The Damsel’s Files

4 Wonderful Christian Inspirational Books to Make Your Autumn Worthwhile

The world is full of things that beautiful yet confusing. Who would have thought that living comes with uncertainties and other complex matters? If only you can understand every bit of life in a snap, there wouldn’t be struggles that can wreck you. But living in a perfect world seems to be a dream that almost everyone wishes to achieve.

Despite of all these uncertainties and mishaps in this intricate life, God is always there providing you guidance without you knowing it. So hold on to your faith and know that each day He is with you. With that being said, provided below are some of the best Christian inspirational books that you might want to check-out to get some inspiration this brand-new autumn season.

When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado

In June 7, 2009, the special edition of Max Lucado’s When God Whispers Your Name was published by Thomas Nelson. It is a young adult Christian inspirational novel that encourages its readers that God is present and whispering their names. Hidden somewhere in the book and in your heart, there’s God and he is speaking to you and calling out your name. Sometimes it is hard to imagine that the Creator is keeping your name on His heart, but it all depends on you for God is always there. Moreover, the book will definitely help you perceive yourself in the tales of struggles and redemption in the Bible. It will also make you clearly comprehend that God knows you; and, most importantly, it will help you understand the huge and bold love of God to those who call upon Him.

The Seven Fs to a Fruitful Life by Roslynn Bryant

This Christian inspirational book by Roslynn Bryant was published by Christian Faith Publishing, Inc in August 7, 2019. The Seven Fs to a Fruitful Life was created — apart from being inspired by the Creator, because of the following questions: “Have you ever wondered if there is more to life than what you are living?; Has the daily routine of life brought you to a place of displeasure and discouragement?; and do the cares of life and their responsibilities overwhelm you and deter you from reaching your greatest potential? _(– _{Roslynn Bryant, The Seven Fs to a Fruitful Lif}_e).This book, moreover, hands out a great description about the ways of living a full life efficiently as God panned. Our faith, family, friends, finances, fitness, focus, and future are the seven Fs that are being signified by the title. Hence, the author meticulously wrote the methods on maximizing people’s capabilities and potential in the mentioned 7 platforms.

The Power of Simple Prayer: How to Talk with God about Everything by Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer is the author of the book The Power of Simple Prayer: How to Talk with God about Everything. It was published by FaithWords in the 17^th century, specifically on January 1, 1715. The book shows the mystery of the act of communicating with the Almighty Father via providing clear explanations and discovering a wide array of prayer. Thus, this novel unravels that praying is an impactful activity in every person’s life. It is the act that holds great power, create good bonds, helps in achieving success. That is why never hesitate to pray not just when you need something but also during moments that you have achieve great things.

Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day by Joel Osteen

The reprint edition of Joel Osteen’s Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day was published by Howard Books in 2009. It is a New York Times bestseller book under Christian inspiration and Christian self-help genres. This serves as a guide book for those who want to discover their God-bestowed strengths and continue living with a better amount of happiness, hope, and peace daily. The author’s impressive background and his personal views in the book are among the reasons why readers make time to examine themselves in order to search for their genuine souls and become the better version of them. Furthermore, the book provides a simple but earnest move to help the readers uncover their purpose and fate. It also includes important principles from the Bible, commitment, and personal testimonials that aim to enlighten the readers.

4 Heartwarming Books about Kids and Bullying

Kids are like stars in the sky. They shine up above to bring light to the dark night, giving those who fancy the skies hope for a better tomorrow. But that doesn’t mean that the stars don’t have their own struggles. You see, they need some time to develop into tiny balls of light — like every person does. When kids start venture the world beyond what they have in their homes, they probably encounter a bump in the road. This hindrance, if not solved, can create a huge impact on the children’s lives.

Bullying is one of the things that greatly affect kids. It is the common issue that children, from toddlers to middle schoolers, experience. And it should not be tolerated. That is why you need to teach these young minds to either stand up for themselves or be a buddy instead of a bully. With that being said, provided below are the best books about bullying that your kid must learn from.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Can you imagine being a kid that is intelligent, cheerful, and kind; but, being bullied because of you appearance? It could be the most horrible thing to happen, and that’s Auggie Pullman’s first-hand experience. Auggie is a bright and kind kid who has a medical condition called Treacher Collins syndrome; and, that explains why he has such a peculiar face. He was being homeschooled until he got on the 5^th grade, where he started to attend a real school. Because of his fear of being teased, he wore an astronaut helmet on his first day.

The bullying didn’t happen until he encountered bullies named Jack and Julian. That doesn’t mean that he didn’t find some friend, because he did — the first one was named Summer. The bully named Jack realized that Auggie doesn’t deserve the treatment that he was getting, that’s why he stopped picking on him and became his friend. Julian continued to bully Auggie in a worse manner and the 7^th graders as well. But Auggie, along with the others who saw his kindness, stood up to the bullies and started to have new friends.

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

Lauren Wolk wrote the book titled Wolf Hollow. It was published in 2016 by Dutton Children’s Books. The cover design was done by Irene Vandervoort, the lettering was by Sarah J. Coleman, and the silhouette and watercolor was by Tony Sahara. It was awarded by the American Library Association as one of the 2017 Newbery Honor winners. It follows the story of a girl named Annabelle McBride during the fall season in 1943 in the western countryside of Pennsylvania.

Annabelle is living peacefully with her family in a farm and regularly walks to the Wolf Hollow along with her brothers. But everything changes in October when a girl named Betty Glengarry appeared in the town to live with her grandparents. The peace that Annabelle has was turned into unfamiliar emotions after Betty started relaying threats to the protagonist of beating her or her siblings if she won’t provide Betty with something pleasing. The misfortune continued after a drifter named Toby appeared in the area. Because of Toby and Betty, the protagonist started to lie and think less of her.

A Kid’s Life: Loving, Learning, Growing by Alana Konieczka

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. published the wonderful book titled A Kid’s Life: Loving, Learning, Growing by Alana Konieczka in 2019. It is an anthology of tales that targets the young readers. The content of every story in the book aims to help the readers understand the complex parts of life and learn something from the significant issues of today. Hence, it can become a kid’s book on bullying, a kid’s book on loving, and a whole lot more relevant things that children learn from reading the brilliant book.

The tales are in the form of short stories. But, they are enough to make its target readers become entertained all throughout the reading experience. Some of the tales have the purpose of greatly captivating the hearts, interests, and attention of the young readers, such as Grandma’s Magic Pants or Me and My Dog. Other tales, however, attempt to teach morals — like bullying is never a good thing to practice.

Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts

In June of 2011, the realistic fiction book titled Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts was published by Little Brown and Company. It is in the form of a graphic novel and also in the scope of the comedy genre.

The story centers on Rafe Khatchadorian, an incoming 6^th grader. When he started middle school, a lot of issues broke out. Some of his issues are personal while others include social, such as goin into puberty, having crushes, dealing with family problems, and bullying. Rafe also tries to break each regulation written in their school’s code of conduct.

10 Bible Verses about Relationship with God That Will Touch Your Hearts

You probably have wondered what could be the essence of your relationship to God. In your lifetime, questions and uncertainties about faith will surely pop to your mind randomly. It is normal, so do not think otherwise that you are being a stubborn Christian. What you need to instill in your mind is the thought that your faith in the Lord and His love for you are the foundations of your relationship.

There are so many reasons that move your relationship forward; but, there are also many factors that bring bumps along the way. What you have to remember is that He is with you, no matter how fast you are moving and how far you have gotten. If you feel that you are not contributing enough in your relationship, there many books that will remind you about Him and your faith in Him. A great example is the wise word of Christian book author Marianna Albritton on steps to build a relationship with God in her book Come Climb Towards God.

Apart from Christian books and authors, there is a book that solely documented the greatness of the Lord from the creation to the revelation. It is also the piece that is considered as the oldest book that contains the word of God, which is called the Holy Bible. So, if there are times that you feel uncertain about your relationship with God, worry not! Here are some of the best verses about your connection with God that are written in the Bible.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” – 1 John 3:1
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:37-39
“The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” – Jeremiah 31:3
“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” – 1 John 4:16
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20
“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:37-29
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6

Empowering Women: 4 Inspiring Females in the World of Literature

Women are the people that make the world brighter and fuller. They are those individuals that always prove people wrong. Females all over the world didn’t fail to show everyone that they can do anything. They have long been fighting every gender stereotype and sexism that has existed over the years. Some opt to display their amazing abilities through participating in politics, business, and other platforms, while others tend to excel in the liberal arts and have been conquering arts and literature until today.

Literature, moreover, has been a great platform that has given women opportunities to express and get noticed. With that being said, here are 5 inspiring women in literature that you should check-out!

Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf, nee Adeline Virginia Stephen was born in South Kensington, London on January 25, 1882. She is a remarkable author, essayist, publisher, and critic. Her parents are Julia Prinsep Jackson and Leslie Stephen. Woolf is the seventh kid of a blended family. Her childhood was suddenly put to an end and became a horror after she experienced an extreme grief following her mother and half-sister’s deaths. In 1900, Virginia was motivated by her father to pursue a professional writing career. But 4 years later, her father died causing her to go through another mental breakdown.

Although grief has gotten the best of her, Woolf’s talent for writing never ceases to amaze others. Today, her works — such as Mrs Dalloway, The Waves, To the Lighthouse, A Room of One’s Own, and Orlando, are still inspiring people. She is also known for her promising writing style, which is the utilization of a narrative device called the stream of consciousness that is always tackled in every literature class.

J.K Rowling

Joanne Kathleen Rowling is the literary hero of many children and adults from all over the globe. She is commonly known in her pen names J.K. Rowling and Robert Galbraith. Her work Harry Potter series has been giving every reader the magic that they need in this complex life since 1997 until the present. J.K. has faced a lot of rejections from the past before she became who she is today. She also faced the harshness of life for she was a single mother who needs to provide the needs of her child. But her persistence and labor paid off after Harry Potter opened the doors for her.

She was born on Yate, Gloucestershire in July 13, 1965. She attended the University of Exeter and got her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986. Her married life was a rollercoaster for she was first married to Jorge Arantes. Their relationship didn’t go well for it ended in divorce. But seems like fate has been good to her, for she married Neil Murray in 2001 and the two are living their lives happily. As of today, J.K. is not just known as a remarkable author but also an amazing producer, scriptwriter, and philanthropist.

Carol Wilson-Mack

Carol Wilson-Mack is not just an empowered woman but also an inspiring author. She is the brilliant mind behind the book Patchwork, a book that motivates people to search for a way to fill in the gap between generations through communication. She also wrote Fan Loyalty, which is a tribute to the late American singer Brook Benton. Moreover, Wilson-Mack attended New York Institute of Technology where she got her Master’s Degree in Communication Arts.

Furthermore, she also graduated from The Long Ridge Writers’ Group. Since she already has a master’s degree, she proceeded for a Doctoral Study in Divinity in 2016, which was led by Dr. Arthur Belanger with the Open Bible Institute and Theology Seminary. Carol has also been part of play productions where she serves as a producer in the plays of Samuel French. She is also a renowned playwright and film scriptwriter. Many of her writings were picked and were used in the production in different places, such as Baldwin, New York, Newark, New Jersey, New York City, and Bronx, New York.

Sarah Kay

On June 1988 in New York City, the promising poet Sarah Kay was born. She is the daughter of a Japanese-American mother and a Jewish-American father. Kay has become one of the most remarkable poets in this generation having inspired a lot of people and making everyone appreciate the art of poetry. Most of her poems are about women empowerment, parenthood, love, and a lot more.

She attended Brown University and earned her Master of Arts in teaching. Apart from that, she also went to Grinnell College where she got an honorary doctorate in humane letters. Moreover, Sarah is not an ordinary poet for she is one of the best slam poets of all time.

Reminding You with the Word of God in this Rollercoaster Ride of Life

Life can become a little too hard to handle. Sometimes it will crush you up leaving you on the brink of giving up. The more you try the more pressure that comes at you. But it doesn’t mean that there weren’t moments that made you the happiest person in this world. Hence, it only takes a big ounce of faith and a dash of courage in order to survive.

There are many instruments that can help you boost your faith and give you more reasons to continue living. Perhaps you can read a book or two from the Christian literature sections, such as Come Climb Toward God: Are You Hungry for God? by Marianna Albritton, The Bible Was Not Written in English by David Murdoch, and In the Shadow of God’s Love by Leelia Cornell.

Aside from Christian books written by brilliant authors, there’s also one book that has been boosting the faith of many from generations to generations. This piece contains the history of Christianity from the creation to the revelation; it is called the Holy Bible by many and the Holy Scripture by some. What makes it more special is that it also contains the word of God that is necessary in the lives of Christians so that they will have another source of will, inspiration, and purpose.

With that being said, here are some of the most significant bible verses that everyone needs and must live by to continue facing each day in this material world.

When you are feeling down…

“I can do all this through Him who gives my strength.” – Philippians 4:13

“But as for me, I am filled with power - with the spirit of the Lord. I am filled with justice and strength.” – Micah 3:8

“In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.” – Psalm 18:29

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

When you are feeling unloved…

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” – Jeremiah 31:3

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” – 1 John 3:1

“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” – Psalm 51:1

When uncertainties cloud your mind…

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” – Psalm 55:22

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” – Psalm 56:3

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6

When everything goes your way…

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” – Philippians 4:6

“Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 106:1

“Le the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thanksful.” – Colossians 3:15

4 Contemporary Romance Book Authors that You Should Know

Romance is the most overrated genre in literature. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t mean that it’s a bad thing because it is the opposite. It has a lot of patrons from the era of Jane Austen until today. Perhaps people read romance books because of the warmth and delightful feelings that they give to the readers’ hearts. There is just something amazing about love that makes people want to jump right into the story and feel the magic of how wonderful it is to love and be loved.

Some of the widely read romance books of all time are A Walk to Remember, Royal, The Proposal, Honeysuckle Season, Can You Keep a Secret?, Match Me if You Can, Nobody’s Baby but Mine, and Confessions of a Shopaholic. Do you ever wonder about who are the brilliant minds behind these awesome masterpieces? If you do, then this must be your lucky day! Listed below are among the best of the best romance book authors that you should check out.

Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts was born on October 10, 1950 in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her given name is Eleanor Marie Robertson. Apart from her popular author name, she also has many pen names including J.D. Robb, Jill March, and Sarah Hardesty. Roberts has written over 225 romance books that have been occupying the bookshelves of every bookstores and bookworms worldwide. She is, in fact, the very first author who was included in the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. Her novels have been adapted into different adaptations. These novels that transcended its literary success to film include Sanctuary, Carolina Moon, Midnight Bayou, Tribute, Blue Smoke, Montana Sky, and Northern Lights. Moreover, Nora Roberts has won multiple awards because of her talent and her works, such as the Golden Medallion awards, RITA awards, Quill awards, and more.

Nicholas Sparks

In December 31, 1965 at Omaha, Nebraska, Nicholas Charles Sparks — one of the best romance novelists was born. He attended the University of Notre Dame in College, a private school located at Notre Dame, Indiana. He currently lives in North Carolina, where some of his stories are set. He is a renowned author of romantic fiction and romantic drama, who have sold more than 115 million copies all across the world. There are at least 11 of his books that were adapted into films and were fairly patronized by the audience. The said novels are The Choice, The Longest Ride, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Dear John, Safe Haven, Nights in Rodanthe, The Last Song, The Best of Me, The Lucky One, and Message in a Bottle. Aside from film adaptations, Sparks’ novels also conquered both the New York Times and international bestselling lists

Monique Boyd

Monique Boyd is the author of the amazing romance novel titled Jasmine: A Woman of Color. She was born in New Jersey but grew up in Kansas. Boyd has been on Kansas since she was 2 years old until today. For 31 years, she has been in realm of office administration having served Boeing Company and Spirit AeroSystems. Monique served as a Senior Executive Assistant to a Senior Vice President for the past 21 years. Her book journey started upon the publication of her first book in 2018. After that, she has been putting her all in writing the sequels for her first book; hence, making it a series when the following books will be released. According to Monique, “this is truly a blessing and I’m so grateful for this unexpected blessing.” She has been trying to become better in handling her social media, such as Instagram, blog, and Facebook page.

Colleen Hoover

In Sulphur Springs, Texas on December 11, 1979, best-selling author Margaret Colleen Fennell – Hoover was born. She attended Texas A&M-Commerce in college and took up a bachelor’s degree in social work. Hence, she has served as a social worker and a teacher before she became an author. Her first novel was Slammed, which was inspired from the Avett Brothers’ song lyric that goes “decide what to be and go be it.” Hoover had no plans of publishing her work which she finished in 2011. But in 2012, tables had turned and she self-published Slammed, which opened the literary doors for her. There were a lot of novels that followed after Slammed, such as Point of Retreat, This Girl, Hopeless, Losing Hope, Finding Cinderella, Maybe Someday, Maybe Not, Ugly Love, November Nine, Confess, It Ends with Us, Without Merit, and Verity.

4 Brilliant Authors of Christian Apologetic Books

There are many brilliant minds in the field of literature. Some of them are already established people in different field of work while others devoted their time and talent only in the literary world. Although there are a lot of promising genres in literature, one stands to be resilient and remarkable that goes by the name of Christian literature.

Christian literature is a vast area of literature that tackles books, memoirs, and other works relating to Christianity. Christian apologetics is mainly a branch of Christian theology but there are many books in the literary realm that have fallen into the Christian apologetics category. With that being said, those books wouldn’t have existed without the talented authors investing their time to write them. Hence, here are some of the greatest Christian apologetic authors you should now.

C.S. Lewis

You probably have heard of the great series The Chronicles of Narnia, well C.S. Lewis is the man behind it. He is also the brilliant mind behind the Christian apologetic books including Mere Christianity. He was born on November 1898 in Oxford, England. He was arrived at some academic positions in two different universities, which are Oxford University and Cambridge University, but in the same field of study which is literature. Apart from that, he was also a well-known writer and lay theologian. Among his popular fictional works are The Chronicles of Narnia series, The Screwtape Letters, and The Space Trilogy. Lewis is also famous for his nonfiction works, specifically Christian apologetics, like Mere Christianity, Miracles, and The Problem of Pain. Clive Staples Lewis is also known in his pseudonyms Clive Hamilton and N.W. Clerk.

Ronald T. Tyler, Ph.D.

The Spiritual Discernment Guide is the work of Dr. Ronald T. Tyler. Mystical experiences in Dr. Tyler’s book are what make the work more effective aside from how it was brilliantly written. Moreover, Dr. Ron Tyler was part of the Gurdjieff Foundation cult for a decade. He has participated in different activities before he became a member of the cult. The said activities include transcendentalism, Christian Science, Rosicrucianism, astrology, numerology, Ouija board’s utilization, and a wide array of New Age-kind activities. He also attempted the liberal, humanistic church-like “Christianity.” Dr. Ron Tyler, at last, came to the Almighty Father in the course of the “Charismatic Renewal.”

Timothy Keller

Timothey Keller or Tim Keller is a not just an American Christian apologist but also a pastor and theologian. He was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania in September 23, 1950. He attended the B. A. Bucknell University in 1972, M.Div. Gordon-Cornwell Theological Seminary in 1975, and D.Min. Westminster Theological Seminary in 1981. His religion is Reformed- New Calvinism and he is a founding pastor of their church called Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Pastor Keller is not only a renowned minister but also a bestselling author of more than 3 The New York Times bestsellers, which are The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, The Reason for God: Belief in the Age of Skepticism, and Making Sense of GOD: An Invitation to the Skeptical.

Josh McDowell

Joslin McDowell, also known as Josh MacDowel was born at Uniion City, Michigan on August 17, 1939. He is not just a writer and a public speaker but also an evangelical apologist and evangelist. He attended Wheaton College in Illinois and successfully acquired his Bachelor of Arts degree. Afterward, he went to Talbot Theological Seminary in La Mirada, California’s Biola University. He graduated with flying colors and got his Master of Divinity degree. Furthermore, McDowell is a popular author in Christian literature. He has authored and co-authored more than 150 novels. In fact, his work titled Evidence That Demands a Verdict has made it to Christianity Today’s list of most influential evangelical works that were released post the Second World War, specifically on the13^th place. Some of McDowell’s other popular books are More Than a Carpenter, Givers, Takers and Other Kinds of Lovers, Prophecy: Fact or Fiction, Guide to Understanding Your Bible, Understanding Non-Christian Religions, The Secret of Loving, Evidence of Growth Guide, New Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Disconnected Generation: Saving Our Youth From Self-Destruction.

To Ensure Great Communication, We Must Watch Our Words

Whenever in a conversation, Christians should conduct themselves with charity, compassion, humility, and integrity, and avoid all arrogance, condescension, and disparagement. It is indeed unchristian to engage in banter and vitriol. After all, the Bible tells us:

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. (Colossians 3:8 KJV)

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (Colossians 4:6 KJV)

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29 KJV)

So, how should a conversation be? If you can, take some time out of your day to read the book Patchwork: Conversation Between Generations by Carol Wilson-Mack.

In Patchwork, we read how some godly women of Bamberg, South Carolina bonded over quilting and used the opportunity of conversation to supply a safe space for families to meet, vent about their challenges, and work toward solutions, as well as work on their quilting. These prayerful God-centered gatherings, as the author called it, were also a way to teach younger women how to deal with their challenges and choose prudent practices and to offer them the company, support, prayers, and wisdom of a solid support system.

Patchwork encourages to find a way to initiate conversations as a way to support learning and create bridges between family members, friends, colleagues, etc., as well as to empower one another. So, to walk into good company and leave the conversation inspired and empowered, we should positively interact with others at home, work, church, anywhere. We should watch our words to ensure great communication.

The Bible exhorts us to choose our words carefully. The words we speak matter because they reflect the true condition of our hearts and reveal our inner dialogue, the inner self. Does not the Bible tells us…?

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. (Proverbs 15:1-2 KJV)

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24 KJV)

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. (Matthew 15:11 KJV)

The Bible admonishes us to conduct ourselves when talking to other people.

He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. (Proverbs 17:2 KJV)

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23 KJV)

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words. (Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 KJV)

The Bible also tells us to look out for not only our own interests but also the interest of others. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3 KJV)

One way to watch our words is by simply remaining silent and listening to others. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. (James 1:19 KJV)

We are also called to build others up, as exhorted by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:29 KJV.

We are also called to avoid profanity and coarse language. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (Ephesians 5:4 KJV).

The Bible also warns us of the consequences of those who do not watch their language:

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. (Proverbs 13:3 KJV)

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (Matthew 12:36-37 KJV)

Above all, the Bible exhorts us to tell the truth at all times:

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (Exodus 20:16 KJV)

Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. (Exodus 23:1 KJV)

Just because the Bible tells us to watch our words when conversing with others does not mean we could not open up or share what is on our hearts and mind. For in the same way when we give, we receive back. When we watch our words while speaking to other people, they get to know us better. We should strive to be better talkers.

Before you initiate a conversation, let this be your prayer: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

4 Powerful Books that Will Guide You in Facing Life

Life is the toughest puzzle to solve and the hardest lemon to turn to lemonade. There are many deceiving puzzle pieces that you thought were the one to complete the puzzle but turn out to be frauds. For that reason, a lot of people — including you, will either give up or break down. But it shouldn’t stay that way because there will always be situations that will turn the table or bring some silver linings. Also, there are many things and people that will guide you in tough situation in different aspects of your life. With that being said, here are some powerful books that will guide you in facing life better and stronger.

Come Climb Toward God: Are You Hungry for God? by Marianna Albritton

Come Climb Toward God: Are You Hungry for God? is not just a book under Christian literature but can also be considered as a powerful guidebook by Albritton, Marianna in lifting your faith towards God. It was published by Xulon Press in 2013 and focuses on the relationship between man and God. Its unique title makes the readers get drawn to read the book, as well as its main content. Come Climb Towards God asks different questions pertaining to the desire of man for the calling, guidance, and mercy of his or her Creator. Among the questions raised by the book include the hunger of Christians to form a bond with the Almighty Father, the desire of Christians to communicate with God, and the need to answer to His callings. Thus, this will definitely help you understand and be guided on the spiritual aspect in your life.

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle

In August 19, 2004, New World Library published the spiritual self-help book by Eckhart Tolle titled The Power of Now. The book has sold more than 2 million copied from all across the globe and was translated into more than 30 languages. The Power of Now brings the readers into a motivating spiritual journey to search for their real selves and achieve the highest level of personal development and spirituality. The first part of the book contains the topic of enlightenment and the mind, which is its innate enemy. The author opens the eyes of the readers to see how they are part of making their own pain; thus, he let them see the process on having an identity that is free of pain through totally living in the present.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo

Ten Speed Press published the first edition of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo. The publication happened last October 14, 2014. This number 1 New York Times bestseller will help you improve not just yourself but your views on life. It was even branded by CNN as “one of the most influential books of the decade.” The author is a Japanese cleaning consultant who set the bar for cleaning higher than it was. Hence, the book implies that if you thoroughly organize your house once and make it simpler, then you will never need to conduct the same amount and level of cleaning again. Most of the cleaning processes recommend an inch-by-inch approach that devastate you to sort your stuff and give up those that are not that important forever.

The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World by Marti Olsen Laney

Marit Olsen Laney is the author of the book that guides people in socializing called The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World. The book was published by Workman Publishing Company in February 1, 2002. The Introvert Advantage offers an insightful read that makes readers gain more wisdom and feel more empowered in taking advantage of their undiscovered strengths. It shows that there is nothing wrong in being an introvert. The book also helps introverts in understanding the process and gain enjoyment in working together with others in order to live fully, instead of working against their will. Included in the book’s scope are some discussion in bonds, parenting, mingling, and strategizing.

Putting God First Because Nothing Else Comes First

“Spiritual growth is not about religion but rather a relationship.” It is so said in Come Climb Toward God: Are you Hungry for God?, a book on how to develop a deeper relationship with God by Albritton. In the book’s study guide, the author asks, “Have you established your personal relationship with Jesus?”

Assume that we all have a personal relationship with God and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. The question the author should have asked – or rather, the question we should ask ourselves – is, “Have we put God first in our lives?”

To rephrase the question, “Do you put God first in your life?”

To be in a relationship with God is to put first things first. Often times Christians find themselves in a situation of being so dutiful, so responsible, and so correct in their devotions that they lost their joy of experiencing God. Is it possible for a Christian believer to lose his or her joy of knowing God?

Take, for instance, the case of Martha. In the Gospel of Luke, we discover that she holds deep resentment toward her younger sister, Mary. Although she is neither immoral nor rebellious, Mary certainly does not have Martha’s sense of responsibility. She leaves the housework to Martha so that she can sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His teachings.

We read, “Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ (Luke 10:40 NIV).

Jesus’ answer to Martha’s demand that He tell Mary to help her with the preparations is: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42 NIV).

In the Gospel, we see two very different temperaments in Martha and Mary. The former loved to serve but caused unrest due to her anxious manner of waiting on Jesus and the other guests. The latter, in her simple and trusting manner, waited on Jesus by sitting attentively at His feet. She knew in her heart that what Jesus most wanted at that moment was her attentive presence. Who put Jesus first: Martha or Mary?

One of the greatest truths in the Bible is that only when we give our lives to God do we live with true meaning, joy, and fulfillment with Jesus Christ, the only one who can quench our deepest thirst and fill our hungry souls.

Of course, Jesus never taught that we do not set goals for our career or spend time with family. He does remind us, however, that the reason for our living and the heart of our faith is to love and worship God.

A Christian should never think of his or her personal life and career as separate from God but blessed and prepared by Him, whom one should put first. Our personal life and career should never serve as a hindrance to our relationship with God. Rather, we are to put Him first with our personal life and work. So, if you are struggling with the chores or bills or getting things accomplished at work, seek God’s help even while you are working and sorting things out. Ask Him every day before you set out to work. Pray to Him on your way to work or as you fulfill your goals.

Anxiety and preoccupation keep a Christian from listening and giving God his or her undivided attention. God bids us to take our concerns and anxieties to Him because He is trustworthy. He cares not only for our needs and fears but also for us. He alone can free us from our needless concerns, preoccupation, and worries about things beyond our control. He only wants us to give Him our undivided love and attention.

Read and reflect on the following Bible passages on putting God first:

You shall have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3 NIV)

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV)

Commit to the Lord whatever you do and he will establish your plans. (Proverbs 16:3 NIV)

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Matthew 6:24 NIV)

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. (2 Corinthians 8:5 NIV)

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2 NIV)

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV)