It's a New Year...Time to Look Up!

Shaking off the dust of an old year?

And she smiles at the future.

- Proverbs 31:25

A news commentator recently mentioned how eager she was to "shake the dust of 2023" off her feet as 2024 dawns. For many, this year has been one of unprecedented challenges and sorrow. Most of us will gladly join the symbolic gesture to pitch the baggage of the old year for the chance at a fresh start. 

Yet others look with trepidation to the coming year as storm clouds gather over the nations and America morphs into an unrecognizable and polarized sea of unrest. The air is charged with the collective sense that we are holding our breath for the next blow. What will the new year bring?

Oddly enough, 2023 was one of my best years in recent memory. Never have I been more excited about the future.

But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

- Luke 21:28

Anyone who knows our family's story understands our long fight to serve God under trial. This year we emerged from hard battles fought concurrently on different fronts. I awaken each day filled with gratitude for the healing and victory our Savior has won for us. I understand more about His grace and fierce love toward those He calls His own. I feel less worthy to be loved by Him but filled with joy that He calls me His own. 

As the old year winds down, more battles loom on the horizon... as they always will. The fight is not mine, though. A mighty Deliverer is my fortress and shield. God knows what's coming, and He can handle it. He's more than enough: He's truly everything, and He's on the move.

Time to Look Up

If you feel broken and bowed, there is never a better time than today to let the Lord lift those burdens off your tired shoulders. Straighten up, lift your face to heaven, and trust that what you see happening before you is the culmination of history as the Biblical prophecies of old are being fulfilled before your eyes. God is at work in your life. He eagerly awaits the new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells with those who love Him. He is coming back to restore His beloved creation and destroy evil. Until then, life in abundance can begin today in the secret place of your heart, under the safety of His wings.

Want to know more?

If you've never read our story, you can find it here . For a limited time, if you send me an email or write me at Pam Thorson, P.O. Box 42, Kendrick, ID 83537, I'll send you my Caregiver Bundle at no charge. This bundle consists of my first two books, Song in the Night and Out from the Shadows: 31 Devotions for the Weary Caregiver. Send no money. This is my new year's gift to you.

God's doing amazing things in our world!

For more information on what God is doing in our world today, visit Blood Falls and sign up for my newsletter. Check out the incredible true stories and Biblical research behind my new novel, Blood Falls, at Behind Blood Falls.

Blessings and Happy New Year,

Pam

Living Thankful

"I don't know how you do it."

We hear that every so often from others when they learn about our story. People often wonder how our family has been able to survive and even conquer the challenges of caregiving for so many years. My response is always to give God the glory for His keeping power over one of the most difficult seasons of our lives. We couldn't do it without Him.

But I know that any work of any value that accomplished in this life is done in partnership with the Sovereign. He has the plan, but we are His hands and feet and voice. It's His power displayed through our effort.

Caring for others is hard work.

It's easy to get in a rut. It's really easy to feel sorry for ourselves when we're tired and feeling overwhelmed. Complaining takes a lot of emotional effort and drains us of our joy.

That's why cultivating a thankful heart is key to successful caregiving. It takes work, for sure, but it's key to breaking old thought patterns that feed a sour disposition.

I'm always amazed at the joy with which our spinal-cord-injured son faces life. Sure, he has bad days, too, but he generally faces most days with a truly grateful heart. He's suffered so much that he's just glad to be alive and well. He lives without bitterness. He accomplishes what he can each day. He looks forward to the future.

I, who can move and breathe without disability, often shuffle through the days with a grumpy attitude. That makes both me and those around me miserable. So, for this Thanksgiving, I'm sharing a few things for which I should be grateful every day of the year.

For this, and much more, I'm grateful:

*The gift of Life 
After watching my son learn to breathe again, I'll never take even the next breath for granted.

*Good health
I'm so thankful that, even in my sixties, I'm still healthy and able to care for my family.

*Freedom
We have just emerged from a brutal election cycle. But I'm still amazed how this country can come together and move on in a generally civilized manner. I thank God that the citizens who peacefully disagree with those in power aren't hauled away to jail or beheaded on a beach. And I'm deeply grateful that those who are disabled and aged aren't forced to give up their lives for the supposed greater good of society. I pray that never happens in this country.

*The faithfulness of God
He is good to me, even when I'm not good to Him or others. His grace blankets our family with peace.

*The loyalty of my family 
We were always a close family, but it took a disaster for me to see how devoted they really are to each other, and how they make sure that their relationships stay solid, even in the worst of times.

Especially in the worst of times.

*Daily miracles
We were told that if would be impossible to care for our son at home. He was told it would be impossible to go home. Every day, for two decades, we have lived the impossible!

*Answered prayers
If there's anything I've learned in the last year, it is to NEVER quit praying, unless I know God's answer is no. I've had prayers answered in the last year that I had prayed for years, seemingly without an answer.

Trust in God's timing. He does hear.

*Financial provision
We never have too much. But we always have enough. The bills are paid, and there is food on the table. There's even enough to share with others and have some fun. I'm very grateful to the federal and state agencies that work hard to help us care for our son. Sometimes, when I'm feeling irritable at some regulation or bureaucratic snafu, I try to remember just how much they have done for us. They are human, too, and are trying to help, even when the red tape seems counterproductive.

I could go on and on...

There is such an embarrassment of richness bestowed on our family that I could spend the bulk of most days in an attitude of thanksgiving. Instead of waiting for the annual Turkey Day,  my heart should be on its knees saying grace every single day. Because for us, life is good.

Book Review: Out from the Shadows

Out from the Shadows: 31 Devotions for the Weary Caregiver by Pam Thorson. 5 Stars

Out from the Shadows is a devotional with thirty-one inspirational segments. Each chapter includes a verse at the beginning, a short life lesson, a personalized prayer, and a section for private reflections. Written by author Pam Thorson, she offers Caregivers a peaceful reprise from their weary-laden days.

Released through Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, Out from the Shadows serves to bring devoted Caregivers out from the darkness and into the light of hope.

{My Thoughts}

I know that in writing this review, I will be a bit biased in favor of my Mom’s book. I would say that you’re probably right, but I wanted to give her one, anyways. Since I’m a book reviewer, I couldn’t possibly say no to adding my own thoughts to her two titles (her first book is Song in the Night). Putting that all aside, I wanted to pen an honest and detailed analysis of Out from the Shadows.

While Out from the Shadows is geared towards Caregivers, it is not exclusive to that niche. Anyone can pick up a copy of this title and find the same encouragement from within. What I liked most about this devotional, is the secluded area for my own personal reflections. There’s a set of five questions arranged at the end of every chapter with extra lines for written notes. Love it when a devo has this! I am inadvertently a notetaker, so I need lots and lots of space for my writing.

I like to list my favorite devotionals/chapters and book quotes into my book reviews. Here’s mine for Out from the Shadows - Chapter One: Jimmy’s Hunger. This chapter is dear to my heart because it’s a true tidbit from the childhood of my Grandpa – an amazing man of God. I don’t want to reveal why, exactly. You will need to read it and find out for yourself. Favorite book quote is, “My dad’s hunger for God inspired my own search for life’s meaning. His determination to break free has challenged me to wear my heavenly Father’s name with integrity and leave a legacy my family can be proud to claim.”

The book cover is perfect for the theme surrounding Out from the Shadows. I’m reviewing the paperback copy, so I can really see the transition from black to white on the image. It portrays a beautiful message to Caregivers that we can walk out from beneath our burdens and into a state of joy.

I am honored to be a part of my Mom’s authorship. Being her Office Assistant has been a blessing, and I wanted to honor her hard work with my acknowledgment in this book review.  Normally, I mention if I received a book in exchange for my honest review. In this case, I bought a copy of Out from the Shadows for my own use without the agreement of writing a book review. In other words, I did not receive a copy from the author or publishing house in exchange for a review – still honest, however! Hehe.

There is obviously no area on Amazon for any autographed copies of my Mom’s books. If you’d like a signed paperback edition of Out from the Shadows, please send me an e-mail here. Be sure to also read Pam Thorson’s first self-published book, Song in the Night: One Family’s Journey from Darkness to Dawn – a true life chronicle on our family’s response to a tragic accident.

You're Invited to our Song in the Night E-Book Release Party! Starting this Saturday...

There's a Song in the Night E-Book Release Party this Saturday on Facebook. It's an online event celebrating the release of Pam's first book "Song in the Night" in e-book format (which is available on Amazon's Kindle). There will be a 3-hour day full of remembrance. This will include photos, quotes from her book, a video, engaging questions/answers, and giveaways. Only invited participants who are attending can enter in the giveaways. Don't forget to ask your friends and family to join! The more, the merrier!

Starting this Saturday, Pam's first book "Song in the Night" will be on sale for a limited time of $.99. This will only last a week, so be sure to grab your copy then! Click here to be directed to the Amazon page for this Kindle deal (check back on Saturday). Be sure to share this with your friends! 

Here's your online invitation to join us on October 4th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the Song in the Night e-book celebration! Please, R.S.V.P. with clicking the "join" button for going on Facebook. Hand in your online invitation here.