirQKHyHDLO9xEzOFD_tw6bO5pSnK89Jtl1qPJlVrrknteWzl5PRPayh0HZADYYYe6X_hS0kaBvvDIO9lcI/s475/14800188.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdHF3KsT4HrSAlgOTUl91Z5cgr2b5JhhtXzh0ZoykGH67JgrMmaMBzh-iAirQKHyHDLO9xEzOFD_tw6bO5pSnK89Jtl1qPJlVrrknteWzl5PRPayh0HZADYYYe6X_hS0kaBvvDIO9lcI/w260-h400/14800188.jpg" width="260" /></a></b></div><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross by Various Authors </b>- An Easter devotional compiled by Nancy Guthrie with reflections on the cross from contemporary and classic Bible teachers and theologians. So encouraging and gospel-filled. Loved it!<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkPuE5R_Djb2JY4cfzGv4mqw5gqK_dTmhzRVap3-tecEoJx-r5s9mu__54mu8xqPSLEAwJma8XyQbIJnxQi5D5aRJZ2ggHwZcwlvSCQVZiZBpc7N6naX33y_g2W9snrKNtVh7e3Y6t-U/s499/515qGGqXPXL._SX337_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="339" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkPuE5R_Djb2JY4cfzGv4mqw5gqK_dTmhzRVap3-tecEoJx-r5s9mu__54mu8xqPSLEAwJma8XyQbIJnxQi5D5aRJZ2ggHwZcwlvSCQVZiZBpc7N6naX33y_g2W9snrKNtVh7e3Y6t-U/w271-h400/515qGGqXPXL._SX337_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><p></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp </b>- Wow! This advent devotional is also so gospel-filled and beautiful. I'm almost finished it, as it includes 31 days of devotions for December. I highly recommend it and will be reading it again.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvjPxnCQtvotJ1Pxw5HCCpsYRxCKk0lbdCTkGsMqmFx40rWZJAjwhMbB14eQJ71twcbpwNxEw7z4Amrm5PmxEgkuunfTrJUKLXVt4osQgg99XrDNDPdsAnqEz0DOiKKPRbU3X3_RmKWg/s706/83b6fbb58080d350186a1aafff30c27c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="461" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvjPxnCQtvotJ1Pxw5HCCpsYRxCKk0lbdCTkGsMqmFx40rWZJAjwhMbB14eQJ71twcbpwNxEw7z4Amrm5PmxEgkuunfTrJUKLXVt4osQgg99XrDNDPdsAnqEz0DOiKKPRbU3X3_RmKWg/w261-h400/83b6fbb58080d350186a1aafff30c27c.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><p></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Les Miserables by Victor Hugo </b>- The theme of this book is grace. It's considered a masterpiece of literature, and I'd have to agree! Though there were some long drawn out parts, the novel as a whole was amazing. I read (listened to) it slowly throughout 2020 and enjoyed it very much. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswBcTZB6be2pal8CoFiAcQzt35WStRBG-UrCM3XsV51MkJmTKqFWMGRfQ_ihHh4XFYbsNIn3bMlJuPCSobvV1eyVD4nrcJfPLioJ1P89VwouChpDg2hyphenhypheni1BidGDB9soxkrgXp0zN3l1w/s400/22571706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="274" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswBcTZB6be2pal8CoFiAcQzt35WStRBG-UrCM3XsV51MkJmTKqFWMGRfQ_ihHh4XFYbsNIn3bMlJuPCSobvV1eyVD4nrcJfPLioJ1P89VwouChpDg2hyphenhypheni1BidGDB9soxkrgXp0zN3l1w/w274-h400/22571706.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><p></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Epic by Tim Challies</b> - This was such an interesting idea for a book! Tim Challies took a trip
around the world, visiting places of Christian significance and writing
about Christian history through objects he observed. The book also
contains many photos, which added to the meaning of each story he was
telling. </p><p>You can read my thoughts on the book... <b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2020/09/epic-around-world-journey-through.html">HERE</a></b></p><p><b> </b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhITPQHMZZ_5hiT8oMTwnwPJb8cChKvZ_IS2VahmuknfHrty_feYNQdFYXvB1Lwov0UfmqkyuipzADMgsuxwm7DJhiDcgI2e8XOtfWTVW0JK6pJ391Oj18G0vjANf6uV_N32Vna7rZdA/s2048/81Td02iz3EL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1653" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhITPQHMZZ_5hiT8oMTwnwPJb8cChKvZ_IS2VahmuknfHrty_feYNQdFYXvB1Lwov0UfmqkyuipzADMgsuxwm7DJhiDcgI2e8XOtfWTVW0JK6pJ391Oj18G0vjANf6uV_N32Vna7rZdA/w323-h400/81Td02iz3EL.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><p></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>You're Not Enough (and that's ok) by Allie Beth Stuckey</b> - This is a much needed book in the days we are living. Self-love has taken the place of Kingship in many women's hearts and it is not only ungodly, but idolatry. This book was written beautifully with grace and encouragement. I will be posting about it soon!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RfO3CwBXDZ1ypbKv72EPPDYB7K6n1kvfSGyd4F0xp6t_DuSLaO-ChAdwB2SwDBpzYISvYBkxuLV75SWx_k74_UePLIWsNEU1PW2C3Py2gMtyN_fBDAXmmGFcMMnqu-D_2ppm3HBMxRQ/s2048/71sUxxneTsL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RfO3CwBXDZ1ypbKv72EPPDYB7K6n1kvfSGyd4F0xp6t_DuSLaO-ChAdwB2SwDBpzYISvYBkxuLV75SWx_k74_UePLIWsNEU1PW2C3Py2gMtyN_fBDAXmmGFcMMnqu-D_2ppm3HBMxRQ/w265-h400/71sUxxneTsL.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><p></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>His Indwelling Spirit by Charles Stanley</b> - I loved this book! Filled with truthful and beautiful teachings on who the Holy<b> </b>Spirit is and what He does, simply written in quotes.</p><p>You can read my thoughts on the book... <b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2020/06/his-indwelling-spirit.html">HERE</a></b></p><p><b> </b> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PFKtp7krkwNHwwAy89QCbTZQXsmnZZA_V2QdNgBRU_2jG1uFm3cy9GwK-cf5Oy6fQrQ2IdasAYGfzd_YH-aDXacSRJ8qPzHg4DXh8f34wZ6TxGFaPQQ4lt8CqMrNSW3euLa7cRFsPqA/s500/41JghN6t-pL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="357" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PFKtp7krkwNHwwAy89QCbTZQXsmnZZA_V2QdNgBRU_2jG1uFm3cy9GwK-cf5Oy6fQrQ2IdasAYGfzd_YH-aDXacSRJ8qPzHg4DXh8f34wZ6TxGFaPQQ4lt8CqMrNSW3euLa7cRFsPqA/w285-h400/41JghN6t-pL.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><p></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>The Reformation by Stephen J. Nichols</b> - If you read my blog you know by now, I love church history. This was an easy to read book on the period of the Reformation. A great book for someone starting out on learning about this subject.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWxEj0jyvivWZufMic7yZPp_PG3wYWL2U0tU0-ClZH3K6826vvG3_pmXu8eiHh6FYLeYe6VDe4S4-zBcA3y_3reiNStChyphenhyphenhhUzAuhbhZm6seZVulgdjCCIJvHwMgTg-vsX8v7LaYPpoY/s2048/9781581348293.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1325" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWxEj0jyvivWZufMic7yZPp_PG3wYWL2U0tU0-ClZH3K6826vvG3_pmXu8eiHh6FYLeYe6VDe4S4-zBcA3y_3reiNStChyphenhyphenhhUzAuhbhZm6seZVulgdjCCIJvHwMgTg-vsX8v7LaYPpoY/w259-h400/9781581348293.jpg" width="259" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /><b>The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton</b> - Another great book! This was a memoir of sorts from an African American man who spent 30 years in prison on death row, for a crime he didn't commit. His conduct and faith were so encouraging and humbling to read about. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtunqzlFDCGy_KGPK4tb0ACk6arYXA4sCjWuNL4ybcuaSLbAe1eeTyzhABh8dzBXkl7kmYKor0A18nQME6k8hKRsU23JJHsN2KLLodzfuDJiIMKAcFAnGvdOvskXg6PIVYaOxBMsSC9M/s2048/81FDl6InT2L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1347" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtunqzlFDCGy_KGPK4tb0ACk6arYXA4sCjWuNL4ybcuaSLbAe1eeTyzhABh8dzBXkl7kmYKor0A18nQME6k8hKRsU23JJHsN2KLLodzfuDJiIMKAcFAnGvdOvskXg6PIVYaOxBMsSC9M/w263-h400/81FDl6InT2L.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><p><br /> </p><p> Happy Reading in 2021 and I hope you have a blessed New Year.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_TV6w9T21DKPQr8DH6XtDjLDqMVqBlIiBQTo2EK0FUec72z3b7zjCbVExQdNaOiCV84lMoZYtquqwaLbT8Gh5o8zevshkuJ4qvDyOxP9oEEgBikzMW_MJzGag1qoro40pQ53id-9CsQ/s1440/360_F_397752984_8eep0QsVBo64ufeK3xLeBeSyXnUs3D71.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="1440" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_TV6w9T21DKPQr8DH6XtDjLDqMVqBlIiBQTo2EK0FUec72z3b7zjCbVExQdNaOiCV84lMoZYtquqwaLbT8Gh5o8zevshkuJ4qvDyOxP9oEEgBikzMW_MJzGag1qoro40pQ53id-9CsQ/w640-h160/360_F_397752984_8eep0QsVBo64ufeK3xLeBeSyXnUs3D71.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-79457041097496087702020-11-29T21:35:00.000-08:002020-11-29T21:35:24.302-08:00Some Christmas Reads for 2020<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAzmgOu6NM16i4yJ-g_ftwU6FI5m86QBzeU3KhkFwEI1Hz4weZi81LISQ311NfVCR8hOITTnY1LuJ4fe7usQ-MQva7Hi191YWHClRAcbjV4-3DinyQPyHpZTNGIPTv__JN96J0TB-rcI/s1920/26-popular-traditional-christmas-1920x960.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAzmgOu6NM16i4yJ-g_ftwU6FI5m86QBzeU3KhkFwEI1Hz4weZi81LISQ311NfVCR8hOITTnY1LuJ4fe7usQ-MQva7Hi191YWHClRAcbjV4-3DinyQPyHpZTNGIPTv__JN96J0TB-rcI/w640-h320/26-popular-traditional-christmas-1920x960.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Every year I look forward to reading some Christmas books. Here are a few I'd like to get to this December.</p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlrSKg0DN0pof10eT_KSFqAw8Viri9mrTuBBJaXhJycXWAuM6Tu6A6GtuFJihF9Lq8MwanzFxH6rNUrGlSayETfh5tPtKtiTKtzKUc2k5_oMpP9UZeLOS-7u8oPRuxYZFAPk3VEmWfaY/s534/page-divider-xmas-bough-bell.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="70" data-original-width="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlrSKg0DN0pof10eT_KSFqAw8Viri9mrTuBBJaXhJycXWAuM6Tu6A6GtuFJihF9Lq8MwanzFxH6rNUrGlSayETfh5tPtKtiTKtzKUc2k5_oMpP9UZeLOS-7u8oPRuxYZFAPk3VEmWfaY/s320/page-divider-xmas-bough-bell.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp</b></span></p><p>This is a daily advent devotional encouraging us to look to Jesus during the Christmas season. The last few years I've been picking up these kinds of books and been so enjoying them. I'm really looking forward to reading through this one!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxxzd0bvjaTQ3igMwllamtJDvzv_UpBowOgvxkScYyGp9ghBneE0Ti67EeQlGzszrPPZpZR4_Vl89ZwMaxD2EsknqQRaZRTtJeyVy4L8XU9E1qAjTlmtF9Q9WjaE8ywo3Pd0GmNwFEIc/s706/83b6fbb58080d350186a1aafff30c27c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="461" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxxzd0bvjaTQ3igMwllamtJDvzv_UpBowOgvxkScYyGp9ghBneE0Ti67EeQlGzszrPPZpZR4_Vl89ZwMaxD2EsknqQRaZRTtJeyVy4L8XU9E1qAjTlmtF9Q9WjaE8ywo3Pd0GmNwFEIc/w261-h400/83b6fbb58080d350186a1aafff30c27c.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><p></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Once Upon a Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep</b></span></p><p>I love Charles Dickens 'Christmas Carol' and enjoy books inspired by it. This book contains 3 novellas and I'm hoping to get to at least one of them.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxRoJMVeguOwCAXJ4lqVWfOw96tyAy1DuJ8SZkqDd8Za9C5L6rRyDKc62eR6AwWMm0YHdqSubuyA8_hzcuNlpAPh7qrzwDgQpFW-AxKzc4UTKNqsERh-J1auQWyFIkNlpmAuRlJs6XGM/s2048/816vNF-dI-L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxRoJMVeguOwCAXJ4lqVWfOw96tyAy1DuJ8SZkqDd8Za9C5L6rRyDKc62eR6AwWMm0YHdqSubuyA8_hzcuNlpAPh7qrzwDgQpFW-AxKzc4UTKNqsERh-J1auQWyFIkNlpmAuRlJs6XGM/w266-h400/816vNF-dI-L.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>The Case for Christmas by Lee Strobel</b></span></p><p>In this book Lee Strobel sets out to explain why the biblical account of Christ's birth is important to our faith. I've started this one and though it's a bit choppy, I'm finding it very interesting. (I believe this book is excepts from another book of his, 'The Case for Christ' hence the choppiness. I'd like to read that book as well some day!)<br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13Ri7WpQnpbAiHSId_OG6RSiPL8cC1a1HHqtaZGSrC8Xnzgwl9tFS_619Z5Z1P2hYhsIdROZj3rH4L4f3_FFVtPraLYWXZqv8IvE7NOtN1qGHrSIy3tPn0HmJIZTtDOD5fyhrXCJCZa4/s2048/71JqcPWYNEL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1269" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13Ri7WpQnpbAiHSId_OG6RSiPL8cC1a1HHqtaZGSrC8Xnzgwl9tFS_619Z5Z1P2hYhsIdROZj3rH4L4f3_FFVtPraLYWXZqv8IvE7NOtN1qGHrSIy3tPn0HmJIZTtDOD5fyhrXCJCZa4/w248-h400/71JqcPWYNEL.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Searching for Christmas by J.D. Greear</b></span></p><p>I don't know anything about this book but heard it was good.</p><p>Goodreads says of this book:</p><p><b>"<span id="freeTextContainer16629521949660658248">This book looks behind
the birth of the baby in a manger to discover how the deeper truths of
the Christmas story offer the hope, peace, and belonging we're all
searching for, one way or another."</span></b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1Wk85KD_Af-44C5NLm0671IzhyphenhyphenWNn1SttjWzEHKsQpYwGPCkIW88wLQYMyD1SmkgiUoGazN7wqNlPfMXeDrXZbpUzm94pdX5CbtnBCFcG63TheFzavFBzf587txOX3JIjZfmS1UuWIk/s500/413ppD0mj1L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="309" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1Wk85KD_Af-44C5NLm0671IzhyphenhyphenWNn1SttjWzEHKsQpYwGPCkIW88wLQYMyD1SmkgiUoGazN7wqNlPfMXeDrXZbpUzm94pdX5CbtnBCFcG63TheFzavFBzf587txOX3JIjZfmS1UuWIk/w248-h400/413ppD0mj1L.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><p></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlrSKg0DN0pof10eT_KSFqAw8Viri9mrTuBBJaXhJycXWAuM6Tu6A6GtuFJihF9Lq8MwanzFxH6rNUrGlSayETfh5tPtKtiTKtzKUc2k5_oMpP9UZeLOS-7u8oPRuxYZFAPk3VEmWfaY/s534/page-divider-xmas-bough-bell.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="70" data-original-width="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlrSKg0DN0pof10eT_KSFqAw8Viri9mrTuBBJaXhJycXWAuM6Tu6A6GtuFJihF9Lq8MwanzFxH6rNUrGlSayETfh5tPtKtiTKtzKUc2k5_oMpP9UZeLOS-7u8oPRuxYZFAPk3VEmWfaY/s320/page-divider-xmas-bough-bell.gif" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p>Are you reading anything Christmas related this season? : )</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-2837031062762272712020-09-28T14:36:00.000-07:002020-09-28T14:36:00.785-07:00Epic: An Around-The -World Journey through Christian History<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRQfEs6Z-dVytnS4dHnUiik1ous5VqTkEQKP2FetVcFlCg-Yj-MxTBM3nntrtJ25MhiQj7DQ7ZNNJx0mub5UfIt2LV3LS7Ik97Y6Yl_NW0qpc17bvd74m8jenL1OwYuR2x58ZkOc-c9I/s1600/81Td02iz3EL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1292" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRQfEs6Z-dVytnS4dHnUiik1ous5VqTkEQKP2FetVcFlCg-Yj-MxTBM3nntrtJ25MhiQj7DQ7ZNNJx0mub5UfIt2LV3LS7Ik97Y6Yl_NW0qpc17bvd74m8jenL1OwYuR2x58ZkOc-c9I/s400/81Td02iz3EL.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
<br />
This was such an interesting idea for a book! Tim Challies took a trip around the world, visiting places of Christian significance and writing about Christian history through objects he observed. The book also contains many photos, which added to the meaning of each story he was telling. <br />
<br />
I thought I'd share a few that I found extremely interesting.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>The Book of Kells</b></span><br />
<br />
Tim visited Scotland to learn of the history of this unique book, which is now displayed in Ireland where he traveled next. <br />
<br />
He says here of the book:<br />
<br />
<b>"There is nothing quite like it anywhere in the world. It's a manuscript containing the four gospels in Latin, and it dates all the way back to around AD 800. What first stands out to those who view it is its sheer beauty. The pages are made of fine vellum, and nearly every page is adorned with beautiful, intricately designed illustrations. The Book of Kells is an ancient Bible, but it is also a stunning work of art."</b><br />
<br />
Out of all the objects he talks about in his book this is the one I would love to see the most. I think the care and love that went into it, not only shows us the beauty and majesty of its words, but how highly the makers of it appreciated its truth and wanted it carried on to the next generation.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXbMTd8AkoZjGYBYfpWsowh9l-EfQxvcD_WAOjPZWv2Fgzd2P3TwNqeOh3ne0B2LhwABXt13miKv0HUEO8U8WbU4k2m1_hqiDglEe4wXWysoqE1ZzXjnEkZplDt6T2Z3m7wDNveGgm6A/s1600/resized_book_of_kells_2000___rollingnews.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="570" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXbMTd8AkoZjGYBYfpWsowh9l-EfQxvcD_WAOjPZWv2Fgzd2P3TwNqeOh3ne0B2LhwABXt13miKv0HUEO8U8WbU4k2m1_hqiDglEe4wXWysoqE1ZzXjnEkZplDt6T2Z3m7wDNveGgm6A/s400/resized_book_of_kells_2000___rollingnews.webp" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>Jan Hus's Cell Door</b></span><br />
<br />
Years ago I read the letters that Jan Hus wrote while in prison. They were inspiring and uplifting, written by a man who put his trust in God and His Word.<br />
<br />
Jan Hus was one of the first to protest against the errors of the Catholic church at the time. He was from Bohemia (the modern Czech Republic), born around 1370. As a preacher He encountered the writing of John Wycliffe of England and the rest is history.<br />
<br />
Tim Challies says here:<br />
<br />
<b>"Eventually Jan Hus encountered these teachings, and they changed his life... He began to read the Bible with fresh eyes, and he adopted much of Wycliffe's theology, including the belief that the church is made up of all of God's elect for all of time and that the church's rightful head is Christ rather than the Pope."</b><br />
<br />
This later got him imprisoned and later tied to a stake and burned to death. Some of his last words were:<br />
<br />
<b>"In the truth of the gospel I have written, taught, and preached; today I will gladly die."</b><br />
<br />
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<b> </b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>Charles Wesley's Organ </b></span><br />
<br />
Charles Wesley wrote over 6000 hymns, some still sung today. One of his best known is 'Hark! the herald angels sing' This organ is where he wrote so many beautiful songs to the Lord. Songs sung by millions of believers, all over the world, ever since.<br />
<br />
Tim Challies quotes one particular verse from a song called 'And Can it Be?' <br />
<br />
<b>"And can it be that I should gain</b><br />
<b>An int'rest in the Savior's blood?</b><br />
<b>Died He for me, who caused His pain?</b><br />
<b>For me, who Him to death pursued?</b><br />
<b>Amazing love?! how can it be</b><br />
<b>That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?"</b><br />
<br />
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<b> </b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>The Slave Bible</b></span><br />
<br />
This chapter took me aback. I had never heard of the Slave Bible. I found this appalling, that men, who claimed to be Christians, could take the Word of God and twist it for evil gains.<br />
<br />
Tim Challies says here:<br />
<br />
<b>"Not all of the objects I saw on my travels had a positive story to tell. The Slave Bible is one of those. It's a story that warns us of the dangers of compromising the message of the gospel to accommodate our sin. And it's a timely reminder that sinful human beings can use good things - even the precious Word of God - to commit great evil."</b><br />
<br />
The Slave Bible omitted Scripture that pertained to freedom for all in Christ. How horrifying is that?<br />
<br />
Scriptures like:<br />
<br />
<b>"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28 </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
And as Tim describes here:<br />
<br />
<b>"The great future promise of Christ's gospel is a day when God's people will gather before him as <i>'a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language.' Revelation 7:9</i></b><br />
<br />
This reminded me of how important it is to honor God's Word as a whole. <br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>George Muller's Collection Box</b></span><br />
<br />
I love George Muller's story. I read his book 'Answers to Prayer' and was amazed at how he trusted God. In a world of greedy TV preachers, it's hard to imagine a man like George Muller. A man who never asked for a penny, but bowed before God and petitioned to Him for all his needs. And God provided so much, and for so many, because of his obedience.<br />
<br />
George Muller instead put out collection boxes for whoever God moved to give. Never asking or pleading for money. God worked through his obedience and many orphans were given a home from the streets of England in the 1800's.<br />
<br />
Tim Challies says here of the boxes:<br />
<br />
<b>"The front says simply, 'For the orphans.' Muller would not ask people to give money but instead would pray for the Lord to provide. One of these boxes was placed within each of the orphan houses so that people could give as the Lord directed, each one perhaps inadvertently providing an answer to those earnest prayers. Those simple boxes aptly tell about the simple but expansive faith of a great man."</b><br />
<br />
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<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>*note </b>- I couldn't find a picture of the collection box so I've inserted a picture of George Muller</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-11766187807836024362020-09-21T10:48:00.000-07:002020-09-21T10:48:15.514-07:005 books on my future reading list<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>What Jesus Demands from the World</b><br />
<br />
I'm really excited to start this one. It has very short chapters, which is always helpful when trying to get through a large challenging book. : )<br />
<br />
Goodreads says here:<br />
<br />
<b>"<span id="freeText15717922891695842006">The four Gospels are
filled with demands straight from the mouth of Jesus Christ. These
demands are Jesus' way of showing us who He is and what He expects of
us. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText15717922891695842006">They are not the harsh demands of a taskmaster. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText15717922891695842006">For example, the
demand that we come to Jesus is like the demand of a father to his child
in a burning window, "Jump to me!" Or like the demand of a rich,
strong, tender, handsome husband to an unfaithful wife, "Come home!"
What Jesus demands from the world can be summed up as: "Trust and
treasure me above all." This is good news!<br /><br />In What Jesus Demands
from the World, John Piper has gathered many of Jesus' demands from the
four Gospels. He begins with an introduction that puts the demands in a
redemptive-historical context, then concisely examines each demand. The
result is an accessible introduction for thoughtful inquirers and new
believers, as well as meditative meat for veteran believers who want to
know Jesus better."</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
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<b>The Faithful Preacher</b><br />
<br />
I'm also really excited to read this book! I've had it on my shelves for years and didn't realize what a gem I had, not until I read about one of these men in a recent read.<br />
<br />
This book consists of short biographies of 3 African American preachers, Lemuel Haynes (1753-1833), Daniel A. Payne (1811-1893), and Francis Grimke (1850-1937), as well as several of their sermons.<br />
<br />
John Piper says of these faithful preachers:<br />
<br />
<b>"Related to their faithfulness is their longevity. Their careers span most major periods in American history, including the American Revolution, slavery at the height of its power, the Civil War, Emancipation and Reconstruction, and World War I. </b><br />
<br />
<b>Through these periods, they faced extreme hardships. None of them were born into privilege. All of them either witnessed or tasted the lash of slavery and the racial prejudices that followed that institution. </b><br />
<br />
<b>Around them American society changed radically. However, their commitment to the ministry and their understanding of it remained constant. They continued in the same glorious work of proclaiming the gospel 'instant in season, out of season' (2Timothy 4:2)"</b><br />
<br />
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<b>You're not enough (and that's okay)</b><br />
<br />As Christians we undoubtedly know we are in need of a Savior. </p><p>And I think this book is going to be a reminder of that.<br />
<br />
Amazon says here:<br />
<br />
<b>"We're told that the key to happiness is self-love. Instagram
influencers, mommy bloggers, self-help gurus, and even Christian
teachers promise that if we learn to love ourselves, we'll be
successful, secure, and complete. But the promise doesn't deliver.
Instead of feeling fulfilled, our pursuit of self-love traps us in an
exhausting cycle: as we strive for self-acceptance, we become addicted
to self-improvement.<br /><br />The truth is we can't find satisfaction inside ourselves because <b>we are the problem</b>.
We struggle with feelings of inadequacy because we are inadequate.
Alone, we are not good enough, smart enough, or beautiful enough. We're
not enough--period. </b><br />
<br />
<b>And that's okay, because God is.<br /><br />The answer
to our insufficiency and insecurity isn't self-love, but God's love. In
Jesus, we're offered a way out of our toxic culture of self-love and
into a joyful life of relying on him for wisdom, satisfaction, and
purpose. We don't have to wonder what it's all about anymore. This is
it."</b><br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYZNB_grPd1BUu88PchVic5MIup0J8eGFEKD169ssj18hxUv28JFPsriXM3RVDfEekwd2HWhLdGR2cHfr98BmijtFAa3GAuaWwkkFG-Rj_13xoFjz3lf0nF_Lf7skCI0J9jZLv2Imj4Q/s1600/the-book-of-lost-names-9781982131890_hr.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1058" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYZNB_grPd1BUu88PchVic5MIup0J8eGFEKD169ssj18hxUv28JFPsriXM3RVDfEekwd2HWhLdGR2cHfr98BmijtFAa3GAuaWwkkFG-Rj_13xoFjz3lf0nF_Lf7skCI0J9jZLv2Imj4Q/s400/the-book-of-lost-names-9781982131890_hr.jpg" width="263" /></a><b>The Book of Lost Names</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I just started this one and loving it already. I really enjoy novels based on true stories and this one sounds like its going to be fascinating and heart-felt.<b><br /></b><br />
The inside flap says here:<br />
<br />
<b>"An unforgettable historical novel about a young woman with a talent for forgery who helps hundreds of Jewish children flee the Nazis.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Inspired by an astonishing true story from World War II."</b><br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_5PYE16f7hrlbVL0z8CiXjuSmZAbK41AT-34_yvNoq0lBDUAaZc4TYmqDhOmZ2i9HjucaACIAdvDhbp0UFk5VJD9iivSTNbad_b-RxiARJS_FqTIZpSay3L5pgh3j9ntsbtIPiR4kRY/s1600/81RFg8E4soL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_5PYE16f7hrlbVL0z8CiXjuSmZAbK41AT-34_yvNoq0lBDUAaZc4TYmqDhOmZ2i9HjucaACIAdvDhbp0UFk5VJD9iivSTNbad_b-RxiARJS_FqTIZpSay3L5pgh3j9ntsbtIPiR4kRY/s400/81RFg8E4soL.jpg" width="258" /></a><b>Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus </b><br />
<br />
This one sounds really interesting<b>. </b><br />
<br />
The back cover says here:<br />
<br />
<b>"The story of Jesus in the Gospels includes all kinds of
interesting people—some who claimed to be saints but proved to be
scoundrels, as well as scoundrels who were transformed into saints. </b><br />
<br />
<b>In <i>Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus</i>,
Nancy Guthrie provides a fresh look into what shaped and motivated
people such as John the Baptist, Peter, the Pharisees, Zacchaeus, Judas,
Caiaphas, Barabbas, Stephen, and Paul. </b><br />
<br />
<b>Join her as she reintroduces us
to these biblical characters, helping us to see more clearly the ways in
which they reveal the generous grace of Jesus toward sinners."</b><br />
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-77037034099873047232020-08-24T10:38:00.001-07:002020-08-24T10:38:48.157-07:00She Came To Slay - The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
A few months ago I watched the movie 'Harriet' which was based on the life of Harriet Tubman. She was considered the Moses of her time, and I was curious to learn more about her. This book was a great introduction to her life and work, and what an extraordinary life she led.<br />
<br />
With all that's going on in the world, we desperately need the Lord, and Harriet was a great example of someone who depended solely on Him in hard times. It was so encouraging to read her story. A story of going deep into the heart of slavery to rescue her family, to working with the abolitionists of the time, as well as being a spy and nurse during the civil war. <br />
<br />
<div>
As I read about her accomplishments they almost seemed impossible, but they reminded me of Matthew 19:26...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b>"But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." </b></i></span></div>
<div>
<br />
And John 15:5...<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><i>“I am the vine, you <em>are</em> the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing"</i></b></span><br />
</div>
<div>
<br />
God worked through her because she abided in Him and therefore many were saved from a life of slavery.<br />
<br />
And Harriet always gave Him the glory.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Harriet suffered much during her life. One struggle being severe headaches for most of her life caused by an angry overseer in her youth.<br />
<br />
The author relates the story here:<br />
<br />
<b>"...Araminta (Harriet) and an enslaved cook from the same farm were sent on an errand for what was supposed to be a quick, uneventful trip to the store to pick up a few items needed for the house....An overseer was in hot pursuit of the man who had the audacity to abandon his post, as if he were free. And his pursuer had every intention of whipping him. Tension was palpable within the walls of the store. The overseer ordered Araminta to help tie down the enslaved man, but she refused, allowing the slave the opportunity to slip out of the store. In fury, the overseer picked up a two-pound weight off the counter and hurled it in the direction of the runaway. Araminta's head received the full force of the iron weight instead. The impact broke her skull, as she later recalled...</b><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>"It cut a piece of that shawl clean off and drove in into my head. They carried me to the house all bleeding and fainting. I had no bed, no place to lie down on at all, and they lay me on the seat of a loom, and I stayed there all that day and the next."</b></i><br />
<br />
She was never treated for her injury and was forced back to work. Harriet is quoted again here:<br />
<br />
<i><b>"I went to work again and there I worked with the blood and sweat rolling down my face till I couldn't see."</b></i><br />
<br />
And yet miraculously she went on to accomplish much.</div>
<br />
Harriet persevered when most would have given up. Her strength was incredible and her determination brought much change. We can learn a lot from her - to have faith and dependence on God, a strong work ethic, and to never give up on the good fight.<br />
<br />
Harriet was a woman to look up to, but more importantly her life showed how to look to God for strength and direction and to put our trust in Him for all things.<br />
<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1868</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to finding new reads that share her extraordinary life. </div>
<br />
I highly recommend this book!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Buy it <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1982139595?ie=UTF8&tag=thouonbook-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=1982139595" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> on Amazon<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-86007200441234053572020-06-22T11:00:00.001-07:002020-06-23T11:09:56.804-07:00His Indwelling Spirit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I loved this book! Filled with truthful and beautiful teachings on who the Holy<b> </b>Spirit is and what He does, simply written in quotes.<br />
<br />
Here are the chapter headings:<br />
<br />
<b>1. Who He Is: God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity</b><br />
<b>2. What He Does: Leading Us From Glory to Glory</b><br />
<b>3. Why we Need Him: Imbuing Us With Power</b><br />
<b>4. Where He Protects Us: Strengthening Our Inner Being</b><br />
<b>5. How He Transforms Us: Conforming Us to the Likeness of Christ</b><br />
<b>6. When He works Through Us: Bearing Eternal Fruit</b><br />
<br />
This book is made up of excerpts taken from many of Charles Stanley's writings on the Holy Spirit. Each page contains a quote relating to the chapter as well as a Scripture verse.<br />
<br />
Often the Holy Spirit can be over or under emphasized. I loved that this book was balanced and gave us a biblical view of who He is and what He does.<br />
<br />
I thought I'd share a few quotes from each chapter here. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>1. Who He Is: God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>"We don't worship three gods. We have one God who exists with three unique functions. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit live in perfect agreement and oneness, with all the same attributes. Each is eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, unchanging, equal, and fully God." </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i><span style="color: #073763;"><b>'The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.' 2 Corinthians 13:14</b></span></i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>"The Holy Spirit is not an apparition, floating about here and there and manifesting Himself in a mysterious, now-you-see-Him, now-you-don't manner...The Holy Spirit is the living personhood of God...the full personality and identity of God resident in us as believers."</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i><span style="color: #073763;"><b>'Who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.' 1 Corinthians 2:11</b></span></i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>"The word 'helper' is <i>parakletos</i>, which means, 'one who walks alongside, assists us, and is our steadfast companion.' Scripture teaches that every believer has a constant, unending, faithful companion - that is the person of the Holy Spirit."</b><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #073763;"><b>'The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.' John 14:26</b></span></i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>"The Holy Spirit is not a force. He is as much a person as Jesus is. He is the One who walks beside us, our Helper and Comforter. He is the One who gives us assurance of our relationships to the Father. He testifies to each believer, 'You are one of God's children. you have been adopted into the kingdom forever."</b><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<b><i><span style="color: #073763;">'The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.' Romans 8:16</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>2. What He Does: Leading Us From Glory to Glory</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>"The Holy Spirit takes up residency in believers - forever. He doesn't just pass through. He makes us His home. He comes to stay." </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i><span style="color: #073763;">'Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body.' 1 Corinthians 6:19-20</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>"Receiving the Holy Spirit is a onetime event - we receive the Holy Spirit when we receive Christ as our Savior...The decision to grow and to keep on growing is a decision that we must continue to make every day of our lives. We must choose to be filled with the Holy Spirit each and every day." </b><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #073763;"><b>'For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.' Colossians 1:9-10</b></span></i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>"The Helper sees the depths of your difficulties. He translates your feelings more accurately than you could articulate them yourself. And He comforts you with the knowledge that He understands what you need."</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i><span style="color: #073763;">'The Spirit also helps our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.' Romans 8:26</span></i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>"The Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God. And He imparts (that) knowledge to believers."</b><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: #073763;"><b>'We have received, not the
spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know
the things freely given to us by God.' 1 Corinthians 2:12</b></span></i> </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>"The Holy Spirit strengthens your intimacy with the Father by continually drawing you into His presence. However, He does not usher you to the throne of grace simply so you can give the Lord a list of demands. This means He encourages you to share your heart with God but also directs you to pay attention to what the Father is teaching you."</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i><span style="color: #073763;"><b>'Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.' Ecclesiastes 5:1-2</b></span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>3. Why We Need Him: Imbuing Us With Power</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>"You were saved because God's Holy Spirit moved in you, opened your blind eyes, exposed the Word of God to you, and gave you enough truth by which you could be saved." </b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.' John 6:44</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>"You cannot interpret the Word of God properly, you cannot live a godly life, and you cannot serve the Lord adequately apart from the power of the Holy Spirit working in you."</b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'To us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.' 1 Corinthians 2:10</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>"None of us can do the ministry God gives us on our own. That is part of God's plan. We must have His Holy Spirit at work in us." </b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.' Luke 24:49 </b></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>"When you confront others with the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Spirit of God speaks through you, taking the Word of God and illuminating their minds to understand the truth. He convicts them of their sins, shows them that the death of Christ was for their forgiveness, and grants them the gift of faith through which they receive Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. It is not up to you to convince anyone. It is God's supernatural work in them that does so." </b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void. For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.' 1 Corinthians 1:17-18 </b></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><b>4. Where He Protects Us: Strengthening Our Inner Being</b></b></span><br />
<br />
<b><b>"Anything that clashes with what is true is not of the Spirit...Therefore, to walk in the Spirit, we must get serious about guarding our minds." </b></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b><b>'Many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.' Proverbs 19:21</b></b></i></span><br />
<b><b> </b></b><br />
<br />
<b><b>"The sword of the Spirit - the Word of God - is our defense against satanic attacks. When we face battles, we're not to argue or debate with the enemy. We simply say, 'Here's what God says.' and Scripture teaches that when we do this, the Devil flees." </b></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'Take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm...and take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.' Ephesians 6:13,17 </b></i></span> </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>"Stay clear of any teacher, preacher, or anyone else who encourages you to do something, read something, or say something to harness the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's power cannot be harnessed. His power cannot be used to accomplish anything other than the Father's will."</b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'No prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.' 2 Peter 1:21 </b></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>"Men and women who claim to be doing miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit, but who are doing it in such a way to draw attention to the miracle rather than to Christ, are deceivers. Jesus wouldn't have a part of it then, and He will have no part of it now." </b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'False Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.' Mark 13:22-23 </b></i></span><br />
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<br />
<b>"Although you may be facing a situation that makes you feel isolated, helpless, or directionless, understand that you're never alone. The Holy Spirit is with you, to live the life of Christ through you - helping you face every challenge in a godly, victorious manner." </b><br />
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<i><span style="color: #073763;"><b>'The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all...The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.' Psalm 34:18-19,22 </b></span></i><br />
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<br />
<b>"We live under the protection of the Holy Spirit; nothing can happen to us that God does not allow, and we know that whatever He permits - no matter how bad it may seem - He can turn for our good." </b><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span><i><span style="color: #073763;"><b> </b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;"><b>'We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.' Romans 8:28</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #073763;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #073763;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>5. How He Transforms Us: Conforming Us to the Likeness of Christ</b></span><br />
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<b>"Whereas before you had a general sense of right and wrong, the Holy Spirit began renewing your mind to more specific and complete truths...You participate in this renewal process every time you read your Bible, attend worship, memorize a verse, or pray."</b><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.' Romans 12:2</b></i></span><br />
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<b>"It wasn't enough for the Holy Spirit to inspire men to write the Bible. He knew each of us would need someone to lead us through the test as well. So every time a believer opens his or her Bible, the Spirit goes to work to illuminate the Scriptures. In that way, He is able to minister to each of us, at the right pace, according to our particular needs."</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.' Romans 15:4</b></i></span><br />
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<b>"The Spirit-filled life is a life of faith...The Spirit-filled life is not a formula; it is a relationship, a relationship with a Person - the Holy Spirit."</b><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'We are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.' Philippians 3:3</b></i></span><br />
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<b>"Once a person becomes a child of God, the conscience takes on new significance. It becomes a divine tool. It functions as a megaphone in the hands of the Holy Spirit. It becomes the means through which the Holy Spirit reveals the will of God to the mind."</b><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'Our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially towards you.' 2 Corinthians 1:12</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>6. When He works Through Us: Bearing Eternal Fruit</b></span><br />
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<b>"The people who do God's work God's way don't wait until their efforts fail before they begin trusting Him. They begin their projects as dependent people. And in most cases, they maintain their dependent spirits until the end."</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763;"><i>'Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.' 1 Corinthians 3:7-9 </i></span></b><br />
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<b>"The Spirit-filled life begins when we are absolutely and thoroughly convinced that we can do nothing apart from the indwelling strength of the Holy Spirit."</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.' 2 Corinthians 3:5-6</b></i></span><br />
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<b>"It is Christ's life pouring into us that enables us to live the Christian life and to bear the hallmarks of character that we call the fruit of the Spirit."</b><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.' Galatians 2:20 </b></i></span><br />
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<br />
<b>"This is the will of God: That He can reveal Himself in and through you as a result of the Holy Spirit living within you. This means that from you flows love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control - all the fruit of the Spirit that demonstrates His character."</b><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and prove to be My disciples.' John 15:8</b></i></span><br />
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<b>"The Holy Spirit has already been poured in...You have all of Him you are ever going to get. The question is, How much of you does He have?"</b><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'My dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.' 1 Corinthians 15:58 </b></i></span><br />
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<b>"The Spirit is calling out to us to carry out the ministry God has given us. His responsibility is to prepare the Body of Christ - sending us out, motivating us, and empowering us to do the work of getting this world ready for the Lord Jesus to return. "</b><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>'The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come, let the one who wishes take th water of life without cost." Revelation 22:17</b></i></span><br />
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<br />
<br />
I really enjoyed reading through this book. I highly recommend it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Buy it <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0529108968?ie=UTF8&tag=thouonbook-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=0529108968" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> on Amazon<br />
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<i><span style="color: #073763;"></span></i>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-17845314189917874802020-03-23T11:36:00.001-07:002020-03-23T11:36:12.108-07:00What I'm Currently Reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Spring everyone!<br />
<br />
Here the sun has been shining and the flowers are starting to come up, which has helped with the stress of what is going on in the world. God is good.<br />
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I've been reading some interesting books and thought I'd share about them here today.<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross Edited by Nancy Guthrie</b></span><br />
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Since Easter is around the corner I've started this one. It's a compilation of short chapters on the Easter story by Christians leaders from the past and present. Christians like Charles Spurgeon, John Piper, J.I Packer, Martin Luther, Timothy Keller and Jonathon Edwards.<br />
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Each chapter is full of great wisdom and gives you something to think about deeply, towards the cross.<br />
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Here's a quote from Alistair Begg's chapter titled, 'An Innocent Man Crushed by God':<br />
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<b>"Here's the gospel in a phase. Because Christ died for us, those who trust in him may know that their guilt has been pardoned once and for all. </b><br />
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<b>What will we have to say before the bar of God's judgment? Only one thing. Christ died in my place. That's the gospel." Pg. 25</b><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>The Life of Charlotte Bronte by Elizabeth Gaskell</b></span><br />
<b> </b><br />
I'm not to far into this one yet, but enjoying it so far. Elizabeth Gaskells writing is beautiful, even in biography form! Charlotte and Elizabeth were friends which makes this book even more lovely.<br />
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The first chapter starts out with a description of the parsonage, church and yard, where the Bronte's lived and were laid to rest. Here their tombstones are, sharing their short, but impactful lives that have touched so many.<br />
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I'm looking forward to continuing with this one.<b></b><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis</b></span><br />
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This book has some beautiful and thought-provoking quotes. It was written in the 13th century and therefore needs to be read through the lens of that period of the church.<br />
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It's amazing though how throughout time the basic faith of Christians and their love of God, hasn't changed. <b></b><br />
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Here are a few beautiful quotes:<br />
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<b>"A lover of Jesus and of the truth, and a true inward Christian, and one free from inordinate affections, can freely turn himself unto God, and lift himself above himself in spirit, and with joy remain at rest." Pg. 107</b><br />
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<b>"To be without Jesus is a grievous hell; and to be with Jesus, a sweet paradise." Pg. 124</b><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall</b></span><br />
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I'm only a few chapters into this novel, but really impressed by the writing and storytelling so far. It follows two couples who end up working and serving together at a Presbyterian church.<br />
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Goodreads says here of the novel:<br />
<span id="freeText4861339562746169296"><br /><b><i>"The Dearly Beloved</i>
follows these two couples through decades of love and friendship,
jealousy and understanding, forgiveness and commitment. Against the
backdrop of turbulent changes facing the city and the church’s
congregation, these four forge improbable paths through their evolving
relationships, each struggling with uncertainty, heartbreak, and joy.
It's a poignant meditation on faith and reason, marriage and children,
and the ways we find meaning in our lives."</b></span>
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So far it has introduced the four characters separately, touching on their home lives, as they enter their college years and how they first meet each other.<b> </b><br />
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One character has stood out to me so far, a young man who recently puts his faith in God and attends divinity school. His desire is to help and show the love of God to others, but has no desire to share the gospel story. This is starting out sadly, as we see this in so many pastors and churches today. Sacrificing the gospel, which brings life, in exchange for a feel good church.<br />
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I'm hoping this character grows in his faith and is moved by the power of the gospel, but because this book is not considered christian fiction I'm leery of its direction. <br />
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I'm looking forward to getting more into this one and routing for its characters.<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-32506138189217614482020-03-16T12:47:00.001-07:002020-03-16T12:47:31.084-07:00Thinking on These Times<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm a thinker.<br />
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And my mind reels with thoughts constantly. I can let my thoughts go to places they shouldn't or I can trust in the God who made me. Through these crazy and uncertain times, when the world is fearful of getting sick or getting a loved one sick, I've been thinking.<br />
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Thinking about the Sovereignty of God, which simply means, that He is in control.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><i><b>"The L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span> has established His throne in heaven,<br /> And His kingdom rules over all." Psalm 103:19</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>"For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on
earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or
principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for
Him." Colossians 1:16</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><i><b><span class="nkjv_first-word" id="yui-gen44">"Unless</span> the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span> builds the house,<br /> They labor in vain who build it;<br /> Unless the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span> guards the city,<br /> The watchman stays awake in vain.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><i><b><i id="yui-gen49">It is</i> vain for you to rise up early,<br /> To sit up late,<br /> To eat the bread of sorrows;</b></i> </span><i><b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><i> </i></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><i>For</i> so He gives His beloved sleep." Psalm 127:1-2</span></b></i><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>"And He said to me, “It is done!
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of
the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts." Revelation 21:6</b></i></span><br />
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It's hard to fathom His sovereignty, especially when horrible things happen in this world. But I find it incredible that the more I think on His sovereignty, the more I have peace. I don't understand it, but I trust Him. I trust He has my best interest at heart even through my fears.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><i>"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i><i id="yui-gen36">"It is</i> better to trust in the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span><br /> Than to put confidence in man.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><i id="yui-gen44">It is</i> better to trust in the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span><br /> Than to put confidence in princes." Psalm 118:8-9</b></i></span><br />
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When our thoughts get away from us we can turn to Him. Because thinking on Him and His Word will bring true peace.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><i><b>"Fear not, for I <i>am</i> with you;<br /> Be not dismayed, for I <i>am</i> your God.<br /> I will strengthen you,<br /> Yes, I will help you,<br /> I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>The L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span> <i>is</i> gracious and full of compassion,<br /> Slow to anger and great in mercy.</b></i></span><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">The L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span> <i>is</i> good to all,<br /> And His tender mercies <i id="yui-gen44">are</i> over all His works." Psalm 145:8-9</span> </b></i><br />
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I encourage you to think on these Scriptures as well as any you read. Remember they are promises, and God always keeps His promises, even when we don't see or understand.<br />
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I thought I'd leave you with this song called 'Anchor' by Skillet which I found encouraging...<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-68309349178465652952020-02-11T12:16:00.000-08:002020-02-11T12:16:22.370-08:005 books on my future reading list<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>On Stories and Other Essays on Literature by C.S. Lewis</b><br />
<br />
Lewis is a favorite and I'd like to read all of his books! Here is one I hadn't heard of and now looking forward to. <br />
<br />
Goodreads describes it here: <br />
<br />
<b>"<span id="freeText7217649052824957805">C.S. Lewis is widely
known for his fiction, especially his stories of science fiction and
fantasy, for which he was a pioneering author in an age of realistic
fiction. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText7217649052824957805">In <i>On Stories</i>, he lays out his theories and philosophy
on fiction over the course of nine essays, including “On Stories,” “The
Death of Words,” and “On Three Ways of Writing for Children.” In
addition to these essays, <i>On Stories </i>collects eleven pieces of
Lewis’s writing that were unpublished during his lifetime. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText7217649052824957805">Along with
discussing his own fiction, Lewis reviewed and critiqued works by many
of his famous peers, including George Orwell, Charles Williams, Rider
Haggard, and his good friend J.R.R. Tolkien, providing a wide-ranging
look at what fiction means and how to craft it from one of the masters
of his day."</span></b>
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<b>The Reformation by Stephen J. Nichols</b><br />
<br />
I've started this one and I'm enjoying it so far. Such a rich and messy and wonderful history.<br />
<br />
Ligonier Ministries describes it here: <br />
<br />
<b>'Mention history and some might struggle to stifle a yawn. But when
presented as a narrative it can often be compelling reading. Stephen J.
Nichols takes a key period in time, the Reformation, and presents its
major players in a fresh way. </b><br />
<br />
<b>From Martin Luther, a simple monk who
wielded the mallet, to kings and queens, this book goes behind the
scenes to uncover the human side of these larger-than-life Reformers.
Along the way readers meet Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, Kings
Henry <span class="caps">VIII</span> and Edward <span class="caps">VI</span>, Lady Jane Grey, Anne Bradstreet, and many others. <br /><br />
For those wanting to see history in its context, Nichols also provides a
sampling of primary source materials. It is an engaging read that will
remind readers of the foundational truths that can never be taken for
granted by the church in any age."</b><br />
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<br />
One of my favorite reads of 2019 was called 'Just Mercy' by Bryan Stevenson, who was the lawyer who worked with Anthony Ray Hinton while he was on death row.<br />
<br />
This is Anthony's story.<br />
<br />
Goodreads says of it here: <br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText118750598545327072">"Anthony Ray Hinton was
poor and black when he was convicted of two murders he hadn't committed.
For the next three decades he was trapped in solitary confinement in a
tiny cell on death row.<br /><br />Eventually his case was taken up by the
award-winning lawyer, Bryan Stevenson, who managed to have him
exonerated, though it took 15 years for this to happen. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText118750598545327072">How did Hinton
cope with the mental and emotional torture of his situation, and emerge
full of compassion and forgiveness? This is a story of hope and the
resilience of the human spirit."</span></b><br />
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<b>The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys </b><br />
<br />
Ruta Sepetys writes for Young Adults but her books can be enjoyed by all. She writes about historical events that aren't highlighted in our history books but are important non the less. I've read 2 of her books which were both excellent.<br />
<br />
Goodreads says of this one:<br />
<span id="freeText15487198535396593175"><br /><b>"Madrid, 1957. Under
the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a
dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into
Spain under the welcoming promise of sunshine and wine. </b></span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText15487198535396593175">Among them is
eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of an oil tycoon, who arrives
in Madrid with his parents hoping to connect with the country of his
mother's birth through the lens of his camera. Photography--and
fate--introduce him to Ana, whose family's interweaving obstacles reveal
the lingering grasp of the Spanish Civil War--as well as chilling
definitions of fortune and fear. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText15487198535396593175">Daniel's photographs leave him with
uncomfortable questions amidst shadows of danger. He is backed into a
corner of difficult decisions to protect those he loves. Lives and
hearts collide, revealing an incredibly dark side to the sunny Spanish
city."<br /></span></b><br />
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<b>Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross by Nancy Guthrie</b><br />
<br />
With Easter coming in the next few months I'm looking forward to reading this collection.<br />
<br />
Nancy's web page says here of the book:<br />
<br />
<b>"Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross is a collection of 25 short readings drawn
from the works of classic and contemporary theologians and Bible
teachers that will lead readers into thoughtful contemplation of the
cross. </b><br />
<br />
<b>The short meditations are drawn from a number of sources
including books, other writings, and sermonic materials from: </b><br />
<br />
<b>C. J.
Mahaney, Adrian Rogers, Phillip Ryken, John Owen, Stephen Olford, Skip
Ryan, Martin Luther, John Piper, Tim Keller, Martin Lloyd-Jones, Ligon
Duncan, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, Saint Augustine, J. I.
Packer, John Calvin, Alistair Begg, John MacArthur, Ray Ortlund, Jr.,
Francis Shaeffer, J.C. Ryle, James Boice, R.C. Sproul, R. Kent Hughes,
and Joni Eareckson Tada."</b><br />
<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-46749717256878906322020-01-20T09:29:00.001-08:002020-01-20T09:29:39.643-08:008 Classics I'd Like to Read in 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love reading classics. I love that they not only take you back to a different time and place, but also that they were written in that time and place.<br />
<br />
Most of these authors I've never read before so I'm hoping to discover a new favorite. : )<br />
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Here are the ones I'd love to get to this coming year. Crossing my fingers, as some are very long!<br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"><b>Les Miserables by Victor Hugo</b></span> - I've heard there is so much more to this book than any movie or play adaptation. I'm hoping to listen to it on audio, as well as read a bit from my physical copy. I believe this edition (pictured) is coming out on audio from Audible soon.<br />
<br />
From Goodreads:<br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText9278117728379894888">"Introducing one of the
most famous characters in literature, Jean Valjean—the noble peasant
imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread—Les Misérables ranks among the
greatest novels of all time. In it, Victor Hugo takes readers deep into
the Parisian underworld, immerses them in a battle between good and
evil, and carries them to the barricades during the uprising of 1832
with a breathtaking realism that is unsurpassed in modern prose." </span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"><b>The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy</b> </span>- I don't know very much about this classic, but the description sounds interesting! I'm looking forward to reading from this new to me author.<br />
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From Goodreads: <br />
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<b><span id="freeTextContainer6711002911839588295">"Armed with only his wits
and his cunning, one man recklessly defies the French revolutionaries
and rescues scores of innocent men, women, and children from the deadly
guillotine. His friends and foes know him only as the Scarlet Pimpernel.
But the ruthless French agent Chauvelin is sworn to discover his
identity and to hunt him down."</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"><b>Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell</b></span> - I've really enjoyed the few books I've read by Elizabeth Gaskell, 'Wives and Daughters' being my favorite so far. <br />
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From Goodreads: <br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText13506416086213639183">"This is Elizabeth
Gaskell's first novel, a widely acclaimed work based on the actual
murder, in 1831, of a progressive mill owner. It follows Mary Barton,
daughter of a man implicated in the murder, through her adolescence,
when she suffers the advances of the mill owner, and later through<br />love
and marriage. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText13506416086213639183">Set in Manchester, between 1837-42, it paints a powerful
and moving picture of working-class life in Victorian England."</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"><b>Evelina by Frances Burney</b></span> - This was a novel that influenced Jane Austen to write. That in itself makes me curious to read it. It was written in <span class="st">epistolary form, as a series of letters, which also piques my interest. Excited to read this one.</span><br />
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<span class="st">From Goodreads:</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<b><span id="freeText8657518680243816785"><i>"Evelina</i>, comic
and shrewd, is at once a guide to fashionable London, a satirical attack
on the new consumerism, an investigation of women's position in the
late eighteenth century, and a love story."</span></b><br />
<span class="st"><span class="st"></span></span>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #7f6000;"><b>The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer</b></span> - I remember trying to read this in high school - it was a no go. ; ) Recently, I found it at a used book store and thought I'd give it another try. I read a few pages and I think I'm going to enjoy it this time!<br />
<br />
From Goodreads:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span id="freeText5851451156423905118">"The procession that
crosses Chaucer's pages is as full of life and as richly textured as a
medieval tapestry. The Knight, the Miller, the Friar, the Squire, the
Prioress, the Wife of Bath, and others who make up the cast of
characters -- including Chaucer himself -- are real people, with human
emotions and weaknesses. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText5851451156423905118">When it is remembered that Chaucer wrote in
English at a time when Latin was the standard literary language across
western Europe, the magnitude of his achievement is even more
remarkable. But Chaucer's genius needs no historical introduction; it
bursts forth from every page of <i>The Canterbury Tales."</i></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #7f6000;"><b>Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens</b></span> - I've been wanting to read another Dickens novel and thought this popular one would be a good one to pick up. I don't know to much about this one either other than its about an orphan boy.<br />
<br />
From Goodreads:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span id="freeText8921434396806284037">"The story of Oliver
Twist - orphaned, and set upon by evil and adversity from his first
breath - shocked readers when it was published. After running away from
the workhouse and pompous beadle Mr Bumble, Oliver finds himself lured
into a den of thieves peopled by vivid and memorable characters - the
Artful Dodger, vicious burglar Bill Sikes, his dog Bull's Eye, and
prostitute Nancy, all watched over by cunning master-thief Fagin. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText8921434396806284037">Combining elements of Gothic Romance, the Newgate Novel and popular
melodrama, Dickens created an entirely new kind of fiction, scathing in
its indictment of a cruel society, and pervaded by an unforgettable
sense of threat and mystery."</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"><b>Deerbrook by Harriet Martineau</b></span> - I've heard good things about this novel. Excited to try another new to me author.<br />
<br />
From Goodreads:<br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText1160245812431723283">"When the Ibbotson
sisters, Hester and Margaret, arrive at the village of Deerbrook to stay
with their cousin Mr. Grey and his wife, speculation is rife that one
of them might marry the local apothecary, Edward Hope. Although he is
immediately attracted to Margaret, Hope is ultimately persuaded to marry
the beautiful Hester and becomes trapped in an unhappy marriage. His
troubles are compounded when a malicious village gossip accuses Hope of
grave-robbing, threatening his career. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText1160245812431723283">A powerful exploration of the
nature of ignorance and prejudice, <i>Deerbrook</i> also may be regarded as one of the first Victorian novels of English domestic life." </span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #7f6000;"><b>The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain</b></span> - I cant believe I've never read anything by Mark Twain. I'm looking forward to this one, which sounds like a fun read.<br />
<br />
From Goodreads:<br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeTextContainer10448245313648687602">"A nineteenth-century
boy from a Mississippi River town recounts his adventures as he travels
down the river with a runaway slave, encountering a family involved in a
feud, two scoundrels pretending to be royalty, and Tom Sawyer's aunt
who mistakes him for Tom."</span></b><br />
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Do you enjoy classics? Let me know what your favorites are! Happy reading in 2020!<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-13027411053774835532019-12-30T18:43:00.001-08:002020-01-19T18:06:05.073-08:0010 Great Reads of 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
My goal this year was to read 45 books and I just made it at the end of December, reading 48.<br />
<br />
I have to admit my reading was a little disappointing this past year, but I was able to find 10 books which I really enjoyed and excited to share here. <br />
<br />
I also read a few classics, and though none really stood out to me. I'm glad I read them.<br />
<br />
They were:<br />
<br />
<b>Silas Marner by George Elliot</b> - About a man who is misjudged and how a young baby girl left near his home changes his life. I felt this story was to short and skipped over a great part of his life where he raised the child. But it did include some thought provoking quotes.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Kristin Lavransdatter by <span class="st"> Sigrid Undset</span></b>- I really didn't like this book I'm sad to say. It was filled with Catholic imagery and superstitions from the Middle Ages, which didn't sit right with me. I'm so glad the Bible teaches we are saved by grace alone and not works, least we boast about them! What a blessing to be able to rest in the work Christ did for our salvation.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Heart of Darkness by </b><span class="st"><b>Joseph Conrad</b> -</span> This was about the slave trade and was good, but a bit depressing as it talked of the darkness slavery entails.<br />
.<br />
<b>Ethan Frome by </b><span class="st"><b>Edith Wharton</b> </span>- This was my least favorite classic. Though a clean read it focused on adultery and I never enjoy reading about that.<br />
<br />
<b>The History of England by Jane Austen</b> - This was a short novella written in her youth and was a bit silly, but it was fun to read something by a favorite author from her younger years.<br />
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I'm hoping to read more classics in 2020. Starting with Les Miserables, which I'm sure I will love!<br />
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And now onto my favorites of 2019:<br />
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<br />
<b>Devoted by Tim Challies </b>- This was about 11 godly men and the influence their mothers had on them. <br />
<br />
Here is a link to my thoughts on the book... <b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2019/09/devoted-great-men-and-their-godly-moms.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><br />
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<b>In His Image by Jen Wilkin </b>- Loved this one just as much as her other book, 'None Like Him', which I included on my 2018 favorites list!<br />
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<br />
<b>Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis </b>- This was an interesting read filled with Lewis's thoughts on the book of Psalms.<br />
<br />
Here is a link to my thoughts on the book... <b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2019/11/reflections-on-psalms.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><br />
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<b>True Feelings by Carolyn Mahaney and her daughter, </b><span class="st"><b>Nicole Whitacre</b> - I really enjoyed this one. It teaches how to use our feelings, a gift God has given us, for good and for His glory.</span><br />
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<br />
<b>Church History in Plain Language by Bruce L. Shelley </b>- This one took me awhile to get through but was so good! I learnt a lot about the history of the church.<br />
<br />
Here is a link to my thoughts on the book... <b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2019/11/church-history-in-plain-language.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><br />
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<br />
<b>Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate </b>- This is one of the few fiction reads I really loved this year. It's about a family of children stolen from their home and taken to a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage run by a corrupt woman named Georgia Tann. This was based on true events and was a very sad and emotional read.<br />
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<br />
<b>God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel by Costi W. Hinn</b> - Here Costi shares his experience within his Uncle Benny's ministry. Costi is very matter of fact and kind in his writing of this book, but I felt sad and frustrated with how many people are deceived and hurt by these kinds of ministries like his Uncle Benny Hinn's. Full of greed, false teachings and false hopes for money. <br />
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<br />
<b>Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson </b>- This was a very eye-opening read. Bryan Stevenson is a lawyer who founded the Equal Justice Initiative, which helps those unjustly accused and imprisoned for crimes they didn't commit. Some as young as 13 years old. And many on death row. His compassion and commitment to helping the least of these was inspiring. I recently heard they are making a movie from this book, which I'm excited about.<br />
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<br />
<b>All That's Good by Hannah Anderson</b> - This book addresses the commands of Philippians 4:8...<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><i><br /><b>"Finally, brothers, whatever is <span class="criteria">true</span>, whatever is honorable, whatever is <span class="criteria">just</span>, whatever is <span class="criteria">pure</span>,
whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any
excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these
things." </b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
Here is a link to my thoughts on the book... <b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2019/10/all-thats-good-recovering-lost-art-of.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><br />
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<b>Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey</b> - I still think about the things I read in this book. I listened to it on audio and really need to get a copy of it so I can underline some profound and moving quotes. Her website says here of the book: <b>"Nancy makes a passionate case that Christianity is not just religious truth but truth about total reality. It is total truth."<span style="color: #626262; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #626262; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #626262; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #626262; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #626262; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #626262; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #837253; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #a82e2e;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
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Happy Reading to you all in 2020!<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-10609012050368766242019-12-16T00:04:00.000-08:002019-12-16T00:04:03.000-08:00Christmas: A Gift for Every Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think this is my new favorite Christmas book! I loved it! Charles Stanley has such a kindness that comes through his writing, and this book is no exception. It was so encouraging and uplifted my spirits.<br />
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Sometimes the enemy whispers lies like.. Did God really say that? Does He really love you in your imperfection? Does He really want to share His joy and peace with you? Does He really care? Does He really fully forgive all? Is He even really here?<br />
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This book reminded me that yes, God does love us. He does want to share his joy and peace and commune with us, He does care for us, He really does forgive all, and when we come to Him for salvation, He will never leave us or forsake us.<br />
<br />
Charles Stanley says here:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>"He is with you. He loves you. He listens to the cries of your heart. When you are hurting, He is near to you and cares for you. When you are powerless, He gives you strength. When you are in despair, He brings his promises to mind and reveals the blessings He has planned for you. </b><br />
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<b>And when you feel disrespected, worthless, or inadequate, He reminds you that you are His, that He died for you, that He adores you, that He is your adequacy, and that He will never let you go."</b><br />
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The reason for the Christmas season is to remind us of this, that He came for us, because He loves and cares for us. He came for me and He came for you.<br />
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He is the Great Immanuel, God with us.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i><b>"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i><b><span class="text Matt-1-22" id="en-NKJV-23167">"So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: </span><span class="text Matt-1-23" id="en-NKJV-23168">'<span class="oblique">Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,'</span> which is translated, 'God with us.' Matthew 1:22-23</span></b></i></span><br />
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So put on some Christmas music, grab this book and be encouraged this Christmas season!<br />
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P.S. I found this book at my library! : )<br />
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At the end of each chapter Charles Stanley includes several Scriptures, as well as verses from some beloved Christmas carols.<br />
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Here are some of those Scriptures to encourage you this season:<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /><span style="color: #660000;"><b><b>"Not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke
concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you." Joshua
23:14</b></b></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #660000;"><b><b><b>"May the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every
circumstance. The Lord be with you all!" 2 Thessalonians 3:16</b></b></b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #660000;"><b><b><b><b>"Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting." Psalm 138:8 </b> </b> </b></b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #660000;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #660000;"><b>"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #660000;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #660000;"><b>"Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose the LORD has cleared of guilt." Psalm 32:2</b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #660000;"><b>"I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #660000;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #660000;"><b>"I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. " Romans 8:38-39</b></span></i><br />
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I'll leave you with this beautiful song from Casting Crowns thats a reminder of why Jesus came.<br />
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He came for us:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nT-5cP4BeoI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nT-5cP4BeoI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b> MERRY CHRISTMAS! </b></span><br />
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Buy it <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0718042174?ie=UTF8&tag=thouonbook-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=0718042174" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> on Amazon<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-59171146983117156842019-12-09T09:50:00.006-08:002019-12-09T09:51:51.357-08:00Christmas Book Recommendations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprPH6-biWRvap3i5qksAWF7BM_x6HKnsYQpXvL4u_JS_IliCypoLUPDFusTUPDZs0tv-2M0vX5PzPSyP2b14mSJR_SPCi0ppeW5EFZ3ftSsjFYSeJVQjrkrx6d5Ie48__dAiQiemIrMg/s1600/The-Nativity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="720" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprPH6-biWRvap3i5qksAWF7BM_x6HKnsYQpXvL4u_JS_IliCypoLUPDFusTUPDZs0tv-2M0vX5PzPSyP2b14mSJR_SPCi0ppeW5EFZ3ftSsjFYSeJVQjrkrx6d5Ie48__dAiQiemIrMg/s640/The-Nativity.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Over the last few years I've enjoyed reading books focused on the Christmas story.<br />
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Here are a few I've loved and highly recommend...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0gMIXHZaR49Snd0VVVoL-RnvFJXosLqnhz4bf_aBQx6I4y0GmYLbSzt-4ChfTkg4KDkzvsg0qxeGIe73eLsz941Krtjkd9HolZcnMgivNXba53sqwtEnID5Dyf4sWMbtvynenBALNtE/s1600/christmas-conversations-2013-divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="600" height="26" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0gMIXHZaR49Snd0VVVoL-RnvFJXosLqnhz4bf_aBQx6I4y0GmYLbSzt-4ChfTkg4KDkzvsg0qxeGIe73eLsz941Krtjkd9HolZcnMgivNXba53sqwtEnID5Dyf4sWMbtvynenBALNtE/s320/christmas-conversations-2013-divider.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>C is for Christmas by David W. and Warren W. Wiersbe</b></span><br />
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I reviewed this book in a series of posts in 2012. Here are the links to those posts:<br />
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<b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2012/12/c-is-for-christmas-history.html" target="_blank">C is for Christmas - Part 1</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2012/12/c-is-for-christmas-part-2-bethlehem.html" target="_blank">C is for Christmas - Part 2</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2012/12/c-is-for-christmas-part-3-xmas.html" target="_blank">C is for Christmas - Part 3</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2012/12/c-is-for-christmas-part-4-word.html" target="_blank">C is for Christmas - Part 4</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2012/12/c-is-for-christmas-part-5-king.html" target="_blank">C is for Christmas - Part 5</a> </b><br />
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<b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2012/12/c-is-for-christmas-part-6-peace.html" target="_blank">C is for Christmas - Part 6</a> </b><br />
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<b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2012/12/c-is-for-christmas-part-7-hope.html" target="_blank">C is for Christmas - Part 7</a> </b><br />
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<b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2012/12/c-is-for-christmas-part-8-joy.html" target="_blank">C is for Christmas - Part 8</a> </b><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper</b></span><br />
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John Piper has a way of expressing the joy of the Lord that is rare in
our world today. I always come away from his books with a deeper view of
God and the true joy He freely gives. This book is a daily devotional,
written for advent.<br />
<br />
Here is a link to info and a short video about the book... <b><a href="https://www.desiringgod.org/books/the-dawning-of-indestructible-joy" target="_blank">The Dawning of Indestructible Joy</a></b><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Hidden Christmas by Timothy Keller</b></span><br />
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I was surprised at how much I loved this book. I was reminded of why the Christmas story never gets old.
It's because it's really not a story at all. The birth of Christ was an
historical event that changed my life and the lives of many others. An
event that will affect eternity. <br />
<br />
Born in a manger, the Light in this darkened world.<br />
<br />
Death on a cross, risen from the dead. His love is gracious and sacrificial.<br />
<br />
He is the greatest gift ever given.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Christmas Bells by Jennifer Chiaverini</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGbfr7UCbI3vSBc7oBzxDqOaIOBVbg75uJKHI22pBgPMLpNRMNhGmGaIx_H0utqm7YEiBe4-wuXI2p9njL9iKsuxfL2wccCuzp35t9eoT3QhPbYaUxTHXqS-RqZfYdxjWu-bLXUVwugs/s1600/24611642._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGbfr7UCbI3vSBc7oBzxDqOaIOBVbg75uJKHI22pBgPMLpNRMNhGmGaIx_H0utqm7YEiBe4-wuXI2p9njL9iKsuxfL2wccCuzp35t9eoT3QhPbYaUxTHXqS-RqZfYdxjWu-bLXUVwugs/s400/24611642._SY475_.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
This was a beautiful novel set in two time periods, modern day and during the life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in the 1860's.<br />
<br />
Here is a link to my review which I wrote in 2015... <b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2015/12/christmas-bells.html" target="_blank">Christmas Bells</a></b><br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus by Nancy Guthrie</b></span><br />
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<br />
This was also a great book. It's an<b> 'anthology of Advent readings collected from the writings and sermons
of 22 classic and contemporary theologians and Bible teachers.' </b>(taken from the description).<br />
<br />
Some of the writers include George Whitfield, Randy Alcorn, John Piper,
J.C. Ryle, Charles Spurgeon, Joni Eareckson Tada, Francis Schaeffer and
Saint Augustine. It's edited by Nancy Guthrie.<br />
<br />
<br />
*The title of this book is actually a Christmas hymn I'd never heard of before and was happy to discover such a beautiful new song! I thought I'd share it with you:<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>Note:</b> Painting above: The Nativity by Greg Olsen <br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-19600849275366264352019-12-01T20:56:00.001-08:002019-12-01T20:56:57.172-08:00O Come, All Ye Faithful: Hymns of Adoration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I really enjoyed this lovely book! A book about Christmas hymns/carols. They always bring such beauty and joy to the Christmas season.<br />
<br />
This book includes these 12 beloved Christmas carols<b>:</b><br />
<br />
<b>O Come, All Ye Faithful</b><br />
<b>Once in Royal David's City</b><br />
<b>Angels We Have Heard on High</b><br />
<b>Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus</b><br />
<b>What Child is This?</b><br />
<b>O Come, O Come, Emmanuel</b><br />
<b>O Little Town of Bethlehem</b><br />
<b>Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent</b><br />
<b>Silent Night! Holy Night!</b><br />
<b>Hark! the Herald Angels Sing</b><br />
<b>Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming</b><br />
<b>Angels, from the Realms of Glory </b><br />
<br />
Each chapter is in 3 sections:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13;">At the Heart of the Hymn</span> </b>- A personal reflection on the hymn by either Joni Eareckson Tada, Robert Wolgemuth or Bobbie Wolgemuth<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13;">In the Light of the Word</span> </b>- Biblical bases of the hymn by John MacArthur<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13;">From Out of the Past</span> </b>- a brief history of the writer of the hymn and how the hymn came to be by either Joni Eareckson Tada, Robert Wolgemuth or Bobbie Wolgemuth<br />
<br />
Each section, of each chapter, was only a page or two, which made it an easy and enjoyable read for the Christmas season.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I thought I'd share from the chapter on the Christmas hymn, What Child is This?<br />
<br />
In the first section, at the heart of the hymn, Joni Eareckson Tada, reflects on the Christmas story in the carol, 'What Child is This?'<br />
<br />
She says here: <br />
<br />
<b>"'What child is this?' A child, demurely divine. Wholly Spirit. But also a child made from dust, flesh, bone, and blood. One hundred percent God...one hundred percent man. We are amazed that God the Son would become a man, but equally astounding is that a man or woman can become a son or daughter of God. The Nativity is a holy story, but also <i>human...</i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>..</i>.a young bride goes into labor, a new husband nervously attends, and while music and feasting continue behind the warm walls of the inn, yards away the Son of God quietly slips into history. Human history. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>'What child is this?' He is God, warm and alive, close and sweet as an infant's breath."</b><br />
<br />
That long ago night in Bethlehem, 'T<b>he Son of God quietly slipped into history.' </b><br />
<br />
And He asks of us all, who do you say that I am?<br />
<br />
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<br />
In the second section, in the light of the Word, John MacArthur, reflects on the biblical meaning of this carol.<br />
<br />
He says here: <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>"This traditional English carol asks one of the most important questions ever to confront the human mind.<i> <span style="color: #bf9000;">'What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?' </span></i><span style="color: #bf9000;">(Matthew 22:42)</span>. Who is the baby 'on Mary's lap...sleeping? Who is this One 'whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping'? "</b><br />
<br />
He later talks of the second stanza of the carol, which carries the beauty of the gospel message. It goes like this:<br />
<br />
<b>Why lies He in such mean estate,<br />
Where ox and donkeys are feeding?<br />
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here<br />
The silent Word is pleading.<br />
Nails, spears shall pierce him through,<br />
The cross he bore for me, for you.<br />
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,<br />
The Babe, the Son of Mary.</b> <br />
<br />
He first quotes from the carol here:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>"Why lies he in such mean (lowly) estate, where ox and ass are feeding?"</b><br />
<br />
Then goes on:<br />
<br />
<b>"He had set aside His heavenly glory."</b><br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">'He made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.' Philippians 2:7 </span></b></i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Moreover,</b><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><br /></b></span>
<i><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">'Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death of the cross.'</span> <span style="color: #bf9000;">Philippians 2:8</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<b>"In other words, unlike every other king, He deliberately came in the most abject humility, and with a purpose that at first glance seems unbefitting one of such eternal glory. He became flesh so that 'nails, spear, shall pierce him through.'</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The hymn pictures Him already undertaking His priestly work as He lay in the manger: 'Good Christian, fear; for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.' That accords well with the truth of <span style="color: #bf9000;">Hebrews 7:25:<i> 'Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."</i></span></b><br />
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<br />
Finally, in the third section, Bobbie Wolgemuth tells a bit about the writer, William Chatterton, (1837-1898) who wrote this carol:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>"William was a prolific writer as a young twenty-something man. His hymns, however, were not born from 'gladness.' In his early twenties William became bedridden with a serious illness. Confined to bed, instead of his days being filled with activity and personal contacts, the lad struggled with depression.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>It was this experience that led him to meet God in a deeper way and to pen some of his most artistic poetry. Being himself laid to rest, William knew it was for his own benefit that the 'silent Word' was pleading. This brought hope to William's young heart and gave him renewed delight as he wrote 'Joy, joy, for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary."</b><br />
<br />
Then she shares about the tune to this wonderful carol:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>"The tune adapted to 'What Child is This?' was the traditional 'Greensleeves,' which dates back to the sixteenth century. Although its authorship is sometimes attributed to Henry VII of England, it is probably an ancient Italian dance melody. Traveling bands of entertainers that moved throughout the countryside and various towns used the common melody. Variations of the tune were adapted in several countries all over Europe."</b><br />
<br />
The chapter ends with these words from Bobbie Wolgemuth:<br />
<br />
<b>"The babe was Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, and He was and is incarnate God! May our 'loving hearts enthrone him'!"</b><br />
<br />
Here is the carol in full: <b></b><br />
<br /><b>What child is this, who, laid to rest,<br />
On Mary's lap is sleeping?<br />
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,<br />
While shepherds watch are keeping?<br />
This, this is Christ the King,<br />
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:<br />
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,<br />
The babe, the son of Mary.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Why lies He in such mean estate,<br />
Where ox and donkeys are feeding?<br />
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here<br />
The silent Word is pleading.<br />
Nails, spears shall pierce him through,<br />
the cross he bore for me, for you.<br />
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,<br />
the Babe, the Son of Mary.</b><br />
<br />
<b>So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,<br />
Come, peasant, king, to own him.<br />
The King of kings salvation brings,<br />
Let loving hearts enthrone him.<br />
Raise, raise a song on high,<br />
The virgin sings her lullaby<br />
Joy, joy for Christ is born,<br />
The babe, the Son of Mary. </b><br />
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<br />
I highly recommend this book for Christmas reading! May your Christmas be filled with the love and peace of God, and may His joy fill your hearts.<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
Buy it <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581342519?ie=UTF8&tag=thouonbook-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=1581342519" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> on Amazon<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-65745150628371496592019-11-24T16:20:00.003-08:002019-11-24T16:21:43.551-08:00Some Christmas Reads for 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Reading books about Christmas, during December, has been something I've really been enjoying the past few years.<br />
<br />
Here are few I'm hoping to get to this season.<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Oh Come All Ye Faithful by John MacArthur, Joni Eareckson Tada, Robert & Bonnie Wolgemuth</b></span><br />
<br />
This book in filled with reflections on some wonderful Christmas Carols. Carols such as, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Angel We have Heard on High and Silent Night!, Holy Night!<br />
<br />
I'm excited to read this one, as I love Christmas carols!<br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Christmas - A Gift for Every Heart by Charles Stanley</b></span><br />
<br />
This book shares the Christmas story with these lessons:<br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>True peace and joy are found only in Christ, not in the things of this world; </b></i></li>
<i>
</i>
<li><i><b>Christmas itself is undeniable evidence that God always keeps His promises; </b></i></li>
<i>
</i>
<li><i><b>The Lord God not only lives and reigns, but He is intimately involved in every circumstance of our lives; and </b></i></li>
<i>
</i>
<li><i><b>The perfect gift for us to give Jesus is the gift of our own heart.</b></i></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Family Christmas Treasures: Celebration of Art and Stories by Various</b></span><br />
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This is such a pretty book! It's filled with beautiful art by artists like Norman Rockwell, Eastman Johnson and Thomas Birch, as well as many others. It is also filled with Christmas stories from authors like Betty Smith, Louisa May Alcott and Harriet Beecher Stowe.<br />
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I'm looking forward to reading a few of these this season.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Finding Christ in Christmas by A.W. Tozer</b></span><br />
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This is a short advent devotional compelled of Tozer's writings on why Jesus came. I always enjoy reading Tozer and excited for this December read.<br />
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<b>Note:</b> Painting above: 'Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas' by Norman Rockwell<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-70483141776481630302019-11-18T19:26:00.001-08:002019-11-18T19:26:49.840-08:00Reflections on the Psalms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In this book, C.S. Lewis shares his thoughts and reflections on the book of Psalms. I've always liked, that through his writings or talks, Lewis gets us thinking, and by so, showing us the way to Jesus. This book is no exception. It will get you thinking on some heavy topics.<br />
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For example in chapter four, he talks about death in the Psalms and how<b> </b>it's Jewish poets thought on it and expressed it through their poetry. Lewis reminds us of the nations around Israel (such as Egypt) that were often obsessed with the afterlife and how he felt God didn't want them, or us for that matter, to be as concerned.<br />
<br />
Here is what he says of it:<br />
<br />
<b>"Is it possible for men to be to much concerned with their eternal destiny? In one sense, paradoxical though it sounds, I should reply, Yes.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>For the truth seems to me to be that happiness or misery beyond death, simply in themselves, are not even religious subjects at all. A man who believes in them will of course be prudent to seek the one and avoid the other. but that seems to have no more to do with religion than looking after one's health or saving money for one's old age. </b><br />
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<b>The only difference here is that the stakes are so very much higher. </b><br />
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<b>And this means that, granted a real and steady conviction, the hopes and anxieties aroused are overwhelming. But they are not on that account the more religious. They are hopes for oneself, anxieties for oneself. God is not the center. He is still important only for the sake of something else. Indeed such a belief can exist without a belief in God at all. Buddhists are much concerned with what will happen to them after death, but are not, in a true sense, Theists.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>It is surely, therefore, very possible that when God began to reveal Himself to men, to show them that He and nothing else is their true goal and the satisfaction of their needs, and that He has a claim upon them simply by being what He is, quite apart from anything He can bestow or deny, it may have been absolutely necessary that this revelation should not begin with any hint of future Beatitude or Perdition. </b><br />
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<b>These are not the right points to begin at. An effective belief in them, coming too soon, may even render almost impossible the development of ( so to call it) the appetite for God; personal hopes and fears, too obviously exciting, have got in first. Later, when, after centuries of spiritual training, men have learned to desire and adore God, to pant after Him 'as pants the hart', it is another matter. For then those who love God will desire not only to enjoy Him but 'to enjoy Him forever', and will fear to lose Him." Pgs. 45-47</b><br />
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It's easy to get caught up in the hope of heaven, which is a gift, and end up turning it into an idol. When instead, we should be desiring the gift-giver, God Himself.<br />
<br />
As Christians, we should look to the Lord and rejoice in who He is.<br />
<br />
And desire to enjoy Him forever. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>"Though the fig tree should not blossom,<br />nor fruit be on the vines,<br />the produce of the olive fail<br />and the fields yield no food,<br />the flock be cut off from the fold<br />and there be no herd in the stalls,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>yet I will rejoice in the L<span class="yhwh" id="yui-gen43">ORD</span>;<br />I will take joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:18</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>"It will be said on that day,<br />“Behold, this is our <span class="criteria">God</span>; we have waited for him, that he might save us.<br />This is the LORD; we have waited for him;<br />let us be glad and <span class="criteria" id="yui-gen45">rejoice</span> in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:9</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>"May all who seek you<br /><span class="criteria" id="yui-gen49">rejoice</span> and be glad in you!<br />May those who love your salvation<br />say evermore, “<span class="criteria">God</span> is great!” Psalm 70:4</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 </b></span><br />
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<br />
Buy it <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1941114644?ie=UTF8&tag=thouonbook-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=1941114644" target="_blank">HERE</a> </b>on Amazon<br />
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-53612896143576374112019-11-09T13:08:00.000-08:002019-11-11T21:05:59.795-08:00Church History in Plain Language<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I finally finished reading this book! And it was a good one. It was set up with short chapters with different time periods and stages of the church, which was ideal for reading a chapter here or there.<br />
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Why is church history important? Because it's important to God. Many times in Scripture God uses reminders of times gone by to bring His people back to Him.<br />
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History is important. Especially church history, it helps us learn and discern what has pleased God and what hasn't. Every story told in Scripture is to bring us closer to Him, to see His love for us and to show us who He is.<br />
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History is important because it contains our brothers and sisters in Christ. Those who went before us and stood for truth and justice. They weren't perfect, but our God is and they trusted Him.<br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>The author says here in the prologue, of the importance of church history for the Christian:</b></span><br />
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<b>"Many Christians today suffer from historical amnesia. The time between the apostles and their own day is one giant blank. That is hardly what God had in mind. </b><br />
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<b>The Old Testament is sprinkled with reminders of God's interest in time. </b><br />
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<b>When He established the Passover for the children of Israel, he said, 'Tell your son...it will be like a sign...that the Lord brought us out of Egypt' (Ex. 13:8,16, NIV). And when he provided the manna in the wilderness, he commanded Moses to keep a jar of it 'for the generations to come' (Ex. 16:33, NIV)."</b><br />
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This book is a great start to learning about church history.<br />
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I thought I'd share a few interesting historical church facts here, from this book.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">How the church was called the church:</span></b><br />
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<b>"The disciples called their new movement 'The Way,' emphasizing their belief that Jesus would lead his followers to the kingdom of God. Before long, however, the Jerusalem community came to speak of itself by an Old Testament term used to refer to the assembly of Israel. The Greek equivalent was <i>ekklesia</i> (or <i>church</i> in English) and meant a gathering of people, God's people." Page 18</b><br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>Explaining theology: </b></span><br />
<b></b><br />
<b>"Theology comes from two Greek words: theos, meaning God, and logos, meaning word or rational thought. So theology is rational thought about God. It is not identical with religion. Religion is our belief in God and our effort to live by that belief. Theology is the attempt to give a rational explanation of our belief: it is thinking about religion. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>When we err in our thinking we call it heresy or bad theology. Heresy is not necessarily bad religion, but like all wrong thinking it may lead to bad religion.</b><br />
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<b>Heretics, in fact, served the church in an unintended way. Their pioneering attempts to state the truth forced the church to shape good theology: a rounded, well-organized statement of biblical revelation... Page 50</b><br />
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<b>...But theology, don't forget, is not synonymous with God's revelation and effort to express it clearly in teaching and preaching. Theology is using our own language and our own way of thinking to explain God's truth. and we know that people belonging to different times and cultures simply think and speak in different ways." Page 52</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">On Orthodoxy:</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>"Good theology we call orthodox, a term that always seems to stir emotions. It is that form of Christianity that won the support of the overwhelming majority of Christians and that is expressed by most of the official proclamations or creeds of the church... Page 50</b><br />
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<b>...Much of orthodoxy was articulated because some heresy had arisen that threatened to change the nature of Christianity and to destroy its central faith... Page 51</b><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">About Constantine's conversion, the first Christian leader of Rome: </span></b><br />
<br />
<b>"Some historians have considered Constantine's 'conversion' a purely political maneuver. Plenty of paganism remained. He conspired; he murdered; he even retained his title Pontifex Maximus as head of the state religious cult. </b><br />
<br />
<b>But a purely political conversion is hard to maintain in the light of his public and private actions. From the year 312, he favored Christianity openly. He allowed Christian ministers to enjoy the same exemption from taxes as the pagan priests; he abolished executions by crucifixion; he called a halt to the battles of gladiators as a punishment for crimes; and in 321 he made Sunday a public holiday. Thanks to his generosity, magnificent church buildings arose as evidence of his support of Christianity... Page 100</b><br />
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<b>...This public Christianity was matched by changes in Constantine's private life. Making no secret of his Christian convictions, he had his sons and daughters brought up as Christians and led a Christian family life." Page 101</b><br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>How earthly freedom can bring false converts:</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Whatever
Constantine's motives for adopting the Christian faith, the result was a
decline in Christian commitment. The stalwart believers whom Diocletian
killed were replaced by a mixed multitude of half-converted pagans.
Once Christians had laid down their lives for the truth; now they
slaughtered each other to secure the prizes of the church." Page 127</b><br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>At a time when heresies were abounding about who Jesus was (325-451), some saying he was created, some that he was not fully God, and others saying he wasn't fully human, the church fathers at the time wrote this creed at the forth General Council of Chalcedon. One most Christians believe today:</b></span><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<b><i>"We all with one voice confess our Lord Jesus Christ one and the same Son, at once complete in godhead and complete in manhood, truly God and truly man,...acknowledged in two natures, without confusion, without change, without division, or without separation; the distinction of natures being in no way abolished because of the union, but rather the characteristic property of each nature being preserved, and coming together to form one person."</i> Page 122<i><br /></i></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">The pros and cons of the monastic life of the middle ages:</span></b><b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>"...the Benedictine conception of the Christian life was essentially unnatural. 'To enter a monastery was to separate from the world, to abandon the ordinary relationships of social life,' to shun marriage and all that the Christian home signifies. and supporting the whole endeavor was an erroneous view of man. The soul, said the monk, is chained to the flesh as a prisoner to a corpse. That is not the biblical view of human life, and it created a fundamental flaw in monasticism. </b><br />
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<b>To recognize these errors today, however, is not to say that the faults were apparent to the men of the declining Roman Empire or the Middle Ages. For them, generally, the monastic calling seemed the truest form of the Christian life. Nor should we, in noting the evils of monasticism, underrate in the least the immense service the monks rendered in the spread and development of Christianity and of civilization in a trying period of European history." Page 132</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #76a5af;">On the Roman Church and the pope:</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>"The papacy is a highly controversial subject. No other institution has been so loved and so hated. Some Christians have revered the pope as the 'Vicar of Christ'; others have denounced him as the 'Anti-Christ.' </b><br />
<br />
<b>All sides agree, however, that Leo (*</b><i>the first official pope 440AD</i><b>) represents an important stage in the history of this unique institution. He demonstrates the papacy's capacity to adapt to different environments in its long history: the Roman Empire, the Germanic kingdoms of the Middle Ages, the national states of modern times, and today the developing worlds of Asia and Africa...</b><br />
<br />
<b>...According to the official teaching of the Roman Catholic church, defined at the First Vatican Council (1870), Jesus Christ established the papacy with the apostle Peter, and the bishop of Rome as Peter's successor bears the supreme authority (primacy) over the whole church, Both Eastern Orthodox churches and Protestant denominations deny both of these claims... </b><br />
<br />
<b>...Our primary concern, however, is neither the vindication nor the refutation of the Roman Catholic claims. It is a survey of Christian history. Whatever the absolute claims of church authorities, history indicates that the concept of papal rule of the whole church was established by slow and painful stages. Leo is a major figure in that process because he provides for the first time the biblical and theological bases of the papal claim. That is why it is misleading to speak of the papacy before his time." Page 142</b><br />
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<b> <span style="color: #76a5af;">On the Orthodox Church in Russia:</span></b>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>"Over the years Russia made the aesthetic glories of Orthodox Christianity her own. Gradually Moscow came to see herself as the leader of the Orthodox world. A theory developed that there had been one Rome, in Italy, that had fallen to the barbarians and to the Roman Catholic heresy. There had been a second Rome: Constantinople. And when that fell to the Turks, there was a third Rome: Moscow. The emperor took his title from the first Rome - Tzar is the same word as Caesar - just as he had taken his religion from the second." Page 160</b><br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>Martin Luther in 1517 shook the religious world by protesting against the evils within the Catholic Church and proclaiming, by Scripture, that man was saved by faith alone:</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>"Luther saw it clearly now. Man is saved only by his faith in the merit of Christ's sacrifice. The cross alone can remove man's sin and save him for the grasp of the devil. Luther had come to his famous doctrine of justification by faith alone...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>...The implications of Luther's discovery were enormous. If salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, the intercession of priests is superfluous. faith formed and nurtured by the Word of God, written and preached, requires no monks, no masses, and no prayers to the saints. The mediation of the Church of Rome crumbles into insignificance." Page 249-250</b><br />
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<b><i>"Good works do not make a man good, but a good man does good works." Martin Luther </i></b><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>On Protestantism:</b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What is Protestantism? The description from Ernst Troeltsch has served as a standard. In the early twentieth century he called Protestantism a 'modification of Catholicism' in which Catholic problems remain but different solutions are given. The four questions that Protestantism answered in a new way are, </b><br />
<br />
<b>(1) How is a person saved? </b><br />
<b>(2) Where does religious authority lie? </b><br />
<b>(3) What is the church? and </b><br />
<b>(4) what is the essence of Christian living?... Page 248</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>...Luther took four basic Catholic concerns and offered invigorating new answers. </b><br />
<br />
<b>To the question, how is a person saved? Luther replied, 'not by works but by faith alone.' </b><br />
<br />
<b>To the question, where does religious authority lie? he answered, 'not in the visible institution called the Roman church but in the Word of God found in the Bible.' </b><br />
<br />
<b>To the question, what is the church? he responded, ' the whole community of Christian believers, since all are priests before God.' </b><br />
<br />
<b>And to the question, what is the essence of christian living? he replied, ' serving God in any useful calling, whether ordained or lay.' </b><br />
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<b>To this day any classical description of Protestantism must echo those central truths." Page 257</b><br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>On Denominations:</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>"Denominationalism, as originally designed, is the opposite of sectarianism. A sect claims the authority of Christ for itself alone. It believes that it is the true body of Christ; all truth belongs to it and to no other religion. So by definition a sect is exclusive.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The word <i>denomination</i> by contrast was an inclusive term. It implied that the Christian group called or <i>denominated</i> by a particular name was but one member of a larger group, the church, to which all denominations belong.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The denominational theory of the church, then, insists that the true church cannot be identified with any single ecclesiastical structure. No denomination claims to represent the whole church of Christ. Each simply constitutes a different form, in worship and organization, of the larger life of the church.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The Reformers had planted the seeds of the denominational theory of the church when they insisted that the true church can never be identified in any exclusive sense with a particular institution. The true succession is not of bishops but of believers." Pages 318-319</b><br />
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<br />
<br />
These quotes are barely the beginning of the information about the Church found in this book, but I'd be typing for days if I added everything I'd like to share!<br />
<br />
I highly recommend this book! I'll leave you with this final quote from the author:<br />
<br />
<b>"Its </b>(<i>*the church's</i>)<b> </b><b><b>confidence </b>is in a person. And no other person in recorded history has influenced more people in as many conditions over so long a time as Jesus Christ...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>...Truly, he is a man for all time. In a day when many regard him as irrelevant, a relic of a quickly discarded past, church history provides a quiet testimony that Jesus Christ will not disappear from the scene. His title may change, but his truth endures for all generations." Page 521</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Note: </b>*<i>added my me. </i><br />
<br />
<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Buy it<b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401676316?ie=UTF8&tag=thouonbook-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=1401676316" target="_blank">HERE</a> </b>on Amazon<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-82714302609510855882019-10-28T11:21:00.001-07:002019-10-28T11:22:17.538-07:005 books on my future reading list<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGyBTIW2FsX1IyEvSsM_mMHRO9PFQ6URWdl-AaA7ywZUS0gKjAOmALfcBJawFWxmUiHcj-M44HOdNyraA7IMZUVYDsQEiu9qaTxwt-D8RqrzVSApovDXbMDjvaBVvX-vhguf-f__hhb8/s1600/44908411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGyBTIW2FsX1IyEvSsM_mMHRO9PFQ6URWdl-AaA7ywZUS0gKjAOmALfcBJawFWxmUiHcj-M44HOdNyraA7IMZUVYDsQEiu9qaTxwt-D8RqrzVSApovDXbMDjvaBVvX-vhguf-f__hhb8/s400/44908411.jpg" width="265" /></a><b>Before and After by Judy Christie and Lisa Wingate</b><br />
<br />
I recently read Lisa Wingate's novel, 'Before We Were Yours' which was based on the real-life scandal where children were being kidnapped and than sold through adoption by <span id="freeText14562163219543651531">Georgia Tann, </span><span id="freeText14562163219543651531"><span id="freeText14562163219543651531">the director of a Memphis-based adoption organization. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText14562163219543651531"><span id="freeText14562163219543651531">This book contains true stories from those who suffered by the hands</span></span><span id="freeText14562163219543651531"><span id="freeText14562163219543651531"><span id="freeText14562163219543651531"> of Georgia Tann</span> and the Tennessee Children's Home Society.</span></span><br />
<span id="freeText14562163219543651531"><span id="freeText14562163219543651531"><br /></span></span>
<span id="freeText14562163219543651531"><span id="freeText14562163219543651531">Goodreads says here:</span></span><br />
<b><span id="freeText14562163219543651531"><span id="freeText14562163219543651531"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span id="freeText10718060014046931334">"From the 1920s to 1950,
Georgia Tann ran a black-market baby business at the Tennessee
Children's Home Society in Memphis. She offered up more than 5,000
orphans tailored to the wish lists of eager parents--hiding the fact
that many weren't orphans at all, but stolen sons and daughters of poor
families, desperate single mothers, and women told in maternity wards
that their babies had died.<br /><br />The publication of Lisa Wingate's novel <i>Before We Were Yours</i>
brought new awareness of Tann's lucrative career in child trafficking.
Adoptees who knew little about their pasts gained insight into the
startling facts behind their family histories. Encouraged by their
contact with Wingate and award-winning journalist Judy Christie, who
documented the stories of fifteen adoptees in this book, many determined
Tann survivors set out to trace their roots and find their birth
families.<br /><br /><i>Before and After</i> includes moving and sometimes
shocking accounts of the ways in which adoptees were separated from
their first families. Often raised as only children, many have joyfully
reunited with siblings in the final decades of their lives. Christie and
Wingate tell of first meetings that are all the sweeter and more
intense for time missed and of families from very different social
backgrounds reaching out to embrace better-late-than-never brothers,
sisters, and cousins. In a poignant culmination of art meeting life,
many of the long-silent victims of the tragically corrupt system return
to Memphis with the authors to reclaim their stories at a Tennessee
Children's Home Society reunion . . . with extraordinary results."</span></b><br />
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<b>Know How We Got Our Bible by Ryan M. Reeves and Charles Hill </b><br />
<br />
I just started this one and enjoying it quite a bit. I'm looking forward to reading more about how the Bible came to be.<br />
<br />
It is a fairly short read and looks great for those who are wanting to learn about the history of the Bible.<br />
<br />
The back cover say here:<br />
<br />
<b>"In <i>Know How We Got Our Bible</i>...scholars Ryan Reeves and Charles Hill trace the history of the Bible from its beginnings to the present day, highlighting key developments and demonstrating the reliability of Scripture.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Reeves and Hill begin with the writing and canonization of the Bible's books before moving into the copying, translation, and publication of the Bible, concluding with a look at the ongoing work of Bible translation around the world. </b><br />
<br />
<b>Including reflection questions and recommended readings for further learning, <i>Know How We Got Our Bible</i> is an excellent introduction for formal students and lay learners alike."</b><br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuP9fUhnFT2SDQ_v3JWxwEnE2CHplmKWzn_YyYmj2bIsrlinsGC5SXRxHIPpuVbBuBsQI1RURiIYloVrxuIbU1GCfsMKHuOq9_8wyztkLhBy7g7qOHb0puTl2zmEw-tTfkqHXx7yDbpM/s1600/51KG7puFoCL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuP9fUhnFT2SDQ_v3JWxwEnE2CHplmKWzn_YyYmj2bIsrlinsGC5SXRxHIPpuVbBuBsQI1RURiIYloVrxuIbU1GCfsMKHuOq9_8wyztkLhBy7g7qOHb0puTl2zmEw-tTfkqHXx7yDbpM/s400/51KG7puFoCL.jpg" width="258" /></a><b>Even Better Than Eden by Nancy Guthrie</b><br />
<br />
Last year I read an advent book that Nancy Guthrie had compiled from Christian writers called, 'Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.' Which was really good, but I've never read anything by Nancy, herself. This one looks interesting!<br />
<br />
Goodreads says here:<br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText16137520004912024819">"Most people--Christians
and non-Christians alike--are familiar with the garden of Eden, the
perfect paradise that God created for the first man and woman. However,
many don't realize the Bible teaches that God is preparing an even
better world for his people in the future new creation. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText16137520004912024819">In this book,
experienced Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie traces 9 themes--the tree of
life, garden and wilderness, the image of God, clothing, Sabbath rest,
marriage, the seed of the Serpent, the temple, and the city of
Jerusalem--throughout the Bible, revealing how God's plan for the new
heaven and the new earth is far better than anything we can possibly
imagine." </span></b><br />
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<b>The Pioneers by David McCullough</b><br />
<br />
I really enjoy reading David McCullough's books! He makes history come alive with his writing and you don't feel like you are reading a history book. This one sounds so interesting! I'm looking forward to reading it. <br />
<br />
Amazon describes it here:<br />
<br />
<i><b>"Pulitzer Prize–winning historian David McCullough rediscovers an
important and dramatic chapter in the American story—the settling of the
Northwest Territory by dauntless pioneers who overcame incredible
hardships to build a community based on ideals that would come to define
our country.</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>As part of the Treaty of Paris, in which Great
Britain recognized the new United States of America, Britain ceded the
land that comprised the immense Northwest Territory, a wilderness empire
northwest of the Ohio River containing the future states of Ohio,
Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. </b><br />
<br />
<b>A Massachusetts minister
named Manasseh Cutler was instrumental in opening this vast territory to
veterans of the Revolutionary War and their families for settlement.
Included in the Northwest Ordinance were three remarkable conditions:
freedom of religion, free universal education, and most importantly, the
prohibition of slavery. In 1788 the first band of pioneers set out from
New England for the Northwest Territory under the leadership of
Revolutionary War veteran General Rufus Putnam. They settled in what is
now Marietta on the banks of the Ohio River.<br /> <br />McCullough tells
the story through five major characters: Cutler and Putnam; Cutler’s son
Ephraim; and two other men, one a carpenter turned architect, and the
other a physician who became a prominent pioneer in American science.
They and their families created a town in a primeval wilderness, while
coping with such frontier realities as floods, fires, wolves and bears,
no roads or bridges, no guarantees of any sort, all the while
negotiating a contentious and sometimes hostile relationship with the
native people. Like so many of McCullough’s subjects, they let no
obstacle deter or defeat them.<br /> <br />Drawn in great part from a rare and all-but-unknown collection of diaries and letters by the key figures, <i>The Pioneers</i>
is a uniquely American story of people whose ambition and courage led
them to remarkable accomplishments. This is a revelatory and
quintessentially American story, written with David McCullough’s
signature narrative energy."</b><br />
<br />
<br />
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<b>Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon by Ray Rhodes Jr.</b><br />
<br />
Charles Spurgeon is one of my favorite preacher authors to read. He fought the good fight, and through many difficulties he keep his faith in God.<br />
<br />
This book is about his wife Susannah. I don't know much about her, so I'm really looking forward to reading this one.<br />
<br />
Goodreads says here:<br />
<span id="freeText14350059569983266964"><br /><b>"While many
Christians recognize the name of Charles H. Spurgeon, the beloved
preacher and writer, few are familiar with the life and legacy of his
wife, Susie. Yet Susannah Spurgeon was an accomplished and devout woman
of God who had a tremendous ministry in her own right, as well as in
support of her husband. </b></span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText14350059569983266964"><b>Even while dealing with serious health issues,
she administered a book fund for poor pastors, edited and published her
husband’s sermons and other writings, led a pastor’s aid ministry, wrote
five books, made her home a hub of hospitality, and was instrumental in
planting a church. And as her own writing attests, she was also a warm,
charming, and fascinating woman.<br /><br />Now, for the first time, <i>Susie </i>brings
this vibrant woman’s story to modern readers. Ray Rhodes Jr. examines
Susannah’s life, showing that she was not only the wife of London’s most
famous preacher, but also a woman who gave all she had in grateful
service to the Lord.<br /><br /><i>Susie </i>is an inspiring and encouraging
account of a truly remarkable woman of faith that will delight Spurgeon
devotees and fans of Christian biographies alike."</b></span><b> </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-55336523987029751132019-10-20T16:40:00.001-07:002019-10-20T23:39:10.301-07:00A Few Thoughts on the Book of Matthew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My Bible's introduction to the book of Matthew says here:<br />
<br />
<b>"Matthew is the gospel written by a Jew to Jews about a Jew. Matthew is the writer, his countrymen are the readers, and Jesus Christ is the subject. Matthew's design is to present Jesus as the King of the Jews, the long-awaited Messiah. Through a carefully selected series of Old Testament quotations, Matthew documents Jesus Christ's claim to be the Messiah. His genealogy, baptism, messages, and miracles all point to the same inescapable conclusion: Christ is King. Even in His death, seeming defeat is turned to victory by the Resurrection, and the message again echoes forth: the King of the Jews lives."</b><br />
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In the gospels, the words of Jesus always pierce my soul. His life, here on earth, moves me every time. When I get to his betrayal, beatings and crucifixion, I am always overwhelmed by His love, even though I've read and heard it hundreds of times before.<br />
<b> </b><br />
As the introduction states, Matthew focuses on Jesus as King. This leads me to a few things that happen to Peter in this book that point us to this.<br />
<br />
In chapter 14 verse 25 Jesus is walking on water towards a boat the disciples are in. They are troubled when they see Him, but then Jesus says: <span style="color: #990000;"><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>'Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.'</b></span><br />
<br />
Peter than questions Jesus and says; <span style="color: #e69138;"><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><b>'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' </b></span><br />
<br />
Jesus calls:<span style="color: #990000;"> <b>'Come'</b> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span>Peter than gets out of the boat and starts walking on the water towards Jesus.<br />
<br />
But when he takes his eyes off of Jesus, and looks around at the sea and wind, he is afraid and begins to sink. Calling out,<b> <span style="color: #e69138;">'Lord, save me!'</span></b><br />
<br />
Jesus stretches out His hand and catches him, but also reprehends him saying, <span style="color: #990000;"><b>'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'</b></span><br />
<br />
This story shows us our need for the Lord in all things, that we are weak, but He is strong. Peter's faith was weak because it was based on faith in himself as a 'good' follower of Jesus.<br />
<br />
But Jesus is teaching Him to put his faith in Him alone. To look at Him and nothing else.<br />
<br />
Later during the last supper, Jesus tells the disciples in chapter 26 verse 31-35: <b> </b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>'All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>'I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' (Zech. 13:7)'</b></span><br />
<br />
Peter, in his stubborn faith in his own feelings and thoughts, says:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><b>'Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.' </b></span><br />
<br />
Jesus answered him:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>'Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.'</b></span><br />
<br />
Again Peter is defiant and says:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><b>'Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!' </b></span><br />
<br />
Peter isn't listening. Instead, he is arguing with the King of Kings! <br />
<br />
We know that, that night Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. <br />
<br />
This is what we do when we don't have our faith totally in Him and instead insist on believing our own feelings and thoughts and so putting our faith in ourselves.<br />
<br />
This is not being a true follower of Christ.<br />
<br />
Jesus asks us to have faith in Him alone.<br />
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Jesus loved Peter.<br />
<br />
He was patient with him and kind. Jesus knew Peter was open to learning and growing in Him. He knew Peter would come to a place of surrender and a strong faith in Him alone.<br />
<br />
Jesus is the same with us. If we humble ourselves before Him he is just in forgiving us our sins, patient in our growth and kind with our mistakes.<br />
<br />
But He is adamant that our faith is in Him alone. Why? Because He is King. The King who loves us.<br />
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I'll leave you with this beautiful quote from Charles Spurgeon:<br />
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<b>"My hope lives not because I am not a sinner, but because I am a sinner
for whom Christ died; my trust is not that I am holy, but that being
unholy, HE is my righteousness. My faith rests not upon what I am or
shall be or feel or know, but in what Christ is, in what He has done,
and in what He is now doing for me. Hallelujah!"</b><br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8642167378367548721.post-78020946750530012072019-10-14T18:28:00.001-07:002019-10-14T18:28:20.052-07:00The Psalms - Part Three<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I thought I'd share a few more Psalms here today. It's been awhile since I have. I always need these reminders of wisdom and guidance. <br />
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You can read my other two posts <b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-psalms.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> and <b><a href="https://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-psalms-part-two.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><br />
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I'm reminded to trust in the Lord:<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><i><span class="nkjv_first-word" id="yui-gen33">"In</span> You, O L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span>, I put my trust;<br /> Let me never be ashamed;<br /> Deliver me in Your righteousness." Psalm 31:1</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i><span class="criteria" id="yui-gen32">"Trust</span> <span class="criteria" id="yui-gen31">in</span> <span class="criteria">the</span> LORD, and do good;<br /> Dwell <span class="criteria" id="yui-gen29">in</span> <span class="criteria" id="yui-gen30">the</span> land, and feed on His faithfulness." Psalm 37:3</i></b></span><br />
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I'm reminded to be humble before Him:<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #bf9000;">"L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span>, You have heard the desire of the humble;<br /> You will prepare their heart;<br /> You will cause Your ear to hear." Psalm 10:17</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i>"The L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span> takes pleasure in His people;<br /> He will beautify the humble with salvation." Psalm 149:4</i></b></span><br />
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I'm reminded that joy and salvation come from the Lord:<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><i>"A Psalm of David.</i></b></span> <span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><i><span class="nkjv_first-word" id="yui-gen34">The</span> king shall have joy in Your strength, O L<span class="yhwh" id="yui-gen35">ORD</span>;<br /> And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!" Psalm 21:1</i></b></span><br />
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I'm reminded to be thankful to Him:<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i>"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,</i></b></span> <span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i id="yui-gen39">And</i><i> into His courts with praise.<br /> Be thankful to Him, <i id="yui-gen38">and</i> bless His name.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i>For the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span> is good;<br /> His mercy is everlasting,<br /> And His truth <i id="yui-gen47">endures</i> to all generations." Psalm 100:4-5</i></b></span><br />
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I'm reminded to ask the Lord for help in watching what I say:<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><i><b>"Set a guard, O L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span>, over my mouth;<br /> Keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3<br /><i></i></b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><i><b> </b></i></span> <br />
I'm reminded it is good to praise Him:<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><i><span class="nkjv_first-word" id="yui-gen32">"Not</span> unto us, O L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span>, not unto us,<br /> But to Your name give glory,<br /> Because of Your mercy,<br /> Because of Your truth." Psalm 115:1</i></b></span><br />
<b><i> </i></b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><i><span class="nkjv_first-word" id="yui-gen36"> </span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><i><span class="nkjv_first-word" id="yui-gen36">"Praise</span> the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span>!</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><i>Praise the L<span class="yhwh" id="yui-gen35">ORD</span>, O my soul!</i></b></span><br />
<div class="scriptureText" id="yui-gen33">
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b><i>While I live I will praise the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span>;<br /> I will sing praises to my God while I have my being." Psalm 146:1-2</i></b></span></div>
<div class="scriptureText" id="yui-gen33">
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<div class="scriptureText" id="yui-gen33">
<b><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span class="nkjv_first-word" id="yui-gen36">"Praise</span> the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span>!<br /> For it is good to sing praises to our God;<br /> For <i id="yui-gen35">it is</i> pleasant, <i id="yui-gen34">and</i> praise is beautiful." Psalm 147:1</i></span> </b></div>
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105571098810204461noreply@blogger.com12