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Attention Book Readers!
Hey Everyone, I have been working on a blog post that is just not coming together but I hope to finish it in the next day or two. Meanwhile, I wanted to let you know that I am hosting a party for my online bookstore this month. If you like to read and you are on Facebook, take a minute to “like” Sony Elise Christian Books. Then watch my videos and read my posts for a chance to win a book at the end of the month. Thank you so much!
No Time to Stress
My faithful readers will have noticed that I have not posted for a while. To say life is hectic sometimes seems like an understatement. So much to do, so little time and yet, on top of work, I am also trying to walk most days, attend a Wednesday night Bible study, and have time for family. Invariably, something suffers and, for me, it has been my blog and personal correspondence, not to mention my living quarters which is in desperate need of organization. (I have made some progress but have a long way to go.) On top of that, I hit the road this week for our first convention of the year. I am so glad that God’s grace is sufficient. Although I do get overwhelmed (and will probably do so tomorrow; aaaaggggghhhhhhh!), I have learned to turn to the Lord and release my burdens. He knows the tasks He has for me to do and the ones I have taken upon myself. As He begins to help me to discern which is which, I can more easily rest in knowing that the important work will get done. The other stuff? It will be there until such time as I can more easily accomplish it.
I would covet your prayers during this season as I still deal with fatigue and do not do well with long days of constant “running.” I’m reminded of Isaiah 40:31:
They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.
I like the line that Stuart Hamblen added: “Teach me, Lord, to wait.”
I don’t know what your schedule looks like. Maybe you are able to stick to a quiet routine that never gets ruffled. I wouldn’t have a clue what that is like, but I want to encourage you to do whatever you are doing as unto the Lord. If life is beginning to be overwhelming, ask Him what He would like you to change. Take a “time out” to draw near to Him and learn from Him, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30).
I realize this is easier said than done. I will need to remind myself of these things tomorrow as my last day at home draws to an end. But I am so thankful to serve a God who is happy to guide my steps and give me rest when I need it. He is so faithful!
Introducing Sony Elise Christian Books!
Happy fourth of July! I hope you are all having a safe, enjoyable holiday.
I debated on whether I should post this today but I wasn’t able to do it sooner due to my internet being out, and I cannot wait another day to let you know about yet another new business venture that I have started. I wonder if I am becoming a “jack of all trades, master of none.” But I am learning and growing and excited about the doors God continues to open for me.
As of July 1, I now have an online bookstore: Sony Elise Christian Books! I won’t rehash a lot here since I explain on my website my reason for starting a bookstore in an era where books seem to be a thing of the past. I hope you will check out my site and see what I’m up to. Also, if you’re on Facebook, please join my group. There, I will highlight the books that I sell, let you know about some new books that are coming out, and other things that might be of interest to readers.
I am so grateful for your prayers and support through the years. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as God brings me to mind. Lord willing, I will have another encouraging blog post for you soon.
Recovering from a Site That Was Down
It seems there is always going on with this site. It was down a good part of last year and then the last few weeks, I’ve been locked out of my dashboard so I haven’t been able to post anything. Thankfully, I am back in now so I might have to make up for lost time. 🙂
Next week, I hope to post a couple CD reviews. I am really behind on those so I may review some CDs that actually came out early last year or the previous one but maybe it will be a reminder to those who had wanted to purchase some but had forgotten to do so. I may even throw in some book reviews. My editing has picked up lately so, although the books won’t necessarily be southern gospel related, I’ve had the blessing of editing some good books if you like to read. Some are lighthearted and encouraging; others are challenging. I enjoy reading both of those categories.
On a personal note, I continue to slowly work through the Walk of Repentance Bible study. Last night, I read Colossians 3:1-17, which shows clearly how a Christian shouldn’t act and how he or she should. I don’t think Scripture gets any clearer than when it says to “Put off” and “Put on.” The Bible study then asked how many of the sins you have overcome and how many of the victories have become yours. Very thought provoking. If you have time, I would encourage you to go over these verses and examine yourself in the light of God’s Word.
Lord willing, I will be writing more inspirational, motivational, and challenging posts next week but, for now, I just want to wish you a great weekend. If you are sick, please consider others and stay home tomorrow. If you are well and not snowed in, I hope you have a Body of Believers to learn from and worship with. Throughout my life, I have wondered at times if this was really true, but we do need each other. I will be in touch again soon.
I’m Back!
I’m sorry that I have been absent for so long. My site has been down, and I am so not techie! My brother finally found some time to get me back up and running, and I am thrilled to start writing again!
This month, I have been doing a lot of soul searching. It is easy to become so busy that one doesn’t really know where she is at with God. A friend was feeling the same way and asked if we could go through The Walk of Repentance together again, and so we are.
When going through a Bible study, you have got to be willing to cry out to God: “Search me! Try me! Show me the things in my life that don’t please You and that keep me from a close walk with You. Change me from the inside out!” This is not easy but it is vital. We need to truly be as desperate for God as we are for the air we breathe.
I don’t have a lot to say right now, but I’m sure I will be writing more in the next few weeks as God inspires. Please keep me in your prayers. God bless you all!
Six Years and Counting
Six years ago today, I uploaded my first post on Southern Gospel World. How excited I was! I wanted a place to review CDs for the groups I love, as well as to share what God is doing in my life and what He is teaching me. I have really enjoyed this outlet, and I am thankful for each of you who read my blog each day.
I realize I don’t post as often as I should. I hope to change that, but sometimes I feel like I become redundant. If you read my writings for any length of time, you will quickly learn the topics that are the most burning on my mind. Only occasionally do I come up with something new. Because of that, I prefer to wait and write when I am really inspired, instead of to just writing for the sake of making posts. If you get tired of checking my page to find I’ve not written anything new, take some time to read my old posts. And be sure to subscribe so that you will be notified when I have posted something new.
My prayer for this coming year is that we all continue to grow in the knowledge and the grace of our Lord. May we see others as He sees them, walking in mercy but willing to speak as He leads, in the hopes of drawing others closer to Him. This is our purpose and I, for one, want to be faithful.
Questions Jesus Asks E-book Is On Sale!
I don’t post a lot of commercials on here but I wanted to take a minute to give a shout-out for my brother’s newest book, Questions Jesus Asks. The E-book is currently on sale from Amazon for $3.99, and it’s ranked at #2 under the category, “Jesus, the Gospel, and Acts.” It’s #15 under “Personal Growth” in their Kindle Store. I would love to see him reach #1. If you are looking for a good Bible study or if you need a gift for your friend or pastor, this could be the ticket. More information may be found here. I would love to hear from anyone who purchases it. Thank you so much for your help in this endeavor! Feel free to share this with your friends too.
If you do not have a Kindle but would like to buy the print version, you may order it from our website.
Looking Ahead
Now that a new year is upon me, my heart wells up with anticipation. Who all will I see this year? What new friends will I make? What will my life be like a year from now? I’m thankful that I don’t know everything that is going to happen in my future. Part of the excitement of life is the element of wonder.
For those who may not know, writing and editing are some of what I do but my primary job is working with my brother and his wife in a ministry called Family Renewal. I handle my brother’s bookings and have the privilege of doing the bulk of the traveling with him. I am so grateful that God allows me to do that. If you would like to keep up with what is going on with us, email your name and address to familyrenewalorders@gmail.com, and I’ll put you on our email list. I just started an e-newsletter for our company and won’t send more than one or two emails a month but it’s a great way to know what specials we are running on our website and where we are going to be ministering. I would love to meet you.
I pray that, as you begin 2015, you are looking forward to another year as I am. Life is uncertain. Every year holds joy and heartache but God is always faithful. He will not fail you if you keep looking to Him. Keep pressing on!
Looking Behind
As we count down the remaining hours of 2014, my mind is going in so many directions. Overall, this past year has been a really good one. It’s been a time of stretching a bit, moving out of my comfort zone, and yet knowing that God’s hand is on me, leading me in the way that I should go.
The biggest highlights of this year were starting my own editing business and doing more personal travel. I travel a lot for business but it was nice to have time to make a couple trips just to visit friends and family. I am amazed at how much God has blessed me but I am so thankful.
My editing has been going well. There have only been 3 or 4 weeks since I launched my website that I did not have a book to edit. For that, I truly praise God. I pray that I will continue to do a great job for the people who trust me to edit their manuscripts.
My health has struggled a bit this past year but it has been a reminder that, in my weakness, God is still strong. I only bailed out on two business trips which is not bad considering how much we were on the road this year. I am feeling better at present and am trusting God to continue to guide me and show me what to do to become completely well. He is able.
God continues to give me opportunities to encourage others too. This is very important to me. It’s amazing that I’m able to do so when I am not always encouraged myself but, in ministering to others, I am often ministered to. Interesting how that works that way.
It’s hard to remember everything that happened this year but, if I had to sum it up, everything that has happened has been a continual testimony to the faithfulness of God in spite of myself. I am so thankful that He does not give up on me. He has called me and He will be faithful to complete the work He has begun in me.
If you have time, I would love to hear your highlights of 2014 or anything God has shown you this past year. Then join me tomorrow as I look ahead to the new year.
A Quick Post
I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve posted on here. My brain is continually running but my energy has been struggling lately so I’ve not gotten around to putting my thoughts into a form anyone else can understand. 🙂 Hopefully I will be back to posting regularly very soon. I just received Tribute Quartet’s latest CD so I want to review it before too long as well.
If God brings me to your mind, please keep me in your prayers. I need a lot of wisdom right now to know how to best take care of my body. I don’t feel like God is finished using me so I trust Him to restore my strength in due time.
Thank you to those who read my blog regularly. I am so grateful that God allows me to write and share what He is teaching me. I trust you are growing along with me to become more like Him. He is the reason I have a song to sing and a blog to write.
