Because Sometimes Life Seems Unbearable

Let's face it. There are times when life simply seems unbearable. We wonder, "Where are you, God? Are You listening?" Trials seem to be piling one upon another and we feel certain we will break under the weight of them. We feel alone. We may even attend church but feel like the people there don't truly see us. They may say hi and make small talk but that's where it ends. They don't walk in the trenches with us. We feel alone, abandoned, isolated. We don't know how to reach out for help or we're afraid to because we've been disappointed too many times in the past. We may be reaching out for help but no one is heeding the call. We can become very discouraged, disheartened, depressed. Any of this sound familiar? Well dear one, you are not alone.

In fact, King David often wrote about his feelings of loneliness, abandonment, isolation, depression, disenchantment, and heartache in the Psalms. In Psalm 13:1-2, he cries out, "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?"

What I like about David is that he was always transparent with God. He poured his whole heart out to his Father: the good and the bad, the praise and the doubts. He took everything to God.

Even when expressing his doubts and fears, David ends the Psalm with trust in and praise to God. Psalm 13:5-6 states, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise for He has been good to me."

I know how difficult it can be to praise God when the weight of your trials feels as though it is crushing you, dear one. Yet, in pouring my heart out to God, in giving Him all of the good and the bad, in praising Him in the midst of affliction, I have felt my heart set free from the burden I was trying, and failing miserably, to carry on my own. When we embrace God, trust in His immense love for us, and allow Him to be our strength, we can overcome our trials and any obstacle because it is His power working in us and through us. We will still have trials in this world but we have hope because He with us. It is this hope that fills us with His wondrous peace.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

You are never alone. God is with you always. His love for you is deep and his thoughts for you are vast. When you feel alone, take comfort in knowing that He is thinking about you, dear one!

You Carry Me by Moriah Peters


The words of this song are a great reminder of God's love: Feels like it's been miles and miles Feels like it's an uphill climb Sometimes I get weary on the way But when I look at where I've been When I look back, I'm sure of it I was right there in your arms and can say

Every moment of my life God, you never left my side Every valley, every storm You were there, You were there - You Carry Me by Moriah Peters

Brave by Moriah Peters

Not Worthy of Love?

I feel the need to open my heart and share a lesson God shared with me. For years, I have fought low self-esteem and a poor body image. Having family members tell me that I need to lose weight has never helped. I would love to lose weight but because of dislocating knees, I have always been very limited. Allergies prevented me from wearing most braces for years because they contained latex. Because of many numerous health issues, I have repeatedly been placed on various steroids and other medications, which cause weight gain and bloating. Now, because of the swallowing and stomach issues, I am not able to eat most fruits and vegetables and higher fiber grain breads that are healthier for my body. I crave them and miss them immensely.

Today, I received a rude comment on my profile picture on Facebook from someone I don't know. I removed the comment because I don't need the drama. Basically, this stranger told me I needed to lose weight so my nurse could find my veins. My nurse was insulted on my behalf and confirmed what I knew: Losing weight would not guarantee that my veins would hold. be deep, or not roll.

Before I began to see myself through God's eyes: a daughter of the One True King, whose love is not conditional on my outward appearance but upon the inner beauty of my heart and soul, I would have been extremely upset by such an insensitive comment. Now, I can see how far God has brought me. I am confident of who I am in Him. While I would love to lose weight, I know that these infusions come with heavy doses of prednisone and my stomach issues will never go away. Instead of fretting upon what everyone's ideal of beautiful is, I have learned to let go and trust God right here in this moment.

What I learned is that His love is more than enough! His grace far exceeds sufficient! Resting in His grace places my heart at peace and my life is filled with His joy rather than doubt.

If you struggle with self-image, if someone has told you you aren't good enough, if you think you are unworthy of love, I want you to know that there is One whose love is so deep, so wide, so high, and so far that it knows no end. He sees your worth through eyes of unconditional love: right where you are at this exact moment, just as you are: flaw and all. He is the only One who can fill that hole, that void that feels like it needs approval and love. My sweet Momma can attest that it took years and many prayers for me to reach this point but the contentment His love brings is such a priceless treasure! Know that I am praying for you to feel that love, that worth, that peace, dear one!

Mirror by Barlow Girl

Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath

Reflection on Love

As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let us reflect upon love. There are many types of love: love between a husband and wife, love between a parent and child, love between siblings, love between family, love between friends, and the greatest love between God and His beloved children.

Love is putting others before ourselves. Love is taking the time to truly listen. Love shows mercy and forgiveness. Love renews hope. Love makes time to really know another person. Love does activities that will bring joy to someone else. Love is investing a portion of ourselves in the lives of others. Love takes chances. Love protects at all costs. Love isn't reserved just for Valentine's Day but should be lived in every aspect of our lives in each moment that we live. Dare to love richly!

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Luv Is a Verb by DC Talk

Really, God? Seriously?

Have you ever had one of those days when you find yourself asking, "Really, God? Seriously?" Well, you aren't alone, my friend.

I'm reminded of a cousin who as a toddler needed to pee. Being at an outdoor flea market, the only bathroom available was a port-a-potty. Upon seeing this new contraption, she flung her arms and legs out wide and screamed, "Nooooooooooo!!!!" at the top of her lungs.

Sometimes, we are like that toddler: kicking and screaming, telling God: "Noooooo!!!!!" at the top of our lungs.

Today, I find myself preparing for today's five hour IV infusion, facing meltdowns from my teenage son who has a diagnosis of Aspergers (high functioning Autism), dealing with my father's dementia that causes his patience to run thin and his frustration to run high, and listening to our dog who feels the need to yap through it all. Sometimes, Mom and I feel like we are living in a blender. The reality is that life can be downright hard and unbearable at times. Our human flesh is weak, which makes us prone to asking, "Really, God?" Yet, God is standing there offering us His love, His mercy, and His grace.

It is at these precise moments that we see His grace working at its best because in His great love for us, God is fighting our battles for us and He longs to fill our lives with what is good and just even when we are reluctant because we don't have the strength to persevere. Guess what? We don't have to rely on our own strength! He will carry us through!

Life can be downright hard and unbearable at times for all of us: broken relationships, betrayals, lies, distorted self-images, chronic illness, chronic pain, mental illness, watching loved ones suffer, abuse (verbal, emotional, sexual, and physical), death of loved ones, loss of income, loss of home, loss of family and friends.

God never promised us that life would be like walking through a rose garden on bright sunny days. However, He did promise to be with us, to be in us, to be for us, and to be fighting for us. No matter what you are facing today, you are not alone. Even when we ask, "Really, God?" He continues to work in us and through us, fighting our battles for us, and simply loving us through whatever the day brings.

Rest in His love, dear ones. Trust in His grace. Look for His blessings in the simplest of places. There is always hope!

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you...you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." John 14:18,20 (NIV)

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 (NIV)

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Who Am I by Casting Crowns

I Am a Friend of God by Phillips, Craig, and Dean

#LifeIsAFaithJourney

Sometimes, Life Simply Stinks!

The reality of life is simple: some days just stink.

Being a follower of Christ doesn't exempt me from the hard things. We all face trials during our life's journey. These trials can either break us down or refine us.

This week, I started a new journey due to my health. I now have a new lifetime change that requires monthly infusions. Truthfully, it isn't something I was excited to embrace. However, experience has taught me that I can choose to let life run me over and drag me through the mud and muck or I can choose to rest in God's promises and allow His peace to carry me through the stinky days in life. God, in His loving faithfulness, not only continues to refine and strengthen me through these trials but He also wraps me in His blessings. Today's blessing, which was the first day of my IV infusions, was a nurse who is a sister in Christ. What an amazing blessing! I was able to share how we had prayed for her prior to her arrival. We talked about Christian books, listened to Christian music, and simply enjoyed a time of fellowship. God knew my need. He provided!

Sometimes, it is difficult to see the blessings when you are immersed neck deep in the stink of life. Other times, we feel alone in a desert thirsting for water and wondering why He sent more sand instead. Yet, this is the moment when we must make a choice to trust in our Father God and in His love for us. This is when our faith gets real and our lives get messy but blessed. Be blessed, dear ones. Our Father loves you! Our God is mighty and true!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:6-9 (NIV)

More Thank Conquerors by Rend Collective Dedicated to Kristen- You are a blessing! God is working in and through you to show His love when people need it most. Keep letting His light shine brightly through you, sweet sister!

Me on 1st Infusion Day #LifeIsAFaithJourney

Interview with Christian Author Kay Edwards

Today, I have the honor of introducing you to one of my dearest friends: Kay Edwards. We met one another thirty years ago at Delaware Run Wesleyan Church in Watsontown, Pennsylvania and have remained in contact over the years. She has recently self-published two Christian fiction novels that face this gritty, imperfect world head-on and show God's grace among the turbulent times. Her novels are also flavored with sweet romances that grow as healing begins. 

 

Welcome, Kay Edwards. We are glad to have you join us today.

 

To help my readers know you a little better, please start off by telling us a little bit about you.

I live in Katy, Texas.  It is a suburb of Houston.  I am a full time mom and housewife.  I homeschool, so my life is way too busy for a job outside the home.  I absolutely love to bake and cook.  The family kitchen is present in all of my books. 

I know you are writing a trilogy entitled the Susquehanna Trilogy. Please tell us about the 1^stbook in the story.

The first thing to note is that all of my books are ebooks. The first book in the series is A Prelude To A Dance .  It is the story of Helen and Logan.  Helen becomes a local hero overnight.  The publicity is not something she embraces at all.  When she is asked to do a dance benefit, a dark secret from her past comes back to haunt her.  Logan is a famous dancer that sees the private pain she carries.  With God’s help, he gently helps Helen deal with the horror of her past. He also helps her stand as the threat from that past comes back to claim her.  

This book can be found for free online at the following retailers:

Barnes and Nobel

Smashwords

This book can also be downloaded for free on nook and ibooks.

It can be purchased as well for $.99 at the following retailer:

Amazon

Please tell us about the 2^nd book in this series. 

The second book in the series is The Storm’s Journey.  It tells the story of Toby and Tiffany.  Tiffany learns that the man who assaulted her has died at the hands of the police while he was attacking her friend.  This attack reunites her with Toby.  Though the two have not seen each other in months, it soon becomes apparent that the feelings they tried to ignore are still there.  Both come from broken pasts and must find the strength to turn and face their pasts before they can embrace their future.  Can Tiffany find it in her to not just survive but live?  Can she find it in her to forgive a person who still seeks to harm her?  Can she survive another encounter with that person?  Can Toby face and forgive those that harmed him?  Will they allow God to show them that they are beloved by Him?  Will they allow Him to show them that love can grow even in the storm’s journey?

This book can be purchased at the following retailers for $1.50:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

It can be downloaded on the following apps for $1.50 as well:

ibooks

nook

kindle 

Would you please give us a sneak peek at the 3^rd book? 

In the first and second book we meet Jody.  Jody's story of love is in the third and final book.  As a friendship blossoms into love, Jody must risk losing her family to follow God's leading.  Can Jody stand firm when she is forced to choose between the man God has given her to love or her family?  Will her family see God’s plan too late when tragedy strikes?  Join Helen, Logan, Tiffany, Toby, and Jody in the last book of the trilogy, To Be Blessed to be published in January of 2016.      

What are readers saying about your books?

You can't help but fall in love with the main characters, Helen and Logan. True love and devotion guide them through an unfortunate and heart-wrenching ordeal. Although the story keeps you on edge, it is filled with wit and humor. I cannot wait for the next book in the trilogy. ~ Gshamo

I read this book and i have to say i feel like i know Helen. Logan is just so understanding it makes sense he's the one for her. I nearly cried at some point. I'm glad you penned this down to remind those abused that they are never alone. Thank you for such a wonderful story. I'll be looking forward for more from you. God bless you~ Aku Sedodo

Five Stars from By AmyP on amazon

Endearing characters; suspenseful plot; great read! On to the next book!

What has been the toughest part about the Christian writing proces

The biggest bump is being asked to ignore the real pain in the world.  The main reason I self-published is because I was asked to sugar coat too many things.  There are Christian men and women that have been abused sexually, physically, and mentally.  I can’t pretend what happened to them didn’t happen.  The other thing that I was asked to exclude was the fact that men and women are attracted to each other.  In real life, a Christian couple better be willing to talk about the fact that in certain situations very real physical responses happen.   One of my male editors, Rodney, was thrilled that I wrote frankly about this.  He encouraged me to self-publish based on that alone.  My series now, as well as the series I’m working on, addresses the accountability of being aware of your body.

What has God been showing/teaching you throughout this journey?

The biggest thing God is teaching me is to be bold.  It is okay to let myself be vulnerable.  He has always been there.  He always will be.  In life, there are very sad things that happen.  From start to finish, God needs to be the center of my books.  I can’t lose sight of Him or it doesn’t work.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

The first thing I would say is write your story.  Do not let others change it to meet guidelines.  It has to be yours to work.  Readers can tell if you are trying to change things to please a publisher’s guidelines.

What has your experience with self-publishing been like?

It has exceeded my expectations.  A Prelude To A Dance has been downloaded almost 1,000 times.  The biggest advantage was the fact I could tell my story.  I would have done this sooner if I had realized how easy it was to do.  I also want to point out again that all of my books are only ebooks, so they are only available online.  I do not pay to have them published, but I can charge for them.  Smashwords.com is an excellent site to self-publish.  You still have to do the work and get the word out about your book though.       

Where can people connect with you?

I am on Facebook.  Please feel free to like my page.  I will keep everyone updated on my books.  Anyone can message me.  I would love to hear from those that have taken the time to read my books.

Thank you, Kay, for joining us today and sharing the passion God has placed on your heart to write stories that bring Him glory and don't shy away from the gritty realities of our world.