Encouragement and Hope In a Simple Box

Right now things in our lives are a little unusal, crazy, out of whack, and just plain no fun. Between the pandemic, politics, riots, natural disasters, it's been hard to stay focusced on what is good in our lives. And yes, there still is good in each of our lives even when we don't notice it.

I have been trying to keep my focus where it should be, by reading some of my favorite books, spending more time in the Word, and catching up on some of the movies I keep saying I'm going to watch some day. It's been helpful, but then I got something in the mail that was extra helpful, and brightened my day significantly. It was a Butterfly Box!

A Butterfly Box is a monthly subscription box that comes to you with beautiful itmes to help you keep your focus on what is truly important in life. It's not an overwhelming box with things you will never use, like some subscription boxes. It's filled with practical itmes you can use in your daily life that will help you draw closer to Christ.

Here's a little about it from Butterfly Box:

Life is busy, and it can be hard to find the time each day to connect with Christ. Butterfly Box is here to help! We thoughtfully curate a themed box each month to help reclaim those quiet moments with God, build your intimacy with Christ, and live out your faith in the world around you! 

• Each month's box is designed to illustrate a biblical theme and encourage spiritual growth. 
• 5 to 6 items are included, such as jewelry, artwork, books, decor, personal pampering items, faith sharing cards and other specialty items. 
• All items are carefully chosen and undergo a rigorous selection process. 
• Products are faith-based or support small Christian businesses. 

I love it, and it is worth every penny. The nice things is, some of the items you receive you can enjoy and then pass them along to others for them to enjoy.

Here's what came in my box this month:

The book, The Power of a Praying Woman, by Stormie Omartian.

A lined, hard cover journal to record my prayers, Bible study notes, and more.

A beautiful My Prayer Bracelet, to remnd me to not just pray, but to pray for joy in my life and the lives of the people I love.

Two yummy Tea Drops, one Sweet Pepermint and the other, White Vanilla Tea. 

A weekly Prayer Guide card.

A butterfly subscription box can be a one-time purchase or even a full year of boxes. It would be wonderful for yourself, as a gift for a special friend, or for a new Believer. Each month is a wonderful surprise and filled with good things to help you in your daily walk with Christ, to encourage you, and to help you encourage others.

Right now, you can get a special 10% discount with the code ~ WELCOME10

You can also enter a special 6 month Butterfly Box Giveaway! Click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page to enter!

Consider giving a subscription to each of the special women in your life. They will love it and so will you!

Who Can Stand in the Gap

“So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.” Ezekiel 22:30

At first glance, only reading one verse with this being Memorial Day weekend, you would think this is about a soldier, a protector, someone who will stand in the gap that none should pass to harm our land. But this is actually talking about finding a leader, someone who will protect the people, the public morals and the values of God, thereby allowing God to bless the land. It is a different kind of warrior to hold the line in a different kind of war, just as important, if not more so.

This Nation prospered under our first elected President, George Washington. Perhaps one of the more interesting things about George was his humble spirit, as he said of his role in leadership, “I have only been an instrument in the hands of Providence.” (March 30th, 1875) Not a ‘me so great’ bloviation but ‘God is great and I was blessed to be used by Him’ vantage. (Though in our Nation today, would the humbler spirit be recognized by most? Or would it be overlooked?)

We all realize that America is not what it used to be. It once stood out in the world as what other nations wanted to be and now it is just a nation that other nations want to sell goods to. The walls of our fortress have been breached. The once strong belief in our nation has been replaced with the attitude of apathy.

But according to John Adams, our nation had a firm foundation. “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were … the general principles of Christianity.” (He wrote that to Thomas Jefferson back on June 28th, 1813.) Adams should know, he was there at the founding. Yes, there were imperfections as you would find with anything man has a part of.

This logic was interlaced into our nation for the next 100 years, but as it aged the threads began to tatter. John Quincy Adams, gave an oration on July 04th, 1837 (61 years after the Declaration was signed) in which he said, “ Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the World, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day (July 04th)? Is it not that in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of our Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?” 

John Jay, first Supreme Court Justice

Another early American leader, John Jay, the Secretary of State for George Washington and the original Supreme Court Justice, believed that Christian principles should be included in civil arenas. “Providence [a term many of the Founders used for God] has given to our people the choice of their rulers; and it is the duty – as well as the privilege and interest – of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” (October 12th, 1816)

I have cited several early leaders in America, from different walks of life. Military, political, legal and I would point out they all to some degree were willing to stand in the gap, to defend this nation, its founding principles and morals, to try to keep it headed in the right direction, a Godly direction, from whence it came and to which it should keep progressing.

But I would like to suggest to you, that while the passage in Ezekiel was talking about prophets, priest and princes (political leaders); the true search is for leaders in every field. Fathers and mothers to begin with, for from these are raised children of strength, honor, morality, and integrity and those children will be the new leaders in the world.

There are leaders in every field, it matters not which. Leaders stand out and they become the best of the best, people others look up to for one reason or another. They set the example for others through how they live and conduct their lives. In many ways they stand in the gap, not because of some massive display, but often through their steadfast love of God that permeates their life.

Another of the Old Testament prophets said, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

It is a fairly simple requirement. I suggest to you that those three things are the making of a good servant of God, a good example to man and in many ways are the attributes of a good leader.

Perhaps the important part is; if someone begins looking for a leader today, will they find us or will we be found lacking. Are we the ones that will build a wall and stand in the gap to protect our land from the more liberal values of the world? Today America is still considered as a Christian nation, by some, will it still be considered that in another fifty years?

May God stand between you and harm in all the empty places you must walk.

Stone

 Ezekiel 22:23 - 31 (Israel’s Wicked Leaders) 23 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 24 “Son of man, say to her: ‘You are a land that is not cleansed or rained on in the day of indignation.’ 25 The conspiracy of her prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured people; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst. 26 Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain. 28 Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord had not spoken. 29 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. 30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. 31 Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord God.

Down Days

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for

I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” --Psalm 43:5

President Trump has compared our country's reaction to the corona virus to a war. Warfare is fought on many fronts. The physical dangers of this pandemic are obvious, and we see them affect many other aspects of life. Cultural changes and economic hardships are far-reaching and will take time and effort to counter or accept, and some things will be changed when the dust settles. Jobs have been lost: many businesses are not going to reopen, and some churches will close. Some foreign powers are using the “distraction” to further dangerous agendas, and some homeland politicians are trying to push radical agendas they could not advance during normal times. While we are seeing “the light at the end of the tunnel”, what lies ahead as we emerge from the tunnel may be a very different society. Television newscasts keep giving us “confirmed cases” and “total deaths” updates, with higher numbers each day.

I find all this to be very depressing. Sometimes I change the TV channel, and take a break from the news to watch The Flintstones or The Dukes of Hazzard. Sometimes I ignore my doctor's advice and eat a few [okay, more than a few] extra chips or cookies. But it doesn't brighten my mood much, and isn't helping my waistline, either.

One of the biggest side-effects of the pandemic that isn't addressed much is the emotional toll it's taking.

Medical workers are struggling. A military chaplain who served in the Gulf War, now a volunteer chaplain in a New York City hospital, said what he's witnessing now is worse than the desert battlefield. Medical workers putting in 13-hour shifts report being fatigued and often sorrowful. That fact is especially worrisome: such stress can affect job performance, and lives are literally at stake.

Across the country, a major problem is depression. We see confusion, anger, and frustration triggering harmful behavior: assaults, domestic violence, break-ins and suicides are on the rise.

What can we do about it? More importantly, what guidance does the Bible give us when we are depressed?

The first thing we need to understand is what depression is NOT. It is not a demonic presence. When Scripture speaks of “a spirit of” grief or fear, it is talking about the human spirit: one's outlook or mindset. Evil spirits do exist and may try to lead us into depression, but it is our own spirit or heart which needs altering, not a demon which needs rebuking.

Depression is also not necessarily a sin! Isaiah told us that Jesus would be “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” [Isaiah 53:3]. The Gospels record His anger at the disciples and the Pharisees, and His sorrow over the death of Lazarus [even though He could bring him to life again]. He prayed in agony the night He was betrayed by Judas. “Negative” emotions are not evil just because we do not enjoy them.

Jeremiah, a mighty prophet, is known as the “weeping prophet”. His mood did not disqualify him from prophetic service.

Even the Apostle Paul admits to depression, but contrasts it with failure! “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed“ [II Corinthians 4:8-9]. “Cast down” doesn't mean being tossed off a building. It means having a “downcast” facial expression; to habitually look at the ground. In Paul's day, in the 17^th century [when the King James Version translated Hebrew and Greek words into “cast down”], and in modern society, a “down cast face” is considered a sign of depression. But Paul contrasts being troubled, perplexed, and depressed with being in despair, being forsaken, being destroyed. We CAN have a troubled, perplexed, even depressed spirit [attitude] without being defeated – indeed, later in the passage he asserts, “in all these things we are more than conquerors” through Christ.

When we are tired, stressed, confused, even depressed, it can all be for good reason. The Christian is still a human living in a fallen world. It is not the absence of suffering that determines our spiritual condition, but our reaction to it. Struggling to overcome difficult moods and feelings is a noble deed; it's giving up and giving in to depression [or anger, or fear] that constitutes failure. And in our struggle, we should always turn to “God, that comforteth those that are cast down” [II Corinthians 7:6].

So: what do we find in the Bible to help us in the Down Days?

** In Down Days, God will always be there. “for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” --Hebrews 13:5

** In Down Days, God will always care: “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” I Peter 5:7

Do you give [cast] your worries to God, or try to deal with them as if He isn't there?

** Jesus is already victorious over Down Days: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” --John 16:33

** Jesus has united us eternally with our loving God, and Down Days cannot change that: “I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” --Romans 8:38-39

** In Down Days, choose to think about uplifting things: “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ” 
--Philippians 4:8

“These things” include these and many other verses that should comfort us. Think on them, study them, and rely on them as a way in which the God of all comfort calms and soothes your spirit on Down Days.

Then, when He has aided you, share what He has done for you with others who are also struggling with Down Days. 

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” --II Corinthians 1:3-4

God is always greater than the biggest problem you have.

~ Rick Jones

Crave Cinnamon Coffee Hoodie Hoo Giveaway

Hoodie Hoo Day is a day that is celebrated every year on February 20th. It is a day designed to help people overcome the winter-time blues and to prepare them for the coming of Spring. The main custom of this odd holiday is to go out on February 20th at noon, raise your hands over your head and yell, “Hoodie Hoo!!” for all the world to hear.
So once you've put your hands in the air and hollered "Hoodie Hoo" like you just don't care, be sure to stop by and claim your chance to win a great prize. But, hurry because this giveaway ends when Hoodie Hoo day ends!

Enter To Win Crave Cinnamon Coffee!

The warm spice of cinnamon in this coffee will tingle your taste buds and add a little more zing to your cup-of-joe!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY PRIZE.

Are you ready to try this delicious coffee for free? If so you're in luck because thanks to our wonderful sponsor one lucky giveaway contestant will get the opportunity to do just that when they win a 40-count Crave Cinnamon Flavored Coffee! Enter on the widget below for your chance to win. Remember the more entries you do the better your chances are to win!

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Dates: February 5, 2020, at 5:00 pm EST to February 20, 2020, at 11:59 pm EST
Prize: ONE lucky giveaway WINNER will receive a 40 Count Box of Crave Cinnamon Flavored Coffee.

This giveaway is for a 40 count box of single-serve cinnamon flavored coffee from Crave and will run through 2/20/2020 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. It is open to residents of the US ages 18+. You are not eligible if you have won a prize from the sponsor in the last 90 days. Winners are subject to eligibility verification and those who do not provide mailing information at the time of entry will have 24 hours to confirm before a new winner will be drawn. For any questions or concerns please email paula_stewart (at) ymail (dot) com (please consider adding this email to your “Safe List” as the winning email notification will be sent from this email). Chances of winning depend on entries received. Remember the more entries you do the better your chances are to win! If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified. The winning entry will be verified.

I would like to give a big shout out to all the blogs participating in this giveaway! I couldn't do it without you. Thank you for bringing this promotion to your readers.

Please take a minute to follow, subscribe, like, and share them so that we continue to bring you the best giveaways possible! If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified. Giveaway open to US residents 18 and older. Thanks!

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An Amish Christmas Kitchen ~ A Great Gift For The Season

I love to read and I read a lot. I always have a book with me when I go places since I don't know how long I will be waiting at the places I go. This current book was perfect for that.

About the book:
An Amish Christmas Kitchen: Three Novellas Celebrating the Warmth of the Season written by Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, and Kate Lloyd , is the perfect gift for an avid reader in your home.

As the weather grows cold and the nights grow long, the cheer and warmth of the Christmas season is one thing all readers can find comfort in. This collection from bestselling Amish fiction novelists Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, and Kate Lloyd finds the beating heart at the center of the holiday and offers three novellas that celebrate family, faith, and especially the sights and smells of a bustling holiday kitchen.

Leslie Gould tells the story of how, in the wake of a heartbreaking loss, a young Amish woman finds unexpected comfort and hope in a yearly baking tradition surrounding the local Lancaster Christmas market. Jan Drexler offers a sweet tale of a shy Amish woman who decides to use her gift for sweets to woo a local Amish boy with her beloved Christmas cookies. And Kate Lloyd offers a heartwarming tale of a woman's unexpected discovery about the truth of her past, and the warm and welcoming Amish family table she finds herself invited to on Christmas.

What I thought about the book:
An Amish Christmas Kitchen is a lovely book with three novellas that you can easily read in an afternoon. I loved how quickly I could identify with the characters and how sweet the stories were. Each story was set in the same time period and you could sense the area of the country where they took place, along with the simple lifestyle of the Amish. The sweet romances that took place were very touching and helped you root for the main characters to find happiness, especially during the Christmas season. This would make a great gift for a friend or loved one for Christmas! Fair warning, reading this will make you want to go bake or visit a bakery.

You can find the book on Amazon and in local book stores!

This reviewer received the product free or at a discounted price in order to bring you an honest review. No other form of compensation was given. All opinions are those of the reviewer.

Looking For A Summer Slouchy Beanie?

I know this is not exactly the time of year you usually talk about a product like this, but with all the weird weather we have been having, it really fits! Plus, even when it is warm you once in a while need something like this.

CacheAlaska has a fantastic Summer Slouchy Beanie! I have to tell you, this really is a nice hat.

The material is acrylic and super light weight. With the slouch look, you can wear it all year round keeping your head comfortable in cold or warm weather. It's great for being out in windy, rainy and blustery days, keeping your hair dry and looking good! Plus, your head doesn't get overheated while wearing it.

I like that it will fit pretty much every one. I have very tall, big sons, and they often find it hard to get hats to fit. They don't stretch enough or they don't stay on well. This beanie stays on really well, and they like how comfortable it feels.

It can be worn as it is or folded up with a cuff, although I like it better uncuffed. It's also machine washable and you can tumble dry it. Easy care!

CacheAlaska has excellent products, and this is one of them! Highly recommend this to you!

You can get your own CacheAlaska Summer Slouchy Beanie HERE!

This reviewer received the product free or at a discounted price in order to bring you an honest review. No other form of compensation was given. All opinions are those of the reviewer.

Have You Ever Wondered About The Logic Of God?

As a reader I love to find books that really make me think . One of my favorite authors who consistently gets me thinking, and thinking a lot is Ravi Zacharias. His latest book is no exception to making me think a lot!

His newest book is The Logic of God. Here's a short description of the book for you:

Jesus Christ alone answers our deepest questions. We all have doubts that challenge our faith. We wonder whether the Bible still matters, or whether God is truly as loving and personal as we hope. In his first ever devotional, The Logic of God, apologist Ravi Zacharias offers 52 readings that explain how and why Christianity, the Bible, and God are still relevant, vital, and life-changing for us today. To all our dilemmas Ravi says, "I am convinced that Jesus Christ alone uniquely answers the deepest questions of our hearts and minds."

With a remarkable grasp of biblical facts and a deep understanding of the questions that trouble our hearts, Ravi tackles the most difficult topics with ease and understanding. But The Logic of God is more than intellectual; it is also personal, offering thoughtful wisdom on: 

• when Jesus draws especially near you. 
•  the deep ray of hope found in God's Word. 
•  how God transforms disappointments. 
•  why prayer matters. 
•  how genuine peace is possible. 
•  making sense of suffering.  ​

Ravi makes profound biblical truth easy to understand. And if your life is busy, this book is designed for you! It addresses 52 topics that you can read over the course of one year or slowly digest at your own pace. Each entry includes a Scripture, questions for reflection, and some practical application steps.

When you're struggling with questions and doubts, confused, curious, or just want a clearer way to express your faith The Logic of God has answers that satisfy the heart and the mind.

I have been slowly reading the book and it has been encouraging me, challenging me, and helping me to be better equipped in teaching others. As a Bible teacher myself, I need help in explaining deep concepts and biblical truths. Ravi puts these things in a way that can be shared with others and related to.

You do need to be warned, this book is not going to be read in a short time or zipped through. It grabs hold of your thoughts and it's supposed to. You will begin thinking about God in ways you had never thought of Him or in ways hat you had not thought about in a long time. I think that's a good thing!

I highly recommend this book to you and encourage you to pick extra copies up or your friends and family as gifts!

You can find a copy of the book HERE!

This reviewer received the product free or at a discounted price in order to bring you an honest review. No other form of compensation was given. All opinions are those of the reviewer.