Seasons of Opportunities

Melissa Ohden is fourteen  when she learns she is the survivor of a botched abortion. In this intimate memoir she details for the first time her search for her biological parents, and her own journey from anger and shame to faith and empowerment. After a decade-long search Melissa finally locates her birth father and writes to extend forgiveness, only to learn soon thereafter that he has died―without answering her burning questions. Then her birth mother’s parents say they are unable to pass along Melissa’s letter. Years later, when she finally hears from the woman who carried her and gave her life, she finds out why. But the shocking truth is more than she can bear. Yet even the most startling family secrets  are eclipsed by the triumphant moment when Melissa becomes a mother herself in the very hospital where she was aborted. And she reveals how―through the miscarriage of her only son, the birth of a second daughter

Ok... so this is my new favorite song!! I love the lyrics to this one. I don't think I had ever heard it before, but I happened across this a few days ago, and I just keep playing it over and over. Due to some recent circumstances, I guess this song just really stood out to me. 

This new devotional from Dr. Tony Evans and his son Jonathan Evans will provide both single and married parents with a resource tool to maximize those family devotional times, such as the dinner hour or bedtime.  The family virtues–based devotional provides 52 separate topics, one for each week of the year, and five devotionals within each topic that will guide devotional times Monday through Friday. This is a wonderful way to build a spiritually strong family week by week, day after day―a perfect way to head into the weekend. Topics range from the basics of the faith―such as salvation, spiritual warfare, prayer, forgiveness, and discipleship―to essentials of living as followers of Christ: money, prayer, family, friends, and priorities.  The subject matter is simplified so even young children can grasp important concepts. This is a perfect resource for busy families.

A homele ss author, a heartbroken daughter, and a theater ghost. There's trouble in Chapel Springs.   There's always someone new in Chapel Springs someone who is either coming home or stirring up trouble.  A best-selling author's latest book is a flop. While the reviewers are happily skewering her, her race car-driver-husband walks out on her and she's evicted, because he hasn't paid the lease on their condo for the last three months. Then she discovers he also he drained their bank accounts. Homeless and broke, she and her little boy have no choice but to retreat to the house she inherited from her Nana in Chapel Springs the house that's been gutted. Then, a stranger knocks on her door. One that will change the course of her life. 

It certainly seems like these Monday posts are ending up on various random days except Mondays :-)  Confidence   my word for the year God is really working in my life this year and I am confident this is my word! Confidence, for me, means trusting God on a whole new level. Allowing Him to work through me and do for me what I cannot do.  (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Phil 4:13 ) Wish I could have gotten closer to this blue jay. There were three or four of them out one morning just squawking and carrying on. It was so much fun to watch them and be reminded that even more than God cares for them... He cares for me.

Bibleman is at it again! In this cool flip book, you actually get two-for-one. How awesome is that. One of the stories, Dr. Fear's Almost Perfect Disastrous Day ,  is about Dr. Fear, who is busy spreading the seed of fear all over summer camp. Kids are becoming afraid of all sorts of things, and so is the camp staff. Bibleman, while out for a boat ride, senses the enemy and stops by the camp. He helps them overcome their fear by using Gods Word. I did find it a little interesting, that right after helping the camp crew conquer fear, Bibleman and his crew just about succumb to it themselves, when Dr. Fear plants a seed on their boat. I guess every super hero has his moments of weakness.

... on Tuesday It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man.  Psalm 118:8 My week of fasting and praying was a roller-coaster of ups and downs, but overall, I feel as though it was beneficial. The Lord encouraged my heart, blessed me, and also convicted me of some areas in my life that need work. I got a temporary "new" job and found something I lost ten months ago. But most of all, my heart is thankful that I have such an awesome personal God, who cares about everything no matter how big or small that is happening in my life; who uses all things for good to stretch me, grow me, and draw me closer to Him. I am still working on getting in the groove of taking a day of rest. After years of using Sundays as a catch up day, it isn't easy to change pace. This week, I prepared as much of my meal as possible on Saturday. I did have to do some cooking on Sunday but I was finished with cooking and dishes by 2 even after not getting home from church til ...