Code of Justice by Liz Johnson

I typically am a reader of Christian historical books, but was recently asked to read and review Liz Johnson's new book, Code of Justice. I found it to be a delightful read, full of mystery and intrigue. I loved the way the author intertwined some romance within the rapidly moving plot.

Heather Sloan, FBI agent, is thrust in the midst of trying to solve why the helicopter crashed that carried her and her sister. Heather is the sole survivor, but trouble seems to find her each step of the way on her road to recovery. She decides to team up with Jeremy Latham, Sheriff's Deputy to try and solve the case and discover the meaning behind her sister's cryptic last words.

I found this book to be fast-moving and hard to put down. I highly recommend it to all readers, especially those who love mystery and suspense...and even historical fiction readers like me. :)

Check out Liz's website: www.lizjohnsonbooks.com

This book was provided for review by Liz Johnson.

Remembering and Thankful

Two years ago today my husband had a skiing accident, fracturing his pelvis. It's been a long road of recovery. The over seven hour surgery required to repair the injury, left him with nerve damage to his right arm and hand. He still experiences pain and numbness in his hand, as well as nerve issues in his leg from the surgery. He continues to deal with the pain each day, but through it all we are thankful for how God provided for our needs, each step of the way.

We've learned many lessons through the process of his healing. One area God has been teaching me lately is the importance of asking God for strength for each day...not a week ahead, or even further....but instead one dat at a time. He always is there and answers our prayers. I praise Him for taking us through difficult times, one step at a time.

Win a Free Book

In a few weeks I'll be blogging a review of the book Half the Church - Recapturing God's Global Vision for Women by Carolyn Custis James. I was sent two copies of this book, so that I can use one as a giveaway. If you are interested, please leave a comment. For more information about the book, check out this link.
http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310325567&QueryStringSite=Zondervan

He Restores My Soul

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." Psalm 23:1-3a

I've been thinking about these verses lately. Actually lying down in a green pasture beside quiet waters sounds exceptionally comforting right now. Just thinking about it makes me ready for a nap. :) But the part I focused on, is where it says, "he restores my soul." I love the way God works in my life, when I allow Him to move without any hindrances. When He is given free reign to make me into the person He desires for me to be. Those changes don't come without pain and discomfort, but are much needed.

The past weeks have been that for me, the chipping away of areas of my life that aren't godly, and making me more like my Heavenly Father. I have been facing extreme physical pain lately, due to some health issues. But through those times of being weak and excruciating pain, God also has been performing an operation in my heart as well. Perhaps I've been more open to the moving of the Holy Spirit because of the pain. Either way, I'm thankful for the work God is doing. I praise God for His work in restoring my soul. May I continue to learn what it means to be more like Him. 

A Lump of Clay

I've been thinking a lot lately about the process of making a clay pot. Before the piece is designed under the expertize of the artist, the clay must be first pounded and molded and shaped and beaten. The potter removes blemishes and inconsistencies in the process. Sometimes the pot is completely scraped off the wheel and remolded again and again. Then it goes through the drying process and being placed into a hot furnace continuing the perfecting needed to make the piece into a work of art. 

The pot may say to the potter, "Why are you being so mean to you? Don't you realize how much that hurts?" Or perhaps saying, "Stop, I've had enough. I don't need any more blemishes removed. I'm perfect now." But only the potter knows when the pot is ready. He has the final decision.

So it is with Christ with the process of refining us to be more like Him. At times we may go through difficult experiences, learning what it means to be His follower. We don't like the ugly, exposed sins that God is tearing away from us. It makes us feel open, exposed. We don't want others to see our failures. But at times we need to be open and willing and vulnerable before God can work at refining us into what He desires of us. Only Christ can take this ugly, lump of clay of my life and make it into a beautiful masterpiece.

How Are You Using Your Gift?

I'm a firm believer in gifts. I admit, I enjoy receiving them too, but I'm talking about a different kind of gifts. God has bestowed on each of us a particular talent, or bent to use to further His kingdom. For some it could be the gift of encouragement - spurring others on in their race. Some abilities are flashy that all can see. Others may be more behind the scenes. No matter what area God has gifted you in, He expects you to be using it, and not hiding it in the ground.

If someone asked you what gift God has given you, what would your response be? Are you using it? Are you being faithful with the talent He has entrusted to you?