NEED SPIRITUAL SURROUND SOUND?

Janet Chester Bly at Oregon Beach

by Janet Chester Bly

Copyright 2008

When I need peace, I face the music. I pull out the CDs that pulsate with gentle wind, waves and seagull sounds, such as "Ocean Tides Interludes" by Steven Gruskin. I almost feel a crackling in my spine and spirit as my very sinews soothe.

Or I pluck up the full range of offerings by John Denver.

Or any Bill & Gloria Gaither recording will do.

Or I download a full orchestra without voices.

In that one way, I can call upon the healing benefits of peace any time I want. And so can you. What are your peace tunes?

If you were assaulted by noisy neighbors in a hotel room what songs would you play on your iPod or Walkman that would mask the intrusive clamor and help you fall asleep? What would bring quiet? Rest? Sweet relief? Once you've isolate your trove of tunes, record them back-to-back, so you can enjoy the best ones straight through for your peace break. I like to pull a couple here and there from each singer or group I enjoy.

Play them when pouring over your tax returns. Or dealing with your ex. Or trying to figure out a new computer. Or answering the phone for the umpteenth ring. Listen to them while doing housework or homework, commuting to your job, or raking leaves (pine needles in my neck of the woods). Orchestrate your own placid isle at the peak of your storms. The world in all its fury may remain, but the sharp points can be softened.

If you have means, hire your own live music. That's how King Saul tamed his inner beast. "Some of Saul's servants suggested a remedy. 'Let us find a good musician to play the harp for you whenever the tormenting spirit is bothering you. The harp music will quiet you, and you will soon be well again'" (1 Samuel 16:16 NIV).

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What's the music that washes peace over you every time you hear it?

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Get free article downloads, such as "31 Days To Win The Fight For Personal Peace," for yourself or your study group at the Bly Books website: http://www.BlyBooks.com

SIXTEEN HANDS MAKE A HERO

Stephen Bly with Sundance

On the Trail with Stephen Bly

Copyright©1993,2011

Before this spate of sickness hit me, at 6’2” and two hundred and plenty, I’d never been accused of being small. My size thirteen boots don’t fit in a cowboy world where the smaller the foot the better. When I was in the market for a horse, I chose big ones. When I climbed on some little Texas pony, my feet dragged the trail.

My last horse, Sundance, stood right at 16 hands. A hand equals 4 inches, measured from the ground to the top of a horse’s withers. So, my 16 hand horse stood about 64”.

I live up in the northern ranges where horses tend to be larger than those down on the southern plains. Men have been getting taller the past hundred years. So have their horses. Back in the Old West a 16 hand riding horse proved rare to find. . .and that’s as big as they got.

Cowboys used the term ‘a full sixteen hands’ to apply to hired hands and bosses, as well as horses. This became the supreme compliment of the range for a cowhand. That implied honesty, trustworthiness, reliability, as capable a worker who ever rode a western trail. Reputation signified a lot in a society where physical stature and looks didn’t rule. Strength of character and will made the strongest impressions.

That value has changed in our society. However, the Old West way is God’s viewpoint too: “People judge others by what they look like, but I judge people by what is in their hearts” (1 Samuel 16:7 CEV).

John Wayne

Some men and many women stand a full 16 hands. They might not look like bodybuilders or movie stars or Oscar nominees. . .or ride tall horses. . .but they live each day by God’s power, aware of their faults, committed to God’s gauge. They form the pillars of moral strength and courage in families, churches, and communities across the country, in their decisions and deeds.

They live among us…these 16 hand folks. They’re the real heroes. They’re the true winners.

Who are some of the 16-handers in your world?

TO BE RELEASED ANY DAY NOW:

Throw The Devil Off The Train

She escaped from her hometown to seek a new identity. He seeks revenge for his brother’s death … and desperately needs quiet and sleep. They collide on a cramped, noisy train. And something evil’s on board. Can they make peace long enough to throw the devil off the train?

Available through http://BlyBooks.com or http://amazon.com 

HOW DOES GOD COMMUNICATE?

Janet Chester Bly 

Copyright©1992,2010

God uses many means to let us know what we’re created to be and do, how He will accomplish His purpose through you and me. Here’s some samples from the Bible. . . . 

Sarah heard through an angel talking to her husband: she would bear a son in her old age. And she laughed. (Genesis 18:9-14)

Ruth was filled with a compelling love for her embittered mother-in-law. This commitment drove her to her place and to her true people. (Book of Ruth)

Hannah railed against her barren womb. She prayed long and hard for a baby.  God answered her cries with a special child who became a great leader of Israel. (1 Samuel 1 & 2)

God challenged Esther through her cousin, Mordecai. She was in the right place. At the right time. Now, she needed the courage to do the right thing. (Book of Esther)

God spoke to Mary through a startling announcement from the Angel Gabriel. With a very awkward complication attached. Mary said “yes!” anyway. (Luke 1:26-56)

But dramatic, historic episodes like these are not requisites for hearing God’s voice or knowing what He wants you to do. Begin with who you are. Where you are. Whatever you’re doing.

1) Commit your day to God.

2) Seek His advice on every decision.

3) Do the simplest duties in His Name, in a manner to please Him.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17 NIV).

In God’s eyes, that’s as important as producing famous offspring. . .or saving a race from extermination. Although ordinary obedience can lead to extraordinary feats.

“There is no such thing as Christian work,” says Elisabeth Elliot. “That is, there is no work in the world which is, in and of itself, Christian. Christian work is any kind of work, from cleaning a sewer to preaching a sermon, that is done by a Christian and offered to God.”

(from “Discipline of Work,” Discipline, the Glad Surrender)

In what ways has God spoken to you?
 

Managing Your Restless Search

Adapted from Managing Your Restless Search

Available at http://BlyBooks.com/store.htm

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