Feeling especially thankful tonight for a baby who gave up heaven to take on all of mankind's sin...for a baby who was born to die so we could live...for the bravery and heartbreak of a mother knowing what would be asked of her child...for a godly man who went against custom to stand by his young bride...for God who loves us so much. May each of you be blessed and your hearts filled with love and joy on this most holy of nights.
Hi everyone! I was super excited when Revell Books offered Holley Gerth's new book as a choice for review this month and I'm even more excited to get to share it with you.
Holley is like an old friend, in that I've read several of her books and it's always so comfortable slipping into a new one. Holley has such an easy style of writing that is just like sitting down to chat with a friend you haven't seen in a while in some cozy spot with a lovely pot of tea between you (and cupcakes...you must have cupcakes!)
I love that no matter what the topic Holley is warm, funny, and real. She doesn't balk at sharing the messiness of her own life, just so you can know you are not alone. And that, is pretty much the point of Fierce Hearted. You are not the only one. I am not the only one. We're in this mess called life together and we're feeling and experiencing the same stuff.
It was easy to see myself in Holley's words. I don't know how many times I read a passage and thought, "Oh my gosh, I do that!" or "I feel just like that!" or "That is soooo me!" I fit the description of a woman who has allowed fear of what others might think to stop me from doing and experiencing so much in this life. Like a true friend, Holley doesn't just tell us we're doing it wrong, she tells us how to let go of our expectations and comparisons and fears, to turn our faces boldly to the wind and live fully, to partake of all God offers us. As a licensed counselor, her advice is spot on and shared from personal experience. She puts her heart out there with yours.
My heart was so touched by Fierce Hearted and I am still pondering many of the points. I am also excited to pass my copy on to someone I know who is nearly paralyzed by fear because I hope Holley's loving advice and wisdom will help set her free.
This is such an excellent book and I recommend it for all women. We can all stand to live a little (or a lot) more fully!
Good morning, friends! I'm sorry I have been a bit scarce this week. Spring is a crazy season at work and then with this being Holy Week I just haven't had time or the energy to post. Today begins a 4-day weekend, though, so I have some time as I sit here still in my jammies at 9:00.
I love Easter. More than Christmas, even. If not for Easter and the events that happened all those years ago the Christian faith would be one without hope....if it was even still around at all.
Good Friday is where most of us begin our Easter reflections. I hope that you celebrate today, not just mourn. It's true that Jesus suffered horribly and died a cruel and lonely death...abandoned at the cross by all of his disciples but John. Oh, but friends, remember that He CHOSE to be obedient to the Father's plan. He CHOSE to allow himself to be nailed to the cross. He did it because He loves YOU.
Remember the pain and suffering for sure...know what the cost was. Jesus was the Son of God, but his was a fully human body during his time on earth. He felt every cutting blow of the lash, he felt the bits of stone woven into the lashes rip his flesh each time they were pulled back for another strike. He felt every splinter of the cross when it was laid across his torn and bleeding back. He heard the mocking laughter and endured the humiliation of being paraded naked through the streets, his clothing having been stripped away and gambled for.
And he felt what you and I have never felt. We have times when we don't feel the Lord's presence or when we feel He is far away. It's not so...in those times it's we who are not close enough. God has never, ever turned His back on us. However, Jesus, before He died, took on all the sin of the world....all the sin that was, is, and will be. It was so ugly and so painful that God turned His face away and Jesus felt it, crying out "My God, why have you forsaken me?"
Such a horrible scene, but rejoice in it as well because Jesus's choice gave we who believe the hope of heaven.
Listen to one of my favorite Easter songs and remember the gift you have been given this day!
