Proverbs 3:5,6

“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind

and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct

and make straight and plain your paths”

(Proverbs 3:5-6, AMP.)

     A few years ago, our Bible Study leader urged us to select a Life Verse from the Bible. My thoughts went immediately to Proverbs 3:5, 6. During the early years of life-changing decisions, I would admit to still being on a “milk diet” – spiritually speaking. But my faith in the Lord was strong enough that I knew to turn to Him, lean on Him to direct my paths.


     The first turning point was the night I was driving home from choir rehearsal and having a conversation with the Lord. The subject? The person I would marry. I laid out my case before Him, specifically naming characteristics that were important to me- like He didn’t already know. Within that hour, His plan was in motion. It would be a year before that request was met when the day His choice for me literally showed up at my door. Time would reveal that the check list was simply a description of my husband of almost 39 years. The one God had already selected. I was merely praying His will for my life.


     The second critical request was for the timing of our having children. There were many issues surrounding that prayer. Trusting Him resulted in bringing a precious three-year-old daughter into our home. The second sweet bundle of joy would be born three years after I silently acknowledged to Him that He knew what was best for us and, again, leaving that decision completely up to Him. These two young ladies continue to bring more joy than we could ever have known to ask for.


     When our younger daughter reached pre-school age, I was ready for another baby, a baby that never arrived. During that difficult time, I could go back to that specific prayer and know that God was in control, and our family was complete. Because He knew what was best, I could trust His perfect will.


     When we decided to pursue my husband’s dream of living in the country, we simply prayed the open door/closed door prayer. That time away from my family and friends resulted in a closer walk with the Lord. He took me out of my comfort zone so I would have to lean on Him. The door swung the other way when it was time to return to our roots; we are now near my mother who needs my help and our children and grandchildren – at least for now.


     My Life Verse has been at the core of every major turn in my journey. I’m confident it’s a prayer that will be prayed for future events, and just as certain that it will be answered as concisely and lovingly as all the other times.

     So tell me, what’s your Life Verse?

Orphans

One of the sad things about living on the outskirts of the city is the constant parade of helpless animals left by owners who, for reasons we cannot know, wish to abdicate their responsibilities to total strangers.


These little jewels appeared in our back yard a few days ago. Hungry and thirsty. Deserted. With occasional coyotes howling and hawks circling, we had to offer them refuge within our fenced back yard. Sadly, the puppy did not survive a severe case of Parvo. The cold evenings mean the mom is sleeping in the inside quarters for our two Shih Tzu’s. She rests quietly inside, willing to accept the care of her providers.

Last year a Bassett Hound was left on the blacktop road that adjoins our short all-weather road. Several of the residents, including my husband and myself, tried to rescue this squatty little body, but she would have nothing to do with us. Plastic bowls holding food and water accumulated in the bar ditches. One night there were four or five cars parked alongside the road as we used flashlights and an officer’s high beam light to try to locate her. A few of us had decided to adopt her. Guess it would have been first come, first serve had the search and rescue been successful.


But, one afternoon, my husband spotted our little neighborhood project trotting confidently down the road – two or three miles from her hiding place. He said she was running with resolve like she had remembered where her home was, and she was on a mission to return there on her own. Sadly, we’ll never know if she reached her destination. Unlike the terrier, she preferred to run from those who wanted to take her in.


Isn’t it reassuring that, in God’s economy, there are no orphans? We are all His children. We can run to His open arms at any time through the grace of His Son, Jesus Christ. We need to be an extension of that love to those around us who may not be aware of a Heavenly Father Who is theirs for the asking:

“A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows,

Is God in His holy habitation.

God makes a home for the lonely;

He leads out the prisoners into prosperity,

Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land”

(Psalm 68:5-6, NASB.)

We can choose to be orphans, like the deserted little pet who chose to wait for the one who abandoned her rather than accept the love and provision from ones who desired to be providers.
Or we can choose the sanctuary of the Heavenly Father Who promises:

“I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU”

(HEBREWS 13:5B, NASB.)

Enjoy Avalon’s “Orphans of God”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BkN-4NYQj0

Mid-Life Crisis

I've heard the stories of strange things people do when they reach a certain age: Buy a sports car, take up ballroom dancing, and get chased by bulls down the middle of narrow streets in Spain. Not us.

We're the sensible ones, my husband and I. We enjoy our quiet little existence. You won't see us spending our kids' inheritance (as if there were one) on fast cars and faster bulls. No siree! We plan to stay in our own back yard. Dressed in jeans ... and boots. Spending our twilight years mosey'n into the sunset on these:

Meet "Rowdy" - a 2 1/2 year old quarter horse who has already settled into his temporary corral. Rowdy has never been ridden, but given his friendly demeanor and Bud's experience with horses, I'm guessing he will adapt to a saddle and rider pretty quickly. He loves to "nuzzle" and never shys away from being petted.

Chigger is a 12-year-old that doesn't look like the grand Palomino I had pictured, but this was taken after a long-awaited rainy day in Oklahoma. Hopefully, some gentle grooming will spruce him up a bit. He's waiting to come for a "try-out" period once the corral is completed. Bud will have to spend some time bringing out this one's gentler side before I saddle up the first time. It's only been 30 years since the last time I rode a horse.

I guess I should have been more specific about wanting a Mustang. You know the kind I mean - one with four wheels, a top that goes up and down and On-star, for goodness' sake.

 

"For He will give His angels charge concerning you,

To guard you in all your ways."

Psalm 91:11

Happy Trails.

 

The LORD ...

“The LORD is my light and my salvation…
For the LORD is great and is highly praised; He is feared
above all gods … For the LORD is a great God, a great
King above all gods …The LORD is my refuge…
The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty…But, You, LORD, are exalted forever… For You, LORD are kind and ready to forgive, abundant in faithful love to all who call on you… The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected … For the LORD GOD is a sun and shield … The LORD gives grace and glory. … He is the LORD our God …For You are my hope, LORD GOD … The LORD is Great and is highly praised …The LORD is my strength and my shield.”


“LORD, OUR LORD, HOW MAGNIFICIENT
IS YOUR NAME THROUGHOUT THE EARTH!”


(Scriptures taken from I Chronicles, Psalm, and Proverbs, NASB)

Peculiar People

Amy Michelle Wiley is another talented author I had the privilege of meeting a few weeks ago. She is from Washington State and the founder and director of Peculiar People, a group of special writers that includes several members of FaithWriters (www.faithwriters.com) as well as authors and artists from six different countries in the two published books; a seventh international contributor will be added in an upcoming project.

There were twenty-seven authors of the first compilation, Struggle Creek, and twenty-six of the second, Delivered. They've written two wonderful novels the likes of which have never been published before now. The third novel will bring a special element. For more information, visit: 

http://www.peculiarpeoplebooks.com/

I just finished reading Struggle Creek,  and this community of "Peculiar People" delivered an entertaining book complete with interesting characters and intrigue - all tied up with a great ending. I look forward to reading Delivered.

The Audition

Last October I published my very first article on A Softer Voice (thanks to Patty’s great teaching and a generous measure of perseverance on her part). It might as well have been typed, stuffed it into a tin can and buried in the back yard. Well, maybe nothing that drastic. After all, the other members of the Clearing the Blog Fog class knew it was there. It was also tagged with a few words that would draw a few unsuspecting surfers to this new endeavor.

The name of my blog tells the story. I’ve always struggled with whether to remain invisible or step forward. Do I audition for a solo, or wait for one to drop into my open rehearsal folder?

About four weeks ago this hide-and-seek dilemma resurfaced. I was posting to my blog, adding buttons and pictures, tiptoeing through the blogs of others and leaving calling cards. Suggestions of sites from other bloggers led to following and being followed. But I remained comfortably seated in the back of the room.

It was time to “audition” once again. Facebook was the next obvious choice for baring my heart and soul publicly. But would that be self-promotion or a genuine desire to witness through writing? It all came down to the right motivation.

Occasionally, when I seek an answer from God’s Word, I open my Bible and begin to read. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. On this particular Word search, my Bible opened to James 3:13-18 (NASB). Verse 14 addresses “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart” and warns that arrogance lies against the truth.

Ruling out bitter jealousy was easy. The “selfish ambition in your heart” put my Facebook debut temporarily on hold. I continued to read:

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,
there is disorder and every evil thing.
But the wisdom from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and
good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in
peace by those who make peace.”

Once again, Satan taunted me: “Be safe. Don’t put yourself out there. What if someone thinks you’re just looking for attention? What if someone doesn’t like what you’ve written? Are you sure you want to be called a hypocrite?”

Do I measure up to God’s heart standards? Not by a long shot. But I know my heart’s desire: Share God’s love and spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

Armed with God’s Word, I could say, “Get thee behind me,” to the discourager and, “Facebook, here I come,” to cyber space. The invitation to join Jewels of Encouragement (www.jewelsofencouragement.com) soon followed. Coincidence? Maybe.

Is something keeping you in the shadows when you should:

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NASB)

Fun for the Younger Readers

Yvonne Blake taught "Tips and Tools for Writing Children's Literature" at the recent FaithWriters Conference. Her class was explained this way:

"Children's stories are more than cute animals and happy endings. Yvonne  Blake shows how to use basic literary techniques and reading-level word lists to make children want to read your sories, over and over again."

Follow the links below to two ebooks written by a lady who knows how to make reading fun for children (and, I must admit, for adults.)

 

Peeper and the Great Hawkins -

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/76467

The Important Message -

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/74686

Learn more about Yvonne's work here:
http://www.yvonneblake.com/

Introducing Debbie Dillon ...

I met Debbie Dillon during the on-line blogging class, Clearing the Blog Fog, taught by Patty Wysong. I became friends with Debbie through her writing --- online and in her new book (see below.)

Debbie Dillon is a Christian wife of 22 years, a mom to two teenagers, church secretary, a writer, author, blogger, coffee drinker, chocolate devourer and dog lover. When she's not out in the garden or burning dinner, she can be found at her blog, the "Writin' 4 Him Cafe."

She recently self published her first book, "Walking in Son-Light, A Small Collection of Thoughts to Encourage and Inspire," derived from her blog. (http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Son-Light-Debbie-Dillon/dp/125751850X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1309568439&sr=1-1


Debbie finds the Lord's goodness in everything around her, and she shares it beautifully. I hope you'll order your copy today.

Her Safari

I had the privilege of meeting Lisa Mikitarian at the FaithWriters conference last weekend.

Lisa introduces her book, Her Safari, in the following video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw5rDBLgTOc

http://www.lisamikitarian.com

I'm halfway through Her Safari, and the stories are wonderful. Each one could stand alone as part of a book centered around that story's main character.

Congratulations, Lisa. You've written a great book!

In The Eye of Deception

When I read Nikki Rosen’s post at Jesus Boat Blog, Grace Made the Difference, I had to check out her blog, Gentle Recovery(http://www.gentlerecovery.webs.com/). Her book, In The Eye of Deception, won the Canadian Christian Writing Award. I’ve ordered her book and look forward to reading about her extraordinary journey. Nikki graciously agreed to provide the following information:

No Hope? Know Hope!!! In the Eye of Deception, an inspirational true story that shows nothing is impossible to overcome.

Not drugs, not an eating disorder, not self-harm, not panic attacks, not prison, not rape, not living on the streets with no money, no family and no hope. Nikki can say this because she was there.

Raised in a middle class Jewish family, she learned at a young age she had no right to exist. She lived wild, out of control, on life's edge.

She was told she could have a marginal life with professional intervention. She beat the odds - She did it with God's help. In the Eye of Deception is Nikki's story - a story of healing and redemption.

Reader Comments:

Lisa - I don't believe in co-incidence, your book came to me as a message of hope.

Stan - I couldn’t put the book down! If ever there were a must read, it is In The Eye of Deception, a truly phenomenal book by a truly phenomenal person and writer.

Janet - your book has helped me to open up and gave me so much hope! It has made a difference in my outlook on my situation.

Debby - In the Eye of Deception is a redemptive story of God's love. Not only that, Nikki is an excellent writer - among the ranks of Frank Peretti and Robin Parrish.

 To read the introduction and Reviews go to www.gentlerecovery.webs.com

Keeper

“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;

From where shall my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,

Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip;

He who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, He who keeps Israel

Will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;

The Lord is your shade on your right hand.

The sun will not smite you by day,

Nor the moon by night.

The Lord will protect you from all evil;

He will keep your soul.

The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in

From this time forth and forever.”

(Psalm 121:5-8, NASB. Emphasis mine)

To say we are living in tense times could garner an award for the understatement of this century. Uncertainty has become the norm. Our future, finances, even our freedom, hang in the balance. Thankfully, the story does not end here.

We do have a Keeper and He is seated at the right hand of God. It's been said that when someone mentions your name in prayer, it is being spoken by the King of Kings in the very throne room of God. Your name uttered in the ear of our Creator. Our Advocate, our Keeper, never sleeps.

Maybe our days are not so uncertain after all.

Just For Today For Writers

Kenneth L. Holmes penned the famous “Just For Today” that is used by al-anon. His wisdom addresses a one-day-at-a-time approach to life that could certainly be adopted by anyone – not just those struggling with substance abuse. You can read this timeless encouragement at http://www.nhal-anon.org/Just4Today.html .

What are some things that writers could do “just for today”?

Just for today

I will recommit to this crazy world of

solitude where my thoughts cannot be ignored.

Just for Today

I will prayerfully delve deeper

into the written Word of the God of the universe.

The Bible

Just for Today

I will seek His wisdom and then sit

silently and wait to hear His still, small voice.

Just for Today

I will ignore the Discourager.

Just for Today

I will encourage others

who seek to be heard by reading

their work and applauding their success.

Just for Today

I will be aware of others whose needs are greater

than mine and return to their world.

Just for Today

I will graciously accept help from those

who give their time to read and critique my work.

Just for Today

I will patiently move toward the

very best I can offer to bring glory, not to myself, but

to the Author and Finisher of my faith,

Jesus Christ.

Just for Today

May you be inspired and

your time for writing, protected.

God Bless.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."



(Psalm 119:105, NASB)

Heavenly

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth … “
(Genesis 1:1 NASB).

As amazing as the night sky is --- full of glittering stars and lights dancing among them --- the solar systems that exist beyond our vision are virtual playgrounds of light displays highlighted by the many gases and reflections of other suns, moons, and countless galaxies.

On the fourth day:

“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth’; and it was so.
God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also.
God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good.
There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.”
(Genesis 1:14-19, NASB)

And at the end of the sixth day:

“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts.”

(Genesis 2:1, NASB)

Imagine what the trip to Heaven will look like should we be allowed to enjoy the view as we rise upward to our eternal home. Until then, copy the following link into your browser and take a peek at these indescribable pictures from Amazing Space compiled and posted to Face Book by Stephen Black of Oklahoma City. (Link used with his permission.)

https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.471964434973.252362.763654973

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,

The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;

What is man that you are mindful of him,

And the son of man that You care for Him?”

(Pslam 8:3,4, NASB)

Great Grandsons

This week's A to Z letter is "G" and I'm going to shamelessly take advantage of the opportunity to introduce my God-given blessings of three young men who add the joy of grand-motherhood to motherhood. No, I'm not a great-grandmother - yet - but my grandsons are absolutely the greatest.

Jared, 16, is the oldest. After raising two little girls, I have to admit that I wasn't very confident in my expertise when it came to boys. Jared introduced me to a world full of Thomas Train and covering the living room floor with train tracks and "forts", Blues Clues and a fascination with lady bugs and roly polys. He would sit, captivated, through the entire video of Riverdance, then instruct me to "rewind it" and we would enjoy most of it again. His dry sense of humor was evident by the time his single words grew to complete sentences. Jared is a natural musician. He began picking out simple melodies on our piano at an early age and is now enjoying honored positions in his award-winning high school marching and concert bands. He has his parents' eye for detail and his artwork was impressive at a very early age. Some say he has that Harry Potter look. Maybe. I just see a very cool and handsome young man who lights up my world.

Next up is Barrick, a two-and-a-half year old with blond hair and big blue eyes.  He is perpetual motion - and speech. His parents would tell you that Barrick narrates the entire day's activities as they unfold. He's used to regularly interacting with people of all ages as his mom teaches her 30+ piano students in their home. Consequently, he knows no strangers. He greets adults with, "Hi! How you doin'? I doin' fine." His squeals of recognition - "Hi, Nana!" and "Hi Papa!" - are all we need to keep us in grandparent heaven. Barrick is also musical. Both parents are actively involved in music and their DNA and lifestyle are having a huge impact on those natural tendencies. He loves Kinder Musik classes and waits every day for mom to finish teaching piano so he can have his "lesson." Barrick welcomed his new brother with open arms and seldom passes him by without a "love pat" or a kiss. This link will take you to his 13-second rendition of "Elmo's World." Enjoy . https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150282231761257
                                                

Last, but certainly not least, is Brendon. Seven-month-old Brendon is laid back and happy. The only things that interrupt his big toothless grin, wrinkled up nose and giggles are expressions of "I'm hungry" or "time for a nap." He's soft and an armload of cuddles and cheeky kisses. We've had many naps in his dad's recliner while mommy teaches. Brendon's face lights up and his smiles grow larger when Barrick enters the room or stops to acknowledge him. These two little guys are already best buds. His first word, (documented via video), is "Bubba", Barrick’s nickname. Mom and Dad will have to wait to hear their titles roll off this tiny tongue. His infant Mohawk is finally relaxing into a head full of soft brown hair, a striking combination with his deep blue eyes. I'm guessing Brendon will follow the musical lead of his brother and his cousin. Follow this link to "Bubba." https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150318841506257

As a mother and a grandmother, I've had the best of both worlds: Two beautiful little girls to sew for and button into ruffles and three grandsons who help this girlie "Nana" see the world though video games and sneakers. As these manly treasures age, the visits will become less frequent and the hugs more rare, but the memories I have of each phase of their wonderful lives will keep me smiling.

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord"

(Psalm 127:3, NASB).

F A C E

“When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You,

“Your face, O Lord, I shall seek” 
(Psalm 27:8, NASB).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“The Lord bless you, and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine on you,

And be gracious to you.

The Lord lift up His countenance on you,

And give you peace” 
(Numbers 6:27, NASB).

Focus on the Father

Accept His love

Count your blessings

Embrace the day.

Eleven ... Eleven ... Eleven

I received this email this morning. Great timing since I was still thinking through an idea for “E” week for our A 2 Z meme. (Check out the button on the right if you’d like to join in.)

The calendar speaks for itself. So does the promise at the end, but I disavow any connection to the promise of wealth.

"THIS IS THE ONLY TIME WE WILL SEE AND LIVE THIS EVENT

       Calendar for July 2011
                     July
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
                                            1     2
  3      4       5        6      7     8     9
10     11    12      13     14   15  16
17     18    19      20     21   22  23
24     25    26      27     28   29  30
31

Money Bags.

This year, July has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This happens
once every 823 years. This is called money bags. So, forward this to
your friends and money will arrive within 4 days. Based on Chinese
Feng Shui. The one who does not forward.....will be without money.

Kinda interesting - read on!!!

This year we're going to experience four unusual dates.

1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11 and that's not all...
Take the last two digits of the year in which you were born - now add
the age you will be this year,

The results will be 111 for everyone in whole world. This is the year of
The Money!!!

The proverb goes that if you send this to eight good friends, money will
appear in next four days as it is explained in Chinese FENG SHUI.

Those who don't continue the chain won't receive … It’s a mystery, but it’s worth a try. Good luck. “

 

Since I’ve been involved in some form of accounting most of my life, the nerd in me had to follow the trail of elevens. In the Eleventh book, Eleventh chapter, and Eleventh verse in the Bible, God seems to have His own answer to this Feng Shui theory:

“So the Lord said to Solomon, ‘Because you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant.’” (I Kings 11:11, NASB).

Proverbs 11:11 (I just had to look) says, “By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.”

The world promises to fulfill every desire - like wealth, health or power - with no strings attached, unless you’re superstitious. God has a different plan as, once again, He speaks to Solomon:

“If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, KJV).

July, 2011 is an unusual month, and numbers are fun to play with. But the oddity of this small place in time is not a guarantee that our bank accounts will be overflowing by sharing an email. God always has a bigger and better plan.

Clouds

… can stir the imagination like no other natural phenomenon; their configurations are as endless and as diverse as snowflakes. Their evolving shapes and colors paint pictures and tell stories that are short lived as puffs of wind end one tale and begin another.

A child enjoys fluffy bunnies and teddy bears. Visionaries dream of ships and islands. Trained eyes look for clues of the day’s forecast while others simply marvel at their beauty. We wonder at the majestic mountain tops of thunderheads as they build into hovering giants, then collapse, changing lives forever.


There's one thing about clouds that never changes. They draw our eyes upward and, for brief moments, our attention turns to the Source of the created diversion. Clouds are His stage awaiting the return of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.




J. R. Church (Nov. 17, 1938 – Mar. 22, 2011) of Prophecy in the News (www.prophecyinthenews.com) spent a lifetime studying and teaching eschatology - we were privileged to have him as one of the teachers in our church. His work continues through his co-host and colleague, Gary Stearman. If you’re looking for the exact date of Jesus’ return, don’t bother visiting this web page. J. R. was not a date setter. He simply closed every broadcast and every lecture with the admonition to “Keep looking up!”

"Then they will see The Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven." (Mark 13:26,27 NASB, lower case mine)

Breathe ...

... a simple task using God’s perfectly designed respiratory system, unless some traumatic event interrupts the process – like being submerged in a murky lake for nearly four minutes.

My husband was busying himself on our boat dock when he noticed a commotion on the row of boat slips facing ours and about 50’ away. He heard the grandmother call, “Found him!” The grandparents then began administering CPR while begging the lifeless body of their little grandson to breathe.

Bud’s twenty years of experience on the Fire Department prepared him for “such a time as this.” He ran to the child, a 15-month-old boy (I’ll call him Matt), and calmly said, “Let me do this.” Matt had already turned blue. Bud adjusted the tilt in the baby’s neck and head and began, what seemed to him, a couple of minutes of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while his grandmother performed chest compressions. The child responded with a couple of vocal sounds, then with crying. They rolled him on his side and began to pat and massage him. Matt coughed up some lake water. The grandfather wept. The other family members consoled the baby’s mother. Then they prayed over Matt, thanking God for returning him to his family.

The call to 911 had already been placed and arrangements made to meet the ambulance at the entrance of our addition. The two men gathered Matt into our golf cart and began a painfully slow climb up a dirt trail to meet the EMTs. The little one was awake, but lethargic and trying to sleep. The grandfather put Matt across his knees and firmly patted his back. Matt’s resistant cries gave his lungs the force they needed to rid him of even more lake water.

The volunteer fire department arrived a few minutes ahead of the ambulance with the necessary oxygen and emergency treatment. “Matt” was transported to a nearby hospital and, later that afternoon, we received word that he would make a full recovery. The next day, a grateful grandfather came to say, “Thank you” to a humble servant who said he was only part of a team and just happened to be where God needed him. That’s the kind of reaction one would expect from my hero of a husband.

Matt’s story reminds us that God is still in the business of miracles. The first one was his being located well below the surface in a lake with near-zero visibility. The second was life itself winning a struggle against all odds. The third, Matt’s being given a clean bill of health.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”

A Tribute to Ryan and Cole Hamil

Just two days after the massive tornado in Joplin, MO., Oklahoma was one of several states hit with a rash of deadly storms. This tribute is to two beautiful young lives that, from an earthly perspective, ended much too soon. Their 5-year-old sister, Kathy, remains in critical condition. Mrs. Hamil's condition has been upgraded to "fair", and they heard the heartbeat of their unborn daughter. Please keep this precious family in your prayers, along with so many other families who have suffered incredible loss across our nation this spring.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcxezGyf5yg&feature=player_embedded

Stepping Stones to Glory

In 2008 my husband and I joined our pastor and about 40 other travelers on a journey to the Holy Lands. Stepping Stones to Glory was written as a journal entry on three of the many highlights on this incredible experience. The pictures are photos of these three traditional sights: Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, His underground prison at the house of Caiaphas, and the sight of His brief burial at the Garden Tomb.

Three caves of destiny
A purpose for each one
Prepared in God’s own time
For the journey of His Son

The cave at Bethlehem
A manger carved from stone
Provided the Messiah
A bed to call His own.

The cave that had no door
Where His broken body lay
Beaten and all alone
Until the light of day

The cave inside a garden
Where prophecy was fulfilled
The stone was rolled away
An empty tomb revealed.

Carved and set in place
The caves would someday be
Landmarks of Jesus’ life
His Stepping Stones to Glory.

Nancy K. Sullivan 2/16/08

Psalm 51:10-12

"Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit."

(Photo by Ken Kniskern at http://www.k2prostudio.com/ Copyright 2011)

His Voice

A Softer Voice has been absolutely “silent” for the past few weeks. Sometimes life requires that we reprioritize, and that’s exactly what I have had to do. 

I’ve had the privilege of spending valuable time with my family as my three siblings and I have visited with and cared for my mother. She will soon be moving from her home into an assisted living facility. The past couple of weeks we have poured over old photographs and a library of wonderful books that originated with my grandfather’s collection, along with other small treasures from the two previous centuries. 

It’s a bittersweet time for our family. I have to confess that there have been opportunities to seek refuge with the Lord, and that time could have led to meditations to share through this blog. But my spare moments have been spent idly – not wanting to read, think, or even pray. It’s no surprise that, when I did attempt to write something, the well was dry. 

Was God silent? Had he also “reprioritized?” I worked my way through this speechless time with the following: 

    His Voice

    When You are silent, I cannot move 

    I long to hear your voice. 

    Whether to bless or to reprove 

    I surrender to your choice. 

    There are no words unless You speak

    Your silence lingers on

    As restless whispers fill the air

    After day is done. 

    Your Word is life and never sleeps 

    Your Spirit -- abiding near 

    Waits for me to turn my face 

    To Yours so I can hear 

    Your Word, the Light, continues to shine 

    Its glow illumines the way 

    God of wisdom, hope and love 

    Lord, speak to me each day. 

                             Nancy K. Sullivan 

                             March 31, 2011

From The Tip Of My Tongue

I Corinthians 13:1
“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love,
I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” (NISB)

The written word that comes from within
Speaks ever so softly to souls of the men
Who read and consider, then receive what is said
Into their own lives and, like sheep, they are led.

The warning is sounded as pen becomes tongue
That words not become noise like cymbals when rung
Clanging empty speeches and selfish desires
To those who seek truth that calms and inspires.

A spirit that is cold will reap much the same
From seeds that are planted with hopes of acclaim
Rootless, idle promises sent soaring like dreams
That will surely and quickly fall apart at the seams.

The continuing thread of each word that I write
Must be woven with His love for faith to become sight
And seek only to share what His Word reveals
As, through His Spirit, He speaks and He heals.

May I never forget that this mission of mine
Is a gift of the Father and I must align
My will with His as I write and as I live
May His love be the only hope that I give.

Nancy K. Sullivan
12-20-2010

(Photo by Ken Kniskern at K2ProStudio.com Copyright 2010)

Psalm 90:1

“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.”

This morning was one of those times when my Bible seemed to fall to a certain verse, Psalm 90:1. I was reminded yesterday that I am officially in “The Sandwich Generation.”

Within a few hours of the birth of our third (and wonderful) grandson, my mother was being transported from a local rehabilitation center to a skilled care facility to continue recovery from some recent strokes. The emotions from both events run very deep.

Our family is blessed to have been raised with a legacy of faith that has spanned some of those generations. We benefit from that faith, especially now. We are charged to continue this heritage by letting God’s strength manifest itself in our weakness, His peace through our fears, and His assurance through so much uncertainty. And absolute praise for His gift of life.

God’s timing is perfect. Our grandson is mother’s seventeenth great-grandson. This little one, nestled in securely with his mother, has no idea of the healing distraction he offers this week. The newest member of the youngest generation is ministering to the last member of his great-grandmother’s generation. And I am very blessed to be one of the middle ingredients in this precious sandwich.