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Showing posts with label talents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label talents. Show all posts

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Talent the Bomb:Discover Yourself - Book Review

This book is about a vision that the author Pastor had about him. This books covers Talents, Parenting and Education.

There is a difference between a learned skill and a God-ordained Talent or Talents (gifts).

Your talents will make room for you.

A talent is your God-ordained gift or gifts.

The author pastor shared a vision that he had about him. The vision is below:

In the vision, he saw the author climbing a high mountain with other climbers; they were climbing to the top of the mountain. He was fully dressed like a mountain climber in the vision and he had a small can of water with him. He said in the course of climbing the strange high mountain, they occasionally got tired. So whenever any of the climbers got tired of climbing the mountain, he would stop to help the climber or himself with some water from his small can of water to quench their thirst and regain strength to continue their journey to the top of the mountain.

They continued like this with the author helping himself and his fellow climbers until they reached to the top of the mountain. They also helped the author in various ways for him to get to the top of the mountain unhurt.

His pastor told him that those on the mountain top immediately saw him with water, and came rushing to him. Some were running and others were crawling. Some were on their knees begging for water and others wanted the water by force.

The more they drank from this special can of water, the more the can was increased with water.

This dream made me think about three Scriptures from the Bible: How 5 loaves and 2 fishes was increased by Jesus and 5,000 was fed (Matthew 14:17-21). How Elijah the Tishbite miraculously supplies food to the widow woman of Zarephath and her son (1 Kings 17:10-16). Look at the Parable of the loaned money (Talents) the master divided the money (Talents) among his servants according to their abilities.

The author Pastor told him that the meaning of the vision was his struggles in life to get to the top of his destiny. The special can of water represented the author God given Talents and gifts. While climbing and struggling to get to the top, you need to help other people to get to the top of their own destiny, life and career with your talents and gifts. While they also do the same to help you get to where you are supposed to be in life.

Get out of your comfort zone.

Exodus 31:3 ... Craftsman given special skill. (And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship).

This is an ebook written by Alexander Busybrain.

He dedicated his book to his late Dad, which was his hero and Best Friend, the Late Mr. Vincent Njoku.

Alexander mentions in his book the love he had for his mother, dad, beautiful wife, other Pastors, and his siblings for their care, support, prayers and reviewing his book.

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Sunday - Jeremiah's Call and Commission - Jeremiah 1:4-10 - 7/16/17

God knew you, as he knew Jeremiah, long before you were born or even conceived. He knew you, thought about you, and planned for you. When you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember that God has always thought of you as valuable and has had a purpose in mind for you.

Each Christian has a purpose in life, but some are appointed by God for a specific kind of work. Samson, John the Baptist, and Paul were each called to do a particular job for God. If God gives you a specific task, accept it cheerful and do it with excellence. If God has not given you a specific assignment, then seek to fulfill the mission common to all believers - love, obey, and serve God - until such time as his guidance becomes more clear.

Often people struggle with new challenges because they lack self-confidence. They feel they have inadequate ability, training or experience. Jeremiah thought he was too young and inexperience to be God's spokesman to the world. But God promised to be with him. We must never allow feelings of inadequacy to keep us from obeying God's call. He will always be with us. If God gives you a job to do, he will provide all you need to do it.

God's message to Jeremiah was like his message to Moses: the God who made our mouths can provide the words he wants us to speak.

Jeremiah predicted that after the destruction of the nation, God would send a new Shepherd, the Messiah.

God still restores his people by renewing their hearts. We can have assurance of a new heart by loving God, trusting Christ to save us, and repenting of our sin.

Jeremiah served God faithfully for 40 years. During that time the people ignored, rejected, and persecuted him. He remained faithful to God.

People's acceptance or rejection of us is not the measure of our success. God's approval alone should be our standard for service. We must bring God's message to others when we are rejected.

Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible, KJV; Tyndale Publishers Inc; Wheaton, IL

Monday, May 26, 2014

2004/05 Moments of Peace in the Presence of God: Book Review

Book Review . Peace . Shalom . God . Elohim . Devotional . Talents . Pray . Gifts . Spiritual Gifts, Love, Hope, Happiness . LORD

You know the story, I reviewed this book while being a Baptist Editor/Host for a site around the end of 2004 or 2005.


Through inspiring psalms and meditations this devotional book invites you into the presence of God/Elohim , where the gift of peace/Shalom awaits. In its pages you can discover that God is nearer to you than you are to yourself.

Reflections of Love, Hope, & Happiness.

This is the best gift that you could give to yourself.

NEVER ALONE
At sometime in your life you experience loneliness.
Loneliness is natural and should be appreciated rather than feared. In seasons of loneliness, you discover that you are never truly alone.

A Prayer
God, during those times when I feel the ache of loneliness, help me to remember that you are never more than a whispered prayer away. Amen.


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SECOND CHANCES
Even when your mistakes are so devasting that you cannot return to the life you once knew, God's light can break through the clouds and splash spectacular color across your life.


BEGINNING AGAIN
In many ways, your life is as fragile as that tiny plant. Cold winds may blow over you, leaving you feeling withered and ruined. But then God shines his light on your life and you can blossom once more.




A BRIGHT NEW DAY
Past failures and disappointments can hover over you like leaden clouds, refusing to yield to the promise of sunlight and clear skies. When you find yourself surrounded by gray thoughts and gray feelings, it may seem difficult to dream of happier times. But there is great hope. When you find yourself in such a situation, God is there to help.


THE LORD WANTS TO USE YOUR TALENTS
You should ask for his direction and pray for his guidance so you may use your gifts/Spiritual Gifts fruitfully.

Since this a 2004/2005 Review I did, I believe that that I received a complimentary copy from Bethany Publishing.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Contagious Optimism ... Book Review

Book Review . Uplifting Stories . Me Time . Motivational Advice . Positive Thinking . Personal Growth . Talents . Relationships: Divorce/Marriage . Career . Health . Fitness . Mastermind Groups . Frequent Wall Street Journal Contributor




You learn a lot when listening to people. Always keep your ears open. You never know the impact they will have on your life.

When I talked with David Mezzapelle, (who is a frequent contributor to the 'Wall Street Journal') over the telephone, I told him that I would like to have a copy of his book. He told me that he would have the publishing company sent me a complimentary copy, so I don't have an autographed copy of his book.

You may not be on a course that you are comfortable with at the moment. Be honest with yourself. From here make those changes that will restore the course you are meant to travel. But don't overlook a change of course that may have happened for a good reason.


The keys to achievement are:

1. Be clear about what you want.

2. Know you will achieve it.

3. Take dedicated and determined action.

4. Never give up.

5. Go for it!


At Merrill Lynch, there are 5 principles: Client, Focus, Respect for the Individual, Teamwork, Responsible Citizenship, and Integrity. Shortly after Mr. Daniel P. Tully became chairman, he had these principles chiseled in their lobby floor at their world headquarters in NY and posted in every office around the globe in the local language.

Reading Contagious Optimism will allow the reader to appreciate and understand the principles that people of all races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds live by have exhibited during their life's adventures. ... Mr. Daniel P. Tully, Chairman Emeritus, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc,. Hobe Sound, Florida

Understand, respect, and embrace other people's uniqueness. That is the foundation of any relationship - spouses, significance other, family, friends, etc.

Divorce is an unfortunate process that many people face. There's a moment often you realize that you have survived, emerged intact, and have strength you didn't know you had. ... Kerry Moeykens, Covington, Kentucky

It is suggested that you use this precious opportunity to rediscover yourself.

Overtime, you might have forgotten your unique gifts and are only thinking of what you don't like about yourself or your life.

Many people feel the need to stay busy to keep their minds off of this stressful time. Let this time also include pampering yourself. Take this time to experience life even for only ten minutes ... just simply be you!

Knowing your purpose will give you a true sense of who you are, and why you were put on this earth.

When you have discovered the "gold nugget" you already are, you will start to live your life with more ease and to enjoy the feeling of peace.




Divorce is not easy or fun but you can make it through this time of your life by realizing you will make it.

Sooner or later, all of us are exposed to a toxic person. That person can be a family member, a significance other, a boss, or a coworker. A toxic person exhibits mood swings, short temper, and inconsistencies as well as impulsive behavior. This type of person is very good at controlling people and situations because he or she knows how to use charm to keep the victim engaged.

Celebration time is right around the corner so take a deep breath and get started.

If you are spiritually inclined, prayers help.

Verbal and physical abuse as well as infidelity, lying, gambling, substance abuse can lead to the end.

Marriage takes two; it is not one person's fault for the demise of the relationship. Not playing the part of the victim will help you to move on and find life after divorce.

When Nancy Ferrari, interviews psychologists, therapies, relationships experts, the common thread in their advice for a successful relationship is communication. There is no perfect relationship however; in order to live in harmony with your mate, it takes work. Working on a marriage or relationship requires attentiveness, as well as respect, trust, and honesty.

She places a high premium on qualified marriage counseling therapy.

David Mezzsapelle, the author shares please don't tell yourself and him that you don't have what it takes to be the next golf sensation, musician, athlete, executive, or anything else. Contrary to what you think, you absolutely do have what it takes.

Building talent is one of the few tools for success that is not contigent on anything other than hard work. Your talent is the direct result of the hard work and practice you put in sure, there are some people that have an unfair advantage of knowing someone already in the field.

Whatever it is you are working toward picture yourself already there.

There are many scholars, theologians, motivational speakers, athletes, philosophers, and industry titans that have proven this.

Acknowledge where you are lacking and prioritize what it takes to improve. The brain and body together will accomplish the rest.

Do you know what your talents are?

When we are searching to find our true self, we are finding our talents along the way. Sometimes, it may even require us to deviate from an established patch and change our career.

Our talents are directly connected to our passions. When we have the courage to follow our passions, we will excel in what we do because we invest our whole energy into it.

It is also about joy, and fulfillment, growth, and a search for meaning, inner peace.

To be physically healthy you need to be mentally healthy as well. To start, believe in yourself and consider that mind exercise is just as important as physical exercise.

There are many talented people in the world who have achieved very little. On the other hand, there are many not so talented folks who have soared to amazing heights. Lisbeth Calandrino calls them "over achievers."

We all have talents - the question is which talents we choose to utilize. Some people fear failure while others fear success.

Focus not on what you think you're lacking, but rather on all the resources and resourcefulness you have. Give yourself a strong enough WHY and you will figure out the HOW.

"Convert the shame of financial disaster into your new start! Take the disgrace you feel out of consumer debt, by not looking back at the financial mistakes but instead look at the new beginnings and education that the experience offered you." ... Amy Beller, Southold, New York

Audi continues to significantly outgrow its primary U.S. competitors, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, in percentages of sales increase. Brand leaders now consider Audi likely to reach its goal of 1.5 million sales in America before earlier established deadline in 2015, and rather abruptly Audi of America has become a key partner in the German parent company's goal of overtaking BMW in global premium - segment sales.

The Audi transformation in the United States didn't come easy.

To be sure, Audi still faces a number of issues as it seeks to build on its accomplishment.

One doesn't need to rewrite their business plan nor reinvent the wheel. Just by initiating an analysis of your organization, you are already taking a step in the right direction toward success.

Ricky Wade grew up in Jamaica and was no stranger to poverty. He was directly exposed to it but knew that hard work and positive energy would yield success. There is always someone who is worse off than you. Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald's, said it best, "You have to give back to the community that supports you."

Don't be scared to alter a long-term plan when things don't work out.

Ricky came to the the United States as an immigrant. His uncle gave him a piece of advice that was one of the most valuable assets that he took with him. He said "Be true to yourself, be disciplined, and stay focused. That advice led him to an assistant manager position in Miami, Flo

In April of 2001 he achieved the unimagimable for a McDonald's corporate employee - he purchased seven stores and became a franchise in Palm Beach, Florida. Together with his wife Lissette, they then grew to eleven stores and a staff of 500 people. Today his goal is to achieve twenty-five stores within the next ten years.

His family takes great pride in helping inner city kids focus on the positive and molding them into good citizens. Making a different may be a lifelong journey but providing opportunities for low-income youth yields a positive environment and a brighter future for everyone.

Karen Wright was dead broke. She'd heard others say this, but she'd never personally been that far out on a flimsy limb before.

Fear and panic overcame her pride as she stood before her Church congregation and she finally admitted the truth out loud. She needed work, any work. She tried not to think of the $250/hour her consulting clients used to pay. She took a job for a park ranger at $9.05 per hour.

She hated her situation! She wanted her old life-clean and respected.

She decided that cleaning toilets did not define her and went to work the following morning with her baseball cap raised, a smile on her face, and friendly words for those she engaged in conversation - ever while picking up trash.

The past two years have not been what she would have wanted. She used to consider those who settle for low-paying jobs as lazy and ignorant. She often say, and believe, that great work comes to those who do small work with dignity and pride.

Those who serve the welfare of others focus upon the act of giving. She'd always focused on what she could get in return.

Success is not tied to a financial worth.

Sometimes you have to leave all you know to find what is worth knowing.

Only those who serve will ever Lead.

The Standard and Poor's 500 Index, a broad gauge of Stock Market performance, fell by nearly 40% in 2008. Many seemingly safer investments, such as bonds issued by state and local governments, were also hit hard. Just as marketers were about to hit bottom, many folks pulled their money out and put it into bank accounts and money market instruments. By doing so, they locked in large losses in stocks and other securities.

Some forecasters believe that the ensuing years could bring a significance recovery in the nation's economy, even as unemployment remains high by historic standards. If interest rates rise, some types of bonds, such as those sold by the U.S. Treasury, may actually lose value.

Many are avoiding stocks altogether.

This isn't a pitch for investing in stocks. Diversification has never been more important. There are mutual funds that invest in a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets all at once if you aren't wealthy and can't afford to pay a professional advisor to manage your money.

By taking charge of your financial situation you may be able to reduce the risks of getting hurt the next time around.

As a child, Mr. Harvey Rephen, ESQ. witnessed many of life's hardships suffered by the people around him. The best way he could be of service is a common debt advocate. One of many profound lessons that have come out of his past is that there is no shame in financial difficulty. What makes a person rich is not the size of their wallet, but rather the size of their heart and principles.

Congress created the FDCPA (the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) to regulate practices such as these.

The FDCPA protects the consumers' right by limiting the who, what, where, and how of debt collection. The primary power of the FDCPA is that it gives you, the consumer, the right to sue any debt collector violating your rights.

It is extremely important that all physical evidence be saved, such as messages left on your answering machine, letters received, and a written call log containing the date, time, and content of any conversation with any debt collector.

The FDCPA can stop the harassment and abuse and even take you from despair and financial devastation to hope and freedom.

A person's true wealth is based on something even more valueable than money; it;s based on the integrity of the person and how they choose to live their life.

Anabela's family had a good life. They had a nanny, housekeeper, luxury cars, vacationed often, and shopped at Nordstrom. Who wouldn't want the life-style they had?

One day, all that ended when she was laid off. A year passed and they lost their home, their cars, their nanny, their housekeeper, and, of course, shopping at Nordstrom. She believed they would have lived that way forever if the layoff never happened. "Keeping up with the Joneses" seemed easy.

Of course the transition period was difficult, especially when she began cutting coupons, but she realized she was more resilient than she thought.

When not job-hunting, she suggests picking up a book - any book. Spend more quality time with your children and family.

So, her family and her have a different life now, a good life!

Goals help us to achieve. We all need goals in our life.

Anyone who does anything worthwhile has either consciously or unconsciously followed through on goals.

One way to start this journey to get to the destination is through a very simplistic tool - journaling. Journaling is a technique that was originally taken from the therapeutic world in order to help clients identity their feelings and thoughts from a psychoanalytical perspective.

Writers and authors use it to help them document storylines, and teens use it in the form of a diary.

A journal can take several forms, such as a hardbound journal or book, or a spiral notebook, either large or small. You can use a voice recorder or the voice application on your cell phone. You can write on the computer through a word processing document or an online journal.

Share - only if you feel able; you may want to share with someone, such as a friend or a coach, who can help you to clarify and validate your breakthrough and successes.

Emotional and mental abuse made it harder to realize that it wasn't about me. We have been taught that abuse leaves physical scars, but emotional and mental abuse can be just as bad, or even worse, because it's not so obvious.

Faye had to believe in herself enough to walk away from disempowering situations early, rather than hoping things would change later.

Sometimes though, it's best to just let go and move on. Focus only on what you desire.

There are going to be bad days.

Adam Fisher shares after his horrible bount of jealousy and feeling sorry for himself he redirected his anger toward the future. He did his best to explore new markets, secure new clients, and create new sources of revenue. As he typed this story, he invested in several foreclosed properties and have created a wonderful stream of rental income.

Focusing on other people's success with envy is pointless and stressful. There is nothing good that can come from envy and jealousy - nothing!

Sometimes life if full of surprises. Shortly after Brenda Sutton Jones entered the workforce, she took a job with a marketing company in Raleigh, N.C., expecting to get her feet wet in sales and hopefully learn a bit about marketing.

What started out as a job quickly into a career.

One month later she came to work and learned that the new company had changed the lock on her door and taken ownership of all her files - after nine years. She had a number of profitable Fortune 500 clients, including GTE, IBM, & Alcatel.

On the third day after being locked out, she opened her own business.

In December 2010, her marketing company celebrated its 25th anniversary. From time to time she think about that CEO and how much she owe him for giving her the push she needed to start her own company. She believe that his actions were motivated primarily by jealously and envy.

Dr. Barbara Seifert shares we fill our daily lives with so many activities that we don't have enough time to just relax and enjoy. Even our families can exhaust us with their daily demands.

Self-care is one of the most important and basic activities that one can do. Self-care is critical to our physical and emotional wellbeing. If not addressed, emotional problems ca develop such as anger, anxiety, or depression. Health problems can also occur.

Take up journaling to capture these emotions.

Practice forgiveness, which is not forgetting or saying you are "okay" with what another person did, it is about releasing the negative feelings of what happened.

Take five minutes to picture the life you want, and enjoy it.

Learn to say "no."

Practice, practice, practice!

Susan Ross shares on The Mastermind Principle. In a Mastermind Group, the harmonious energy of the individuals connects, creating a powerful synergy (the "Master Mind") used to brainstorm, problem solve, and create powerful solutions that can only come from collaboration. It is truly a meeting of minds in pursuit of common goals, which might seem unreachable on your own.

Joining a Mastermind Group is a commitment to mastering your possibilities. Many icons of the twentieth-century, including Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison, as well as a host of presidents and statesmen, credit the Mastermind process for some of their collective success. Yet we find it a vastly underused business and life-building tool today.

It's utilizing the strengths and experience of others.

There are many types of Mastermind Groups, including same-company or same-industry, women, mixed business, virtual, and more.

The beauty of a Mastermind is that you can make your own rules to suit the group.

And the power of two or more minds focused on a single dream can dramatically increase the manifestation of that dream.

David Mezzapelle, the author has been motivating others to be positive since his childhood.

He has been a guest on various radio and television programs. He is also a frequent contributor to the Wall Street Journal and various other publications and websites around the world.

David was inspired to write 'Contagious Optimism' on his life's experiences, and the encouragement of his Alma Mater, Fairfield University in Connecticut. A portion of each sale will go to the school.













Friday, September 27, 2013

Generous Gifts ... 7/28/2013

Sherebiah . Hashabiah . talents . Ezra . Gospel of Mark . Gold . Silver . Tabernacle . Temple . Zerubbabel . Sunday School Lesson

The Sunday School Lesson for 7/28/2013 is shared from Ezra 8:24-30 (Devotional Reading: Mark 12:38-44)

Sherebiah (glow of Jehovah), Ezra 8:18

Hashabiah & Hashabnah (Jehovah provides), Nehemiah 10:11, 25


talents:

Old Hebrew Money:

Talent of silver 3000 (shekels)
1500 Dollars 00 Cents 0 Mills

Talent; 654,000 grains or 93 pounds 12 oz


Talent of Greek (Attic) Coins & Their Value In American Money:

Talent of Silver 936 Dollars 00 Cents 0 Mills

Talent of Gold 9360 Dollars 00 Cents 0 Mills





Ezra 8:24-25 ... Sacred Rites & Forms; Dedication Gifts For Tabernacle & Temple; The Contributions for Zerubbabel's Temple ... The Hebrews; The Hebrews Again In Palestine(Then)/Holy Land(Now); Mission of Ezra, Commits the Treasures & Sacred Vessels to the Custody of the Priests

(Jeremiah 29:10 ... Reference Scripture in the Sunday School Book)


Ezra 8:26-27 ... Sacred Rites & Forms; Dedication Gifts For Tabernacle & Temple; The Contribution for Zerubbabel's Temple ... The Hebrews; The Hebrews Again In Palestine(Then)/Holy Land(Now); Mission of Ezra, Commits the Treasures & Sacred Vessels to the Custody of the Priests

(Leviticus 27:30b)


Ezra 8:28-30 ... Sacred Rites & Forms; Dedication Gifts For Tabernacle & Temple; The Contribution for Zerubbabel's Temple ... The Hebrews; The Hebrews Again In Palestine(Then)/Holy Land(Now); Mission of Ezra, Commits the Treasures & Sacred Vessels to the Custody of the Priests


Monday - July 22, 2013 - A Single Offering for All Time - Hebrews 10:1-14

The law sacrifices ineffectual to take away sins. By the offering of Christ's body once for all we obtain perfect remission.


Tuesday - July 23, 2013 - Stirred Hearts with Willing Spirits - Exodus 35:20-29

The readiness of the people to offer


Wednesday - July 24, 2013 - Bringing Offerings before the Lord - Numbers 7:1-6

The princes of offerings


Thursday - July 25, 2013 - Contributing Tithes & Offerings - II Chronicles 31:2-10

The people forward in destroying idolatory


Friday - July 26, 2013 - More important than offerings & Sacrifices - Mark 12:28-34

Touching the paying of tribute. Resolveth the scribe, who questioned of the first commandment.


Saturday - July 27, 2013 - The Gift of a Poor Widow - Mark 12:38-44


Sunday - July 28,2013 - The Offering for God's House - Ezra 8:24-30


Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Devotional & Explantatory Bible, & KJV Topical Reference Edition Bible

Friday, May 31, 2013

Freefall to Fly: A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning ... Book Review



Book Review . Anxiety . Depression ., Down Syndrome . Journey . Dreams . Talents . New York . Mental Health . Christian Life . Women Issues . Virginia . Maya Angelou . non profit . international missions . Manhattan . Greek isles . relaxation . Heavenly treasures . corporate ladder . pray

Rebekah Lyons is a brave woman to share her personal story and I hope that it will inspire and help others.

"It is never too late to be what you might have been." ... George Eliot

Depression and anxiety have many faces. More than 57.7 million American adults suffer from some form of mental illness, including 18.1 million who have been diagnosed with depression.

Even more shocking is the number of women suffering from depression. From anxiety attacks, as in Rebekah case, to mood disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and so on women are under siege. And the majority of women who are wrestling with depression fit nicely in the twenty-five to forty-four-year-old age bracket.

Rebekah is no medical doctor, and she has no degree in psychology,but she loves to listen to the stories of women.

Thanksgiving had barely faded into autumn's wake when Rebekah received the news of her aunt Martha's death. The doctor had handed her a diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer just five months prior, but none of the family thought the disease would steal her life so quickly.

Her thoughts flipped to the person noticeably absent for the funeral the weekend: her dad.

She was aware of the state of his mental health when she was fifteen. He was admitted to a psychiatric hospital hospital for a week.

He lost his job teaching for the county. Administrators didn't consider him fit to be responsible for a classroom.

Perhaps one of the worst effects of such an illness is the lack of respect the individual gets from those closest to them. The survivor never seems to receive the benefits of the doubt. Always looked at as a mental case.

She found herself thinking of her father.

Would she end up in the same bed, her mind unable to sustain her body? She worried that his present might be her future.

Her father and her firstborn son, which has Down Syndrome were connecting in a way they were unable to. Beyond logic and reason. A brokenness that is whole. Beautiful.

A man who'd lived a life of suffering, of struggle, of mental anguish never turned his back on God. He had been faithful. His grandchildren delighted in his presence.

As you know, New York is bleak in wintertime.

Rebekah was invited to lunch with a few women in her Church who were looking to start conversations among their parish Churches concerning what "living fully" looked like for the women in the city. She'd been asked to provide insight and talking points, but she was wrestling with God.

She was beginning to put pen to paper about her journey over the past two years - the story of her own struggle with depression and anxiety.




She thought of Jesus. And what had to have been a horrific night in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before He was Crucified, when He prayed on His face for hours.

We all wonder how long we must wait and when the rescue will come. And God says in the waiting, "Turn your face to Me, focus on Me.

So we wait.

"If the future road looms ominous or unpromising, and the roads back uninviting, then we need to gather our resolve and, carrying only the necessary baggage, step off that road into another direction." ... Maya Angelou

These technological creations, while interesting for everyone else, have the opposite effect on us. Instead of confirming our worth, they only add to the pressure to perform and strive. Have you made every recipe on your Pinterest board? Rebekah admits she haven't. How many of us have homes that look like the images we pin?

Rebekah loves knowing what her friends are up to, near and far. Technology helps her feel more connected to them. But unless she reach out and actually talk to them, the closeness is limited to a newsfeed.

Her husband, Gabe is a helpful barometer to keep her accountable. He knows when the real Rebekah, and the virtual ones grow disconnected. And he raises a red flag when her iPhone gets more attention than he does.

For a few of us, our parents saw a gift in us and nurtured it to full bloom. Sadly for many, like Rebekah our uniqueness was squelched by peer pressure, feelings of inadequacy, or disapproval from a parent.

As for her gift of writing, that one snuck up on her. Though she could be found often with a book in her hand during her youth. As she wrote fervent questions of prayers, she felt His presence near.

Some days she's on edge for no reason, unsure if she should trust her surroundings or even her friends.

Upon graduation, she landed the perfect job at Blair Communications, a respected PR firm in Virginia. The idealism lasted for nine months, until she felt pulled toward a nonprofit focused on international missions.

What is God's unique plan for the headstrong leader and wise counselor with a fierce ambition for love for writing?

She loved her children and her husband and, in many ways, the life she had created. After months of misery, she had begun the journey toward meaning by unearthing her unique gifts. And like Manhattan's spring tulips, she was now bursting with life.

"Every now and then go away and have a little relaxation. To remain constantly at work will diminish your judgment. Go some distance away, because work will be in perspective and a lack of harmony is more readily seen." ... Leonardo Da Vinci

Like children anticipating Christmas morning, Gabe and Rebekah were anxious to steal away. His parents had offered to let the grandkids run free on their five wooded acres in Virginia's heartland so they could spend uninterrupted time together.

Scrounging together airline miles, hotel points, and a bit of money they had tucked away for such an occasion, they booked a trip to Greek isle of Santorini.

At night, they dined in front of Mediterranean sunsets.

Gabe and her had one assignment: to reconnect. They had grown distant during her freefall months in New York. Her anxiety attacks had understandably placed him on edge. They aimed to steal away and reignite the spark they once had.

They didn't know they would go with little sleep for a decade-facing financial uncertainly and loss, burying their dear friend, birthing a son who would change the way they saw the world. And God would make them new through all of it. A lesson they continue to learn.

When packing for the trip, she made sure to cram in as many many books as her luggage could hold.

She remembered a story from the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus teaches His disciples some cornerstone principles about treasure. He explains that storing up earthly treasures is a worthless endeavor. Houses, money, livestock - they all rust or are eaten by moths. Jesus describes a different kind of treasure. Heavenly treasures.

She have felt the fading in her own life. Battling a lifelong struggle with anxiety and despair.

How might life be different for women like her if they believed a treasure awaits them?

She have found community with people who are living out the calling God has breathed into their hearts. Not a story of climbing a successful corporate ladder for personal gains, but one that carries a humble heaviness for burdens that break their hearts.

That evening she packed with fury in anticipation of returning home. But now she was discovering something greater. Treasure. Meaning.

"The wise man in the storms prays to God, not for safety from danger, but deliverance from fear," ... Ralph Waldo Emerson

They returned home to find New York had shed its summer skin, with fall nearly in full swing.

Life was going so well.

Soon sleep beckoned, thought less restful than she had hoped for. She tossed and tossed between dreams, resisting each one like an uninvited guest.

Panic whispered.

She shook Gabe awake, begging him between gaps to help her get to the elevator. Their children stayed asleep as the alarm clock glowed 3:20 a.m.

They were painfully aware that the attacks she had avoided the past nine months were back.

She had begun experiencing an onslaught of attacks daily, each distinctly different from what she had fought the year before. These episodes took place in wide-open spaces as she gasped for air on the playground bench while her kids played in the distance.

She began to believe she would never change a thought that brought sadness and new depths of desperation.

Just as life was looking up the floor was dropping out from beneath her.

3:02 a.m. another panic attack.

Her husband prayed, "God take this panic attack away. You are not a God who invokes fear, but faith. Give us faith. Help Rebekah to breathe, to calm, to release."

She cried out, "RESCUE ME!"

The physical bondage that she had been battling for more than a year-gone in an instant. She had never come out of a panic attack like that before.

Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Jesus yoke is easy and the burden He gives is light."

For many, prescription medication has been a lifesaver in moments of severe struggle, and some need it to even out imbalance in the brain.

God had met her in her darkest hour.

Write down the turning points in your life.

Write down your talents.

Write down your greatest burden.

If you aren't married or if your husband isn't willing to offer his support, the journey may be more difficult (particularly for single moms). Look for a trusted friend - a person who believes in you - who encourages you along the way.

Note those in your life who will help you on this journey.

I'm convinced God wants to use you to bring someone else's gift to life.

I received a copy of this book for review from Tyndale House Publishers. I review books for Authors, Ministries, Businesses, Publicists & Publishing Companies.


Rebekah Lyons is a mother of three, wife, dog walker of two living in New York. As a self-confessed mess, she wears her heart on her sleeve, a benefit to friends and readers alike. She serves alongside her husband, Gabe, as cofounder of Q Ideas, an organization that helps winsomely engage culture.