This book is one that I have been waiting to read for some time now. Messenger-The Legacy Of Mattie J. T. Stepanek and Heartsongs is the story, behind the story, of Mattie Stepanek who was a young author of poetry and prose. He was also an ambassador for the MDA, Muscular Dystrophy Association. He believed that God gave him a mission of passing on the message of peace and hope to the world. He took his mission very seriously, in fact, so seriously that he often put his physical and emotional discomfort aside to spread the message to all who would stop and listen. He often reminded people ” to play after the storm”. Everyone weathers storms of one kind or another throughout their lives…it is easy to forget to play, to laugh, to love and to enjoy the moments after one of those storms. Mattie never forgot and he never forgot to remind others to do the same.
Many people did stop and listen because Mattie’s personality and the way that he delivered that message of hope, love, and peace was such that he was very engaging. I remember seeing him on talk shows and news programs and being very impressed by him. He was a gifted writer and a deep thinker. He knew, communicated and worked alongside of celebrities like Oprah, presidents like Jimmy Carter, media personalities like Chris Cuomo, or musicians like Christopher Cross, actors like Sean Austin from the Harry Potter movies, champions like firefighters and advocates, like Jerry Lewis, for those suffering with muscular dystrophy and everyday people; to share his message of peace and hope. I am grateful for and respectful of his sacrifices while delivering the message he bore in his heart. That is commitment.
He suffered much in his physical affliction. He suffered much emotionally at the loss of his siblings. He was loved and guided by a mother named Jeni who not only raised her child to be so special but also recognized that he had something to accomplish in the short time that he was given to live here on Earth. I think that she is pretty inspirational too. She lost all four of her children to this disease and she lives with it herself. She has not let it stop her from living her best life or from continuing to spread the message that God put on Mattie’s heart while he lived. Surely God will bless her for continuing to be faithful in her love for him inspite of all of the challenges that her family has faced.
Mattie Stepanek was a young man with an amazing personality and wisdom far beyond his 13 years. He lived his best life to the fullest by fulfilling his purpose to the best of his ability. I think you will be blessed by this behind the scene’s story of Mattie’s life and mission. You will be blessed by reading any of Mattie’s writings, his series of books called Heartsongs. I dare you to read them and not be changed in some positive kind of way!
If you want to learn more or are interested in one of his books you can go to the site that was set up for Mattie before his death here: http://www.mattieonline.com/ .
Even though this book is compact and only 128 pages it is packed with enough information to last into Eternity. Jason DeVelvis has written a fresh look at the book of Revelation from the Bible. In his book Jason doesn’t attempt to explain everything about the symbolism and the layers of meaning behind each word.
Instead, Jason brings his own perspective about how living a life in pursuit of a close learning relationship with God, through his son Jesus, will allow all who accept him and strive to live by God’s principals to be admitted to heaven. God says that no sin will enter into heaven; and trust me, no one is going to want to be left here on Earth once Jesus has come back for the saints; because, Satan will be unleashed to wreak havoc on those who have not commited their lives to God before hand.
Jason felt God delivered the title of the book to him and that he planted the need to write this book because Armageddon is coming soon and God wishes that none miss their opportunity to avoid the trials and tribulations that are to come for those who are not ready when he returns for those who have prepared their hearts and minds, before that takes place. It is going to be hell on earth after Jesus returns and takes his saints away. The book of Revelations describes in great detail what will happen and how it will happen. Jason’s book strives to point out the wisdom in heeding the warnings in the book of Revelations by learning the lessons that God wanted the churches and the individuals in the Bible to understand. Grow and seek his guidance and approval in all things so that all who read it may draw closer to him and be saved!
Jason does not claim to be a pastor or a theologian; but he writes the book with a sincere heart. He felt compelled to write the book to share with as many people as possible. He does a very fine job of breaking down some very difficult to understand Biblical text that many people avoid reading because they say they can’t understand it. This book would be a great way to witness to those who are on the fence with making a commitment to God and the calling that he has on their lives to live according to his purpose.
Thank you Jason for being obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit by writing, In Case Of Armageddon, Break Glass. The book was copyrighted in 2009 and it can be purchased on Amazon.com.
Rainy’s Recommendations
