THE LONG AWAITED DAY

Have you ever worked so painstakingly hard on what seems to be an unending task? And every time you reach, what you think, is the end you find you must begin again? This scenario describes my book writing adventure.

Almost a decade ago, life in ruins, I literally began penning my hearts journey. It wasn’t my idea but God’s. And He in no uncertain terms, made it clear that I needed to write my story and that I’d better get started.

The first draft, all twenty-two chapters, took about two years to complete. As soon as it was done I knew it needed to be rewritten. Ugh. I ignored it off and on for a few years, and finally finished the second draft. A couple of years later I began and eventually finished the third and final draft, eleven chapters in all.

The journey held so many emotions—so many tears.

At every turn I struggled, wrestling with God over what I viewed as a lack of capabilities. He never agreed with my accusations of myself but continually believed in me. He never let me quit, instead He taught me that in my weakness, if allowed, He would be strong.

Now, on the other side of the adventure I see how writing my story was my medicine. God used it to help heal and strengthen me. When I started writing, my heart, soul and life were shattered. I was empty and dry. Disillusioned with life, marriage and Christianity. Over time, as my heart healed I changed into a whole, full and hydrated person. And yes, thank God, I survived. Living to tell this story! Whew!

The long awaited day is here! The book is finished and it is beautiful. I love the message held within its covers. It is the story of grace and unconditional love. It is a testimony of God’s faithfulness and I am so very happy to share it with you.

The book is titled Thirsty Heart:  Nourishment for a Dehydrated Soul. It is available on Amazon for purchase: https://www.amazon.com/ just search the title and author name. There is also a Study Guide that can be used individually, or in a group setting. For more information watch the book trailer at https://vimeo.com/190663730  and visit the website: http://www.thirstyheartbook.com/

Please be  encouraged to never give up—to trust God and let Him be your strength. He is absolutely enough, and He believes in you!

My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9

 

 

 

 

Grace

Does the grace you believe in draw you closer to God?

Everything we experience in life should cause us to have a greater dependency on God—drawing us nearer to Him.

There are a few areas in my life where I have been living in sloppy grace. I am at present making an exchange my sloppy grace for His real grace.

Sloppy grace says; “I can’t overcome my flesh or human weakness, but it’s okay because grace covers—so no big deal. Sloppy grace is to be slack-full. The trouble with this mindset is that we don’t move forward. Instead we settle for not being able to overcome, or worse—live in denial that sin even exists.

Being under grace does not mean we give into the weakness of our flesh. No, being under grace is to be justified and to live our lives filled and led by the resurrection power of Christ, which overcomes all weakness.

The travesty with living a sloppy grace lifestyle is that we don’t depend on God (thus draw nearer to Him) for the strength needed to push through and overcome. Why?  Because grace is not seen as a strength and help—but only as justification from sin. Consequently, we miss out on all that grace is and can be in our lives.

God is showing me that real grace says; “I can’t—but by God’s grace I can.”  “I don’t have to be perfect—but I do have to be submitted to God” Then receives the truth, and disciplines self to stop feeding the flesh and to do God’s will. Moving forward, trusting and depending on God for the strength and grace to walk out the hard stuff in life and overcome challenges.

Real grace draws us nearer to God because we realize—He is our life source and strength to overcome (by His grace) any weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9 says

 “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Grace is sufficient for us because it not only helps us receive and live in what the cross did for us, but it is God’s divine assistance—we overcome sin by the resources that God’s grace provides us.

If you are living in sloppy grace—please be encouraged to make the exchange—God’s grace is sufficient!