We Are on the Same Team and Fighting the Same Enemy

	We Are on the Same Team and Fighting the Same Enemy
	Article 4 Article 1 ▶ Article 2 ▶ Article 3 ▶ Article 4 ▶ We Are on the Same Team and Fighting the Same Enemy As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) By Sheri Rose Shepherd Bestselling Author and Bible Life Coach learn more ▶ Think about what makes your heart melt when you watch a great love story. It's not the hero's physical strength or his beloved's beauty, is it? No, you and I are drawn to the power of true love and its inexplicable ability to prevail over tragedy and adversity. The greater the conflict, the stronger the love must be in order to resolve the issue. When the hero does whatever it takes to save the relationship, our hearts soar with renewed hope. Likewise, as we seek to truly listen and understand our men when differences between us create friction, we set ourselves up for more satisfying and loving relationships. The Author of love and life and the Designer of our differences knew there would be conflict between men and women. The real problem comes, though, when we get accustomed to seeing relational problems solved in the time it takes to eat a bag of popcorn. Our hero and his beauty have less than two hours to defeat the dragons and overcome unspeakable challenges. You and I are not going to magically resolve deep relationship conflicts in our own wisdom and definitely not in less than two hours. When I met my husband, Steve, I was sure we were a match made in heaven. In fact, we have had the privilege of being in ministry together for most of our marriage. I wish I could tell you it's been an effortless, wonderful life for the two of us, but I would be lying to you. I learned to fight loud and strong by watching my parents. My brother and I would hide together in my bedroom as our parents tore into each other during arguments, often screaming and throwing things. Because of my broken family, when I first got married I was sure that every conflict between me and Steve would end our marriage. Steve was raised by parents who had stayed married, so it was impossible for him to relate to my fears and worries. He was raised in quieter surroundings. His parents dealt with conflict quite differently from mine. There was no rage. No yelling. No broken furniture. His parents rarely fought—and never in front of their children. But his family also had no system to resolve conflict. That meant issues went unresolved—though not unnoticed. Steve's and my fighting techniques were drastically different. However, neither of us had been equipped to deal appropriately with marital conflict. That led to major challenges early in our marriage whenever we attempted to resolve a disagreement. To make things even more difficult, when I married Steve I was a new Christian and had not yet learned how to channel my anger properly. I tried everything to get him to react or resolve conflict with me, and as I waited, I became more bitter and he became more distant. One day I couldn't take Steve's calm, cool responses anymore. From my perspective, he obviously needed some lessons on how to fight for our marriage. I'd had enough of his "let's work it out peacefully by ignoring our problems" act. In my mind, he was being polite only to annoy me. "Why don't you ever show some emotion and prove to me you care about our marriage?" I yelled. Steve stood there quietly, shaking his head and looking down at the ground. Then suddenly, he turned toward the mirror on our bedroom closet door and kicked it as hard as he could, smashing it to bits. Wow, I thought, what a performance. He sure learns fast. Suddenly I began to laugh hysterically through my tears. I was so shocked I wasn't sure if I was relieved or ready to run from what I saw. His toenail was jutting out at a bizarre angle as he asked me, "Is that enough emotion for you? If it would help, I could probably throw myself on the floor and work up a good cry." We both began to laugh together as we attempted to pick up the glass fragments scattered all over our bedroom floor. In that moment I realized how much we had shattered each other just because we were different and had not been trained on how to resolve conflict. Our marriage was not the problem; it was our hearts. Neither of us had a teachable spirit. It took several years, a lot of tears, and one expensive closet door mirror to repair the damage inflicted during those early years. We still have conflict, as all couples do, but we now understand that we are on the same team and that it's okay not to agree on everything. After twenty-five years of marriage, we've decided it's worth letting go of the little things and fighting to understand one another. Conflict comes no matter who we marry. We may be fighting about different things with different men, but there will always be major differences between men and women. I once heard a pastor say that if spouses agreed on everything, only one of them would be needed. Let's not allow our differences to divide us any longer! For a sneak peek of Sheri Rose's Your Heart's Desire Group Experience, or to learn more about her ministry, visit www.biblelifecoaching.com. Watch the trailer:

Book Review: A  Perfect Word For Every Occation by Liz Duckworth

We are in a new millennium in which our technology has improved immensely. Writing letters or giving cards has rapidly been replaced by electronic mail and texting.  I have always been a firm believer in sending out snail mail, and giving hand written cards- there is a more personal feeling to it.  I love the simplicity of giving a card and expressing my feelings, and just letting the ink in my pen flow smoothly on paper.  Just think of how beautiful it feels when someone hands you a card on your Birthday.  In this day in age, computers seem to be replacing it - It's just so much easier, right?


I know that sometimes it's hard to say the right words or we just do not know what to say. That is why Liz Duckworth wrote this book. In her book, she offers ways and examples on how or what to say.  Every chapter has quotes and verses to help find new ways to say the right words. She also has a section for what not to say. 



This book has 10 chapters that offer different examples.  The fallowing chapters are:

1. Words for the Grieiving2. Words of Gratitude
3. Words for the Sick and Suffering
4. Words for Birthdays
5. Words for Weddings and Engagements
6. Words of  Encouragement
7. Words for Celebrations
8. Words for Events and Activities
9. Words of Truth and Love
10. Words for a Changing World

My favorite section was the quotes and scriptures.
Some examples:

Gratitude is the memory of the heart. -Jean Baptistery Massieu

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. - William Arthur Ward

I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks. -William Shakespeare

How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world. William Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice

God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9: 7

Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier. - Anonymous

I will say of The Lord, "He is my refuge and fortress, my God, in whom I trust." - Psalm 91:1-2

Do not let your hearts be troubled. - John 14:1

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers. - Galatians 6:9-10

Carry each other's burned, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2

Words of comfort, skillfully administered, are the oldest therapy known to man. - Louis Nizer

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it. - Helen Keller

Storms make trees take deeper roots. - Claude McDonald, The Christian Word

It is the wounded oyster that mends its shell with pearl. - Ralph Waldom Emerson

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. - 2 Corinthians 13:11

These are some of the very positive and encouraging words that you will find in this book - for every occation. This is one of those books that you will want to keep for future reference.   

We live in a world in which we all have such busy schedules; that it self, makes it difficult to focus on others, right?  But we must remember it's important to encourage one another when difficult times arise.  We need to be a little more aware of  other's feelings; after all there will be a time when WE will need a word of encouragement and motivation.


** I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I am honored to have author Sherri Rose Shepherd as guest blogger here on my site.  She has writen 14 articles about her book Your Heart's Desire, which 8 of them will be fetured here within the next few weeks. The first article that will be featured is We Are on the Same Team and Fighting the Same Enemy.

Sherri Rose Shepherd has been has been speaking and writing for more than 20 years, and is a best selling author.  She is former Mrs. United States who has writen numerous books, which include His Princess: Love Letters from Your King, Prepararing Him for the Other Woman: A Mother's Guide to Raising Her Son to Love a Wife and Lead a Family, Prayers to My King: His Princess, His Little Princess: Treasured Letters from Your King, Fit for My King: His Princess 30-Day Diet Plan and Devotional, among others.

Go to http://hisprincess.com/about/ to learn more about her and her ministry.


http://www.yourheartsdesirebook.com/



Her latest release is Your Heart's Desire; 14 Truths that will forever change the way you love and are loved. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hope and healing for every woman who has ever loved a manBestselling author and Bible life coach SheriRose Shepherd shares 14 truths that will forever change the way you love and are loved. This book is written for the married woman who loves her man but struggles in her marriage. It's for the single woman who wants to find a godly man to love and for the divorced woman who believed in her marriage until her man walked out.Each chapter has life-challenging love stories, love coaching, powerful prayers, inspiring scriptural love letters, and a Transforming Truth.If you're ready for a refreshing perspective on love, men, and marriage, this book is for you.







Review for Borders of the Heart by Chris Fabry

Borders of the Heart is filled with intense action, adventure, suspense, and romance. It is set in the Southern part of Arizona near the Mexican border. Chris Fabry does an outstanding job in writing a book that reflects the reality of Illegal immigration and drug cartels.

I was quickly drawn into this story, because Arizona is close to my heart.  I am familiar with the desert heat, the stories of Illegal Immigration, and the important part that law enforcement has in protecting it's borders from illegal activity.

At the beginning of the story we are introduce to J.D. Jessup, a musician running from his past. When he started working at an organic farm, the owner warns him about illegal crossings, and emphasizes the importance of calling Border Patrol if he sees an Illegal.

One morning during J.D's usual horse ride, he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman near death. Right at the moment when he is about to call Border Patrol, he sees a faint movement and changes his mind. He decides to act upon his heart and help her. Little did he know that his act of kindness would put his life in great danger.

J.D. is in for a ride of his life. While risking his own life, he finds out that Maria is running from a dangerous man who is involved with a drug cartel - out to exterminate anyone who crosses his path. J.D. also learns the importance of trusting God, and to confront the fear that was preventing him to love again.

Synopsis:

"Desperate to escape haunting memories, J. D. Jessup travels from Nashville to Tucson and volunteers on an organic farm. The hardened landowner has one prevailing rule: If J. D. sees an "illegal," call the border patrol. But when an early morning ride along the fence line leads him to a beautiful young woman named Maria, near death in the desert, his heart pulls him in another direction. Longing to atone for the choices that drove him to Tucson, J. D. hides her and unleashes a chain of deadly events he could never have imagined. Soon they are running from a killer and fighting for their lives. As secrets of their pasts emerge, J. D. realizes that saving Maria may be the only way to save himself."

About the Author:



"My latest, Borders of the Heart, is a book I never thought I would write because I never thought I would live in the desert. The main character is

J. D., a man with great loss who's trying to piece together his life and where to go next. He faces a choice in the opening pages that changes his life, and the lives of many characters.

My stories come from life and sometimes art imitates stories.Four years ago my family and I moved to the desert. I'm not a desert person. But I knew the experience would at some point provide a rich, fertile place to tell a dusty tale. Borders of the Heart is my nod toward some of the great western wirters -- Cormac McCarthy and Larry McMurtry. It's a love story, a painful story of loss, a mystery, and an edge-of-your-seat thriller. I hope you enjoy the ride thorugh Tucson and the surrounding area as much as I did."

  ***********************************************************************************

Chris Fabry will definitely be added to the list of my favorite authors. To learn more about this author and to watch the trailer for Borders of the Heart, go to http://www.chrisfabry.com/

AUTHOR Q & A

 http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/downloads/press_kits/BordersoftheHeartQ&A.pdf

WATCH TRIALER FOR BORDERS OF THE HEART

watch on tyndale.com

** I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to provide a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review for  Rules of Engagement: Preparing for Your Role in the Spiritual Battle

The very first time that I read the title: Rules of Engagement: Preparing for Your Role in the Spiritual Battle, I thought I was getting a book on how to better understand the spiritual warfare battle. But let me tell you, I got that and more!  It's a book on how to build character and veracity to fight the war. Spiritual warfare is something that we are constantly facing in our Christian walk, therefore; it is extremely important to wear the armor of God at all times. Prince shows us how important it is to FIRST be obedient to God.

When we face difficulties in our lives,  it is so much easier for us to to want to fix things by ourselves. Sometimes we experience hardships so that we learn to acknowledge the importance of seeking God's help; as a matter of fact, Derek Prince shows us that being obedient is one of the most important things when we face spiritual battles.

This book is filled with excellent advice and several examples of how Biblical men went through struggles - so that they could learn a life lesson. For example; there is Jacob who had a physical struggle with the Angel of the Lord - this taught him to give up his independence.  Like Jacob, we must learn to surrender.

CHARACTER is another important requirement;  BE VIGILANT!  Prince states that we must always be aware that the enemy seeks to destroy.  And like a soldier, we must learn personal discipline.  Here is an example:

"Be sober, be VIGILANT; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour"  (1 Peter 5:8). 

Prince also states: "Prepare for service by remaining submissive to God and training our souls to stay in submission to our spirits."

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.  Let all that you do be done with love."  
(1 Corinthians 16: 13-14).

You will learn in  Rules of Engagement: Preparing for Your Role in the Spiritual Battle, that OBEDIENCE, VIGILANCE, and PREPARATION is important to be in the army of the Lord, and like a soldier prepares for battle - we too must learn to prepare to face all spiritual battles that come our way.  So how do we do this? We must seek God daily through prayer and supplication.   I definitely recommend this OUTSTANDING book.

*This book was provided by Bethany House in exchange for a review.

BOOK REVIEW FOR INESCAPABLE: ROAD TO KINGDOM - BOOK ONE

                      ABOUT THE BOOK

Lizzie Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, Kingdom, Kansas, with plans never to return. But five years later, the new life she built is falling apart. Lizzie knows she's being followed, and she's certain the same mysterious stranger is behind the threatening letters she's received. Realizing she'll have to run again, the only escape Lizzie can manage is a return to the last place she wants to go. Once she arrives in Kingdom, Lizzie is confident she'll be safe until she comes up with a new plan. In reacquainting herself with the town and its people--especially her old friend, Noah Housler--she wonders if she judged her hometown and her Mennonite faith too harshly. However, just as she begins to come to terms with her roots, Lizzie is horrified to discover the danger she ran from is closer than ever. No longer sure who to trust and fearful for her life and the lives of those around her, Lizzie finds she has only one place left to run--to the Father whose love is inescapable.


                                              ABOUT THE AUTHOR


                                                                  

 Nancy Mehl, the author of 12 books, received an ACFW Carol Award in 2009 for her novel For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Wichita, Kansas, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. Visit her website at www.nancymehl.com.












                                              MY BOOK REVIEW


I was completely captivated and fascinated with the Romantic Suspense story about 18 year old Mennonite Lizzie Engel; who becomes pregnant out of wedlock. As a result, she is turned away by her overly strict father.  She then feels that because of her father's shunning and the reaction of her Old Order Mennonite Community, she must run away from it all, and start anew with her young daughter.

Lizzie settles down in a brand new place with her daughter Charity.  After 5 years, things seem to go down hill; yet again.  Things just don't seem to be going in the right direction.  Her boss becomes sick, and has to stop working until she recovers.  In the process, another woman is hired as the manager.  This woman does not seem to like her, and blames her of stilling money. To top it off, the man in the "RED" cap seems to be spying her every move.  Lizzie feels this man is the culprit of the anonymous threatening letters she has been receiving. She fears for her daughter's safety; as a result, decides to embark on another run away journey to the place she left in the first place - Kingdom.

As the days and weeks follow after her arrival,  Lizzie learns that in her struggles, she must learn to turn to the only one who has always been there for her; God. She learns that most of the people in Kingdom really do care for her. She begins contact with her childhood friends, and other members of her community.  She begins to build a good friendship with Cora; an older lady, who encourages her with uplifting words of advice. Then comes along Noah, her best friend when she was a child. We are introduced to many more interesting characters.

The story of Lizzie has a great plot and interesting characters. With Lizzie,we learn that there are times that we fall away from God - in the midst of the circumstance we tend to follow the path that we think is best for us.  Along the way, we learn that we must trust those who love us and have faith in God. For He is the one who will take our hand and shows the way. There are so many words of encouragement in this book that truly touched me, and reminded me that as a Christian woman and mother, I must learn to trust the One who will never forsake me. God is always there to show us the road back to HIS Kingdom!

One of my favorite lines from Inescapable is when Noah is talking with Lizzie's father after he scolds Lizzie:  "I thought the foundation of our religion was Christ, His sacrifice, our redemtion, and His grace to live the life He's called us to."

*This book was provided by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for a review.

Good-bye 2011

The year 2011 was filled with ups and downs for me. A whole new year of grieving the loss of my new born baby boy; who was born on March 30, 2010- he lived for 12 hours. 2010 was a sad year; nonetheless,it was also a great blessing because God chose Wes and I to be Joshua Angel's parents. Then again, 2011 was filled with beautiful signs from my Joshua; therefore, it was a good year. I will see each experience in life as a blessing. Each moment that I breathe is a blessing. I give glory to GOD.

Through the years and the trials that I have faced, God has been my rock and fortress. To him I lay my troubles. I find my streinght in HIM. I give glory to him for the happy times. I give glory to him for the sad times. For if we don't have trials, how do we learn to be strong and not to give up?

This passing year did have many good things. In 2011 my little guy turned 6 and my little girl turned 3 - so yes, I am truly blessed. This year we had so many relatives visit throughout the summer. My cousin (who is like my brother) and his family came in June. The in-laws came to visit us twice this year. My husband returned safely from the desert -God's angels were with him. And my mom has been with me supporting me and encouraging me to "keep on keeping on". This year was good, because we had CHRISTMAS EVE/CHRISTMAS DAY with my mom. And this year I meet some wonderful people - and a beautiful group of children- which will always be part of my prayers.

With another year behind us; we are about to close a chapter of our lives. We will begin a new chapter in 2012. Let us start anew. Let us Focus on the good things in life; on the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. This new year gives us the chance to be a better person. Let us think about others, and let's try to find new solutions to the problems we face. Let's see each children as God's children;therefore, protect them. Let's encourage them to be followers of God, and to love others. God is giving us another opportunity to wake up, and smell the coffee.

I wish you and yours the very best for the new year to come. God bless you, and stay strong in the Lord. He will never forsake you.

~Molly

Psalm 18: 1-3

I love you, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

He is my shield and the Horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise...


Deuteronomy 31:8

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."