Word of Hope

No matter how I feel; no matter how the world, the flesh, and the devil torment, my God has never changed and never will!

He STILL loves me.
His blood STILL covers me.
He STILL produces fruit through me.
He's STILL coming for me.
He STILL rescues me.
He STILL calms the storm in me.
He STILL provides encouraging friends.
He STILL speaks through my family.
He STILL holds my hand.
He STILL gives me rest.
He STILL walks with me.

You and You alone, Oh LORD, are my life, my survival, my hope, and my future.

FOR BOOK CLUBS

If you’ve read JOURNEY TO JUDAH or RESTORED HEARTS, you know that the romance, adventure, and intrigue don’t have to stop when you’ve finished the last page and closed the book.

You can get together with your friends and use the Discussion Questions at the end of the books to generate thought-provoking conversation for quite some time.

JOURNEY TO JUDAH questions include:

•In what ways might Maggie’s journey be similar to the journey of Ruth in the Bible? In what ways are they different?

Journal where you are in your journey. What is God doing in your life? How does that make you feel? Are you willing to do whatever He asks you to do?

•When faced with a broken engagement, Gavin plunged into depression. What steps did Dr. Hauser suggest to help him regain emotional equilibrium?

•Read Psalm 37. List some of the things you can do when you don’t understand what God is doing in your life.

•Read Philippians 4. Describe God’s path to peace and contentment.

*And many more!

RESTORED HEARTS questions include:

•During one counseling session with Tim, Dr. Hauser says, “If you want to know what God thinks of you, look at the cross.” How did this statement help Tim? How might it help you?

•The word restore in 1 Peter 5:10 is the same word used to signify a bone that must be reset in order to heal stronger. How does Esha try to convey this message to Gavin ? Are her words effective immediately—or much later? Why do you think this is? How might remembering Esha’s words help you in your own life now, and in the future?

•During a counseling session, Dr. Hauser discusses the role of sex in marriage. He alludes to such Scriptures as Genesis 2:22-24 and Ephesians 5:31-33. Take a look at the headlines today re: approval of homosexual marriages in some of the states. Why do you think Satan is working overtime to destroy the marriage union between one man and one woman for a lifetime?

•At one point in the story, Dr. Hauser tells Tim, “Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

•What role do you think Dad’s letter might play in Tim’s and Gavin’s healing? How has it already influenced Tim’s thinking? If you could change anything about your own childhood, what would that be?

•The name Esha means “desire or wish” in Sanskrit. She longed for Tim, yet she demonstrated an even greater longing. What do you think that was? What are the current desires of your heart?

•And many more!

With questions included in each book, why not host a BOOK CLUB?

I’d love to come and share the story behind the story and answer reader questions! Contact me at eileenrife@yahoo.com.

What's fat and furry and in my garden?

Give up?

It's an otter! Yep, no traveling to the Peaks to see our famous Blue Ridge otters. He's come to me this year. And is he ever fun to watch! Since I've been tossing out the pulp from my carrot juicing, along with other veggie and fruit peel, he and the two Peter Rabbits (although I suspect one is Patricia Rabbit) are loving the regular meals. They don't seem to care a thing about my measly lettuce and spinach patch with that gourmet buffet in another part of the yard.

Now, where's my camera. I need a close up of my friend. Oh, and my sketch pad . . .

Chewing on these thoughts of late . . .

That I long for God more than I long for answers.

That God owes me nothing, yet has given me everything.

That I'm making progress in my Christian life when Bible reading and prayer turn from habit into hunger.

That marriage will test every fiber in my spiritual fabric.

Healing Words for Hurting Hearts - Videos

Healing Words for Hurting Hearts - Videos