LIFE IN BLOOM

Learning How to Flourish in God's Grace


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Weekly Word- I

Happy Wednesday! Over the past week, I was able to scale back some of my news intake and spend more purposeful time with my family; which helped me to focus more on the joy near me, as opposed to the chaos out in the world. This week, I’m continuing with a memory verse that I find to be encouraging, despite everything that is happening in our world.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

When I consider the state of this world, I can absolutely see (and sometimes feel) the trouble.  I need to spend more time focused on the promises of Jesus and the fact that He has already overcome the world.  It’s encouraging to know that through Him, I already have victory!

Reflecting on this verse for this week, also reminded me of this song.  These lyrics stood out for me:

But when I fix my eyes on all that You are, then every doubt I feel deep in my heart grows strangely dim. All my worries fade and fall to the ground, ’cause when I seek Your face and don’t look around any place I’m in grows strangely dim…

I’m challenging myself to focus more on His promises and His victory in this week as I reflect on this verse.

Until next time…

Be encouraged! Peace and blessings!


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Book Review- The Miracle in the Middle

I first heard Charlotte Gambill preach at Celebration Church in the Fall of 2014.  She was one of the guest speakers for their annual women’s conference, and both Preacherman and I really liked her message.  We left the service and stocked up on some of her materials, and on a road trip I found myself going through message after message.  To say that she is a phenomenal teacher of the word of God and biblical principles would be an understatement.

All that said, I was overly excited to get my hands on a copy of the book “The Miracle in the Middle”.  I’ve found myself “in the middle” of quite a few circumstances and situations, and wondering when/where/how the Lord was going to move me from the middle to the other side.  Gambill provides great insight for enjoying that uncomfortable middle spot, and recognizing it for the miracle that it is- as well as encouragement for us to press through to get to the other side.

I must admit that prior to reading the book, I had already heard her preach a sermon by the same name.  Despite that fact, I still found the book to be insightful, well-written, and a blessing to me.  My approach to my “middles” is much different, as I’m learning to look at it as an opportunity for growth as just a place where I’m stuck until something changes.  I’m also realizing that as I change my perspective, things around me change- regardless of if there’s an actual shift in position.

I would encourage you to check out this book, as well as some of Gambill’s other messages!  The practicality with which she delivers her messages makes it easy to understand and apply to your life.

Until next time…

Be encouraged! Peace and Blessings!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are mine