Words Can Build You Up by Diana Flegal

This past Saturday, the day before Mothers Day, Hartline client and dear friend Margie Houmes was killed in a head on collision. Margie was a woman that impacted every one she met. Her passion was tangible. No one could resist her joy or deny her vibrant faith was very real to her. She made us all hungry for the same. Her prayers brought down heaven and I was changed by them.

Margie was a writer. Her bible study on Ruth is right now sitting on several publishers virtual desks. Knowing others were interested in what she had to say made her happy.  

A popular song sung by Hawk Nelson came to mind when I was thinking about Margie this morning. It is a song about the importance of our words. It goes, “words can build you up, words can break you down”. (Please listen to the youtube here).

Margie lived to encourage and her words “lifted us to places we’ve never been”.

I struggled to write a tribute for her. Then I decided to use a few of her words.

Margie shared with so many:

When dreams die …unimaginable restoration is still on the horizon.

Margie listened to everyone’s story and then offered this when some asked:

            Is there a way out? Can good things—or a good life-- ever come my way? The answer is a resounding yes. There is hope... the same God who restored Ruth and Naomi has made a way—for you!  

Her mission was to help women learn their value and worth through a revelation of God’s kindness - knowing His devotion to exalt them would liberate women to make godly choices and walk into their destiny.

Last week Margie sent me a powerful prayer. Here is just a portion of it:  

Dear Diana,

I have really had you on my heart...even during the night. The Lord will finish what He began. … Do not lose heart, only look to Jesus. … That is all you need to do...look at Jesus...at His goodness...at His faithfulness. He is wonderful. He loves you. He loves your son.

I love you,

Margie

I am just one of the many blessed by her encouraging life. She will be missed but what an example of how to live out our faith. Let’s all step up and speak life to those we meet as Margie did. Our words have power. And life is fleeting.

Thank you for keeping her family and friends in your prayers. She is sorely missed.

A Word Fitly Spoken or Written by Diana L. Flegal

Many of us have heard or read something that redirected the steps of our lives. We were perfectly positioned for a word in season. It is usually when we have exhausted all our effort, say 'uncle' and allow God to speak.


God delights in orchestrating our lives. Similar to the conductor of an orchestra, who gathers many skilled musicians and brings them into a harmonious tune, He gathers us together for the purpose of drawing out of us the skills we posses, for the glory of His name.


 I am a curious seeker of truth. Throughout my life, words I have heard or read have redirected my life's path.


A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs 25:11


A small word, like a rudder can steer a huge ship or can change the course of our lives. Might that be why God cautions us to let our words be few, and seasoned with salt? (a little salt goes a long way in bringing out the best)


I have read nonfiction and fiction titles and received encouragement. Sometimes the word on a coffee mug sent to me by a friend or coming across a quote I wrote down a long while back, is just what I need to be reminded of. Receiving a note in the mail from a friend saying simply, I was thinking of you today.


Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21


Chose wisely what you say and write; socially and in your WIP. (Work in progress).


Short or long, speak and write life.

The Power of the Right Word Delivered at the Right Time by Diana Flegal

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pitchers of silver". Proverbs 25:11

While I am a fan of many fiction authors and read my fair share of fiction titles, of late it has been the nonfiction titles that have been a cup of cold water, refreshing my weary soul.

Two books that have impacted me most recently are: Hinds Feet in High Places by Hannah Hurnard and The Sweet Side of Suffering by Esther M. Lovejoy.

I had attempted to read Hind's Feet in college years ago. Everyone was buzzing about it. But I didn't 'get it' then. After suffering consecutive years of large loss, and getting to a fairly healthy place, an onion layer was peeled back and at the advice of several mentors, I picked it up.

It wrecked me. Put me on the operating table and asked me some tough questions all the while blanketing me with incredible Fatherly love. Have you had to hold the hands of sorrow and suffering? Seems so many I know have, and are.

The second book, The Sweet Side of Suffering, I am using each morning in my devotions. This book is one I represented and we sold to Discovery House publishers. Of course I had read it- several years ago. Recently I took it off my shelf thinking I might send it to a friend going through a tough time. The Holy Spirit nudged me to read it for myself. It has been a lot of my undoing, but I voluntarily reach for it each morning- wanting to press forward and learn all I can from this present season of suffering.

I share this excerpt here from page 104-105:

So often in our suffering we face situations for which we truly need an Almighty God. We face problems that are way beyond the scope of human help. We face needs that can't be met by even the most loving friend. We need a powerful and mighty God that can do the impossible. ... A. B. Simpson, a great man of God from the 19th century, said that God "is able to do for us all that we need a God for." Suffering makes us keenly aware of that need as it pushes us way beyond our finite limitations. We realize what little might we have as we face the giants of adversity, often feeling overwhelmed and drained. We are not almighty, and we find that there is much that "we need a God for".  

Truth plus comfort. Powerful life giving words. This book is in it's third printing. No surprise, it's words resonate with many.

The cool thing though, is that God used me to get a book into print desiring to help others, and turns around and offers me it's treasures just when I am needing it  #onlyGod :-)

What nonfiction title have you read recently that has encouraged you, come along side and cheered you on? Please share it with us.

And you nonfiction authors- press on despite not having that stellar platform. Write  the words God is impressing upon your heart. In His time they will be life to the bones of some weary traveler.