Death on Hold by Burton Folsom and Anita Folsom

Death on Hold is the true story of Mitch Rutledge and his journey from childhood to a life in prison. Everyone has a story and nobody reaches the place they are in life overnight. Death on Hold shows how someone can make choices based on their environment and surroundings that lead to bad choices after bad choices. If you've wanted to know more about how someone ends up committing crimes that carry a life or death penalty sentence, Mitch's story will answer those questions.

There are few books that can cause me to change my views on certain matters. Mitch's story causes the reader to reexamine if they truly believe Christ can redeem and change everyone. Even reading the poems included that were written years apart, the reader can see the change as it happens. The poems themselves start off grammatically raw (Mitch entered prison illiterate) and end very well written during more recent years. Death on Hold held my attention as I was unable to put the book down out of my need to know how Mitch's story ends.

Death on Hold is absolutely worth reading! It's also worth sharing with church groups and friends to inspire more Christians to take physical action in living for Christ and not just giving lip service. I had not heard much about this book prior to seeing it online. I hope this becomes a #1 bestseller so Mitch's story can be shared and hopefully can lead to change within our prison system.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Moral Decline

"But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait

for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me."

Micah 7:7

If you've watched even two minutes of any news broadcast lately, you know the moral state of the world we live in is not encouraging. Random murders are occurring in concerning numbers. The lines between Biblical beliefs and worldly beliefs are clearly drawn. There is the need now to weigh obedience to the law of man against the law of God. It's becoming more and more difficult to be obedient to both. It's easy for us to look back over our own lifetimes and think this is something new for God's people to face. However, this has been happening for thousands of years. 

I opened my Bible to the book of Micah today and the the chapter heading given in my Bible caught my attention. The title of Chapter 7 is, "Israel's Moral Decline." Due to everything happening in our current society, I decided to stop and read what Micah had to say regarding moral decline. What do we do when "a person's enemies are the people in his own home?" (vs. 6) What do we do when Godly people have vanished from the land? (vs. 2) What do we do when the official and the judge demand a bribe? (vs. 3) Many of these statements could be used to describe our situation today! 

The answer given by the prophet Micah, is to look to the Lord. Our focus can be so caught up on what is happening around us we forget to remember our hope is in Christ, not man. We can become stressed and anxious, or rest in Him and know He is our defender and our peace. Who He was at the time of Micah's writing is who He is today. God still hears the cries of His people. When the world is in chaos, He is still in control. Things will happen that will cause His people to be set apart. The days of lukewarm Christianity is soon coming to an end, which is a good thing because lukewarm faith should never even be an option for believers. 

So, what will you do? Will you choose to dwell on the doomsday reports in the news and live your life anxiously looking around every corner and waiting for an attack, or will you live trusting God. The two can't coincide together. Don't lock yourself down in your little corner of the world and hide. Go be the light in an ever darkening world. 

It's Not Just About You

"If you rebel against the Lord today, tomorrow He will be angry 

with the entire community of Israel."

Joshua 22:18

For many of us we make choices in direct rebellion to God. While we may be aware of the consequences to ourselves, we can easily forget the consequences to others because of our rebellion. In Joshua we are reminded our rebellion today has consequences to those around us and to the next generation. Our culture is currently suffering the results of a previous generations rebellion. The previous generation experienced a "sexual revolution" that has led to a large number of single parent homes, rampant sexually transmitted diseases, and the emotional repercussions of giving ourselves to multiple sexual partners. At the time, nobody saw anything wrong with the rebellious choices being made. 

What choices are we making personally and as a society that will leave lasting consequences to our children and grandchildren? Are we accepting rebellious choices as normal? Do we encourage deceitfulness and lies rather than stand up for the truth of God's word? Thankfully, there is corrective action we can take! 

Joshua continues writing: 

"Therefore we said: Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offering or sacrifice. Instead, it is to be a witness between us and you, and between the generations after us, so that we may carry out the worship of the Lord in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and fellowship offerings."

Joshua 22:26-27

We correct our course by turning from our selfish ways! Our society has become so in love with itself, we care little for God or His word. There are always consequences to disobedience. Just as there is punishment for my children when they disobey me, there is a punishment for disobedience in the children of God. It's not because I'm an evil or mean parent that I discipline my children. It's because I love them and do all I can to prevent them from harming themselves or others. And yet, when God is referred to as a disciplinarian, He is viewed as hateful and mean. This is just not true! It is out of His great love for us He instructs us to live in ways beneficial and not harmful to us. It is because He loves us He seeks time with us. It is because of His love that He is a God of second chances. Yet, we must not be so naive as to believe the chances are limitless. There is always a last chance. Don't wait until it's too late to turn from your ways. 

Build a new altar. Tear down the altar of self-worship and erect an altar of worship to the One Living God. Put your home under new management! Don't harm the next generation out of your own selfishness. 

The Good, The Bad, and the Grace of God by Jep & Jessica Robertson

This selection is the story of two well known stars of reality television and all the details you don't see on the small screen. Written from the perspective only they can give, their own, they share stories from childhood through how they met and the struggles they experienced along the way. They also share how their faith in Christ played a role in their lives and made them who they are today.

I appreciated the honesty shared by Jep and Jessica throughout the book, even when the truth was not "pretty." Their transparency in sharing their testimony is inspirational and encouraging. There were things about them I never would have imagined just from watching Duck Dynasty. Their story is a reminder that what you see in someone's life is not necessarily what they have been through and you should never assume someone's life has been easy based on what you see in their current situation. I recommend this selection if you want to see how a couple can work through issues in their marriage and not just survive, but thrive.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sometimes You Lose to Gain

My dad had part of his leg amputated this week. I know this doesn't directly concern me, yet I've had to deal with my share of emotions surrounding this change in his life. Over the last several years he has had 8 surgeries on the same leg due to blood clots and other issues. We visited him a couple weeks ago for his birthday and he said there would be no more surgeries if the problem arose again. He knew amputation was the next option. Several days after we left, his leg began hurting again. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I've had to deal with a roller coaster of emotions. The biggest being the knowledge my dad will never "walk" me down the aisle. My husband and I were married in January, but are planning a ceremony and reception for the fall. My dad mentioned several times how he wanted to walk me down the aisle. That is no longer possible. In fact, based on the date we have picked out and the rehab time for him, he may not be able to be there at all.

Then there is the change in how I see my dad. I know as our parents get older, how they are and how we think of them doesn't always align. My dad has always been one of the strongest (and most stubborn) people I've ever known. He was a Marine. And not just any Marine. He's a 20 year, served in Vietnam driving a tank and earned a Purple Heart Marine. For him to admit he's in extreme pain means he is in a LOT of pain.

Today I received a picture of my dad's new leg...or lack of. I asked how he was handling the change and I was told, "It doesn't hurt anymore." This brought tears as I thought of how true this is for much of our life. In order to find healing, sometimes we have to lose, or cut, something off. The pain of keeping something, or even someone, can be so great the only way to not be in pain is to be willing to let go. It may not be something as extreme as a limb. Perhaps it's a friendship. Or a job. Sometimes it's letting go of a dream or pursuit if the pursuit is causing pain and misery. What once was good, is no longer good, but infected and if not treated or removed could bring death.

Lately I've been feeling God has been telling me it is time to let go of some things in my life that at one time were good and useful, but now bring stress and pain to my life. While they may not bring a physical death, if I continue to hold on to them, they could bring a spiritual and emotional death. Hearing the statement from my dad of how, "It doesn't hurt anymore," has confirmed it is time to let go of certain things. Instead of stressing over the, "But what about this...." type of questions I've been asking God, I know it is time to trust Him again. There are changes happening that don't make sense to me, and yet I know they are from God. The peace is found only in the losing.

Have you had to let go of something in order to find healing? Is there something in your life causing pain and sickness and God is telling you it's time to let it go. I pray He gives you peace to trust Him and let go. Even though it may cause a limp, it's worth not living in pain anymore.

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? 

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." 

Isaiah 43:18-19

I've set up a Tupperware fundraiser for my Dad. 40% of all purchases will be donated to help him in remodeling the bathroom in his home. You can visit http://www.tupperware.com/?fundraiser=55d649b7a0da73531f7bae74 to shop the fundraiser. 

Truly Repentant

For most of my life I thought I was repentant for the sin in my life. However, as I look back I am realizing what I felt was not true repentance, but rather regret. By definition, regret means to feel sad or disappointed over something that has happened or been done. When conviction comes into our lives we can realize the wrongs we have committed and feel sadness over those things. Perhaps it is even regret over the consequences of our sin. No sin comes without a consequence. Many nonbelievers argue Christianity because it is a "mean God giving us a bunch of rules." Yet the guidelines we are given are there to protect us. Just as we tell our children to not touch a stove burner when it is hot, God tells us what to avoid in order to keep us from harm. Think of how you feel when your child disobeys you and ends up getting hurt. You feel bad for them, but you also think, "that is why I told you not to do that. I didn't want to see you hurt." I imagine God has similar thoughts towards us.

When we are truly repentant, we not only feel bad because we touched the stove, but we realize we never need to touch the stove again. Not only do we not feel the need, but our hearts change to where we no longer have someone telling us not to do it, but our hearts change so we no longer WANT any part of sin. Many times in my life I thought I was repenting, and yet anytime the opportunity arose, I was willing to make the same choices again. Recently the opportunity came again and I had a decision to make. Would I choose as I have in the past or would I trust God to give me the strength to say no. Can I tell you, it was not as easy as you might think. I literally cried out to God for His strength to do the right thing! Just as Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." In order to avoid the temptation in front of me, I had to seek Him as my refuge and rely on Him to be my strength. It was absolutely nothing of my own will that allowed me to say no to the sin I was being offered. I even cried and yelled at God. He knows my heart, He knows my weakness, and He knew that unless He showed up, I would make the same mistakes again.

Please know I'm not sharing any of this to brag about my own strength. However, this was a real victory for me and I know it was ONLY by God's grace and strength that this battle was won. I know there will be more battles to come. Because of the direction I'm moving in my life I have placed a target on my back for satan. If you do not feel satan attacking you, then it is a pretty good indication of how much you are doing for God. If you are not a threat to satan, he has no use of you.

I never want to be like the audience addressed in the book of Romans.

"Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?"

God's love and mercy is not a license to do what we want and simply apologize after we have pursued our own way. It is His love that leads us to repentance to change. If my continual sin is despising His name, then it is not something I want to do. His patience and love for me causes me to want to live a life pleasing to Him. I am trusting His ways over my own. If you are living a life of remorse rather than one of true repentance, then I pray for a heart revelation for you today. Know that God will always provide a way out of sin for you. It may be you need to end certain relationships or friendships in your life. If your friends cause you to stumble, then it is better to be alone than keep company who will prevent you from stepping into God's complete and total will for your life. I am in no way saying it is easy. Too many times we hear it explained as if it is easy. Satan is a real enemy who will always attack us where he knows we are weakest. Take it one day at a time and celebrate even the little victories over him!

Choose This Day

Every day we wake up with the opportunity to start anew. What happened yesterday is in the past and we've been blessed with a chance to live another day and make different, and hopefully better, choices. I have to admit I don't always make the best of each day. I can become so focused on my schedule and what needs to be done that I overlook the opportunities God places in front of me to make a difference in someone's life.

When was the last time you did something just to make someone else smile? Today I had several tasks to do that most people would consider unpleasant. I took my oldest daughter to get her learner's permit, I had a doctor's appointment (the fun appointment only women have), got my vehicle inspected, and renewed my license plate registration. Sounds like an awesome day, right? Actually, it was. While standing in line I observed how quite and somber everyone was at the Registry. You would think it was an execution line everyone seemed so miserable! In the midst of this I decided to speak to the woman standing in front of me. This gave the chance to meet Ms. Theresa. Since we were in line at the Registry, we had a bit of time to get to know each other. She has just lost her husband to cancer. His time of diagnose to death was only 2 1/2 months and she said she was still a little in shock, but the New Yorker in her has kept her moving. She shared with me about her moving while her husband was sick and how she had to do it by herself. She told me how she would miss him most this fall when she would work the Renaissance Festival booth they had worked together for years. She shared how he'd chase the women there and how he was a "boob man" and she just laughed thinking of how they had fun with all the visitors there. We talked about when she worked at Wal-Mart years ago and how she would get in trouble for letting kids ride on the conveyor belts of the register. (I can't say I'd recommend this activity). As you can tell, I learned quite a bit about my new friend in the time we were standing in line. And I could also tell she was hurting.

If I had chosen to stand in line somberly like everyone else, I would have missed my chance. I would have missed the chance to give a smile and encouragement to someone experiencing grief. I don't know if my starting a conversation with Ms. Theresa made an impact on her. I don't know if it gave her a moment of joy in her day. I pray it did. I pray God put me in line behind her just to be able to let her know people do still care. I gave her my number and told her if she needed anything, or any heavy lifting, to please call me and my husband and I would gladly help her out. She may never take up the offer, but I pray it showed her people really do still care about others.

In making a conscious effort to impact others, we must also make sure we don't overlook those closest to us. Many of us live with others and we can forget to do something special for those we see every day. Maybe it's making their favorite meal or taking extra time in braiding their hair, but do something that will show extra love to those in your home. Listen to the story they are telling you that has nothing to do with anything you are interested in hearing. Turn off the television. TALK to each other! My two youngest children told me tonight they were bored and asked to watch television. I answered no and suggested they find something or go to bed early. Shortly after I overheard them reading their Bibles to each other and discussing the story. I wish I could say this happens daily, but again, I fail. Often.

Thankfully, when I wake up, I'll get another chance to make a choice. Will I choose to only focus on what I have to do, or will I ask God to keep me aware of the chance to brighten the day of another person. Will I be willing to choose to serve Him, no matter where I will be? We each have a choice. Choose THIS day whom you will serve.

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.....but for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." ~Joshua 24:15