Weird This Way

As you are likely well aware, the huge disaster in Japan has been described as "apocalyptic". If you haven't seen the video coming out of this horror I really gotta wonder where YOU are J

In times like this I have been known to have imaginary conversations with God….ok…so maybe they are more like prayers but a lot more free-flowing. Of course the first question is "Why Lord? What purpose is there in this? All the devastation and loss of life makes no logical sense to me!" I also consider what my beloved unbeliever might say… "Where is your God now? If He's so benevolent, and all powerful, why did He let this happen?" Naturally, me being one ol' gal in the USA I really have no answers. I don't know truly what to say.

During these conversations snippets of scripture often also comes to mind. Mostly I think about my Lord's return—especially when there's an earthquake involved. (Matthew 24:1-35 , Mark 13:3-31 , Luke 21:7-36) and my thoughts wander to what else is going on in our country and the world right now. The turmoil in Libya (and the people rising up in Egypt and Tunisia), the financial crisis that continues here in the US and around the world (and the dominance of "corporate power i.e. the rich are getting richer and the poor poorer), the divisiveness that is found in our own democracy with the continued bickering of our law makers.

And then I MUST get back to some of the basic promises God has made to those of us who chose to follow Him…

I will never leave you or forsake you-Deut. 31:6 ; Heb. 13:5
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. – Mt. 5:45
…and my personal favorite when I'm having a crisis of faith, which is part of what this imaginary conversation is really about "Where were you (Donna) when I laid the earth's foundation (Job 38:4)

All that being said, and so much more as He answers and comforts me, is what its all about really. Trusting, believing and acting in faith – sometimes even as I cry tears of sorrow or frustration or anger. And then I go where David said my God, my Good Shepherd leads. (Psalm 23:1-6 and if you don't know this one at least a little…check it out!)

Book Review: Thriving Despite a Difficult Marriage

This book came to me some time ago. During that time my son was struggling in a rough marriage and having just finished reading this, I was able to help him to come to decisions based on his faith. He "borrowed" the book for quite some time and I just got it back. As a result of his reading of this book, he came to some hard choices and is slowly healing from divorce and the sense of failure that so often accompanies relational loss. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is wrestling with a difficult marriage BEFORE making any decisions. It offers a number of scenarios, scripture references that point to why the authors make the suggestions and offer the guidance they provide. Regardless of your situation, if you are a Christian in a problematic marriage, this book will advise, encourage, uplift , giving hope and light. In my opinion, as a former therapist, it is sound and yet honest advice for anyone. If you feel that your situation is too difficult and your marriage is not worth maintaining, READ THIS BOOK! You'll be so glad you did!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."