Friday, September 23, 2011

In Gratitude

Yesterday I wrote a light-hearted post on reaching a compromise with my son and our (seemingly) neverending war. War of words, war of wills, you name it. If I had described just how serious the problems are you would get depressed with me and I certainly don't want that. While we still have a ways to go, at least things are stable for the moment. After all, each moment is all we really have, and I am learning to be content with that.

Today, I'd like to publicly thank God and those who have been so faithful in prayer for us. I'd also like to recommend a book that has helped me tremendously called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It instantly spoke to me from the first page. Not only did it speak to me, the comfort I have received from it is beyond description. This book is a little different from other devotionals in that it is Sarah's personal journal of God speaking to her. So each day it is as though Jesus is talking. Here's an example of the entry for August 23 that I kept going back to during The War:

     Entrust your loved ones to me; release them into my protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one--as well as yourself. Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Isaac. I took Isaac to the very point of death to free Abraham from son-worship. Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father's undisciplined emotions. I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love.
     When you release your loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand. As you entrust others into My care, I am free to shower blessings on them. My Presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me. Watch to see what I will do.

Related Bible verses: Genesis 22:;9-12; Ephesians 3:20; Exodus 33:14

So, with a grateful heart, I would like to give away a leather-bound, deluxe edition of this book. Maybe you are not all that religious, but you know someone who could benefit from its wisdom. Christmas will be upon us before we know it and I think this would make a lovely gift. Since receiving this book in June I have already given away 4 copies, all received with the same amazement at how it comforted and spoke to them.

This is not a ploy for comments, but obviously I do need you to leave one to be eligible for the prize. You can simply say "hi!" or share how God has helped you or whatever you're comfortable with. Contest ends at 3PM, Thursday, 9/29/11. I will use random.org and announce the winner on Friday, Sept 30. Have a safe and blessed weekend, my friends!


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16 comments:

Barbara said...

These words speak to me - I've gradually learned the truth of them, but it's still hard to let go. I have to visually picture myself placing my kids in his open hands each day. But I always feel peace when I do. I was just about to copy that section of the book and send the link of this post to a friend who I know really needs it right now (actually several but one in particular) so I'll toss my name in the drawing and hope I win so I can pass it on to her. Thanks, Gail!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Wonderful you have reached a good place, hopefully with much better to come. Peace and contentment each day are great blessings.

Charlotte Wilson said...

Hi Gail,
I hate that you are going through such turmoil with your son. But you have gone to the best place; in the arms of Jesus.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Hugs,

charlotte

LindyLouMac said...

I do hope things work out with your son, life is too short and fragile for this to happen.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like an excellent book... sign me up, Gail! Thank you =)

Unknown said...

OH my goodness.. I can see why you love this book. It sounds like a book I would love.. Thanks for sharing it with us..

Hugs, Linda

Shug said...

You have no idea how I needed this post today...I have a precious loved one that I have been faithfully praying for about 20 years. This is a long time with no answers! But...I know that God is faithful and that He not only hears my prayers, but He longs for them as well...I am trusting God to move upon my brother's life..
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing this...
Sweet hugs,
shug

Anonymous said...

i am not christian and i do not live in the US, but i just wanted to say how we need to put our trust in God, and believe that He will show us the way out of any turmoil and on to safe ground. sending you hugs.

Tricia said...

This sounds like a wonderful book, Gail. I'm glad you found something that gives you some measure of comfort while dealing with the problems between you and your son. Hopefully, by leaving things in God's hands things will gradually improve.

Hugs to you ♥ Tricia

Nadine, Chewy and Lilibell said...

I have to also agree that this sounds like a wonderful book! If I don't win a copy of it, I'll get a copy of it myself, as it's something I would love to have in my life!

Maureen said...

Parenting brings with it some very difficult times. Don't be too hard on yourself. {I was a single Mom of three boys, I know it's a lot of work}
That book sounds wonderful, as does that passage you shared. I wish I had heard that when I was raising mine.

Laura said...

Thank you so much for your support of Katherine. I really appreciate it.

This is ironic-
I just gave away my copy of Jesus calling to a friend who gave hers away- which I had given her as a gift.

Does that make sense???

Laura

Leontien said...

most all books are good and this sure sounds like a good book!

Thanks
Leontien

Rosemary Aubut said...

Love, prayers and support Gail! So glad you have found some comfort!

beth said...

it looks and sounds like an amazing book....and having been in similar shoes as yours, i can only imagine what a blessing it has been to you.....

right now, we are on a much less rocky path and it feels so good under my feet.

boys are a handful, but when they finally get things, little by little, well it's like a huge hallelujah !!

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

I really needed those words, Gail. Seems we struggle through the similar issues. God blessed us with a wonderful child, now grown, seeking to find his way in the world, but seeming only to be floating from idea to idea. But through it all, I know God is in control, it's just a matter of my letting go. Thanks again.