Missing Pieces

By Liz Samoska

Do you feel like something is missing in your life? Do you find yourself thinking that there must be more to life? Let me assure you, there is more to life! Do you know what would bring you peace, contentment, joy, and fulfillment? It may not be what you think it is. If youve been searching and havent found it yet, youre probably looking for the wrong things in the wrong places. The good news is that peace, contentment, joy, and fulfillment can be found and can live inside you forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Jul 20, 2016
• ISBN: 9781504361972

Liz Samoska

Liz Samoska is a native Chicagoan who recently moved to southern Nevada to escape the harsh Windy City winters. She was born Elizabeth Ann Warchal and has been married to her husband, Jack, for over twenty years. Liz and Jack are snowbirds, spending the winter/spring months at their home in Nevada and the summer/fall at their lake house in Indiana. They enjoy golf, bowling, and traveling. Liz is a Christian and believes her mission—her purpose in life—is to spread the good news of Jesus through her writing. Missing Pieces is Liz’s first book, and she is currently working on her second.

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Copyright © 2016 Liz Samoska.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5043-6196-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-6197-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016911625

Balboa Press rev. date: 07/18/2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

Introduction

Salvation

Christian Life

The Holy Spirit

Acceptance-Faith-Trust

Communication

Love

Gratitude

Hope

Happiness vs. Joy

Rest-Peace-Contentment

Gifts And Talents

Heaven

Conclusion

About The Author

Bibliography

PREFACE

I’m not a theologian or a celebrity. I’ve never been in rehab, and I certainly don’t want to appear on a reality TV show. I come from a loving family and I’ve had a terrific life so far. However, years ago I felt an unexplainable emptiness in my life. I never told anyone because they wouldn’t have understood. I’d trade places with you in a minute. or You have such an idyllic life. they would say. So I kept my feelings to myself, wondering what was wrong with me. I had a wonderful husband, beautiful home, and financial security. I had a career I was proud of, and traveled on vacations often. So why did I feel like something was missing?

I was raised Catholic and believed in God, but except for an hour during Sunday morning mass, God wasn’t a very big part of my life. One day I was flipping through the TV channels and I came across Joel Osteen’s broadcast. His messages were easy to relate to, and his enthusiasm was contagious. Week after week I tuned in to his show. I started to read a few Christian books, and attempted to pray more often. I was in my early thirties when I finally gave my life to Christ. I was sitting alone in my car, dreading an appointment I needed to attend. I begged God to give me strength. He did, and everything worked out fine. Afterwards, I was so relieved and overwhelmed with gratitude, I promised to let God control my life from that moment on. It wasn’t a drastic change. The sky didn’t part, lightning didn’t strike, and angels didn’t sing, but ever since then, I knew without a doubt that God was in control of my life, and I wanted to put my future in His hands. I said a prayer and accepted Jesus as my Savior. Little by little, I tried to act more like a Christian, and when I faced troubles and difficulties, I had a comforting feeling that everything would be all right. In tough situations, I repeated the words, Everything will be OK, God is in control. over and over.

Now twenty years later, I know that God is in control of my life. Sometimes I feel scared, anxious, and alone, but I know if I trust God, He’ll protect me, guide me, and comfort me. I’ve written this book to explain what I have learned (and I’m still learning) in my journey with God.

Are you happy with the life you’re living? Are you at peace? My guess, if you are reading this book, you’re looking for some help. Great! That’s the purpose of this book— to help you find what’s missing in your life so that you can start living and enjoying each day!

INTRODUCTION

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well

—Matthew 6:33

L ife is like a jigsaw puzzle. As more and more pieces fall into place it gets easier to see the whole picture. But according to a recent AARP study, 50% of people ages 40-59 say they’re missing something in their lives. Are you one of them? I’m not talking about a shiny new car, bigger house, or fatter bank account, I’m talking about something— SOMEONE—who will fill all the empty spaces and give your life meaning and purpose. I’m talking about Jesus Christ. Jesus is the key to a balanced, fulfilled, and purposeful life. When you make Jesus the center of your life, He’ll provide you with everything you need and you won’t feel like you are missing anything. No matter how grim your job, your health, your finances, or your family situation may appear, you can rest assured that Jesus will take care of you.

Now if you’re