Why I relate to the Psalms

~Tuesday Thoughts~

What's up! I was working on a project this past weekend. While I'm extremely excited about sharing it this Thursday, I am sorry about the lack of posting this weekend. Also, there is a poll on the left sidebar, that I would absolutely love if you checked out! It's about how often you think I should post, something I have been thinking about lately and would love your opinion on.  

Just recently I decided that I will be reading the Psalms. I have been having trouble with having consistent Bible reading and prayer times for a while now (anyone else?), but hopefully, since I have figured out what I will be reading exactly, I might get back on track.

The main reason I picked the Psalms was that I feel I relate to a lot of them. So many Psalms are outcries of a heart in pain, a heart afraid to hope. And God hears those prayers. 

God reminds us again and again that He is our hope. The Lord is our Deliverer. He will never leave us, even if we've spent the first half of the psalm crying that it feels like He has. God hears those prayers, those screams about the unfairness of life and the horrors of it. He hears them, and He answers them. 

 "You have put more joy in my heart

    than they have when their grain and wine abound.

  In peace I will both lie down and sleep;

    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:7-8 (ESV)

How about you? Have you had times when your prayers to God are mainly crying for help or asking Him if He's still there? How has God answered your prayers and shown you His presence?

Hacksaw Ridge: A Review

~Monday Movies & Music~

He did not have to go. He enlisted. He enlisted with a determination of being a medic, trying to fix the world as it was crumbling. But he does not believe in holding guns. And during World War II, that is a serious offense. This is the story of how Desmond Doss' faith and determination saved dozens of men in some of the world's most horrifying hours.

I have wanted to watch Hacksaw Ridge (trailer) for a while and have finally received the opportunity. This is a breath-taking movie based on the true story of Desmond Doss. The director, Mel Gibson, does a great job of showing both the gruesomeness of WWII and the hope only our Savior can bring. We see death after death, and it is horrifying. It should be. World War II was an insane time full of deaths. But we also see how sacrifice and doing what you know is right can save, literally save, people.

The quality of this movie is amazing. The truth it portrayed even more so. It hits a nerve because it was supposed to. I so wish we could undo World War II. I wish we could undo those deaths, those countless lives lost on all sides, in every country. But even though we cannot do that, we can remember those who fought and who sought to heal the world during that time.

Hacksaw Ridge is an R-rated movie and is not at all suitable for children. For teenagers and adults, though, it can be a vivid reminder of God's hand moving in remarkable ways.

Swimming through Clouds by Rajdeep Paulus

~Saturday Stories~

Typical Talia: “My arm is where Dad prefers to write.”
“‘Yes, sir.’ Because that’s the best response to Dad’s rules. The lawyer makes the laws. Breaks the laws. Then rewrites the laws so he looks innocent. That’s how Dad roles.”

Talia does not know any reality but this. Rules, lists of housework, limited access to everyone outside the house, punishments for the slightest disobedience. Somewhere along the line she understood that this was not the world her classmates lived in, but she could not do a thing. She and her brother are trapped screaming for help with silent voices. Until a boy from class suddenly starts breaking down the barrier Talia was forced to put up. While hope slowly brews in her heart, Talia wonders how long until discovery and another punishment.

Swimming Through Clouds is a beautiful tragic story that tells of the reality of too many boys and girls. Rajdeep Paulus portrays the story very bluntly, with hope and despair trying their best to push the other one out of Talia’s heart. The mutual care that Talia and her brother had for each other was one of the most heartening parts of the book.

Talia is helped not only by the caring classmate but also by a book in which she reads about the Gardener and the woman who bled for twelve years. This story is, very clearly, the story of the woman who had bled for twelve years. Talia sees herself in that woman and gleans hope from her healing. Altogether, this is a beautiful genuine heart-hurting book that does not lack in either reality or the promise of a future.

Swimming Through Clouds is the first in the Swimming through Clouds series. The second is Seeing Through Stones and Soaring Through Stars.

For more on Rajdeep Paulus, visit her website and Facebook page.

God makes the call

~Saturday Stories~

“I don’t want you to get hurt,” I repeated. ...
 “Me neither.” He started up the stairs. “But God gets to make the call on that one. Not you. Not me.” -Heather and Bryce, Counted Worthy

"...it starts with trusting that you don't know everything. That God does. That His decisions are better than yours, even when they hurt. You do that for a while, and you realize that regardless of what He allows, God's our best hope. Our only hope." -Jake, Angel Eyes

"Just remember that, no matter how dark life becomes, there will always be a reason to hang on 'til tomorrow. ... Always." -Cassie's grandpa, Unwritten Melody

How about you? Have you experienced hurt lately? Have you had a time when it was hard to trust God's choices? Would you mind sharing? 

Lofty goals

~Friday for Friends~

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)

Those are some pretty lofty goals, aren't they? Let us strive to attain them, all the while seeking God's help! What is something practical you can do in the next 24 hours?

A New Birth through the One who Conquered Death

~Saturday Stories~

"You asked why I would make such a big deal about promising my life to Jesus if He were dead like Buddha or Mohammed. Well, that's the thing! Jesus isn't dead. Yes, He died on the cross, but then He came back to life and He's still alive today. I can't explain it, but He's living inside me. He's as real as any person I know. I don't know Him as well as I want to, but we're getting better acquainted. I've always prayed - you know, talked to God. But now I'm starting to read my Bible, which is like listening to Him." -Christy, A Whisper and a Wish

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Our God is alive! Whether it is Saturday or Sunday for you now, can't you feel that anticipation, that delight in the fact that God has risen? Christ has risen! Amen!

Unwritten Melody by Tessa Emily Hall

~Saturday Stories~

Typical Cassie: "My bed squeaks as I climb on top of it. Sitting against the wooden headboard, I place the typewriter in my lap and inhale its dusty scent - which is oddly comforting, like the pages within an old book. Words beg to burst forth through my fingertips as I adjust the paper. This is my therapy."

Typical James: "To put it simply, I have to pursue music. Not just for myself or for this passion, but for the people who may some day be touched through my songs. Those who might be affected by my music in a positive way."

All her life, Cassie has been sheltered. Her grandma sets a 7 p.m. curfew, doesn't let her go to birthday parties, doesn't let her drive, etc., etc., etc. And all her life Cassie has been obedient. But now she wants to do something out of the ordinary, to experience the life that she never got to have, to be a normal teenager. Will her new classmate James be the answer to any of that? Does she have the courage to step out of her small world of grandparents, a couple friends, and her song lyrics?

James was just on American Spotlight, living his dream. But now he can't seem to find the inspiration and words to even start a demo album. Coming to a town in the middle of nowhere with his mother, James wants to sort out his life and figure out what he wants to do after high school. But his past, the past he has tried so hard to forget, might haunt him even here. 

Unwritten Melody is a beautiful story, based somewhat on the sheltered life of the poet Emily Dickinson. The struggles of both Cassie and James are relatable and intricately woven into the story. Cassie learns how to be vulnerable and how to believe that her life holds meaning and purpose. James learns to learn from past mistakes, but not to let them hold him back. 

At some times during the story, I felt that it dragged. However, other times were extremely gripping. The story is not as faith-focused as it could be, but it does include a few mentions of God. More about the Bible is woven into the discussion questions after the story. 

For more on Tessa Emily Hall, visit her website, Facebook page, and blog. She has also written the book, Purple Moon. 

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. 

"God began a very good thing" and more quotes

~Saturday Stories~

"God began a very good thing when he made you. I know he's very proud of you." -Dr. Peter, Sophie's World

"It has occurred to me today that it's definitely God's will for me to remain a virgin until the day I marry (that is if I ever marry - and who knows?). And so, on this day (May 26) I am making a vow to God to totally abstain from having sex until my wedding day." - Caitlin, Becoming Me

"If we wallow too long in our sin, we’ll start believing that’s as good as it gets.” - Pastor Scott, Worth the Time

"It's very easy to feel hopeless when we are in something all by ourselves. When we invite other people in to help us, it spreads out the burden, and things don't seem as awful anymore." -Renee, The Masquerade

How about you? Do you believe that God began a good thing when He formed you? Have you decided whether or  not you will abstain from sex until marriage? Have you remembered that it is not sin we need to focus on, but God? Have you let others help you? 

Happy endings

~Saturday Stories~

I just finished reading a story
That was bursting with hope
And, sure, it was dark sometimes
But everyone pulled thru in the end
I wonder if that’s because
It’s just a story
Or do things really happen that way
And can I, in moments of despair,
Assume that the words before “the end”
Will be happy ones

No matter how dark our stories are, God always knows what He is doing. He love us so much. 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Romans 8:28-34 (NIV)

"It seems hopeless" and more quotes

~Saturday Stories~

"It seems hopeless." ...
"Even in the darkest night, there is always hope." - Rin and Mrs. March, Jupiter Winds

"Thank You, I guess, for letting me see myself for what I really am, even if I don't like it very much. Please help me to change. Amen." - Caitlin, Becoming Me

"Please, let me have eyes like you ... Let me look beyond the physical stuff and see what lies beneath." - Emily, Faded Denim

“You’re never meant to control [your life]. God does. And when you know He’s in control, it’s a little easier to accept what happens.” - Thomas, Worth the Time

How about you? Does life seem hopeless sometimes? Have you asked God to change you and give you eyes like His? Do you know that God is in control of your life? 

Sharing...

~Friday for Friends~

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Do you have friends who do not know God's joy and peace yet? How can you try to share it with them? 

A reason to fight

~Saturday Stories~

You go to school, 

You come back

Five hours of homework 

In your backpack 

And you try to smile at Dad 

When he asks

How you're doing 

Cause you don't want him to know that

Life sucks at the moment 

And it all seems hopeless

And you're putting up a fight 

But don't remember what the point is 

And you're tired of the pain

And you're tired of the bruises 

And the pills in the cupboard 

Get more and more use now 

Might've not hit rock bottom

But it's worse than normal 

And you're trying to find a reason 

To live until tomorrow

Look up now, look up now

There's a reason to fight

There's a reason to hope 

There's always, always a reason to go on

There is Someone to hope in 

There is Someone to trust 

Not sayin' life will be perfect 

But it's better than what you've got 

There's a reason to fight 

Look up now, look up now

You go to school, 

You look around

Five hundred lost kids 

Milling about  

And you smile at Dad 

When he asks

How you're doing 

Cause you want him to know that

Life's awesome at the moment 

And it all seems hopeful 

And you're putting up a fight 

But you know what the point of is 

And you're tired of the pain

And you're tired of the bruises 

But you know the One 

Who'll help you stop using 

Might not be extremely happy

But it's better than normal 

Cause you've found a reason 

To live until tomorrow 

Look up now, look up now

There's a reason to fight

There's a reason to hope 

There's always, always a reason to go on

There is Someone to hope in 

There is Someone to trust 

Not sayin' life will be perfect 

But it's better than what you've got 

There's a reason to fight

Cause we've had our low spots 

We've all had our dark days 

We've all had our storms 

That didn't seem to pass away. 

We've all had our nightmares 

We've all had our hearts split 

We've all had a time 

When the devil seemed to win 

But. Now. We. Know.

There's a reason to fight

There's a reason to hope 

There's always, always a reason to go on

There is Someone to hope in 

There is Someone to trust 

Not sayin' life will be perfect 

But it's better than what you've got

There's a reason to fight 

There's a reason to hope 

There's always, always a reason to go on

There is Someone to hope in 

There is Someone to trust 

Not sayin' life will be perfect 

But it's better than what you've got 

There's a reason to fight 

Do You Believe?

~Monday Movies & Music~

Our family watched an AMAZING movie "Do You Believe?." Here is the trailer. 

A mom on the streets with her daughter. A pregnant teenage girl. A man who's been to prison. Grieving parents. A pastor's wife who can't have children. A former military man. 

Twelve stories weave into a beautiful tapestry. Each person sees God work, whether it be in a place to stay or a new friend.This is an awesome movie of hope, forgiveness, and love.  

Celebrating while in grief

~Tuesday Thoughts~

Author and blogger Tessa Emily Hall has a good post on celebrating Christmas even when the world is grieving loss after loss. 

"In him [the Word] was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it." John 1:4-5 (NIV)

Amen! Amen! Amen!

Cry out to Jesus

~Monday Movies & Music~

"Cry Out to Jesus" is a song by Third Day. Here are the lyrics. 

  "He heals the brokenhearted

    and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

No matter the circumstance, we can find our hope in God. 

He is our Rock. Amen!

Keep the candle burning

~Monday Movies & Music~ 

Keep the Candle Burning is a song by Point of Grace. Here are the lyrics.

   "You, Lord, keep my lamp burning;
    my God turns my darkness into light." Psalm 18:28 (NIV)

God is our rock; He is our salvation. Let us praise Him!

The One we can always trust

~Tuesday Thoughts~

"For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth." Psalm 71:5 (NIV)

"The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1 (NIV)

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

Our God is our hope. He is our stronghold. We can trust in Him - even if others let us down. Amen!

How about you? Have others let you down and got you discouraged of ever trusting anyone? What was a time when you trusted in God?

Purple Moon by Tessa Emily Hall

~Saturday Stories~

Typical Selena: If people really got to know me—my weaknesses, my pain, my “bad habits”—they’d reject me in a heartbeat. That’s what I fear. But whether or not it’s true, it’s just safer not giving them the chance. Easier for me just to allow people to only know what I reveal to them about myself. Nothing deeper... Once I begin to trust people enough to give them the key to my heart, they have access to knowing all about me—and permission to make fun of my flaws. That’s when I get hurt. Then I’m scarred forever.

Her father rejected her. Her boyfriend hurt her. Now Selena longs for a new start. She and her mom move from New York City to a small town named Lake Lure for the summer - a new beginning for both of them. But can it really work this time? Can Selena find something new and refreshing in this life that has only thrown her problems? Will there ever be a fairy tale just for her?

Purple Moon is a story of healing, a story of learning to trust again. Selena's father is a pastor and after he throws her mom and her out of the house, Selena finds it hard to even come near Christians. They're way too "perfect" for her. Anyway, it's God who caused all the problems, right? With the help of new friends and experiences, Selena comes to learn more of the awesome God who has a very special plan for her future.

Selena's back story affected who she became; believing in Christ wasn't easy for her. I admire that Tessa Emily Hall wrote a story so full of brokenness and yet spilling over with hope also. I felt that the beginning was slow and the ending was stretched. Also, Austin sometimes seemed to perfect of a guy. But, overall, this is a story of someone who was broken healing - with Christ. Because Christ's the only One who can truly heal.

For more on Tessa Emily Hall, visit her website, Facebook page, and blog.

Even this will be made beautiful

~Monday Movies & Music~

“Even This Will Be Made Beautiful” is a song by Jason Gray. Here are the lyrics.

I cried when I heard this song for the first time. It’s hard to believe that God will use this mess of a life and make something beautiful out of it. I mean, it’s a mess right? But it will turn out for good. Isn't that just awesome?


 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
  to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3(NIV)

It's not over yet

~Monday Movies & Music~ 

Here's a cool song by For King & Country: "It's not over yet". Here are the lyrics.

Whenever you feel that it's just way too hard, remember God still has a plan for you. He won't leave you halfway there.

How about you? Do you ever feel that life's just over? How has God helped you through it?