Tuesday Treasure: Love Is A Rose; Egg-cerpt Exchange Fun!

Good Morning Friends,

Since tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and that leads up to Easter, a bunch of authors have gotten together to share book excerpts in Tina Gayle's "Egg-cerpt Exchange" blog hop again this year and I'm one of them!

Since Lent and Easter are very special to me, I'd like to focus on my devotional Love is A Rose for this egg-cerpt exchange so here again are the details....

Music is the magical entry into the spirit world; the golden gate into the Kingdom of God. But we mustn’t be of the mindset that God only uses Christian music to reach out and touch our mind, heart and spirit. God uses any and every means available to speak to His children.

Our job is to be open and receptive.

In this devotional, Pamela S Thibodeaux shares how God opened her spirit to a deeper understanding of the abundance of His grace and mercy through the words of the song, The Rose sung by Country & Western artist Conway Twitty.

Pamela offers Seeds to Ponder and a prayer as she parallels the love of God and the Christian life to each verse of the song.

EGG-CERPT:  Introduction

The Bible talks of harps playing and choirs of angelic hosts singing. It also tells us to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” The Israelites were ordered to send the praise and worship team—playing musical instruments, dancing and singing—ahead of the soldiers into battle. So there must be something special and powerful about music.

Music is an intricate element of worship, an aspect of praise that brings you into intimate proximity with the Lord. Music lifts you physically (fatigue disappears, pain is forgotten), mentally (your mind is filled with it, erasing everything else), emotionally (you are saturated with joy and peace) and spiritually (your spirit soars on the wings of His); opening your heart and mind to receive more of God’s presence, more of His truth.

Music is the magical entry into the spirit world; the golden gate into the Kingdom of God. But we mustn’t be of the mindset that God only uses Christian music to reach out and touch our mind, heart and spirit. God uses any and every means available to speak to His children.

Our job is to be open and receptive.

Nearly every Christian song I hear touches my heart in some way, urging me into a closer walk with God and bringing me a truer knowledge of Jesus. Amazingly though, the one song that really opened my spirit to a deeper understanding of the abundance of His grace and mercy wasn’t a Christian song but a Country one.

I’ll never forget the morning in 1995 when The Rose as performed by Conway Twitty came to me in its entirety with Bible references or Scriptures correlating to every verse…

Some say love, it is a river that drowns the tender reed…“A bruised reed He will not break.”

Some say love, it is a razor that leaves your soul to bleed….Bible Conversion; a cutting or stripping away of old beliefs.

Some say love, it is a hunger, an endless, aching need…"As the hind longs for running water, so my soul longs for thee oh God...”

I say love, it is a flower, and you its only seed…“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed…”

It’s the heart, afraid of breaking, that never learns to dance… David danced before the Lord.

It's the dream, afraid of waking, that never takes the chance…"Entrust your works unto the Lord and your plans will succeed."

It's the one who won't be taken, who cannot seem to give…“Love is not selfish…For God so loved the world He GAVE…!”

And the soul, afraid of dying, that never learns to live…"What shall a man give in exchange for his soul…For what is man profited if he should gain the whole world but lose his soul?”  Or more accurately…“Let not your heart be anxious, for I am with you always, even unto the end of time.”

When the night has been too lonely, and the road has been too long…"I am going but I will not leave you alone. I will send you a comforter, a counselor to guide and help you.”

And you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong…. “God is love and he who dwells in love dwells with God. The meek shall inherit the earth…blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God.”

Just remember in the winter (of darkness and sin)....Jesus died so that we might have life, He conquered sin and darkness…. “I came so that you might have life, in abundance, to the full, overflowing.”

Far beneath the bitter snows...How can something so beautiful, so pure, be so bitter and cold? God is light. He washes us clean with the shed blood of His Son so that we might be as pure as the snow.

Lies the seed, (of faith)...that with the sun's (Son's) love...in the spring... (season of new birth, new life)...becomes the rose (an attractive flower).

Wow, what a revelation!

I immediately sat down and wrote the ensuing compilation paralleling the love of God and the life of a Christian to the words of this song.

Why do you suppose God used a country song to teach me about Himself?

I believe God was using a means familiar to me to show the depth and power of His love for me.

It is my prayer the words contained herein will do the same for you.

Before I begin, let me answer a few questions about myself. I am not a minister or even a candidate for the ministry. I have no degree or doctorate in psychology or anything resembling either. I am simply a Christian housewife and mother who's been blessed with a talent for writing and who desires to glorify the Lord of my life with that talent.

As I said in my opening statement, the Lord led me to write this analogy so the words in it (and I'm sure He also led the songwriter to write such a beautiful song) are His, guided through me by the power of the Holy Spirit to speak to you. So, let's begin.

Love is A Rose can be Purchased at:

Amazon in Print and for Kindle

Barnes & Noble in Print and on Nook

Smashwords for E-Readers and Deeper Shopping!

Find me at:

http://pamelathibodeaux.com

http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/psthib

https://www.facebook.com/pamelasthibodeaux

Thanks for letting me share!

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™

Thursday Thoughts: Love....

Well since tomorrow is Valentine's Day I think I'll just share with you an excerpt from my devotional, Love is a Rose....

As you know this devotional parallels God's love and the Christian life to the words of the song, The Rose written by Amanda McBroom and performed by Conway Twitty and Bette Midler. Here are the lyrics...

Some say love, it is a river that drowns the tender reed
Some say love, it is a razor that leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love, it is a hunger, an endless, aching need
I say love, it is a flower, and you its only seed
It’s the heart, afraid of breaking, that never learns to dance
It's the dream, afraid of waking, that never takes the chance
It's the one who won't be taken, who cannot seem to give
And the soul, afraid of dying, that never learns to live
When the night has been too lonely, and the road has been too long
And you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong
Just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snows
Lies the seed, that with the sun's love in the spring becomes the rose

This excerpt is from verse 4....I say love, it is a flower, and you its only seed...

Faith is a seed that blossoms into flowers of hope and joy. The Bible says that, "God's word will not come back void."

We are told to plant seeds of faith, water them with prayer, fertilize them with hope and watch with joy as they blossom into flowers of blessing.

Matthew 17:20 tells us that if we have faith as a mustard seed we can move mountains.

Galatians 3:29 says that if we are Christ’s, then we are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Therefore, no prayer goes unheard or unanswered. What we must realize is that God's answer may not always be what we think it should be.

When we get intimate with the Lord and learn His ways, we'll see our seeds of faith blossom and grow into rose gardens of blessings because when we're intimate with Him and know His ways, our prayers will be in alignment with His will for our lives.      

God is happy to grant our prayers and bless our lives if we "ask in faith and believe that you receive." But remember God will give "good things to those who ask" He will not grant you something you think would be a blessing but would ultimately be for your ruin!     

Some wise soul once said, "Sometimes God withholds our answer until we have gained the knowledge, acquired the wisdom, or formed the character to appreciate what He has chosen to bless us with."  

Think about it!  Would you rather get what you "want" or what He wants for you?

Knowing God as the generous, loving, Father He is, it is more prudent to have what He gives because only He knows what's best for us, and when we understand this our lives will be simpler and much more peaceful.

Many of us have a dream of where we’ll go and what we’ll do when we get the perfect job, retire, or hit the big jackpot, thinking life will be better “once I get there.” God calls us to “bloom where we’re planted.” Believing something else, or someone new, or some other place will make us happy, will only lead to discontent.

Happiness comes from within and one of the quickest ways to true bliss is to get over yourself and sow joy and happiness into someone else’s life! This is such a simple thing…a phone call, email, note, letter or card. Even a simple smile can brighten someone’s day. Make sharing love, peace and joy a priority in your life and watch dreams become reality and miracles happen.

Seeds to ponder: God is love. If love is a flower, and you its only seed—how can you plant seeds of love and faith into the lives of others?

Prayer: Dear Lord, You said, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” AND “Inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.” Please help me to see the good I do and that which I don’t and to strive in all things to show Your love, mercy and grace unto the least of my brethren.

Love is a Rose is available in print with pages for reflection for only $5.99 and for Kindle, Nook and @ Smashwords for only $0.99!

As you remember those you love this Valentine's Day....let's not forget the ONE who loved us first and most...

PamT

Thursday Thoughts: Guest Post by Delia Latham

Good Morning Friends,

Today I thought I'd give you a break from my random ramblings and share with you some thoughts from a dear friend of mine, Delia Latham.

DELIA LATHAM is a born-and-bred California gal, raised in a place called Weedpatch and currently living in the lovely mountain town of Tehachapi with her husband and a spoiled Pomeranian. She enjoys multiple roles as Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but especially loves being a princess daughter to the King of Kings. She has a "thing" for Dr. Pepper, and loves to hear from her readers. Contact her through her website or send an e-mail to delia@delialatham.net. Find her also at the following online locations:

Living the Write Life (blog)

Facebook

Twitter

Amazon Author Page

Today Delia is sharing a devotion from her book, Morning Rendezvous, Devotions and Musings from My Heart to Yours....

Morning Rendezvous

by Delia Latham

©

Psalm 5:3

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

I am not a morning person.

Most of the time I'm up until the wee hours, either writing or doing something to avoid writing, and then I sleep half the morning away. I can do that now—it's one of the perks of having an empty nest.

But not on this day.

I crawled into bed sometime just prior to 3 a.m. only to have my eyes pop open at about a quarter to six. I blinked sleepily and looked to my window, noticing the colors of dawn still streaking the sky. Dawn? Huh-uh! Giving my pillow a firm, outraged plump, I turned over to go back to sleep. It was not time to get up!

"Come talk to Me.”

Just a whisper. A tiny little voice. I might have imagined it.

"Pssst! In here. I'm waiting."

He kept it up, gently nudging me. Finally I groaned and responded. "OK, Lord, I'm awake. What's the deal?"

But lying in bed pretending to pay attention wasn't working. I finally had to crawl out of my nice warm cocoon, grab my little devotion book and Bible, and park myself on the sofa for some time with the Lover of my soul. Turns out I'd been putting that at the bottom of my To-Do list a little too often, and God—being the good Friend that He is—woke me up to tell me He missed me.

I realized just how much I had missed Him too, when He snuggled me up close and whispered, "Beloved...where have you been?"

The glory of that early morning rendezvous reflected itself in every moment of that day. How could it not? The King of Kings and Lord of Lords desired my company enough to disturb my coveted slumber to get it.

I am blessed!

Precious Lord, I thank You for the times You awaken me to show me Your love. They are treasured times with You, and I hold them close to my heart. They give me strength to endure; they give me joy for the journey. You are welcome anytime you want to be with me! I invite you to come often, and stay long. Amen

Morning Rendezvous is available through Amazon in Print and on Kindle!

Well Friends, I hope you enjoyed this devotion and sneak peek into Delia's heart. 

Tomorrow I'll be guested at VB Tenery's blog, Agatha Remembered so if you have a minute, stop by!

IMW have a Blessed day!

PamT

Tuesday Treasure: OWN IT! a devotional by Michael and Haley DiMarco

Good Morning Friends and WELCOME to another Tuesday Treasure.

I've always been a fan of devotionals and as you know, I've recently published my own, Love is a Rose. Well today it is a pleasure to share with you another devotional, this one published by B&H and based on the upcoming movie, Grace Unplugged. 

Next month I'll be sharing the novelization of the script written by Melody Carlson. But now, here is a little more about Own It!

“Do you own your faith? Do you rent it? Or do you borrow it from your friends or family?” asks Russ Rice, one of the film’s producers and a consultant on the books. “Those are the questions Grace has to answer, and I hope the movie’s audience and the books’ readers answer them, too.”

OWN IT - OWN IT by Michael and Haley DiMarco challenges readers to begin developing a belief in God that is truly their own – mirroring the  journey of the GRACE UNPLUGGED's title character.

Wow! Sounds like a great movie and wonderful devotional! Own It! is available now through all major CBA retailers as well as Amazon (Kindle) (Audio), B&N (Nook), Deeper Shopping  and Christian Book.com  (Ebook) (Audio).

 

Michael DiMarco is a bestselling and award-winng Christian author, and publisher and creative director at Hungry Planet. Michael has authored or co-authored a number of books including "God Guy", "Devotions for the God Guy", "Die Young", "Over It", "The Brave", "Almost Sex", "Unstuff", "Cupidity", "B4UD8" (Before You Date), and the "God Guy Bible" among others. He is married to an even more bestselling author, Hayley DiMarco, and father to their daughter. To find out more about Michael DiMarco, visit his website at http://www.MichaelDiMarco.com

Hayley DiMarco is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, including “Dateable”, “Marriable,” “Mean Girls,” “The Woman of Mystery,” and “Cupidity.” She spent the early part of her career working for a little shoe company called Nike in Portland, Oregon and Thomas Nelson Publishers in Nashville, Tennessee. To find out more about Hayley DiMarco, visit her website at http://www.HayleyDiMarco.com 

This Tuesday Treasure is brought to you by Grace Hill Media

Well friends, hope you've enjoyed this week's Tuesday Treasure.

Until later...take care & Be Blessed!
PamT

Tuesday Treasure: Music

Good Morning Friends,

I'm a little late posting my Tuesday Treasure today. Haven't had time to schedule it in advance then slept wrong and hard last night so I hurt all over and my mind is fuzzy.

UHG!

Oh well, that's life huh?

Today's treasure is music.

Pretty broad spectrum but let me tell you about a song that touched my heart and enlightened my mind to the awesome love and grace of God.

I've always been a Country music fan and had heard The Rose numerous times. In 1989 I recommitted my life to Christ and started listening to more Christian than Country music. Then one morning I had the radio on and this song came on and with every verse, a bible scripture or thought about God came to me and I sat down and wrote the following.....

Some say love, it is a river that drowns the tender reed…“A bruised reed He will not break.”

Some say love, it is a razor that leaves your soul to bleed….Bible Conversion; a cutting or stripping away of old beliefs.

Some say love, it is a hunger, an endless, aching need…"As the hind longs for running water, so my soul longs for thee oh God...”

I say love, it is a flower, and you its only seed…“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed…”

It’s the heart, afraid of breaking, that never learns to dance… David danced before the Lord.

It's the dream, afraid of waking, that never takes the chance…"Entrust your works unto the Lord and your plans will succeed."

It's the one who won't be taken, who cannot seem to give…“Love is not selfish…For God so loved the world He GAVE…!”

And the soul, afraid of dying, that never learns to live…"What shall a man give in exchange for his soul…For what is man profited if he should gain the whole world but lose his soul?”  Or more accurately…“Let not your heart be anxious, for I am with you always, even unto the end of time.”

When the night has been too lonely, and the road has been too long…"I am going but I will not leave you alone. I will send you a comforter, a counselor to guide and help you.”

And you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong…. “God is love and he who dwells in love dwells with God. The meek shall inherit the earth…blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God.”

Just remember in the winter (of darkness and sin)....Jesus died so that we might have life, He conquered sin and darkness…. “I came so that you might have life, in abundance, to the full, overflowing.”

Far beneath the bitter snows...How can something so beautiful, so pure, be so bitter and cold? God is light. He washes us clean with the shed blood of His Son so that we might be as pure as the snow.

Lies the seed, (of faith)...that with the sun's (Son's) love...in the spring... (season of new birth, new life)...becomes the rose (an attractive flower).

These truths have been fleshed out and is now published devotional which is available on Smashwords, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook and in Ebook form at Deeper Shopping. The print version will be available soon too!

I hope you'll get a copy of this devotional and that it blesses you as much as it did me!

Music is the magical entry into the spirit world; the golden gate into the Kingdom of God. But we mustn’t be of the mindset that God only uses Christian music to reach out and touch our mind, heart and spirit. God uses any and every means available to speak to His children.

Our job is to be open and receptive.

In this devotional, Pamela S Thibodeaux shares how God opened her spirit to a deeper understanding of the abundance of His grace and mercy through the words of the song, The Rose sung by Country & Western artist Conway Twitty.

Pamela offers Seeds to Ponder and a prayer as she parallels the love of God and the Christian life to each verse of the song. 

Until later take care and be blessed!

PamT

Tuesday Treasure ~ The Time Under Heaven & Gardens of the Heart by Laurinda Wallace

Good Morning Friends,

Today it is a pleasure to bring to you more books to treasure, this time by talented author, Laurinda Wallace. Since we're showcasing two of her books, I won't take up time and space but let her take it away....

I've been writing stories since elementary school days and always have a good mystery book nearby. Life just isn't complete without books. There's nothing like a comfy chair, a cup of coffee, and all day to read. I also love my Kindle, which saves on shelf space and feeds my reading habit so conveniently.

Once our two daughters, Megan and Emily were grown, my husband, David and I left our native Western New York for sunnier skies and warmer weather in southeast Arizona.  The high desert with its beautiful mountain views, awe-inspiring night skies, and independent spirit brought back the old desire to write. Since 2005, I've been writing for various magazines and websites on a variety of topics. With the creative juices flowing and encouragement from family and friends, books soon appeared. 

In the 2012, my debut novel, The Time Under Heaven was published, along with a devotional book called Gardens of the Heart. The first book in the Gracie Andersen mystery series, Family Matters was published in 2013. My blog, SimplyLife is a popular stop for many of my readers from around the world. You'll find everything from inspirational thoughts, local history, humor, or simply life. 

When I'm not at my day job in administration or writing at home, the gardens around Casa Wallace and hiking in the Huachuca Mountains keep me busy. Many times what's happening in my flower gardens or those spectacular views in the mountains inspire devotionals and new stories. While life is full of unexpected twists and turns, my foundation will always be the One who created the roses in my garden and the mountains I love to hike. He is my source for everything.   

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.  Proverbs 3:5,6

Find out more by visiting my website or connecting with me on FaceBook, Google+ or LinkedIn.

Time seems to be against missionary Ruthanne Carroll. Suddenly faced with a life threatening illness, she reluctantly returns to the U.S. from a small Maasai village in Kenya. Once she reunites with her sisters Elizabeth and Melody, she clearly sees God’s hand leading her to uncover a guilty secret from her past.  

 
A journey to uncover the truth leads them through sometimes dangerous circumstances and battles with old hurts. Each find their faith and relationships challenged as they reach a crossroads where the choices are healing and reconciliation or bitterness and defeat. 

Watch the trailer HERE!

Book Info: ISBN-13: 978-0985432805  280 pages, Christian fiction, 3-Mice Productions - Publisher, Paperback - $9.98  Kindle - $2.99, Smashwords - $2.99.  Release date: May, 2012

Gardens of the Heart is a 30-day devotional for gardeners and lovers of gardens. With a hoe in her hand, long-time gardener, Laurinda Wallace leads you through the Scriptures to help you cultivate a bountiful heart of devotion and obedience to the Master Gardener. Filled with beautiful nature photos, you’ll also find daily flower and vegetable growing tips that range from the down and dirty necessities to simple, effective ideas that will help make your garden flourish. So roll up your sleeves and grab your gloves, because it all begins with the soil in your backyard and, most especially, in your heart! This inspiring devotional makes a great gift for yourself or anyone who loves the beauty and peace of the garden. 

Book Info: ISBN-13: 978-0985432843; 64 pages, Devotional, 3-Mice Productions - Publisher  Paperback Available @ Amazon.$11.14; Kindle $2.99; Release date Oct. 27, 2012.  Watch the trailer HERE!

Well friends, hope you've enjoyed this edition of Tuesday Treasure. Laurinda will be joining us again next month with another title so stay tuned!

Until later...take care & God Bless!

PamT