Rainbows, Potholes & Nuggets of Gold
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Rainbows, Potholes & Nuggets of Gold
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Hello and Welcome Back to Rainbows, Potholes and Nuggets of Gold blog! In my previous post, I mentioned that I was traveling to Daytona Beach, FL for NCA/NDA national Cheer and Dance competition. My son is the Dance Director at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX and his teams were performing. Well, we brought home a Gold (1st place - National Championship - His 19th and SFA's 24th); a Silver (2nd place) and two 4th place in their division! I told you we'd be getting back to regular posting beginning this week and I'm happy to oblige you with a special guest post by Steve Osborne, author of Beyond Chance: From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb. Welcome, Steve, Please tell us why you wrote Beyond Chance... When I was challenged to examine the evidence for Christianity, I was stunned. I didn't grow up doubting God—I grew up not thinking about Him at all. For three decades, I had dismissed Christianity without truly examining it. When someone finally challenged me to look at the actual evidence—not the caricatures I'd constructed in my mind—everything shifted. I discovered that my arguments against God were built on false assumptions. I had believed that: -Faith requires checking your brain at the door (It doesn't) -Science has disproven God (It hasn't) -Evolution explains everything (It can't) -The resurrection is a fairy tale (The evidence says otherwise) Part of my journey to faith was learning that true faith is not the absence of evidence but the courage to follow it to its ultimate conclusion. When we do, we discover that reason and revelation are not enemies but companions, pointing to the same truth—that we are the work of an intelligent and loving Creator. Writing Beyond Chance: From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb, has been more than an exploration of science. It has been a journey of faith, reason, and wonder. My goal was not merely to argue that God exists, but to show that the world itself bears witness to His presence. The evidence for design, purpose, and intelligence surrounds us—from the birth of the cosmos to the intricacies of DNA, from the emergence of humankind to the resurrection of Christ. The deeper I investigated science, the more I saw the face of God behind it. Sharing that passion—especially with Christians who are intimidated by science—is part of the driving force behind the book. How Wonderful! Sounds like an amazing read. Please share with us a blurb and how we can find out more about you and your book. Sure, Thanks. Here is the Blurb... Find the answers in Beyond Chance Where did the universe come from? How did life begin? What makes humans so different? What explains the empty tomb? From the birth of the universe to the rise of life, from the mystery of human uniqueness to the empty tomb of Jesus, the evidence tells a story—one that challenges the idea that everything we see is the result of blind chance and instead reveals the radiant majesty of its Creator. In Beyond Chance, scientist and former atheist Steve R. Osborne, PhD, invites readers to examine the clues woven into the fabric of reality itself. Why did the universe begin at all? Why are the laws of physics so precisely tuned for life? How did the first living cell arise with astonishing complexity already in place? And why does the historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection refuse to fade? Rather than asking readers to abandon science, Beyond Chance follows the evidence. Drawing from modern cosmology, molecular biology, human origins, and historical analysis, Osborne presents a clear and accessible case that design—not unguided nature—offers the best explanation for life, humanity, reason, and meaning. Science does not erase God—it reveals Him. Written for thoughtful skeptics, curious believers, and anyone asking life’s biggest questions, Beyond Chance challenges a culture told the universe is silent. It argues instead that the cosmos is speaking—and that its message points beyond chance to purpose. Folks can read an excerpt when they sign up to receive my newsletter or a sample on Amazon. Below is my bio... Steve Osborne, PhD, is an experimental psychologist who has published peer-reviewed research. Once a skeptic himself, he began a personal and intellectual journey that led him to embrace Christianity as both rational and true. He served as a grant reviewer for the National Science Foundation and a guest reviewer for two peer-reviewed scientific journals. He received his PhD in Experimental Psychology from Arizona State University and his undergraduate degree from UC San Diego, where he graduated with highest honors. His book, “Beyond Chance: From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb,” integrates discoveries in cosmology, biology, and archaeology with biblical theology. He lives in Northern California and continues to write, teach, and speak on issues of faith and reason. Find out more by visiting his website. Beyond Chance: From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb can be purchased at Amazon for Kindle (FREE in KU!), and in Paperback. Read a Q&A with me HERE. Thank You, so much Steve, and many thanks to Gina @TheAdamsGroup for sharing your book with us. We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with this, and all future projects.
Hope you enjoyed Steve's visit friends and that you'll check back often as I continue to share spiritual teachers, preachers, philosophists, and books with you on Rainbows, Potholes and Nuggets of Gold. PamT
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I love this photo as, (for me), it depicts the beauty of the Resurrection poignantly. Posting to this blog has fallen by the wayside due to the release of my new book, Giving on Purpose How 30 Days of Conscious Giving can Change Your Life, taxes, the 40 Days of Ho'oponopono prayers/videos and me having too many irons in the fire as usual. I'm hoping to get back into a regular routine within the next couple of weeks. I'm doing as little as possible over the Easter weekend and then traveling to Daytona Beach, FL for NDA Collegiate Cheer & Dance Competition, so look for a new post sometime after that. Meanwhile, Thank YOU for your continued love and support of this blog as well as my other endeavors. Until next time, take care, God Bless and have a Happy & Blessed Easter Celebration! PamT PS: If you're looking for a sweet, romantic, holiday read over the Easter break, check out Lilies for Sandi - part of A Hint of Holiday Romance collection of short stories available at Amazon for Kindle and in Paperback and at other online retailers. Read an excerpt HERE. I know, I know, Lent is almost over but it's been a while since I posted personally that I just had to share with you my Lenten practice this year. Many people fast and pray and give alms or do some kind of special activity to draw closer to God durning the forty days leading up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus the Christ. I am no exception. Some years I participate, others I don't. Not as fully as I was brought up to do. And, that's OK! I've grown in my relationship with God enough to know I'm not going to hell or anything if I don't do this. Neither are you. Anyway, I remember one year I prayed and asked God what I should do for Lent and the thought came to me to give up bread. Now, if you know me at all, you know that bread is my favorite food. I L-O-V-E bread and anything breadlike... Cakes, cookies, pastries... You get my drift. So, you can imagine my reaction: "Surely that's not what You mean, Lord?" Then, I opened my daily scripture reading and guess what it was? You guessed it! Matthew 4:4 when Jesus said to satan, "It is written that man does not live by bread alone but by every word from the mouth of God." He couldn't make it any clearer than that LOL! So I gave up bread for the entire 6 weeks of Lent. Even on Sundays which are exempt. This year I decided to do something special again. Utilizing my YouTube Channel, Coaching in PJs™ I am doing 40 days of Ho'oponopono prayers around money using EFT. If you've followed me for any length of time, you know how I found EFT/Tapping and I know I've mentioned this prayer before which I believe is totally in line with Jesus's teachings on love and forgiveness. I know there are only a couple of weeks left in this Lenten season, but these prayers are short so there is time for you to catch up and follow along daily. Check out the Playlist HERE. That's all for today, friends. Until next time, take care and God bless. PamT It is with great pleasure I bring you another guest post! Please welcome my friend, Barbara M Britton to our blog with some beautiful sentiments on God's Word. Take it away Barb... Thanks Pam! God’s Word never ceases to amaze me. Even though I know a Bible story well, there are always details that deepen my faith. My latest release covers six stories in the Gospel of Mark that show the power and compassion of Jesus. In Jesus, we have the Son of the Most-High God, and someone who was fully human. Jesus never sinned, but He needed to take care of His physical self. This week I studied two other Bible heroes, who like Jesus, prayed to God in good times and challenging times. Let us start with Jesus. While Jesus is listening to His disciples debrief on their exploits of evangelism, so many people are disturbing them that Jesus says, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31 NIV) If you know what comes next, Jesus doesn’t find rest right away. He and the disciples feed five thousand men, and the women and children with them. Preparing a banquet for thousands is not restful. Afterward, we are told that Jesus made His disciples get in a boat and go on ahead of Him. What did Jesus do? He went up on a mountainside to pray. (Mark 6:46). Jesus knew prayer with the Father was critical to staying focused on His mission. He may have had to multiply loaves and fishes first, but He didn’t forget to talk to His Father. Likewise, when Nehemiah received word that his home city of Jerusalem was in ruins, he “mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heavens.” (Nehemiah 1:4 NIV). Nehemiah also prayed while in the presence of King Artaxerxes. Long prayers or short prayers, Nehemiah stayed connected to God. He would need that connection to complete the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall while facing enemies from outside the city and from within. And then there is Daniel. I taught this story to a group of elementary girls this week. I thought I knew this story by heart. Daniel is thrown into a lion’s den because he doesn’t stop praying to God. An edict had been given that everyone had to worship King Darius alone. Daniel continued to pray at least three times a day to God. (Daniel 6:10). The word that caught my eye regarding Daniel’s prayer life was uttered by King Darius. Before throwing Daniel into the lion’s den, something he didn’t want to do, the king states, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” (Daniel 6:16 NIV). When the king goes back to the lion’s den in the morning, he asks something similar, “has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20). Did you catch the word that stood out to me? Daniel prayed to God and worshiped God continually. People noticed, even the king. Daniel’s prayer life affected the king and his new decree declared that everyone in Darius’s kingdom must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. Amen! These accounts in the Bible encouraged me to pray to God more often. I don’t know what you are facing in your life. Your days may be smooth sailing in a boat, or you may be facing your own den of lions. Pray continually and consistently to God. We need to stay connected to God and focused on His sovereignty and compassion. As you read Scripture this week, notice other prayer warriors in God’s Word. If you have a favorite, share it with us. Discover the life changing power of Jesus in six short stories from the Gospel of Mark. The miracles of Jesus will leap from the page in a Biblical Fiction story, author reflection, and relatable study. Travel with Jesus as he calms a storm, heals a desperate woman, raises a dead daughter to life, sends His disciples on a minimalist mission, feeds thousands on a hillside, and shows compassion to a persistent mother. A perfect study for your small group, personal or family devotions, or even a book club. Barbara M. Britton is an author of Christian Fiction who loves to bring little-known Bible stories to light. She has taught the Bible in church and schools for thirty years. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website barbarambritton.com. I'm late posting today but better late than never. Right?! There is SO much going on for me right now but I'm determined to keep up this, and my other, blog(s) even if sporadically. Last year, I shared with you my love for Kathleen Cameron, her book, Becoming the One and YouTube channel. Today let me tell you about her second book, The Best of Yourself. I wouldn't call this book a contiuation of Becoming the One and you don't have to read them in order. What I would call The Best of Yourself is a guide to connecting with the truth of who you are and a deeper revelation into manisfestation work. Filled with nuggets of gold and journal prompts to help you truly discover the depths of Your SELF, this book is a must read for anyone on a personal development, personal and spiritual growth journey. It is available on Kindle, in Paperback, Hardcover and Audio (FREE with your Trial Membership!) I have loved and admired Kathleen for nearly two years now and finally took the leap to join her House of Manifestation (HOM) Community and become an affiliate marketer for HOM. You can discover for yourself how valuable this program is by attending the weekly HOM Tour HERE! If I can be of service to YOU in your personal or spiritual journey, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Until next time, take care and God Bless. PamT |
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AuthorPamela S Thibodeaux is a native of SWLA. She is an award-winning author, life coach, and spiritual mentor. About this Blog
I've been on a spiritual quest most of my adult life. In the last 40+ years I've listened to podcasts & interviews, and read books by some of the worlds most popular Religious, Spiritual and New Thought leaders. I've shared the information in different formats such as Pamela's Ponderings in TWJ Magazine which is no longer a viable website. Therefore, some content you may recognize, other will be new. Either way I hope to encourage and inspire you with every post! This film will change your life!
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