Praise the Provider {Day 22}

Unexpected Christmas blessings.  Last-minute mission trip funds. Rent. Groceries. School loans paid. Fees waived. Hospital bills covered. Perfect apartment just on time. And the list goes on.... I've been in some pretty tight spots, and never cease to be amazed at the ways God has provided for me, now us.  And yet, I can still slip into fear when it appears like something might be lacking.  More often now, it's not as much that there are huge material needs, but my heart is still learning contentment (Phillipians 4:11-12).

Can you sing 'Blessed be Your Name' regardless of your circumstances?  I often sing it through tears, but sing with with me, brothers and sisters!  God doesn't ask for perfect hearts, but He does ask us to come, to praise, to confess our weakness.  He will provide all the rest (and more)!

Philippians 4:19: "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Praise His unchanging character {Day 5}

Dear friends,

There are few things that are more comforting to me than the fact that God does not change.  Hebrews 13:8 tells us that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Psalm 46:1 and 7 remind us that He is our 'refuge and strength', our stronghold.  Contrary to many things in this world, including our own fluctuating circumstances, desires, emotions, and choices, God can be trusted to never waver.  Praise Him today for the blessing and the stability this provides us with....

Matt Redman- 10,000 Reasons/ Bless the Lord Oh my Soul Video

You are loved, cared for, and cherished by an unchanging God!

Take a look at this post to see the whole Power of Praise series....

I've been avoiding you...

I'm sitting on my lovely back patio, enjoying the sunny but not-too-hot afternoon here down south.  Yes, I live in Florida, and it's okay for you to be jealous.  :)  I have no idea how long we'll be here, but we're enjoying it while we can.  I digress....I was struck by this article and knew I'd been avoiding you, my blog friends and readers.  To be frank, it is hard to be honest, to share vulnerably, and risk being misunderstood and judged and who knows what else might go on after I hit 'publish'.  But I believe God has called me to that honesty here, for my growth, and hopefully your encouragement and edification.  I've had my ups and downs this past month, and I'm not even sure how to distill it all into an understandable post, but I'll try.

I have a fabulous husband, an encouraging work environment, and a loving church family.  Unfortunately, I am a sinner, and that makes all of those wonderful things hard to manage.  I have faced  challenges in each area, and haven't always responded well to the discomfort.  I guess that vaguely sums it up.  Ha!  I just told you I am called to honesty, and I guess that wasn't very honest.

Contentment. Joy. Patience. Thankfulness.  Forgiveness. Those would be some areas I have struggled with.  Most of all, however, I have sensed a renewed presence of the Lord in my life, and a greater desire to pursue Him, be in the Word, and live the life He has called me to (even if I don't know where any of it is leading! :) Taking things one. day. at. a. time. Trying to be faithful even as I long for a family and a house and the chance to share my story with hurting people....the list goes on and on...back to contentment!

This past month, just a couple of weeks ago, was a dear friend's son's 6th birthday...okay...not important to you?  I'll explain.  The sweet boy's birthday coincided with my move from CO back to PA, 6 years ago to the day, and ushered in a new season of growth and healing for me.  She and I will never forget it.  I started writing about it here, but then stopped.  I just couldn't put into words all God has done.  I can't believe that 8 years ago, my life had fallen apart, I was distant from God, my health was a mess, and I had really just given up on everything.  Quite a change to where He has me now...and I feel like another new season of growth is right around the corner!  I am cautiously optimistic.

For months, I have felt a call to share my story more honestly, with more people, or just with the hurting people God might bring into my life.  I don't know who those people are, or when they will show up.  But I want to be ready, and am praying about what that will look like.  It feels sort of like undressing on the wedding night-- terrifying and exciting all at the same time.

Thank you for stopping in as I have sporadically shared my year with you, and stay tuned for more info as this next season unfolds.  Please pray for me too!  Specifically pray that I will be faithful where I am, that I will not be afraid to move forward with what God may be calling me to, and that I will not force any of it.  May God be glorified in it all.

And a word to you, sweet friend....know that your life and your story matters, whether it is sweeping up your children's lunch crumbs, reaching out to your new neighbor, or having the conversation you've been avoiding.  Let's all take that 'next step' together.  You know, the step He's been calling you to, and you've been trying to push aside?  Take that scary step with me, and come back and tell us all how it went.  I dare you!

Blessings, dear one.

Ruth

Christ, the Child we all long for...

The candle crackles and the peaceful music plays of how to sing with the angels that herald the King.  I sit with books piled high, end-of-semester grading, and texts popping in from family, friends...tidings of good news and great joy, and of jobs, babies, Christmas gifts to plan and parties to attend.  And don't we all have so much to be thankful for?  How easy it is to let life pull us down into the mire, and doesn't Christmas lift us up into the holy and glorious, the sacred and wondrous?

I have been guilty of living in that fog.  Waiting for the belly to swell with hope, and joy for the future, when Christ swells within me daily--and don't I feel that?  The mind sinks to circumstantial fears, that loom dark when hope swells in others.  And I forget.  Forget that the Christ child came to us all, no one was forgotten.  Today when we wait for test results, and hurting families to heal, and oh-don't-we-wish-it-weren't-that-way days to end....Christ longs for us to long for Him.  When jobs and cars and houses don't satisfy, Christ gives us purpose, daily transport to heavenly realities, and a home with Him forever.

These days ticking off to Christmas, and I wonder at the child in the manger, who came into our world, us undeserving shepherds, parents, gift-givers, innkeepers....and I wonder.  Will a child coming to our home feel just as wondrous?  This blessed union that has ached and amazed, as we've grown to love and trust...just like that stable, a messy and imperfect, dusty and dirty (literally, sometimes), humble abode...will it be a home for someone miraculous?  I will welcome that one with joy.  Advent 2012, however, brings the hope of the Christ born in my heart, in a new way.  I am 'nesting', creating space in my heart for New Life, cleaning out the dark and damp closets that house my fears, hanging robes of righteousness, compassion, patience, and thankfulness.

Days ago, I sat hopeful with a doctor who tells me that this hope for the belly to swell, it's not impossible (and I'm thinking, with God, was that ever so?).  He says that he has answers, and I breathe hopeful.  Do you wait this Christmas?  Can you turn that longing into a longing for Christ?  O Come, O Come Emmanuel!  And truly, He comes into our hearts, whether the friendship heals, the interview happens, the party goes well, or the gifts and cards are all sent on time....He comes.  Oh, let us be thankful.

Rejoicing in the Christ child,

Ruth

Innocent question, terrible theology...

It was an innocent question, but very 'American'.  I was trying to get out the door from a late night at church and still feeling dazed from a hard few days.  "Are you ready for Christmas?, " she said so innocently...My husband and I, well, we answered as best we could, but I easily read his expression, his true thoughts.  We have different ideas about decorating, celebrating and enjoying Christmas, he being more practical and myself, well, a bit more creative and also more of a spender (sorry, dear.)  I felt badly that this usually very reasonable and kind lady teased my love about being a 'scrooge,' and I also left frantically making lists in my head of all that 'needed' to be done to be 'ready' for Christmas...

What does it really mean to be ready for Christmas?  In the eyes of this woman, well, she was referring to all the busyness that ensues come October 31st.  [Yes, I'm guilty too...the Christmas music started in our home that day!]  My heart lifts when I think of all the pretty Christmas things, the people to buy for,  how to make the perfect Christmas card, and sadly, what gifts might come my way too...  Add school and church into the mix...Christmas plays, events, gifts, and lessons to help the little ones feel festive, loved, 'happy'.  But what about their souls?  What about mine?  

I've found myself leaning into the heart of the Lord a little more than usual this Christmas.  Certainly not because I am 'more spiritual' than any other woman.  No, it's simply because I feel my need, see my many imperfections.  I desperately wait for my Savior to fill up the gaps that I feel, the ache for more than this life can offer.  I find myself wondering what would bless Jesus on this, HIS birthday season.  I'm guessing it's not all the fuss and bustle.  I don't have any good answers, but simply a soul-searching that brings me back to my main callings...to love my God, my man, and...? Period.  Could that be enough?  What would it look like for me to ready my heart to love Jesus better, to love my husband better?  I want so badly to be there.  

My thoughts drift to the participants in the very first Christmas.  How did Mary prepare for Christmas?  Was she terrified, excited, hopeful?  Perhaps all.  What about Joseph?  Could he have struggled to trust God with the call to his new family?  How would he protect and provide?  The wise men who came expectant, and the shepherds who didn't plan at all, simply received.  And Jesus, He came.  He came to them, to all of us, whether we are ready....or not.  In years past, I have 'missed' His appearance, being distracted by the trappings of the American Christmas.  This Christmas, I bring my heart, in need of the Savior that offers Himself to us in a messy stable, uncertain times.  Here I am with my messy heart, doubts, uncertain and fearful times.  All I must do is receive?  I think perhaps, that is the best gift I can give my Savior....just to receive.  

The embrace of the Master

source

Sitting down to journal today, after realizing some anger, bitterness, and demands in my heart....

"Lord God, You owe me nothing, and yet You give me everything.  I owe you everything, and have nothing to give.  I wish praise and thanks naturally came to my lips.  Forgive me for my negativity, anger, despair.  I often look at my circumstances, and not to You.  You are able to do all things, Lord..."

As I sat and thought of the many times God has pulled me from a miry pit, this picture came to my mind...

"It is a blessing that I can lift my eyes from the pit, to the blazing sunshine of your face that is looking down on me.  I know you have compassion on us, as we struggle in many ways...and I see you reaching your hand down to us, your mighty right hand.  Lord, we call on you everyday...but perhaps we are asking for the wrong things...?"  

"We ask for wisdom, for vision, for children, for vocational success, for health and salvation for our families...and I see a tear fall from your eye as we push you away (Oh, how you long to gather us like chicks under your wing!)  Your tears wet the parched desert of my soul, and I see clearly.  The mirage of Grace is now the feast before me.  You have invited me to dine with you.  It's not an ordinary feast--no meat, cheese, vegetables, fruit or wine.  No, I see platters of contentment, goblets of joy, baskets of thankfulness and hope, bowls of peace."

"I listen as you tell stories of our Father, how He has carried so many out of the miry pit where I once lived.  I feel the warmth of Your smile as you fill the lamps with the oil of the Holy Spirit.  You take my grimy robes, and I unwrap a gown that glimmers with your glory.  You come to my chair, take my hand, and lead me to the marble dance floor.  The music and dance are unfamiliar, and the spins and dips take my breath, and fears, away.  The pit seems miles away; nothing can convince me to return to that place of death.  I follow your gentle, but firm, lead and realize that I am no longer lost, simply lost in the embrace of my Master...."

Lose yourself in His love, my friend. 

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Blessings,
Ruth 

Learning to focus (on the right things)

It's Five Minute Friday, and the topic is: FOCUS.  Feel free to play along on your blog, or even in your own personal journal.  Write for five minutes on the topic and link over here with Lisa-Jo and friends when you're done!

"E-V-L-C-W."  I called out letters to the eye doctor, just a few weeks ago, and have had crystal clear vision since.  Though I've worn corrective lenses of some sort since fifth grade, without them I still don't see as well I'd like.  I know I won't this side of heaven.  Is my spiritual focus any different?  Do I think that I can become lax with wearing the lenses of Scripture, simply because I've been reading the Holy Words since childhood?  Listening to Matthew's gospel on audio this morning reminded me again, I cannot.  How easy it is to look back on a day, a week, a month, and see the trials, the frustrations, the hurts.  And miss the beauty.  The triumphs.  The almost-too-good-to-be-true realities of each of our lives.  I have done this too often!  

So were my emotional ups and downs this week a result of low blood sugar, struggles at school, or spiritual nearsightedness?  (Perhaps all of the above.)  Nonetheless, I will take the time to FOCUS on the things I cannot afford to be blind to:  

~my Father, who chose me, redeemed me, lavishes love on me daily

~my loving husband who listens, prays, encourages, and does it all over again for me, every day for the past year, 5 months, and 11 days (approximately :)

~the fact that my old '98 Subaru still runs (even if only in a couple of gears...we'll see what the mechanic says later today :)

~10 children to love, encourage, enjoy, laugh with, cry with

~life in a nation where I can still worship freely, vote for my leaders, and have value as a woman

~and many, many more moments to focus my heart and soul on

The doctor comes back in for the last vision test, and with the new lenses, she asks me to read the last line.  It reads: L-O-V-E.  A life given by God, embraced by God, wrapped up in the gift of Jesus, and sealed with His Spirit.  It is worth focusing on the good.  Walking in spiritual blindness is too costly!

Focus on Him this Friday,

Ruth

Enough....more than enough.

with Mike & Nan at Aunt Catfish's

This morning I sat in my peaceful new living room, giving thanks to my Father.  The radio played popular Christian songs quietly, and my husband had just left for work.  I looked at the vacuumed carpet, that had many feet walking on it to help us move just days prior.  Light streamed into the kitchen, over my bridal-shower-tablecloth-gift, with names of friends embroidered, and more to come, gifts of grace.  I think of the forgiveness given and received before we said goodbye this morning, and the friends we saw last night.  I have enough.  More than enough.  My mind flits back to my very first apartment, and the book given to me by a friend.  Subject?  Contentment.  I've struggled with that, and its evil twin sister, Envy. But these years since 417 1/2 West Poplar have humbled me, caused me to praise and not protest.  To embrace grace and give glory.  To honor my Lord and not myself.  And for all those things, I am thankful.  In the eyes of those chasing the 'American dream', I am not wealthy.  But in Christ, and in the eyes of the people this blogger speaks of, I am rich beyond my wildest dreams.  Hasn't He given me all I need?  And more?  Sitting here in our office now, with books lining the oak shelves, I realize that these words, these books, they reflect the Word made flesh.  And as I look towards the task ahead of me this fall, to disciple and encourage young lives, I know that it is time to put flesh on words.  Though imperfect, I am ready.  By grace through faith, and not of myself.  


Run after contentment, or you will run after the world.  Find Christ, and your heart will be full.   

Blessings of grace and peace,
Ruth

Good-bye and Hello

So glad to have him by my side as I say 'good-bye' and 'hello' to many things

Goodbyes are hard.  And sometimes I avoid them altogether!  Just today I was thinking about certain elements of others seasons of my life that I miss, but I felt the Lord's nudge to keep moving forward.  I'm in a bit of a slump and just like when running a race, if you don't keep pushing ahead, you'll be tempted to stop.  However, that doesn't mean we ignore how we are feeling.  Let's explore that a little.

In college, I had a mentor at summer camp who was awesome (I mean really awesome....not many people as stellar as Anna!)  When this thought came up in my mind post-college, she encouraged me to think through what I really enjoyed or was missing about that particular season.  That was always helpful to me, because then I could work to include some of the things I loved from past seasons of life.  But I really believe it is also important to think through why God may have moved you on to a new season.  Today I'm thinking about that.....what I've said hello to, and what I've said goodbye to.

Goodbye to:

~some really great friends
~a job I loved and felt passionately called to
~proximity to family
~a super-cute home and backyard
~worship team
~an ultra-safe town and neighborhood:  biking everywhere was an option
~an excellent roommate!

Hello to:

~a fabulous, more-than-I-could-ever-ask-or-hope-for husband!
~a church where we both really feel comfortable
~a more relaxed schedule
~my calling as a wife and homemaker
~new friends
~new opportunities for ministry
~the chance to explore a new area and make memories together!

The Why?  Well, I'm still thinking through this one....but a big part of the answer lies in growth, I would imagine.  My Father God seems to like to push me ahead to new things once I get comfortable (and stagnant) with the old scenario.  Oh, you too?  :)  I'm learning to accept the blessings of the new season, and be grateful for what I have now, all the while appreciating the memories from the past.

I trust you are able to go through this process for yourself as well.  Post a comment so I can encourage you in your journey!

Blessings on your weekend,
Ruth

Are you being called to REST?

Even the sun has to rest (National Seashore, January 2012)

I wanted and prayed for this season....a chance to rest, do some nesting, take care of myself and learn how to be a better wife.  And yet, here it is and it's hard for me.  Isn't that the way life goes?  We yearn for something with all our hearts, and when it arrives, it doesn't satisfy us the way we hoped it would.  Of course, that is because of the longing and ache we have for eternity with Christ, but that is hard for me to remember at the start of a new day, with a blank slate.  Another day is before me, and I'm feeing unsure of how I will fill the time for God's glory and our family's good.  But today I want to explore some reasons God might call us to rest, and if perhaps you are being called to a deeper season of rest, like I have been.  It could very well be the best thing you do for yourself, your family, and your relationships with God and others!

How do I know it's time?  Okay, so maybe you don't take as long to learn, but last fall, I looked around at my life and knew I had fallen into the same predictable busyness and over-work that has plagued me.  It was hard to get things done around the house because of all I was involved in, and it was even harder to be kind and gracious towards my husband because I was a bit resentful.  Let me be quick to say:  it was not his fault that I had gotten into all that I was doing, and he probably would have preferred that I do a lot less....but he is wise to let me learn from my mistakes and grow in the process.  Gradually, one commitment at a time, it became obvious that I wasn't able to do my best at anything!  The teaching became too much work, the home business was a chore and not a delight, and the most important things, my walk with God, and my marriage, were suffering.  Do you look around at your life and see things falling apart around you?  Do you have little to no energy for the things that are most important?  Are you resentful towards God or others for all you are doing?  Perhaps it is time for you to reevaluate your choices, and as it was for me, time to reevaluate my (and your) motives.

What God offers....In Matthew, we find some excellent verses to guide our path towards rest.  Just this morning we read one together, Matthew 6, ²⁵ “This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? ²⁷ Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying?²⁸ And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don’t labor or spin thread. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! ³⁰ If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t He do much more for you—you of little faith? ³¹ So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ ³² For the idolaters^[p] eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. ³⁴ Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.  


In this passage, we can see that much of our activities can be traced to worry....worry what others will think of us, worry about what will happen if we do not 'stay on top' of everything, worry if we are not living the Christ-like life.....and the list goes on.  But what would happen if we DID rest?  Would everything really fall apart?  Would God or others stop loving us?  (God will not, and if others do, you may need better friends!)  And lastly, is my righteousness a works-righteousness, and not a righteousness based on the free gift of Grace from God given through faith?  Another passage I think of is the call to rest in Matthew 11, ²⁸ “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.²⁹ All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Here we see the true heart of God, as he delights to give us rest through his Son.  If Christ paid all for us on the cross, what can we really add to His finished work on the cross?  That is not to say that our work for God is not important, but what He accomplished on the cross is far greater and more important than anything we can add to that.  In fact, we are told that God accomplishes more through our weakness, than through our strength.  Isn't it just like God to instruct us in a counter-intuitive way?  His thoughts are much higher than our own!

Will you accept?  I have to ask myself, as I am faced with this season of rest and how that can be difficult for me, why won't I accept His offer?  Is it my pride?  My self-sufficiency?  A lack of trust that God will care for what I am not called to care for right now?  Whatever it is in your case, I pray that you, as well as I, can learn to set aside whatever is hindering us, and accept the call to rest in the arms of the Lord.  It could be just what the Great Physician ordered!

Yours in Christian love,
Ruth

Cultivating Faith in the 'Good Times'

[source]

Sitting at Starbucks, talking to a good friend about books, marriage, and faith, and we stumbled on an interesting topic.  I'd like to get your thoughts on this as well!  You see, though I've been through lots of tough times, I am not currently going through a hard time and I've found it much harder to rely on God.  It's no surprise to any of us that hard times cause us to turn to God in dependence, often more so than in the easier times (often we prefer these times, and refer to them as 'good').  


But I have to think of the Apostle Paul, who learned to be content in any and all situations.  

Philippians 4:12 (NIV)  ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

I find it interesting that Paul expresses a need to 'learn' how to be content in situations where he lived in plenty.  Granted, he suffered many trials, and I have not experienced anything close to the pain he faced....but there were times he did not struggle as well.  Just like you and me.  God does not require us to live in constant suffering, though we do always feel the ache of not being home in heaven, with Christ.  This fact is what draws me back to Christ even in the 'good times'.  I always have this ache within me, regardless of how wonderful my circumstances are.  

How ironic that we may find it harder to follow Christ during these easy times in our faith, when we would hope to be praising God all the more.  

James 5:13 (NIV) ¹³ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.

Perhaps you have found a way to cultivate joy, thanks, a prayerful heart, and devotion to the Word during circumstances that are pleasant.  I am only beginning on this journey.  Do share your thoughts in the comments, so we can all benefit.  I am looking forward to hearing from you and learning from you as well.

God's richest blessings of contentment be yours, 

Ruth

When You Have to Pinch Yourself Because You're So Blessed

The weekend was like a photo, beautifully framed with love, sincerity, and blessings from above.  And then I read this morning from Mark 14, the story of the woman with the alabaster jar poured on Christ--do you know it?  It hit home.  I'm finding that pouring love on another only splashes back on my hungry soul.  Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.  Nothing special done on my part, except some gifts of a favorite soda, a special meal, and lots of kisses.  I remember the missions trips I took in college--how I always returned home feeling as if I had been given more than I had given.  And here I am again, but on a different mission--to love my one husband, in this one life, as beautifully as is possible with Christ-love.

[source]  --  Gemini Springs Park

I offer my thanks to the One who makes it possible:

~beautiful mild weather for a hike in God's creation
~Mom's famous chicken and dumplings--almost like Mom's?
~peach pie made with love
~clean and creative rental--the movie Hugo points us to live with purpose
~a new favorite Mexican restaurant
~the celebration of baptism with the little one of dear friends
~chances to express and receive love
~long walks and long talks
~learning guitar together
~help with dishes....every night....with no complaints!
~learning to lean in, and listen to his heart
~watching him, helping him, find his way in this crazy world
~time with old friends, so dear, gift from above

Wishing you a week filled with the delights of a thankful heart (it can be yours too!)

Ruth

On the Bookshelf

Good books keep me going....and here are a couple that have encouraged me lately.  Perhaps they will do the same for you!

I had a lovely time with several ladies this morning, as we discussed the many miracles described in this first book.  It was apparent after reading Stewart and Stewart's, Seven Miracles That Saved America, that God's hand of blessing has been on our nation.  It was particularly encouraging to me in this time of recession, political upheaval here and abroad, and general discouragement concerning the direction our nation is headed.  Many of these miracles were not a part of my American History knowledge, and no surprise there, as much of our history has been 'revised' by those who are set on erasing God from history.  HIS-story, not our story, may I add?  The story-telling in this book is excellent, and made me feel like I was a part of the scenes that were unfolding.  The book covers several hundred years of history, starting with Christopher Columbus, all the way to Ronald Reagan and others.  I would encourage you to pick this book up.  Though a little bit of a longer read, it is well worth it and will bring you hope that God can turn any dark time around for His glory and our good!

The second book was on a topic that I am wrestling through and seeking to grow in.  Have we discussed this?  I believe I have mentioned it briefly, but contentment is a struggle for me, so I was delighted when my sweet hubby sent this e-book to me a while back.  Contentment: A Godly Woman's Adornment is a beautiful book.  I have allowed this one to marinate in my soul and hopefully it has gone down deep into my fibers.  That is the goal!  If you struggle with contentment, or know someone who does, this book will be a blessing to you.  The author is very 'approachable' and made me feel like I was just over for tea, talking about my life and hers.  The book is laced with stories of Biblical women, modern-day women, and emphasizes both our struggle with sin and the need for hope.  This is a small little book at 112 pages, but you will want to take your time, pray as you read, and search your heart to discover what God may be speaking to you through the author's words.  This book is the second in the On-the-Go Devotional Series, covering several virtues in all (Joy, Purity, and Trust).  Check them all out--I may do the same!

What books are on your book shelf these days?  Please leave a comment if there is something good you'd like to share with the readers!

Blessings,
Ruth

***As a side note, I do not receive anything for reviewing these books, and I have opted not to participate in the Amazon Affiliate program, so the hyperlinks above are simply as a help to you!  RF