The Beyond Suffering Bible Is An Answered Prayer

Long overdue THE BEYOND SUFFERING BIBLE answers all those questions which make individuals take a backseat to serving God such as:  If God is Loving, why does He allow suffering. Why doesn't He just stop all the hurting and pain.  This unique Bible answers these harrowing questions to confirm to readers that He has a plan for all things. 

Tyndale could not have chosen a more adequate spokesperson for their newest creation than Joni Earickson Tada who became a permanent quadriplegic after a diving incident at a very young age. I greatly recommend reading her true story of triumph and faith which inspired me as a teenager Joni's autobiography .  Her disability has drawn her closer to her Savior and she has become an asset to the Christian community as helping all those with disabilities.  She has worked to add wonderful resources to these scriptures such as ten guided Bible reading plans '"that help you walk through Scripture on key topics related to suffering and disability."'  On every single page there are connection points or study brief's which focus on Biblical suffering.  There are so many enduring features included in this Bible such as book introductions; Profiles; and devotionals.  All to assist and deepen your understanding of how Christians cope with suffering.

I love this Bible and have not been able to put it down since I received my copy from Tyndale in exchange for my thoughts.  What a blessing which has been designed to give as a gift.  I can't say enough good about this tool which will encourage and uplift your spirits. A+

Our Lives Had Once Been Beautiful and Our Lives Are Beautiful Still

   
           September Vaudrey's, Colors of Goodbye has moved me more than any other book I have ever read on loss.  Her loss is a parent's worse nightmare, that of losing a child.  Katie, her amazing daughter (a daughter that any parent would be proud to have) dies suddenly of an aneurysm at the young age of 19. Any doubt of the Vaudrey's faith in God is relinquished when reading this true account.  September shares her raw struggles which match what many Christians face when facing tragedy yet I have never seen in publication.  Mom Vaudrey questions whether the loss of her daughter is somehow because of something she did in the past.  Read along as genuine friends reassure her that it is not her fault.  From the point of impact of the accident on God makes himself known with visions and miracles to aide the Vaudrey family through their heartbreak.  Real evidence that God is there and that God is Good (Author's words) even when we think He is not.  Ms. Vaudrey's growth through her pain offers Hope to all that the sun will shine again and that they don't have to give in to bitterness and anger.  This stellar publication offers tools to help all those facing horrendous loss.  Special Kudos to Katie Vaudrey for leaving a life of ripples and to September Vaudrey for having the courage to share their story.  I am more than honored to have been able to review this book for the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my thoughts.  Think upon these wise words from the writer,
'"God never promised me a lifetime with my daughter.  He never promised me any of the blessings I get to treasure everyday. He promises us comfort in sorrow, strength when our faith fails, inexplicable peace, His presence in storms and life in all its fulness for those who follow him---but not a pain free life.  And the things he promises, He delivers."'

Silent Cry Is an Excellent Resource for Those Who are Dating

     Having lived through an abusive relationship during the seventies, I was compelled to read Dorothy J. Newton's release of "Silent Cry".  There is an unspoken kinship among survivors who suffer in silence. How the public view's your family life and how you are really living is very different.  Trying to keep that secret because it's too embarrassing is tormenting.  Leaving takes a lot of courage.  Having a spouse that lives a double life is not the greatest deal breaker.  These men are so charismatic that individuals feel that if there is a problem in your marriage it must certainly be you.  Ms Newton gives God the glory for helping her with the pain and giving her the strength.  I urge young women who are dating to read this book.  I recommend it highly.  Note the red flags that shout Nate & Dorothy's relationship is bound to fail while they are still dating.
Dorothy's number one priority had always been her service to God.  Dating Nate, an unbeliever, she starts to compromise her values.  This book is full of learning experiences.  I was thrilled to review it for Book Look Bloggers.

Overcoming The Most Painful and Restricting Emotion A Person Can Carry

         Guilt stifles and imprisons it's victims.  Guilt stops individuals from reaching their goals as they wade in self-loathing.  Guilt destroys all self worth and can even lead to deep depression, a nervous breakdown, addictions and even suicide.  For myself, guilt was the most debilitating  force I experienced in my life which attributed to my becoming a housebound agoraphobic.  Clinical Psychologist Everett L. Worthington Jr. describes the beauty of the Gospel and Christ's death on the cross which frees us of the bondage of guilt.  His book is a God Send for all those afflicted with doubts about forgiveness.  Moving Forward - Six Steps to Forgiving Yourself and Breaking Free from the Past examines the difference between real and unwarranted  guilt (those things we have no control over but blame ourselves).  He presents the reader with a path to stop beating themselves up over the past.  Using Scripture as his basis, he sites examples of other individuals who have benefited by his tools.  Although this excellent book was not available when I was younger, I was able to obtain a stellar psychologist who helped me through my dark period and I successfully overcame my depression and agoraphobia.  It's important for the reader to realize we all make mistakes and none of us are worthy of  redemption but because of  God's love, we are saved through his Son.  Guilt was meant to remind us to remain humble and if we fall that we ask for forgiveness and to go on and not repeat the same mistakes.  Dr. Washington skillfully guides the reader to reach self-forgiveness and once this door is open, you will be able to accept the loving forgiveness of God.  Your burdens will be lifted and finally you will be able to love more freely with your new self-acceptance.  It's time to move on and enjoy life as God wants you to.  This book is essential for a healthy self-esteem.  I am grateful for Waterbrook Multnomah for the opportunity of reading this in advance.  I highly recommend .

Dr. Scholl's Puts Wings On My Feet

In 2005 my spinal cord specialist told me that my tarlov cyst disease would lead to damaging my nerve endings and some organs.  So the diagnoses of neuropathy should have came as no surprize last month.  Walking became a major problem with consistant pain but I refused to let it win over the best of me. When I was asked as a Bzz Agent if I would like to try Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles for Women, I jumped at the chance.  Already being enrolled in a walking program and as a Group Moderator, I was anxious to see if these would ease my condition.  The insoles are made to wear with work boots or shoes, casual shoes or sandals which seemed to cover all the bases.  They promise super shock absorption and much needed support.  I was so excited to try the insoles on that I forgot to put on stockings.  Immediately I grabbed the dog leash for my pet's daily walk.  I had very little pain in comparison to what I usually experience and I was able to go twice as far as I normally do.  Proud to say that I traveled two miles instead of one minus stockings.  I would find out later that when wearing socks with the insoles I was almost totally out of pain.  What a relief to acheive this status without using a medication.  My next goal is to alert my doctor.  I feel like I have hope again and look forward to participating in many activities that I was afraid to enjoy in the past that involved a lot of walking like going to the zoo or Busch Gardens, Disney World and such.  Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles have proven to be a real life saver for me.  The price is less than a pair of shoes and they last up to six months if  worn daily.  I truly recommend and will continue to do so.

You Have to Feel The Pain In Order to Heal

On February 16th, 2013 at 5:55 am my mother-in-law took her last breathe after struggling with stage four lung cancer. My mother-in-law and I had a bizarre relationship, she was a dear friend of mine. The family found out about her cancer during the Thanksgiving holiday so for us her passing came quite quickly. For years I daydreamed about the time my husband would retire and we could spend more time with his mom, my mom and our families but life doesn't always happen the way we plan. I awake now with this overwhelming sense of sadness and emptyness. The tears come because she won't be back. I don't like the pain nor the sadness, I don't like that she has died and is gone but in order to heal one must feel the grief. I've lost my father, my best girlfriend to pancreatic cancer, my grandparents, some cousins, two brother-in-laws and aunts and uncles and it never gets any easier. Even for Christians. For some people they think that because of our faith, we don't feel the pain. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus who had first-hand knowledge of how grand Heaven is, cried for Mary and Martha when Lazarus died. He wept because he felt their pain. However comforting it is to know we will see our loved ones again in the afterlife we still feel a real loss here. Life will not be the same without our beloved departed. Shirley was a real gem, a rare find and I was blest to be a part of her family. I will ever be grateful for that and noone can take her place. In the meantime I feel like I am on an emotional roller coaster, sometimes sad and than angry that this occurred and than content that she is no longer in chronic pain. You can't stifle your pain or pretend it is not there. Some people turn to drinking and/or drugs which only will mask your feelings for awhile. I know that in time I will be stronger to deal and healed to a point where grief doesn't take up most of my day because death is part of the seasons. In order to heal you must feel the pain and go through being uncomfortable for awhile. Miss you Mom~ <

Oh No Not the Children, Dec. 14 The Day The World Changed

          Although there have always been deranged individuals wreaking havoc in society, something  more hurting and unexplainable  occurred on Dec. 14, 2012...A hunter determined to make his prey innocent young elementary students...an awful mind blowing act which rid our realms of any security we might have once felt in the past leaving everyone, everywhere wondering what is happening in our world.  Life has sadly changed since I was a child when my biggest concern was whether or not my older brother found my favorite toy that I hid on him. We lived in a more safe enviroment in those days when neighbors spoke kindly to one another and faithful friends knew that there were certain boundaries that you just didn't cross in for the sake of  true kinship.  It's just not like the good ole' days anymore and my heart bleeds for the parents who must worry when their offspring are doing the right thing by going to school.  What has this world come to and who is to blame?  I imagine it is a number of factors  that have contributed to this lack of concern with human life as I recall some of the things I suggested as a college student majoring in Psychology.  Young and full of passion I suggested in my essay that lawmakers should make Mental Health a mandatory class in all schools just as physical educucation is.  Agreeing that Physical Health was an asset in establishing the importance of  keeping our bodies up to par but I felt that mental health should also be addressed with that same ferver.  For one this would erase the stigma that has been attached to mental illness since forever but also teach individuals on how to identify those who may be afflicted and guarantee that they get some kind of help.  My professor was pleased with my report and gave me a bright A+ while leaving a question for me to ponder...'"How would this class be funded?"'  Since than I felt that there was a negative possibility of ever seeing this proposal come to past.
   So instead today, twenty little innocent victims will be buried.  Hearts are broken, many will lose faith and there will be a void which will not be filled.  The news has left us all with apprehension and uncertainty.  The holiday holds less meaning with the true lights of our lives smothered out.  As a mother and grandmother of thirteen I beg that strickter background checks be made with anyone purchasing a gun and that it include background checks of everyone in the family and/or who may have access to that person's home.  I wonder how many people know that our beloved Abraham Lincoln who suffered through many nervous breakdowns  had his assistants at his home hide the silverware on the days that he was most depressed.  This has been written in his history books as he struggled with his own dark thoughts on certain days.  We can't put all the fault on the media although there is way too much violence being portrayed to the children these days, nor can we put it all in any one egg basket but we can each do our part.  Needless to say our Nation would be a better place if we each were a little more loving and respectful to one another.  Is it possible to make that change?