Book Giveaway, Last Day

A friend loves at all times,

And a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17

Football season is in full swing. Since our house is dominated by testosterone (more guys than girls), sports is usually on every t.v. set around here until after Super Bowl. One of our favorite teams is the Green Bay Packers. It's always especially fun to watch a home game and know that my brother is down on the field running one of the cameras. Lately he's been out of the game with a shoulder injury, and it's not quite the same knowing he's not there.

His day job is with the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, as an aviation videographer. I've always admired his artistic eye and fearlessness in climbing into planes for those great aviation shots. He's worked with some famous people but has managed to keep his laid-back Idaho attitude.

Since neither of us call very often, our visits are rare treats. But I always know I can call him and he will be there for me. When we do talk, it's often for at least an hour. We pick up where we left off last as if it were yesterday, even if it's been a year.

Sure, we fought when we were little like all kids do. He never played Barbies when he promised, even after I played G.I. Joes first. I always fell for that one. Yes, he pushed me blindfolded down the stairs once. But then, I pushed him out a window. So I guess we're even.

Today, on this last day of November, I'm thankful for my brother. He's humble, gentle, and funny. He's analytical and loves to talk into the middle of the night about science, God, and the deep mysteries of the universe. He and I share a love of music. In him I see Mom's vulnerability and Dad's love of people.

He knows my faults. I know his. We don't get mad with each other much anymore, but even if we did, he'd still be my brother. That cherished tie grows more precious as life turns through its hard seasons and insecurity abounds. Our shared heritage and memories are a solid foundation for weathering uncertain times.

Brothers and sisters are a gift. That makes the arrows they sling at each other more painful and the support system they provide more critical. This is all the more true in the body of Christ. Let's remember our blood ties and the wonderful heavenly Father to whom we belong. Let's cherish our siblings and look past our quirks.

We need each other.

Thanks, Jim, for being there.


Today's the last day to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net,  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story. 

Tomorrow we pick two winners!

Book Giveaway, Day Twenty-five

Photo courtesy Erik Thorson copyright 2012

Today I'm thankful for renewed friendships. This afternoon a very wonderful acquaintance spent a couple of hours visiting with me. I met her a few years ago through a friend and we instantly connected. She and her husband have a grown daughter and a special needs son. Like me, she is a full-time caregiver. Our busy lives have kept us from seeing each other much, so I was very glad to see her again.

You will get to meet her soon. Watch for an upcoming feature on this amazing family on this blog. You will be inspired by their story.

Be sure to stop by CMADDICT.COM and check the Wednesday devotional on Slightly Obsessed.  Today's devotional is called For Such a Time as This

There's only two more days until two winners are picked in the giveaway. Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.

Book Giveaway, Day Twenty-four

Photos courtesy Aaron Thorson copyright 2012

Awake, O north wind,

And come, wind of the south;

Make my garden breathe out fragrance....

Song of Solomon 4:16 

This morning a cold, cold wind blew out from the north. Winter is on its death march through my garden again this year. As the last stubborn plants die outside, the flowers I brought in early to the greenhouse are still blooming.

Aaron built the little building a few years ago with the old windows we took out of the house. Last year, when these pictures were taken, geraniums bloomed all winter and still were ready to be put out in the garden next spring. I loved dashing through the snow to the greenhouse and instantly breathing in the warm, humid air.

My paradise smells faintly of potting soil.

The greenhouse in 2011

This year, we've not had any snow yet. But the little glass house is filled with even more plants and cozied in for the winter.

Today I'm thankful for places of refuge like my greenhouse. God gives us rest and restoration from the world in family, homes, and friends.

But relationships can disappoint us; our homes can be lost; material comforts can be swept away. Weathering life can be nasty. That's why God has given us the ultimate place of refuge in His Son. And in His Word, we find an impenetrable place of safety. Secure within its walls, we thrive in the perfect conditions for growing a human spirit. As the storms of life rage around us, we bloom for the One who cares for us as only a master gardener can:

Soul renewed; Eden reborn.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.
  

Book Giveaway, Day Twenty-three

There is an appointed time for everything.

And there is a time for every event under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

My husband headed out the door to do some Christmas shopping this afternoon, and I decided to tag along. By the time we had all our chores done, it was already 2:30. It didn't matter that much, because we really didn't have anything pressing to do.

We arrived in town just before 3:00p.m. My husband mentioned that his first stop was to check out the new candy featured at a recently opened coffee shop adjoining the Christian book store. I tried to remember which shop he was talking about, and then it came back to me as he swung the Jeep into the parking lot.

"Oh, yes, this is the one Helen and are going to meet at next Monday," I offered. A strange little cloud passed over me as this information triggered a vague memory. Wait. Today is Monday. Was today the Monday we were going to meet? Since we had not exchanged the usual e-mails to confirm the meeting, I guessed it must not have worked out for her.

We sauntered inside and I discovered to my surprise that Helen was at the coffee shop. I walked up to her and casually mentioned it was a coincidence we were here at the same time. She looked at me as if I were daft.

"I'm here because we set up a time to meet at 3:00 today. Remember?"

Ohhhhhhhhhh. Yep. Now I remembered.

I sent my husband on to do his shopping and we found a table. "I'm so sorry, Helen, for forgetting the meeting," I confessed.

She graciously accepted my apology. Then we had a laugh over God's impeccable timing. We planned to meet at 3:00. At this particular coffee house. I had totally forgotten about the meeting. My husband had never set foot in this coffee house before. He had decided to pick this day to check out the goodies here. I had decided to join him in town for the day.

And here we were, right on time, for my meeting with Helen.

Today, I am thankful for God's perfect timing. Thank God HE knows where I'm supposed to be each day. It's comforting to know He orders our steps, and our lives are not as random as they may appear. He appoints the seasons, the days, and the times. He has a plan, and nothing will thwart Him.

I'm so glad He's in control.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.
  

Book Giveaway, Day Twenty-two

Photo courtesy Erik Thorson copyright 2012

Our eldest son Erik sauntered through the doorway of the house a few days ago and announced, "There's a bald eagle flying over the deck." I was busy with something in the kitchen and barely nodded back in acknowledgement. Later, I wished I had taken the time to go see it.

Not that it's rare to see a bald eagle here in the river canyons of Idaho. Eagles often spend the winters in the lower elevations and hunt from the river's bounty. Their fierce countenance and spectacular white heads are always worth a second glance. It's a beautiful sight to watch them glide along the river's surface and pull up into a majestic turn along the canyon wall.

I have often watched them circle above my head and contemplated the way they sail on the wind. I marvel at their ability to catch the air currents and gain such heights through little effort of their own. How accurately they feel and gauge the movement of the wind!

I yearn to learn to move in the Holy Spirit in this way. I long to appropriate God's Word, the urging of His Spirit, and my own understanding of Him to spread my own wings.

Today I am thankful for the presence of the Holy Spirit in me. Without His power and leading, I could never make through this world, let alone soar above it. What kind of a god would consent to live inside an inferior being?

One that is worthy of all our praise.

It's an amazing God who dwells in us. How humble and gentle and long-suffering He is! Think of the things He hears, sees, and endures for us. Just think of the places we take Him.

And yet He's always waiting for us to tire of our own efforts and cry for help. He's always ready to teach us how to leave the lowlands and rise above in His power..

Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength;

They will mount up with wings like eagles,

They will run and not get tired,

They will walk and not become weary.

Isaiah 40:31

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.
  

Book Giveaway, Days Nineteen - Twenty-one

Photo courtesy Erik Thorson copyright 2012

The last three days have been a strange but wonderful ride through the Thanksgiving weekend. We had a glorious meal with the family, and our youngest had her first experience with an eleven-hour shift through the night working Black Friday at a local department store. She came home ill, and we spent the rest of Friday assisting her recovery.

Today one of our sons came in sick, which meant some reorganizing of our schedule. We were able to see my folks today, and they both seem to be recuperating from their back-to-back surgeries.

Today, I'm thankful for the days God blesses us with good health. It's a gift I often take for granted until I have a sick day. Then all I can think of is how I will never complain again if I can just be well.

It's a promise I never keep. As soon as I am better, I go back to complaining about the small irritations in life.

Oh, if I could just remember to breathe in every moment of life with a thankful heart!

Thanks, God, for the sweet gift of a pain-free day. Praise to Your glorious name for pouring strength into us and healing us from our illnesses and injuries. Send renewal to Your people. Revive us, I pray.

Amen. 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.
  

Book Giveaway, Day Eighteen

Photo courtesy Erik Thorson and the Leland Pioneer Community Church copyright 2012

The building is old, a challenge to keep up for the current pastors. It is one of the last remnants of a community that once thrived in the pastoral hills of Leland, Idaho. It now stands among a few rural homes and defies the encroaching fields that crown the creek bed.

But its very presence speaks of a vibrant faith that grew and spread throughout the area a century ago.The aging building still resonates with the hymns of saints past. The stained glass windows are glorious, streaming in the holy light of a rock-solid faith.

One cannot enter the sanctuary without passing under a medallion proclaiming "ALL FOR CHRIST." That declaration is the principle by which Pastors James and Juanita Soyk live each day and serve the surrounding community. I know this, because Jim is my dad, and Juanita is my step-mom.

The building had been closed for some time when they discovered it. With much hard work they have restored it into a functioning church again. The congregation is small but loyal. My folks invest all their resources into building relationships and faithfully preaching God's Word. They have suffered significant health challenges in recent years, yet they continue to serve.

Theirs is not a ministry that receives much acclaim or notice. They struggle on quietly and selflessly year after year, trusting in a faithful God to receive their sacrifice of praise. Their reward is a coming one.

What an example for us! Today I am thankful for their faithfulness in giving and their loyalty to those they love. I thank God at my every remembrance of them. I praise Him for the wonderful example they have given me as I enter each season of my life. What an inheritance I have received!

Thanks, Dad and Juanita, for your faithfulness. May God bless and heal and reward you.

I love you.


The Wednesday devotional Slightly Obsessed: A Prayer of Thanksgiving is up at CMADDICT.COM. Come on by and check out the exclusive interviews, reviews, videos, and great Christian music.


Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.
 

Book Giveaway, Day Seventeen

Photos courtesy Erik Thorson copyright 2012

As we watch the seasons transform from glory to glory,  I'm praising God today for painting our world with color. He fills our eyes with a breathtaking palette that both enriches us and hints at His limitless creativity. Thank God He dresses His earth with an array of plants, animals, and people. A world without color would be a soulless place to inhabit. So God, in His wisdom, gives us a bejeweled stage upon which to play out His grand redemption.

But the many-colored coat with which He paints the universe does more than exist to amuse us and please the Master.

How gray our world would be without color!

 
It serves as a powerful teacher.

Though your sins are as scarlet, 
They will be white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They will be like wool.
Isaiah 1:18




 
We would never understand the color of sin without the scarlet flower or the guilty stain of shed blood. We could not discern the depth of the cleansing without a pure, sweet snowfall. We identify with the new life displayed in the green that carpets the earth after a long winter. We behold the beauty of light in its brokenness when we gaze upon a rainbow.

From pacific blue seas to autumn's last golden blaze of glory, God's nature patiently pours into us the lessons of life. May we be faithful and grateful students.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.
 

Book Giveaway, Day Sixteen

Photo courtesy Erik Thorson copyright 2012

It's an urgent morning ritual. As soon as I get up, Solo, Kevin's little German Shepherd/mystery breed, comes dancing up to greet me. I'm sure she's glad to see me, but what she really needs is her morning walk.

I slip my husband's big coat over my robe and pajamas and take her outside. This morning it's rainy and cold. I shiver as she noses along before me and strains on the leash. It's not even winter yet, and I'm thinking of spring already. Just a month ago, I was tired of summer and ready for the lovely cool days of fall.

Today I'm thankful for the seasons, not only in nature, but in my life. This world would be boring with nothing but sunshine every day. It would be unbearable with twelve months of subzero weather or triple-digit heat. The ebb and flow of joy and sorrow, challenge and victory, light and darkness, are necessary for the proper feeding of my soul to produce the fruit God plans for me.

The seasons teach us about growth and change and death. They promise glory in the harvest, rest from our labors in winter's blanket, and the miracle of the resurrection with every spring. Every season has its beauty and its struggles. And each new season brings a deeper understanding of the Mind from which it sprang.

Every season is a gift.

Whatever season you are in, I pray that God reveals Himself to you in new and unexpected ways. If you are in a bitterly cold place right now, I want to remind you that no season lasts forever on this side of eternity. Trust in your Creator, stay close to the warmth of His love, and remember a new season is on the way.

On either side of the river was the tree of life,

bearing twelve kinds of fruit,

yielding its fruit every month;

and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Revelation 22:2

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.
 

Book Giveaway, Day Fifteen

Photo courtesy Erik Thorson copyright 2012

Chronic illness, disability, and caregiving often require a massive shift in priorities. Until Kevin's injury, we almost never missed church on Sunday mornings. Often we were involved in church leadership and spent many hours during the week at church, too. The photo above is of one of the small-town churches we ministered in over the years. This one especially captured my heart.

Church attendance is a rare treat for us now. This morning I sat alone in the wee hours of the morning at the keyboard, plugged in the headset so I wouldn't disturb the sleeping household, and played some of my favorite songs on the keyboard to an audience of One.

Today I thank God for the body of believers, the Church. I praise Him for giving us the freedom to attend services at the building of our choosing. I am grateful for the many, many wonderful hours of fellowship I have had with people across many denominations. Dear friends, I love you all. I'm thinking of you this morning.

May we never take for granted the wonderful gift we have been given to worship in freedom. May we never lose it.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.
 

Book Giveaway, Days Thirteen and Fourteen

Photo courtesy Erik Thorson copyright 2012

Yesterday was another day that got away from me because of family duties. It was another one of those days when God intervenes with a switch up that sends us in new directions. We've been having a lot of changes lately.

It's a good thing, though. I hate slogging on endlessly down a track I'm not even sure I'm supposed to be following. Of course, those times build our trust and increase our faith. But I love it when God makes the way plain and removes a major obstacle from the path. Yesterday, God cleared the way for a new direction for someone I love very much.

That's why today I'm especially thankful that God hears our prayers. He may not answer right away; He might say "Yes," "No," or "Wait;" but He always hears. I love Him for the reminders that He knows our needs, and no request has escaped His attention.

This year, He has cleared the tracks of some huge barriers for us. We've had some amazing "Yes" answers. Still others, however, simmer on the back burner. I'm still learning how to discern "Wait" from "No." One thing is sure: He's always at work in our lives, and His timing is always perfect.

As this year winds down and a new one awaits the dawn, I pray that God will send you a surprise in 2013: 

New direction and a clear path ahead.

And when it happens, would you let me know? I want to celebrate with you.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.
 

Book Giveaway, Day Twelve

Erik with his grandpa on his first birthday, November of 1976

For this boy I prayed, and the LORD has given my my petition which I asked of Him.

So I have dedicated him to the LORD; 

as long as he lives he is dedicated to the LORD.

1 Samuel 1:27

His is a quiet strength. There is a depth about him, a resiliency that takes the twists and turns of life in stride. He's an amazing photographer, and the pages of this blog usually feature one of his beautiful photos. He's generous, kind, and funny. He's the one that shows up at the door for a Mexican dinner sporting a sombrero and a black mustache snipped from his dog's fur. He loves laughter and trivia and winning at board games.

When his younger brother Kevin broke his neck, he stood by Kevin's side and fought hard for his life. Then he celebrated Kev's return home with a gag gift certificate from Dr. Kevorkian "Good for One Visit." Together, he and Kevin and their younger brother Daniel taught me how humor conquers fear.

Even better, they taught me the power of loyalty.

You probably guessed it; he's my eldest son, Erik. Today is his birthday, and once again I'm thankful that God gave him to us. Erik and his wife Rachel are shining examples of God's love.

Thirty-eight years ago, when I read the words of Hannah and prayed to have my own son, I never dreamed God would gift us with such an amazing young man of God. Every day of his thirty-seven years, he has brought us joy as we watch him grow in the grace and strength of the Lord.
 

Photo courtesy Dan Thorson 2012

 Happy Birthday, Erik. Thanks for all you are.

Love,

Mom


Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.

Book Giveaway, Day Eleven

Photo courtesy CMADDICT.COM copyright 2012

...they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, 

"We have never seen anything like this."

Mark 2:12 

The news isn't very uplifting in these trying times. But there's good news we should never forget:

God visited earth and bought her salvation.

He's alive and well and very much in control of world events.

He will return in glory to deliver His creation from humanity.

That's exciting news! That alone should keep us electrified, joyful, and filled with hope every day. Jesus Christ is coming back to bring justice and healing to the nations. 

Until then, we are never alone. He empowers us with strength and comfort to walk every day in anticipation of a new forever. This isn't our home; we're just passing through.

Today I'm grateful for the opportunities God gives me to share this amazing news with others. Special thanks to CMADDICT.COM for giving me a chance to be a contributor on such a great site.

I invite you to head on over to CMADDICT.COM and enjoy the great Christian music, interviews, reviews, and videos. While you're at it, I hope you'll stop by and read today's Wednesday's devotional by yours truly
Slightly Obsessed: His Eye Is on the Junco

But when these things begin to take place,

straighten up and lift up your heads,

because your redemption is drawing near.

Luke 21:28

Book Giveaway, Day Ten

Photo courtesy Erik Thorson copyright 2012

 It was a lovely brunch. We sat in the dining room of a couple we had recently met at church and reveled in the glow of a new friendship. Sharon made us a delicious meal and we chatted about our shared vision of ministering God's love to those outside the United States.

Then David got up and retrieved his Bible from another room. "God gave me a Scripture for you last night," he said. "I don't know why, but this is it."

With that short introduction he read aloud the first eleven verses of 2 Corinthians. It was a strange passage. The Apostle related hardship encountered in another country and of suffering affliction so deep it would bring despair even of life. He spoke of the God who raises the dead and hope of deliverance through the prayers of many.

Indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves

so that we would not trust in ourselves,

but in God who raises the dead.

2 Corinthians 1:9

We thanked him rather awkwardly for the Scripture. I wondered, "What are we going to need THAT for?"

Six hours later, we would know.

July 11, 1997, our son broke his neck while on a youth missions trip in Canada. As we fought back one doctor's determined effort to pull the plug, and Kevin fought valiantly to live, God's Word became the source of strength and comfort and healing for our family. The Scripture given us that morning would be the blueprint by which we would conquer many challenges in the fifteen years since.

Today I am thankful for the Bible. Without it we would be ignorant of the holy, triune being we call God. Its pages dispense the life-giving force of a Creator who is all-knowing, all-powerful healer and friend.

I love everything about God's Word; I love how it challenges me and cleanses me and strengthens me for the battles of life. I praise God for speaking life into us and giving us victory over every enemy of our souls through His Word. I thank Him for caring that much.

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword,

and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow,

and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.

Book Giveaway, Day Nine

Photo courtesy Erik Thorson copyright 2012

 ...but where sin increased, 

grace abounded all the more.

Romans 5:20

Yesterday got away from me in a big way. Since I didn't get a chance to post, today I'm especially grateful for the gift of grace.

As humans, we just don't cut it. We stumble, fall, and skin our soulknees in endless ways every day.  We're so prone to missing the mark that it's a hallmark of our old nature:

If we say we have no sin, 

we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:8

Because God is so much greater than we are, the mark of holiness is an impossible one to hit. It's not just a matter of following all the spiritual laws and staying out of trouble. It's all about the heart attitude. The sins of omission are as odious to God as the sins of commission:

 

Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it,

to him it is sin.

James 4:17

Who can hit a target like that? Meeting God's requirements for citizenship in His kingdom is a lost cause.

That's why grace is so amazing. Grace is God loving us in our lostness. It's the gift of a king who would leave His palace to deliver the dying. It's the magnificent cleansing that covers our poverty and ushers us to the table of abundance. 

It's undeserved, unequivocal, incomprehensible, unconditional acceptance.

Now we're free, really and completely free, to serve our Father with joy. Hallelujah!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.

Book Giveaway, Day Seven

Photo courtesty Erik Thorson copyright 2012

Sometimes a pair of pruning shears will work. Other times it takes an axe. When we're working on our five acres of trees, shrubs, and flowers, cleaning up and pruning necessitates a lot of tools.

If the plants are young and healthy, just a pair of snips or pruning shears will keep the overgrowth in check and keep them growing strong. Sometimes all it takes is a quick and gentle deadheading session to keep the blooms coming.

But for those aging plants full of dead wood, a more serious approach is needed. This is especially true if a plant has been allowed to grow unchecked until it is unbalanced. Those plants become unhealthy and prone to disease. As hard as it is to clean them out, it is necessary for the health of the tree.

Today I'm thankful for the painful but needed pruning God does in my life. He is the Master Gardener, the keeper of Eden restored, the One who guards my soul. After decades of serving Him, I am still learning how to yield my life to Him and allow Him to cut away anything that keeps me from growing and blooming for Him.

It is my prayer for you, as well, that as you are established in God, you will display His glory in every season, no matter where you're planted.

ErikThorson/2012

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,

 Which yields it fruit in its season

And its leaf does not wither;

and in whatever he does, he prospers.

Psalm 1:3

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.
 

Book Giveaway, Day Six

Photo courtesy Erik Thorson copyright 2012

Yesterday was gray and subject to intermittent squalls. The weather was nasty, too. I walked around all day with a little black cloud hanging over me, occasionally blasted with a cold chill as I was pelted with a hail of discouraging news.

The rest of the family was fine, though, and when my husband came home with a new release of an animated movie, they decided to have a "movie night" with dinner. It wasn't a title that particularly interested me, so I joined them reluctantly in front of the television, determined to sit through it just to be near the gang.

About the time the monkey-thing was hit with a tranquilizer dart and started speaking in slow motion, a burst of laugher erupted from the direction of the loveseat.

Was that me? Hallelujah, I believe it was.

The Bible tells us "A joyful heart is good medicine...." Proverbs 17:22. I'm so thankful today for the gift of laughter. It makes me wonder why I don't give in to it more often, instead of giving in to the heartache that presents itself each day.

It really boils down to a choice: whether to dwell on the trials of life or live in the joy set before me.
 

A cheerful heart has a continual feast

Proverbs 15:15

Since it's the season for feasting, I think I'll choose the cheerful heart.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.

Song in the Night is the true account of our son's devastating spinal cord injury in 1997, the fight to keep the doctor from pulling the plug, and God's subsequent miraculous work in our lives. You will be encouraged and inspired by our story.

Book Giveaway, Day Five

Photo courtesy Erik Thorson copyright 2012

She was diminutive, classy, and sharply dressed. The twinkle in her eyes defied the gray in her hair. She sat at my dining room table and carefully took the papers out of her folder, revealing the story of her life to me in clippings of black and white.

She unsnarled the facts I had collected, slipped the missing pieces of her family history into place, and smiled sweetly as I connected the dots.

For years I have been working on a history of the place I have chosen to live out my days on earth, a nondescript railroad junction on the Nimipuu (Nez Perce) Reservation in Idaho. Its brown hills stand mute guard over the valley, as if reluctant to share its colorful past with strangers. The Clearwater River cuts through the canyon and traverses shores that once hosted Captains Lewis and Clark as they explored the vast wilderness to the ocean.

We landed here in 1963 after moving around the country many times when I was a child. It instantly became the place I set down my roots. After nearly fifty years of living here, I love this beautiful, dry, star-thistle-covered old valley more than ever.

One of my pets projects is compiling a history of Arrow, and with every new person I meet, I am more beguiled by the rich heritage it yields from its past.

Today, my heart is full of gratitude for being given such a wonderful place to live. I am thankful God took our family and set us down in a place where He knew we would best grow upward toward Him.

To those who lived here, and to those who are my neighbors, I just want to say I am a richer person for having known you.

(Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free, hardcover copy of Song in the Night. There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net  become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.)

Slightly Obsessed: From Caveman to King

Photo courtesy Erik Thorson copyright 2012

It's been a busy day on 'Til Dawn Comes. This morning I posted today's thankfulness post. Now you can go to CMADDICT.COM and join me for this Wednesday's devotional: From Caveman to King.

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement for us as we serve the cause of life.

Don't forget to check today's thankfulness post and enter the giveaway for a signed, hardcover copy of Song in the Night, the true account of our son's fight for life after a devastating spinal cord injury.

Book Giveaway, Day Four

Photo courtesty Erik Thorson copyright 2012

(There are four ways to enter the book giveaway:  leave me a comment,  "like" us on Facebook SongInTheNight.net , become a member of this blog, or send me an e-mail at thesong2008@live.com.)

Wait, it's just about to break, it's more than I can take,
Everything's about to change

-Thousand Foot Krutch

For those of us who celebrate life and work to promote the right of others to live, last night was a rough one. Forget the politics. It's not about right or left.

It's about right and wrong.

Last night's election has solidified the culture of death now permeating our society. This morning, my heart breaks at the realization that the slaughter of the innocents will continue unchecked as the right to an abortion remains the law of the land. To that will now be added a new healthcare system that will have to ration its limited resources to those most useful to society.

Don't tell me it can't happen. We lived through it.

Having nearly lost our son to rationed healthcare in another country, we've been so thankful for the wonderful medical care he now receives in the United States. With the implementation of Obamacare now secured, the future of  healthcare in America is filled with much uncertainty and is ensured of only one thing:

It cannot long succeed upon the course it is set.

Today, I am thankful that God is the Lord of life. He truly is the Blessed Controller of all things; He holds the power of resurrection and the keys to death. He grants kingdoms and dismantles nations with a word.

I am so glad our lives are in His hands. We do not depend upon governments to take care of us. We serve a bountiful, abundantly providential King who knows our needs and graciously delivers all who call upon Him.

The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed,

A stronghold in times of trouble;

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You,

For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Psalm 9:9-10

Book Giveaway, Day 3

Photo courtesy Erik Thorson copyright 2012

The dawn arose this morning with a yawn, unaware it was heralding in a momentous event. For those of us living in the United States of America, this is the day we select the team who will be leading this great country for another four years.

From sea to shining sea, America is voting.

Today I am thankful to live in such a country. Uncle Sam began over two hundred years ago as a radical experiment in the exercise of freedom and has risen to become the most powerful nation on earth.

As we go to the polls, we are keenly aware that our ship of state sails in stormy seas. In an hour such as this, we need leadership that is wise, decisive, and holy.

We need Jesus.

May He guide the hand of each voter, and may we support in prayer the leaders who are ushered into power today.

They'll need it.

(Be sure to leave a comment or "like" us on Facebook (SongInTheNight.net) to enter the book giveaway.)

Book Giveaway, Day 2

Today is day 2 of the book giveaway. Just leave a comment or "like" our Facebook page (SongInTheNight.net) to enter.

Children learn what they live.

And they live what they learn. Yesterday I had a vivid reminder of just how vital it is to show the generations following us how to grow their own faith. As we walk through our own struggles, we can never forget who is watching.

One of my granddaughters is a teenager. The other is perilously close to being one. The eldest is shouldering family burdens and a challenging grade level. The youngest has endured a series of frustrating health issues.

Neither one has turned to street drugs, alcohol, or the wrong crowd.

Both have turned to God for strength and comfort and victory over their very real trials. Both display a vibrant trust in their Savior.

So today my heart overflows with gratitude at seeing not only my children, but also my grandchildren turning to God when hardships enter their lives. Today I am thankful for a wonderful daughter and son-in-law who have given their daughters a living faith.

But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting

on those who fear Him,

And His righteousness to children's children....

Psalm 103:17

Book Giveaway 2012

Photo courtesy Erik Thorson copyright 2012

Yay, we did it! This weekend we passed 5000 followers on Twitter. This year I have spent a lot of time meeting people, praying for new friends, and sharing what God has done in our lives.

It's time to celebrate! For the month of November, I'll post one thing for which I'm thankful every day. Each one of you who posts a comment telling me what you're thankful for will be entered in a giveaway for a hardcover, signed copy of Song in the Night. Just one comment on any one of my posts will enter you.

If you have trouble posting on the site, just go to the Song in the Night Facebook (SongInTheNight.net) page and "like" us to enter the giveaway.

For two chances to win, leave a comment AND "like" us!

On December 1st, we'll draw two winning names.

Thanks so much for helping us to this milestone. Blessings!

Giving Thanks, November 4, 2012

Today I'm thankful for you. I have been moved to tears more than once this past year by the kindness of total strangers who have encouraged me and prayed for our family. I am constantly amazed at the capacity of humanity to care. 

In many ways, we live in a jaded world. But tenderness, compassion, and a hunger for righteousness are very much alive in the hearts of the Godseekers. 

No wonder He loves you so much! 

In every encouraging word you have spoken, in every Scripture you have shared, in every prayer you have lifted to heaven, you have been the heart and hands and feet of the Master. You may think no one sees the efforts you give in the behalf of a hurting world. 

I want you to know that I have noticed. More importantly, God knows. Nothing you do for Him is in vain.

In this season of giving thanks, I give my most heartfelt thanks to God for all that you are, and for all you will become.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all....

Philippians 1:3-4