"The GREAT HOUSE of GOD ~ A Home for Your Heart"

by Max Lucado

The Thomas Nelson description of "The Great House of God" by Max Lucado starts out with ... 

"God's greatest desire is to be your dwelling place. The home for your heart.

He doesn't want to be merely a weekend getaway. He has no interest in being a Sunday bungalow or even a summer cottage. He wants to be your mailing address, your point of reference, your home...always. He wants you to live in the Great House of God. ..."

and this is exactly how I felt as I read "The Great House of God ... " making God my dwelling place, through the detailed schematic of the house plan correlated with the "Our Father" prayer ... truly sensing this as a welcomed "... home for my heart". Only Max Lucado could come up with this spectacular new take on a scripture passage so well-known as a prayer by most; the prayer that Jesus used to teach us to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. I have read many teachings on the "Our Father" prayer base, its structure and how we are to pray this and the power and meaning in each line of the "Our Father"  yet this one refreshes and stirs even a greater longing in me to "come home". 

Max Lucado, as always, never disappoints, and wittingly walks us through the floor plan and rooms in the House of God, via a well structured plan using the Lord's prayer, taking us on a tour of the home God intends for us:

"...Warm your heart by the fire in the living room. Nourish your spirit in the kitchen. Seek fellowship in the family room. Step into the hallway and find forgiveness. 

It's the perfect home for you. After all, it was created with you in mind. There's only one home built just for your heart. No house more complete, no structure more solid."

Indeed, my heart was kindled, as I read the Kindle version, (pun intended) by the living room fire ... my spirit nourished in the kitchen, and I found a fresh forgiveness as I stepped into the hallway; seeking fellowship in the family room after establishing step by step from the foundation of trusting in God as Our Father, Abba, all the way to the Chapel, relying on His power. Max does not even leave out the walls that Satan has a part in, nor the roof beneath God's grace. I enjoyed learning again from a different perspective each line of the Our Father and how it relates to the home built just for our hearts. 

Although, I loved passing through each chapter, room and portion of this great prayer, the Throne Room, was my favorite; as we touch the heart of God. Yet truthfully and actually, as I entered each one, they in turn became my new favorite, because of the gifted way that Max Lucado paints so vividly with words. It is not at all difficult to understand how Max Lucado is a best selling author time and time again; the reason he is one of my favorites and one of the most requested of books by me. You can't go wrong with any of his books, but this one is highly recommended by me for a delightful, brilliant, master filled journey of 13 parts in God's Great House, where you'll be at home!!!

"... So come into the house built just for you. 

Your Father is waiting."

"It's the perfect home for you. After all, it was created with you in mind. There's only one home built just for your heart. No house more complete, no structure more solid.

The roof never leaks. The walls never crack. The foundation never trembles."

In the current events of the world, you will find security in this home for your heart and soul, a spiritual shelter and refuge! I need a foundation that will never tremble, a roof that will not leak and walls that never crack because I have been cracked, leaked many tears, and trembled in the tests of my faith. This book and this new look at the 'Our Father' prayer and image has reassured me of God's complete love and a home built in my heart, Solid in Him.

The added bonus of a wonderful study guide, well written by Steve Halliday, makes this book ideal for individual, small or large group studies. It's definitely a new treasure in my home.

Praying the Our Father will now create a new concrete image in my mind, heart and spirit of Abba, Our Master builder and heavenly Father, who Jesus methodically taught us to pray, honor and glorify each and every day so that when we "ask one thing of the Lord that we may dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 27:4), we will realize the importance of each part and each room designed specifically with us in mind. God's House, not only is Great, He is Great and has invited us to make Him at home in our home. Welcome Him in now! He will shelter you, stretch you, humble you, provide for you, meet you, encompass you, build you up, nourish you, restore you, reveal Himself and His will to you each day as you pray "Our Father ... " this way as Max ends his book and God is glorified

"Our Father Thank You for adopting me into Your family.  who is (art) Thank You, my Lord, for being a God of the present tense:   my Jehovah-jireh (the God who provides),  my Jehovah-raah (the caring Shepherd),  my Jehovah-shalom (the Lord is peace),  my Jehovah-rophe (the God who heals), and my Jehovah-nissi (Lord, my banner). in heaven, Your workshop of creation reminds me: If You can make the skies, You can make sense out of my struggles.  Hallowed be your name. Be holy in my heart. You are “a cut above” all else. Enable me to set my sights on You.  Your kingdom come. Come, kingdom! Be present, Lord Jesus! Have free reign in every corner of my life.  Your will be done, Reveal your heart to me, dear Father. Show me my role in your passion. Grant me guidance in the following decisions:(list them)   . . . On earth as it is in heaven. Thank You that You silence heaven to hear my prayer. On my heart are the ones You love.  I pray for . . . (list them) Give us this day our daily bread. I accept your portion for my life today. I surrender the following concerns regarding my well-being . . .  And forgive us our debts, I thank You for the roof of grace over my head, bound together with the timbers and nails of Calvary. There is nothing I can do to earn or add to your mercy. I confess my sins to You . . .  as we also have forgiven our debtors. Treat me, Father, as I treat others. Have mercy on the following friends who have wounded me . . . (list them)  [as I let.it.go] *my addition* And do not lead us into temptation . . . Let my small hand be engulfed in Yours.  Hold me, lest I fall. I ask for special strength regarding . . . (name it)  Our Father . . . give us . . . forgive us . . .  lead us . . . Let Your kindness be on all Your church. I pray especially for ministers near and missionaries far away.  For Yours—not mine—is the kingdom I lay my plans at Your feet. Yours—not mine—is the power I come to You for strength. Yours—not mine—is the glory I give You all the credit. Forever Amen! ~Max Lucado~

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this eBook free from the publisher, Thomas Nelson through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 16 CFR, Part 255._

THE RESPECT DARE

"The Respect Dare: 40 Days to a Deeper Connection with God and Your Husband" by Nina Roesner, seems to be a good companion to "The Love Dare" from the movie "Fireproof" drawing from the Bible verses in Ephesians 5:31-33

When I received this book from Booksneeze to review, I decided that I would read and do the book as it is intended, as a 40 day challenge to "experience the intimacy God intended and discover what He can do in my heart and in my marriage when I choose to show respect God's way." It truly seemed like a really wonderful way for me to start this year with the intention of improving both of these relationships and the intimacy being deepened through respect.

  

I took this book, one day at a time, with the expectation of learning the key to a successful marriage summed up in these two words: unconditional respect, just as a woman desires unconditional love. I actually believe that both love and respect are required from both partners as mutual and needs to be unconditional, at least that's what we strive for in our relationships. I really had high hopes that the application of these Bible verses could turn even my marriage around. However, not being at home with my spouse, made this a bit more of a challenge as I worked through each day's dares, more through reflection rather than being able to actually do the dare. So to be fair to the author's claim of practical advise about "what works" and her tangible ideas, I must be honest in admitting that I only visualized the possibility yet I truly hoped that my connection with God would be deepened in the process anyways. I agree wholeheartedly that "we are called to be a reflection of the life of Christ" as we are made in God's image, and that our marriage represents Christ and the Church, which means it is more about being like Jesus and representing that relationship well. Ultimately, that was my personal purpose for choosing this book and doing it as a daily dare. The "frosting on the cake" for me, would have been if I could have a radical change on me and thus, my marriage as well. Time will tell as I apply what I read. 

Nina Roesner enriches, challenges and affirms our journey to changing our marriages through true stories from the lives of real women. Each dare starts out with a Bible verse to focus the lesson through a true situation story,  concluding with a "Bottom Line", questions and actions to complete for the 'dare' for that day. I like this format, the spiritual growth concepts and the suggested opportunities to apply them – no matter where you are on your journey. I found most of them to be helpful and applicable. I'm not totally convinced however that all of her well thought out ideas could save a marriage that's in trouble like mine, but I'm sure that applying these practices of showing more respect would definitely improve a good relationship or even one that's struggling because they are based on God's Word and God will bless any effort to strengthen a marriage or relationship as He ordained it to function. I look forward to coming back to this book and improving my relationship by applying these ideas, at least trying. I definitely needed the self assessments and reflections along the way. I would have liked to not have to be reminded so much throughout the entire book of the "Daughters of Sarah" which became a bit annoying, although I'm sure they are wonderful.

I'd encourage you to give it a try and see what God may have in store for you and your marriage relationship, whether for maintenance or improvement. I'd recommend it for any woman willing to work at becoming a godly wife, whether newly wed or struggling to take your marriage and spirituality to the next level. If you are willing to change your attitude and yourself, in a day where respect seems to be dwindling in our culture and should not be, and our society tells us that respect is earned, God will honor that we respect one another and love unconditionally as He loves us. 

For more information on Nina Roesner,visit her site or the Daughters of Sarah website. Check out The Respect Dare website, too! I appreciated the resources and that these sites are available to further the motivation of completing "The Respect Dare" and daring to respect more! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

I shared "The Respect Dare" when I first started the book and a video from Nina Roesner

GRIEVING GOD'S WAY ~ The Path to Lasting Hope

GRIEVING GOD'S WAY THE PATH TO LASTING HOPE by Margaret Brownley and Haiku by Diantha Ain

"Grieving God's Way" by Margaret Brownley with Haiku by Diantha Ain helps lead the reader to a path of hope and healing through a 90 day devotional that starts you on the process of grieving in a healthy way; God's ways. The book is divided into four parts of healing: I. the grieving body, II. the grieving soul, III. the grieving heart and IV. the grieving spirit along with a Bible verse and devotion for each day and an inspirational haiku by Diantha Ain. My favorite part however was what she shared from her heart and in the section "Healing Way" at the end of each day.

Through the author's own personal experience with grief after the loss of her oldest son, she showed me how to grieve God's way instead of how I have been dealing with my losses, mixing some of man's ways with God's ways and not being able to let go. Weeks, months and even years go by without visible signs of improvement or change on their special days, wondering about that person. "Then one day, it happens ... we are no longer consumed by our loss and our thoughts turn outward. These are the first signs of healing." "Grieving God's Way" offers and inspires a different course of action than our society tells us that says "get over it", stuff it, forget it, suppress it, "shouldn't you be over this?", move on ...

I. Man's Way: Numb the pain  God's Way: Heal the pain through healthy choices II. Man's Way: Don't dwell on your loss. Keep busy God's Way: Slow down. Take your time. Share your pain. Heal through Beauty, Art and Nature III. Man's Way: Grieve alone * God's Way: Grieve with the help of family &friends IV. Man's Way: Time heals God's Way: Faith heals ~Margaret Brownley~

Time definitely has not healed the loss of each person no longer here in my life. Each death is different and each of us deal differently with the death of a loved one. The pain is very real. But "out of the pain comes a gift of a deeper faith" (Day 87). I have experienced death from illnesses, sudden death and the traumatic death of a suicide. Not one is the same. I felt that Margaret walked honestly through her grief and how she shared it like she "gets it". I had done many of the same things that Margaret shares throughout her book but especially Part II. I love the opening introduction of each section but Part IV's spoke the most to me from this beginning part:

"When grieving God's Way, peace of mind is the reward we receive for faith ..."

through her message to the very last words on that page

"Grief is a very dark cave with no visible way out. Hope and joy are distant memories. Faith deserts us ... We cry out to God ... We question His wisdom and purpose. This is how the spirit grieves." "Fortunately, God doesn't hold a loss of faith against us; ... This is the wonder of God's aMazing Grace." "The spirit heals when life becomes meaningful again and we face the future with hope, courage, and a more lasting and mature faith."

my spirit received the healing that flowed from these words  ... 

Thank you, Margaret!

I am now moving forward after reading this like a devotional for the past 90 days (finishing up on the exact day 3 years after my most recent devastating personal loss from suicide of a special significant friend of mine for the past 13 years here in Mexico ) with a new hope and hopefully a more healthy way to cope that will be lasting. In some ways, reading this at this point only surfaced the pain once again but this time I was able to take hold of God's truths and ways to cope and deal better. I'm learning how to embrace my grief with hope and promise, realizing that I don't have to 'let go' of the people but can express my grief in a healthier way by continuing to love them. Now I'm pressing on to learn and apply this in an entirely different kind of grief: the entire loss of our home and belongings to a fire.

The final author note of Margaret Brownley seemed to help me the most summing up her journey so beautifully and truthfully with these words: 

"Grief knows no end, but neither does God's healing." ~ Margaret Brownley ~

Grief is an inner journey and Margaret Brownley captures it and the healing necessary to start over, hold on to our memories and look forward with hope that is lasting through her words and God's Word, we can heal God's way finally through "Grieving God's Way". 
I have read only one other book that has helped me at all, although I'm noticing more and more available. I do recommend this book for those grieving and even for helping others you know or yourself to understand more completely grief, loss and a path to healing. I know I will go back often when I'm in that valley so I can lift up my eyes to the hills from where my help comes(Psalm 121)...

Disclosure of material connection: I received this book free from the publisher Thomas P. Nelson through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger's program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

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* although I found, that there are now many sites and support groups to help us deal with our loss and our grief, I prefer to be surrounded by Christians with like beliefs.   My problem was that I am out of the country and do not feel comfortable enough to share in Spanish as I would back home. However, I was not able to talk with family and friends back home about these things, there are places you can. And for me to share with or even see the family here bought back painful memories and increased my heaviness.