JanineThrossel.com

Have you ever felt blindsided by life? Have you ever felt blindsided by God? That is the subject of Peter Chin's recently-released book, "Blindsided by God: Disappointment, Suffering, and the Untamable Goodness of God." Can I just say, in short, that I LOVED this book? I did. Peter Chin and his wife moved with their two daughters to an inner-city location where they began a church congregation. He felt certain he was in God's will. They were blessed with health, purpose, each other. . . then they experienced some tremendous suffering in the span of a few short months. Miscarriage, a robbery, breast cancer, termination of health insurance. . . Why was this happening to them? If they were doing God's will, why would he allow them to suffer so much? This is a powerful book. One thing that I especially loved is that he doesn't preach at readers, but just tells his story and what he learned. And, along the way, we see some of God'...

Last night, I dreamed I was back in Bolivia. I dreamed it was the night before a flight to the United States and I was surrounded by the familiar pain of packing, cleaning, exhaustion and saying goodbyes.  It felt real and miserable and I didn't know if I could go through it all again. I trembled on the verge of just staying behind.  Opting out.  Leaving behind commitments, responsibilities, family, whatever and just not saying, "goodbye." Curling up in the empty house and letting whatever would happen, happen. That ripping, that tearing away, was always the most painful part for me of our years with the mission.  The leaving.  The crying. The wondering. I ached for something I couldn't have. I wanted all the people, places and things I loved to be together in one place. But that couldn't be a realistic option.  I had to push through hard goodbyes to get to good hellos. I had to move--12 houses in 13 years--because God was calling us to do thin...

Congratulations to "Jessbecause!" You won the Holly Yashi earrings! Thank you all for playing along. . . I usually have a giveaway every 4-6 weeks, so come back again for another chance to win something. Have a great weekend!

Well, I was thinking about the fact that it has been several weeks (six, to be exact), since I gave something away on my blog.  So, it is time for another one! And this one is very cool. . . these are a relatively new design from Holly Yashi, which I love. . .  the "Abbey Earrings." In the words of the Holly Yashi website, you can dress with "a touch of Renaissance glamour.":) These are made with sterling silver, Swarovski crystals, and the beautifully colored and imaged niobium for which Holly Yashi is famous. They retail for $48.00. Here's another photo to give you a clearer idea of their size. . . Want to win them? They are gorgeous! Leave your name with a comment at the end of this post.  What is something you love about Spring? COMMENTS FOR THIS OFFER CLOSE ON FRIDAY, MIDNIGHT PST. A winner will be picked AT RANDOM after MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAY, MARCH 13. By the way, I should add that you are welcome to enter the giveaway from anywhere it is l...