Book Review - This Litte Prayer of Mine by Anthony Destefano

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher for the purpose of review.

This was the sweetest little book. It is a simple child's prayer. I had both of my children read it with me and got their input. My six year old really just liked it. She remembered that she can talk to God anytime and about anything. She wanted to read it again.

My eight year old read the book and really liked it too. The interesting thing about her reaction was that in two places it actually convicted her of behaviors she had lately and how she should be taking those things to God.

I loved the pictures in the book and how much of an easy read it was. It was good for my family and I know that means it will be enjoyed by others as well. Definitely a keeper.

To get a copy of the book from the publisher go here.

Pride

Why is it so hard to ask for help? Today I was dealing with severe dizziness and slow reflexes. Not a good thing to have when driving. So it was obvious to me that I could not drive. But I had a very important follow up doctor appointment that I needed to go to. What do I do? Is it even possible to ask for help?

I know it sounds silly but I think that me having to ask for help just makes me feel more disabled than I actually am. It seems like I am accepting something that I don't want to need. I have to resign to the fact that I need help. I need someone else. I cannot stay independent. It is uncomfortable to know you need someone. Maybe it is just me and my great immaturity. But it is the lesson I am slowly learning.

God made us for community and to need one another. I am very happy to be the one to help others out. Maybe because there is something good that comes with that. Maybe it feels good to help but not good when you need that in return. It humbles you.

I know in my life the problem boils down to pride. I have always been more of an independent type. For years thought that was a good thing. But it is not. God did not make us to operate as lone rangers. He made us to operate in community. We need one another. We need to be okay with asking one another for help. Yet it is still a struggle for me.

I hate it when this illness hits. I hate it desperately. These days I cannot go into denial about it anymore it has become too strong. But I am learning to lean on God. Learning to lean on others. Learning to be a person who can be free enough to ask others for help. To know my limitations and operate accordingly.

Words Not So Encouraging

Today I got a comment regarding this old post - A Letter to Satan inspired by Believing God

It came from someone who has a private blog and all I got was their first name Crystal. The comment read this way:

"How sad. This truely brings me to tears. So many lost souls who are blind.........As the tears roll down my face I know that you will never truly understand. Blind faith can never set you free. I love the TRUE father and creator."

So to this I say I guess I feel the same about you. I am sorry that you do not know the true Father. I have found true freedom as a gift from Him. I am lifting prayers that He will make Himself known to you. He loves you deeply. Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life - the only way to the Father is through Him. May He draw you to Himself today. If you would like to talk about it please email me.

Ministered to My Soul Today

Enduring a hard health trial today. I so wish they could give this a name but then again I am not so sure. God knows and I am in His hands alone. He is the one I can trust and lean on.

Start Here by Alex and Brett Harris

I received a copy of this book free of charge from WaterBrook Multnomah for the purpose of review.

Start Here is a great book for young people to read and be encouraged that they are never too young to do great things for God. Alex and Brett Harris are really neat guys who share stories of youth who have made a difference for the glory of God. Inspiring stories in this book will make your heart desire to do what God has called you to do. Whether small or big things, each thing God is preparing you for the next.

This book is a really easy read too which is a bonus. I read 3/4 of this book while waiting for a doctor's appointment. Love that about it! There are great discussion questions in the back so that a group can work through it together which I would suggest. When you work with a group you can accomplish more and they can help you find your purpose. AND we all need encouragement from others. This book is available for purchase on the 16th of March.

To get a copy of this book from the publisher go here.
*To get a copy from Christian book go here.

*Disclosure:If you purchase a book from this link, I will get a commission.

Vanity

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30

I never realized how incredibly vain I am. I am not one to focus on appearance all that much so I thought that I had this one down! However, as I developed this incredibly ugly staph infection all around the bottom of my chin I find myself wanting to hid.

I have gone out with it a few times and people have not run and hide but I feel like I can see it in their eyes. They are staring at it. Or maybe looking away because it is hideous. Or rather maybe that is just in my head. No one laughed at me or refused to help me because of it. Maybe in my head I make it a bigger deal than what it really is.

The fact is that beauty is fleeting. Anytime it can go away even unexpectedly. That is why we can never put our hope in beauty. Our hope must be in the thing that lasts and never changes. The only thing like that is God. He is so amazingly wonderful. His praise worthy description of a woman is not the most beautiful or charming. He praises the woman who fears Him. And in fear that means to be in awe of our Maker not a cowering fear. A fear where we can stand before Him though He could crush us he chooses to love us everlasting. Now that is my God!

"The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord." Psalm 45:11

"Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:4

So, I will hold my head up and walk this thing out. I cannot promise I won't hid some though as I work it through. Hopefully it will go away soon. I praise Him for revealing the vanity that remains in my heart. Lord, please remove it and help me stay focused on the things that do matter. Thank You Lord for being enthralled by me even in this condition and help me to cultivate the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.

YIKES!

This has been a really hard week. I really feel like this picture. On this day, I found out that the person who rear ended us last month claimed to have insurance but actually didn't. Even though he showed me a card and everything. Good thing we have coverage to cover that too. If you need a great insurance company Erie insurance gets props here. They have always taken care of us.

But the principle of the matter still stands. The driver was dishonest. It makes me boil. He seemed honest enough AND I felt bad for him. Now I feel like the police officer who came out of nowhere to help us was for our great protection. If he didn't make a record of these events it would be hard to prove they even happened!

Next, I found out I have a bad staph infection. Waiting a few days to find out specifically what kind. Since I battle an unknown autoimmune illness this is not good news. Praying I can fight it and the antibiotics will help. Unfortunately now I have to sacrifice something I love doing because of it. It feels like a death. I have to trust the trade of health will be worth it though.

Life is hard. How we respond is important. We may feel like this kid looks on the outside but we can give that to God and bring it under control of the Holy Spirit. Lord, help me to continue to do that.