Birthday Give-Away

Today is my birthday! We aren't going to discuss the advancing years, though! No, today I've decided to give you guys something in honor of my birthday:) So allow me to tell you about the "Second Chance" Give-Away.

Fans have from now until Wednesday, June 30 to write a review on amazon.com about "Second Chance". It doesn't have to be long. It doesn't even have to be positive (although that would be nice:))...just give your honest opinion of the book.

If you have already posted a review there, your name is automatically in! Please check, because some of you have posted reviews on other sites, but not amazon. For this give-away I'm only focusing on amazon.com.

On Wednesday evening, at 9:00 I will draw a name from those who have posted reviews. The winner will have a choice of a signed copy of "Second Chance" or an "I <3 Ian Martin" t-shirt!

So put your thinking caps on and come up with a few words about "Second Chance"...then post away! Click here to link: amazon.com

Thanks friends!

Being Still

"Be still and know that I am God." This verse is both an admonition and a promise for me.

Throughout my life, I have encountered several occasions where personality tests were given. These have told me I am a do-er. I need to be involved because my greatest desire is "to belong". I like things to be orderly. Check-lists are my friends.

As I woke up this morning on my first week of summer vacation, I immediately began to think of things that needed to be done. And the scripture above came to mind.

"Be still."

That is so very difficult for me. Part of my make-up feels that I am not good enough or pleasing unless I am accomplishing something. Guilt can be a familiar companion. But my Father tells me to be still. I cannot commune with him when my mind is filled with plans and obligations, with worries and fears. So I must make a concerted effort to put all those thoughts away for a time and simply abide.

"And know."

There is knowing and then there is knowing . Even the demons believe there is a God and they tremble. I want to be in the latter group. In order for me to truly know God, I have to be still and spend time with him. I have to meditate on his word and hide it in my heart. Knowing God is scary, because it means opening up those very deepest places where the pain and hurt of life are stored away. It means allowing him to see those places. But the truly amazing thing is he already knows us completely...and still loves us—deeply and intimately.

"that I am God."

Not only does our Father want us to know him, to experience his love, his mercy, and grace. But he wants us to know he is GOD. That should bring awe and comfort, peace and humility. The creator of the universe wants us to be still and know him!

So my hope this summer is to follow this verse. My prayer is to be still and know Him better.