It’s book giveaway time again. I think you’ll enjoy this Christian novel by Davis Bunn.

Florian’s Gate, by Davis Bunn, is more than just a story. Set in London in a high-end antique shop, it will transport you to Europe and particularly Poland after the removal of the Iron Curtain in 1991, at the end of the Cold War. American Jeffrey Sinclair soon discovers a fascinating –and mysterious–experience as an assistant buyer to his relative Alexander Kantor.

Whether you enjoy antiques or not, you’ll be tempted to join the hunt for these actual, priceless treasures as you travel with Jeffrey on his mysterious purchasing adventures. Bunn mixes in a little romance as Jeffrey finds a young woman filled with mysteries herself when she joins the antique shop both as a helper–and later as a translator for Jeffrey on his buying trips.

But the story takes a strong, twist when Jeffrey discovers a secret Alexander has been hiding. It’s the “meat” of the story that tugs on the heart and will pull your emotions as you get a glimpse into the trauma of Alexander’s painful past. Bunn’s colorful descriptions and accurate historical research in the book bring the reader into a “you are there” experience. In fact, you may wonder at times if this book is actually fiction.

Jeffrey has much to learn about true freedom, not only in others, but in himself. Florian’s Gate is a re-release but characteristic of Bunn’s skilled writing style. I’ve enjoyed many of his books.

This complimentary book was sent to me by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

How Can I Win This Book Giveaway?

In the comment section below, please tell me why you would like to receive this novel by Davis Bunn. The winner of this book giveaway will be selected by random drawing. Be sure and check back to find if you are a winner. I can only ship to U.S. residents.

It’s Your Turn

Leave your comments below. Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this Christian blog to someone or to re-post on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, using the buttons below, or to “like” it below or on my Facebook networked blog. If you’re reading this via newsletter you can always “share” my blogs from the large buttons at the end of each blog on my website. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar.

NEW! Now when you sign up, you will automatically receive a download of “20 Day-votional Truths To Live By,” some of my original quotes to inspire you. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

The post Book Giveaway – Florian’s Gate appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

What is a father? Whether our fathers were absent or present, we all share memories of what our father is/was like. This is my Father’s Day Tribute. Will you share yours? Happy Father’s Day!

A Tribute to My Father

By Rebecca Barlow Jordan

He’s a giant of a man, with big, strong hands

that hold your heart in his own.

The words he speaks are apples of gold

that can melt a heart of stone.

His laugh is contagious; his smile sincere;

His life is a book read far and near.

His love gives generous helpings to all;

For a father, you see, is always on call.

His thoughts are old-fashioned, and sometimes his clothes;

But godliness clothes him from his head to his toes.

He has numerous flaws, which he often speaks of,

but his family is blind and covers in love.

Long after he’s gone, a sweet legacy stays

filling the hearts of his family with praise.

Memories of a Father

My father died 18 years ago. I still miss him. But his words and his lessons still live on in my heart. Each of the few personal letters he wrote ended with a P.S. – a powerful statement. Sometimes he penned an encouraging truth from Scripture, sometimes a homespun bit of wisdom he learned, sandwiched in between the mortar he used building missions, and the lives he salvaged for Christ along the way. I treasure those bits and pieces of a father’s love and keep them close where I can pull them out in times of discouragement or frustration.  God blessed me with a great dad.

God Is the Perfect Father

Some of you can’t recall positive father figures, because of abuse or loss of your dad early in your life. Regardless of your circumstances, God assures us He is “a father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5, NIV). He not only heals our memories; He is the perfect father who never breaks His promise, who loves us unconditionally, and who delights in spending time with His children.

God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3, NLT).

 

And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6, NLT).

 

It’s Your Turn: Share a Memory about Your Father

What about you? Would you share a memory about your dad. What made him special? How has God been a father to you? Please share your comments below. Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this Christian blog to someone or to re-post on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, using the buttons below, or to “like” it below or on my Facebook networked blog. If you’re reading this via newsletter you can always “share” my blogs from the large buttons at the end of each blog on my website. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar.

NEW! Now when you sign up, you will automatically receive a download of “20 Day-votional Truths To Live By,” some of my original quotes to inspire you. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

NEXT WEEK: New Book Giveaway

The post What Is a Father? A Father’s Day Tribute appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

For years, I’ve enjoyed fishing –or rather “catching fish” with my husband. But years ago we also learned a fishing technique we’re always working on: one that deals with communication–and one that has deepened our relationship.

Both Communication and Fishing Require Skills

Through the years I’ve learned some fishing skills from my husband about how to snag ‘em and bag ‘em, instead of casting my lures on the water and catching nothing but lily pads and moss. (Of course, that still happens a lot).

Communication, too, requires skill. Anytime a relationship experiences a communication breakdown, maybe it’s time to “go fishing.” But not in shallow waters. This is where fishing and communication may differ slightly. While it’s possible to catch fish in shallow water, with communication, you need to go out into the deep water, where the big fish live.

The stuff of life often leads us in different directions, and before long, we neglect the connections with those we love. We limit our communication levels to shallow water, while the big fish move out to deeper hiding places. Simple “How was your day” works great for small talk and provides a needed check-in for relationships, but it won’t snag the heart of another and keep it on the line for very long.

Communication and Marriage

Our hearts are like that. In a marriage, going fishing in your mate’s heart means using the best God-given equipment you own: Spirit-sensory perception, attentive, listening ears, and continual patience–to draw the “big ones” out.

The big fish have long eluded you both: hidden resentments, buried dreams, and deep longings. Those who are patiently willing to go fishing in “deep waters” will draw out those “big-uns,” as pro fisherman Jimmy Houston says, and re-establish good communication. Do you know what your mate is thinking? Do you really care about their deepest fears?

Continual Fishing, Continual Communication

Hard, plastic lures will probably not work here. Only live bait such as love, patience, gentleness, kindness, and goodness will catch the really big ones. And we’re not talking about “catch and release” either. Healthy relationships keep those communication discoveries tucked in their hearts.

But they’re not satisfied with once in a while trophy catches. They keep fishing and learning, fishing and growing.

Going Fishing in All Relationships

The secret of “deep water fishing” communication works in all relationships: friendships, siblings, even parent/child relationships. James 1:19 (NIV) says it well: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. 

Will that kind of communication take time? Yes. Will it draw you closer to each other? Yes.  Never tried it? Maybe it’s time to move out to deep water and go fishing!

The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.(Proverbs 20:5, NIV).

When he finished teaching, he said to Simon, “Push out into deep water and let your nets out for a catch” (Luke 5:8, MSG).

 

My Prayer for You

Lord, we need your help to keep the communication lines open with those we love. Teach us the skills we need to make every relationship the kind you intended. Give us the patience to go fishing in deep waters so we can learn to draw out those things in others that are hidden beneath the surface. Help us to learn better how to understand and draw closer to others.

Day-votedly His,

Rebecca

It’s Your Turn.

Have you been fishing lately? How has “deep water” fishing helped you in your communications with others?  With your spouse? Leave your comments below. Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this Christian blog to someone or to re-post on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, using the buttons below, or to “like” it below or on my Facebook networked blog. If you’re reading this via newsletter you can always “share” my blogs from the large buttons at the end of each blog on my website. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar.

NEW! Now when you sign up, you will automatically receive a download of “20 Day-votional Truths To Live By,” some of my original quotes to inspire you. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

The post Communication and Fishing: What Do They Have in Common? appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

Remembering those who gave their lives for our country, for freedom, and all we hold dear. Take time today to pause and thank God for those who died. The following Memorial Day Tribute is for them and for freedom. 

A Tribute for Memorial Day – and Freedom

by

Rebecca Barlow Jordan

The young, the old, The timid, the bold.

They gave and they fought 

without thought of themselves, just others.

Some died. Others lived.

Some lost. Others gained

Freedom.

And the tears are for them, but for us as well.

Their stories live on, too many to tell.

But the ones who remain still sing the refrain

while memories dance in their heads,

Of a song deep inside for the ones who have died,

as they live each day with the pain.

And the tune, passed down through the ages of time

whispers loud in the hearts of mankind.

“Freedom!”

We remember the cost and all that’s been lost

but we keep on singing their song.

Gratitude wells, and thanks belong

to all those who played a part.

For the badges of valor, both great and small

are not measured by deed, but the size of the heart.

Their courage and faith, pressed on through prayers,

offered by those left behind,

will not be forgotten, their song will live on

in hearts that will never resign.

Sing it loud; sing it often, and never forget

the price that was given for you.

Freedom.

“I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3, NIV).

My Prayer for You

Lord, thank you for the men and women who gave their lives in service for our country and for freedom. Thank you for their courage, selflessness, and passion. Please be with the ones who lost loved ones and friends. Comfort them as memories flood their hearts. Surround them with your arms of love, and bless them daily for the sacrifice they have endured. And may we remember always, the cost of freedom and the price others paid for us.

Day-votedly Yours,

Rebecca

Who Are You Remembering? It’s Your Turn to Share.

Perhaps you know someone who died in the service of our country, fighting for the freedom of others. Who are you remembering this Memorial Day? A relative, spouse, friend? If you would like, feel free to share their names (first name or entire name), so we can honor these who fought for freedom and died in the service. And may we thank you, as well, for the influence you may have had in their lives. Your love, your prayers, your gifts, your faith–no matter how big or small your contribution, we remember you, and thank God for you, too.

You may share those names of loved ones in the comment section below. Thank you, and God bless the families of those left behind.

Our policy: You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you leave a comment. Feel free to email this Christian blog to someone or to re-post on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, using the buttons below, or to “like” it below or on my Facebook networked blog. If you’re reading this via e-mail you can always “share” my blogs from the large buttons at the end of each blog on my website. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar. That way, you’ll never miss one!

NEW! Now when you sign up, you will automatically receive a download of “20 Day-votional Truths To Live By,” some of my original quotes to inspire you. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

The post A Tribute for Memorial Day – and Freedom appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.

Got Fear?

Through the years I’ve struggled with fear just like many of you. Could I really be the wife and mother my husband and children needed? Would anyone ever read the words I wrote?  Would God really want to use a broken vessel like me? Will disaster befall my family?

What Do You Fear?

What is it that you fear? That your spouse will divorce you? That your job will end? That your life will end in a terminal illness? That your children or grandchildren will be harmed?

The reality is that some of those things could happen to any of us. Our world is changing daily. But instead of living in fear, we can choose another option.

A Constant Fear

A fear that used to plague me constantly was that somehow I would get to the end of my life and not accomplish all God wanted me to. Then one day I read Philippians 1:6 in a new light:

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns (NLT).

A Constant Promise

When I looked at that passage closely, I discovered that it was God who began the “good’ work in me. It was God who would continue it. And it was God who would finish that work. When? On the day Christ Jesus returns. That says to me that long after my life has ended–if I die before Christ comes back–the work God began in me will keep on going. Yes, that means my salvation. But to me, it also spelled out everything God envisioned for my life. I can trust Him to finish it. That’s when I decided to trade my fear for something else.

Trade Your Fear

A few weeks ago I challenged some women to try what I had discovered: to trade their fear for something more…reliable. Instead of focusing on fear, I have learned (and am constantly learning) to trade my fear for God’s faithfulness.

My Job?

My job is to show up everyday and follow Christ’s leading, using the gifts God has given me, being thankful for opportunities to serve Him, and doing everything for His glory. But I don’t need to stress over what does or doesn’t get done. When we trade our fears for His faithfulness, He gets the job done well, on time, and in His time. God loves to work through His children.

I love these words from Psalm 91:

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart (Psalm 91:4, NIV).

And this one from Psalm 26:

 …for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness (Psalm 26:3, NIV).

Will God’s Faithfulness Reduce Your Fear?

Only you can answer that. He will if you let Him. I do know this. There is no end to God’s faithfulness:

For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies (Psalm 108:4, NIV).

More Faithful Promises from God about Fear

If you’d like to find more faithful promises from God about fear, try your own search. You’ll be amazed at the encouragement God offers! You can also read this former blog I wrote about irrational fear that might help if you struggle with any fear of your own.

My Prayer for You

Lord, You never intended for fear to rule our lives. Teach us to trust You more, trading our fears for Your faithfulness. Year after year, You faithfully lead us, working out Your plan in each person. We come against fear in the name and through the precious blood of Jesus, and ask You to completely fill us with faith. You are trustworthy, Lord! Our lives are in Your hands. And no matter what happens to these earthly bodies, You will guard our relationship with You until the day we meet You face to face. You have never failed those who place their trust in You. And You never will.

Day-votedly Yours,

Rebecca

It’s Your Turn. What Do You Fear?

What fears have you struggled with? How has God helped you with those fears? Leave your comments below. Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this Christian blog to someone or to re-post on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, using the buttons below, or to “like” it below or on my Facebook networked blog. If you’re reading this via newsletter you can always “share” my blogs from the large buttons at the end of each blog on my website. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar.

NEW! Now when you sign up, you will automatically receive a download of “20 Day-votional Truths To Live By,” some of my original quotes to inspire you. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!

The post Got Fear? Trade Your Fear for This. appeared first on Rebecca Barlow Jordan.