In one of my early posts, I mentioned that I have become an avid reader of Karen Kinsbury books. In full disclosure, so much so that I’ve made a list of all of her books and have been on a mission scouring countless used book stores to find all of them. My oldest daughter and I share them which is an added delight.
Several weekends ago, we had friends come up to our second home in Flagstaff. I found my good friend had opened my latest Karen Kingsbury read and was checking it out. I didn’t think too much about it until she was still deep in the book some time later. I stopped and thought about what an impact that seemingly benign act might bring. You see, this friend has expressed a belief in God, but to my knowledge, has not found the personal connection I would want her to know, or to have experienced the strength and compassion of a church community. It was with great pleasure that I heard her say later on that day, that she felt Karen was a great writer with a compelling message.
When they were leaving, I told her I would bring her a book series that she could start and enjoy herself. Maybe it would just be a good read for her, but somehow I believe deep down that the message each and every book brings (and often many times over) would stir something in my dear friend that she has not anticipated. Just the thought of it makes me excited with anticipation to hear what she experiences!
As I said, Karen’s books have stirred things in me each and every time I read one. Interestingly, I often think that the last book I read is the very best! This morning was no exception. I’m reading the Tuesday Morning series which is written around the theme of the devastating “9/11” attacks. The thought of reliving that in your mind may not seem appealing to you, as I was actually a bit hesitant myself. I did not know anyone personally who died in the attack, however, as with most of us, we likely knew someone, who did lose someone close to them that day.
I don’t want to give away much of the emotional story line, but I will share that the main character in this series loses someone extremely important to them. As she goes through the years that follow, she finds a Bible that has a special note written to her. It takes her to a verse in Deuteronomy she has not seen before…
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.
Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. Deuteronomy 30:19
The special inscription that had been written in the margin of the Bible, near that verse said… “…If I could get anything into your head, your heart, it would be that one point. Choose life… Whenever you have the chance, choose life.”
My wish for you this day is that you recognize this gift of life that we’ve been given. I heard Oprah say the other day that she stopped and seriously considered how many times (at the age of 62) her heart must have beaten, repeatedly, all on it’s own. She stopped and said a prayer of thanks! Something that simple, yet that incredibly vital and necessary, that we likely take for granted – thousands of times a day.
Perhaps you are struggling with something that is tugging at your sense of stability and peace? Perhaps you’ve been searching to find God’s purpose for your life? Maybe it’s both. Regardless, we all have a powerful promise to cling to. As long as our heart keeps beating and our next breath is taken, we confirm that we are still here for a reason and that there is a plan for our lives. As I’ve mentioned several times, it comes down to surrender. The more we trust Him with the days He has given us, the more peace and joy we will experience. There is more for us to do.
Karen puts it this way… “Trusting Jesus for life is the very first step to choosing life. Abundant life. “
Whatever thoughts, however big or small, that are holding you back from making the next step forward, I pray you work through them knowing that God is not only on your side, but walking ahead of you to lead you and behind you so that you feel safe, so that each and every time – you too can Choose (all that) Life has waiting for you!
I just love the internet and the unknown world it can expose you to! I didn’t have a particular song in mind to include with the post, but I just put the word “Choose Life” in You Tube and Poof!… look what I found. It’s a great song of the same name by a group called Big Tent Revival (BTR). I also learned that each of BTR’s albums has been nominated for a Grammy Award and that the band has also been nominated for several Dove Awards.
Well, there you go! Enjoy!