Only Six More Days!

 Are you ready for The Escape? Only SIX more days!

US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are thrust into a high-profile case when they are called on to transport two prisoners across the country on a private plane. But when the plane experiences engine trouble en route from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado, the pilots crash-land the aircraft deep in the heart of the sprawling Salmon-Challis National Forest. 

When Madison and Jonas regain consciousness, they find both pilots and one prisoner dead--and one fugitive on the run. They'll have to negotiate the rugged and remote backcountry through Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado while tracking a murderer who is desperate to disappear--and will do anything to stop them.

This high-octane game of cat-and-mouse from bestselling and award-winning author Lisa Harris will have your heart pumping as you try to catch a fugitive with nothing to lose.

Grab your copy today!!

USA Today Bestseller!

We made it!!!! Dangerous Deceptions is #81 on the USA Today Bestseller list for this week!! A huge thank you to all of you who bought our box set. We are truly grateful and very aware that without readers like you, none of this would be possible. 

If you haven't got your copy, it's still only .99 cents for EIGHT ebooks! Grab it here today!

Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #5

 UPDATE: THANKS SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO JOINED IN ON THE HUNT! HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT TIME, MET SOME NEW AUTHORS, AND CAME AWAY WITH SOME GREAT NEW BOOKS TO READ. HAPPY READING!

CONGRATS TO AUDREY. I'LL BE SENDING YOU THE ASPEN ORNAMENT!

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all the stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!

• The hunt BEGINS on 10/15 at noon MST with Stop #1 at LisaTawnBergren.com. 

• Hunt through our loop using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (not Explorer).

• There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt—you have all weekend (until Sunday, 10/18 at midnight MST)! So take your time, reading the unique posts along the way; our hope is that you discover new authors/new books and learn new things about them.

• Submit your entry for the grand prizes by collecting the CLUE on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at the final stop, back on Lisa Bergren’s site. Many authors are offering additional prizes along the way!

  I'm so excited you're here! My name is Lisa Harris and I write both romantic suspense and medical thrillers. My family and I have lived in southern Africa for the past two decades as missionaries, but are temporarily in the states due to corona travel restrictions. Thankfully, I can write anywhere! Being back in the states has had a few blessings, including being closer to family during this time. Since we're talking books on this hunt, let me tell you a little bit about my latest novel, a contemporary romantic suspense, The Escape.

  
  US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are thrust into a high-profile case when they are called on to transport two prisoners across the country on a private plane. But when the plane experiences engine trouble en route from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado, the pilots crash-land the aircraft deep in the heart of the sprawling Salmon-Challis National Forest. When Madison and Jonas regain consciousness, they find both pilots and one prisoner dead--and one fugitive on the run. They'll have to negotiate the rugged and remote backcountry through Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado while tracking a murderer who is desperate to disappear--and will do anything to stop them. 

  
  

  
  

  Research and the California Zephyr

  One of the things I really enjoyed about writing this book was the research. When I was seven years old, I took my first train trip up the west coast from California to Washington State. I remember noticing how the cars driving parallel to us on the freeway were speeding past us, but despite the long hours it took to get to our destination, the trip sparked an interest in me to travel.  

  
  In my next release, The Escape, two US Marshals are thrust into the middle of a dangerous fugitive hunt. The story starts off in the Pacific Northwest where I grew up, then moves quickly from Idaho to Texas in a cross-country chase. I’m always looking for unique settings for my stories, and the California Zephyr fit perfect into my story. The iconic train makes a daily trip between San Francisco and Chicago every day and travels just over 2400 miles as it passes through the Sierra Nevadas, the Rockies and Colorado’s canyons, the plains of Nebraska, and across the mighty Mississippi. There are glass domes for sightseeing, to ensure passengers don’t miss any of the incredible scenery. 

             

  
  While visiting my in-laws last year, they took my husband and me out for breakfast at the train station in Colorado where the California Zephyr stops every morning. They had taken several trips to California on the train, but except for the You Tube videos I’d studied, this was my first glimpse of the train. As soon as it pulled into the station, I left my breakfast sitting on the table and hurried outside to snap a few photos before it headed onto its next stop. Adding a legendary steamliner like the California Zephyr to a story takes extra time and research, but it’s worth the effort to create the added layers to adrenaline-fueled fiction!

Here’s the Stop #5 Basics:

If you’re interested, you can order The Escape on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD or at your local bookstore! 

Clue to Write Down: and other

Link to Stop #6, the Next Stop on the Loop: Angela Hunt's site! 

But wait! Before you go, I’m offering an additional prize—a beautiful gold aspen leaf Christmas ornament! All you have to do is sign up to get my e-newsletter (under my photo on the right) and let me know that you have signed up or that you are already a subscriber in the comments. (USA only) If you are live outside the United States and your name is drawn, you will be offered an ebook of mine of your choice. Winner will be announced on the 20th, with a same end date as the scavenger hunt. Please leave a way for me to contact you.

Happy Hunting!!

Lisa Harris

Sneak Peek from The Escape: Chapter One

 The Escape releases one month from today! Ready for a sneak peek from chapter one of this brand new series!!

Chapter One from THE ESCAPE

There is a razor-thin edge between justice and revenge, where the two easily blur if left unchecked. Five years after her husband’s murder, Madison James was still trying to discover which side of the line she was on—though maybe it didn’t matter anymore. Nothing she did was going to bring Luke back.

Her pulse raced as she sprinted the final dozen yards of her morning run, needing the release of endorphins to pick up her mood and get her through the day. At least she had the weather on her side. After weeks of spring rains, typical for the Pacific Northwest, the sun was finally out, showing off blue skies and a stunning view of Mount Rainier in the distance. Spring had also brought with it the bright yellow blooms of the Oregon grape shrubs, planted widely throughout Seattle, along with colorful wild currants.

You couldn’t buy that kind of therapy.

Nearing the end of the trail, she slowed down and grabbed her water bottle out of her waist pack. Seconds later, her sister, Danielle, stopped beside her and leaned over, hands on her thighs, as she caught her breath.

“Not bad for your second week back on the trail,” Madison said, capping her bottle and putting it back in her pack. She stretched out one of her calves. “It won’t be long before you’re back up to your old distances.”

“I don’t know. I’m starting to think it’s going to take more than running three times a week to work off these pounds.” Danielle let out a low laugh. “Does chasing a toddler around the house, planning my six-year-old’s birthday, hosting our father for a few days, and pacing the floor with a colicky baby count as exercise?”

“That absolutely all counts.” Madison stretched the other side. “And as for the extra weight, that baby of yours is worth every pound you gained. Besides, you still look terrific.”

Danielle chuckled, pulling out her water bottle and taking a swig. “If this is looking terrific, I can’t imagine what a good night’s sleep would do.”

“You’ll get back to your old self in a few weeks."

“That’s what Ethan keeps telling me.”

Madison stopped stretching and put her hands on her hips.

“Honestly, I don’t know how you do it all. You’re Superwoman, as far as I’m concerned.”

Danielle laughed. “Yep, if you consider changing diapers and making homemade playdough superpowers. You, on the other hand, actually save lives every day.”

“You’re raising the next generation.” Madison caught her sister’s gaze. “Never take lightly the importance of being a mom. And you’re one of the best.”

“How do you always know what to say?” Danielle dropped her water bottle back into its pouch. “But what about you? Youhaven’t mentioned Luke yet today.”

Madison frowned. She knew her sister would bring him up eventually. “That was on purpose. Today I’m celebrating your getting back into shape and the stunning weather. I have no intention of spending the day feeling sorry for myself.”

Danielle didn’t look convinced. “That’s fine. Just make sure you’re not burying your feelings, Maddie.”

“I’m not. Trust me.” Madison hesitated, hoping her attempt to sound sincere rang true. “Between grief counseling and support from people like my amazing sister, I’m a different person today. And I should be. It’s been five years.”

“Despite what they say, time doesn’t heal all wounds.”

Madison blinked back the memories. Five years ago today, two officers had been waiting for her when she got home to tellher that they were sorry but her husband had been shot and pronounced dead at the scene. They’d never found his killer, and life after that moment had never been the same.

Madison shook her head, blocking out the memories for the moment. She started walking toward the parking lot where they’d left their cars. She’d heard every cliché there was about healing and quickly learned to dismiss most of them. Her healing journey couldn’t be wrapped up in a box or mapped out with a formula. Loss changed everything and there was no way around it. There was no road map to follow that led you directly out of the desert.

“Did you go to the gravesite today?” Danielle asked, matching Madison’s pace.

“Not yet.”

She slowed her pace slightly. Every year on the anniversary of Luke’s death, she’d taken flowers to his grave. But for some reason, she hadn’t planned to go this year. And she wasn’t even sure why. She’d been told how grief tended to evolve. The hours and days after Luke’s death had left her paralyzed and barely functioning, until one day, she woke up and realized time had continued on and somehow, so had she. She wasn’t done grieving or processing the loss—maybe she never would be completely—but she’d managed to make peace with her new life.

Most days, anyway.

“You know I’m happy to go with you,” Danielle said.

“I know, but I’ll be fine. I’ll go later today.”

Danielle had been the protective older sister for as long as she remembered.

Her sister took another sip of her water and stared off into the distance. “Want to head up on the observation deck? The view of Mt. Rainier should be stunning today.”

“I need to get back early, but there is something I’ve been needing to talk to you about.”

“Of course.”

Madison hesitated, worried she was going to lose her nerve if she didn’t tell her sister now. “I’ve been doing a lot of soul- searching lately, and I feel like there are some things I need to do in order to move on with my life.”

“Okay.” Danielle cocked her head to the side, hands on her hips. “That’s great, though I’m not sure what it means.”

Madison hesitated. “I’ve asked for a transfer.”

Danielle took a step back. “Wait a minute. A transfer? To where?”

Madison started walking again. “Just down to the US Mar- shals district office in Portland. Maybe it sounds crazy, but I’vebeen feeling restless for a while. I think it’s time for a fresh start. And I’ll be closer to Dad.”

“Maddie”—Danielle caught her arm—“you don’t have to move away to get a fresh start. And there are plenty of other options besides your moving. The most logical one being that we can move Dad up here. I’ll help you look for a place for him like we talked about, and we’ll be able to take care of him together—”

Madison shook her head. “He’ll never agree to move. You know how stubborn he is, besides—he visits Mama’s grave every day. How can we take that away from him? It’s his last connection to her.”

“He needs to be here. You need to be here.”

Madison hesitated, wishing now that she hadn’t brought it up. “Even if Daddy wasn’t in the equation, I need to do this for me. It’s been five years. I need to move on. And for me that means finally selling the house and starting over. I’ve been dragging my feet for too long.”

“I’m all for moving on, but why can’t you do that right here? Buy another house in a different suburb, or a loft downtown if you want to be closer to work. Seattle’s full of options.”

Madison’s jaw tensed, but she wasn’t ready to back down. “I need to do this. And I need you to support me.”

“I get that, but what if I need you here? I know that’s selfish, but I want my girls to know their aunt. I want to be able to meet you for lunch when you’re free, or go shopping, or—”

“It’s a three-hour drive. I can come up for birthdays and holidays and—”

“With all your time off.” Danielle shook her head. “I know your intentions are good, but I’d be lucky to get you up here once a year.”

“You’re wrong.” Madison fought back with her own objec- tions. “I’m not running away. I’m just starting over.”

Danielle’s hands dropped to her sides in defeat. “Just promise me you won’t do anything rash.”

“I won’t. I’ve just been doing some research.”

Danielle glanced at her watch. “I hate to cut things off here, but I really do need to get back home. I didn’t know it was so late. Come over for dinner tonight. I’m getting Chinese take-out. We can talk about it more. Besides, you don’t need to be alone today. I’m sure the anniversary of Luke’s death is part of what’s triggered this need to move.”

Madison frowned, though her sister’s words hit their target. “You know I love you, but I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Isn’t it enough that I love your company?” Danielle asked. “I was going to spend a quiet night at home.”

“Maddie—”

“I might be your little sister, but I’m not so little anymore.

Stop worrying. I’m good. I promise. I just need a change. And I need you to support my decision.”

“Fine. You know I will, even though I will continue to try and change your mind. We could go house hunting together. In fact, remember that cute house we walked through that’s for sale a couple blocks from my house? It would be perfect—”

“Enough.” She reached out and squeezed Danielle’s hand. “Whatever happens, I promise I’ll still come up for the fall marathon, so I can beat you again—”

“What? I beat you by a full minute and a half last year.”

Madison shoved her earbuds in her ears and jogged away. “What? I can’t hear you.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She flashed her sister a smile, then sprinted toward the park- ing lot. She breathed in a lungful of air. Memories flickered in the background no matter how much she tried to shove them down.

For her it had been love at first sight. She’d met Luke in the ER when she went in with kidney stones. He was the handsome doctor she couldn’t keep her eyes off. Ten months later they married and spent their honeymoon on Vancouver Island, holing up in a private beach house with a view of the ocean. As an ER doc and a police officer, their biggest marital problem had been schedules that always worked against them. They’d fought for the same days off so they could go hiking together. And when they managed to score an extra couple of days, they’d rent a cabin in Lakebay or Greenbank and ditch the world for forty-eight hours.

Their marriage hadn’t been perfect, but it had been good because they’d both meant the part about for better or worse.They plowed through rough patches, learned to communicate well, and never went to bed angry. Somehow it had worked.

When they started thinking about having a family, she’d decided that she’d pursue teaching criminal justice instead of chasing down criminals after the first baby was born so she could have a regular schedule and not put her life in danger on a daily basis. And Luke looked for opportunities to work regular hours.

But there’d never been a baby. Instead, in one fatal moment, everything they planned changed forever.

Madison’s heart pounded as she ran across the parking lot, trying to outrun the memories. Five years might not be enoughtime to escape the past, but it was time to try making new memories.

Tomorrow, she was going to call a Realtor.

She was breathing hard when she made it back to her car. She clicked on the fob, then slid into the front seat for the ten- minute drive back to the house she and Luke had bought. It was one of the reasons why she’d decided to move. The starter home had become a labor of love as they’d taken the plunge and moved out of their apartment to become homeowners. A year later, they’d remodeled the kitchen and master bath, finished the basement, and added a wooden deck outside. Everything had seemed perfect. And now, while moving out of state might not fix everything, it felt like the next, needed step of moving forward with life.

Inside the house, she dropped her keys onto the kitchen counter and looked around the room. She’d made a few changes over the years. Fresh paint in the dining room. New pillows on the couch. But it still wasn’t enough.

No. She was making the right decision.

She started toward the hallway, then stopped. Something seemed off. The air conditioner clicked on. She reached up to straighten a photo of Mount St. Helens that Luke had taken. She was being paranoid. The doors were locked. No one had followed her home. No one was watching her. It was just her imagination.

She shook off the feeling, walked down to her bedroom, and froze in the doorway as shock coursed through her.

There. On her comforter was one black rose, just like she’d found every year at her husband’s grave on the anniversary of his death. But this time, it was in her room. In her house. Her heart pounded inside her chest. Five years after her husband’s death she still had no solid leads on who killed him or who sent the flower every year. If it was the same person, they knew how to stay in the shadows and not get caught. But why? It was the question she’d never been able to answer.

She’d accepted Luke’s death and had slowly begun to heal, but this this was different. Whatever started five years ago wasn’t over.

The Escape by Lisa Harris © 2020.
Used by permission of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Where are you God?: A Crown, a Shepherd Boy, and a Handful of Torches

From 2008:

I don’t know about you, but as a writer, I have found that my character’s spiritual journey often mirrors things that are happening in my own life. 

In Blood Covenant, the main character, Paige, feels far to small for the task God is calling her to do—something I can certainly relate to at times. Throughout the course of the book, she comes to the realization that if she is going to survive, she will have to admit her weaknesses and fears and rely completely on God’s strength.

Paul has some powerful words in II Corinthians 12:9-10 that have to do with our weaknesses.

“…he said to me. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me…For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (NIV)

Paul is telling us that it is through our weaknesses that we are made strong because of Christ’s power. I don’t know about you, but those words sound pretty incredible to me. And there’s more. At the greatest moment of weakness, according to the world’s point of view, Christ’s death on the cross brought victory, allowing God to enter into a relationship with us through that sacrifice. He loves us that much.

Still thinking you’re too small? Think again. 

Today, we're facing things we've never had to think about before. Our world looks different than it did just a few short months ago. And in the middle of the crisis, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, weak, and lost. 

There are numerous examples in the Bible of men and women who God called to serve Him in an extraordinary way through His power. Gideon was victorious with only three hundred men, a handful of trumpets, jars, and torches. Esther became queen in order to save her people from the threat of death, David was a shepherd boy who became king of a nation, and the list goes on and on. 

So what does that have to do with you?

God calls us in the middle of our ordinary, run-of-the-mill, take-out-the-trash-and drive-the-kids-to-school routine. So stop and ask yourself this one question. How do you see God calling you to make a difference in your world?

You might feel inadequate to follow God’s call as a writer, a parent, student, or whatever your situation might be, but never forget that the God who created the universe loves you and wants to be your strength. He’s the one who will give you the strength to do what He has called you to do.

Be blessed today!

Lisa Harris

Behind the scenes of Port of Origin

Lynne and I recently took some time to chat about Port of Origin and what's it's been like to write a book about a pandemic and then experience one in real life!

Where are you God?: The Beauty in Sacrifice

New mother with twins

One of the things the ECHO Project has been doing over the past few years is identifying those who are struggling physically. Often this means a grandmother who is raising her children, or a young mother with twins who can't provide enough milk.

We've also seen the sacrifice a number of women in particular who have taken on additional mouths to feed even out of their own poverty. They bring in the orphaned, those sick with HIV/AID, and the homeless and care for them in their homes.

This is the beauty in sacrifice.

They are not giving not out of their excess, but in spite of their own needs. And in that they show Christ's love.

It reminds me when Jesus was watching people give to the treasury. The rich threw in large amounts, but it was a poor widow who caught Jesus' attention. She put in two very small copper coins that were only worth a few cents. And yet Jesus said she put in more than all the others. They had given out of their wealth. It didn't hurt them to give, or make them uncomfortable financially.

But the poor widow put in everything she had to live on.

Today we are faced with a worldwide pandemic and Jesus is calling us to be different.

Not just to say we were following him, but to truly live each day as a beautiful sacrifice. That is why these are the women who challenge me everyday. They challenge me to get out of my comfort zone and not to just give of myself when it's easy. But when it's uncomfortable, which it hurts, and when I have to sacrifice my own needs to minister to those around me.

Because that is how He calls us to live.

Lisa

Where are you God?: Endurance

If you’ve ever thought that God doesn’t know you, or doesn't have a plan for your life, think again. Even in the midst of the chaos around us He has a plan for you.

Learning to open our hearts to God’s will can be difficult, but as we learn to persevere through life and let trials strengthen our faith, we will be able to find intimacy with God.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
                               ~II Corinthians 12:9-10

Be encouraged today, for He is faithful!

Lisa

Where are you God?: Expectations

From July 27, 2012

How often are expectations are the source of our discontentedness?  

We expect things from our family, spouse, children, employers, employees, and friends. When they fall short of our expectations, we react.

We get upset at our children because of unreached expectations.

We divorce over unmet expectations.

Employees are fired over unmet expectations.

Relationships are strained or broken through expectations not met.

Expectations can be realistic, unreasonable, or even false.

Sometimes we fail without even knowing we’re not meeting expectations.

And now, we are facing even more loss. Graduations and trips are cancelled. We're stuck inside, worried and anxious about tomorrow.

Sometimes we have to raise our expectations. 

Sometimes we have to be patient with our expectations. 

Sometimes we have to change our expectations.

 

David, in the book of Psalms, tells us to 'Wait and hope and expect the Lord.' (Ps 27:14)

When all else fails and expectations around us are not met, He will never fail us.

When disappointment reigns, He is still there.

When we are afraid, He is there.

Wait and hope and expect the Lord.

Be encouraged today.

Lisa

Where are you God?: Is doing the impossible, possible?

From December 13, 2012:

I wanted to weep this morning when I finally met him for the first time, we will call him Mike. He smiled up at me with those big brown eyes, a little shy and timid. His parents have died. He doesn’t know how old he is, we guess about 8. His stomach is still swollen from being sick.

The sores he had on his body a few weeks ago are healing from gifts of soap and food, but as I looked at him, I wondered about his heart. Does he feel loved? Does he feel scared at night? Does he feel alone?

Yesterday, the hospital diagnosed him HIV+. I’m not sure he understands what that means, but for one so young, who has been through so much, the road ahead is going to be hard.

And he isn’t the only one. The hospital asked us to help them follow up on those they are trying to work with in the villages, actually pages worth of names. There are many more who are dying. So many who feel lost and alone. They need to know that they are loved. That they aren’t alone. That there is One who created them and loves them.

But it still seems completely overwhelming to me. My mind spins as I try to figure out where to start? Can I really do anything to help?

My youngest and I are reading J. Hudson Taylor’s autobiography. Taylor was one of the first missionaries in to China many, many years ago. As we read together, I find that his story is convicting me over and over. His faith. His prayer life. His passion. His love and faith amazes and humbles me.

“All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them.” J. Hudson Taylor

It’s not a new idea, but for me it is still profound. I’ve thought about it many times when what I see around me seems impossible. It makes me encouraged to realize that I don’t always have to be strong. I don’t have to have all the answers. All I have to do is listen and follow His call.

Even when it seems impossible.

“There are three stages to every great work of God; first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.” J. Hudson Taylor

What I see here might seem challenging, but isn’t unique to this part of the world. You don’t have to look far to see people who are hurting. It’s come to the point to where I don’t want to check out the news anymore. There is so much hate, anger, hopelessness, and evil in our world.   

Maybe you are the one who is hurting. Maybe you feel unloved, scared at night, and alone with no answers. We might live in a fallen world, but there is hope.

Which means we as a church must move out of our comfort zone and make a difference. Give even when it hurts. Love the unloveable. Give hope to the hopeless. Share Christ’s message of life.

“I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize that He is able to carry out His will for me. It does not matter where He places me, or how. That is for Him to consider, not me, for in the easiest positions He will give me grace, and in the most difficult ones His grace is sufficient.” J. Hudson Taylor

Paul said it this way in II Corinthians 4:17. “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Be a blessing today,

Lisa Harris

Where are you God?: Nine Ways to Kiss Stress Good-bye

From June 23, 2012:

The last few months have been exceptionally hectic for our family. Between homeschooling, ministry, building a house, short-term mission groups, writing, and life in general, I sometimes find myself feeling that all I do is run from early morning to late at night.

As I grow older, I've noticed that it is essential to find both quiet and balance in all the chaos. Especially when my 'jobs' are never ending. For example, as a writer, between writing, brainstorming, editing, and marketing, and social networking my job is never finished. And that is just one segment of my life! 

Today we are looking at a whole new layer of stress and anxiety that we have never had to face before. I hope you can find something here that will help you! 

Learn To Say No: Michael Hyatt recently had a blog post dealing with the importance of saying no. We can only do so many things in a day, and as hard as it might be, sometimes we have to say no.

Delegate: Are your kids old enough to take on extra responsibilities around the house? Can you call on a friend to help you out on a project? It’s easy to want to keep that control and do it all ourselves, but there is also a blessing in having others pitch in and help.

Exercise: I always see a difference in the way I feel when I stick to my exercise routine. I feel better, I’m healthier, and more relaxed. Exercise can improve so many aspects of our lives both mentally and physically by improving our mood, combatting disease, and boosting our energy.

Positive Self-talk: I’ve been amazed at how many time the Bible talks about the importance of our thoughts. Paul says in Philippians 4:8 that we should be thinking about things that are true, pure, and lovely. He also says in 2 Corinthians 19:5 to take captive every captive and make it obedient to Christ.

Keep in Tune with the Spirit: In connection with positive self-talk, it is important to look at what are we filling our minds with? If we are filling our minds with constant negativity from the media and television, it’s hard to be in tune with the Holy Spirit and his active roll in our lives.

Remember You’re not Superwoman or Superman: (And you don't have to be.) It’s so easy to compare ourselves with others, and believe that we have to do it all ourselves. We look at others around us and feel as if we fall short when we can't keep up. Putting reasonable expectations on ourselves is essential to cutting out stress. 

Prioritize: Have you ever heard the old expression, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." It means that when you are facing an overwhelming situation that feels too big to handle, you need to take a deep breath and don't panic. My own kids, for example, start to panic when they find out they have to write a research paper, until I tell them not to focus on the overall goal, but instead the mini-steps they will take to get there. Break things down into small pieces. One thing at a time. One day at a time. It really does make a difference.

Laugh more: I have some good friends who send me links to funny You Tube videos because they know how important laughter is. The saying is true that laughter is the best medicine!

1    What about you? I’d love to hear your ideas of what helps you handle stress, especially today. 

          Lisa

Good Friday

We can have hope because He has overcome the world.



THE WORST MOMENT IN HISTORY from The John 10:10 Project on Vimeo.

Where are you God?: Is God really in control?

 From October, 2012                                                      

The last couple of weeks have been tough. For those of you who haven't heard, two weeks ago our teammates' three-year-old son was life-flighted to South Africa after an accident that resulted in a serious head injury. After a week in ICU, he passed away last Wednesday morning. Today was the memorial service in South Africa. In many ways, it’s still hard to believe sweet little Reiner is gone. And sometimes it’s hard to understand why God didn't save him. 

It’s reminded me of a time in my own life when I asked so many of the same questions. Many years ago, after struggling with infertility, I got pregnant, but had a miscarriage and lost our baby. While I can't even begin to compare that loss with Reiner's death, I remember clearly the depression and panic attacks that followed. God seemed so far away. I remember crying out to Him. I remember being angry and frustrated, wondering why He’d allowed this to happen. Doesn’t the Bible say "ask and it will be given to you?" (Matthew 7:6)

I knew of God’s promise of rest to the weary and peace for the soul in need, but God instead became a distant figure who had left me to deal with my own humanity and confusion.

A friend came to me one day and challenged me to dig deeply into the word of God to discover for myself who God is and to develop an intimate relationship with Him. I was forced to answer one challenging question: Did I believe God was in control of everything, including my own life? If He wasn’t, there would be no reason for me to continue to follow Him. If He was in control, then I needed to let go and trust Him completely with my life. 

Healing takes time, and the road wasn’t easy, but I learned that with His power we can overcome our grief and doubts and begin to live a life filled with His spirit. He has promised to be our strength when we are weak, to give us hope when we are hopeless, and to love us when we feel unlovable. It’s never relying on our own strength to get us through difficult times, but leaning on the mighty arm of God and being continuously filled with His Spirit. Isaiah 41:10 tells us not to fear, because “I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

I Peter 4:12 tells us not to be surprised at the painful trials we are suffering. But through Christ and the workings of His Spirit, the void can be filled. James tells us that we are blessed when we persevere under trial, because if we love him, we will receive a crown of life. (James 1:12) With God as our strength and heaven as our goal, the journey is worth it.

Be blessed today,

Lisa

Where are you God?: Finding Hope

From March 30, 2010

I've been amazed at the number of comments I've received from people who have been struck by the fact that slavery is still an issue today after reading my books, and how they have been disturbed by its implications. Today, I received an email that said:

"When I first began reading (Blood Ransom) I was so intense it riled up in my sense of indignation against injustices, so I had to pray..."

What I've always wanted my readers to see, though, is that despite the horrors that are taking place around the world, there is hope. As we move into Easter weekend, much of the world is focused on what Christ did on the cross. He came to set us free both physically and spiritually.

Revelation 5:9 says, "And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

What a powerful verse. What a powerful God.

Today, I wanted to share a letter I wrote to my readers. Parts of this I've already shared, but here's the entire letter. I hope you will be encouraged and inspired.

~~~~~~

Dear Reader,

Have you ever noticed how God often uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things? In writing Blood Ransom, I wanted my heroes and heroines to be ordinary people, faced with extraordinary circumstances. Chad and Natalie’s lives were changed not only through the challenges they faced, but also through their reliance on God. And when they set off on their journey to the capital to save Joseph’s family, they never imagined that God would call them to a task that was beyond the scope of their own power.


But while this story is fictional, the issue of a modern day slave trade is very real. It is estimated that there are currently more than 27 million slaves on the world today from Africa, to Eastern Europe … to the United States of America. The fact is, we don’t have to travel around the world to see people hurting and exploited. They’re real people we pass every day, living in our neighborhoods, and attending our churches and schools. They’re empty and broken, searching for freedom and hope in an often hopeless world.

Today, our world is facing yet another enemy, COVID-19. This time it is one we can't see, but people around us are scared and anxious and needing hope.

But what can we do?

Maybe you feel the same as I often do. God I’m too small and inadequate to do what You’re calling me to do! But Paul says that it is through our weaknesses that we are made strong because of Christ’s power. And how through His sacrifice, at the greatest moment of weakness from the world’s point of view, Christ’s death on the cross brought victory as He ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Have you noticed that the Bible is filled with inadequate people? When God called Gideon, Gideon’s response was that not only was his clan the weakest in his tribe, but that he was the least in his family! God proceeded to lead Gideon to victory with only three hundred men, some trumpets, jars, and torches. David was a shepherd who became the king of a nation. Rahab was a prostitute, yet because she feared God, she not only saved Israel’s spies, but she became a part of the linage of Jesus. They were ordinary people, who God used to do extraordinary things with His power!

Do you remember what Esther’s uncle told her when faced with the possible sentence of death for her and her people? “Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

I truly believe that we’ve all been placed here for such a time as this.

The Bible says in Acts 17:26, “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” (NIV)

That means you!

In the middle of your ordinary, run-of-the-mill, take-out-the-trash and drive-the-kids-to-school routine, you’ve been called by God for this time. For this moment. Wow!

And yes, even in the middle of a not so ordinary pandemic!

So what does all of this have to do with you and me right now? One person at a time, we can make a difference in the world through His power. It starts with each one of us, wherever we are, letting God take us on that amazing journey He’s prepared for us.

Hebrews 10: 24 says, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

Why?

Because of what Christ did for us on the cross. It is there, and only there, that we can find hope.

Be blessed today,

Lisa

Where are you God?: Embracing the unexpected on Palm Sunday

From December 22, 2009:

You might be surprised to know that I don’t like surprises and love a strict routine. Life on the mission field, though, has forced me to bend, grow, and become flexible.

At least I try.

When Scott called me earlier today and told me the car still wasn’t ready as promised, I struggled not to cry. As we’ve waited in South Africa, the kids have been counting down the days until Christmas, but we’ve yet to put up a Christmas tree, wrap presents, or even play Christmas music.

And while I know that Christmas isn’t about hanging stockings and singing Christmas carols, I love those special family traditions.

The truth is that the past few years haven’t gone according to “my” plans. When we bought our house in northern South Africa four and a half years ago, I told Scott I wasn’t moving again.

Ever.

Well, God certainly had other plans. In the past two years, we’ve lived in four countries, which has caused me to look hard at what’s important. I’ve pretty much chucked the idea that my kids will lead a normal life (though who’s to say what “normal” is). No T-ball, ballet classes, Fourth of July parades, or white Christmas’ with boxed stuffing and pecan pie for desert.

Which is okay. Most of the time anyway. ☺

The truth, though, is that life rarely holds to our expectations. We all know that all too well at this moment, as the whole world is on lockdown because of the pandemic. This definitely wasn't in my plans!

So this reminder is for me today, but maybe you need it as well. Jesus left the glory of heaven with all it’s perfection and beauty and especially the presence of His Father to come to a world full of sin and strife. And because of His love for us, He was willing to endure all that pain to the point of dying on the cross.

For us.

Yes, that’s you and me with all our flaws, imperfections, dreams, hopes and failures.

He came to Earth as a baby to fulfill God’s plan of redemption because of His great love for us.

Luke wrote: So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

I’m sure Mary never expected that visit from the angel that changed her life, that she would be with child from the Holy Spirit, or that she would have to travel to Bethlehem and give birth to her firstborn child in a manger.

And yet she listened and followed God’s plan for her life.

Wow.

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes the pain seems too hard to bear, while other times we’re surprised by blessings beyond our wildest dreams. And through all the laughter and the tears, one thing that remains constant. Hebrews 13:8 says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Did you hear that?

He won’t change who he is or what he expects from us, or his love for us. How reassuring in times of uncertainty.

So for today, embrace the unexpected and hold fast to the One who never changes.

And as we celebrate Easter in a different way this year, don't forget the baby born in a stable, who grew up to give His life for you and me, then rose again giving us hope of a future.

Be blessed today,

Lisa