You Are All My Reasons

One of my favorite movies is A Beautiful Mind based on the real life story of John Nash, mathematics professor, 1994 Nobel Memorial prize recipient in economics, and schizophrenic. Though reportedly Hollywood’s account is a skewed version of biographers, I enjoyed the film primarily for one element: his wife’s devotion to him even in his darkest moments, especially in his darkest moments. While the real story ends in divorce, the movie version shows a devoted husband and wife, working out the serious ramifications of mental illness. When Nash, now an old man, accepts his prize at the podium, he scans the audience. His eyes rest on his wife, Alicia, and he delivers the closing line of his address. “You are all my reasons.” Meaning, she was the one who ultimately kept him going when all else failed, even medication.

I love that line. I love the portrayal of marital commitment. It spurs me on to be a better wife to Chuck. But as much as I love my husband, the line impacts me for a more compelling reason.

My mind drifts to another relationship even more special than my marriage. My connection to the Lord. He truly is “all my reasons.”

For purpose, for meaning

For taking the next step

For getting up in the morning

For loving my family

For reaching out to others

For ministering in and through the local church

For writing

For speaking

For teaching

For joy

For peace

For hope, in this life and the next

Ultimately, the Lord has been the only one who could lift me up, even when those I love could not. He is my Rock, my Fortress, my strong deliverer. In Him I hide and find strength to carry on. I pray that you too are finding Him to be the Refuge you need.

~~

Eileen Rife, author of Second Chance, speaks to women’s groups, encouraging them to discover who they are in Christ and what part they play in His amazing story. www.eileenrife.com, www.eileen-rife.blogspot.com.

Bookmark GIVEAWAYS!

Exciting news!

I’ve created an assortment of homemade bookmarks to use in your books. Shoot me your mailing address at eileenrife@yahoo.com or in the comment box below, and I’ll get some in the mail to you!

Imagine if 10 of you took 10 bookmarks and passed them out to 10 people. That would give me 100 potential new readers!

It’s that simple. Just include a bookmark when you give a book away, take a book back to the library, or have a friend over for coffee. 

My stories are influenced by three driving passions.

1  To entertain with an adventuresome, and typically a romantic plot line

2  To build awareness and move to action concerning a contemporary issue

3  To help readers discover who they are in Christ and what part they play in His amazing story

Hope you’ll join me in this venture and help me spread the word about my books!

Born for India trilogy GIVEAWAY in Kindle format!

One woman. One God. One passion.

Could love await her . . . even in India?

I am blessed to have three daughters, who along with their families, serve the Lord around the world. They inspired my first fiction effort, Journey to Judah, and I've been writing fiction ever since. Their burden for hurting and lost people has become my own. We each play a part in building God's kingdom. For this season of my life, writing and speaking on contemporary issues seems to be the fit God has for me, along with regular overseas trips to encourage and work alongside my missionary kids.

One brother's dark secret.

Another brother's scorn.

Will family ties be strong enough to bind two wounded hearts, once the secret is revealed?

Restored Hearts picks up with a character introduced at the end of Book one: Gavin's brother, Tim. Little does Gavin know that his brother is fighting the battle of his life. And he may take Gavin down with him. Birthed from deep conviction and compassion, Restored Hearts is a must-read for every believer who truly wants to relate to and impact our current culture.

A couple in crisis.

A child taken captive.

When their worlds intersect, will they find it in their hearts to accept an outcome 

so different from what they expected and hope for?

When I wrote Chosen Ones, little was known about trafficking, especially on American soil and especially in our churches. Now, there is much more awareness. Part of my heartbeat is to write stories that will build awareness among believers and move them to action. 

Every story incorporates a contemporary issue, adventure, a missional heartbeat, and romance!

Leave a comment below or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1507154802853393/# and leave a comment to enter the drawing! Winner announced on Friday, August 15!

Through the Eyes of a Child

I love seeing the world through my grandchildren’s eyes. They teach me valuable lessons about life, love, and faith through their spontaneous musings. It is with children that I often feel closest to God. When I tell them stories about my childhood, I recall ways the Lord has watched over me. When I calm their fears, I quiet my own. When I sing faith-building songs or share a Bible story, I affirm my own faith. When I blow bubbles, race matchbox cars, or frolic in a field, I rekindle the little child within. Through their toothless grins, chubby hugs, and sloppy kisses, I learn more about the love of my heavenly Father. I hear Him laugh along with our giggles. And I am whole. Alive. Fed to the core of my being.

Indeed, kids can take us right to the heart of God, one way or another. When they provoke frustration, we breathe a silent prayer for grace. When they incite giggles, we hear God’s laughter as well. When they stimulate an endearing moment, we sense God’s touch. When they utter a profound statement, we step back in wonder. What is this phenomenon a little one evokes? 

Bubbly ripples of laughter that transport us to another realm. Unabashed honesty that cuts to the chase. Joy splashing around our ankles, light spilling into shadow, awakening us to a childlike appreciation for the world around us. If we take the time, if we listen, if we stoop to their level, we can go where kids go—straight to the heart of God. 

My soon-to-be released gift book titled Wit & Wisdom from the Wee Ones is a collection of cute quips and quotes inspired by my grandchildren. (Yes, it's still in the works, folks!) Along with other contributors, I crack the door to the whimsical, yet often wise world of the child. In seeing the world through a child’s eyes, we may just hear God’s heartbeat as well.

Eileen Rife, author of Wit and Wisdom from the Wee Ones, enjoys jumping on the trampoline, blowing bubbles, and playing tea party with her seven grandchildren. www.eileenrife.com, www.eileen-rife.blogspot.com