Trot for TBI

Hi everyone! I want to share a pleasant psalm and tell you about some podcasts available from the nonprofits that Books by Malinalli supports. First, “Biblical Counseling in Action” from the counseling ministry and second, “Joyful Journey” from VOH (Vision of Hope).

Recently, the counseling ministries at Faith Church (associated with Vision of Hope) started a podcast titled “Biblical Counseling in Action.” The lead speaker is Pastor Steve Viars, who “is a pastor, counselor, author, and leader in the biblical counseling movement, and since 1977 Faith Biblical Counseling Ministries has been using God’s word to help those most in need, and to train those who want to learn to help others.” The podcast is available through Anchor, Google, Apple and Spotify.

The first episode is an introduction and the second talks about counseling in women’s ministries – there is a discussion with Janet Aucoin and Jen Clarke. I want to mention this because it something that is available remotely. Janet also speaks on a podcast for women with Alexandra Nitzsche, called “Joyful Journey.” It is a ministry of Faith Bible Seminary (one of the nonprofits Books by Malinalli contributes to). This is available on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and Spotify. It is possible to subscribe through iTunes (which is what I did) or directly through their website. This podcast is mostly focused on women’s issues and less on issues specifically faced by unmarried women, although the content is still relevant.

Today I’m going to be doing a bit of writing, but I also will be doing some reading. I do love to read – mostly nonfiction but I have always enjoyed fiction work by Tracie Peterson, Lori Wick and Francine Rivers. Some of her books are being made into movies, which is exciting. Be on the lookout for details!

I’m currently reading La lunga vita di Marianna Ucrìa by Dacia Mariani. It was one of the first books I found written by an Italian author that I had access to. I’m still in the first quarter of the book, I don’t want to recommend it until I’ve completely finished it to see how I like it for anyone with an elementary knowledge of Italian (like me). I’m also reading The Coming Storm by Tracie Peterson, and Un Eco en las Tinieblas by Francine Rivers (Spanish Translation of An Echo in the Darkness). The links for the book by Tracie Peterson and both of the links for the books by Francine Rivers are affiliate links – any purchases will benefit me. I really appreciate it if you buy through these links if you choose to do so. Thank you.

I read Psalm 75 yesterday (it’s a happy psalm). It’s short with only 10 verses. It provides a pleasant assurance for us – of the Lord’s constant presence and protection.

We give thanks to You, God, we give thanks,
For Your name is near;
People declare Your wondrous works.
“When I select an appointed time,
It is I who judge fairly.
The earth and all who inhabit it are unsteady;
It is I who have firmly set its pillars. Selah
I said to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
And to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn;
Do not lift up your horn on high,
Do not speak with insolent pride.’”

For not from the east, nor from the west,
Nor from the desert comes exaltation;
But God is the Judge;
He puts down one and exalts another.
For a cup is in the hand of the Lord, and the wine foams;
It is well mixed, and He pours out of this;
Certainly all the wicked of the earth must drain and drink its dregs.

But as for me, I will declare it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
And He will cut off all the horns of the wicked,
But the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.

Psalms of praise are ways of finding happiness during hardship. It’s reassuring to be reminded that Christ is always with us, that the righteous will be redeemed, and that evil will be extinguished. This is true even though we may find some days filled with difficulty.

I got to ride last week (and hopefully this week) before school starts again. I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. I also plan to write some letters today. I love letters, but I understand that it is a bit antiquated for many people. If you want to write me, you can address your letter to either Patina Malinalli or Books by Malinalli LLC at PO Box 2825, 610 Navajo St, West Lafayette, IN 47996. I’ll happily write you back! You can also email me at patina@booksbymalinalli.com.