Have you ever felt stuck in a rut? Like you were getting no where fast or pain was your constant companion? No, this isn’t an infomercial. I just want to tell you about a book I recently read that helps release hurt and receive rest. Now I have your attention. Don’t I?
“Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt & Receiving Rest” by author Leeana Tankersley is a 182 page Christian Living/Women book which is followed by Acknowledgments, Notes, and Author information. The vividly colored cover with fuchsia colored flowers and large white lettering refuses to go unnoticed. It drew me in and did not want to let go until the last page. #pageturner
This is the first book I have read by author Tankersley, and I was very impressed. Her style of writing is very much to my liking. After reading a few pages it felt more like a chat. I was talking with a friend about our problems and what needed done. She was transparent about her challenges and life, but she didn’t linger over longer on them. The book was well written, easy to understand, well researched and organized. It had Scriptural references and was inspiring as well as encouraging. I felt refreshed after reading it. The author was genuine and to the point in her book. She wanted to be helpful and was. I gleaned things from “Begin Again”. There was a feeling of hope.
Based on a quote from St. Benedict, “Always we begin again.”, this book was written as encouragement for readers to trust God and begin again when dealing with trials in life. The author leads us to see God is with us every step of the way whether we are struggling with pain, day to day issues, marital problems or whatever the case might be. God is still there as we begin again and helps us with that. We are not alone and never stuck. Always we may begin again.
The author provides practical, useful tips and information to assist readers that want to start afresh. Her ideas are to get readers moving beyond the past and the hurt it carries. Relying on God and His plans for our future help us start over. She advises to begin again with God directing your way. None of us can do this on our own. Author Tankersley also says we must realize we have a hurt or pain, whether emotional, mental, or physical. Then we should call out for help. Wow! Easier said than done sometimes, but none of us can do all things alone. So, the author encourages us to begin again by trusting God. Recognizing there is pain and a problem that needs fixed is the starting point. Then she explains we need to realize what we are dealing with can be enormous, as in a move, new job, new relationship, or as small as accepting where we are, without regret. So we need to do the next tiny thing that moves us forward.
Readers are nudged to listen for God’s guidance as we change things and handle our life. Aren’t you glad God allows us to write our own stories and edit them every single day? I certainly am very thankful. Actually I am blessed He is there to help and show me what needs to be changed. We receive as many “do overs” as we need. Maybe we need one every morning. That’s okay. God offers them freely and generously. This book made me realize that more. It steered me toward the sunshine of God and today, and away from the gloom of yesterday and its regret and pain.
I gladly recommend this lovely, soul stirring book. It stepped on my toes in parts and gave insight on what I could do to change. Do this as a reading group! There are so many that will relate and love the chance to discuss and pray. At times I wondered how the author knew I needed to read just that particular message. Bet she had a little help from above, don’t you. Rating on this is definitely 5 out of 5 stars.
If you think of an abstract version, very abstract, of Mary and Joseph without baby Jesus, author Conrad’s story is patterned along those lines she says. She has compared physical situations of being pregnant out of wedlock and how it has an effect on most everyone. Not everyone is loving and forgiving. Some point fingers and others want justice.
I was invested in their trials and triumphs. Each character was well rounded, including having some flaws. They were human and not perfect. I enjoyed the dialog which flowed seamlessly. It never sounded stiff or forced. The descriptions and subjects tackled took me there in the middle of the story. I cried and laughed. Like I said before, I was invested.
The author writes inspirationally how this effects so many people and how many are quick and free to pass judgment. We aren’t called to judge. Only God does that.
Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:14-17)
that was on the table, held it up, and gave thanks for it. Instructing His disciples ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”* This was when the first communion service began. After they had eaten the bread He took the cup and held it up saying: “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.”* (*Luke 22:19-20).
given silver, to hand over Jesus. Hard to believe but true. Have you ever thought of Judas as a spy? We don’t know exactly why Judas did what he did, but some guess he was trying to force Jesus to use His power and take control.
It is sad to see a follower betray his leader, especially when that leader is Christ. Ironically Judas threw down the money. He didn’t want it. Judas wanted Jesus to have His kingdom and power now. Giving up control is hard but God’s way and time are best. That lesson cost Judas everything.
He didn’t fly off the handle but took time to think about the situation. His anger was righteous. Maybe He prayed. I would think He did. Asking for guidance and God’s will were probably foremost in Jesus’ mind. Jesus taught us through His actions to think first before we jump into any situation, especially emotional ones.
her without a hat and gloves there. She was a Southern lady that could have written a book on etiquette. We were expected to be on our best behavior at all times and never use “ugly” language. I think of her often but especially today. Grandmother always wished she could have been in that crowd to see Jesus on the First Palm Sunday. She admitted she had no idea what she would have done, but she wanted to be there. Me, too.
A soldier for the Lord. That is what we are really celebrating. He used a three leaf clover to teach people about the trinity. St. Patrick turned thousands of hearts, minds, and souls to the one true God. Now, doesn’t that sound like cause to celebrate! I think so, too.
That is where my heart is, too. In Heaven the Bible says there will be beautiful streets of gold. My saved loved ones will be there. There will be no more sickness, no more death, no more tears. My Savior, Jesus, is there. Our Almighty God, my Maker, is there. Talk about hitting the jackpot or pot of gold! That is everything I could ever want. Wow, no riches can compare to that. None. So what about you? Where is your pot of gold?
Mercy McClain works at the town’s orphanage and is also on the school board. As a child she was bullied by many kids but especially by George Firebrook. She is still carrying around baggage from her childhood.
He seeks forgiveness and wants to make restitution. Some letters are not answered, but one response brings him to the Orphanage. From then on all I will say is wow! My dishes piled up and nothing got finished except this book. Oh, my! What a book.
Trust me! This book is a thrilling, exciting read that takes only one page to grab your attention. It isn’t your typical Amish novel. This is a gritty, crime fiction with romance and Amish.
She is a faithful Christian mother of two living in Ohio with her hubby. There is a letter from her about her book, and she states Book 5 comes out July 2018. Next are discussion questions which are great for a reading group. It concludes with a sneak peek at Book 5.
Gradually stores would begin to open at noon for a few hours. That was scandalous but tempting so people slowly went. The half days expanded into full days and restaurants had jumped aboard the train. That made for a lot of Sunday workers taken away from church and family, but don’t forget the shoppers, too. You can’t have family time in a store, just ask my hubby. I’m not innocent in the Sunday shopping situation. It is so convenient to go out to eat with family after church and even swing by a store on the way home.
Before you start fussing at me, I realize there are people that must work on Sundays. Where would we be with hospitals that closed on Sunday? That would be a disaster!
When the weather permits, the perfect place for reading is on my back porch on my swing. Listening to nature, feeling sunshine and a breeze with a good book while in my swing is a great way to recharge for the coming week. It is a wonderful place to pray, also. How about you? What relaxes you?
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 