Looking Out The Window: Terry Marsh Shares Spiritual Insights For Endurance And Overcoming Sorrow In Deep Calls To Deep, A Devotional. Gives Away A Copy.
A Warm Welcome To Terry Marsh
Terry will give away a print copy of Deep Calls to Deep, A Devotional (U.S. Residents Only)
Click on "invent your own option" and leave an email address on the Rafflecopter to enter to win.
Hi Terry, first, tell us a little about yourself.
Growing up, I wasnāt an avid reader. Once I was older with two precious children, I became fascinated with the Word of God. I knew there were hidden treasures waiting to be discovered providing that I would diligently seek for them. Of course, along the way I reared my children in a Christian home. They blessed me with six darling grandchildren, whom I adore. In recent years, Iāve devoted myself to writing. Currently, Iām writing my second devotional and loving it.
Tell us about your latest book.
Deep Calls to Deep: A Devotional is my debut into the literary world. It was my intention to write a Christian love story for many years, yet ten pages into the manuscript, I felt the Spirit of God moving me to write a devotional. The endeavor seemed insurmountable at the time, but I decided to just sit down and write. After writing three devotionals, it became evident to me that I was meant to share the insights that God had bestowed upon me. This devotional was written so that one may embrace the deeper aspects of the Word of God thereby enhancing their walk with the Lord and to perceive the intrinsic beauty created in nature and us.
What inspired you to write this particular book?
Psalm 42:7 had intrigued me for many years, which reads, āDeep Calls to Deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.ā Those mysteriously alluring words resounded in my mind until I fully embraced what they meant. Once I knew, a silent knowing came over me. I knew that verse would be the title of my book, although at the time, I didnāt know it would be a devotional.
What do you love about this book? And what do you hope readers will tell others about it?
I love the spiritual connections that the Lord had given me while writing this book, mostly during the wee hours of the morning, which hopefully will translate to everyone in a uniquely personal way. I hope that readers would share or gift this book to their friends and family. Often times we would like to share our spiritual insights with others, but time rarely provides the opportunity or they seldom fit into everyday conversations. Hopefully, this devotional would bless the reader and their loved ones in a beautiful way.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
I talked about writing a book for years. Then one day I knew that I had to stop talking about it and just do it. So, I would advise aspiring writers to create a pleasant writing space first. After that, write and keep writing until it becomes clear to them what they are meant to do. In addition, it will help if they make it a priority. Life will always present obstacles and cause delays, but if you make it a priority, it will happen one page at a time.
Terry's devotional below shares its title with that of her book.
Deep Calls to Deep
Passage for the Day: Psalm 42 (ESV)
Verse for the Day: Psalm 42:7 (ESV)
A waterfall is simply irresistible. Gazing upon such beauty beguiles us. We become mesmerized by the sight of cascading water, continuously falling, ever descending the side of a mountain. The sound of rushing water speaks to the deepest part of our being. We are taken captive by a compelling force within us that draws us nearer and nearer. We willingly surrender. We partake. For in that glorious moment, our spirit soars to a place of pure bliss. Our senses are awakened to the majesty of God. His presence is felt so intensely that it seems almost tangible. Godās voice calls to us from deep within the waterfall. We listen so as not to miss a Word. As His loving kindness pours out upon us, we are filled with the full measure of His grace. Our eyes see and our hearts perceive the glory of God. God Almighty gives us a glimpse of paradise here on earth.
Life is splendid, yet at times, a torrent of sorrow comes upon us. It can be so tumultuous that paradise on earth seems obscure. Our perceptions become hazy and dull. We grope about in murky waters, bewildered by our circumstances. We question everything, even our salvation. Our spirit is brought so low that it seems to take our breath away. We wonder if we will survive. Yet deep within ourselves, a gentle current flows that gives us hope and reassurance in the midst of our trouble.
In Psalm 42, the psalmist opens his discourse with āAs a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.ā He longs for God as he descends to the depths of sorrow. He writes, āDeep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.ā The psalmist acknowledges that the depth and heart of God calls to him as the waters of affliction are poured out from above. He, in turn, calls out to God from the deepest aspect of his soul in the midst of his despair. He listens acutely for Godās voice in the resounding roar of the waterfall. His life depends on that deep communion, that deep connection with God. The surface may rage, but that quiet pool within, where only calm waters flow, is where he finds refuge. In the stillness of his being, deep within his soul, he knows that God is his stronghold and salvation no matter what life presents. This knowledge and resoluteness sustains him as it comes from an intimate relationship with God. It fortifies him, enabling him to rest in Godās sovereignty. The rippling water washes away any doubt and despair. He sings songs of deliverance, as God delivers him from the oppression of his enemies and lifts him out of the mire.
Likewise, deep within us is a calm place where God abides, where there is a resolve, a knowing. We know that God is in control even though troubling waters may rise. This knowledge and reassurance comes as a result of testing. In times past, we have learned that during the crucible of suffering, we come to the end of ourselves. We sought God when we were weak, helpless, and distraught. As a result, we experienced His comforting grace and that peace that surpasses all understanding. During those times, the power of God rested on us, which enabled us to endure and overcome. This empowerment came only when the breakers and waves threatened to engulf us. Deep called to deep. God called to us and we responded. We survived, and our faith grew stronger. Our faith was tested, and it proved genuineāauthentic.
We should consider future floodgates from above an opportunity. Deeper testing will surely come as we mature in Christ. We should welcome these divine visitations, for God longs to have an intimate relationship with us. He wants to manifest Himself in our life. Testing is a sure sign that God loves us. When God calls to us, we should listen intently so as not to miss a Word. Paradise awaits us on the other side.
~ ~ ~
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
āPsalm 46:1-5 (ESV)
About Terryās Book, Deep Calls To Deep, A Devotional
Once the veil of doubt and unbelief has been lifted from our eyes, the kingdom of God becomes visible to our heart and mind. Only then may we see the spiritual realm. Deep Calls to Deep A Devotional was written to inspire anyone who is seeking to perceive the miraculous hidden among the earthly and those who long to embrace the deeper aspects of the Word of God where divine truth and beauty abides. In this search, profound revelations of God and glorious truths about ourselves are discovered.
Psalm 42:7 intrigued Terry May Marsh for many years. Those mysteriously elusive Words, āDeep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.ā called to her. They resounded in her mind, beckoning her to discover the true meaning hidden in this alluring portion of Scripture, which ultimately inspired the title. Like many passages and verses in the Bible, they resonate with our spirit, compelling us to not only seek but to find the heart and mind of Christ. Terry shares many of her personal insights in Deep Calls to Deep A Devotional. She invites you to spend some relaxing moments enjoying this devotional in comfortable places of inspiration and insight into the Word of God.
Buy Deep Calls To Deep, A Devotional
on Amazon
and Barnes and Noble
About Terry
Terry May Marsh grew up along the Delaware and Maryland shores with her family and friends. Spending many summers with her grandparents in Virginia was a welcome change, as she worked on the farm with her cousins, and snapped beans and baked biscuits with her grandmother. Terry grew up loving Godās Creation where she takes long walks along the beach and through the woods taking pictures of whatever catches her eye. Taking long rides along winding back roads enjoying the sweet aroma of wild honeysuckle and woodland scents is one of her favorite things to do. Visiting gardens is another chosen past time, particularly Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, where the conservatory is like a sanctuary to her. When she isnāt writing or gardening, she loves to paint landscapes. Sharing High Tea with friends and especially her granddaughters is a highlight in Terryās life. She presently lives with her beloved husband and two Golden Retrievers in Smyrna, Delaware. She has two adult children and six grandchildren, whom she adores.
Visit Terry on Facebook
Comments
Best to you in your continued writing endeavors!
Blessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
"Terry, I have been fortunate to have already bought your new book and truly loved reading it! You showed such a deep passionate love for God! Your words are inspiring and full of wisdom! I also plan to order a kindle e-book version for my phone and have bought several copies of your book for Christmas gifts. I wish you great success in your writing career! Thank you, Gail, for your blog! Merry Christmas, Phyllis
I want to graciously thank you, ladies, for your kind comments concerning my devotional. If you win a copy or chose to purchase one, I hope it will awaken many marvelous truths for you and hopefully for anyone that you were to share it with. Hopefully, it will inspire you now, as well as the near and distant future. May all of you have a lovely Christmas and a blessed New Year. Thank you, Gail, for your generous gift to all of us. God bless all of you! Grace to you, Terry May Marsh
Blessings, BJ
wjmfishing@gmail.com