"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach 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, 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 gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."~from ISAIAH 61 Bible verse for this Blog

APOLOGY to READERS who followed a SEARCH to HERE & didn't find it

On July 18, 2017, I drafted almost 3000 blog posts that I had published since 2008 when I began blogging, rather than edit each one. So if you clicked here from somewhere else and ended up with the post unavailable or error, I am sorry but this is why. It'd be too much work for me to go back and fix them. There's an explanation on 7/19/17 as I'm still learning.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

MAGI ~ 1



Matthew 2:1-12
(you can read this here in its entirety on my blog)
"Secrets of the Magi: by Pastor Denyes,
Emmanuel Christian Center in Minnesota
1) Go on the journey with friends
2) It's alright to go on a journey without knowing all the details
3) Don't give up when it's not like you expected
4) Look for the King in your present situation
5) Understand the value of the Gift

Yes, I do realize that CHRISTmas is over, but I'm thinking that I may not be changing my background of "The Star of Bethlehem" with the 3 Magi... though the Bible does not mention how many wise men came to visit the King Jesus as a baby and hopefully, you'll better come to understand why I'm not changing my background back this year but leaving the "star" to guide my light... His Light on my journey. My WORD for 2012: LIGHT!

January 6th is known as "El Dia de los Reyes" (The Day of the Kings) in Mexico and much of Latin culture. Sometimes the word "magos" similar to the Greek word, is added after "reyes"(Kings) which in English relates to magic or magician, socerer ... but generally understood as wise men. Some say they were astrologers, which associates them to astrology: study of the stars, which some have applied to the occult/witchcraft. However, some think that they may have been astronomers rather than astrologers. Whoever they were, they came to bring GIFTS to the King Jesus and traveled following what we call the Star of Bethlehem (which is another interesting phenomena). The reason that it is thought to be 3 kings or wise men, is only because of the mention of 3 gifts that were given to Jesus. In the Catholic Church, which celebrates this day as the Feast of Epiphany (usually the first Sun. twelve days after Christmas, where we get the "12 days of Christmas" that I shared here). This day is very important to the children here in Mexico, because they look forward to receiving GIFTS on this day. I'm sure that I have shared in the past about this day, and if not, there are many places that do explain the tradition here like About(dot)com and Inside Mexico because that was not the intention of this blog post yet I could not ignore this.

Many of you have visited me here at aMazing Grace, Mazes, Messes, Miracles for quite some time without realizing how/why my name came to be or even that my URL address reads maz magi (dot) blogspot (dot) com (and I use to have "mazmagi" instead of Peggy for my name). However, I shared this near the beginning of this blog in 2008 and the link is always in my sidebar under ABOUT my BLOG(s)"Blog's name - why?"

The "Maz" part is the easiest to explain, having to do with where I am located in Mexico, Mazatlan, a Nahautl word for "land of the deer". And throughout the Christmas season, I referred to the "más" part of Christmas as meaning "more" of Christ. 

But then I come across this sermon above from Pastor Denyes, from a church that is almost like my 3rd church home, ECC -Emmanuel Christian Center. I listened and I didn't really focus in on his points (writing them down that is) until the 4th and 5th points struck me and then I had to listen to it all over again. Now as I look at all of his points about the "secrets of the magi", I realized that they were all from God, speaking to my heart for this new year and where I am at and planning to be or do (all in  hands of God). 

I began writing this thinking that I would be sharing on the "GIFTS of the MAGI", because I have become very interested in their symbolism and intrigued by the Star of Bethlehem. All three gifts are ordinary offerings and gifts given to a king. Myrrh being commonly used as an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable. But on a spiritual level, they represent so much more, and that God had this all planned in advance, documented in the Old Testament (i.e. Isaiah 60 and Psalm 72): gold as a symbol of kingship on earth (or virtue), frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity (or prayer), and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death (or suffering). Now that's the quickest, most concise explanation I've ever given.

Yet, I believe, since I was not searching for Pastor Denyes message, nor anything to do with "magi" that God wants me to personalize the meaning of these "secrets" to my life (but that would take an entire book) and hopefully you can do this with your own situation.

1.
I came on this part of my life journey to Mexico in 1996 and returned more and more each year (so how do you write 16 yrs. in a blog post? and get anyone to read it). I stayed a little longer each time, until I finally live here more than my home back in Minnesota. My last trip in 2010 home, various well intended friends and family members, too... asked me to perhaps consider staying home, starting over there, etc. but something deep within me, told me "no, I must go back", I really have not accomplished or worked on all of what God has placed especially most recently on my heart, and I do have a "mission" here (on my MISSIONS blog, I recently posted 3 videos here, here and/or here to show you what's happening in some parts).

This past season here, I've been having second thoughts and I have seriously began wondering and pondering, maybe even faltering. All of which applies to the 5 points that Pastor Denyes made. 

My journey here, was not with friends or even my spouse, as I had hoped and come to expect would happen when he retired back in the mid 90s (in fact, he had told me this most of our marriage that we would retire in Mexico, Spain, or Argentina... but life happened and in '95, he changed his mind) yet I had waited to do missions work here and was sure that God had called me to Mexico back in a Spanish class trip from high school, so this has laid heavily upon my heart for years to be here. But maybe there was more work to be done in my home, in my marriage, through my church or other short term mission trips. After all, missionaries are sent out in twos and usually husband and wives (families) go together but mine is a unique situation, Lord... my husband does not believe that Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life... he believes that church is nothing more than another social organization. However, since 6th grade I had been waiting to do this calling on my life and preparing for this day. Disappointment and disillusion and maybe even doubt crept in to deter what God purposed in me. Or did I get this all wrong, God?

From '96 until 2009, I had a Mexican friend join me somewhat in this journey. But not committed as I was, yet a great help to me living here in Mexico and making the necessary trips to the border for permits, etc. a bit more safe for me. That ended in Dec. of 2009. Since then, other friends have helped, like you all... but no one person was here as a friend to make those trips, which keep getting longer, more dangerous, more problems along the way and I'm getting older and less able in so many ways. God has shown me that He is my pilot and He is here with me, as My Friend, my Guide, my Provider, my Everything... so I remain. I seek a fresh anointing... a refilling of His Spirit. I expect great happenings this year as I reflect His Light! (my new Word for 2012 if you've missed that)!

2.
I definitely went on this journey, without knowing all the details. And my husband has remained faithful in providing for my monthly costs, which makes him my sponsor or partner somewhat without knowing all the details either, yet I believe God still requires more of him and more of me although we are separated in more than just the distance. I trust God with the details. Now I just need to fine tune my listening skills because I know God is working on me and pray that He is continuing to work on him. I stepped out in faith and I continue in faith, doing my part, with all of my heart, I lean into Him. 

3.
When we arrived at the 3rd point of  this sermon "not giving up when it's not like you expected" God got my full attention. My ears perked up and my heart followed quickly. I thought about the "magi" making this trip, following the night skies, watching and looking for the Bright Star that would point out the place. I recall many nights trusting in that Bright Morning Star along my journey also. He shines so much brighter when you are seeking Him in the pitch darkness of either the night or your life journey. If you've been in the dark, you know what the Light brings. Hope, warmth, acceptance, significance, security, growth, freedom.

4.
The most important part was when Pastor Denyes mentioned to "look for the King" in your current situation. That I needed to hear and grab hold of...how about you? Can you see the King? My purpose is to worship my King and follow what He purposes still in my life! The wonderful power of the Holy Spirit keeps me focused on God's plan and purpose for me but He has asked us to make our journey and be in fellowship, not try to make it "on our own". I no longer want to be deceived or walk in deception of others. I want to keep my distance from darkness, yet it is in this darkness that my light must shine. Mexico has become ruthless in the fight against corruption and cartels (reminds me of Herod's time) yet from the news I catch from back in the USA, there are many ruthless battles going on there as well. Can I see the King? Can I hear from the King? This is my personal desire this new year of 2012 to see and hear my King in every thing I set out to do and every way I travel just to touch the hem of His garment and know He's there, He cares, He's with me in this, He's guiding my steps and making a way. No camels, no entourage, no regal wardrobe, no expensive extras; just me and my King! 

5.
Finally, I arrive at the point that I wanted to write about... the value of the GIFT! With as much as I have written already however, even trying to be brief, not possible 'cuz... I could go on and on about the value of the GIFT! 

It is Priceless and that is what I hope to convey to many here in MX or wherever God wants me. I truly cannot put into words just how priceless and valuable His Gift to me has been or is...

I treasure and cherish the value of His GIFT so much, that I must continue to seek and share the greatest GIFT ever given to human kind... Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him, I am nothing, I have nothing... life is meaningless and so hard but with Him, all things are possible, I am something of value, I have all that He provides through His grace and I depend on His Provision. It does not mean that my life will no longer be hard or have difficulties, but I have Him and His assurance, His guidance, His promises, His Word to meet each one with Him and His help. This Gift is a gift that keeps on giving!

I must increase my understanding and role that God has given me and what part of this Gift, He wants me to share and where, according to His will. I do not have gold, frankincense or myrrh (can't even play a drum and have trouble with my tambourine) but I can offer virtue, prayer and any suffering for His Name's sake and shine my light into the darkness of another's life. I must see with His eyes and hear with His heart and move in His Spirit, not my own or another.
 
This GIFT was very costly for Our Heavenly Father, Our Lord Jesus gave His every thing for you and me! God has given me and you resources/treasures that we can bring to the King! But the greatest Gift we can give is ourselves. We all have things that we value, whether economical or sentimental. Yet God treasures His ordinary people, flawed and imperfect, so in need of His Grace... and He wants us to follow Him in humility and repentance that comes as we follow Christ as His disciples. The treasure is to walk with Christ and experience a deeper relationship with Him as we present ourselves completely to Him. We need to develop a rich and satisfying relationship that brings real JOY for us and our loved ones! A lasting JOY! One that is our eternal JOY! May each one come to know Him...

Isaiah 9:6-7

God is with us
"Emmanuel"

Can you even wrap your head around this concept?
God, Divinity with me... awesome!

* Although I'm not linking up with them yet, this is the closest I've come to this, but I'd like to direct you to "Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday" even though it's Tues., the links are there and you can link up until Weds. midnight with Graceful. Then there's the special round up on Thurs. that Michelle DeRusha does (host and author at Graceful). 

BE SURE TO READ MY NOTE AT THE END OF MONDAY'S POST!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

STUMBLING INTO GRACE:Confessions of a Sometimes Spiritually Clumsy Woman

written by Lisa Harper


STUMBLING INTO GRACE: 
Confessions of a Sometimes Spiritually Clumsy Woman 
written by Lisa Harper

... seems to have had me "stumbling" through the pages for far too long of a time, relating to the stories of Lisa's life in a diary like devotional, humorously written or profoundly inspiring as she connects her life situations to Jesus' encounters in the New Testament in 3 parts: Real Life, Real Gifts and Real Growth. 

This is my first time reading any of Lisa Harper's books and I have not had the privilege to hear her speak in any Women of Faith Conference, but she writes in such a way that you feel like she's talking to you. One way that she does this is by opening each chapter with... "So, today I’ve been thinking about... " and after she walks us through the chapter, we enter the study part with a beautiful prayer that she calls "Living in Light of His Story" followed by wonderful personal reflection or discussion questions and a journal entry for us to write... "So, today I’ve been thinking about the ... " focus point of that chapter, helping us to apply this to our lives. 

In the REAL LIFE part, we look at scary things, binding things, fattening things, dangerous things and sweet things. First with a personal life story, then Jesus story, followed by a teaching on "the heart of His story", "the hope for our ongoing story" and ending with the above personal journal part. It's the sharing of Lisa's personal experience, Jesus' experience and then our own application to our experience with a study guide right in each chapter. I love that part! It had me going back and reading again just to be sure I didn't miss anything or because I was able to connect. Lisa makes it REAL!

The REAL GIFT is my favorite part and this is where I began to "stumble into grace"... and although Lisa continues in the same witty style, I am now ready to deepen my spiritual relationship and walk with Jesus and the gift of forgiveness, touch, good humor (which Lisa has plenty to share), community and rest. This is where Lisa's book becomes REAL to me. God's Word becomes alive and REAL!
She uses many scriptures and stories that we are familiar with and makes them relevant to our lives.

Finally, the difficult part and perhaps why it took me so long to "stumble" through this, besides my real life messing me up since I began reading this book... the part on REAL GROWTH allowed me to see God's aMazing Grace much more clearly and personally. As Lisa now takes us through chapters of seeing how Jesus helps us become less critical, more content, more honest, more dependent, more grateful!

And I am, for having had this opportunity to read "Stumbling into Grace ... " which Lisa sums up best in her honest, opening with this:

"God doesn’t just see us; He gazes adoringly at us. He doesn’t simply notice us; He moves heaven and earth on our behalf. That’s the thesis of Stumbling Into Grace."

Lisa Harper succeeds with doing what she sets out to do: "describe God's unconditional and miraculously accessible love for us through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ" and hers to us, as Lisa writes to empower us and help us "lean further into the strong, safe embrace of Our Redeemer". She wrote that this was an incredibly lofty goal to accomplish, but she hopes and prays that it may come close... for me, it does. Since I realize that I am a flawed sinner, saved by grace, with the scars from the many stumbles I've taken, and so blessed to be able to hold on to the Holy Spirit within, to stand up again and again, as Lisa wrote to "exemplify the redemptive power of His divine grace!" Lisa's words encourage me to get back up and keep walking in faith, no matter how many times I've stumbled or stumble, I'm on the winning side and "His Grace is sufficient".

The best way I know this, is as I daily stumble and share on a blog called "aMazing Grace ~ Mazes, Messes and Miracles", I have seen God reveal how miraculous and restorative His awesome love and amazing grace REALLY is in my life through His Holy Spirit. No matter how many times the enemy tries to discourage me or confront me or throw another glitch for me to stumble over my past failures and mistakes, to stop believing, to question, or give it up and quit sharing how good God is... I reach up and find myself able to take one more step with more confidence and perhaps a little less clumsy, closer to that final victory that Jesus already won. "So today I've been thinking about" that victory and looking forward to sharing this in a small group women's Bible study perhaps.

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
Thomas Nelson Product Page



Monday, August 8, 2011

STAIN GLASS HEARTS: Seeing Life From a Broken Perspective

"I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."
Isaiah 45:3

Has your life struggles skewed your perspective and caused you to have
a "Stained Glass Heart"?
Reading this may help the prism shine more brightly through you!



Book description from the publisher:
Much like stained glass, life’s broken pieces become the prism through which God’s grace shines most brightly and beautifully.
Life is no doubt full of difficulties, but it is also filled with promise and possibility,” says best-selling author and WOF speaker Patsy Clairmont. In Stained Glass Hearts Clairmont guides readers to view the difficult experiences of life through the lens of God’s grace. Using art as a theme, and likening people to stained glass windows, she shares that it’s when we’re surrounded by darkness that His healing light shines most brightly within us. Encouraging women to step back and see life from this new perspective, Patsy offers help and hope for the dark places of life.

Along with character studies of women in Scripture, and modern-day, relatable stories, each chapter includes:
Chalice-memorable quotes
Mosaic-recommended music
Spires-scriptures and readings
Litany-sample prayers


In "Stained Glass Hearts" Patsy Clairmont helps to remind us through stories and personal illustrations how God takes the broken pieces of our shattered hopes and dreams and makes them into a beautiful mosaic – like a stained glass window! Sometimes that's exactly how I feel like a shattered 'stained glass heart' so as Patsy  related stories to us, I was encouraged and comforted as she incorporated her warm sense of humor at just the right time, yet equally was able to be serious and deep in the places without light... that need God's light to shine through to heal and brighten our brokenness. I love how throughout this book, as in two others by Patsy, she is able to intertwine the spiritual concepts of Light and Redemption beautifully. 

Reading "Stained Glass Hearts" was very timely for me, because Patsy reveals her 'heart etched in by loss' from a more solemn side. But she incorporated the arts: like music and art works, nature's display of God's glory as we dig with her into Scripture and enhance our faith. That is just what she does! Here is the first quote in which Patsy captured my heart:

"Just as light does, redemption brings hope. Really, it’s hard to separate the two, for wherever redemption is, the light of revelation abounds. And when light pierces the darkness, it’s with the proclamation of God’s redeeming loveRedemption is the rescue of humanity from sin by a sacrificial Savior, the restoration of the human heart, the reclamation of our dignity, and the revival of our purpose." ~ Patsy Clairmont 

Patsy even takes the time to explain why she chose "Stained Glass Hearts" although you may clearly see the usefulness with brokenness, it goes so much deeper.  She inspires us as she writes and releases her story until 'light touches the dark'. Since each of our stories like hers, are artistically designed; broken, sanded and soldered, because naturally we "didn't fit the redemptive pattern without holy repairs" and need to allow the light to transform us into another one of God's Masterpieces.

As Patsy walks as through chapters from our "achy breaky hearts", enlarging them, reflecting our hearts condition, to singing... stained glass poetry, prayer, books, puzzles, nature, garden, Rock of Ages to the final chapter of Redemption, we can see our lives have gone through some ongoing repair and protection with many lessons learned, etching on the windows of our hearts, a story highlighted with all the Spirit was able to do as He guides, leads, transforms and empowers us with intention, peace, love and JOY! That's just what I read and needed to hear.

 As Patsy wants to be like the stately church in her hometown, to own her corner well, including the history laden bruises, with cathedral confidence colored with the Risen Christ... the Good Shepherd and the soon coming King, and she breathtakingly sings and proclaims "He's Alive!", 
I, too, am in a place where I gratefully can join her... and I pray that any part of my heart that is stained or shattered, now is transformed as His light not only shines but is reflected in full color to break through and help others with "Stained Glass Hearts"... to behold Christ in their lives and see that Jesus Christ is alive! 

I give Patsy Clairmont 4 stars for "Stained Glass Hearts" and recommend this book not just for the broken hearted but for the strong hearted that need to reach out to others or open their individual perspective. It's also has excellent resource ideas from Patsy's Art Gallery at the end of each chapter. 



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


Thursday, July 28, 2011

IT'S NOT ABOUT ME

Max Lucado reminds us that it's not about us, it's ALL about God. The world does not revolve around us nor are we the center of the universe. Misconceptions that we are taught by society throughout our lives. But the rest of the title " Rescue From The Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy" sets the premise for this non-fiction, once again wonderfully written book by Max Lucado. He has such a way with words and story telling with humor and wisdom combined. It's not hard to tell that he is one of my all time favorite authors, even if the last book I read of his was so long ago "He Chose the Nails"; I do receive his UpWords weekly and there is one available daily and MP3s of 1minute messages. So when the opportunity to select one of his books in e-book form came, it was a welcome and a blessing for me, which I read in one sitting. I have so many parts highlighted, I'm not sure where to best begin telling you what I like. Yet I will emphasize that this is a timely book for me and I boldly would say for YOU.


"It's Not about Me" is wisely divided into two parts: God Pondering and God Promoting. "We move through me-focus to God-focus by pondering Him. Witnessing Him. Following..." this centers us on a life that works: God centered and rescues us from the one that doesn't: self-centered, self-ish. Whatever "self" you want to add... works for us to leave this behind and behold God. 


I love how Max than distinguishes between "beholding" and "reflecting" God. This is even wisely carried over in the excellent, though provoking study guide included in the back, written by Steven Halliday. Each chapter is separated into two sections: Beholding and then Reflecting.


The reason these two words are important is because different translations accurately use this for "katoptrizo"... but you'll have to read his book to clearly understand.  Yet, I see that it is crucial
to know since it is our human job description to REFLECT GOD'S GLORY! This is summed up beautifully by Max in these words: "Beholding leads to becoming. Becoming leads to reflecting."
Then Max proceeds to show us that God's message we are to mirror through: our message, our salvation, our body, our struggles, our success - all proclaim God's glory. "God sends the message, we mirror it." This takes us through the God-promoting part with each of these mirrored parts toward upward thinking. We exist to give honor to God's Name and a cleverly written exchange of a discussion between him and a Jewish passenger with Max on a flight.


The ending brought a tear to my eyes and a sweet nod of HOPE preceded by this sound, BOLD statement that expresses the heart of many of us (I hope):


"MAY WE HAVE NO HIGHER GOAL THAN TO SEE SOMEONE THINK MORE HIGHLY OF OUR FATHER, OUR KING."


I strongly encourage you to get a hold of a copy of this book to BEHOLD HIM CHANGING US:
"Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, 
[we] are changed into the same image from glory to glory, 
even as by the Spirit of the Lord "
(2 Corinthians 3:18)

... and if at all possible, doing the study with a wonderful small group that will be blessed and changed in doing it together. I know that I'm considering it. Plus there is a bonus chapter of another one of Max's new books: "Outlive Your Life"... now I'm curious about that one, too... I can't get enough of Max Lucado's style of writing but you might of me reviewing his books. 


IT'S NOT ABOUT ME ~ It's ALL about HIM!!!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com 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.”


Thursday, July 21, 2011

GOD'S LOVE LETTERS TO YOU


I received "God's Love Letters To  You: A 40-Day Devotional Experience" by Dr. Larry Crabb  in E-Book format just in time to enjoy this summer, a refreshing look at God's Love for us, written and expressed in God's Word, the Bible and Dr. Crabb's heart through a unique conversation between him and God. I loved reading the "66 Love Letters" and could not wait to receive this by mail to read, so I was fortunate to get it in e-book format immediately to compare it to the full version of all 66 Love Letters.  Although as a devotional, it is only a morsel of the the other book, it whets your appetite enough for more of Dr. Crabb's enlightening way of questioning God, how each book in the Bible is God's LOVE letter and how it shows us or leads us toward understanding the bigger picture of God's story in a special and more clear focus. Since it is a 40 day devotional, it leaves out some of the 66 love letters but you do not miss so much that the  glimpse doesn't draw you to want more. Dr. Crabb entices you to read and examine your own story as you read God's story in the Bible. 

Since each devotional daily includes a title which captures your interest like this: "I HAVE A PLAN: TRUST ME" for Genesis; a well selected Scripture reading; a short devotional message, thought provoking questions and a closing prayer, it works perfectly for your daily quiet time. Since reading "66 Love Letters", I had been waiting for a study guide or something to accompany using this as a study and this works perfectly. This has given me a fresh, life changing encounter with God as I read His Word and apply this to my life. It has once again stirred a core within me, to desire to get more out of my reading of the Bible than just routinely reading it. Reading with Dr. Crabb's perspective, I am able to listen better to what God may be saying to me personally. Each chapter or book of the Bible, as a love letter, convicts and impacts you with a powerful message to think more deeply of your relationship with God with a new level of intimacy. I personally enjoyed having the prayer with each love letter to spur you into drawing closer to God and continuing the conversation. I would like to strongly recommend that you read this prayer as a sample of the heart of Dr. Larry Crabb's from the intro and allow God to speak words of life into you by adding this book along to your daily Bible reading:
"I pray that people across the world, people of every age,... will hear the love story God is telling us in words that reveal His heart, words that speak life into ours."
"Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, mark us for life with Your words of life. Undo the power of every death word we’ve heard. Empower us to speak life into others by speaking life into us. Pour living water into our parched souls. Thrill us with the privilege of relating to others in a way that reveals Your heart to them and releases Your life into them through the words we speak. Thank You for speaking life into us. Open our hearts to hear Your words and to receive them. In Jesus’ name, amen. 
Since this is my 3rd book that I have read of Dr. Larry Crabb, I would recommend it for all ages, because the words do speak life into ours. I  found the complete book of "66 Love Letters" to be a better choice to add to your personal collection for study, whereas this one is ideal for a quick daily read. I am so glad that I have it in e-book form and know that I will go back to reading often when I am in that section of the Bible to hear God's voice in what I'm reading. I do believe that the insights of Dr. Larry Crabb will inspire you to hear or listen for God's voice and delight in reading "God's Love Letter to You", cherishing the message rather than struggling to study.  I found many of his ideas to challenge me and mine. Personally my favorite was "a Joy that frees you to endure hardship" for 2 Timothy. I now am looking forward once again to reading through the Bible with a refreshed attitude and response of a passionate longing to hear the Spirit speak and flood my heart with God's Love.


A personal note: I would also like to add a special request that we continue to pray for Dr. Larry Crabb and Rachael, his wife and family as Larry faces a 3 in 1 surgery the 1st week of August.
(from June New Way Ministries newsletter)





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com 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 saw that Amazon is offering a good special combination price for both of these books 
66 Love Letters: A Conversation with God That Invites You into His Story+God's Love Letters to You: A 40-Day Devotional Experience




To my faithful visitors;
all of you who spend your valuable time here with me
I do appreciate you so much!

Thank you for taking your time to visit!

Love, Sweet blessings & Hugs!

DIOS TE BENDIGA
GOD BLESS YOU

always

Peggy