  
Wintercreeks.net Statement of Faith, Hope and Love
Welcome all visitors. Like a tree planted by the Spring of Living Water. The plan of action for Wintercreeks.net is to be a source of healing for the nations. The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of mankind, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the joy of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light in a dark world, nourishment for your soul, and comfort for a broken heart. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good the design and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, reverantly and prayerfully. It involves the highest responsibilty, will reward the greatest labor and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.
Find comfort when Bereaved
Written by Richard Thomas/ January 10, 2002
Although this article may appear closer to the top of the alphabetical order, it is actually the last to be written in my first series of writings. Reason being the delicate nature of the subject. For who isn’t affected by death. How can anyone offer comfort in times of bereavement? As it is appointed for all of Adam’s race to return to the dust, we are, eventually, destined to be the subject of bereavement ourselves. Some will survive the battles of three wars while others become the notches on the gun. Many will perish in plane crashes, auto pile-ups, train wrecks, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. etc. As the rest gaze at the monitors, wondering; why and how they survived or missed it?[ Hebrews 9:27 - 28 ]
While it may seem unfair for some, not having a say regarding our entry into this world, it also may seem unfair when and how a person leaves it. We cannot always choose our exit. In the twinkling of an eye our body can become irretrievably separated from our spirit. When a person departs from this life at an age beyond the maximum average. We say, he/she lived a full life. But that is not to say we don’t feel bereaved. It’s when a loved one, whether family or friend, is snatched away from us by death unexpectedly or at an age we think is unfair - we feel cheated. Bereaved!
I lost my father to cancer before he reached his 54th birthday. I felt like many things were left undone. I never got to find out what he thought of me as a man. But I did get to talk to him the week before he died. I asked him if he would let me pray for him. He nodded in the affirmative. So I poured my heart out for him before the throne of grace. After I closed with amen, I got real close to his face and told him (in a whispered voice) “ Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart, all you have to do is let Him in”.
I was not raised in a Christian home, nor was God edified by my family. Christmas was celebrated as a day to count how many presents were under the tree instead of giving thanks for God’s eternal gift. [John 3:16, Romans 6:23 ] I have dedicated the past 30+ years to serving God by bringing the message of reconciliation into the labor force and being an example to my family and hopefully my community. I have been a laborer for nearly 33 years. And only eternity and fire will reveal the finished work He has given me to do, built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ.[ 1 Corinthians 3:7-15 ]
I have been to the funerals of friends and family. Heard the comforting words of the clergy. I am not a clergyman nor a theologian. But one thing I do know - we are not our own. Our children are not our own. Our families are not our own. We belong to God and the life given to us is borrowed. As J.R.R.Tolkien so aptly put it in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ - “all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us”. The Bible tells us that when our spirit departs, it goes back to God who gave it. [ Ecclesiastes 12:7 ] What will our epitaph read before a Holy God.
Only by faith in Jesus Christ can members of Adam’s race overcome death and stand before God justified. Only by faith in Jesus Christ have we passed from death to life. When we are clothed in Jesus Christ as a covering, the Bible tells us that death is swallowed up in victory.[ 1 Corinthians 15:54 - 57 ]
“...He was wounded for our transgressions...
He was bruised for our iniquities...
Surely He bore our sorrows...” [ Isaiah 53:1-12 ]
If you are seeking hope for a new life, it all begins with Jesus Christ.
Begin Here!
Find help when...
[Addicted]
[Afraid]
[Anxious]
[Backsliding]
[Bereaved]
[Bitter or Critical]
[Conscious of Sin]
[Defeated]
[Depressed]
[Discouraged]
[Doubting]
[Friends Fail]
[Leaving Home]
[Lonely]
[Need Guidance]
[Overwhelmed]
[Tempted]
[Weary]
|
|
Bible Verses and Things to Ponder
|
 |
Letter to a Grieving Heart: Comfort and Hope for Those Who Hurt
By Billy Sprague / Harvest House Publishers
In this book, Billy Sprague offers the kind of compassion and insight that can only come from one who has lived through deep loss himself. Among other losses, he has had to face the death of a fiancee, a beloved grandmother, and a favorite college professor. From these experiences, he has drawn the kind of insight that will help others walk through the dark, seemingly endless times of grief. With honesty, passion, and perspective, he shares the little things that eased him forward and the words of comfort that carried him to a place of strength. Illustrated with restful, hope-filled photographs of nature, this is the ideal gift of comfort for anyone who is grieving a loss in their life. Hardcover Gift Book.
|
 |
Living Water CD
Founder of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, Franciscan monk John Michael Talbot has parlayed his love for service and musical gifts into a prolific career as a singer and songwriter, offering contemplative, spiritual compositions to generations of Catholics and Christians alike. His landmark fiftieth album continues the tradition, capturing his soothing voice and masterful performance on the acoustic guitar.
|
 |
The Poems and Prayers of Helen Steiner Rice
By Helen Steiner Rice / Baker
In one beautiful gift volume, a rich collection of the encouraging poems and prayers of renowned writer Helen Steiner Rice. She's provided the words of comfort, hope, and love for generations and for all occasions. This volume includes over 400 topically arranged works, including previously unpublished writing as well as favorites such as Heart Gifts and Praying Hands. A beautiful hardcover, 288 pages, to give and to keep.
|
 |
Bereavement Angel
By Jim Shore / Enesco Corporation
Stately angel figurine by folk artist Jim Shore brings hope to the hurting with the promise of heaven. Graceful skirt design appears as if the curtain has been opened on a scene of glory, with white dove ascending into blue skies and the promise of life etched on the border Welcome Home. We will be together in paradise some day. Consider this a meaningful condolence gift a reminder of the future when all of God's children are home. 11.75" tall, gift-boxed.
|
 |
Bereavement Cat Photo Frame
By Enesco Corporation
Contemporary glass bereavement frame displays photo memory of your cat, enhanced with collar embellishment and mouse charm dangle. Platinum tone base; sentiment Your pawprints are forever in our Hearts. Easy insert photo feature; rounded edges; displays 4" x 6" vertical photo.
|
 |
Gravestone Angel Sitter
By Abbey Press
Angel figurine in flowing grace is crafted of resin with the look of natural stone, UV treated for outdoor use. With dove in hand, angel sits beside garden stone, engraved with sentiment Now in God's hands....still in our hearts.Decorative rose trim; 10.25" x 5.5" x 2.75" with rubber pad feet; a bereavement gift to comfort, designed to display on top of a tombstone at the grave.
|
 |
The Longing, The Courtship of Nellie Fisher #3
By Beverly Lewis / Bethany House
Although she still prays for Caleb, Nellie Mae Fisher has broken up with her beau. Now, her heart's greatest longing is for more knowledge of the Lord.Caleb yearns for freedom, as his plans to leave Honeybrook have been thwarted. He must stay on as caretaker for his father, who was crippled in a wintertime accident. He also longs for Nellie Mae, still hoping that she will return to the Old Order.and to him.
|
![892735: A Sister"s Hope, Sisters of Holmes County Series #3](http://ag.christianbook.com/g/tiny/8/892735.gif "892735: A Sister"s Hope, Sisters of Holmes County Series #3") |
A Sister's Hope, Sisters of Holmes County Series #3
By Wanda E. Brunstetter / Barbour Publishing
Lose yourself in Holmes County, where romance, suspense, mystery, and faith-filled Amish ways rule the day! Martha Hostettler is concerned about the continuous attacks being made on her Amish family. With a definite motive and a myriad of methods, Luke Friesen looks like the culprit. Determined to clear his name, Martha decides to play detective. What will the search for truth cost her?
|
 |
Blessings, Sommerfeld Trilogy Series #3
By Kim Vogel Sawyer / Barbour Publishing
Trina Muller has always had a passion for healing abandoned and injured animals. Her parents encourage this tenderness towards God's creatures until Trina confesses her dream of going to veterinary college. Why can't she accept that God's will is for her to be a wife and mother? Graham Ortmann loves Trina, but how can he possibly marry someone who is determined to go against the dictates of the Old Order Mennonite fellowship? Trina can never be happy if she is outside of God's will for her life. But which life will she choose-one with Graham or one in pursuit of her heart's calling?
|
 |
When the Soul Mends, Sisters of the Quilt Series #3
By Cindy Woodsmall / WaterBrook Press
With her heart now in the hands of a new love as well as the two children left in their care, Hannah Lapp finds her Englischer life more than she'd ever hoped for and is actively pursuing a future with Martin and in medicine. When she receives a call from her sister Sarah, desperate for help, Hannah reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community that ostracized her. Once home, she must face her disapproving father and her former fianci, Paul Waddell, and it seems only Paul holds the key to her sister's mental health. When Hannah dares to speak her mind to him, she realizes that a lie separated them--one Paul knows nothing about. As they work together for Sarah's sake, her feelings for Paul become too strong to ignore and Hannah's faced with choosing between the two men she loves--one an Englischer and one a Plain man. Free to follow her heart's desire, Hannah must discover her true desires and choose between the two vastly different worlds
|
![924184: Rachel"s Secret, The Riverhaven Years #1](http://ag.christianbook.com/g/tiny/9/924184.gif "924184: Rachel"s Secret, The Riverhaven Years #1") |
Rachel's Secret, The Riverhaven Years #1
By B.J. Hoff / Harvest House Publishers
When the wounded Irish American riverboat captain, Jeremiah Gant, bursts into the rural Amish setting of Riverhaven, he brings chaos and conflict to the community?especially for young widow, Rachel Brenneman. The unwelcome "outsider" needs a safe place to recuperate before continuing his secret role as an Underground Railroad conductor. Neither he nor Rachel is prepared for the forbidden love that threatens to endanger a man's mission, a woman's heart, and a way of life for an entire people.
|
 |
With Endless Sight, Crossroads of Grace Series #3
By Allison Pittman / Multnomah Fiction
Belleville, Illinois and Wyoming Territories, 1861.
Born into a life of privilege, fourteen-year-old Belinda never questions her security, even as she leaves Illinois with her family to discover new adventures in the Oregon Territory. But when disaster falls, Belinda is left wounded, weak, and alone. Her faith in God gives her the only strength she knows in a harsh new world.Belinda's journey takes her to a snow-covered mining camp and a red-roofed brothel in the Wyoming mountains, but not before she must spend a lonely winter with the man who took away the life she knew. Throughout the grief and hope of a strange land, Belinda must decide if her faith is big enough to allow her to forgive.
|
 |
Deep in the Heart of Trouble
By Deeanne Gist / Bethany House
Four years have made a big difference in Essie Spreckelmeyer's life. Then she was husband hunting. Now she's wearing bloomers and running her father's oil business. She wouldn't change anything---not even for a man. But when she and competitor oilman Tony Morgan butt heads over business matters, will their hearts reverberate with love?
|
![205002: Washington"s Lady, Ladies of History Series #3](http://ag.christianbook.com/g/tiny/2/205002.gif "205002: Washington"s Lady, Ladies of History Series #3") |
Washington's Lady, Ladies of History Series #3
By Nancy Moser / Bethany House
It has been said that without George Washington, there would be no United States. But without Martha, there would be no George Washington. He called her "my other self." Who was this woman who captured the heart of our country's founder? Martha Dandridge Curtis was a wealthy, attractive widow and the mother of two small children when she was courted by, then married to the French and Indian War hero. Her new life as Martha Washington took her through blissful times at Mount Vernon, family tragedies, six years of her husband's absence during the Revolutionary War, and her position as a reluctant First Lady.
|
 |
Sisterchicks Go Brit!, Sisterchicks Series #7
By Robin Jones Gunn / Multnomah Fiction
The Sisterchicks are back---and they're headed to jolly old England! "Midlife Mamas" Kellie and Liz tour the land of Lewis and Tolkien, sail over the Cotswolds in a hot air balloon, and enjoy high tea at the Ritz. But it's their unexpected detours that yield the wildest adventures---and greatest lessons---of all. 304 pages, softcover from Multnomah.
|
 |
The Edge of Recall
By Kristen Heitzmann / Bethany House
Tessa Young, an up-and-coming landscape architect who specializes in the design and creation of labyrinths, has immersed herself in the mythological, spiritual, and healing aspects of the elaborate structures. She also is searching for God and hoping to make sense of the nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. When Smith Chandler, an estranged colleague--with whom she'd half fallen in love a dozen times before catching herself every time--calls to propose a project he claims is the opportunity of a lifetime, she reluctantly agrees to check it out. Smith is reconstructing a pre-Revolutionary War abbey for wealthy clients. Among its remarkable features is an overgrown labyrinth. Unable to resist, Tessa accepts his offer to work with him. Soon she is immersed in the project of a lifetime. But one evening, after weeks of work in the labyrinth, Tessa and Smith are attacked. While protecting Tessa, Smith is stabbed, and the nightmare begins...again.
|
 |
Now and Always
By Lori Copeland / Zondervan
Whether she's sheltering abused women or rehabilitating injured horses, nothing gets in Katie Addison's way . . . except bills! Recently heartbroken Joel Tate understands finances, but not strong-willed women. When Katie seeks Joel's help, he suggests a sensible budget---minus daily lattes! Will her fiscal fit lead to love? Or will Sheriff Ben O'Keefe capture Katie's heart? 352 pages, softcover from Zondervan.
|
 |
Bittersweet Surrender
By Diann Hunt / Thomas Nelson
Carly Westlake is living the dream. She spends her days at a spa (okay, so she owns the place), she's dating a hunk, and she's surrounded by chocolate-milk chocolate, her favorite-that she uses for the chocolate facials that made her spa famous.But when long buried secrets threaten Carley's business and her friendship with business-partner Tom, she fights like crazy to keep the dream-and the illusions-afloat.
|
 |
Love Starts with Elle, Low Country Series #2
By Rachel Hauck / Thomas Nelson
She's the last of six Lowcountry sisters to tie the knot, so when Elle Garvey's quarterback-turned-minister boyfriend Jeremiah pops the question, the family resolves to give them the send off of the century.
But as Jeremiah leaves Elle to plan the wedding and moves ahead to Houston for a large pastorate there, Elle listens for her own call to the ministry-but none seems forthcoming. And with the influx of new residents in coastal Beaufort, South Carolina, Elle's art gallery business has never been more fruitful. She's even begun to successfully show her own paintings-paintings she created after Jeremiah left town.
Soon Elle's widowed tenant, Frank, arrives, throwing a real wrench in the works, and offering a new kind of love that soon takes hold.and blossoms.
|
 |
The Infinite Day, Lamb Among the Stars Series #3
By Chris Walley / Tyndale House
The Infinite Day is the epic conclusion of The Lamb Among the Stars series, which weaves together the worlds of science and the spirit, technology and the supernatural, into something unique and haunting.
|
 |
Daring Chloe
By Laura Jensen Walker / Zondervan
When Chloe Adams is left at the altar, her girlfriends know the antidote to her post-rejection funk. After all, why let a honeymoon cruise go to waste? Play-it-safe Chloe isn't sure she's up for it. But when she travels to exotic places, she blossoms. Will her newfound daring prepare her for her greatest adventure yet? 352 pages, softcover from Zondervan.
|
 |
Wagered Heart
By Robin Lee Hatcher / Zondervan
When Bethany Silverton left the sheltered life of Miss Henderson's School for Young Ladies back in Philadelphia for the raw frontier town of Sweetwater, Montana, she had no idea how much she would enjoy the freedom and danger of this wild country.
A conservative preacher's daughter, Bethany can't resist the challenge of charming the most unregenerate cowboy in town into attending her father's new church. She never dreamed that the cowboy would charm the lady. Now she's wagered her heart on love and gotten more-much more-than she bargained for.
|
 |
All Through the Night
By Davis Bunn / Bethany House
Wayne, scarred physically and emotionally, has a background in special-ops he's trying to forget. But he gets his arm twisted into helping a quirky group of seniors who've been scammed out of their retirement. Breaching the con man's high-security island estate, Wayne recovers the stolen money in an action sequence worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. Case closed. Or is this just the beginning?
|
 |
Wind River
By Tom Morrisey / Bethany House
* All Ty Sawyer wants is to forget what happened in Iraq. In Wyoming he'll find peace and keep his promise to take his friend Soren Anderton fly-fishing. But their trek to an idyllic lake quickly becomes mired in the deadly past as Soren confesses to a decades-old crime. A riveting story of guilt---and forgiveness. 352 pages, softcover from Bethany.
|
 |
Perfect
By Harry Kraus, M.D. / Zondervan
With the perfect husband, home, and career, plus gorgeous looks, Wendi Stratford leads a storybook life. Too bad it's all a sham! When she impulsively flees the lies she's been living, her plans are thwarted by a terrible accident. Or is it? Who's leaving clues for her? And is Wendi headed straight into a killer's hands? 384 pages, softcover from Zondervan.
|
 |
Merciless, Dominion Trilogy Series #3
By Robin Parrish / Bethany House
Deep under the earth, Grant Borrows has supposedly fallen to his doom. But when something crawls out of that pit-something dark and merciless with unrestrained power-it proclaims itself "Oblivion" and begins molding the planet into a twisted, barren, dangerous world. A Dark World. Is it Grant Borrows, returned from the dead? Or something more sinister-something no human ever imagined possible?As Grant's remaining friends finally learn the ultimate truth behind the events that have shaped their lives, they secretly gather for one last battle. A final showdown between good and evil that will prove to every soul on earth that even in the bitterest twilight, when all is lost, hope still lives.
|
|
[AddMe - Search Engine Optimization]
[
Visit whatsyourprayer.blogspot.com][Business directory online promotion.]
![777998: 2009 Thomas Kinkade Collector"s Edition Wall Calendar with Scripture](http://ag.christianbook.com/g/tiny/7/777998.gif "777998: 2009 Thomas Kinkade Collector"s Edition Wall Calendar with Scripture")
