READ: Review, Night Road by Kristin Hannah
“You have to live it to understand.” That expression applies to much of human experience, but none more heartbreaking than the loss of a child. In Night Road, newest release of bestselling novelist Kristin Hannah, we gain fresh depths of understanding into this tragedy and its impact. But we also see the devastation of lives largely devoid of relationship to God. Without a firm faith-foundation, life’s storms not only pound—they crush. No one learns this better than Jude Farraday. As Night Road opens, she seems to have it all: contented life as wife to surgeon Miles and mother of twins Zach and Maia; sprawling island home; fulfilling volunteer work; and a garden she keeps in perfect order. But as the book progresses, the weeds in Jude’s garden—and the cracks in her porcelain-perfect world— don’t take long to appear. The first of these cracks is Lexi, foster child and recent transplant to the Farradays’ community. Lexi’s background couldn’t be more different than theirs, but her heart is drawn to one, then more family members in explicable bonds. As the mesh of relationships plays out, both love and woundedness have their effects. The author’s choice to narrate from the points of view of both the female protagonist and antagonist gives the novel an almost lopsided feel. Even the strong personalities of Miles and Zach seemed overshadowed by the women in their lives. And the book’s single explicit sexual reference seemed as out of place as a token swear word in an otherwise family-oriented movie. I won’t spoil the story. But I will affirm Hannah’s giftedness as a writer. Night Road’s moments of raw wonder outweigh any weaknesses. And Hannah’s reach-out-and-touch characters drove her story off the night road and into my heart. I caught glimpses of my own maternal nature in Jude’s fierce love for her children and her anger over the senseless incident that took a precious life. But I also saw myself in Maia’s insecurities and Lexi’s hunger for love at what became a huge cost. The stories we love best are those in which we recognize our own. Hannah’s story achieves this goal as it points toward hope, truth, and ultimate meaning. The Night Road is one I recommend you take—and soon. You’ll find yourself on a ride to remember. Have you read other Kristin Hannah novels? Does the theme of how a child’s death changes a family resonate with you? Feel free to...
read morePRAY: Prayer for Those Who Feel Trapped
A friend challenged me last week. I’d posted a prayer thought (“Marti Pieper is praying for. . .”) and he commented, “How are you praying?” Great question. And since my friend’s a longtime journalist, it came as no surprise. But I did have to think for a while before I wrote a brief prayer summary to add to my Facebook page. That event reminded me of something I’ve thought about for a few weeks now: My brand and blog state my passion to READ.WRITE. PRAY. But for the past few months, I’ve focused so much on regular blogs for the READ and WRITE sections that I’ve neglected to write much about prayer. Today, I want to apply my friend’s question to another prayer. Throughout the day today, I’m praying for those who feel trapped. So how am I praying? No written prayer can express all the communication that take place in prayer. But here’s a hint, an idea, a sampling. And if you have more to add, I’d love to read it—and pray alongside you. Father God, today I lift before You those who feel trapped. I know traps can occur for many reasons and I know they all bring pain and fear. God, please come to these dear ones. Let them know You are in the trap with them, caring for them as no one else. Lord, I ask You to show your power here. Because You have all authority, You can break the trap and free the captive or You can change the trap into a treasure. You can use men, angels, time, and circumstances to carry out your desires. Your kingdom come, Your will be done in and through these traps this day. You tell us in Your Word that all things work together for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. I pray those who feel trapped would love You—that You would use the trap to draw them near. I pray they would see good in and through this situation they hate and that others would see it as well. May the trap cause many to point to You. Our Savior, where the enemy is involved, I ask You to trap him. Bring your power and might to bear on these situations. Into a trap of illness, bring healing. Into a trap of hatred, bring love. Into a trap of misunderstanding , bring clarity. Into a trap of doubt, bring faith. And into a trap of deceit, please come in your power as the Truth that sets free. Thank You for knowing the hearts, circumstances, needs, and desires of any who feel trapped today. Thank You for covering any gaps in our prayers by “ever interceding.” Thank you for being a God who is worthy of our praise and adoration. May we be captured by Your love and trapped by Your grace, grace that comes through the mighty name of Jesus in which I pray this day. AMEN. Please remember to add your prayers or ideas here as well. And thanks for reading and praying alongside...
read moreREAD: Review, Knowing God, Knowing Myself by Cecil Murphey
Sometimes less is more. And in the case of Cecil Murphey’s Knowing God, Knowing Myself: An Invitation to Daily Discovery (Regal, 2010), fewer words mean abundant wisdom. Murphey, who has served authors such as Dr. Ben Carson (Gifted Hands) and Don Piper (90 Minutes in Heaven) as ghost- and collaborative writer, uses his writing skill and passion for spiritual exploration to present this poignant, personal offering. His dual commitment to know God and know himself underlies this sensitive collection of meditations. Each moves toward an aphorism (pithy statement of truth) gleaned from the wisdom of years as a Christ-follower. The author’s distinctive voice shines through each brief (two to four pages) chapter. He uses only the most essential word-gems, polished until they gleam with truth. And his transparency about his spiritual shortcomings made it easier for me to contemplate my own. Murphey’s aphorisms both pricked my spirit and pulled me closer to God. Statements such as “I am seldom angry about what I think I’m angry about” and “Many things grab our attention; fewer things grab our heart” left me nodding my head in agreement as tears rolled down my cheeks. I thank God—and Cecil Murphey—for this insightful book. Have you read this book or another by Cecil Murphey? Or has Cec, who ministers to many in the writing community, touched your life in some way? Please share your...
read moreWRITE: Interview with Connie Cavanaugh
(Remember to leave a comment on my READ review of Connie’s book here and have your name entered into a drawing to receive my review copy!) Connie Cavanaugh’s latest book, Following God One Yes at a Time, has just been released by Harvest House Publishers. This book tells you how – one simple, immediate, possible yes at a time – to do what Jesus commanded when He said, “Follow Me.” This is “following God for dummies,” a simple way for ordinary Christians to follow Christ through the maze of our complicated lives. Q: You begin by saying “God has a dream for every believer.” Could you explain that? God does have a dream for every believer. In fact He has many overlapping, interlocking dreams for us: some big, some small; some lifelong, some seasonal; some manageable, some seemingly impossible. When His dream looks like a mountain we can’t climb, because we lack faith in ourselves and in Him, we think: This dream is too big; I don’t have what it takes. The process looks so complicated; I don’t even know where to start. The finish line is so far away; I don’t think I can go the distance. I’ve tried before and dropped out; I must be all out of chances. Is this God speaking or my own wishful thinking? People like me don’t get to do these things; I’m not worthy of this. Q: Are these the barriers you refer to in the book’s subtitle Overcoming the Six Barriers that hold you back? Yes, the biggest barriers to following God are internal, not external. It’s not situations, circumstances, tragedies, crises or even physical limitations but things like fear, guilt, pride, shame, comparison, and doubt that hold us back from pursuing the dreams God has for us. Following God one yes at a time is about how God breaks down His impossible dream into manageable steps and once we begin to follow Him in faith, because He loves us, He sends us proofs that we’re on the right track. Q: God sends us “proofs” when we follow Him? What do you mean by that? Even though we talk about a God who is alive and personal, all Christians occasionally feel like He is remote and invisible. Once God gets us to say yes to His dream and begin following Him, He knows that we’re going to be battling doubts and fears so He sends us proofs that we heard Him correctly and we’re on the right track. These proofs are little assurances that we pick up in a number of ways – through our daily Bible reading or hear in a sermon or through music or circumstance or pretty much anything that God chooses to use. He’s not limited in the ways He communicates with us. These “proofs” are His way of encouraging us not to lose heart but to keep following. Q. What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received? Easy answer. Thelma Wells said it in a talk she gave at the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association event the weekend I pitched the idea for this book to Harvest House and they agreed to take it on the spot. She said she had been at the point of quitting writing and telling the editors she couldn’t...
read moreREAD: Review, Following God One Yes at a Time
“Now, that’s a great title,” my husband commented. I agree. But wait—there’s more. Author, speaker, and humorist Connie Cavanaugh’s latest book goes beyond its catchy label to offer personal, practical truth. Following God One Yes At A Time: Overcoming the 6 Barriers That Hold You Back (Harvest House, 2011) is no spiritualized self-help tome. Instead, Cavanaugh offers readers biblical wisdom and godly insights spiced with inspirational stories. Combined, these move readers toward surrender to God’s desires and an understanding of how to reach them. The author lightens a heavy topic with her transparency about the ups and downs of her own spiritual journey. As she gains access to readers’ lives, she serves less as teacher or expert and more as funny companion, guide, and friend. Like the subjects of her stories, readers will learn to embrace grace as they see its power displayed. If you long for more in your walk with Christ or feel blocked from true intimacy with him, allow Connie Cavanaugh to help you draw near. She may be the author, but the Finisher pervades this fresh, fun volume in ways words can’t express. Read this book and experience God. That’s a gift even a great title can’t explain. Would you like to win my review copy of this book? Leave a comment before midnight Thursday, March 17, that shares the book (Bible excluded) that’s helped you grow most in your walk with God. Include a link or e-mail address. (I’ll mail to U.S. or Canada this time in honor of Connie, who lives in...
read moreWelcome
I've asked God to use my writing and speaking to count for eternity. I'm passionate about relationships and creativity.
