Monday, June 24, 2013

Rainbows for Rainy Days by Catherine Campbell - REVIEWED



About the Book: (from Lion Hudson)

Catherine Campbell’s experience as a nurse and as the mother of two handicapped girls, whom she cared for until they died at ages 10 and 13, has given her a unique insight into suffering. As an inspirational speaker she frequently encounters people with tragic stories. And yet she believes that God is Lord and that in both good times and bad, He is always good. Isaiah 40.31 says, that 'those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings like eagles.' She comments, 'How often have you wakened in the morning knowing that the problem, or the pain, or the unpaid bill has not disappeared? We worry and fret ourselves into exhaustion. Yet God has promised us endurance. 'The great eagle cannot reach the heights merely by its own strength. As it spreads its impressive wings the bird allows the wind to carry it to places no other bird can go. This kind of flying appears effortless because the eagle trusts in a power bigger than itself… the wind!' In this unique devotional, Catherine examines different aspects of God’s love for those times when life gets hard.

My Thoughts:
“…Jesus’ presence in the both doesn’t necessarily stop the storm from coming.  Rather, His presence ensures that my boat does not sink!

    And as I take my eyes off the storm and fix it instead on the Storm-Stiller, I discover He’s been in control the whole time.”  (p. 29)

I thinks as Christian, we are often temped to compare our degree of suffering with others.  I think when we approach books like Rainbows for Rainy Days we are often tempted to feel relieved that our trials are relatively “small” in comparison to others’ trials.  This is a wrong attitude.  For God allows the trails of this fallen world to mold us into His image. He uses trials for our good and His glory.  Each trial is unique to each life, and it serves a unique purpose.

I am thankful that Catherine Campbell was able to write words of encouragement for others  - born out of her own life storms.  I’m thankful that her life is a testimony of the strength and grace available through Christ.  I am thankful for her testimony of God’s unending faithfulness and His comforting presence in our lives through whatever storm we might face.

As Christians we will all face a myriad of trials throughout our lifetime.  It is my prayer that my heart will reflect Christ’s live as clearly, as tenderly and as powerfully as the words Catherine Campbell has penned in Rainbows for Rainy Days!  This book has been such an encouragement to me!  To read Scripture passages and then her thoughts and life applications has been both comforting and challenging.

I praise God for His light that shines so brightly through Catherine Campbell’s testimony! What a gift! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being obedient to pen these words and share them with others!

About the Author:
Catherine has spoken at numerous Ladies’ events, including day conferences, breakfasts and weekends, as well as individual fellowship meetings for women in various churches. Having cared for two profoundly disabled daughters for a period of almost twenty years, Catherine is often asked to speak on the subject of suffering - through testimony, bible ministry and seminars. But she also delights in opportunities to share what the Bible has to say on a myriad of other subjects too! She is married to Philip. They have three children; two daughters, Cheryl and Joy, now in heaven, and a wonderful son, Paul who is married to Susie, both exceptional musicians. 

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for your encouraging review of my book 'Rainbows for Rainy Days'. It was such a delight to write as I visited so many of the promises of God that are available whatever situation we find ourselves in. Bless you for taking the time.