Where I've been and why...and other stuff!

So, it's been over 6 weeks since I blogged. Why, you ask? See for yourself!

And then...

Review of A Conversation with God by Alton Gansky

"Conversations” ~ also called chats, talks, discussions, dialogues, and banters in the English Thesaurus. That implies two or more people sharing ideas or information, opinions and feelings…but how can that happen with a God who cannot tangibly be seen, touched, heard, tasted or smelled? Quite easily, actually! Through the written Scripture, by promptings in our spirit during prayer and at times through a spoken word by a friend or mentor God speaks His will. Alton Gansky has done an implausible work in his book A Conversation With God in bringing answers to some of life’s mysteries and questions, by helping the reader more intimately relate to the heart of the God of the Universe. Gansky’s writing style is simplistic, yet profound.

In this rich volume of common but difficult questions are reliable answers, complete with Scripture references provided for the reader to delve further into discovering answers. Questions covered include, but are not limited to:

v God, who are You? “I am a Being with intellect, which means I think. I’m not a distant, invisible, force. I am someone who reasons and communicates. In other words, I have thoughts. You are the direct result of those thoughts” (p. 18).

v God, who are we to You?

v How do we know the Bible is accurate?

v Are we living in the end times now?

v How should we prepare for the end of the world? “Let’s be clear. There is nothing you can do to push up or delay the events of the end times, but there are things you should be doing. One thing we haven’t discussed is the need for you to be vigilant…” (p. 83).

v God, why do You allow natural calamities to kill so many people? “Death is common, but it is not natural for humans. I did not design Adam and Even to die. Death came to humanity through sin, not through intention…You do not see all history and the future as I do. You do not see what happens to those souls. I deal with eternity, and My perspective is unlimited” (p. 92).

v Why are some people rich and other poor?

v Just what is salvation?

v Can I lose my salvation?

v What is the kingdom of God?

v Jesus, are You the only way to heaven?

v What will happen to people who don’t believe? “Everyone will be resurrected…those who have rejected Jesus are resurrected to judgment. In the New Testament, the term judge means ‘to separate one thing from another.’…There are several judgments…At the judgment, no one will be asked why he sinned, only why he didn’t repent” (pp. 174-175).

v Is Satan for real?

v How can we experience peace?

v God, do You love or hate homosexuals? “I do not hate homosexuals. I do hate sin, all sin. Here is where the contemporary problem e exists. Many have responded to homosexuals with hatred. That includes some in the church. Hatred is not an option….I am not saying I approve of homosexual behavior. I’ve made it clear in the Bible that I don’t, but I don’t single out the homosexual for greater punishment than the heterosexual fornicator or adulterer” (pp. 258-259).

While this is a collection of answers, it is also an intimate portrayal of God’s love for His children…a love that knows no boundaries, an unconditional love, a forgiving love, a love offered to any who would receive Him as Lord and Savior…a passionate love for “red and yellow, black and white…all are precious in His sight!” I recommend you read this book for your own spiritual experience AND I encourage you to pay it forward and share it with others whether seasoned believers, new Christians or those still undecided about Christianity!

Disclosure for Thomas nelson book reviews

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from

Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review

bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 :

“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Spring and New Life

2 Cor. 5:17~ “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

Rom. 6:4~ “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

"Loves redeeming work is done! HALLELUJAH!"

Via Dolorosa ~ Sandi Patti
Down the Vía Dolorosa in Jerusalem that day
The soldiers tried to clear the narrow street
But the crowd pressed in to see
The Man condemned to die on Calvary

He was bleeding from a beating, there were stripes upon His back
And He wore a crown of thorns upon His head
And He bore with every step
The scorn of those who cried out for His death

Down the Vía Dolorosa called the way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King,
But He chose to walk that road out of
His love for you and me.
Down the Via Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary.
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/s/sandi_patti/via_dolorosa.html ]
Por la Vía Dolorosa, triste día en Jerusalém
Los soldados le abrían paso a Jesús.
Más la gente se acercaba,
Para ver al que llevaba aquella cruz.

Por la Vía Dolorosa, que es la via del dolor
Como oveja vino Cristo, Rey y Señor,
Y fue Él quien quiso ir por su amor por ti y por mí.
Por la Vía Dolorosa al Calvario y a morir.

The blood that would cleanse the souls of all men
Made it's way through the heart of Jerusalem.

Down the Vía Dolorosa called the way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King
But He chose to walk that road out of His love for you and me
Down the Vía Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary.

May the blessed meaning of Easter be alive in your soul every day of every year! "Because He lives" we can face anything and everything!

In the midst of beauty...

In the midst of the beauty of Spring...

...there is pain, and frustration, and inequity, and injustice, and loss~of home, friends, school, "normalcy"...

...but always there is God...and always there is hope!