January has already made quite an impression on my soul! I feel like I've done a years worth of living in just this one month! It began with a fierce battle between me and my washing machine. I don’t think I emerged victorious so you can read about that on my journal! Then, I traveled to San Jose for a filming for CCN TV. We had a great time and then afterward, visited the Dr. Phil Show.

I met Robin McGraw and her assistant, Jan, at the Women of Faith event in Anaheim CA last year, a few emails later and there we are in the studio audience! Of course, I brought my own “Dr. Phil” and the McGraws got a kick out of that! I must tell you that they were lovely and gracious, warm and genuine. Robin gave me an audio copy of her book "Inside My Heart” and I just began listening. Her bold statement of faith is awesome! I listened to her book on my noise reduction headphones that Dr. Phil (the one I married) gave me for Christmas. I never thought good headphones were worth the money until now! If you travel a lot, these are a must have!

After arriving home, an ice storm hit. Our city looked like we stepped out the back of the wardrobe!  Every tree looked like Waterford crystal and bushes were reminiscent of chandeliers! When the ice got too heavy, the whole tree tumbled to the frozen ground and sounded like a cabinet of fine crystal plummeting onto a ceramic tile floor-amazing. So, in the midst of this (which included our house serving as a homeless shelter for power-less friends) I got a call on my cell phone from the Dr. Phil show just five days after visiting them. To make this long story short, Phil and I threw clothes in a suitcase and left early Tuesday morning, so I could appear on the show Wednesday morning! I had no idea it was coming. The show was about blind/deaf triplets. It was heart breaking and heart warming all at once. Dr. Phil (the one I didn’t marry) was gracious to give me about 8 minutes to encourage the family. I’ve never been a part of something so huge and I've never felt so small, again, amazing. The show is tentatively set to broadcast on Feb 27th.

I got one keepsake from my Dr. Phil experience. It’s a memento inspired by my fabulous assistant, Kathryn. She and her husband buy a new fragrance every time they take a special trip so when they smell that fragrance, they will remember that special time. So, Phil patiently spent an hour with me in a perfume store in L.A. until I chose 212 by Carolina Herrera. Now, every time I wear it, I will remember how special the experience was and how kind God was to surprise me!

So, give these things a taste test:

1. Check out my journal
2. Inside My Heart by Robin McGraw
3. Noise canceling headphones by iLuv
4. 212 by Carolina Herrera

After turning forty, I made a list of life goals. I probably should have made the list when I turned thirty because my list is a little longer than my life expectancy!

One of the things on my list is to read everything CS Lewis wrote. Of course, I started with Mere Christianity and then went on to read Surprised by Joy. But, then, I happened upon a quite unexpected treasure, a novel he wrote in 1943. It’s a delightful fantasy, full of wisdom and savor. His storytelling was splendid with a graceful, fluid narrative.

Want to know what it is? It's part one of his Space Trilogy, entitled: Out of the Silent Planet. Lewis’ story opens with his main character, a Philologist named Elwin Ransom, on a walking tour of the English countryside. On his journey, he runs into some shady characters from his old University days. After some dinner, conversation and a few drinks, the terrified Ransom realized he had been hoodwinked by his former coeds as he wakes up in a metal ball soaring through the light-filled heavens, on his way to another world. The inhabitants of this foreign world called it Malacandra.

On Malacandra, Ransom learns many things including the unique power and significance of remembering. In a conversation he had with one of the friendly inhabitants of Malacandra, the Alien spoke of their first meeting: “When you and I met, the meeting was over very shortly. It was nothing. Now, it is growing something as we remember it. But, still we know very little about it. What it will be when I remember it as I lie down to die; what it makes in me all my days, that is the real meeting. The other is only the beginning of it.”

Oscar Levant once said; "Happiness isn't something you experience; it's something you remember.” It seems the great power of any moment in time comes as it is remembered. The memory may be painful or pleasant, but, the intensity and meaning of the experience can grow as we remember it. In fact, most experiences in life fully mature as they are recalled. Greater meaning is assigned, value grows, and significance deepens. For that reason, exercising our memories wisely is essential to the health of our souls. We must therefore tell our souls to look back, to remember. Scripture is full of God telling his people to remember and people telling themselves not to forget.

David told his soul to “forget not" God's benefits, Psalm 103.
Asaph said: I will remember my song in the night; I will meditate with my heart; And my spirit ponders. Psalm 77:6

Just like David, we must tell our souls to remember the benefits of our God. And like Asaph, we must remember, meditate, and ponder. There is great reason for such admonishments in scripture. Wise remembering protects us from worry, guides us to useful meditation and brings balance to our souls.

Here's a fresh brewed thought for a brand new, fresh brewed year. Remember the goodness of God. Meditate upon profitable truth and ponder the meaning of those memories.

Remembering allows your experiences to grant you far more than a momentary pleasure or pain. Remembering grants you an opportunity to receive continually.

As C.S. Lewis so eloquently said; "You cannot study pleasure in the moment of the nuptial embrace, nor repentance while repenting, nor analyze the nature of humor while roaring with laughter."
So, my friend, look back and remember. Well, that's what's been percolating in me lately.

Question:

I would like to know who inspires you the most in your walk with God? I know you inspire me greatly, and I love reading your thoughts.

Blessings,
Deena , honored to be a Sole Sister

Answer:

Oh, what a great question, Deena! If you think about it, people are like paintings. It’s the interesting colors, rich texture and intricate composition that make the painting inspiring. Ultimately, each painting, like each person, reflects the mind and creativity of the artist. And the person who inspires me the most is an incredible reflection of the beauty of the Master Artist. Her name is Joni Earickson Tada. She inspires me because she lets us see her vulnerable heart, a realistic view of life and an unshakable faith. She also makes words dance in my imagination. Her book, The God I Love, is one of the best I've ever read and reread! I deeply appreciate her depth and tenderness. Before I lost my sight, her autobiography was the last I read. She will always hold a special place in my heart.

And now, my friends, the "Beans" are officially spilled!

1. As many of you know, I was a part of the Dr. Phil Show-the show will air in late February. Please pray for the production staff as they edit and pray for the hearts of the viewing audience. May God use what they see and hear to draw them to His peace and hope.

2. Please continue to pray for me as I complete my manuscript. It's due February 15 and I’m more behind than usual! Pray that I have time to focus, clarity of mind and as Mother Teresa said, may I be a “pencil in the Hand of God.”

3. Please pray for my fabulous Editor, Larry as he works hard with me on this book.

4. Most importantly, thank you for continuing to lift up my family. Clayton, Connor and Phil are the most important aspect of my calling and I never want to neglect them because of the urgency of deadlines and traveling.

Each month we will give away something from the JenniferRothschild.com Store. All you have to do is click on the link below, to let us know you were here. Your name will automatically be added to a random drawing to win.

 

The winner from the last issue is Tara Harrista. She wins Jennifer's 3 CD Speaking Set.

Tara Harrista, please email us your mailing address.

$10 Off Your Next Purchase of $25 or More

 

Wow! Pick up an extra CD, book, or bible study for a friend, and take $10 off your purchase of $25 or more. 

Just go to Jennifer Rothschild's Online Store link below, and use this coupon code: wow10off You will need to register (log-in as a customer) to use this coupon. Offer extended through February 15, 2007. One use per customer.

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