Pools of Blessings: Uncovering the "Treasures Hidden in the Darkness--" Isaiah 45: 3a (NLT)

By Inez Perez Marlar

Could there possibly be treasures-secret riches in your darkness? Is there a purpose for your pain?

As I candidly share my experiences of pain and the treasures He gave me, may it stir within you the hope that He will do the same for you. For we know that God cannot lie; He does what He says He will do. He says, "I will give you t

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Dec 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9798887382562

Inez Perez Marlar

Inez Perez Marlar is an ordained minister, an inspirational speaker (both in Spanish and English), DivorceCare.org and GriefShare.org leader, and Spanish interpreter and translator. Her experiences have given her the opportunity to know God's redeeming grace and thereby birthing her passionate desire to share God's treasures with others.Inez and her husband, Don, are parents to a blended family of three adult daughters. They live in beautiful North Idaho.You can reach Inez at [e-mail]

Book preview

Dedication

To my daughter, Reina, born from my flesh,

And to my daughter, Lolis, born from my heart.

God loaned these precious ones to me for the privilege to learn

Through them and to love them with all my heart.

To my one and only true husband, Don,

By whom I have grown closer to the Lord.

You were the one wearing the tag:

For Inez, From your Loving Heavenly Father.

Truly, He arranged our union for His glory!

Acknowledgments

It wasn’t until I completed the book that I realized that God created the stories, He was the author, and I was only the reporter of such stories. Therefore, my first thank you is to Him. He orchestrated every detail, every scene, and every encounter, wrapped in love, producing all the treasures I now enjoy. Thank you, Lord!

Don Marlar: Behind all this task of writing, in the background, I see you, with a silly vision of you in a cheerleading outfit, complete with pom poms! What a cheering support you have been! Amongst all the spectators’ cheers, I could distinctly hear yours! I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive partner. We will share in the blessings that will follow when lives are touched by the stories of His grace.

Reina Rhodes, my daughter, thank you for being the poker in my life. The constant nagging Mom, when are you going to write your book?! I can’t say how many times you emphatically poked me to get going! Thank you, Reina; you can relax now…I wrote the book!

A huge thank you to my friends, who I trusted to review the early manuscript and share their input:

Bonnie Voves, you joined in on my daughter’s nagging, Mom, write your book! Thank you for joining the choir of supporters. You were the voice I needed to hear from my DivorceCare.org and GriefShare.org classes. The memory of your broken heart was what I kept in my view as I wrote this book. As these truths of God’s grace, mercy and healing had touched your heart; you encouraged me that there were other Bonnies who also needed to know their healing. Your enthusiasm and eagerness to get this published were loud and clear, pushing me to complete it. Thank you, precious one.

Brenda Wahlert, thank you for your encouragement to publish, reminding me that there are many from your GriefShare.org classes and mine that need to hear of God’s faithfulness. You create such a comfortable accepting atmosphere where I am able to share candidly. Thank you for your gift of friendship.

Carolyn Bjorn, you had no idea I was in the middle of writing this book when you lightly mentioned that TBN-Trilogy facilitates book publishing. You, as you so often do, listened to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and delivered the message that I should contact TBN. When I researched several publishers, your suggestion was the loudest. I’m forever grateful to you.

Dave and Nellie Fenwick (school principal and teacher), whom I met when I was in the 4th grade. I had many who God placed in my path to be His hands, His voice, and His listening ears. Through it all, you touched my life, spoke into my life, and listened to every word and tear without a blink of condemnation! You were first-hand witnesses to my every heartbreak and every blessing. Don’t be surprised when God brings out the blow horn for all to hear Him say to you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me (Matthew 25:40, NIV). Well done, good and faithful servant! (Matthew 25:23, NKJV)

Harry Voves, you enlightened me when you shared that you hung onto every word, not wanting to miss any of the lessons. And yes, while reading, you shed a few tears. I was thrilled to learn that this book would be for males as well as females!

Joseph Northcut, Director of Church Resources at Church Initiative (creators of DivorceCare.org and GriefShare.org programs). A special thank you for opening your arms and granting me a Consultant position. I met you when I felt so downtrodden due to my divorce(s); when I most needed someone to be more like Jesus. You gave me hope that perhaps I could still serve in His kingdom by sharing God’s healing for the broken-hearted.

Shelly Adcock, I trusted you to read my first draft with insight since you are a writer yourself and come from a family of writers. You said it was sweetness in your ears, a sweet ointment to the wounded heart and hope for the broken-hearted! Wow! To hear your comments was a huge blessing because that’s what my heart’s desire was for this book.

I am thoroughly convinced that no one writes a book worth reading without the Holy Spirit as the inspiration and family and friends to bravely share their insightful criticism. I am indebted to you all.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

The Pool of Identity Crisis

The Pool of Divorce #1

The Pool of Illness

The Pool of Suicide

The Pool of Missionary Service

The Pool of Rape

The Pool of Cancer

The Pool of Divorce #2

The Pool of Foster Mom

The Pool of a Single Mom

The Pool of Divorce #3

The Pool of First, Last, and Only

In Conclusion

About the Author

Preface

I share within these pages some life events that God brought me through so that I could know Him and His amazing plan of love.

I now have a glimpse why Job said after going through the testing of his faith:

I know that you can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted (derailed). You asked, Who is this that obscures My plans without knowledge? Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.

Job 42:2–3, 5–6 (NIV)

My prayer is that you too will uncover His purpose in your pain. He only removes that which is robbing us of knowing what really matters in our life. I pray that your eyes will be open to treasures He has placed hidden within your pain. As you read my story, may it help to encourage you with hope to know beyond any doubt that God really loves you!

Introduction

I spent so many years with a picture in my mind that was not true. I saw in my mind people who would be so fortunate to sit on a lovely comfortable bench under the waterfall of God’s blessings. They just seemed to sit there without worry, suffering, or pain. Just sitting while receiving the outpouring of