Our Glorious King is Risen Indeed

Today we celebrate Easter. A celebration of the truth that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, conquering death and the consequences of sin; so that, we might walk for eternity with Him.  That is, all who believe and accept this Gracious gift so freely given.  Our Glorious King is Risen Indeed.  The Glory of God never shone so bright as Jesus willingly took upon Himself our sin and shame, as I pointed out in the last post.  Yet, the story did not end there.   It only began as a new day, a new covenant by which sinful man can be forgiven by faith; because of God’s grace.  For Jesus Christ on the third day rose from the grave, victorious over sin and death.  In Christ, we have new life! I wrote this poem yesterday to express that truth.

My Glorious King

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

My Sovereign Lord and King

Who joins me in my suffering

He’s ever present at my side

That in His joy I might abide

 

My Glorious King hung on a cross

And never thought about His loss

By reason of His love for me

He paid my price, my penalty

 

So, willingly He left His throne

That I might never be alone

And when this life brings pain and tears

He’s there to quiet all my fears

 

He took upon Himself my strife

To give to me eternal life

He cloaked me in His righteousness

That I might know His love and bliss

 

And on that cross His Glory shone

And ne’er a victim, did bemoan

His fate He chose with open arms

To free me from my own sin’s harms

 

He rose again, oh Glorious Day

To bring me life and light the way

That ever present I might be

Wrapped in His love eternally

 

And thus, it is, I love Him so

That willingly I to must go

Where ever He would bid me to

For He is all that I pursue

 

He is the treasure that I seek

The strength I need, for I am weak

He is the love my heart desires

The only one my soul requires

Ephesians 2: (AMP)

And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins, in which you once walked. You were following the ways of this world [influenced by this present age], in accordance with the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who is now at work in the disobedient [the unbelieving, who fight against the purposes of God]. Among these [unbelievers] we all once lived in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by the sinful self], indulging the desires of [a]human nature [without the Holy Spirit] and [the impulses] of the [sinful] mind. We were, by nature, children [under the sentence] of [God’s] wrath, just like the rest [of mankind]. 

But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us, even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace—His undeserved favor and mercy—you have been saved from God’s judgment)And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ Jesus, [and He did this] so that in the ages to come He might [clearly] show the immeasurable and unsurpassed riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us in Christ Jesus [by providing for our redemption].

 For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. 10 For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

JUST RELEASED

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

Recently released Books Available

Abiding, Steadfast JoyABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 


WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

Or for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

CREDITS

Amplified Bible (AMP)

Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

Feature Photo from Goodsalt.com and used by permission.  It is subject to copyright laws

 

Do You Know My Betrothed?

Do you know my betrothed?

And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bride-chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. Mark 2:18-20  

Who is my betrothed, my greatest love?  His name is Jesus.  What a beautiful picture of perfect love!  Not that I first loved Him; but, throughout my life, He has drawn me in by His love for me.  Once Billy Graham was asked in an interview, if he could have done anything different, what would it be.  His answer, I would have traveled less, studied more, prayed more and spend more time just telling the Lord how much I love Him and adore Him.  Parkinson’s disease left him confined to his home. The last few years of his life, he spent his days sitting in his chair with great joy just loving Jesus.

A REFLECTION ON MY GRANDFATHER

My Grandfather lived to be 104.  Macular degeneration had left him nearly blind.  He lived alone in his home.  Each day, he would sit in his recliner listening to tapes of the Bible; once his eyesight did not allow him to read anymore.  He spent each day telling Jesus how much he loved Him.  I will never forget the times I would visit.  Peace, hope, and joy filled the rooms of his home; as he awaited his betrothed to call him home.

I understand that so much more as I have been a widow nearly 24 years.  Each morning, I arise early to be alone reading the love letters of my precious Lord, my Beloved Savior.  One day, He will call me home; but, until then, like a bride awaiting her wedding day, let me rejoice in knowing Him.  He is preparing me each and every day to be His bride, transforming my heart.  So, let me ask you again, “Do you know my betrothed?”  He loves you with a perfect love and bids you to come, to know Him, and to love Him.  One day He will return to call His bride to the wedding feast.  Will you be ready? Do you know Him as your Savior?

My Betrothed

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

My betrothed hath gone to distant land

Preparing all that He has planned

Majestic Castle I am told

With streets and walls of purest Gold

And one day soon He comes for me

So I His Glorious Bride might be

What Gracious, wondrous love He’s shown

He paid the price, made me His own

 

How was it that He saw beneath

My filthy rags and did bequeath

His Crown to place upon my head

While taking all my shame instead

 

There’s nothing in this heart of mine

Could e’er deserve such love divine

I’ll never know what He did see

And yet, He did, He’s chosen me

 

He sent His counselor to prepare

My every flaw to then make fair

A righteous robe to then adorn

One day soon, one precious morn

 

My Lord, sometimes, I feel so frail

And fear my love for you will fail

Oh Love, my Love, I need you near

Your face to see, your voice to hear

 

Your letters pressed against my breast

A whispered prayer at each night’s rest

Awakened at some midnight’s hour

I feel your strength in me empower

 

Each day I live, I love you more

That on that Joy my heart doth soar

The trials, pains all fade away

While I await my wedding day

 

My betrothed hath gone to distant land

Preparing all that He has planned

Majestic Castle I am told

With streets and walls of purest Gold

And one day soon He comes for me

So I His Glorious Bride might be

What Gracious, wondrous love He’s shown

He paid the price, made me His own

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

JUST RELEASED

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

Recently released Books Available

Abiding, Steadfast JoyABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 


WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

 

How to Live a Life of Grace as God’s Beloved

Anyone who has followed my posts or read my books know that I can look back over a lifetime as a Christian and see those moments when I failed God miserably.  Much like David and Peter, I could only wish my journey looked like Paul after his conversion, Daniel in exile, or Joseph; but, alas mine did not.  All too often, I made the wrong choices.  Did I not understand the depth of grace I had been given?  Did I fail to love God enough? Yet, out of all the broken pieces of my life, God wove together His portrait of who I would become.  Learning to live a life of grace, as God’s Beloved, Redeemed, Chosen Child took for me a lifetime.  My heart so longed to please Him. Yet, I did not know how until I came to the end of me.

Only when I came to the end of my own self, the pride that stood in the way, the desire to prove the worthiness of my salvation; could I learn how to sin less.  When I learned that there was nothing that my guilty hands could do to earn His pleasure, I also learned the depth of His grace toward me.  The more I understood of His love and grace toward me, the deeper my love for Him grew.  As that love grows, my heart is transformed so that I might see others through His eyes.  He has not finished with me yet. But, I know one day I will stand before His throne of Grace, washed in the precious blood of Jesus Christ and He will welcome me home.

Grace Out poured to God’s Beloved

One day I witnessed another believer face a harsher judgement for their sin  than I had ever faced for mine.  When I looked over the years of my life, their sin seemed minor compared to my own.  Society, including the church stood loudly to condemn them, never stopping to see their heart.  Yet, this dear Christian accepted God’s punishment as justly deserved.  Then, turned to point out every act of God’s Grace toward them amid the harsh punishment.  They saw each mercy with a clarity beyond what I could see, clinging to the truth that God is good and His plan is best.  That, my dear friends is a heart that is broken and contrite; a sacrifice God truly accepts.

It was then I wrote this poem for that dear Christian and for me.  This song is one that I hope inspires other Christians to consider the grace they have been given.  And for those of you who do not know Christ as your Savior, I bid you to come just as you are to the foot of the cross.

In Christ, I am God’s own Beloved

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

Accused, Condemned in eyes of men

Rejected, hated for my sin

No one stopped to see my heart

Cast aside some broken part

That no one cared to see inside

The scars and sorrows that abide

A heart so filled with hopes and dreams

Of meadows green and crystal streams

Lay shattered, broken cast away

With nothing good or kind to say

 

Chorus

Then God’s Dear Grace that loved me so

Looked deep within and bid to know

Each crevice of my heart and soul

Each broken piece to then make whole

In Christ I am set free from sin

My guilt and shame all taken in

And bore upon that rugged cross

My strength to stand though all else loss

My sins all covered by His blood

In Christ, I am God’s own Beloved

 

How quickly men’s own selfish pride

Does cast away and cast aside

A fallen one—a broken heart

Who needs your hand to help them start?

Christ had come to heal the lame

To lift their guilt and take their shame

He called the sinners to His side

To know His love-in Him abide

So why do we not give our hand

To help a fallen one to stand

So, prideful man with heart so small

Be careful lest you too shall fall

 

Chorus

For it was God’s dear Grace that loved me so

Looked deep within and bid to know

Each crevice of my heart and soul

Each broken piece to then make whole

In Christ I am set free from sin

My guilt and shame all taken in

And bore upon that rugged cross

My strength to stand though all else loss

My sins all covered by His blood

In Christ, I am God’s own Beloved

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

If, indeed; I fully comprehend the grace of God which saved me, then, I will be unable to judge my brother in Christ.  Instead, I will reach out a hand of love and grace to a fellow Christian.  Furthermore, I will reach out to a broken world to present the gospel of grace to all–no one is beyond the grace of God, if only, they would come to the cross, repent, and be saved.  Won’t you come today?

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

JUST RELEASED

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

Recently released Books Available

Abiding, Steadfast JoyABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 


WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

TO GOD-MY LOVE, MY HOPE, MY JOY

This poem I wrote in 2005, after suffering through years of loss, illness and pain, only to see God was my sustainer, my love, my hope and my joy amid the sorrows of this world.  Prior to this poem, my only other poetic verse had been one when my brother died. Since then I’ve written many. God seemed to always comfort my soul through allowing me to think through my struggles with poetic thoughts in my head.  I pray this poem is a comfort to someone out there who is suffering.

While now focused on school and work, I find that the analytical part of my mind has taken center stage and poetry a back stage.  So, for this moment; until my brain thinks once more in a poetic form, I will share with you some of my older poems.  This is one I dedicated to God, who is my love, my hope and my joy; regardless of the circumstances or trials I may face along this journey of life.

TO GOD-MY LOVE, MY HOPE, MY JOY

by Effie Darlene Barba 

My life-so filled with hopes and dreams

Lay shattered at Your feet

So many tears, so many pains

I laid before Your seat

 

Can I look upon Your face of love

And question what You’ve done?

For You have been my only hope

My only morning sun

 

You’ve seen my heart when crushed with pain

Your hands have held it tight

When I have been so weak, so frail

You’ve shown Your strength, Your might

 

You’ve held me close within Your arms

When darkness filled my night

And when I could not see my way

Your eyes, they gave me sight

 

I lay my life within Your hands

That You may heal my soul

And keep my eyes upon You Lord

That I may reach Your goal

 

Shine forth Your grace, Your mercy Lord

And let me be Your light

That all may see Your eyes of love

The blind, they might have sight

 

Let not the sorrows, nor the pains

Bring bitterness within

And give me strength to walk this path

Protect my heart from sin

 

I lay my heart, my soul, my dreams

Before Your throne of love

I lift my eyes to You, My God

And seek Your will above

 

You are the only one I need

To fill my heart with glee

It is Your face, my one true love

Tis all I need to see

 

So lift me up and hold me close

Reveal Your love divine

That through the holes within my heart

A world might see You shine

 

And if the sorrows of my past

Can touch a wayward one

I thank you Lord for each dark path

That lead them to Your son

 

I praise You now from mountains high

For each dark path I’ve trod

Twas there I found Your heart, Your love

Twas there I found You God

 

What great and wondrous joy I know

Because You are my king

And though the path I cannot see

My heart will trust and sing

 

A song of praise unto You Lord

Who knows what’s best for me

You’ll hold my hand and lead me on

In darkness, I can see

 

Your love, Your help, Your guiding hand

Is all I’ll ever need

So hold me close unto Your path

For this is all I plead

 

I’ll skip with joy along this path

Though darkness may surround

Because I know You hold my hand

My feet will ne’er touch ground

 

I cannot fall outside Your love

I cannot lose my way

I’ll hold my broken dreams once more

And see them real, one day

 

A song of praise unto You Lord

Who knows what’s best for me

You’ll hold my hand and lead me on

In darkness, I can see

 

Your love, Your help, Your guiding hand

Is all I’ll ever need

So hold me close unto Your path

For this is all I plead

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

JUST RELEASED

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

Recently released Books Available

Abiding, Steadfast JoyABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 


WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

Along the Road of Life, When Sorrow Brings Despair

Sometimes along this road of life, sorrow brings despair.  We feel alone lost in a sea of darkness.  Before us lie mountains, frightening, looming as though impossible to cross.  Paralyzed with pain and grief, we feel we cannot take another step.  Yet, into that darkness shines a tiny ray of light.  Someone reaches out to say a kind word or to sit with us quietly in our darkness.  We may hear a song, the tears streaming down our face as we remember a loved one we lost.  Into the abyss of our pain, God reaches forth His Hand ever so gently; yet, in anger, fear, and pain we clutch our fist.  He whispers His love and bids us to take just one step toward joy. We wonder how? Gently, ever so gently, He wraps His hand of love around our clutched fist and we choose to take one tiny step.

One tiny step that seems so impossible; then, another.  Little stumbling ones at first.  Our clutched fist loosens and takes His hand as the road causes our foot to slip.  Through the mist of our tears, we see little glimpses of kindnesses.  The flicker of stars in the darkest night.  Then, as the sun begins to rise; we look back to find, we reached the top of the mountain we so feared and joy is ours.  It is OK to smile again. When my husband died, I thought somehow my getting on with life or knowing joy would diminish his memory.  Instead, it heightens it.  His memory is like a cool breeze blowing across my face on a hot summer day.

Along the Road of Life

by Effie Darlene Barba

 

As I walked along this road of life

Amidst the rambling thorns of strife

I felt the pains-like sharpened knife

Tear open scars of yonder day

I gazed before me – looming there

Mountains filled with evil lair

I wanted then to cry a prayer

Yet, sorrow’s silence stole my way

 

I felt so desperately alone

Until a light before me shone

A King who sat upon a throne

A path to whom before me lay

 

And then I heard a still small voice

That called to me to sing, rejoice

I pondered then to make the choice

To choose Joy’s song as mine today

 

I felt within a warmth, a glow

It felt as if my heart did grow

As joy and love within did flow

My pains and sorrows swept away

 

I took a step, just one at first

Desiring more His hope I thirst

To drink His love until I burst

With laughter’s wondrous ray

 

My heart rejoicing rose to sing

As lifted up on eagle’s wing

My weakness bids- His strength to bring

My fears and doubts He came to slay

Amazing then before my eyes

The mountains that had hid the skies

No longer did before me rise

Instead beneath my feet did lay

Our Cry When Sorrow Brings Despair

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.  the troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.  Look upon mine affliction and my pain. Psalm 25:16-18

God’s Reply

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. I will gather them that are sorrowful …. Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee  Zephaniah 3:17-19

He will gather you in His arms and sing His lullaby of love and joy over you. One tiny feeble step at a time and you will see.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

I have been there.  Whomever you are, whatever your pain; I wish I could take your hand and help you to see God’s love.  He desires to bring you into His bosom and to help you as you walk along this road of life.  When sorrow brings despair, He is there in the midst with outstretched hand wanting to help you every step of the way. Will you take one step.

Concluding Tweets

[tweetthis]Amidst the rambling thorns of strife I felt the pains-like sharpened knife[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”I gazed before me – looming there Mountains filled with evil lair I wanted then to cry a prayer Yet, sorrow’s silence stole my way” username=”effiedarlene”]

[bctt tweet=”I felt so desperately alone Until a light before me shone A King who sat upon a throne A path to whom before me lay” username=”effiedarlene”]

 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

JUST RELEASED

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

Recently released Books Available

Abiding, Steadfast JoyABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 


WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits and Footnotes

Photo by Mitchell Hollander on Unsplash