Tuesday, May 3, 2016

The Inner Views of Joni Eareckson Tada

"For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister."
Hebrews 6:10
(KJV)

I am so thrilled to bring today's interview to you, dear friends!

The first time I can remember hearing of this dear lady was when I was a young girl attending a Christian school in Ohio.
I remember watching a film about her life and how deeply I was affected.
I never forgot it, and through the years,
I have followed her story with the utmost respect and admiration.
I feel sure you have, too.

You have more than likely read about her or read her autobiography,
you have possibly seen the movie about her life,
and you have probably listened to her radio program or seen her television show.
Her courageous life for God, in spite of the most debilitating circumstances,
 has touched the hearts of untold millions,
and I am beyond humbled and blessed to be able to share her Inner Views with you today.


The

of
Joni Eareckson Tada.

Cheryl:  What was your childhood like? Were you raised in a Christian home? When did you become a Christian?

Joni:  I grew up in a home where we talked frequently about God. Whether hiking behind him on a mountain path or sitting at his feet by a beach campfire, it was my father with his large soul and zeal for life who, from the start, influenced my love for Jesus. He was a rough-rider sort of outdoorsman who lived a Teddy Roosevelt kind of life. Having been born in 1900, he spent the early part of this century traveling through the west, exploring the southwest and trading with Indians. I remember as a little girl opening up a trunk filled with an Indian princess “wedding gown” made of doeskin and colorful beads, arrowheads and feathers, fringed jackets and beaded belts. One of the belts was presented to Daddy from “Chief Own-Different-Horses.” Around the campfire we girls (his daughters) would sit, hugging our knees, awestruck at Daddy’s stories of hunting bear and going after elk with bow and arrow. My mother and father were great singers and early on we learned many beautiful old hymns which not only laid the foundation for our faith, but remain favorites to this day. A hero is one who can inspire another to a higher level of living, a level of courage and nobility – and my folks, especially my father, did that.

I did not realize my personal need for a Savior, however, until I was 15 years old.

Cheryl:  How has surrendering your heart to Him impacted your attitude toward your disability?

Joni:  The Bible talks about “delighting in your infirmity and glorying in your weakness,” and a disability gives a Christian the opportunity to do just that. Every day I am confronted with my weakness; but that’s good! The Bible tells me that His power shows up best in weakness. So my wheelchair is what pushes me into the arms of my Savior every morning, reminding me of my dependency on the Lord. It’s as II Corinthians 1:9 says, “These things happened that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God.”

Cheryl:  Who are your heroes of the faith?

Joni:  Amy Carmichael served as a missionary to India for many years. Although she came from a well-to-do English family, she set aside the comforts of her homeland and pioneered an outreach to destitute, poor children in India. A severe disability forced her to minister from her bed for many years, yet during that time she wrote a number of inspirational books on the subject of suffering. Corrie ten Boom helped hide Jewish families in her Dutch home during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. For this, she and her family were sent to a concentration camp where Corrie and her sister continued to minister to the prisoners. After she was released from the prison at the age of 50, she began a worldwide ministry.

Chuck Colson prophetically spoke to the church at large, encouraging and admonishing Christians to live out the command of Christ to love those who are poor, imprisoned, orphaned and disabled. His message served as “salt” to our culture, giving our society a moral bearing of absolutes. Elisabeth Elliot was, in my thinking, another prophet to our church and culture, speaking boldly about holiness and obedience to the Lord Jesus. Having lost three husbands through injury or illness, Elisabeth was qualified to speak and write on the subject of suffering. David Brainard was a colonial American missionary whose work was characterized by his life of prayer. Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley, raised 19 children yet found time to pray an hour a day! Andrew Murray and E.M. Bounds not only wrote abundantly about prayer, but spent hours a day in praise and intercession. Bishop J.C. Ryle who wrote "A Call to Prayer and Holiness" was an English preacher in the last century whose ministry was characterized by an exemplary obedience to the Lord Jesus.

 Cheryl:  Will you kindly share with us about what happened on July 19, 1967?

Joni:  I was an active, athletic teenager who didn’t know anyone in a wheelchair – all that changed, however, when I took the dive into shallow water which broke my neck and left me a quadriplegic. When the permanency of my paralysis began to sink in, I collapsed into depression. It was through the loving support of Christian friends that I began to feel the cloud lift – finally I was able to pray, “God, if I can’t die, then please show me how to live.” And now, even after 48 years in a wheelchair, I still experience that desperate dependency on God every day – I wake up every morning needing Him urgently! But I’ve discovered it’s a great way to live; it’s the biblical, the Christian way!
Cheryl:  How did you meet your husband, Ken?  What is your secret to a love that has lasted so many years?

 Joni:  I met my husband at our church. We dated for about a year-and-a-half – I appreciated his open and honest communication and his questions about my disability. I also appreciated the fact that he loved Jesus Christ and was committed to living his life by the principles of God’s Word. We’ve been married almost 34 years. I think this relationship has worked because of the command in Philippians 2:4 which says, “Each of you should look not to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Ken and I enjoy a wonderful habit – we pray often together. Whether driving to a Lakers’ game at the Staples Center, going to work together, asking God to lead, bless, guide and protect. I pray a lot for my husband and I hope I am his best cheerleader and listener. I have to be quick to tell him when I am wrong... when I have not told the truth... when I have forgotten to do something he’s asked. All these things communicate that I want to put him first. I remember when we first married; I was disappointed that everything took a back seat to his Monday Night Football. I decided to use that time – about 2 ½ or 3 hours – to pray for him in the bedroom. God really answered! I am now a football fan. By the way, he’s way ahead of me when it comes to memorizing Scripture (one of the things I prayed was that Ken would become a man of God’s word!)

Always let your husband keep his dreams. Find ways to cheer him on, applaud his efforts, pray and read the Bible together, express appreciation, recognize his kindnesses, and affirm every aspect of Christ you can see in his life. A spouse is meant to be his/her best supporter!

Cheryl:  Daily suffering and intense pain is such a part of your cross, and yet, your attitude and outlook remain so positive and faith-filled. How do you stay encouraged, in spite of the continual pain in your body? How do you maintain a Christ-like mindset in the midst of such affliction?

Joni:  Honestly, after more than 48 years in a wheelchair, there are days when I wake up and think, “Lord, I can’t go on…I don’t have the strength.” But I can’t let my emotions go down that dark and grim path. And neither can you. And so, we pray, “Jesus, I don’t have strength; but you do. I have no resources, but you do. I can’t do this, but you can.” The weaker I am, the harder I have to lean on the Lord; and the harder I lean on Him, the stronger I discover Him to be. God always seems bigger to those who need Him most.

Cheryl:  On top of everything else you have been through, in June 2010, you were diagnosed with Stage III Breast Cancer. What was your reaction when first being told you had cancer? How did you cope during the process of treatment and surgery? What would you say to the person reading this who is now facing cancer or some other debilitating disease?

Joni:  I have a confession. You see, a little over 10, maybe 15 years ago, I fell into a season of chronic pain. I know you’ve probably heard me speak about that on the radio. Well, after trying medication (that didn’t work) and homeopathic remedies and other things, the pain did not abate. After several years of it, I started to battle depression. It was so discouraging to wake up in pain every morning. I remember back in 2006 when our Joni and Friends headquarters was being constructed, you know, our International Disability Center, I was bedridden for a lot of the year (I even had to record these radio programs from my bed). And during that time, I was constantly battling depression like a low grade fever. But listen to this: in 2010, when I was told by doctors that I had stage III cancer, that very day I learned the news, my depression vanished!

Why did my depression disappear? Well, this is the confession part: privately, I thought that cancer might be my ticket to heaven; I thought God might take me home through cancer; that it would be my escape from depression. I feel badly admitting that, but it’s the truth. My depression brought out the very selfish feeling of, “Oh, God, I want out of here! I want to be done with this! Please take me home!” Now, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to go home to be with Jesus, the Bible even tells us that to die is gain. But when a desire to go to heaven becomes a death wish, well then your focus is wrong.

 But something wonderful happened after the doctors told me I had stage III cancer. As I went through my surgery, and recuperation, and then months of chemotherapy, my attitude began to change. I don’t know how to explain it, but suddenly friends became so much more precious. My husband, Ken, became more precious. My work at Joni and Friends became more precious and even doing this radio program – even from my bed – became more precious. All of it made Jesus and His amazing grace so much more precious! And before 2010 had ended, guess what: I was able to mentally tear up that ticket to heaven. I wanted to get on with life; I wanted to live! And I have the Lord Jesus to thank for that. Also, in a strange, odd way, I have cancer to thank for that. Drawing close to death’s door made me want to hold onto life. I think I experienced what Ezekiel chapter 16, verse 6 says: “Then I the Lord, passed by and I said to you, ‘Live!’” All God needs to do is speak one word to you and me, the word live, and it becomes reality; His word makes all the difference in the world. So if you are battling depression, don’t let it turn your focus inward, don’t be wishing for an early ticket to heaven. Instead, listen to God, listen to life – your life – it’s precious!

Cheryl:  Your faith has been tested on so many levels. How do you keep from becoming bitter?

Joni:  Many people think that when you’ve got quadriplegia, and you’re in a wheelchair, then you have to deal with a bone fracture, and then on top of that, the flu… it’s like, “Hello, God, aren’t you asking a bit much here? Aren’t you being a bit heavy handed?” Some Christians think that when problems pile on that high, especially on top of someone already dealing with more hardships than most normally handle… they assume that when God loads on one too many hardships, that allows you to be bitter with good reason. You’re justified in thinking you deserve a little time off from obeying the Lord. You can’t be blamed if you fly off the handle or get a little worldly for a while, or just kick back and push Bible study and prayer aside. After all, you’re going through so much, so many trials… “You’ll show God he doesn’t have to be trusted if things get too tough.”

Yes, there have been times in years past when I have struggled against bitterness. Bitterness is basically resentment against God (and it could be for anything). It’s anger that you coddle way down deep in your heart and it is like a root -- it can sink smaller fibers of discontent and doubt even deeper that anchor themselves into your heart. And when doubt and discontent become imbedded, when your disposition becomes sour and you make a habit of not starting your day off with the Lord, well, that bitterness is very difficult to then uproot. This is why the Bible emphatically says in Hebrews 12, "See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." That’s right. Bitterness not only brings you trouble, it infects everyone around you.

I readily admit that, in the beginning, I felt that my spinal cord injury gave me an excuse (a really good excuse) to be angry at God; I felt I was justified in my anger against Him and His plan. But a good friend warned against cultivating that root of bitterness -- and I'm so glad I confessed my anger. And now, years later, I am actually glad for His plan!

Cheryl:  We have been so deeply moved by your recording of the song, Alone, Yet Not Alone. Could you please tell us about the song and how you came to record it?

Joni:  Well, the movie called “Alone Yet Not Alone” for which I recorded this song is about a German immigrant family who settled in western Pennsylvania during the French and Indian War. Two of the daughters are kidnapped in a raid and are raised by Indians. The song – something they learned from their mother – is what sustains them through their long trial. Anyway, that’s the story about the movie.

Let me tell you the story about the song. It all got started a few years ago when I sang several hymns as part of my message at the closing banquet of the National Religious Broadcasters Convention. Several friends in the audience were connected with the production of the movie and after they heard me sing, they asked if I would be willing to perform the theme song. So, as a favor to these friends – and because I knew hymns were a significant part of the storyline – I said, yes. So last fall I recorded it in a small studio and thought that my role was, pretty much, completed.

 Well, you can imagine how surprised I was when the Academy nominated it for an Oscar. Look, I'm no Amy Grant or Taylor Swift; I don’t make a career of singing professionally. So I thought it was an amazing illustration of how God delights in picking the ill-equipped, untrained, unskilled, and nonprofessional to get a job done so that He receives the glory! The Oscar nomination stood for two weeks, and then it was rescinded. Why it was rescinded is not entirely clear, at least not to me, but I wasn’t too disappointed. It never was my Oscar to win or lose. Which, by the way, when I did watch the Oscars on TV some weeks later, I smiled when the theme song of the Disney movie “Frozen” received the Oscar. Why did I smile? Because the title of the song was “Let it Go.” I smiled because that’s exactly what I did with “Alone Yet Not Alone” and its almost-Oscar bid. I let it go. And I was all the happier for it, as I leaned on Hebrews chapter 13, verse 5, God says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” What a promise!

 I’m alone yet not alone.

 Cheryl:  What cause are you most passionate about and what heritage do you want to leave for the people after you?

Joni: There are more than 1 billion people with disabilities, 80% who live in developing nations struggling against hopelessness. It breaks my heart to think that the suffering these people face may only be a precursor of even greater suffering in a Christ-less eternity. So I want to squeeze every ounce of ministry-effort out of my quadriplegic body to do all I can to reach them with practical help and God’s hope. Every day that God gives is a day to be used to his glory, fulfilling his purpose – as long as we are alive, we have purpose. And my purpose is to help others understand the truth of II Corinthians 12:9, that God’s power is best displayed to our weakness. So as long as I have strength and stamina, I want to share that message – there is just too much suffering and hopelessness in this world to quietly remain on the sidelines.
Whenever I think I’ve had enough suffering, the Holy Spirit always brings to mind First Peter 2:21, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” None of us will ever suffer as much as our Savior had to endure. Often I think of him and the way he ministered from his cross – there he was, encouraging the thief crucified next to him; counseling John on how to take care of his mother; forgiving the very people who caused his misery. He did all this from his ‘deathbed,’ as it were. And I have to think, am I above my master? I don’t think so. So I trust that he gives me the cross that he wants me to daily pick up when I follow him – it’s a cross that’s not one ounce too heavy, or one inch too long.

It is a crazy, broken world filled with hopelessness and despair. I hope that people will look at my life and say, “Here is a woman who trusted God despite great suffering. Her life exemplified the truth that God’s power shows up best in weakness. She showed us how not to complain, but to exploit suffering for her good and God’s glory. I would like to do the same!”

Oh, how I have been challenged by Joni's life, her outlook, and her words!
I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to share them with you here,
and I trust they will bless you as much as they have blessed me.

A huge THANK YOU, Joni, for your willingness to share with us!
I suppose only eternity will reveal just how much we love you and how much you have impacted all of our lives.
I would also like to thank Crystal for all of her patience, kindness, and assistance in making my dreams of conducting an interview with Joni a reality.

I am eternally grateful to you both, and trust God's richest blessings will continually rest upon you and all you do.

Dear friends, I hope you will take the time to watch this touching, amazing video
of Joni singing "Alone, Yet Not Alone".
Included are scenes from the movie Joni spoke about.
You can purchase the movie here.


If video doesn't load, click here.

Below is a special interview with Joni and Ken that I know will bless you.


If video doesn't load, click here.

Joni and her husband, Ken Tada, wrote a book together called,
"Joni and Ken:  An Untold Love Story."
Here is the introductory video for the book.


If video doesn't load, click here.

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Tuesday, April 26, 2016

The Inner Views of Rodney Griffin

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
I Corinthians 15:58
(KJV)

One of the main ways God is working to keep His children encouraged in these last days
is through the ministry of song.
As the enemy tries his utmost to discourage and make us feel defeated, 
we can turn to a comforting, old hymn or a more recently-written song that God has inspired someone to write, and we can feel the darkness leave our spirits, as we realize, once again,
that God is in control, we are His children, and we have nothing to fear.

If you have been even a casual follower of Southern Gospel music over the course of the past several years, you are bound to have heard an anointed song penned by the man being interviewed today.

Some examples of songs you may have heard are...
"Faces",
(all recorded by Greater Vision),
(both recorded by The Kingdom Heirs),
(recorded by Ivan Parker),
and
(Recorded by The Triumphant Quartet)...
just to name a few.

Only eternity will be able to reveal how many lives his songs and music ministry have touched,
and we are beyond grateful to be able to share his interview with you today.


The

of 
follower of Jesus, Husband, Daddy, and Baritone for Greater Vision, who also enjoys writing songs,
Rodney Griffin.

Cheryl:  Could you tell us about your childhood and background? Were you raised in a Christian home? What role did songs and music play in your childhood?

Rodney:  My Dad was an alcoholic when I was born. He was saved when I was young, and then he surrendered to preach. So I’m a PK. My parents took me to see the Goodmans, The Downings, and, regularly, The Cathedrals and Kingsmen. That’s when I fell in love with this music.

Cheryl:  How old were you when you became a Christian? What life events led up to your decision to follow Jesus? How has surrendering your heart to Him affected your life?

Rodney:  I was 12 when I was saved…Sunday Night service during the invitation after Dad preached. We were having baptism that night anyway, so Mom walked across the church lawn to our house and got me some clothes to be baptized in that night. The greatest day ever! Jesus is my Lord and Guide. He tells me how to live and He helps me to make the right decisions. Any wrong decisions have come from me not paying close attention to Him.

Cheryl:  Who do you consider to be your strongest spiritual mentor? Was there a particular person who prayed for you during childhood and through the years, who has had the most powerful influence upon you, spiritually?

Rodney:  My Dad is the most Godly man I know. He has set a wonderful example for me to follow.

Cheryl:  Who keeps you spiritually encouraged today? Are there particular heroes of the faith whose presence in your life keeps you pressing on for God, in spite of all that comes to discourage you?

 Rodney:  My wife, Regina, and two girls, Reagan (18) & Riley (15) are my inspiration. They are very active in our church in Mt. Vernon, KY. Those in our church are very encouraging. I enjoy when I get to attend on Wednesday nights and rare Sunday nights.

 Cheryl:  When did you write your first song? What inspired you? How did God make it clear to you that songwriting was to be such an important part of His plan for your life? Us.songselect.com shows that you have written or co-written 384 songs that have been recorded. How does this number represent the total number of songs you have written?

Rodney:  I wrote my first song in 1989…I was 23 years old. That’s kind of a late bloomer compared to my songwriting friends. I was a college graduate working at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, VA. During my breaks, at my desk, these melodies would pop into my head. I wrote down the lyrics that they matched up with. I’ve written over 400 songs now…a few of my early ones are not worthy to be demoed or pitched to a group for potential recording. They are not particularly interesting…that’s what I’ve learned that it takes for a song to be recordable. I’ve written them one at a time, and they have added up. I never set out to be known for writing…I was just doing what came natural. We all have something we can offer the Kingdom of God if we’ll just dedicate that gift to Him.

Cheryl:  Is there a particular place you like to go to get alone with God and write? What are some things that lend fresh inspiration and motivate you to write?

Rodney:  I enjoy writing while I’m driving. I have a 2 1/2 hour commute to the bus in Tennessee every week. Sometimes, that is good writing time. I stay in my Bible and try to get enough rest. If I’m tired, I’m not creative at all. When I’m rested, writing comes naturally.

Cheryl:  How did Greater Vision come to be? How was the name chosen, and how long have you been a part of the group?

Rodney:  Gerald Wolfe & Mark Trammell formed the group in December of 1990. Gerald had written a song entitled, “Greater Vision” that was the basis for the group name. I came into the group after it was 3 years old…so I’ve been here over 22 years. Hard to believe!

Cheryl:  One of our favorite songs of yours is, “Preacher, Tell Me Like It Is”. It just really resonates the burden upon our hearts in these perilous times. What inspired you to write this particular song?

 Rodney:  I was out in my yard working one day, when I had the thought that so many well known preachers today are not particularly known for preaching against sin. They kind of assume everyone’s okay out there and that God loves us…so we’re all good. The problem with that theology is that we have to realize we are sinners in order to transact with the Savior. I love to hear preachers who aren’t afraid to brag on their flock…and then step on their toes, in love, when needed.

Cheryl:  As we face the dark days prophesied about in God’s Word, what do you consider to be the biggest hindrances to our staying close to God and remaining faithful to Him in this era of time? What can we, as Christians, do to most effectively make a difference in our world? What advice would you offer to those who may be weary in well doing and who may be exhausted from standing firm against evil in the cultural battles of our day?

Rodney:  One of my favorite evangelists through the years, Bill Stafford, who is now retired, always preached that the blessings of God are what lead us astray. Yep…same thing that caused the children of Israel to leave God. We get spoiled in our easy lives and quit depending on Him. That’s the danger in these, last days. We must be plugged in to a local church where we are using our gifts for Him and hearing His Word preached. We get weary when we try to do His work in our own strength. The best thing to do is to throw our hands up in praise and live out Proverbs 3:5-6. Trusting is hard, but rewarding.

Cheryl:  How do you, personally, stay encouraged, as we look around and it appears that evil is winning the war? Are there particular Scriptures, books, hymns, or other resources that you have come to rely upon to give you courage and keep you enthused and motivated to keep fighting the good fight of faith?

Rodney:  I try to read my Bible through every year. It’s not difficult when you follow a day by day plan. I also read Oswald Chambers’ "My Utmost For His Highest" every day, as well as Glyn Evans’ “Daily With The King”. I also actively pray for lost people.

 Cheryl:  How can we support the ministry of Greater Vision and purchase your products?

Rodney:  You can find us at www.greatervisionmusic.com. Sign up for our newsletter, and Gerald will let you know when we are coming to your area. We’d love to see you at a concert!
Cheryl:  How can we pray for you, personally, at this season of life? Are there specific needs we can help you lift to the Father?

 Rodney:  Yes, you can pray for our safety. We travel 85,000 miles each year on the bus. 😳
****************************************************************************************

In order for a songwriter to be able to successfully articulate the Gospel through song, they must first be a partaker of that Gospel and be a living testimony to its life-changing, transforming power.
For one to effectively influence and convince the listener, the words must ring with the truth
that the writer has written what they know and have experienced first-hand.

The songs Rodney has written convey an authenticity that proves he lives out the lyrics he composes
and that he is a direct recipient of the grace and redemption he so passionately sings and writes about.

God blessed us to meet Rodney in April of 2010 when Zach was nine years old.

Rodney Griffin and Zach

In spite of his success,
the things we noticed most about him, both during this interview and when we met him in person,
are his humility, gentle kindness, and down-to-earth friendliness and approachability,
all characteristic and true evidence of the meek Spirit of Jesus Christ dwelling within.

A HUGE thank you, Rodney, for taking the time to answer our questions.
We cannot count the times that we have been blessed, encouraged, spiritually challenged,
and motivated to keep pressing on for God, as we have listened to one of the songs God inspired you to write.
Your music has blessed our lives in so many ways,
and we trust God to abundantly bless you, in return.

Dear friends, please keep Rodney, his family, and the ministry of Greater Vision in your prayers,
as they travel and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in song.

And, if you can, please take the time to listen to a few of our favorite songs written by Rodney.
I promise you will be encouraged and blessed!



If video doesn't load, click here.



If video doesn't load, click here.

I can't begin to tell you how many times I have listened to this next song.
But, no matter how many times I hear it, it never fails to bless my soul,
fill me with hope, and cause me to cry tears of joy, as I praise our amazing God!
I hope you will listen closely to these powerful words.



If video doesn't load, click here.

Praise God, there is NO problem too big for our awesome God to solve!
Keep encouraged, dear friends!

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Saturday, April 16, 2016

The Inner Views of Beth Willis Miller

"He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: 
His truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Psalm 91:4
(KJV)

I never cease to be amazed at the way God orchestrates, connects, and interweaves the lives of His trusting children, who are yielded to Him and His will.

The lady I am interviewing today is a fellow-blogger and Christian sister
who has blessed me abundantly through her wonderful blog,
and also through our personal email exchanges.

Some of you know her already; for some, this may be your first introduction.
All of you are in for a blessing, as you read her precious testimony.
This post is long, but oh, so worth the read!


Meet Beth Willis Miller, M.Ed., author of Name Above All Names Devotional: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ with illustrator Krista Hamrick; contributing author of three books: Under His Wings: Truths to Heal Adopted Children's Hearts; 21 Stories of Generosity: Real Stories to Inspire a Full Life (A Life of Generosity); A New Song: Glimpses of the Grace Journey (an anthology of essays, poems, stories and photos celebrating God's grace on life's journey); and member of AWSA, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. Beth has a Master's degree in Education, in curriculum, instruction, and supervision. She writes articles on a variety of topics to inspire and encourage others. Her expertise as a creative and critical thinking specialist is steeped in years of experience as a writer, presenter, educator and former Florida Department of Education State Consultant for Gifted Education. Seeing others' lives transformed by the truth of God's Word is her passion and purpose. She is married with two adult children, and two adorable grandsons.

I present to you the
of wife, mom, grandmother, author, beloved child of God, overwhelmed by grace,
Beth Willis Miller, M.Ed. 

Cheryl:  We would love to hear as much about you, your past life, and current life as you would like to share.

Beth:  In many ways, it’s still a mystery...how I came to be. During a visit to Ellis Island's American Family Immigration History Center, I was delightfully surprised to be able to locate and obtain an authentic copy of the ship manifest page from the ship, Princess Irene, which brought my maternal birth grandparents, Olympio and Vincenza from their home in Scontrone, Italy, through the port of departure in Naples to Ellis Island on August 30, 1906. Just seeing their two names listed, one underneath the other, on the ship manifest page gave the mystery such a tangible basis in reality. She was only 16 years old, he was just 24, and they were on their way to live with cousins in Chicago. What compels a 16 year old girl to board a ship in Italy, facing days on the ocean in most likely uncomfortable, even dangerous, conditions for a destination yet unknown to her? Somehow she and her fiancé, Olympio, were so motivated to start a new life in a new country that they left their home in Scontrone, Italy, and traveled to New York City, eventually settling in Chicago. They married and had a daughter, Lydia, in 1911.

 I met my birth mother, Lydia, in 1983, when I was 30 years old, and Lydia was 72. Lydia explained to me the circumstances of my conception, birth, and adoption. During a Memorial Day holiday get-away weekend with a gentleman in 1952, Lydia, at age 41, became pregnant with me. When she realized she was pregnant, she told the gentleman with whom she had spent the weekend, and he was unwilling to help her. Her mother, Vincenza, did not want her daughter, a single mother at age 41, to disgrace her family with an illegitimate child, so Lydia left Chicago to live with a relative in Miami, Florida. In October, around the time of Columbus Day, she went to a back-alley abortionist to abort me, but when the abortionist examined her and realized she was over four months pregnant, he told her the abortion might kill her, and he refused to do it. Lydia made arrangements with the Salvation Army hospital in Jacksonville to give me up for adoption. On Friday the 13th she gave birth to me, and signed the papers giving me up for adoption on Valentine’s Day 1953.

 I believe there are no “accidents” and every conception and every birth is part of God’s Sovereign Plan. I rest and find comfort in these life verses: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psalm 139:13-16)

 My prayer, the desire of my heart is, “Lord, I want to delight in you! Center my heart in knowing you more and loving you more day by day. Help me to discover that there is fullness of joy in your presence and to take great delight in my relationship with you. May my heart desire you above everything else.” It’s been many years since I first began to pray this prayer in March 2000 after returning from my trip to Israel in which I walked beside the Sea of Galilee and on the Mount of Olives, to all the historical sites in Jerusalem, Capernaum, and Bethlehem. During this time in my study of the Scriptures, I came to a place in my life where I wanted, more than anything else, to love God more. I began to pray, “Lord, I want to delight in you!” God is so inconceivably good. He’s not looking for perfection. He already saw it in Christ. He’s looking for affection. That’s why every lasting change will invariably be a change of heart. He’ll even supply the heart, if we’ll ask him.

 My daily prayer continues to this day, “Lord Jesus, give me a heart which yearns for Your Presence, a yearning for You that draws me over and over into Your Presence, a yearning that makes only a few days without time in prayer and Your Word seem like an eternity. Give me a heart which is motivated first and foremost by a desire for You, not for what You can do for me, but a yearning for Your Presence. Give me a heart that wants You more than anything else You could give, to love You and know You more than anything in life. Give me a heart that takes what You have made known to me and makes You re-known to everyone else, a heart that makes Your name and renown the desire of my heart. Give me a heart to feel Your Holy Spirit woo me once again to the place where I meet You. In the simplicity of my prayer time, give me a heart to be suddenly confronted by the majesty of my Redeemer—the One Who is responsible for any good in me. Lord, each morning, give me a heart that seeks Your forgiveness for past sins, and welcomes Your fresh mercies which fall like manna from Heaven, and once again move my heart. I surrender all. Morning after morning.”

 My daily relationship with our living Lord Jesus reinforces my belief in the sovereignty of God, that nothing comes into my life that is not filtered through God's hands of love. I believe there are no “accidents.” I believe God planned who my birth parents would be and who my Mom and Dad would be, and both influences, plus His, are needed to help me become all that He created me to be. I believe that God sees the end from the beginning. He knows me intimately, He knit me together in my mother's womb, one day I will see Him face-to-face and I will know as I am known...until then, I will expect a mystery. It is His plan that’s important, not my desire. I didn't bring myself into this world, and I can’t take myself into heaven. I really don’t know what is best for me or for those I love. I ask God to make me sensitive to the reality that He is in control, and that He is using this—even this—to conform me to the image of His Son. I want that most of all. I train my mind to acknowledge God’s hand in whatever it is I'm living with. I practice words like, “I don’t know,” “I will trust,” “I can’t explain,” “I release it all,” because God is sovereign. He is the beginning, He will be the ending, and in between, by His grace, He lets us be part of His perfect plan, for His glory and for our good. In the meantime, I will expect a mystery.

Cheryl:  How did you come to know the Lord? When did you become a Christian, and what most influenced that decision? How has Jesus changed your life?

Beth:  I was adopted by loving Christian parents. I grew up in church, active in Sunday School and missions organizations. I prayed to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at the age of 10, and was baptized by immersion following my salvation. During an awe-inspiring trip to Israel in March 2000, I was baptized in the Jordan River as a recommitment of my faith. I grow closer to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ every day through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. 

Cheryl:  Can you share with us about those who have mentored you in your Christian walk? Who has had the most influence upon you, spiritually, and what are some of the lessons they have taught you? Is there anyone you would like to give special honor to?

Beth:  My adoptive father, Eston Willis, was the most influential person in my life, spiritually. He felt called to the ministry the same year I was saved, 1963, but because he was the sole wage earner in our family, he didn’t feel he could financially afford to risk his salary as a general manager at a car dealership. He poured himself into teaching Sunday School to adults, and serving as a deacon in our local church. He would prepare his Sunday School lesson all week, and on Saturdays he would have his Matthew Henry Commentaries out studying for his lesson. One year when I was a newlywed, Daddy taught a Bible study in our home. I remember the text was Romans Chapter Eight, and every week he began the lesson by repeating several times the opening Scripture, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Even now, when regrets start to flood my heart, I hear his gentle words, and I remember once again what he taught me, that I am the righteousness of God in Christ, the blood of Christ covers all my sin—past, present, and future. I am under the new covenant in His Blood, loved unconditionally, blessed with every spiritual blessing, accepted in the Beloved Son of God, adopted as a child of the King, chosen before the foundation of the world, redeemed by Christ’s blood, forgiven by His Grace, loved with an everlasting love and underneath are the everlasting Arms of my Savior, Jesus Christ. My Daddy went home to be with Jesus in 1989, and I know I will see him again one day in heaven.

Cheryl:  What are you most passionate about, and what are the causes closest to your heart?

Beth:  Two causes I am most passionate about are children with special needs, and children who have been adopted. Adopted at four months of age, I had been an only child until my adoptive parents adopted my little brother from different biological parents when I was 12. We moved eight times in the seven years from 1961 to 1968, and although I felt greatly loved by my adoptive parents, I was reminded often that, “if there had been anything wrong with me, they could have given me back.” My empathy for children with special needs was born with that awareness. What if there had been “something wrong” with me, where would I be now? I made friends quickly in my advanced classes at Sebring High, becoming one of the editors of the school yearbook my junior year, and being elected as the first female president of the student body my senior year. At the same time, we had a sweet neighbor, Ralph Shuckford, who was an adult with developmental disabilities. I would often think as I spent time with him, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” I led Bible studies at my church before school, and was a volunteer with a community group that planned parties and special events for mentally handicapped adults in Highlands County on the weekends. It was a natural progression when I completed two years at the community college to major in exceptional student education. I was participant in a college student group which completed the “Admitted-for-a Weekend” immersion program at the Sunland Training Center near Gainesville. I was brought in and admitted on Friday as if I was one of the mentally handicapped adults in one of the cottages with locked doors and house mothers. I was told only to observe and not speak for the weekend. On Sunday afternoon, we had a debriefing session, and I wrote my reactions to the weekend as a stream-of-consciousness term paper for my college English class. Now all these years later, after earning a BA in exceptional student education and a M.Ed. in gifted education, serving as the Florida Department of Education State Consultant for Gifted Education, in various teaching and supervisory roles in education, and as a staff liaison for a church ministry for children with special needs, the lyrics of the song, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” still express the passion I feel for individuals with special needs … “The road is long, with many a winding turn that leads us to who knows where, who knows where. But I'm strong, strong enough to carry him, he ain't heavy—he's my brother. So on we go, his welfare is my concern. No burden is he to bear, we'll get there. For I know he would not encumber me, he ain't heavy—he's my brother. If I'm laden at all, I'm laden with sadness, that everyone's heart isn't filled with gladness of love for one another. It's a long, long road from which there is no return, while we're on our way to there, why not share? And the load, it doesn't weigh me down at all…he ain't heavy—he's my brother.”

 As an adoptee, I found that I had stuffed many of my feelings of rejection and abandonment over the years. In 2011, I met Sherrie Eldridge, a fellow adoptee who has published many books. She asked me to join her in the publication of the book, “Under His Wings: Truths to Heal Adopted Children's Hearts.” This book provides a post-adoption growth experience for adoptees, ages 9 and upward! As adoptees read about Moses from the Bible, defensive hearts melt and adoptees realize they are just like Moses who was an adoptee, but went on to be one of the world's greatest leaders. This gives them hope and helps them to realize that there is a way to get through seemingly impossible sadness, depression, and anger. Sherrie and I wrote this introduction for the book, which explains why I am passionate about adoptees: “Ever get angry? Ever feel uncontrollable rage? Ever wonder if your level of anger is pathologic, that there's something inherently wrong with you? Ever feel like your emotions are out of proportion to the circumstances? Like us, you may weep longer and louder at stranger's funeral than the deceased person's family. Where does all this seemingly uncontrollable emotion come from? Why do many of us see life through a lens of rejection? Why do unanswered phone calls, emails, and letters spell R-E-J-E-C-T-I-O-N to us? Will we ever get over it? Why is our self-esteem not low, but non-existent? Why do we try to be like others instead of being ourselves? Do we even know who we are? Why are we afraid we'll be too much to handle and why are goodbye's so difficult? Why do we have meltdowns on birthdays when everyone is kind? Why aren't their efforts ever enough to please us? Why do many of us go from therapist to therapist and not find the help we need? Is there anybody out there who "gets it?" Can anyone hear? Yes! There are many that fit those descriptions and you will hear their voices as you read the pages in this workbook. You will discover that you're not alone. You will discover that being in their presence just one hour is better than years of therapy. Finding fellow strugglers on the journey is not enough, however. It's a huge step in the right direction toward healing, but what about our deep wounds? Wounds that we may not be able to describe? Wounds that make us feel crazy and unapproachable? Wounds like hearing we were conceived in the worst possible situation. Wounds that cloud our belief system to the point that we believe our lives are a mistake. Wounds that tell us we were never worth anything, anyway. Wounds that tell us that we deserve rejection from our first families? How can we know the reason why we've had disruptions in our families? Can we ever have peace when we've experienced such a painful past? There's only one way to find peace with a painful past and that is through a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. He alone, through His Spirit, can place a healing balm on our deep wounds. The Bible says: "You can't heal a wound by saying it's not there!" (Jeremiah 6:14 TLB). We (Beth and Sherrie) have found that in the places that hurt the most, God brings a promise from the Bible to our memory at just the right time. We have experienced comfort and growth through our growing relationship with Jesus and how we long for the same growth for you! You may be thinking, "Fine for Beth and Sherrie, but I know nothing about a personal relationship with God. I've never picked up a Bible, let alone know a verse well enough to bring it to mind." That's okay. Wherever you are in your journey is exactly where you should be and the fact that you've picked up this workbook shows that your heart wants to be healed. The Biblical account describing God as an eagle teaching his eaglets to fly is exactly the process you'll go through as you work through the chapters of the workbook. "Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions." (Deut. 32: 11). Now, let's apply this verse by envisioning God as the eagle and yourself as one of the eaglets in his nest. First, he stirs up our nest by taking away the soft things in life. Losing our first family, being passed by in foster care or the orphanage, or being rejected when you finally find your birth mother. We complain to God and everyone within earshot. We don't like the pain. Why did we have to hurt like this? Why can't we have a normal childhood? Why all the chaos and change? Then, God the eagle hovers over us, showing us the magnificence of his wings--his strength, majesty, power, and sovereignty. If little eaglets could talk, they'd say, "We never knew you were so big and powerful." Notice that the eaglet's attention is drawn away from the painful nest to God's wings. Like eaglets, we want to know him more when we begin to discover his awesomeness is the pages of Scripture. After we have rested beneath his wings and allowed healing to begin, God invites us to ride on His wings, away from a painful past into an incredibly wonderful future. Are you ready to rest under his wings? Wherever you are in your journey, we are honored that we can walk with you for a while! With Love and Hugs, Sherrie and Beth”

Cheryl:  Please tell us about your new book, “Name Above All Names Devotional: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ.” 

Beth:  Krista Hamrick's beautiful original art print, Name Above All Names Alphabet, so inspired me that I wrote a devotional focusing on each of the 26 individual Names of Jesus Christ. Each of the 26 illustrations which Krista identified are so special, almost like stained glass windows, as Krista intricately painted each one with its Scripture reference. My heart was drawn to write a devotional word study based on the Scripture reference for each of the 26 Names. Combining the beauty of Krista's artistic excellence with my research of the Names, this devotional is perfect for individual quiet times or small group Bible studies focusing on the Name Above All Names--Jesus Christ--and His attributes and characteristics. Each of the 26 devotionals focusing on the Names of Christ closes with a practical application and personalized prayer, ending with reflections and takeaways.

 Example from "King of Zion" Practical Application:

 What does it mean to trust the Lord, the King of Zion? It means looking to Him as the source of our security and putting our faith in the grace, love, power, and protection of God when the inevitable pressures of life come. It means knowing as the psalmist did that as the mountains surround and protect Zion, the city of Jerusalem, God himself surrounds and shields His people. When we trust the Lord, we don't have to focus on the wicked and what they are doing or might do to us. We don't have to rehash our own woes. Even though there are problems the size of mountains facing us, we can cry out to the Lord who created the mountains and is able to move them. As we sing praises to Him, and focus on Him and His truth, He will encourage our hearts and help us to tell the nations about the great things He has done!

 Example from "King of Zion" Personalized Prayer:

 Lord Jesus, King of Zion, I put my trust in You today. You are my security and protection, my shield, my fortress, and my hiding place, and I sing praises to You. When enemies surround me and troubles multiply, help me to remember that You are ever faithful and that You surround and protect me, both now and forever. Thank You for the free gift of salvation, that we are justified on the basis of Your finished work on the Cross. Thank You that, right now, we are under the completely sufficient imputed righteousness of Christ. Because we have placed our trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ, we are redeemed by Your precious blood. The threat of failure, judgment, and condemnation has been removed. Knowing that God's love for us and approval of us will never be determined by our performance is the most encouraging promise to which we cling--what great things You have done! In Your mighty Name Above All Names--King of Zion, we pray, amen.

 Example from "King of Zion" Reflection and Takeaways:
Look Up--meditate on Psalm 9:11
Look In--as you meditate on Psalm 9:11 pray to see how you might apply it to your life.
Look Out--as you meditate on Psalm 9:11 pray to see how you might apply it to your relationships with others.

Cheryl:  How did the book come about? What inspired you to write it? How can we purchase it?

Beth:  In the past year, I have been drawn to incorporate beautiful artwork as a focal point in my blog posts to wrap my study of Scripture and prayer around. After requesting and receiving permission from Krista Hamrick to feature her artwork on several of my blog posts in 2015, I was captured by the intricate beauty of her beautiful original art print, Name Above All Names Alphabet. My heart was drawn to write a devotional word study based on the Scripture reference for each of the 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ. Krista provided the illustrations, and we published the 144 page devotional on February 21, 2016.  It can be purchased on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition HERE.

Cheryl:  Have you written other books? If so, can you tell us about them and describe the events that led to the writing of them?

Beth:  I was the co-author of Under His Wings: Truths to Heal Adopted Children's Hearts with Sherrie Eldridge. Sherrie and I are both adoptees, and we were active in an on-line All Adoptee Growth Group in 2011. Sherrie asked if I would like to work with her to publish Under His Wings, and we spent a week working on it together in the summer of 2011, and then via email until we published it on Amazon in November 2011. Writing the book helped my feelings come to the surface for healing. There's only one way to find peace with a painful past and that is through a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. He alone, through His Spirit, can place a healing balm on our deep wounds. The Bible says: "You can't heal a wound by saying it's not there!" (Jeremiah 6:14 TLB). Sherrie and I both found that in the places that hurt the most, God brings a promise from the Bible to our memory at just the right time.

 I was a contributing author to the book, 21 Stories of Generosity: Real Stories to Inspire a Full Life, in which my chapter was entitled “The Generosity of Adoption.” I found out about the opportunity to collaborate in this book through a local Christian Writers Group.

I was also a contributing author to the book, A New Song: Glimpses of the Grace Journey, in which my essay, “Comfort Measures Only” was published. I found out about the opportunity to collaborate in this book when I attended the Florida Christian Writers Conference.

 Cheryl:  How long have you been blogging, and how did God lead you to start your blog?

Beth:  I have been writing my blog http://bethwillismiller.blogspot.com/ since 2009. I had been writing a journal all my life, since I was in high school. I started by writing about subjects I had been familiar with in previous careers. I also posted the photos and my journals from an awe-inspiring trip to Israel in March 2000 for the filming of Beth Moore’s Bible study, Jesus the One and Only.

Cheryl:  Can you name at least one childhood dream that God has fulfilled in your life?

Beth:  I never remember having any specific childhood dreams, but I always thought of myself as a writer, writing for school newspapers beginning in 5th grade throughout high school, and writing as a part of nearly every career I had, including writing very successful grant proposals. In many ways, the writing I am doing now is the culmination of all those childhood and young adulthood passions.

Cheryl:  We are living in the perilous times prophesied about in the Bible. How do you stay encouraged in these dark days? What are your favorite Scriptures to turn to for support and motivation to continue in the fight against wrong? What words of comfort would you like to offer those who may be struggling with discouragement and despair?

Beth:  During these dark days, I stay encouraged by praying God’s Word, these are my favorite Scriptures, which are my words of comfort for anyone struggling with discouragement and despair:

 When you feel rejected, God says: You are ACCEPTED
"According to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (Eph. 1:5-6)

 When you feel abandoned, God says: You are ADOPTED
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. (Eph. 1:4-5)

 When you feel betrayed, God says: You are BLESSED
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Eph. 1:3)

 When you feel inadequate, God says: You are CHOSEN
“You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he” (Isa. 43:10). “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him.” (Eph. 1:4)

 When you feel afraid, God says: You are REDEEMED
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine” (Isa. 43:1).

 When you feel condemned, God says: You are FORGIVEN
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us.” (Eph. 1:7-8)

 When you feel forgotten, God says: You are REMEMBERED
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.” (Isa. 49:15-16)

 When you feel insecure, God says: You are SECURE
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders” (Deut. 33:12).

 When you feel worthless, God says: You are CALLED
“You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Pet. 2:9)

 When you feel unloved, God says: You are PRECIOUS, and I LOVE YOU
“You are precious and honored in My sight, and . . . I love you” (Isa. 43:4). "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

 When you feel unable or unstable, God says: YOU ARE ABLE
“The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!” (Hab. 3:19).

 When you feel it’s impossible, God says: ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
"Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27)

 When you feel exhausted, God says: I WILL GIVE YOU REST
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

 When you feel you can’t go on, God says: MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT
"But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

 When you feel you don’t know what to do, God says: I WILL DIRECT YOUR STEPS
"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

 When you feel you can’t go on, God says: YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS
"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)

 When you feel it’s not worth it, God says: IT WILL BE WORTH IT
"We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:28)

 When you feel you can’t forgive yourself, God says: I FORGIVE YOU
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

 When you feel you can’t manage, God says: I WILL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEEDS
"God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

 When you feel worried and frustrated, God says: CAST YOUR CARE ON ME
"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.”(1 Peter 5:7)

 When you don’t know what to do, God says: I WILL GIVE YOU WISDOM
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

 When you feel all alone, God says: I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

As I pray God’s Word, fear, doubt, and discouragement leave and His peace renews my heart and mind. As I experience His peace, I recognize when I have been held captive by controlling thoughts. As I stand in agreement with God, saying the same thing God says about my specific thoughts, I see the lies I have believed as wallpaper in my mind. I ask God to help me tear down the lies wallpapering my mind and re-wallpaper my mind with the Truth of God’s Word...to starve the flesh and feed the Spirit. I ask God to help me see situations in my life the way He sees them. The more I see the way God sees, I become saturated with the favor of God, seeing His view of me through the blood of Christ, I become favor-minded, re-wallpapering my mind with Truth.

Cheryl:  How can we pray for you? Are there particular burdens upon your heart that we can help to carry to the Father?

Beth:  Thank you so much, Cheryl. I know you are a prayer warrior. I would just ask you to pray that regarding promotion of , “Name Above All Names Devotional: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ,” all glory and honor and praise would go directly to our Savior, Jesus Christ—the Name Above All Names—from Whom ALL blessings flow.

You may follow and connect with Beth in the following ways:
God bless you, Beth, for sharing your wonderful testimony with us here!
I know it will bless others, as it has indeed blessed me.

As Beth and I have corresponded back and forth, sharing with one another,
she sent two links to articles she has written that have been especially helpful in the trials my family and I are now walking through. 
I want to share them with you here, in hopes that you can find the time to read them.
You will be abundantly blessed.

Beth so kindly sent me a copy of her book to read.
I am currently reading
"Name Above All Names Devotional: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ",
and I am enjoying it so very much.


It is reminding me of the glorious power of our dear Lord Jesus and everything He is to me.
When we say He is our "all in all", do we realize the depths of the truth of that statement?
Beth writes about and Krista illustrates 26 of the names of Christ that prove, once again,
that He is every, single thing you and I will ever need in this world and in the world to come.
Jesus, our Lord and Master, is everything we need!
Besides the beauty of Beth's writing and Krista's drawings,
I love that, at the end of every few chapters, there is a lovely blank page to record notes,
Beth included a lot of commentary from other authors,
but truly the parts I am enjoying the most are the parts that she herself wrote towards the ends of almost every chapter.

You may order your own copy of the book HERE!

Thanks for reading, and may God bless all of you dear readers!

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Tuesday, March 8, 2016

The Inner Views of The Benham Brothers

"And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, 
saying that there is another king, one Jesus."
Acts 17:10
(KJV)

Praise God for Jason and the men in the early church who
"turned the world upside down"!
These men were willing to go against the cultural tide of their day.
They were not afraid to do "contrary to the decrees of Caesar", when the decrees of Caesar were contrary to the law of Almighty God.
They loudly and unashamedly proclaimed "that there is another King"...
one called Jesus!

And, praise God for a modern day Jason and his twin brother, David, 
who are standing firm against the cultural tide of our day,
who are willing to step out of complacency and face their own Goliaths,
armed with the truth that the battle is the Lord's.

We first heard Jason and David's incredible testimony last September at a conference where I was a part of Concerned Women for America's prayer team.
On a recent Thursday evening, we were once again blessed to hear them speak,
while attending another function on behalf of CWA.
Imagine how blessed we felt when God orchestrated a way for us to meet them personally
before the event began!
To God be the glory.


It is with great respect that I present to you the
of Identical Twins, David and Jason,
The Benham Brothers.

Cheryl:  Can you give us a little information about your background? 

David & Jason:  We grew up as preacher’s kids in Dallas, TX.  Our lives consisted of school, sports, and Sunday school.  At age 12 we started our first company - a small landscape company that grew to about 25 accounts before we went to college.  Our dream was always to play pro baseball, and after graduating from Liberty University, God gave us that opportunity in the late 90’s.  Although we never made it to the Big Leagues, we did play professionally, which was a dream come true. 

Cheryl:  When did you first become a Christian? What life events led up to your decision to follow Jesus, and how has that choice impacted your lives?

Jason & David:  Both of us were 12 when we got saved.  Jason was at a chapel service at our Christian school, and David was at a Christian youth camp.  From that day forward, we committed to reading the Bible every day.  We were little hellions for a while, but in time we began to grow and mature in our faith.  We were two of the most ambitious and rambunctious kids you could meet, so growing in Christ is all we needed for God to harness our strength for development and not destruction. 

Cheryl:  Will you kindly share your story with us about HGTV’s “Flip It Forward”? How did the show come about? Why was it suddenly cancelled? How has this whole situation changed your lives and ministry? 

David & Jason:  After our time in pro ball we moved our families to Charlotte, NC and started a real estate company.  From small beginnings in 2003, we grew to 100 offices in 35 states by 2010.  From there, we began to create other companies and non-profits as our entrepreneurial spirits were on hyper-drive.  We were approached by a production company in 2012 to do a reality show, and, after signing a straight-to-series contract with HGTV, we landed in the midst of a media firestorm as we refused to be silent about our faith. 

It started when HGTV announced the show and started airing commercials.  At that time a few activist groups began putting intense pressure on HG to cancel the show because of our “extreme” beliefs, such as being pro-life, believing in traditional marriage, and that Jesus is the only way to Heaven.  HG wanted to stick with us, as they already knew all of our beliefs prior to signing us, but as the pressure mounted they let us go.  But we know that whatever the devil meant for evil God means for good, and we have since been traveling the country using this platform to proclaim the truth that Jesus is the answer to all of our nation’s problems.

Cheryl:  What would you say are the most pressing issues in the cultural battlegrounds of our day? What are the biggest threats to our religious liberties?

Jason & David:  The darkness in our culture today manifests in three specific areas - the termination of life (abortion), the redefinition of marriage, and the rise of militant Islam.  But God has not called us to be issues-fighters - He’s called us to be kingdom-advancers.  This means we lead with the Gospel because the truth is what sets people free. 

The biggest threat to our religious liberty today is the silence of the church.  By our silence, we give our affirmation.  When Christians stand for truth it provides liberty for everyone - including Muslims, Atheists, Buddhists, Hindus, those with no religion - EVERYONE! 

Cheryl:  As Christian parents, Kevin and I are doing our utmost to raise a son who will stand up for Jesus and live a life that glorifies Him. What advice can you offer to those of us who are endeavoring to raise Godly children in a society that is increasingly hostile toward the God we serve? How can we lay that impenetrable foundation that will enable them to stand in spite of opposition, and even possible persecution? When we heard your testimony at the TNG Conference in September, you shared about your Dad and the way you were raised and how he instilled Godly values into your lives. Would you care to share any of those experiences here as encouragement to Christian parents?

David & Jason:  We’re in it with you.  We have young kids as well.  The one thing our dad did that has made a lasting impression on us is that he raised us to be warriors.  He taught us from the outset that we are in a spiritual battle and that God uses people to accomplish His will on the earth.  We learned that while we’re here on the earth we are a part of the church militant, which means we have to be engaged in the spiritual battle that rages in the earth, not just culturally, but personally as well.  So, if Christians are made to be fighters and they aren’t fighting, they won't experience the fullness of God in their lives. 

Cheryl:  It was such a dear blessing to meet the two of you and hear you speak on Thursday night. One of the most moving parts of your speech and one that has most vividly lingered in our minds is when you spoke of the contrasted effects the wind has on a candle versus embers, and you applied those thoughts to the Holy Spirit. Will you share those thoughts with us here? 

Jason & David:  Knowing we are the light of the world, if we view our light as a little candle then the winds of culture can easily blow it out.  But if we see ourselves as burning embers, like in a fire pit, then when the cultural winds blow it will actually ignite the fire in us.  The same wind that snuffs out the candle ignites the burning embers.  Spending time with Jesus, in His Word and prayer, is what it takes to kindle the fire of our faith.

Cheryl:  Your energy and enthusiasm for righteousness is so inspiring and contagious. What would you say to those who are discouraged in the fight against wrong? Is there still hope to turn things around? How do the two of you remain enthusiastic, zealous, and so completely “on fire” for God?

David & Jason:  This is a great time to be alive!  God knew how dark it would get at this time, and He created each one of us to be here now for this very hour.  If we keep our focus on God, our faith will replace fear because with God all things are possible!

Cheryl:  How can we pray for you, your wives, and your families? Are there specific needs you would like us to lift to the Father during this current season of your lives and ministry?

Jason & David:  Just pray our kids grow to love Jesus with all their hearts - that’s by far the most important thing in our lives right now.  As we travel we aren’t home as much as we’d like, so please pray for the spiritual growth of our children. 

Cheryl:  In closing, will you share the Word of God with us? What are some of your favorite Scriptures and/or what is God laying upon your hearts to speak to us here?

David & Jason:  Jason’s favorite passage is Mark 14:50 - “Then they all deserted Him and fled.”  I put this on my baseball glove in pro ball because it was a constant reminder that I’m not better in possibility than the worst deserter is in actuality.  This tends to keep me humble. David’s is Ephesians 6:10, “Finally brothers, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” We need to be strong in these last days!

A BIG thank you to you, Jason & David, for taking the time to answer our questions
and grant us this interview!
What a blessing you are to all of us!
We are forever grateful to both of you.
Most of all, thank you both for standing firm,
for being the examples we need and long to see in these perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1-5),
for taking a lead, front line position on the battlegrounds of this fight for faith and religious liberty.
Thank you for valuing the approval of God 
more than the praise of men,
for not taking the easy way out,
for refusing the bait of fame if it required you to compromise your convictions,
and for making the decision to follow Jesus, whatever the cost.

You may order The Benham Brothers' book called "Whatever The Cost",
view 19 chapter videos, and download a free study guide by clicking HERE.
To sign up for their blog emails, click HERE.

 Zach with The Benham Brothers

If you are ever able to go see The Benham Brothers in person

and hear them give a complete account of their testimony and all God has brought them through,
I encourage you to do whatever you need to do to get there.
Their passion for God and love for Jesus Christ will challenge you and inspire you to draw closer to Him and seek Him as to how you, too, can rise up as a warrior in the army of God.



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