February 13, 2018

But the mountain shall be thine…Joshua 17:18a

There is always room higher up…If you can no longer work for God, pray for those who can. If you cannot move earth by your speech, you may move Heaven. If the development of life on the lower slopes is impossible, through limitations of service, the necessity of maintaining others, and such-like restrictions, let it break out toward the unseen, the eternal, the Divine…The visions of things that seem impossible are presented to us, like these forest-covered steeps, not to mock us, but to incite us to spiritual exploits which would be impossible unless God had stored within us the great strength of His own indwelling. (From Streams in the Desert)

A Book Review – Will Not See by Chautona Havig

I recently read Will Not See by Chautona Havig, and thought I would use Chautons’s recent blog post How To Write a Helpful Book Review in 10 Easy Steps to give you all a review on the book. Will Not See is the second in a series called Sight Unseen.  I read the first book, None So Blind, a while ago, but this book is a stand alone story.  Both stories deal with a woman who wakes up with amnesia.

WhatI'mReading

1. How did you feel about the setting?

I love Chautona’s town of Rockland. I feel like anyone who ends there is “safe” because I know there are lots of good people in the town to “help” the character. But when Vikki ventured back home to Arizona in Will Not See, I got nervous. I just knew there was something unsavory there. I was happily surprised when not everyone there was a bad guy.

2. What do potential readers need to know most about the main character?

Vikki isn’t a Christian, but she is struggling hard with that position. And she’s trying to be honest about that, but only to certain people. So, she will act and react unlike a Christian should.

3. Which supporting character caught your interest the most?

Brandon was definitely my favorite character. He just throws his whole heart, soul and body into protection mode, and is a true hero, in my opinion.

4. What journey does the main character take?

The big crux is not about Vikki’s amnesia, in my opinion, but rather that she has to decide who she wants to be. That’s a really big decision. Occasionally, she has to take a break from it, but mostly she fights for understanding to make the right choices for herself.

5. How is the writing style or quality of the writing?

I love Chautona’s writing! I consider her one of my very favorite authors. The only issue I ever have with her work is that occasionally, I feel left behind. Her writing is tight. Every word is important. There just isn’t much “fluff” at all. Since I read a LOT, I tend to read the subjects, verbs and skip most of the adjectives and some of the phrases. When I do that with Chautona’s books, I miss stuff. Important stuff. I have to slow down, and occasionally go back and re-read to figure out what is going on. So…I’m thinking that’s more MY problem than the writer’s.

6. Is there humor in the book?

There is humor. Sometimes, I don’t think it’s *that* funny. But people are different, aren’t they? We all find some things funny that others don’t. Some of the author’s humor is tongue-in-cheek rather than laugh-out-loud.

7. Are there spiritual truths to be gleaned from the story?

Yessss. The Lord is definitely “wooing” Vikki. But she has a hard time believing and verbalizing how God is working in her heart. But He continues to draw her to Himself and that is a precious truth! I also love Brandon’s self-control. It is a rare virtue in today’s society.

8. For whom would you recommend this book?

I think everyone would like this book.

9. Who will not like this book?

I don’t know. I can’t imagine anyone not getting caught up in the story!

10. Why did you give it the star rating you did?

I’ll be giving it a 5-star rating on Amazon. It’s an excellent read. I can’t wait to read the third one. There is going to be a third one, right, Chautona?!!

Let me know if you read Will Not See. I’d love to know what you think about it!

It Came to Pass

Sometimes, I think the end result is all that matters.

  • Getting out of debt
  • Losing weight
  • Graduating a child from homeschool
  • Attaining a large number of “followers”
  • Beating cancer
  • Getting the promotion
  • Breaking the attendance record
  • Being chosen for the solo in the production
  • Winning the trophy
  • Earning the bonus

But God is clearly concerned about the process of reaching those goals. The final outcome is always determined by the steps we took to reach the goal.

I want to rush things along. I get tired of the waiting. I grow discouraged that it is Taking. So. Long.

I forget that God sees the big picture. He’s in it for the long haul, if you will.

This quote from evangelist Bro. Brian McBride puts it beautifully:

May God give me grace for the journey. May I keep my focus on knowing Him in a more intimate way while I’m pressing forward toward the prize.

And Lord, help us not to be discouraged when the finish line seems oh-so-far away.

I pray that you will be encouraged to use your time wisely, getting to know Him, while you’re on your way to your final goal.

When the Eggs Won’t Peel

I nearly lost my religion this morning trying to peel eggs. (And don’t tell me all of your tricks to peel the perfect eggs – I have tried them ALL!) 😝

So…of course, I had to see what the Bible had to say about eggs.

Interesting verse, huh?

 I find it very encouraging that while Job was questioning his very existence, he also asked about egg whites! So funny! But really, very apropos too. Sometimes it the little, fiddly, day-to-day frustrations that cause us to really “lose it”.

But the God who created the universe is still the God who created the chicken. And it’s His creation that lays those eggs that can give us so much trouble.

Whether you are struggling with a life-threatening disease or a wayward child or a lack of finances or a stopped-up toilet…or even if you are struggling peeling eggs – God is God.

He doesn’t change. He remains ever faithful, ever holy, ever the same.

We can trust Him.

My angel-ed eggs may not be the prettiest, but I can find peace in knowing Him.

Give God whatever you’re struggling with today. Let His strong arms carry you through that struggle to rest on the other side.

What He Wants

Salvation is an option we much choose. The Lord does not force His forgiveness on us. He died for our sins and paid a debt He did not owe, but we must accept that payment on our behalf.

It isn’t His will that any person die and go to Hell. He is exceedingly patient and will continue to woo us to Himself. But the ultimate decision is ours. Will we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, or spend eternity in a Lake of Fire?

 

He is not willing for you to spend eternity separated from Him. He has done His part.

Now, will you do yours?

Simply call out to Him, admit you are a sinner in need of salvation from your sins. Ask Him to be your Lord, surrender your will to His, and commit your life to Him.

Romans 10:[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
[11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
[12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

If you’ve made that decision today, it is important that you tell someone! Remember what verse 11 said above – If you believe on Him, you won’t be ashamed.  I’d love to hear from you if you received Christ as your Saviour today. Drop me a line in the comments below.