Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Meet Rose Chandler Johnson

I'm pleased to introduce you to Rose Chandler Johnson, the author of a sweet little devotional.


Here is a bit about the book:



In the South, nothing is more refreshing than a glass of sweet iced
tea. Nothing, that is, except experiencing God in those small, everyday
moments. God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea is a deeply personal collection
of spiritual treasures designed to help readers experience new mercies
each morning. Seasoned with insight and grace, this tender devotional
points to the divine presence of God in everyday moments. Whether
purchased as a personal resource or given as a heartfelt gift, God, Me,
and Sweet Iced Tea will help readers develop a daily habit of turning to
God in those quiet moments of reflection.



If your like me, you may wonder who writes a devotional and why they write them. I'm curious that way. Well I don't know about other authors, but here is what Rose says:



Why did you write a devotional?
When I decided to make Jesus the Lord of my life, in 1977, I starting reading a devotional every morning. It was just what I needed to help me focus and structure my time. I’ve incorporated devotional reading in my quiet times with God for decades. I think most people could benefit from that format. the fact that I wrote a devotional comes back to my desire to be relevant and encouraging.

Who do you want to reach with your book? Which audience?
God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea is uniquely appropriate for working mothers, but it’s also for anyone who wants to put their Christianity into practice in their everyday moments and go deeper into God’s word. Reviewers have stated it’s for anyone seeking God’s peace and a closer relationship with Him. I’m happy that men and couples are enjoying it as well. As Tiffany Colter said, this devotional is simple enough for the newest believer, yet deep enough to make a life-long Christian feel challenged to go higher. There are 52 devotions followed by questions for journaling and reflection, suggested scriptures for further reading, a prayer, a sweet tea moment (thought for the day), and a prayer focus. Those extra helps allow the reader to use this as a personal or group study.

I invite you to take advantage of the “Look Inside” feature on Amazon to see the table of contents and read several of the devotions.

So who is Rose Chandler Johnson?


Rose Chandler Johnson’s devotional journal, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments was released in July 2013. Her devotions, poems, and articles have appeared in numerous Christian publications. She enjoys writing for her popular blog, Write Moments with God, and engaging with her readers. Rose is from Burke County, Georgia and has lived in Martinez, GA for the last twenty-eight years. She has been a French and English teacher for the last twenty years. Rose enjoys baking, gardening, and spending time with her six children and their families.

If you'd like to connect with Rose, here is her contact information:

God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea is available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart.com, and through your local independent book stores.

Thanks for sharing with us Rose!

 

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Abraham - Total Surrender to God

I was reading about Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac because God asked him to. I know, I know, there are at least a million and one sermons on this event, but it's so nice when God opens your heart to hear what He has to show you.

He has been teaching me about surrendering to Him. Mostly my fears which show me just how little I trust God. So When I read Abraham's encounter with God in Genesis 22 my brain processed it differently.

I had to ask myself, metaphorically speaking, if I was willing to hike the mountain with each of my children. Isaac was right by Abraham's side the entire journey. Then take the time to build an alter and strap them to it. Could I take the knife and trust my Father enough to surrender my kids completely into His care?



Kids on the Altar
Since I think in pictures, it helps me to visualize a literal alter and placing my children on it in
complete surrender to God's will, for their lives, and for mine as their mother.

Here is another thing that I relate to Abraham in. While he has faith in the big things, i.e. "He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead." Hebrews 11:19a
He had some trouble trusting in the "What if's" of life. In Genesis 12 and again in 20 Abraham is afraid of a "what if.' Both times they were entering a foreign land and Abraham asked Sarah to tell people that she was his sister. He thought, what if they kill me because you are so beautiful and I'm your husband? When his life isn't even really in danger, but he see's that as a possibility, he takes things into his own hands.

Oh yes, Abraham and I have a lot in common.


Here is one other side note: I teared up as I read Gen. 22:7-8 They are still on their way to the place of sacrifice when Issac notices something strange about the things they have with them. He sees the wood, and the fire but where is the lamb he asks his father. Here is Abraham's response, "God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.' Wow! God says the same thing to each of us. He has provided the perfect lamb as the offering for my sins. It's as if God says, 'I got this."

I'm so thankful He does. What a wonderful gift salvation is! I'm reminded of a worship song that I love, and we sang in church this morning.

Take a listen.


Jesus died for you and for me and He is so worthy of our worship. I think He has all of the 'What ifs" covered!


Friday, February 14, 2014

Old Coat, New Coat.

A few years ago, I bought a long winter coat from the thrift store. Now I will admit it was pretty ugly, but it kept my bum and thighs warm. In fact, it kept me so warm that I looked on the tag to find out what it was made of. I never would have guessed it, but it was made of Camel hair. So I put a long scarf on it and called it good. It still looked as ugly as sin, but I was warm so I kept my head down and wore it.

This year I decided enough was enough with the ugliness, so I went online to find a solution and I found quite a few.

Here is what I did . . .
I replaced the buttons and put fake fur around the cuffs, pocket opening and collar.

Now when I start a project I jump in with both feet and look later. So, I never remember to get a before photo for things like a blog. (sigh)

So here is the best I could do, it's after the buttons are replaced. But here is a pic. of the old buttons so that you can get an idea just how bad this coat looked.

BEFORE



 AFTER


 Now instead of feeling like a dork, I feel like a million bucks!