I'm Moving!

Well not Me, persay, but my blog. I'm moving to a wordpress account where I have more control over things.

Changes are coming!

Save this link: http://www.sarahgail.net. It's my new cyperhome!

"Fearless" By Max Lucado

It goes without saying that we have all found ourselves paralyzed by fear at one time or another. Whether it was based on real life circumstance or paranoia that a fear might come, we can all sympathize with the grip fear has on our lives. I just finished reading Max Lucado's newest book, "Fearless", which focuses on many typical areas of fear that often paralyze us. In each chapter Lucado offers witty over-exgagerated examples of each of these specific fears and supplements them with a Biblical example when believers are encouraged to trust God's hand and provision.

I could not help but think as I read "Fearless" of times in my life when I needed to hear that message. Lucado's writing style is easy to follow and makes "Fearless" difficult to put down. While I found myself underlining or marking something in every chapter, the final ones were most memorable. In the last chapters Lucado address the fact that things will get worse before they get better. In a world where we are faced with a new "crisis" every time we turn on the news, it is so important to remember that chaos is a part of God's plan. Lucado reminds readers that God provides reassurance that there will be wars, rumors of wars, sorrow and happiness-- but that He remains faithful in it all. It seems to come naturally to freak out when these things come to be, but Lucado paraphrases Jesus in Matthew 24:6 saying "Don't freak out when bad stuff happens" (pg. 153). Bad things have, are, and will continue to occur, but as believers we should hold strongly to the knowledge that our Lord is control of it all.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I know that I will continue to refer to it when in facing fear. Lucado wrote, "Feed your fears, and your faith will starve. Feed your faith, and your fears will." (pg. 74). Reading this book is one way to feed your faith, not your fears.

If you wish to purchase this book, you can buy it here on Amazon:

Happy Birthday, Brother

Today, August 31st is my brother's birthday-- he would be 23 this year. I've been thinking a lot about this day for the past couple of weeks. I have wondered what it is going to be like to not be able to call and harass my brother all in the name of wishing him well. I wonder a lot about what it will be like to go through this day.


But, Richard's birthday also has me thinking a lot about his life. He was truly someone who chose life in every circumstance. He really lived life to the fullest. I have always admired that about him.


Today, it seems that everything I do reminds me of him. From conversations about politics, to the sweet tea sitting on my counter. But, in all honestly, that's not much different than any other day. But today, it wouldn't be weird for me to go purchase an Ice Cream Cake (like the one in the picture above- his last birthday) even if they are 500 calories a slice.


Neither of our birthdays will ever be the same again. But I laugh because I think that's exactly how he would want it.

To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

-"Cry out to Jesus" by Third Day

Building Excitement

Remember this post about my excitement for Donald Miller's new book? Well, now you can read part of it right here on my blog. I love how high tech Thomas Nelson Publishers are!


A Million Miles In A Thousand Years by Donald Miller

Moment of Pride!

My second year at Belmont University, I had the privilege of serving as an RA for 60 pretty awesome freshman women. I got the chance to walk alongside them and learn so much about my life and who I was created to be from them. All of these women are awesome, and I am grateful to have known them.

With that said you can imagine my pride when I see one of them on the Today show for a book that she authored that is titled "How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World". I've read a snip-it of it and I think she's right on target!

Clink the link above to watch the Today Show peice or, click here to order her book on Amazon!