Chicken Soup - Finding My Faith

My honorarium books arrived! Earlier this year Chicken Soup announced a writing opportunity for their Finding My Faith book. What perfect timing! In today's tough times, people around the world have endured great loss, and many are looking for faith answers.

I remembered when I experienced tough times of my own, times when I faced loss, despair and failure, times I wanted to give up. Instead, I cried out to God and He answered in a way that changed my life. My story is one of 101 heart-moving, life changing stories in Chicken Soup's Finding My Faith book, which will be released October 16, 2012, in paperback or Kindle format.

Lord Jesus, I pray that this book will touch hearts and lives for You. May Your Holy Spirit use the inspirational stories about life, belief and spiritual renewal to demonstrate your amazing love. Amen.

The Freedom of Letting Go - A Review

Every chapter of The Freedom of Letting Go by Donna Clark Goodrich ministered to me. Powerful stories and Biblical application make this book a great inspiration and necessary reference for times I need to let go of grief, failure  or success, possessions or pain, children or health issues, youth or guilt, control or worry, doubt or fear. This non-fiction book kept me turning the pages well into the night and brought me to my knees, feeling closer to God. I honestly didn't think I needed to let go of so much! You can purchase The Freedom of Letting Go directly from Donna, Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Donna is giving away a signed copy of The Freedom of Letting Go. Friday, July 27, we will draw a name from those who leave comments on this post. I hope you win!

“I cannot remember a time I didn’t want to write,” Donna says. “I wrote my first poem out of necessity when I was nine years old. It was Mother’s Day and I didn’t have money to buy my mother a gift so I wrote her a poem. The second one I wrote at the age of 10 for Memorial Day. Our minister distributed copies to church members as they walked into the service. I wrote my third poem at the age of 11 when my dad walked out of his 22-year marriage to my mother. I found even at that young age I could express my feelings on paper.”

Lovely Feet

The Bible says I have lovely feet. Hard to believe that my feet--the ones with crooked toes, callouses, and bunions could be considered lovely to anyone. However, Isaiah 52:7 says, "How lovely on the mountains, are the feet of him (her) who brings good news . . ." NASB.

And I have good news. Are you consumed with cravings and desires that never get satisfied? I've been there and can testify that it is a lonely and empty place. Fortunately for me, I had God somewhere in my past and enough sense to cry out to Him. By earthly standards I was a complete failure. But to God, I was worth picking up all the broken pieces. That's what He did. He took my broken life and gave me a new heart.

I was the prodigal (daughter) and my Heavenly Father was waiting for me with open arms. I was ready to give up but He whispered in my heart, "Could you make it today if I promise to stay with you?" What love God lavished on me! It changed me forever. You know what I learned? That what God does in me, doesn't stay in me. I have to tell others.

If you are searching on line for meaning in life, I urge you to call on Jesus' name. He is waiting to warm you with a love like you've never known before. Say His name and surrender your heart to Him. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Lord Jesus, I am praying for the person reading this post. He might be out of choices, out or sorts, at the end of the road. Show him your ways, oh Lord, and teach him your paths. Amen.