Tag: jesus

Book Description

My upcoming book’s title is “OMG! What’s Been Done with Jesus? Bringing Christ Back to the Forefront.” Here is a description of it and my author bio. I hope you will check it out when it releases on January 11, 2026. Please continue to pray for me. (Writing is tedious.)

When you hear the name Jesus Christ, what comes to mind? You may feel uncertain or have questions such as, “Who is Jesus Christ? What did He do? Could you tell me why He came to earth and spent so much time with ordinary people like me?” It’s okay to have questions. This book seeks to answer them.

Some have never heard of Jesus Christ, while others once knew Him but have lost their way. Still, others claim to know Him well. This book uses Scripture and a few memoirs of my journey with Jesus Christ thus far to challenge long-held misconceptions and misunderstandings about Him, including the idea that His teachings are only for perfect or deeply religious people. Jesus’ message is for everyone, regardless of their background or current life situation. The book will teach you, spark curiosity, cause you to think, and foster a deeper understanding of who Jesus is. It is for those who have questions about what He was doing while on earth.

After reading and reflecting on what Jesus Christ said and did, you may survey your life and the organizations you’re a part of, seeing whether they truly reflect His teachings. Perhaps you will ask, “Is Jesus Lord?” Some who are close to Him might feel inspired to get closer and share Him with others. Those unfamiliar with Jesus can embrace his message, start a new life, and anyone who feels lost can find their way back. No matter your age, background, or beliefs, this book will support and understand you and make you want to help restore Jesus Christ back to His rightful place.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eleanor “Ellie” Parks is a born-again follower of Jesus Christ. After a lifelong passion for writing, this book is her first published work. Raised in Philadelphia, she shares personal stories to prove God’s presence in daily life. The youngest of seven children, she first learned about Jesus at home but found Him in her teenage years. Inspiration by Ellie, Ellie’s blog, offers Bible stories and reflections that apply to real life.

She has a degree in biblical studies from Colorado Christian University and likes to read, study, and discuss the Bible. Ellie is a single mom to her son, Bryant Parks, and his wife, Kelly. She has three beautiful granddaughters, whom she refers to as her “A” girls: Amiyah, Azariah, and Ayla.

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Click this link to send me an email to add your name to my author’s list once it is published.

Be blessed until next time. Luv you!

Upcoming Book Promo

As some of you know, I’m preparing to publish my first book in December. “OMG! What’s Been Done with Jesus? Bringing Christ Back to the Forefront” is the book’s title. Jesus Christ, the leader of the Christian faith, is its focus, along with personal stories I share of my journey with Him thus far. They are memoirs of my experience with Jesus from my birth until about age 40.

Are you unsure or confused about who Jesus Christ is? Maybe disillusioned? Possibly, you never even heard about Him. “Just who is Jesus Christ?” you ask. What did He do? Why did He come to earth? If so great as they say, why did He spend so much time with little people like me?

These and other questions are what we explore in this book. Many have never heard of or known about Jesus Christ. Some who claim to know Him, even they have little or contradictory information about Him. The Church that He leads doesn’t rightly speak of Him, represent Him, or carry out His mission anymore.

“OMG! What’s Been Done with Jesus? Bringing Christ Back to the Forefront” takes a look at some of the common misconceptions and misunderstandings about Jesus Christ that have been circulating for centuries. It challenges these erroneous ideals with Scripture.

The aim of the book is to help readers understand Jesus Christ and recognize His significance for our lives and the Church. We honestly consider ways we may have sidelined Him, put Him “on the back burner.” He’s not promulgated much anymore (in the Church). People seem to have ignored or replaced His mission with something else. The book explores likely reasons for this and offers ways in which we can bring Christ back to His rightful place—as Lord!

Written articulately in a learned, conversational, crisp, chatty, and readable style, anyone will enjoy reading this book—the young or old, believers in Jesus Christ or nonbelievers, or first-time Bible readers. You will find a message in it for yourself and will learn something new about Jesus Christ or the Bible that you may have never thought of. “OMG! What’s Been Done with Jesus? Bringing Christ Back to the Forefront” will cause you to think seriously, dig deeper for meaning.

I hope most of the younger generations, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, will pick it up because most of the personal stories I share are in this age demographic, where now, it seems, there is more confusion about Jesus and His Church that has negatively impacted you. There is a way forward.

Pray for me to the finish line, and click author’s list to add your name and email to my author’s list to be notified when it goes to publication. Thanks!

Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.

1 Thessalonians 524 (KJV)

Be blessed until next time…

Ellie

Jehovah is our God Too

My Google search noted how “Jehovah” is a Latinization of the Hebrew name for God, YHWH, which is also known as the Tetragrammaton. The four Hebrew letters YHWH, which are often transliterated as “Jehovah,” are the consonants of God’s name.  It’s considered one of God’s personal names in Judaism and is used in some Christian traditions. (AI Overview, 2025)

The name that follows Jehovah is a word that describes an aspect of God’s character and nature. Jehovah Sabaoth, Naheh, and Milchamma are ones I gravitate to. I’m naturally a fighter and outspoken. You will hear my voice or see me in action, standing up for a cause, speaking out against systemic racism or injustice, or vehemently fighting for the cause of the weak or those harmed. This nature of Jehovah, God reminds me to step back and let the Lord fight for me because He has power over all armies/systems, is strong in battle, and can smite any enemy.  

The names for Jehovah, God, are listed below. Read the chapter for context or clarity on who the Lord is or what He does, and then glean from the one you most need Him to be right now. 🙂

  • Jehovah Jireh – The Lord, my Provider – Genesis 22
  • Jehovah Rapha – The Lord who heals – Exodus 15
  • Jehovah Nissi – The Lord, my banner – Exodus 17
  • Jehovah M’Kaddesh – The Lord who sanctifies – Exodus 31
  • Jehovah Chereb – The Lord, my Sword – Deuteronomy 33
  • Jehovah Magen – The Lord, my Shield – Deuteronomy 33
  • Jehovah Shalom – The Lord, my Peace – Judges 6
  • Jehovah Sabaoth – Lord of the hosts of heaven – 1 Samuel 1
  • Jehovah Kahbodi – The Lord, my Glory – Psalm 3
  • Jehovah Malech-Olam – The Lord who is king forever – Psalm 10
  • Jehovah Chezeq – The Lord, my strength – Psalm 18
  • Jehovah Misqabbi – The Lord, my strong tower – Psalm 18
  • Jehovah Naheh – The Lord who smites the enemy – Psalm 18
  • Jehovah Seli – The Lord, my Rock – Psalm 18
  • Jehovah Hoshea – The Lord, my Savior – Psalm 20
  • Jehovah Rohi – The Lord, my Shepherd – Psalm 23
  • Jehovah Milchamma – The Lord, mighty in battle – Psalm 24
  • Jehovah Ori – The Lord, my Light – Psalm 27
  • Jehovah Gannan – The Lord who is my defense – Psalm 89
  • Jehovah Machsi – The Lord my Refuge – Psalm 91
  • Jehovah Hamelech – The Lord, my King – Psalm 98
  • Jehovah Bara – The Lord, my Creator – Isaiah 40
  • Jehovah Goel – The Lord, my Redeemer – Isaiah 49
  • Jehovah Ma’oz – The Lord, my Fortress – Jeremiah 16
  • Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord, my righteousness – Jeremiah 23
  • Jehovah Shammah – The Lord who is present – Ezekiel 48   (Retrieved from Christianity 201, 2019, https://christianity201.wordpress.com/2019/10/13/jehovah-names-of-god/)

The Crawford singers—my nieces and nephew—beautifully sing about our Jehovah God. If you are on Facebook, listen here: https://www.facebook.com/perry.crawford.174408/videos/2161556904295644

If you are not on Facebook, listen here:

Jehovah Is Your Name by the Crawford singers

Enjoy!! Until next time… 🙂

Kingdoms of the World vs. the Kingdom of God

I like CNN; it’s where I usually follow the breaking news, gain information on U.S. or world events, watch documentaries about “notable” figures, and get information on old/new political administrations. I like CNN’s format for delivering the news, its various anchors and newscasters, and the guests who appear to discuss, explain, and/or help us better understand what’s happening worldwide. I can watch it all day, especially if it’s something significant (i.e., our new U.S. government administration). I must admit, however, I was feeling agitated and getting sad and depressed after listening to the news daily these past few weeks. As a follower of Jesus Christ (i.e., a Christian), I needed to take a break to check my thoughts and get some perspective.

Jesus explained to His followers that there are two different kingdoms—a kingdom that operates on the earth and a spiritual kingdom, which operates in the heavenly realm. People govern the kingdoms of the world and oversee and orchestrate affairs on behalf of the citizens and the earth. In contrast, the kingdom of God, which Jesus is really king of, is spiritual and is concerned with God’s rule, action, lordship, sovereign governance, and God’s will and ways being declared and manifested on earth. Once, when being questioned by one of the high-ranking officials in His day, Jesus tells him how His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:28-37).

It’s important to note that Jesus never disregarded or disrespected the kingdoms of the world or its leaders. An example is found in Matthew 22:18-21, where a group who hated the fact that Jesus claimed authority over God’s kingdom tested Him on this very issue. It reads, “Then the Pharisees went out and planned together to entrap him with his own words. They sent to him their disciples along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You do not court anyone’s favor because you show no partiality. Tell us then, what do you think? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus realized their evil intentions and said, “Hypocrites! Why are you testing me? Show me the coin used for the tax.” So they brought him a denarius. Jesus said to them, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” He said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  Now when they heard this they were stunned, and they left him and went away.”

This clearly demonstrates how Jesus acknowledges Caesar’s (or a government’s) authority and the respect we should show it. (Pay your taxes, in so many words.) And, Jesus pays His tax when he sends his disciple (or follower) Peter to find a coin to pay the Temple tax. Read it in Matthew 17:24-27. He also acknowledges here a reverence for God’s kingdom.

Finally, the Bible urges Christians to pray for world leaders, even those who are flawed. This further demonstrates God’s respect for earthly kingdoms and who’s in place to govern its affairs. (See 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and Colossians 1:16-17.)

Here’s the break I needed to take after listening to CNN. I had to step back, get God’s viewpoint, and shift my perspective so I wouldn’t be so depressed. I realize now God appoints world leaders; they’re put in place by Him. “Whaaat? OMG!” I should and can pray for them because there is a Master who is over them—the One who governs the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 6:9). 🙂

Be blessed until next time.

Reflections on the Last Day of 2024

Happy New Year’s Eve friends!

It’s true, we really do not know what a day may bring, let alone a year (Proverbs 27:1). For me, 2024 resulted in the loss of five family members–an aunt, three cousins, and last, my 3rd eldest sister. Some deaths we anticipated were soon to happen; others came unexpectedly, without warning. Regardless of when and how they occurred, these loved ones are gone, and I must venture into 2025 without them.

What God says in His word about people, life and death, and eternal matters resonated in my thoughts. Loved ones will one day cease to be because life is limited and death is sure. We must make a decision about where we will spend our eternity.

Jesus Christ assures us that God is the only eternal One, who will never grow tired or weak, cease to be, or stop loving us. He is the only One we should have complete confidence in as we journey into 2025. He is the only sure thing that will never change.

When loss does occur, we must make changes, adopt new mindsets, and follow new protocols or ways of doing things; my sister was the one who drove me to all events. The publishing of my book has halted, so the process is pushed back. I haven’t looked at the manuscript since November. It’s okay because I needed to be sad, grieve, and think about my sister. Lord willing (I now say), I will resume in January, because I did not know 2024 would end in such a way. We can, however, acknowledge the Lord’s sovereignty, continue with our plans, and move forward confidently if we’ve made the Lord our refuge and secured our eternity.

So, with that said, here are two brief excerpts from my upcoming book, each from a different chapter.

Excerpt:

“We learn how Joseph worked as a carpenter to care for his wife and family. Jesus was their eldest child, but they had more children. Mark 6:3 (also in Matthew), tells us that Jesus had four younger brothers and at least two sisters. The sisters’ names have been preserved, but the brothers were called James (in the Hebrew, Jacob), Joses (in the Hebrew, Joseph, after his father), Simon, and Judas or Juda (also known as Jude)…”

And, later…

“Eventually, my eldest sisters followed mom and continued hosting the home and community bible clubs. My oldest sister, Chris, put the best spin on it to me by incorporating a puppet show in the clubs. She did shows at home and eventually began using a friend’s church building to host them. The children came and loved it. It had a significant impact on them! Of course, my sisters distributed goodie treats and juice each week, and there were Bible contests and games with prizes. So, it was my mother who instilled in us a love for God and His word, a compassion for children, and the importance of inviting others to receive Jesus Christ into their lives.”

We see here that Jesus too had siblings and understood the whole family dynamic; He felt the same love for His loved ones as we do for ours.

Be blessed until next time. Happy New Year! 🙂