THE DIARY OF A COUNTRY GIRL
Book 1: For His Divine Purpose
by
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The Ultimate Sacrifice Sacrifice is one of those words that we throw around like a tennis ball. Soft, smooth and light weight, easy to maneuver. But those of us who really know what sacrifice is all about can testify it's none of those things. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice. No one before him or after him will pay such a price. Before his death Jesus agonized over it. It wasn't easy for Him. Read your Bible! He didn't walk into the synagogue with both wrists in front of him. He didn't chit chat with his captors and tell jokes to the guards. He didn't hop and skip his way to Calvary's hill. And he surely didn't crawl on top of the prostrate cross and say, "Hand me that hammer." Read Matthew 26, 27. Jesus actually prayed to His Father in Heaven hoping for another way out (Mathew 26:39). Before we go any further, let's look back. Jesus knew He had to die. He knew one of His disciples would betray Him and the others would desert Him. He knew the implications of His death and how misunderstood His actions, or the lack thereof, would be. He knew that's why He was sent to the world in human form. He knew He had to do it because there was no one else. This was why He was born, why He was sent, why He was here. And besides all that, He knew His loving Father would turn His back on Him, even though only for a moment. The latter, I believe, was what brought Him the most agony. But, if it wasn't for Jesus being the ultimate sacrifice, all of us would be lost. He was the final sacrifice, the last (eternal) lamb to be slain to cover all of our sins, forever. Jesus dying on the cross was the perfect demonstration of what sacrifice is. I like this definition of sacrifice that I got from Google: an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy. That really blows my mind because God did that for me. And the kicker is, there is no way I'm more important or worthy. But God didn't see it that way and sacrificed His one and only begotten Son for me. If you cannot grasp the depth of God's love for you right at this moment, I don't know what else to tell you. There are no words to explain how this is fathomable. There is no reason in this realization. Jesus demonstrated the perfect example of sacrifice. He said in John 15:13 that there is no greater way to show love. I'm not telling you to throw yourself in front of a bullet, but we can, in our own way, each and every day, shed the selfishness that has become too easy for many. We all make sacrifices in many different ways. A mom who goes hungry so her kids can eat. A dad who works 2 jobs so his family has a place to live. A brother giving his only baseball glove to his brother because he knows his parents can't afford to buy a second. A sister giving up dance lessons so her little sister can have braces. Stopping to help a stranded motorist in a raging storm. Giving a kidney to a stranger who needs a transplant. What have you sacrificed to show love to others? What more can you do? Let me help you - this is a learned behavior. Start small. You have to find a way to gouge out the selfish parts and replace them with love - one scoop at a time. I'm sure you've identified something in your life that you need to change. What can you do today to make a step in the right direction? What small thing can you do to start being better? What are you willing to give up to see the change that you desperately need? What are you willing to sacrifice? There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends (John 15:13). Challenge: Reread the events leading up to the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus. Reference any of the first four books of the New Testament. Explore different translations.
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About the Book
This is the first book in the series The Diary Of A Country Girl - a collection of inspirational readings designed to encourage and motivate you to walk out your purpose in Christ, by divulging certain truths, nuggets of wisdom and revelations I believe were given to me by the Holy Spirit through my own personal experiences. This book is designed to be an easy read. A quick read at lunchtime or on a bathroom break. A moment of serenity before a busy and challenging day. A breath of fresh air during the torrents of life. Each segment designed to uplift and motivate you, ending with supporting scripture and a challenge. A challenge that just might create avenues for further self-examination, devotion, decision and change. The kind of change that will allow you to feel the presence of God and desire to know Him more. If not, then I've failed miserably in what I was called to do. But still, I won't give up. I will do what I must do. So, in order to speak into your life and to encourage you, my life has to measure up. I have to be an example of what I'm saying. How can I guide you without knowing the way? How can I relate to you, to anyone, without the experience of knowing the change that is possible through God at work in my life? So, to give, I have to first receive. I cannot give anything except that which I possess. So I wait on God, and I pray, and I live expectantly. Because the revelations He gives brings life... and joy... and peace... and knowledge... and wisdom... and insight into the things that touch us the most. He is a loving God and He knows exactly what each of us needs.
About the Author
Ingrid Odle grew up in a small town in May Pen, Clarendon, on the island of Jamaica. She believes herself to be a country girl at heart having enjoyed the modest lifestyle her parents provided. Always preferring the singing of birds, chasing frogs, climbing trees, splashing in the rain, making dolls’ clothes, peeling sugar cane and mangoes with her teeth and, at every opportunity, writing in her dream journal or curling up with a good book. As the oldest of 3 girls, she had to grow up fast - cooking, cleaning, sewing, doing hair, going to the market, taking care of the animals, helping with the vegetable garden and all the other responsibilities that came with being an older child. Often acting more like a grown up than a big sister, especially where disciplining was involved. She got her first full-time job after completing High School at age 16, started Community College at age 19 and then went on to University at 23. She became Mama Ingrid to the rest of the students, being at least 5 or 6 years their senior, had had a real job and possessed certain unique abilities. She became counselor, tutor, confidant, leader and best friend. When others were enjoying their Spring, Summer or Christmas breaks, she was on a bus heading home to her old job that her former bosses so graciously allowed her to keep. Now, all grown up, she’s been married to the same wonderful guy, Graham, for over 16 years. Together they share 4 children, 5 grandchildren and several businesses. Life together has been more like a roller coaster than a cruise ship and, with all the lessons learnt, wisdom was born and hope nurtured. This inspirational book is her second published work and she is expected to do much more.