Happy Hopeful Fall

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By Commissioner Colleen Riley

Happy Fall!! For some of us the colors of the trees are starting to change, and the mornings bring a fresh crispness as we take in the air outside. School is beginning again for our kids, a new program year is ahead of us, and the excitement is mounting! Or is it a little fear and trepidation mixed with the excitement?

I used to just want things to stay the same and predictable. Change was hard and I didn’t care for going out of my comfort zone. And then, for all of us, these past 18 or so months have happened; and we have all had everything become different and unpredictable, taking us far out of our comfortability in every way possible. Fear of today and for the future as well, has been foremost on our minds.

However, there is hope! Hope for today and for tomorrow. Hope for healing and well-being and that hope is found in our relationship with Jesus. I truly believe that God has something amazing right in front of us. He has used this time for a reset if you will. In speaking with others, they are seeing a new perspective on life and in how they relate to their family and friends. They are no longer taking advantage of the opportunities to spend time together and to tell each other that they love and care for one another.

For me, I see it is a new opportunity to grow in our relationship with Jesus. It is a chance for us to take that relationship, grow it and then help others to see the beauty in connecting with the Savior. And then out of all of that comes the ministry and discipleship opportunities in our Corps and in our communities.

Isaiah 43:19 says: “Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. For I am about to do something new.”

Do you see it? He is doing a new thing in our lives and in our Church. He is making a way in and through the wilderness that we have been through and will give us Living Water! I believe that there is far more in front of us than what we are leaving behind. A hope, a future, and a life of fullness with Him.

As we head into a new season of the year, let’s go forward together in the promise of His unfailing love, that He will continue to raise us out of darkness and into His Holy light! He is doing a new and beautiful thing for us, if we can only see it and embrace it! He has already done it for us. And when we get nervous or anxious, be reminded of the promise in Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself, goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Book Review: “2 Chairs: The Secret That Changes Everything”

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By Major Iva West
Helena, MT Corps – Northwest Division

Bob Beaudine’s book, 2 Chairs: The Secret That Changes Everything, invites the reader to explore who God is in a very personal way. Beaudine challenges and encourages the reader to sit awhile at the feet of Jesus and to be present. The writer conveys the significance of being present with God and how that can positively impact their decision-making in their daily life.

Beaudine outlines seven practical steps for the reader to learn how to walk boldly, courageously, and faithfully through life’s challenges with God daily. Beaudine has a message for anyone who is struggling to understand the full scope of God’s promises and their self-worth. Each step reminds the reader of their value, self-worth and that God’s love can change their lives in a very practical real way. If you are struggling with life’s challenges and finding your purpose in life this book will remind you of God’s faithfulness on a daily basis.


2 Chairs was very meaningful to me especially now in the midst of the ongoing crisis around us. The book illustrates to the reader about God’s desire for us to slow down and spend quality time with Him. Beaudine employs us to trust and lean on God for everything regardless of our circumstances. I loved 2 Chairs because of how the writer used real illustrations that were applicable to me. Some of the concepts in the book might be challenging to consider but Beaudine substantiates all his principles with scripture. The concept of the two chairs was easily understood and brief.

It is my opinion this book would be very beneficial to all Christians, especially new believers. This book had a lot of diverse information and I was excited to read it. This book talks about an individual’s self-value, self-worth, and God’s unfailing love. I plan to utilize the two chairs analogy daily so that I can hear and feel God’s presence in my life more and more.


Book Review: “Christian Warrior Women: A Guide to Taking Back Your Faith, Family and Future”

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By Major Monica Covert
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – California South Division

“Women are the bearers of the gift that defeats the enemy according to Genesis. The enemy fights back by stealing our faith, joy, and happiness through low self-esteem, loneliness, worry, finances, doubt, fears, single parenting, generational patterns and regrets of the past.” (author unknown)

Christian Warrior Women: A Guide to Taking Back Your Faith, Family and Future is the first in a series beautifully written by Lisa Hawkins, Founder of Christian Warrior Women. Lisa delivers a powerful message from God and shares from her own personal struggles.

There were many things I loved about this book. First, it was very easy to read and although it could have been a quick read, I took my time and took in every good word from a fellow sister warrior. It was also easy to relate to as many of her life challenges were quite common. I also loved how Lisa provided the opportunity for engagement by having us answer and reflect on questions and advice provided after sharing her real-life scenarios.

Women face many challenges in this world. We experience tragedy, betrayal, hurts and disappointments that keep us from moving forward in our journey and often leads us to forgetting God’s calling for us. Now more than ever, God is calling us into a deeper relationship with Him and to become warriors of the Kingdom. This world is our battleground, but without God, the battle cannot be won. We must break free from the bondage of our past and take up the warrior mantle God has given us to live and fight for Jesus.

Regardless of where you are on your spiritual and life journey, Christian Warrior Women is a good source for Christian women to learn what it means to fight back against the enemy and reclaim God’s plan for us.