My Review for "The Story of Everything" documentary film

When Momentum Influencers Network (MIN) asked me to review “The Story of Everything” feature-length documentary film by Sypher Studios, I agreed because it sounded like a wonderful opportunity to explore how scientific findings can prove the existence of a divine Creator. We are not here by accident. Life has purpose. And we are not alone because the Creator (God) of all that exists is always with us. I also thought this film would be a good resource for people who doubt God exists and believe there’s no life after death.

But before I share my review with you, I’d like to share a few words from Momentum Influencers Network about this film:

After a successful nationwide theatrical run that sparked conversation across faith, science, and culture, “The Story of Everything” is now available to purchase on Amazon Prime Video!

Inspired by Stephen C. Meyer’s bestselling book Return of the God Hypothesis, the cinematic documentary invites audiences to explore one of humanity’s oldest—and most consequential—questions: Does the evidence point to a universe shaped solely by blind chance, or is there evidence of purpose and design?

Synopsis: “The Story of Everything” is a cinematic exploration of the cosmos that reveals the hidden hand behind our universe. From the precise laws that govern the stars to the intricate patterns found in every living cell, the film traces evidence of intentional design throughout nature. Whether examining distant star-forming clouds or the spiral structure of DNA, we discover a consistent signature woven into the fabric of existence.

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My Review for “The Story of Everything”

“The story of everything has purpose, that behind everything there is an author. The alternative is that none of that is true. We are the result of blind and impersonal processes that did not have us in mind.”

This quote (above) was mentioned toward the end of this feature-length film. But it holds the meaning of the film’s title. After hearing it, I knew that’s why this production was called “The Story of Everything”. It really shows how the core message of this film was to present two main schools of thought: Belief in a Creator of all things vs. Belief that we were created by nothing and our life has no real meaning. I think these are important points to explore as part of the human experience on Earth. As a believer, I’ll always point you to Jesus Christ. He is the Savior of humankind and the His divine light breaks through the darkness in our world. Like a popular Christian bumper sticker says: “Know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace!” I have found this saying to be true in my everyday life.

But Jesus Christ is a true gentleman. He’s not going to force you to believe in Him. He always gives humankind the freedom to choose who we will serve. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

If you are on a search for truth but don’t want to start with a Bible yet, start with this film then pick up The Holy Bible (you can buy a physical copy or read it via Bible Gateway online for free) and ask God’s Holy Spirit to help you understand the words you are reading. It is key to ask Him to teach you as you read because the Bible is understood through a spiritual lens, not a lens of doubt or a carnal mind.

Speaking of truth, this other quote was also mentioned in the film, “Sometimes the path toward the truth leads through beauty. And that is an important window. We need to be willing to open that.” Those words resonated with me because I never thought about my search for truth like that before. This film is filled with profound messages that will make you think and challenge you to decide what you believe.

On a lighter note: The set designs for most of this movie looks like it is from the 1970s. Many of the people who were interviewed or spoke on camera also were dressed in a way that looked like eras of the past. However the set design and clothing style did not take away from the points made in this movie.

If you have a scientific mindset or are curious to know how everything we see in space and experience on earth was created, then this movie is for you. Every detail is designed to make you think and ponder Biblical truth supported by science when it comes to the questions, “Is there a Creator of everything? Is God real?”

This movie might help you answer those questions.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Sypher Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

~*~

More information:

"The Story of Everything" is available for purchase on Prime Video via this link.

Church and Homeschool Resources:
https://www.thestoryofeverything.film/resources

#TheStoryOfEverythingMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Devotionals for the Heart: The Power of Prayer and Believing God

The Power of Prayer
A devotional by Colette Lawrence

“Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.”—James 5:17-18 (NLT)

Is prayer your last resort or your first line of defense?

Life can come at us fast—sometimes striking us at a lightning-fast speed! In those challenging moments, praying seems useless. You may have asked yourself, “How can praying change what’s happening to me right now?”

If that’s you right now, I get it because I have said that before as well. However, as I grew deeper in my faith and relationship with the Lord, my thoughts changed.

Oftentimes we are expecting God to either stop the storm or don’t allow it to happen. When what’s happening does not “seem” to cooperate with our prayer, then the enemy plants a seed in our mind. It shows up as thoughts that sound something like this: See? Prayer doesn’t work! It has no power. If it did, then why did that happen? Have you ever heard those lies whispered by the enemy?

In those moments, the challenge we face may appear as if nothing is changing. But have you ever considered that it could have been worse? What if you didn’t pray? What else might have taken place that could have destroyed you? But by the grace of God, He heard your prayers and kept you alive.

As we reflect on the life of Elijah and his life of prayer and faith, it sets the tone for how we should react to what is happening in our minds and in the world around us. Elijah prayed according to the will of God for no rain to fall and it didn’t (1 Kings 17:1). It’s in that same way God wants us to exercise our faith in Him.

What if He doesn’t answer the way we want Him to and in the time we want Him to? Does that mean prayer is powerless? What I have learned is that prayer is not just God answering me; it’s building our relationship with Him. This makes a difference in our lives.

The power that prayer has is to not only pull down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4), but to help us understand that when the answer isn’t as we expected, God is still Sovereign and prayer is still a necessary and a vital piece of the Armor of God that He encourages us to wear every day and night (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Scriptures are replete with the prayers of faith that moved mountains (Matthew 17:20), caused the Red Sea to part (Exodus 14:21-23). This is evidence that prayer has power and moves God to act (Matthew 21:22). The question then becomes, “Do we believe what we are praying for?” Do we believe in the importance and effective use of prayer? The Word of God (The Holy Bible) declares in James 5:16 (KJV), “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” If we don’t expect to receive what we asked for, then there’s a good chance we are treating prayer a last resort and not the first line of defense.

This season of my life seems very long. There are things that I have been praying and believing God for—most likely you are as well. While the specific things I have been talking to the Lord about have not materialized yet, I have noticed that other things that I have prayed for decades and years ago are being answered. Prayer isn’t less effective because the answer isn’t what we expected; it’s more effective because it changes our hearts and builds our faith.

Think back to a time when you prayed and you didn’t receive what you asked for from God. Over time, what did you notice about your heart? Did the Lord open the eyes of your heart and shown you something, that all you could do was nod your head and said “Father, thank You?” I have. In that moment, did you think your prayer was meaningless because it didn’t materialize as you thought or did you think, “My God, what if what I requested had come to pass? Thank You for not answering that prayer how I wanted it to be answered!”

Today I want to encourage you to keep praying! Prayer will change things and it will also change you. Know that as the storms come—literally and figuratively— God hears our prayers and He will come through in the way that is best for us.

Don’t believe the lies of the enemy telling you that prayer has no power! The devil will stop at nothing to ensure we don’t grasp the fact that prayer always works!

God is not deaf. He will answer our prayers in His perfect time and according to His will. Remember: God’s response is either a “Yes”, “No” or “Wait”. Whatever the response you feel He is giving you, trust His timing and His best for you.

Know that before the foundations of this Earth were made and humans were created by God, He knew what you would face today. He knew the exact need and made plans for it to be met. He is not withholding from you. Instead, in your season of waiting, God is developing within you the importance of prayer and waiting.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, thank You for teaching us the importance of prayer! You showed us that even before we pray, You hear us and you answer us. Help us to look to You to access this power of prayer that You have given us to pull down, root up, to bind, to loose and to plant. It’s You who gives us this authority. Help us to stand in it and use our voice to make changes happen. We love You and thank You, God. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “When God’s People Pray” by Wayne Watson. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colette Lawrence is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 

Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons. Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

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Connect with Colette:
Blog: https://www.colettemarie.online/blog
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Hope for when your faith in God falters

Peek-A-Boo Faith
A devotional by Casey Wayne

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

—Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)

My morning routine felt rushed and chaotic, as usual. I herded both kids out the door in hopes that we would not be late dropping my daughter at school. My anxiousness barely got a moment to subside before the next stressor arose.

While driving back home I heard my son mumbling and starting to whine. Although I tried to ignore it in the beginning, his agitation grew. I asked questions so that I could address his concern, but things escalated. After several minutes his reason became more clear. He was upset he could not see the sun. He cried, “The sun is gone!”

Hoping to calm him, I compared the sun going in and out to playing "peek-a-boo” (a fun game children always like to play here in America). This seemed to help some but he continued to assume any time he could not see it, the sun was no longer there. After several rounds of assuring him the sun was still there, he seemed to accept what I was telling him. However, there was an underlying tone of skepticism lingering through his sniffles.

How many of us do this with our faith?

In times we can clearly see the light of Jesus Christ, we are as happy as can be. In those seasons, we shout praises to God and share all His blessings in our lives.

However, in those seasons where it is harder to see God's faithfulness and goodness we get upset and assume He is no longer there. Anger, distrust and fear fill our heart and mind where gratitude used to be. In the trials God told us we would experience, our human nature struggles to trust that He is there with us (John 16:33). Satan uses those feelings to draw us further away from God. But Scripture tells us that even when we forget to seek God, He is still there. Even when we struggle to see His face or even lash out in anger, He still loves us through it all. 2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV) says, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.”

In the book of Hebrews, the Apostle Paul writes to the followers of Christ to encourage their faith. They also struggled to remember God’s faithfulness through the trials of life. In the midst of their fear and uncertainty life brings they could lose hope, just like you and I. But Hebrews 10:23 (ESV) says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” God is good and faithful. He is always working, weaving the details of our life together for our good (Romans 8:28). May this be a reminder that He always has been and always will be there.

Through the trials this broken world throws at us, God is there with us. Hold on to the hope and promises of your Heavenly Father. Trust His faithfulness and guidance. Take time today to sit in remembrance of His past faithfulness. Read God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and be encouraged by the stories found within its pages.

Pray for eyes to see Him and the ability to follow even in the midst of whatever you are walking through.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Your grace and faithfulness. Thank you for Your faithful presence even when we waver in our faith. Help my eyes to see Your faithfulness in my life and encourage my faith as I obediently seek you. May I live daily in gratitude for your grace and mercy over me.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Never Been a Moment” by Micah Tyler. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Casey Wayne is a wife and mother of two children. 

She enjoys time with her family doing simple things like movie nights and cooking together.

As a devotional writer, Casey strives to share her story with relatable honesty, showing how God is faithful throughout the big and small moments of life.

She has a heart for encouraging the faith walk of other moms, praying they gain a deeper connection with our Heavenly Father.

Her family lives in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.

~*~
Connect with Casey:
Website: https://www.caseywayne.org/
Blog: https://peaceoffaith.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseylwayne
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Peace.of.FaithCaseyWayne

Devotionals for the Heart: Rainbows

Chasing Rainbows
A devotional by Shirley A. Denson

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 

– 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)

Have you ever found it hard to trust God?

You know He’s sovereign, He sees all, and He knows all, but in certain areas you find it really difficult to trust Him wholeheartedly. You’re not alone!

We’ve all felt the same way at some point in life. Thankfully, God doesn’t hold it against us. Our inability to trust doesn’t take away from His ability to be trusted. He knows that at some point we’ve been dropped, disappointed, mishandled, or misled by people. As a result, our ability to trust may be fractured. This still doesn’t take away from His trustworthiness, or His reliability.

Numbers 23:19 (KJV) reminds us, “God is not a man, that He should lie, neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?”

No matter how many people may have lied to you, God won’t. It’s not in His nature. He can be trusted. If He couldn’t be trusted, the story of Noah (detailed in Genesis 6:11–9:19) would have never been written. It’s because of Noah’s testimony of God’s trustworthiness that we should be able to trust Him more. Noah trusted God so much that he built something that had never been built before (an ark), to experience something that he’d never experienced before (a flood).

I’m sure Noah may have had some trepidation during the building process, but most definitely when the earth started to flood. However, he had to trust that what God told him to build was able to weather the storm set before him. Because of that trust, he and his family were saved—along with the animals. After Noah endured the storm, God made him yet another promise. He promised that He’d never destroy the earth again by flood. As a symbol of that promise, He placed a rainbow in the sky. From the days of Noah until now, whenever a rainbow is seen in the sky, it serves as a reminder of the Promise Keeper.

Trust is a major component in our walk with Christ. If the enemy can shake your trust pillar, he’ll make you question everything God ever said about you. When you’re secure in who God called you to be, and what He said you can have, you’re not easily shaken. Sometimes, you may have to endure patiently before obtaining the promise, but don’t ever stop pursuing.

There are 66 books in the Bible to help remind you of every promise God made concerning you. They’re just awaiting your pursuit. If there’s a need, a lack, a deficit—whatever you may be facing—search the scriptures, see what God says about it, and chase the rainbow.

Don’t relent until you’ve laid hold to everything God’s promised you. Healing is yours…because He said it! Provision is yours…because He said it! Prosperity is yours…because He said it! Victory is yours…because He said it! 

Stop believing the lies of the enemy and start chasing the rainbows (promises) of God! 

Combat every lie with a promise from God.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, I thank You for being trustworthy—even when my trust waivers. I’m so glad that I can depend on You. Thank You for your many promises towards me, and for the prompting to latch onto them even the more, through Your Word. Thank You for always keeping your promises. Help me to walk in all that you’ve ordained for my life. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen!

~*~
Author Bio:

Shirley A. Denson is a native of Statesboro, GA.  

She found out at a young age that she had a creative mind and a way with words. Later on in life, she learned to cultivate her passion for writing as a budding author.

Shirley is very passionate about writing. Each book that she releases will be a product of God stirring and cultivating the gift He’s entrusted her with. She has won numerous writing awards/certificates, and is a published poet and blogger.

For the past six years, Shirley has worked as a professional ghostwriter, editor, and author. It is her joy and goal that through print, she might impact lives and leave the imprint of the King.

Visit her website to stay in the loop about her new book releases, current projects, and to read her blog posts.

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Connect with Shirley:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SayWhatEnterprises
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saywhatenterprises/

My Blog's 10th Year Birthday Bash: Julie Lessman's book giveaway

Welcome to the 17th day of my blog's birthday bash!

Please welcome my author friend Julie Lessman.

She's here to graciously give away a total of 10 ebook copies of her stories to five winners! Each of the five winners will receive a copy of Isle of Hope and A Light in the Window.

Enter the book giveaway contest via the Rafflecopter widget the end of this blog post. Only residents of the USA are eligible to receive a signed paperback copy of this author's books. International residents will only receive ebook copies due to costs of mailing books outside of the USA.

Let's learn a little bit more about Julie and her books ...

Author Bio:

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.

Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, and Silver Lining Ranch series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 21 Romance Writers of America and other awards. 

Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2015, Best of 2014, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-20, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction. Her independent novel A Light in the Window was an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner.

Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers titled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. Contact Julie through her website and read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com.

~*~

Back Cover Blurb for Isle of Hope: 

Can a wild girl gone good rebuild bridges with a good boy gone bad?

She’s the girlfriend serving up temptation. 

He’s the pastor’s kid bent on serving God.

Till tragedy separates them for eight long years. 

Now she’s a woman of faith, back to make amends to the father she defied, the boyfriend she deserted, and the best friend she betrayed. 

But can a turning of tables—and hearts—lead the way back to “hope” for them all?
                                                                              
                                                                                 ~*~

Back Cover Blurb for A Light in the Window:

One Woman. Two Men.

One stirs her pulse, the other her faith.

But who will win her heart?

Marceline Murphy, a gentle beauty with a well-founded aversion to rogues, catches the eye of two of Boston’s most notorious. Patrick O’Connor and Sam O’Rourke are best friends with a bond like brothers … until they meet one woman neither can have.

Overseeing St. Mary’s Christmas play—A Light in the Window—Marcy wrestles with her attraction to both. But when disaster strikes, she’s destined to discover the play’s message firsthand. For although two men have professed their love, only one has responded to the light in the window.

~*~
Connect with Julie:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieLessmanAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/julielessman
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/julielessman/

~*~

Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrate Lit blog tour for "There Is Hope" (book) by Carla Huelsmann

Welcome to my blog's stop on the Celebrate Lit blog tour for There is Hope: Bloom Where You are Planted (book) by Carla Huelsmann!

Read my review of Carla's book below and enjoy your time with her today! 

Remember to enter the fun giveaway contest toward the end of this blog post.

~*~
About the Book:

Title: There is Hope

Author: Carla Huelsmann

Genre: Journal, devotional, memoir

Release Date: August 2018

52 life lessons for those struggling with major illness will inspire hope and encourage those suffering to take back control of their lives.

Carla Huelsmann dealt with the daily impact of seizures since age two. Her life-long battle with epilepsy impacted all parts of her life, family, career, self-confidence, and independence until corrective brain surgery ended the seizures. Free from the debilitating seizures and their accompanying residues of doubt and fear, Carla Huelsmann lives independently and shares her story to help others along their own journeys.

Part journal, part devotional, and part memoir, this is a book of hope, faith, and inspiration. The book addresses the fears, challenges, and questions about the future those going through a major illness, debilitating injury, or life crisis may have. Designed as a traveling companion for those facing challenging circumstances, each one-page entry is accompanied by blank space for the reader to journal his or her own thoughts and prayers.

My goal is to give hope, help, healing, and resources. I want to walk alongside others and assure them they are not alone; there is hope. -Carla Huelsmann

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Buy Carla's book on Amazon

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About the Author:

Carla Huelsmann earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Illinois University, subsequently taught grades five through eight, and now works for the US Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Louis, MO.

The alumnus of a fiction-writing course at Southern Illinois University, and the CLASS Seminar with Marita and Florence Littauer, she is also the author of articles on her experiences, and is available to speak.

~*~
A Message from the author (Carla):

I want to inspire and equip others struggling with epilepsy or other major illnesses to take back control of their lives. Eighteen years after corrective surgery, I live a seizure-free life that I feel in control of. And, I want to share my story and lessons learned with others facing serious challenges. 

My goal is to give hope, help and healing and resources of helpful information in one book. I want to walk alongside them and assure them that they are not alone and there is hope!

I’ve dealt with seizures, epilepsy and their daily impact since the age of two. It has impacted my family, career, self-confidence, independence and much more. Through it all, family, friends and faith have provided bedrock sources of strength. In addition, timely interventions by doctors, new contacts, new techniques and self-discipline came at opportune times through perseverance.

Now free from the tunnel of doubt, fear and debilitating seizures, I’ve gathered up my collection of personal journals and thoughts in order to help others along their journey. There Is Hope: Bloom Where You are Planted is a devotional for someone going through major illness, major injury, or life crisis.

~*~
My Review of Carla's book:

There Is Hope: Bloom Where You are Planted is a book with a beautiful cover that makes you want to pick up the book, open to the first page and inhale deeply as the reader!

However, as I journeyed through the pages of this story, I found it to feel incomplete.

My impression is that the author wrote the manuscript, telling her story but then simply divided it into chapters that were not complete. As I turned the pages of this book, I found chapters that were barely two paragraphs long! And at times, the endings of the chapter felt more like a beginning that hadn't started or middle that's missing. It left me feeling like the author's story, as formatted in this book, is not complete. Halfway through the book, the author had letters to her doctor as full chapters that were only about one or two pages long! I didn't understand how that was considered a chapter and I've yet to read any other nonfiction story written with this type of layout in any other book in my lifetime thus far.

However, I do think that the author does a good job of putting her heart out there and I admire how she isn't scared to share deep details of her personal real life story in a way that will help the reader have hope in hard times. And I do realize that the summary of the book says the these are "52 life lessons" that compose this book. However, I still do think that some of these life lessons throughout this book could have been elaborated for stronger impact. Sometimes the lessons were too precise and concise. 

But I couldn't move past the feeling that this book was incomplete and the chapters didn't feel or look like chapters. It doesn't take away from the message of hope and resilience that is at the core of the author's story. But it just feels ... incomplete.

*Celebrate Lit provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of "There is Hope" (book). My opinions in this book review are my own.

~*~

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, January 13

janicesbookreviews, January 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 15

Older & Smarter?, January 16

Inklings and notions, January 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 18

For the Love of Literature, January 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 20

Through the Fire Blogs, January 21 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 22

CarpeDiem, January 23

Splashes of Joy, January 24

By The Book, January 25 (Author Interview)

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, January 25

God is Love, January 26

~*~

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carla is giving away the grand prize of an autographed copy of the book! 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/f46c/there-is-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit blog tour for It'll Be Okay (book) by Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner

Welcome to my blog's stop on the Celebrate Lit blog tour for It'll Be Okay (book) by Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner!

Read my review of Sheryl's book below and enjoy your time with her today! 

Remember to enter the fun giveaway contest toward the end of this blog post.

~*~
About the Book:

Is it okay for Christians to doubt?

When we don’t get answers or see God’s guiding hand, it’s hard to keep praying or walking forward in faith. Difficult times often cloud our perspective. Does God see me? Does he hear me? Does he care? Many Christians confuse doubt with unbelief and are afraid to admit those fears, but God is not threatened by our questions, and doubt does not negate our faith.

Our doubts express a yearning to be sure of what—and who—we trust. When our questions are answered by trust, faith is fed and our doubts transform into deeper belief that pushes us toward a decision.

· When we address doubt head-on, faith can grow.

· God has a plan in the good and bad that life brings.

· God can heal our wounds and turn our past mistakes around.

Join nationally-known Bible teacher Sheryl Giesbreacht Turner as she guides you toward a deeper understanding of the role doubt plays in your spiritual growth—and how learning to ‘doubt your doubts’ enables faith to prevail.

~*~
About the Author:

Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner holds a bachelor of arts, a master’s in ministry, and a doctorate of theology. 

Her television and radio show, “Transformed Through Truth,” is nationally and internationally syndicated; it’s seen and heard daily by millions of viewers and listeners on audio, internet, Roku, and YouTube networks across the United States and through The Holy Spirit Broadcasting Network worldwide. 

Sheryl is the author of three books and hundreds of columns, articles, and devotions. 

As a Lead Like Jesus facilitator, a blogger, and a missionary with Freedom in Christ Ministries she has personally equipped hundreds and facilitated the training of thousands of national and international leaders. 

She and her husband, Dr. Jim Turner, live in California’s Central Valley where she enjoys running 5K races with her eighty-five-year-old mother.

~*~
Author's Note:

I’ve always been the one to ask the questions. 

As a kindergartener, I embarrassed my mother when I inquired, “Where did I come from?” 

Years passed, as a teenager, I made unhealthy life choices, experimented with alcohol and street drugs, and wondered, “What am I here for?” 

As a young adult, in Bible College; I asked God to take control of my life and questioned, “What’s my purpose?” 

Maybe you, too, have had or now have questions? These concerns may even keep you up at night? Doubting ourselves or God may be criticized as a lack of faith. I disagree. Doubt is the in between. Doubts need to be addressed. If doubts are not considered, they will rot our faith from the inside out. When we doubt, we are able to be honest with ourselves and God. We should not be afraid to doubt.

As a delivered drug addict, stage four cancer survivor, and former widow, I’ve faced many types of situations which caused me to question God’s love, goodness and compassion. As I have gone to His word, I’ve discovered He hasn’t changed, His word continues to speak and revives my faith, taking me to a deeper level every single time. 

I am reminded of this in Lamentations 3:21-24 (NIV) Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

Thank you so much for being part of this blog tour. I am excited about what God is going to do with His truth in us as we bring our questions to the Answer – Jesus.

Love and prayers, 

Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner

~*~
My Review:

One question sets the course for this book. The author asks the reader, "Is it okay for Christians to doubt?"

From there, the book unravels like a ball of yarn as the author peels back the layers of that question like an onion until she reaches its core and at the core is the answer to everything: Jesus (Christ).

I truly enjoyed reading this book! The author's transparency and heart for Jesus could be felt throughout the book. She's not afraid to share the good, the bad and the ugly from her personal life experiences.

Sheryl (the author) writes in a way that encourages the reader and inspires their heart to keep trusting in God through it all. I like how she tells the reader that doubt can be a healthy part of your faith journey with God. I like how she reminds the reader that God is not afraid of your doubting Him and He can handle your honesty. I like how she encourages the reader to go to God with your doubts and trust Him to give you the answers that you need.

I liked the cover of this book. I think that the picture of a person walking through dense fog was appropriate, as was the brightness of the light in the lighthouse that stood in the background. I found it to be metaphorical because it's true to real life! Oftentimes, as believers in God, we feel like we're trying to navigate our way through a spiritual fog that's so dense that we can barely see what's in front of us or around the corner. But all the darkness and fog in the world cannot prevent God's Guiding Light of Love from breaking through (enter the bright yellow light from the lighthouse). I love it!

I also appreciated how the author says, "Our doubts express a yearning to be sure of what—and who—we trust. When our questions are answered by trust, faith is fed and our doubts transform into deeper belief that pushes us toward a decision."

What a powerful truth and life lesson that we can all benefit from learning!

The author taught me a few things that I did not know, mainly this point: "When we address doubt head-on, faith can grow." I didn't know that because prior to reading this book, I always had the impression that doubting God is not a good thing and it should be avoided at all costs. I was taught to praise Jesus through every storm and never question God. But this book reminded me that God is not afraid of our doubts and He can handle our honesty! 

It also reminded me of the Bible story that church people call "Doubting Thomas." He was one of Jesus Christ's followers and he didn't believe that Christ had risen from the dead, saying that he wouldn't believe it until he could see it (see Jesus in person and see the marks on His hands and feet from the nails that the Roman soldiers used to fasten Him to the cross). So what did Jesus do? He showed up! He appeared to Thomas and instructed him to touch His hands and see the scars from the nails. He also ate a piece of fish to prove that He was human and alive. And finally, Thomas believed! 

I like how even to this day, Jesus Christ is patient will all of us because He wants us all to be saved. If we doubt, He's okay with it but He doesn't want us to doubt him forever. So He shows up in so many different and wonderful ways to prove that He's real, He loves us and that He has good plans for the stories of our life (Jeremiah 29:11).

Finally, Sheryl Giesbreacht Turner's career as a Bible teacher truly shines through her storytelling in this book. I was captivated and learned a lot of life lessons from her teaching!

And like any good teacher, she didn't leave me as the reader without writing about how I can apply these principles discussed in her book to my every day life. It was a really worthwhile read, well deserving of five stars!

*Celebrate Lit provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of It'll Be Okay (book). My opinions in this book review are my own.

~*~
Giveaway:

To celebrate her tour, Sheryl is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!

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/f465/it-ll-be-okay-celebration-tour-giveaway

~*~

Blog Stops:

Through the Lens of Scripture, January 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 8

janicesbookreviews, January 9

Older & Smarter?, January 10

For the Love of Literature, January 11

Texas Book-aholic, January 12

Artistic Nobody, January 13 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 13

God is Love, January 14

Genesis 5020, January 15

Inklings and notions, January 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17

Emily Yager, January 18

All 4 and About Books, January 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 19

Beck To Basics, January 20

Devotionals for the Heart: Feelings

All The Feels
A devotional by Kristy Horine

Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
— Luke 1:39-45 (NKJV)

Sometimes, my excitement just gets all out of control. 

My body parts flail around. My feet bounce off the ground. I laugh too loudly. I use too many words in a sentence, and the words I do use are so jammed up it’s hard to tell where one word ends and the next one begins. I smile so broadly that my cheeks hurt for days. In times of extreme joy, anyone within a football field’s length of me will know about it.

This extreme excitement can happen at any time. I receive notification about someone wanting to publish my work, I get excited. My adult child applies for her dream job and scores the position, I get excited. All my hens lay perfect eggs, I get excited. The five-year-old uses her manners without me reminding her to, I get excited. I read a verse I’ve read a hundred times before and the Spirit gives me some new takeaway, I get excited.

Usually, after the initial excitement dies down, the doubt steamrolls in. Thoughts filter into my heart, like maybe good news accidentally came to me. Feelings of unworthiness loom large. Or, circumstances douse my excitement when I receive five rejections for every one acceptance.

As I read through Old Testament in The Holy Bible, I find that a lot of the people I call my Bible heroes often felt the same way. They vacillated between joy and grief, awe and conviction, excitement and doubt. Prophets, priests and kings were all driven to their knees by the presence of Almighty God. In many ways, the stories of God’s relationships with the ancients resembled the best and worst roller coaster rides ever imagined.

And then, in what scholars call the Intertestamental Period – the four hundred years between Malachi and the Gospels (books in The Holy Bible) – silence.

Silence.

Four hundred years is quite a long time with nothing happening which is exciting enough to write home about!

Perhaps that is the reason for so much emotional action in our passage. The angel Gabriel delivers the message to Mary that she will carry the long awaited Messiah within her womb in Luke 1. The roller coaster of emotions begins. In these six verses, each emotion is accompanied by action.

· Mary hastened and believed.

· Elizabeth was filled and humbled.

· An unborn baby leaped for joy.

God With Us – Emmanuel, Himself – was coming! God ordained it. Prophets foretold it. Angels proclaimed it. Mary believed it. Elizabeth accepted it.

And what about me? Or, you?

In this season of silence between Thanksgiving and Christmas, how will we prepare our hearts to receive anew the gift of the Christ child?

Why not try on a little of each emotion? Consider the joy and the grief, the awe and the conviction, the excitement and the doubt, the belief and the humility. Take a few moments each day to meditate on His Holy Word (The Holy Bible).

Here’s a list of Bible verses for you to start meditating on:

· Joy – Luke 2:10-11 and Hebrews 12:1-2

· Grief – Isaiah 53:4-6 and 2 Corinthians 7:10

· Awe – Psalm 65:8 and Exodus 15:11

· Conviction – 1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:1-2

· Excitement–Psalm 28:7 and Romans 15:13

· Doubt – 2 Corinthians 13:5 and Romans 8:38-39

· Belief – Mark 9:23-24

· Humility – Philippians 2:1-11

Yes, my arms will still flail around, my feet wildly bounce, my laugh will be too loud and my words will run on and on … but that’s how it is in the midst of all the feels. All the wonderful, life-giving feels that come with the advent of Jesus Christ.

Let’s Pray: Father God, refresh my spirit, cleanse me from iniquity, may all my excitement, all my joy, all my belief, be found in You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Kristy Horine is a Kentucky writer, freelance journalist by trade and creative by God’s grace.

She writes a little bit of everything including poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. Her professional and creative work has been published in newspapers, magazines and anthologies in Kentucky and beyond.

Kristy founded 3rd Letter Christian Writers in Lexington, Kentucky in 2015. Read more of her work at www.kristyhorine.com.