INSTRUCTIONS: Be the 10th one to comment on this post with a note about something you "treasure," and you will win a free copy of the book Treasured!
If you don't win a copy of Treasured, you'll want one for your library anyway. And you can get one here. (BTW, this is a beautiful hardcover book that makes a great gift.)
The book opens as Leigh receives a sweet-smelling cigar box filled with her recently deceased's "Pepaw's" (grandfather's) worthless, but priceless treasures. Our hearts are moved as we progress through these pages to yearn and to hold on to the "treasures" that indicate God's matchless, relentless love for us. And they are easier to find than we might think. Usually in the ruins and the heartbreaks, the pain and the brokenness.
Quotes I treasure:
- "That's why death--any death, even one that arrives deep into old age and provides a blessed relief to sickness and pain--is always an affront, always a shock no matter how prepared for it we believe ourselves to be. Each of us has eternity infused into our souls beneath our bones and blood, and something in us knows it for a fact. We were made for never-ending, abundant life by a God who loves us and who went from heaven to earth and to hell and back to make sure we could have it." (p. 80)
- "My proclaiming is mostly done in small, specific ways these days. I tell friends without joking that I feel "called to small." I don't aspire to stadium events, or the top of the New York Times bestseller list. I don't necessarily have what some call the gift of evangelism, but there's nothing I'd rather talk or write about than Jesus. I'm not brave. I'm just in love." (p. 98)
- "When God wants to get our attention, He is not limited in the ways He can do so. He may speak through His Word...or His prophets or preachers or teachers. He may speak through creation--the very stuff of heaven and earth. Or He might speak strongly but inaudibly straight to the human heart. No matter how the message comes, it comes with utter authority. God may whisper at times--but He does not stutter." (p. 128)
Each new chapter reveals a new "treasure" that unveils a biblical story's promise: there's a fig leaf, Abraham's knife, a strip of bloodied cloth, a head of barley, and one smooth stone. The promises of Scripture will fly off the pages and into your heart. You'll want time for pondering, for embracing what God has to say to your heart.
And the personal reflection and group discussion guide at the end will make all of this--which might sound figurative at this point--real to you and your situation, to your heart. Although I've finished the book, I can't wait to go further in my personal devotional time to uncover "The God Who Covers Me," "The God of New Beginnings," "The God With a Bigger Plan," and "The God Who Speaks."
Leigh is right: Every treasure tells a story. And this story has your name on every line.
Find out more about Leigh McLeroy or subscribe to her free Wednesday devotional at LeighMcLeroy.com.
Best wishes on being the 10th person to post a comment about something you treasure.
It would have to be photo's and that "treasure" does tell a story every time their looked at. I love that they can instantaneously bring back so many memories and emotions. As if you are living in that instance all over again. Taking photo's is in my blood, I never had a chance. I am a third generation photo enthusiast, with a grandfather who traveled the world with his camera, parents who owned their own developing lab and grew up spending much of my life in front of the camera. My son is following in his Great Grandfather's footsteps, taking a year off of college next year to travel Europe with his camera. That's one trait I'm glad has continued on down through the generations. I currently have over 28,000 photo's on my computer and that doesn't even include the four "filled to the rim" tubs that hold the years captured prior to the digital camera:)
ReplyDeleteI treasure relationship!! John 10:10- The enemy comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Are we truly committed to those we love, fighting for them through prayer and service? Gal 5:14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Are we treating others as we would like to be treated? (Phil 2:3-4 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Protect your relationships as a treasure and gift from God, love with all your heart (2 Cor 13), and give thanks continually (especially when we don't feel like it!). Love which is under attack from the enemy can feel foolish and painful, but despite the risks we are created to love and be loved. Imagine this world full of hard hearts refusing the love of God and others...2 Tim 3:1-4 "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power." This is our enemy's goal and plan for love, but certainly not Gods! So commit this day whom (or what) you will love & serve, cherish & invest in your treasure, for our relationships (with God & others) are eternal my friends; everything else will perish!
ReplyDeleteI will post 8 more treasures, but they will be short and sweet :) I treasure laughter!
ReplyDeleteAlso treasure good books that inspire!
ReplyDeleteI treasure music!
ReplyDeletehave to admit... I also treasure God's great gift of good food! Can't wait for holiday goodies!
ReplyDeleteI treasure hearing God speak through soft rain falling!
ReplyDeleteI treasure Sundays... the day of rest! (The midday nap helps :)
ReplyDeleteMy friends and family are a treasure... I'm discovering that not everyone is blessed with these gifts so I'm holding them more dearly.
ReplyDeleteAnd finally..... I treasure Suzie's blog! Her wisdom, insight, and love for God are an inspiration :)
ReplyDelete