Christmas Grace Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on November 1, 2021September 26, 2021 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Christmas Grace by author Mindy Steele is a poignant Contemporary Amish tale. She is a new author to me and I really enjoyed her style and storyline. The author was able to put a twist on a trial that is often used. It captivated me immediately.

This is the story of Grace. She is sent from her home in Indiana to stay in her aunt’s community in Kentucky. Her father has sent her there to live under her aunt’s supervision. Grace has made a grave mistake and her father will not allow her to remain at home. Grace barely remembers her aunt, and those memories are not of a happy woman.

Author Steele has written a unique plot filled with many twists and surprises. My interest was captured immediately and not released until I read the last page. The characters were a combination of lovable, quirky, and despicable people. Some were so easy to love, and other so easy to dislike. Not only was this a romance, but it had a mystery that had me guessing.

The author skillfully wove timeless life and spiritual lessons all throughout her story. This is a lesson in family, love, forgiveness, redemption, trusting God, and hope. It is about doing the right thing even when it is difficult.

I highly recommend this beautiful, moving story. It will give you all kinds of emotions and things to ponder. This would be an excellent choice for a reading group. I gladly rate it 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Christmas Grace

Author: Mindy Steele

Genre: Amish Romance

Release date: October 26, 2021

Second chances and the Christmas spirit abound in Mindy Steele’s heartwarming novel, one of faith, love, and the power of community.

Grace Miller believed herself in love with the charming Englischer who eventually broke her heart. Now alone except for the secret life growing inside her, she arrives in the unfamiliar small village of Walnut Ridge, Kentucky, to hide and hopefully gain forgiveness. She is pleasantly surprised, however, to find a tight-knit, welcoming group who help her heart grow right alongside her belly. And with the holidays around the corner, there’s plenty of preparations to occupy her mind. Also occupying her mind? Her strong, protective neighbor, Cullen Graber, the town’s blacksmith, who seems intent on not allowing her to ever suffer alone.

Cullen Graber gave up on love after too many losses early in life. He planned to live out his days focusing on his smithy business, yet the beautiful and mysterious Grace refuses to leave his thoughts. But can they open their hearts to God’s grace and create a new family together before Grace must return home?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mindy Steele writes sweet Amish fiction as well as romantic suspense. She is an author of 7 novels. The Miller’s Creek Amish series, Christmas Grace, Christmas in Cranberry, His Amish Wife’s Hidden past, and An Amish Flower Farm, releasing 2021. If not gardening or visiting her Amish neighbors, she is on the family farm writing her newest inspiration.

More from Mindy

Behind the scenes with Christmas Grace:

Many are fascinated with the Amish. Their lifestyle, their faith and family. They are talented craftsman, extraordinary bakers, and wonderful stewards of the land. For me, it was their community as a whole. The Amish are some of the best examples of community. How they tend to one another and work alongside each other even without the need of a disaster or tragedy to occur. I didn’t even realize until a close friend who reads my manuscripts pointed it out, but every book I have written thus far has been mostly centered around community. ( I thought that was cool) Walnut Ridge was the first community I ever fictionalized and I still find myself wanting to go back and writing more about the wonderful people who live there.
As an avid reader of Amish fiction I wanted to write a story that wasn’t so…perfect, because none of us are. Grace Miller made a mistake, and finds herself having to face the consequences of that. I think we all can relate somewhat to her. Getting to know the three local communities near me, I find myself drawn more to the imperfect and how they carry on more than the upright and grounded. There is a scene where a group of women share their imperfections with Grace. It became a turning point in her life.
Walnut Ridge, Kentucky is completely fictional, as are all of my book settings currently. I have a love for setting a stage, building a place from the ground up. Although my hero, Cullen Graber was born and raised in Walnut Ridge, Grace Miller was not. Getting to know a character like Grace was a pleasure, but required a lot of research. Although I have seen much of our great country I live less than a half an hour from my birthplace.
Many books and films paint a picture on the meaning of shunning, but it doesn’t happen as often as you think or to the severity portrayed. I met a woman the year this book was wrote and learned a lot from her own personal plight. She had been shunned from her community and never returned, but still speaks to her mother and siblings, often. Grace was shunned for a time in her community, but even after confessing her sin, asking forgiveness and receiving it from her church and community members, her father sent her away from his house out of shame. As a parent to five, there are few times in those teenaged years I wanted to bann a kid or two, but my heart went out to Grace here.
I love creating characters who are realistic and relatable, but also swoon worthy and Cullen Graber is one I have had in my back pocket for a while. The gentle giant, slow to speak, fast to listen, and has a past too. I hope you come to find him as stoic yet imperfect as I wrote him.
There is a scene in the book where Grace finds herself completely alone and facing monsters. (No, I’m not giving out a spoiler here) I have found myself in such a place a time or two as I imagine many have. That moment when fear and bravery collide. This scene was actually inspired by a horrible nightmare while writing Christmas Grace. After reading, I bet you can guess what I’m afraid of.
I am a panster, not a plotter, but even I was shocked that I wrote this book in three weeks while working full time. I have tried my hand at plotting, but find once my characters start to reveal themselves, I have no more control over the story than I did my children’s choice in careers. My process is scary actually, according to Mr. Steele that is. (wink wink) I get an idea, start drafting out characters, setting, and pace or walk for two days while my head figures it all out. Then its pen and paper until that first draft is complete.
When you hear the word Amish, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Yep, food. I happen to be a food lover and an expert on the subject. Grace found herself unable to work at the job her aunt had set up for her but found she had a purpose, and a place to fit in. We all have a purpose, and a place in our community.
When I first signed with my amazing agent, Julie Gwinn, we both had hopes for the first book I wrote. She had planned on pitching it two months later so there was time to polish it until it shined. Then she called me up and asked me how quick I could write a second book to pitch too, not wanting to simply go in with one book I assume, but I know nothing about the stresses of a agents work. My mother insist this is who I am, the one who best performs under pressure, without time to prep, think. I tend to disagree. But in three weeks Christmas Grace was finished and ready for editing. I have wrote two contemporaries in short time spans, but Grace’s book, my first contracted book, will always be that one I always remember. Mostly because of I ran out of coffee twice, forgot to shower and eat a few days and learned it’s alright to talk to yourself if you really need someone to hear your thoughts. Oh, and the publisher bought a second book too. I can’t wait to share A Cranberry Christmas with you.

Much love, Mindy

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, October 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 27

Texas Book-aholic, October 28

Inklings and notions, October 29

Britt Reads Fiction, October 29

lakesidelivingsite, October 30

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 30 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Blogging With Carol, October 31

For Him and My Family, October 31

Older & Smarter?, November 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 1

She Lives To Read, November 2

deb’s Book Review, November 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 3

Elly Gilbert, November 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 4

Simple Harvest Reads, November 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 5

Mary Hake, November 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 6

Splashes of Joy, November 6

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 7

Spoken from the Heart, November 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 8

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 9

Vicky Sluiter, November 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mindy is giving away a copy of her book to five winners!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/12b80/christmas-grace-celebration-tour-giveaway

Is Sorry Too Easy to Say?

Posted on October 3, 2021October 3, 2021 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Sorry. How often do you use this word? Some people use it regularly whenever a request is made. Others might even laughingly say, “sorry, not sorry” to make a joke. This simply word that contains so much heartfelt meaning has been overused, diluted, and sadly misused. Yes, it is one of my pet peeves.

I hear it often. “Sorry.” When someone pushes into me in a restaurant or store, they just use that one word. If someone declines an invitation, I hear “sorry, I can’t.” Sometimes I need assistance with something and hear “sorry, I wish I could.” Mostly I hear this when people learn that my husband is no longer living. People are so sorry. Pun intended.

The word sorry comes from the Old English word sarig, meaning pained or distressed. Our current dictionary defines sorry as:

1 feeling distress especially through sympathy with someone else’s misfortune

2 feeling regret or penitence

It can also mean:

1 in a poor or pitiful state

2 unpleasant or regrettable on account of incompetence or misbehavior

Now, let me ask, when you tell someone you are sorry, are you pained, distressed, or penitent? Not many are. Don’t get me wrong, of course there are times we say the word with accuracy. However, how many times have we flippantly tossed out a “sorry” without a second thought?

My point is, we need to apologize and seek forgiveness. Scripture says: “If you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go —first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering”(Matthew 5:23-24). It is hard to make amends without using the word sorry, and that is why we must be careful to properly use it. We need to preserve that word’s integrity.

Choose your words carefully. Be sincere. Don’t overuse a word or phrase until its meaning is just a whisper of what it was. The good news is that this is just my opinion. I would love to hear yours.

Every Window Filled With Light Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on June 15, 2021June 15, 2021 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Every Window Filled with Light by author Sheila Stovall is a contemporary Christian Fiction. It is a touching story that moved me and stayed with me long after I had finished it. I was not sure what to expect, and this book was a poignant surprise.

This is the story of Emma Baker. One of the reasons this book is a surprise is that in the beginning we read: “The albino python flicked its tongue next to Emma Baker’s cheek.” Truthfully, I almost put the book down right then. My thoughts on snakes are such that my favorite one is a dead one. Yes, I have a fear of them. Thankfully, this was just an opening attention-getter and not a snake filled book. Back to Emma, she is a librarian and caring soul. She has lost her husband and has been receiving letters from his killer.

This is also the tale of tattooed minister Luke Davis. He does not look anything like the stereotypical pastor, but he is a phenomenal one. He preaches love and forgiveness. Looks might be deceiving, but actions and words speak volumes in this case. Luke is definitely a man of faith.

Author Stovall has an inviting style of writing. I was immediately interested in Emma and her life. Her emotions were easy to feel through the pages. Conversations read smoothly and sounded realistic. Each character was believable and realistic. The storyline was unique and held my interest. I love books set in Indiana and Kentucky since I am a Hoosier and have many relatives from the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

There were many timeless life and spiritual lessons in this story. The main ones were trusting God, learning that God uses us all for His purpose and brings out out of every situation, healing, true forgiveness and restoration. I like how Luke is not what the characters think a pastor should be, showing that God can use anyone and good can come from bad. This is an encouraging message about hope, love, joy, and living better even during

I definitely recommend this book. It is an illustration of faith in action and forgiveness lived. It would make a fabulous small group or book club choice. There is so much to discuss. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit, but these are my own words.

About the Book

Book: Every Window Filled with Light

Author: Shelia Stovall

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Christian Fiction

Release date: April 2, 2021

Welcome to Weldon, Kentucky, where the only things the locals love more than fried pies are gossip and match-making.

Librarian Emma Baker, a young and childless widow, believes her dream to build a family is over. It’s been two years since a student accidentally stabbed Emma’s husband to death, and her grief has stifled any interest in romance—until she meets Pastor Luke Davis. But when Emma learns Luke is counseling her husband’s killer fresh out of jail, her temper gets in the way.

Meanwhile, Emma discovers twelve-year-old Harley, abandoned by her drug-addict mother, hiding in the library, and takes the girl in as her foster mom. Then a young mother is made homeless by an apartment fire, and Emma opens her home again. One person and one prayer at a time, Emma begins to discover hope.

If Emma can yield and offer forgiveness to her husband’s killer, perhaps she’ll be able to piece together the broken parts of her heart…and the broken people who enter her life…to form a new family and maybe even have a second chance at love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Shelia Stovall is the director of a small-town library in southern Kentucky, where only strangers mention her last name, and the children call her Miss Shelia.

Shelia and her husband Michael live on a farm, and she enjoys taking daily rambles with their three dogs to the creek. Spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, is her all-time favorite thing. The only hobby Shelia loves more than reading uplifting stories of hope is writing them.

More from Shelia

When I was younger, I daydreamed about becoming an author, but it wasn’t something I pursued. I wrote a few short stories for fun, but I poured my time and energy into my children and career.

In the summer of 2011, I participated in a Bible study called Jonah by Priscilla Shirer. One evening, our facilitator asked us to meditate on the question, What does God want you to do that you don’t want to do. I sat feeling smug as the others prayed. I’d already signed up for a short-term mission trip to Africa, which I hadn’t wanted to do. But as I sat in the quiet, God spoke to me. Write a book for me. My heartbeat quickened as God gave me the opening and the ending of the story. I envisioned a large two-story yellow Victorian home with every Window filled with light.

God’s request filled me with panic, and the workbook page remained blank. The thought of someone reading God’s request made my face hot. Who was I to think I could be an author? Finally, I made a feeble attempt, but it was too hard.

My Ninevah was Africa. I turned my thoughts and efforts to preparing to go to Niger in December 2011. After the trip, all I could think about was returning to Africa. Our translators were visiting the US. It thrilled me when they accepted my invitation to stay overnight in my home. While preparing for their visit, I discovered my laptop under the bed covered in dust. I gulped as I remembered God asking me to write a book. With trepidation, I opened the computer and read the first few pages of the story I’d started. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great. I whined to God. I don’t have the skills or the talent. I don’t know how to write a book.

Then, I received an email in my work email account promoting a Christian writers’ conference. To this day, it is still the only email I’ve received at work advertising a writers’ conference. I could hardly breathe as I read the email promoting the writers’ workshop to be held at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, TX—a long way from Kentucky. I shared everything with my husband, and he encouraged me to go even though we didn’t have the money. He reminded me we had a travel credit in our airline account because of connection problems during our first trip to Africa, and so, I packed my bags.

When I attended the conference, two instructors, New York Times best-selling author Lisa Wingate and Judy Christie, changed my life when they encouraged me to finish the story. Judy asked me to commit to writing one hour a day, and she predicted I’d finish the first draft by Thanksgiving if I’d stick with it. The conference was held in October, and I thought her expectations impossible. I didn’t meet her goal, but I finished the first draft on 12/12/12. I’ll never forget that morning. It’s a good thing I had no idea of the work ahead of me.

Judy was kind enough to give me the email address of her award-winning editor Jamie Clarke Chavez. I sent the first three chapters to Jamie, and my mouth dropped open when she agreed to work with me. Today, she is someone I consider a dear friend. Writers have asked me, How did you get Jamie Chavez to work with you. She must have taken pity on me. I cringe as I remember those first chapters. I consider Jame a gift from God.

Through the years of hard work, God has been faithful to provide me with encouragement and help along the road to publication. If there is anything good in Every Window Filled with Light, it is from Him and the people he sent to aid me. The best blessings of the writing journey are the friendships I’ve made along the way.

I hope you’ll read Every Window Filled with Light or give it to someone who needs an uplifting story of hope. If there’s a person you know who doesn’t know Christ and doesn’t want to listen to a witness, this is a book you can share. I hope the reader will be so drawn into the story they won’t realize they are being exposed to God’s salvation plan until it’s too late.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about why I wrote Every Window Filled with Light. Has God ever asked you to do something you didn’t want to do? I’d love to hear your story.

Warm regards,

Shelia

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 10

The Avid Reader, June 10

Through the Fire blogs, June 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 11

Texas Book-aholic, June 12

Cats in the Cradle Blog, June 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 13

For Him and My Family, June 14

CarpeDiem, June 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 15

Inklings and notions, June 16

Just Writing, June 16

Older & Smarter?, June 17

Rebecca Tews, June 18

deb’s Book Review, June 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 22

Mary Hake, June 22

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shelia is giving away the grand prize package of a themed gift basket from Habegger’s Amish Market!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10d52/every-window-filled-with-light-celebration-tour-giveaway

Famous Last Words

Posted on April 29, 2020April 26, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Words can be golden. Movies can be identified by a memorable quote and songs by a few lyrics. For the most part words are remembered whether for good or for bad.

What would you say to someone if you knew it was the very last time the two of you would speak? What would your last words be? Facebook and social media are filled with nonsensical posts of quizzes designed to tell you which type of flower or animal you are. They are also overflowing with venomous attacks on people we personally do not know. That’s correct, politicians. The colorful adjectives used are appalling.

Petty arguments and grudges can slither their way into relationships and do irrevocable damage. The hurtful last words spoken are forever engraved upon hearts. Those hearts are left broken and yearning for healing. Forgiveness withheld robs us of years of happy times and memories. Perhaps “I’m sorry” are words that are long overdue to someone. It would be devastating to miss that opportunity.

What legacy do you want your words to leave? If you knew you were having the last conversation with a friend or family would it change your words and tone? Life changes everyday, and tomorrow is not guaranteed. Scripture tells us not to let the sun set on our anger but to make amends.

Me? What would I say? I would not waste my breath on small talk, but rather go straight to the things that I wanted my family or friend to understand. Wouldn’t you? Treasured memories would be shared as we relived them once again. Yes, I would apologize for any wrong that I had done or they felt I had. Perception is real to the beholder. Most importantly, I would give forgiveness and love.

When I speak to my parents, children, and best friend the last thing I say to them is I love you. Three little words that mean so much. Those words should chase away any doubt they might have if they were loved. Absolutely, whole heartedly, and forever they are loved. I would make sure they knew that God loved them, too.

My words for you are that you, too, know you are eternally, unequivocally loved by your Creator. The Bible overflows with verses verifying this. Never doubt it, even in times of turmoil. Call to Him and let His love fill you and give you peace.

It would be wonderful if we had the foresight to know when we were speaking to someone for the last time. Since we don’t, the next best thing is to temper our words with love and speak as if those were our last words. Let’s make all of our words be worthy of being famous last words.

Unsolicited Advice

Posted on January 17, 2019January 17, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Since my husband has retired we spend almost all of our time together. Good thing we still love each other very much! Honestly, it is what I have been anticipating for many years, our time.

He never was one to do anything in the kitchen except lick the spoons or steal some cookie door off of the sheet right before I popped it into the oven. It made me ponder how my friends had gotten so lucky to have husbands that cooked. Not mine. He is a self proclaimed “eater”. Without eaters the world would not need cooks is his logic. (lol)

Last week I was preparing dinner. A simple beef roast with vegetables in my Rockcrok, a slow cooker. All of a sudden I had a supervisor. “Those potatoes need to be cut in quarters instead of halves.” my husband gingerly stated. Having gotten away with that a minute later he stopped me and said “Whoa, you have enough carrots in there.” Now I was getting a bit irritated. The final straw was when he asked “Do you always use that many herbs and keep the celery leaves on? Maybe that’s too much.”

I don’t tell him how to run things in the yard or take care of the vehicles, because I have no experience. He knows so much more than I do in those areas. Just like I know so much more about cooking than he does.

As soon as that comparison came to my mind, so did something else. How many times have I done the same thing with God? Ouch! Have I really tried to give advice or tell the Creator of the Universe what to do? Well, yes, I guess I have.

There have been times I have taken things to Him in prayer, and instead of asking that His will be done or for His help, I have listed what needed to be done. Have you ever done that? I would pray asking Him to do specific things so that the end result would be what I thought I needed. How ridiculous is that? The child giving instructions to the all knowing Father? Unsolicited advice being given to the One that directs us?

Scripture tells us in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Abba doesn’t need a work order from me. His way is perfect. He already knows what needs done and what will happen. All I need to do is lift my request to Him. God knows exactly what needs to be done. He is not waiting for my suggestions on how to solve a crisis.

My prayers now take a different tone. I know God knows and does what is best. When I pray I take my concerns to Him, thank Him for being bigger than any issue I have, and leave it with Him. Believe me, it isn’t always easy. Sure I would love to include my suggestions but that would be silly. Jehovah is our powerful God. He isn’t our God that needs help.

Think about this the next time you pray for something. Don’t make the same mistake I did. Ask Him for help not if He needs any.

Who I Am with You by Robin Lee Hatcher

Posted on November 26, 2018November 25, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Yes, I am a bookworm. I love to read. Books take me to times and places I have never been if the author is skilled. They introduce me to a wide variety of new friends within their many pages. Today, let me share one that I just read with you. It was exceptionally moving. I loved it and know you will, too.

Who I Am with You by Robin Lee Hatcher is spectacular. I picked it up to read a few chapters and found myself staying up all night long until I finished it. Yes, it is that good! The characters are endearing, well rounded, and believable. I easily became invested in their stories. My imagination kicked in and I felt like I was there in Idaho with them. I laughed at their humor, got teary at times, had emotional highs and lows right along with them, and wanted to play with the dog in the story.

This is a contemporary Christian romance that has a bit of mystery throughout and a parallel story from the 1930’s. Opening the story the author teases us with just enough information to become interested, very interest, and want to know a lot more details on her characters. For me this quickly became a “don’t put me down until the last page book.”

It has humor, life lessons, a sweet romance, history, and a well planned story. The writing is exquisite. It flows without a hitch. The author is a talented wordsmith. Conversation between characters sounds natural and not forced. Details are just right without being too much or boring.

When reading a Christian novel, it is important to have an inspirational message in it. I dislike the weak, watered down ones. This one did not disappoint at all. I love books that teach me things, especially historical things I did not realize. Again, I gleaned some things from this, too. Another thing I love is discussion or questions for thought at the end of a book. Again, this book has that. It will make a great book club read. There is a lot to chatter about after finishing this jewel.

I highly recommend this book. Highly! An advanced reader copy was provided by the author but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest thoughts. The rating for this is an easy 5 out of 5 stars.

Kindness…..Let’s Start a Campaign!

Posted on July 15, 2018July 15, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Thanks for joining me today. There is something I’d like to ask you. Would you join me in something else? I am wanting to start a kindness campaign. What do you think? There is absolutely no money involved unless you are moved in that direction for some reason. Doesn’t this sound like a wonderful project? Thanks! I think so, too.

First, we sorely need this now because electronic devices have taken personal interaction and emotion out of our conversations and day to day dealings with each other. Isn’t it quicker to send a text than call? However, many times words written are more harsh than those spoken. In fact, the same holds true with telephone calls versus face to face conversations. Right? It is a bit harder to be mean and cold when looking someone in the eyes and being able to see the hurt you inflict.

What would this kindness campaign be? I suppose we need to get to read the definition of kindness first. The dictionary says kindness is the quality of being friendly, considerate and generous. Kind is an adjective meaning having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature. Well, that sounds familiar. Synonyms for kind are good-natured, caring, selfless, compassionate, understanding, friendly, thoughtful, loving, good, attentive, and hospitable. Antonyms are mean, selfish, and inconsiderate. Sounds reasonable to me. What do you think? Which would you rather be?

Does the Bible say much about kindness and being kind? Yes, it does. Our instruction book for life is filled with verses about it. Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Who wants to wear kindness? I bet that looks beautiful on everyone. Another one in Ephesians 4:31-32 “All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Now that is very clear. A simple be kind to one another.

It is my true desire for us to show kindness to others. Yes, some do mean to harm us, but there is an internal war going on here. Friends and family are saying many hateful, absurd things that are fueled by mobs of people they have never met. We need to step back, regroup, and be kind. None of us are perfect. We all mess up and sin. Everyone needs grace, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness.

Join me in being kind. This movement needs to start some place, why not with us? At least try it for the remainder of July. Refrain from the negative political and newsy posts. Stop demeaning and attacking people that have not personally interacted in a hurtful way with you. Be part of the solution and stop fueling the fire. Spread kindness, joy, and smiles. Take a break from stress, meanness and finger pointing. Recruit others to our Kindness Campaign. Spread kind words and deeds. Who knows, by August we all might feel so wonderful that we continue. Most of all, please pray. Pray for kindness in others and yourself. Then just like the old song says….”and the world will be a better place for you and for me, just wait and see!”

I Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant”

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Proverbs 16:23-24 From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Forgive and Forget

Posted on June 30, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Get comfortable and let’s chat a little bit this morning. Shall we? I need to ask you something. How easy or hard is it for you to forgive? Wait! Let’s back up a second. I’m sorry. First, what does forgiving someone mean to you? Do they have to ask for it? Is it earned like respect? Do you still feel the same way about that person or can you go back like nothing ever happened? Are forgive and forget a married couple? Well, I wish we were chatting over coffee and tea instead of tablets and phones. I want to know your thoughts.

Recently I struggled with this from both sides. An issue with a family member had completely torn me apart. As a Christian I know I am called to forgive, but when it came down to a serious, nitty gritty situation, I was floundering. After a lot of prayer, I fell exhaustedly face done crying for help. “I don’t really know how to forgive.” It was at that moment in the stillness that I heard God speak to me. “Yes, you do. I have shown you.”

Talk about food for thought. My mind went racing through all of the stories and scriptures I knew about forgiveness.

In my heart and soul, I knew the answer. My example, my teacher was Jesus. Right? Even in the Lord’s Prayer we pray to “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.” So was I forgiving like that? Like God forgives.

When He forgives it it total. He washes away my sins and makes me clean. He forgives and forgets. There is nothing else waiting to drop. It is total forgiveness and then gone. Poof! If I receive this great mercy then how can I give any less. Right?!

My forgiveness is total amnesia, the best this human mind can handle. So yes, I would say Forgive and Forget are a couple, like salt and pepper,or peanut butter and jelly. It is resetting the love and care button and disabling the caution or warning one. For me to be happy and make my Savior delighted in me, I need to follow His example. It is not being unforgiving or carrying a grudge and saying “I will forgive you but never forget what you did.”

Same goes if I need to be forgiven. Even if I don’t know what I’ve done, sometimes making the first step in reconciliation is the most important step you’ll take. Offer your sincere forgiveness and desire to be reunited. Do not stir the pot once more. That concoction has made you both sick for a long time. Time to try something fresh and new. Even if you start with “I don’t know why you are mad…” you have started. Don’t give up on forgiveness given or gotten no matter how many times.

Thanks for the ear this morning. Give it over to God, my friend. Look to Him for your perfect example and ask for His help. I hope if any of you are struggling with forgiving someone or being forgiven this has helped.