Thursday, February 27, 2014

Beyond Justice - Joshua Graham

Every once in a while there is a book that strikes me as simply phenomenal. Well, Beyond Justice is one of those books and I just have to share it. I have no ties to this author, but this book truly spoke to me, enough that I want to spread the word! If you're looking for a really good book, check this one out!

There are just so many books out there to choose from that I wanted to make sure to shine my little light on this one. It's just a fantastic story!

Summary:

THE DESCENT INTO HELL IS NOT ALWAYS VERTICAL... Sam Hudson, a reputable San Diego attorney, learns this when the authorities wrongfully convict him of the brutal rape and murder of his wife and daughter, and sends him to death row. There he awaits execution by lethal injection. If he survives that long. In prison, Sam fights for his life while his attorney works frantically on his appeal. It is then that he embraces the faith of his departed wife and begins to manifest supernatural abilities. Abilities which help him save lives- his own, those of his unlikely allies-and uncover the true killer's identity, unlocking the door to his exoneration. Now a free man, Sam's newfound faith confronts him with the most insurmountable challenge yet. A challenge beyond vengeance, beyond rage, beyond anything Sam believes himself capable of: to forgive the very man who murdered his family, according to his faith. But this endeavor reveals darker secrets than either Sam or the killer could ever have imagined. Secrets that hurtle them into a fateful collision course. BEYOND JUSTICE, a tale of loss, redemption, and the power of faith.


Review:

What a great job the author does of not giving anything away! Phenomenal story build up to his trial, and the Christian message is not overwhelming, more an undercurrent that develops with everything he's going through. Truly a great story!!!

Sunday, February 16, 2014

A Word from God

Happy Sunday! Have you read your bible today? or this week? or this month? or this year?

Many people think that their time spent in church is enough time spent in the Bible, but it's not! The Bible is personal. I know it's hard to understand (not the Bible, but the concept), but even from my own reading I know that each time I read, I get something different out of THE SAME SCRIPTURES I've read over and over again. It's as if He highlights what I need on whatever day I'm there.

His Word is our map, our "how to" instructions, our lifetime lessons to be learned (with examples provided). Life is a journey - and I never go on a journey without directions! So why wouldn't I open His roadmap?

You know, our God is the perfect parent, loving us so much He wants to help us succeed in every way He can. Yet loving us enough to discipline us when we do wrong. But how many of us want to close our eyes to His direction when we know we're doing something He wouldn't want us to. I know I'm guilty. The difference is that unlike our earthly parents, He can see everything we do...and think...and feel. There's nowhere to hide, and no way to deny anything.

Sometimes it's hard. His word is a mirror that doesn't see what's on the outside all clean and proper, but it reflects what's on the inside, in our hearts and minds. This is definitely one mirror we all need to look into. And although we may not like what we see, we will always know it is true.

Have you ever had something in your eye and you need to look in a mirror so you can get it out? Well, that's what the Bible is like. It shows the things we really should eliminate, things that are hurting us, or making us sick. So take a look into that mirror today. You might be surprised by what you see!

James 1:22-25 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Write Right!: Delia Latham: Writing the Line

Just wanted to share a great post from a wonderful Christian author/friend. She definitely knows what it takes to write good inspirational romance! So if you're looking for a good Christian romance to read I would wholeheartedly recommend any of hers! Check them out!  Delia's books.

And if you're wondering what it takes to write inspirationals, or you need some guidance, here's a little help from Delia herself:

Write Right!: Delia Latham: Writing the Line: What makes Christian romance "Christian"?


Delia Latham is a born-and-bred California gal, currently living in the small mountain town of Tehachapi with her husband Johnny. She’s a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend—but above all, she treasures her role as princess daughter to the King of Kings.

A former newspaper Staff Writer and frequent contributor to her hometown’s regional publication, Bakersfield Magazine, she has also freelanced projects to a public relations firm and various magazines; has compiled, edited, and designed cover art for various Kindness
Incorporated projects; and sold greeting card verse. Find out more about this author on her website, blog, Facebook Author Page, or Twitter. She also shares a blog with the Heart’s Haven writing team. She loves hearing from her readers, so drop in and say hello—you’ll make her day!

Friday, February 7, 2014

It Is Well

In all the noise and busy-ness of our everyday lives, it’s no wonder that people have no time for God. No time to find Him, no time to reach out for Him, no time to feel His peace or joy.
But God is there…waiting. God is good. God knows more about what’s going on in our lives than we know ourselves. You see, He knows not only today and yesterday, but He knows tomorrow, too. He’s ready for your heartache when you need to lean on Him. He’s ready to share the joy you feel when you’ve tried so hard and you finally succeed. And most of all, He’s ready for you to turn to Him and say, “Forgive me, Father. I am so sorry for…not being what You want me to be.” You see, it’s not really about the sins, whatever they may be. He can forgive ANYTHING. He knows what we are, who we are. He knows the depths we can sink to, and the highs He can bring us to.
He’s the God that makes the impossible possible.  
You see, it’s not about church, or religion, or not being as bad as the next person. It’s all about accepting the gift He’s holding out to us.
Eternity! Can you imagine forever? Neither can I! But that’s a long time to live without joy, without love, without peace. He is THE WAY.
Don’t for a minute think it was just nails holding Him to that cross! He was waiting for you. He hung on that cross, holding out His arms for you! He's not hanging there anymore, but His arms are still open wide, waiting. He will only wait so long until the last one is called. Will you answer while you still can? 

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Yes, it is well with my soul, how about yours?