What can I say? I must have Blogger's Block!
It has been weeks since I have felt the urge to Blog about something significant or moving; not because there has been a lack of those things in my life but on the contrary, it has been Full.
I have been up to my eyeballs in Scripture, Bible studies, and books these past few weeks and it has been a very long time since I have done digging like this. Digging? You ask. Well, I guess to put it plainly I'm digging for a few things.
- A deeper understanding of hardships and God's grace in allowing them into our lives to pull us closer to His heart.
- A study of grief, recovery, and loss: the processes and needed time and self-iniative for healing to occur.
- Surrender: the Joy found in letting go of our plan.
This book was one that I initially read in my college PE class because it was required. Honestly, at the time I don't know that I paid too close attention to it because things in my life were pretty peachy. I came back to it because I remembered something from it and I knew I had it on my bookshelf and I'm so glad I saved it! I can recommend this for those hurting, walking with a friend going through a tough time, or those who just want to gain insight into being compassionate and helping those who may need guidance as they walk through difficulties. Tim gives glimpses of his journals as he walked through a very difficult season in his life and the raw material of his heart is so moving and relatable to those who have ever experienced hurt so deep they don't feel like they recognize themselves anymore and his walk towards freedom from grief is refreshing.
This is an oldie but a goodie! I was in our old church basement with my small group girls for Youth Group one wednesday night and we meet in the Church's old library which still has a few books left in it so I browsed the titles just to see if anything caught my eye. Then I saw this one and the reason it caught my eye was because I felt like I was carrying around a giant 'Tude about my "situation" with Epilepsy and I thought-Yup I better read that one! I literally laughed my way through each chapter because Patsy is hilarious but not only did I laugh I cried because she was spot on about how we carry ourselves and how it affects those we love. This book is probably more for the female readers but even men could gain from it I'm sure! :D The chapters are quick and not "heavy" but yet they are full of things that will carry you through whatever you're going through and keep your eyes on Christ.
Niles is the writer of this book in addition to many "Grief Bites" devotionals you can access for free through the YouVersion Bible App. The Website www.griefbites.com has links to the devotionals and a blog. The devotionals have been instrumental in guiding me to scripture related to grief and hardships and how God is at work in and through it all. I have found great joy in spending much time in God's word and talking to Him about the hard things in life and coming to the realization that I am so very grateful for hardships because they bring us to a raw place where, if we allow God, He will come closer and deeper than we have ever understood before and that friendship and trust is indescribable.
I hope you find some joy today, even if it's just for a moment may we be truly grateful and know that every little bit can be a step towards another step of joy.
Blessings friends,
-CW
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