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It's Book Launch Day - Walking With Henry arrives today!

 

 

Walking with Henry arrives in bookstores and mailboxes today!

I am beyond excited to launch this book into the world, and I want to thank you all for helping it make a splash today.

Your pre-orders have put this little book about rediscovering faith and prayer into top spots for new releases on Amazon!

For new books, the first week "out" is everything. Book sellers and buyers look at the lists of books that are doing well and make their decisions on placement in stores and quantities to stock. I never knew anything about this before becoming an author! I never realized just how much those first purchases meant.

I've never been one to worry about numbers. I don't ever write thinking about making any kind of charts.

I only write from my heart and let the chips fall where they may.

Walking With Henry is that kind of book. It's about finding myself in the midst of questions, doubts, and honest wrestling with my faith...and what that looked like as I learned to walk with a little donkey by my side.

 

The reviews on Goodreads have warmed my heart. You can pop over there and read what early readers of the book are saying. It's made me realize that I am not alone, and that this world needs people to are willing to lay it all out there and let others see what real-life faith journeys look like.

 

A faith journey is not always pretty.

But there are real pockets of joy and hope along the way that propel us forward into peace and deeper faith. I hope that's what my story communicates.

 

What I learned during this pathway through my questions, is that God loves each of us dearly. He is not fazed by anything we throw at Him, and He will never condemn us for asking gut-level questions of Him or any of the things we believe.

Some of our old beliefs and practices can be left by the wayside as we make room for a God that is bigger and better than we ever imagined. His infinite care and grace for us draws us upward and inward--and allows us to live in freedom and compassion for everyone around us.

 

 

If you have not yet purchased your copy of Walking with Henry, would you do me a favor and do so today?

 

Maybe it will sit on your shelf until you have the time to read it, but it would mean the world to me if you'd take the time to order it now.

And when you do read the book, I hope you'll find a comfy chair with a cozy blanket, pour yourself some tea...and settle in for a journey with me. I'm convinced that you'll not only fall in love with darling little Henry as our companion, but you'll also rediscover God's love and find that your own faith can once again bloom.

 

 

So, thank you, thank you, thank you, my dear blog readers! You have made this book launch possible, and you're helping to bring this little book into the world with a Hee-Haw and a splash!

With deep love and appreciation,

Rachel (and Henry)

 

The Lord's Prayer

 

 

The Lord's Prayer is a prayer I learned as a child, and prayed every now and then as an adult. It's one that is frequently brought out at funerals or special occasions, but honestly it was never really a big player in my regular daily life.

In recent years, I've made The Lord's Prayer part of my daily prayer time. I'd been struggling to pray regularly, and began looking for some new ways to approach prayer. I noticed that it was always in the rotation in The Book of Common Prayer, and as I began to create my own "set" of prayers, I included it so I could pray the words every day.

Praying The Lord's Prayer is a simple way to bring my heart into perfect alignment with the Lord's heart. It's one of the few explicit things He commanded His followers to do...and I'm amazed at how long I overlooked this small practice.

Prayer, to me, had always been about me bringing my requests to God. I usually have a pretty good long list of things I need Him to attend to, and I know He doesn't mind it - in fact He tells us to bring those requests to Him.

 

But I must say that in all my years, I never thought of prayer as "spiritual formation."

 

I never considered that by praying a prayer like The Lord's Prayer, I was helping to form my own soul into that of a mature Christ-follower. But I've found that these words have a lasting effect on me: my demands are fewer, my perspective is shifted, my heart is settled. Rather than rote words on repeat, they have become life and strength to my soul.

 

The prayer in the photo above is a printable I've made for you.

You can find it at rachelanneridge.com/henry when you pre-order my book, Walking With Henry there and sign up for the "Flash and Henry" email newsletter. There are a few other gifts for you there, such as a hoof-print bookplate and more printable prayers I know you'll enjoy.

You'll also be entered for a chance to win a pretty sweet gift package! All the information is on my website.

 

Is The Lord's Prayer something that is part of your daily life? Perhaps you could simply incorporate it into your prayer time, as a small act of obedience to Jesus' directive? You don't have to expect anything grand--there's no magic result--but I will tell you that you may find something stirring in your soul.

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done."

The Lord's Prayer reminds us that we are here for a greater purpose than we can imagine. We are here to participate in God's beautiful kingdom, and there is great joy in being part of His family here on this earth.

This New Day: Replacing anxiety with trust

 

 

 

Are you feeling anxious?

Are you worried about what might happen tomorrow?

Do you struggle with "what if's" in life?

A few years ago, I experienced an episode of anxiety that caught me by surprise. I was folding laundry and mindlessly watching a television show (BBC's Escape to the Country - so good!) when suddenly my heart began to pound and I broke out in a sweat. My thoughts became jumbled and I felt overcome by intense anxiousness. I sat down on the bed and tried to breathe and pray my way out of it. Eventually it passed and I've only experienced this kind of episode a few times since, but it was a wake-up call to the seriousness of anxiety as a real mental issue.

There is another kind of anxiety though, a low-level worry that hums in the background of my mind that presents a daily challenge to my mental and spiritual well-being. It's the fear of what might happen: the "what if's" that seem to find their way into my thoughts.

What if I get cancer?

What if my marriage fails?

What if something happens to one of my kids?

What if I'm wrong about all the things I've believed?

What if I never achieve anything worthwhile?

I've found great comfort in meditating on scriptures like Romans 8:28 (all things work together for good) and Isaiah 41:10 (Do not fear for I am with you). I've made lists of go-to verses to let them sink into my soul for such moments.

This prayer, from the Book of Common Prayer, never fails to soothe my anxious thoughts:

 

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: 

Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;

and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  

Amen.

 

What I love about this prayer is that its focus is on today. Not tomorrow, not yesterday, but this present moment.

This new day.

He has brought me here through difficulties and challenges, joys and heartaches.

He is with me still.

And He is with you, too.

Praying these words reminds me to leave the "fulfilling of your purpose" to God. Rather than pleading for my desired outcome (and feeling anxious about making sure everything goes according to my plan) I can put my situation into His hands, knowing that His purposes are so much better than my own.

It's so easy to let our anxious thoughts take over, so that we begin to live from a position of fear. When we adopt an attitude of looking for God's purposes in whatever struggle we face, we can step into a place called "trust."

You can breathe. You can rest.

God has brought you this far.

He is not going to leave you now.

He is going to fulfill His purposes in your life.

He loves you and wants you to flourish in every circumstance.

He is with you in this new day.

 

With love,

Rachel

 

Pre-order your copy

The Means of Grace: Learning to Pray Again

 

Almighty God, Father of all mercies,

we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made.

We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life;

but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;

for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.

And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives,

by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days;

through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages.

Amen.

(Prayer of General Thanksgiving, Book of Common Prayer)

 

 

A few years ago, I found myself unable to pray.

 

I don't really know how or why it happened, but somehow I just couldn't find the words to talk to God---this, after a lifetime of easy conversation with Him.

I found myself wondering:

Is prayer all about me asking for things?

Is prayer a battle, to be fought in a "war room?"

Is prayer silent meditation, or loud declarations of scripture?

Is prayer more effective (i.e. getting God to answer) if I use the right words or get enough people to agree with me in prayer?

What is the purpose of prayer, if "God has everything under control" anyway?

 

Maybe it seems like these are pretty basic questions for a (ahem) "mature believer" to be asking, but I had to be gut-level honest for once in my life, and there I was.

I was at a standstill with my doubts and questions.

I didn't know what to do.

Someone suggested to me that I simply stop trying so hard. They pointed me toward The Book of Common Prayer, and the idea of praying a "Daily Office," which meant following a liturgy--a prescribed list of prayers and readings--morning and evening.

This was absolutely so foreign to me, I instantly rejected the idea.

I didn't believe in engaging in vain repetitions and meaningless rituals...at least that's how I had always thought about it.

But then I thought, "What do I have to lose?"

Since was not currently praying AT ALL, what could it hurt?

I purchased a print Book of Common Prayer and gave it a try. Right off the bat I found it confusing. There was too much page-flipping involved, and trying to figure out my place each day proved difficult. I almost gave up.

That's when I discovered online versions of the Daily Office. And APPS! There were apps.I could easily open an app (here is my favorite) and have the daily prayers and scripture readings organized for me in one place. This made all the difference.

I began.

One day at a time, one moment at a time, one prayer at a time.

 

I simply let the prayers--beautiful, heartfelt words that were full of good theology and grace--carry me forward.

 

I didn't expect anything grand. To be candid, I really didn't expect anything at all.

But something, something was changing inside.

As I prayed along with the daily liturgy, I felt a shift.

I found life being breathed into my spirit.

I began to find the words to pray, not just in the letters on the page, but on my own...from my heart.

I started to listen more.

I worried less.

My anxieties about prayer faded away.

I was learning, slowly, that God can surprise us in unexpected ways, and His grace can meet us wherever we are.

 

 

 

You can read more about my prayer journey in Walking With Henry, my newest book that releases March 5.

 

 

 

Ask the animals and they will teach you. Job 12:7

 

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
    or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
⁸ or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
    or let the fish in the sea inform you.
⁹ Which of all these does not know
    that the hand of the Lord has done this?
¹⁰ In his hand is the life of every creature
    and the breath of all mankind."

Job 12: 7-10

 

I love the words in this passage. Its poetry just speaks to my animal-and-nature-loving soul.

I'm reminded here that the Bible was written by people who spent much of their lives outside, in tune with the seasons, tied to the land, mindful of the animals that both served and fed them. They observed the wildlife and the trees and the skies as easily and naturally as breathing.

Of course the wildness of the earth and its creatures spoke to them of the divine, just like it still speaks to us in modern times.

Perhaps we lack the proximity to nature that our ancestors had. In our neighborhoods, behind our fences, inside our temperature-regulated homes, we rush to work and responsibilities with a quick check of the weather forecast on our smart phones. We are fortunate in many ways to live free from the forces of nature, and yet...It beckons to us.

”Step outside,” it says.

Notice.

Observe.

Listen.

Be still.

Even the gentle eyes of our sweet family dogs and cats implore us to slow down and pay attention. Creatures of God’s hand, they know secrets about life that elude us in our busy suburban rush.

I’ve been blessed with a couple of donkeys who have gifted my life with laughter and exasperation. As I’ve traveled around telling their stories, people have pulled me aside and whispered their own: a dog who shows unconditional love, a kitten who has learned to trust, or a chicken who provides eggs and sustenance. They seem embarrassed, surprised that their pets have revealed something of God to them.

But this is the way of God’s creation. Everything speaks of Him.

And I simply say, “Ask the animals, and they will teach you.”

 

Available for pre-order now

Book Launch Update: ALL Y'ALL are invited!!!

 

 

In my last post, I told you I was putting together a launch team for Walking with Henry and got such a fantastic response. You guys blew me away!

And now I've found out that I can open the launch team up to ANYONE who would like to be a part!

That means:

You don't have to be a blogger.

You don't have to have a big "social media presence."

You can simply sign up be an advance reader, and then share about Walking with Henry.

 

If you'd like to help, then you're just who I am looking for :)

We have created an exclusive launch team Facebook group, in which you’ll have the opportunity to interact with others who are reading the book in advance and help spread the word about Walking with Henry on social media, too.

 

To join the team, fill out the short Launch Team Sign-Up Form here: Team Henry Sign Up. 

From the Sign-Up form you'll be directed to the private Facebook group. It's a two-step process that just takes a couple of minutes.

 

I am looking forward to seeing you there...and Henry is too!

 

Rachel

Walking With Henry - My upcoming book!

 

I was stuck.

Mired in regret, frozen in my faith, I was afraid of the future, and feeling so very alone.

I should have been excited about a new season of life: my kids were grown and doing well. I had accomplished a dream of writing a book. My marriage was solid.

Instead, I found myself unable to move past one huge mistake I'd made that had had devastating consequences. Simultaneously, the faith I'd grown up with didn't seem to answer new questions and doubts that arrived out of the blue.

To make matters worse, after a lifetime of easy conversations with God, I no longer had any words to pray.

 

I didn't know what to do.

 

That's when Henry, the adorable miniature rescue donkey, arrived in my life.

 

Henry was brought in to our farm to be Flash's wing man. Flash was the "star of the show," my original donkey who had been instrumental in so many life lessons, and whose story inspired my book. Now Flash needed a companion...especially after my awful mistake. 

When we picked Henry up from the donkey rescue facility in west Texas, I hoped that somehow he would help fix everything, including the spiritual fog that had me at a standstill.

I knew it was a lot to ask of such a little guy, but I was desperate and obviously not thinking clearly.

However, Henry -- "Henderson Number Ten," is his official name -- came with his own ideas.

He was not about to be anybody's wing man. He wanted to be the top banana, the boss, the lord of the pasture.

And Flash? Well, he was none to pleased with having his well-ordered life upset by a diminutive know-it-all.

Worst of all, it seemed that neither one of them was interested in helping me with any of my other problems.

 

Walking with Henry is a very personal story.

 

It's a story of learning how to let go of regrets, and journey forward with hope.

It's a story of coming to terms with doubts, facing tough questions about my faith, and finding comfort in new forms of prayer and practice.

It's a story of how God used a tiny donkey to create an open space in my heart for wonder, and mystery, and joy.

 

 

Walking with Henry releases on March 5.

 

I'm both excited and nervous about it. I'm excited because I love how the story turned out...but nervous because I have taken a huge risk in being so vulnerable.

It's not easy for me to share my struggles. I'm a very private Norwegian, after all. But faced with a choice to pretend I've had it all together all along, or allow my authentic journey to be seen and known, I swallowed hard and wrote my truest story. I couldn't NOT be honest...and it's my hope that you'll find encouragement and comfort in the pages of this book.

March 5 is just around the corner....

Which brings me to this question:

 

Would you consider being part of my launch team?

 

Book babies need help getting out into the world, and this one is no different.

I need people who will be willing to read advance copies, and share reviews and promotions on their blogs and social media spheres. 

If you are active on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and (preferably) if you have a blog, would you be part of Team Henry?

 

I need you. I really do.

 

To thank you for your help, Team Henry members will receive a free SIGNED HARDCOVER COPY of Walking with Henry, some personal time with Henry and me via Skype, premier access to a prayer devotional, and the undying love of an adorable miniature donkey in Texas!

If this sounds like something you want to be part of and can commit to, simply send me an email with "Team Henry" in the subject line and I'll give you more information. The official team will be limited to 25, but everyone will be welcome to help in whatever way they can.

In the meantime, Walking with Henry is already available for pre-order at places like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Tyndale.

I'm looking forward to sharing more of my journey here on the blog, as well as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I hope you'll follow along and be part of the experience. As always, I am deeply appreciative of your friendship, readership, and encouragement.

You bless me.

With love,

Rachel

PS Did you know that Flash and Henry have their own Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram? I mean, of course they do. :) 

 

 

Prayer for this new day

This week I’m posting one of my favorite prayers. I pray it nearly every morning because each word is just what my heart wants and needs to say:

 

 

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father,

you have brought us in safety to this new day:

Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;

and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

There are times that I feel stuck in regret over things in the past: things I can’t undo, and things I can’t seem to get over. And sometimes I’m so anxious about tomorrow that I forget that what’s important is today.

Today.

This new day is all I have.

This new day is here and is waiting for me to lean into it and embrace what it holds. 

God has brought me safely here. Right now.

Today, I can simply ask for His power to preserve me and keep my eyes fixed on Him. I can ask Him to help me find His purpose in whatever comes my way.

I don’t need to obsess over yesterday or fret about tomorrow. I can see today as a gift from above, and choose to live in gratitude in each moment. 

Simply giving Him our day and asking for His direction is such an important way to start each morning. I’ll be praying this along with you this week, and may you be filled with peace, knowing that God is your almighty and everlasting Father who has brought you safely to this new day.

Blessings,

Rachel

Prayer for the Week 12.02.18

 

This week’s prayer:

Almighty God,

give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light,

now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility;

that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal;

through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

 

How exactly, do you “cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light?”

I’ve been thinking about that today.

Here is what I know.... there is only one sure way to do this. It’s simple:

 

Do all things in love.

 

Where there is love, there can be no darkness. Where there is love, there is light and justice, forgiveness and healing. There is hope and joy and freedom.

In the face of love there is no fear.

Love is what casts out the works of darkness. It IS the armor of light.

And so this week, let’s wrap ourselves in love. Let’s have soft hearts, kind thoughts, and gracious spirits. Let’s remember that we aren’t “out to win,” but we are “to out-love” not only our friends but also our enemies, and do good to all.

We do this through the power of the Holy Spirit, who continually guides us into all wisdom and truth.

Praying for you today,

Rachel

Prayer for the Week 11.18.18

 

 

The prayer for this week is a great reminder about Scripture:

 

Blessed Lord,

who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:

Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,

that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ;

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

 

I admit that I need reminding that the trajectory of all scripture is to point us to Jesus Christ.

Sometimes, we use the Bible to beat people over the head with rules or threats. Other times, we read the Bible to find proof texts to support our ideas or make a point. Sometimes, we read and underline passages because it makes us feel more spiritual than others. I love the feeling of carrying a well-worn Bible to church, partly because it’s kind of impressive.

”Oh, look at my worn-out Bible! Why, I’m just ALWAYS READING IT.”

I’m just being honest.

Jesus was always in conversations with people who did a whole lot of scripture reading but who had missed the entire point of it.

One day, He was criticized (by those who knew the Scriptures backward and forward) for having the gall to break the law by healing a man on the Sabbath. In response he said, “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.” (John 5)

If all our studying, underlining, meditating, and learning doesn’t help us embrace the blessed hope of eternal life in Christ, we are doing it wrong.

This week’s prayer challenges us to seek that life in the One who is the Word of God—Jesus—through the scriptures that point us to Him.

Praying for you this week,

Rachel