Ready or Not...

          Probably before the day is over, I will have completed proofing, correcting and fussing over a project I began around March of this year. A few short weeks before my mother passed from the confines of a wheel chair and hospital bed into her eternal and glorious home on April 19, she told me that she wanted me to gather my small collection of thoughts and poems and put them into book form.
          I tried to wiggle out with some very creative objections and excuses, but I knew too well the look in those brown eyes weren’t buying into any of them. So…I promised to honor her request.
          When Mother's health began to rapidly decline, it became evident that my late-night typing would not speed the process enough for her to see the finished product. To reassure her, I took the Introduction, Acknowledgement and a few articles and read them to her and vowed to complete the task.
          I’ve mentioned this self-published endeavor only to a few people and truly my goal is just to fulfill that commitment to a mother who asked very little for herself in an entire lifetime. I could tread a narrow line and say, “I never promised to tell anyone about the book or to promote it in any way.” But those brown eyes wouldn’t buy that either. So…

          Ready or not A Softer Voice in book form will soon become a reality.

       
          The yellow roses on the cover are to honor the only acceptable form of yellow in Goldie Anderson McCall's eyes. Since yellow is just about my favorite color, you can imagine some fun discussions we had with her resistance to a color I would bathe my world in if I could. She finally agreed that, since God made yellow flowers, they were "probably" ok. At her memorial service (and with her permission) there was one yellow rose included in a blanket of pink and white flowers.
          I don’t know what the turn-around time will be once I send the final revision in this weekend, but before long, the promise will have been kept. I have no expectations for A Softer Voice. My prayer is that should it find its way into some readers’ collections, a blessing will be waiting for them from one of the pages. I’m simply giving it back to the Author and Finisher of my faith to do His bidding – whatever that may be.
          Thanks to this week’s “R” meme and Shelley Wilburn’s post on “Reckless” for giving me the courage to “R”oll out A Softer Voice. If only Mother had asked me to put purple streaks in my hair and wear crazy socks instead :) 

Nothingness

Nothing. No way. Not at all.

          “Nothing” can mean “everything” if it takes on the form of a distraction or priority in our relationship with Jesus Christ. The following words of Charles Albert Tindley sounds the warning through this beautifully written hymn that could also be spoken as a prayer:

NOTHING BETWEEN

Nothing between my soul and the Savior.
Naught of this world’s delusive dream;
I have renounced all sinful pleasure;
Jesus is mine, there’s nothing between.

Nothing between, like worldly pleasure;
Habits of life, though harmless they seem,
Must not my heart from Him e’er sever;
He is my all, there’s nothing between.

Nothing between, like pride or station;
Self-life or friends shall not intervene;
Though it may cost me much tribulation,
I am resolved; there’s nothing between.

CHORUS:
Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor,
Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.”

         Romans 8:35,37 (NASB) assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Does the hymn speak against the truth of the scripture?

“Who will separate us from the love of Christ?

Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,

or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...

For I am convinced that neither death,

 nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present,

nor things to come, nor powers, or height,

nor depth, nor any other created things,

will be able to separate us from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 

          We can separate ourselves from the precious fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ by wedging in other things, priorities, our own agendas, sin…the list could be endless. “Nothing Between” refers to our choices. Even events life throws at us can serve to draw us nearer to Him when we decide to "keep the way clear."

  

          But what can separate us from the love of God?

 

NOTHING.

In The Twinkling of An Eye...

The days of loading film in darkened rooms, scrolling through to the first available frame, and making sure there were enough flashbulbs at the ready have faded along with some of our treasured photographs. Rolls of 36 exposures came up short at the most inopportune times.

Now a plastic insert about the size of a flattened Chic-let stores an incredible amount of photos. And, once that space is filled, the shots are simply downloaded from the camera and uploaded to a PC, iPad, iPod, CD, DVD, or the local discount house for developing. Then that remarkable little Chic-let is ready for the next 750 - 1000 shots of the objects of our affection.

"Let me show you my grandchildren" could lead to a triple feature complete with sodas and pop corn. Then there's Facebook, Myspace, and You Tube. I love signing into my personal space of choice and immediately seeing the daily shots of my youngest grandson sitting in a bubble bath with bubble beards and hats, or videos of my oldest grandson marching in formation with his high school band on a beautiful fall afternoon.

As quickly as these images flash across our screens, there is one more Face that will suddenly appear. This moment in time will be captured, world-wide, "in the twinkling of an eye." No need to be armed with cameras or video equipment to save this moment for sharing later.

We who are in the eternal family album called the Book of Life will be gone before the rest of the world can blink. The unfortunate non-believers won't even see this most incredible moment in history. All they will have left of loved ones who disappear without notice will be their photos and the reality that the faith of Christian relatives and friends wasn't misplaced after all.

Which family album will you choose?



Now the Good News: Check the sidebar for the link for "I Want To Know Jesus".

Freedom

      Bud and I have had our heads in the clouds. Literally. We’ve been in the Rockies since last Sunday taking in fresh mountain air and panoramic views that surely must be stair steps to Heaven.       

       We toured the Pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde, went four-wheeling on a road built between Durango and Silverton in the 1800’s (Yes, the mini boulders that probably broke many wagon wheels and axles are still there), and have taken a few scenic drives that offer a variety of colors and mountain peaks. We plan to return to Creede in the morning to observe their Hot Air Balloon Festival.

          God allows us these sabbaticals, and we are so grateful for the one we’ve had this week. However, the freedom we’ve experienced has been a little bittersweet as some we love are dealing with serious health issues and others with difficult decisions in their lives and in the lives of others. 

          We look forward to being home again in a few days when it’s time to return to the “real world” where prayers are requested and answers sought. There’s more work to be done for God’s earthly kingdom, and while we can’t solve any of the problems, we can join with them in prayer and offer friendship and support. And watch with them for the call to eternal freedom and joy.

 

"Let us not lose heart in doing good,

for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

So then, while we have opportunity,

let us do good to all people, and especially

to those who are of the household of the faith."

(Galatians 6:9,20 NASB)

 

"Delight...

 

…yourself in the Lord”

carries one of His special promises:

 “…and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

And another one:

“If because of the Sabbath, you turn your foot

From doing your own pleasure on My holy day,

And call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable,

And honor it, desisting from your own ways,

From seeking your own pleasure

And speaking your own word,

Then you will take delight in the Lord,

And I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;

And I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father,

For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

(Isaiah 58:13-14,NASB)

 

That’s a pretty good return for simply loving the Lord and His special day!

  

 

COME

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” 

(Matthew 11:28, NISB)

 

  “Come...” 

“Move from where you are"

  “…to Me.”

“Jesus. I’m all you need. I can help.”

  “all”
               “Anyone. Everyone.”

“who are weary”

               “I want to be your strength.”

 “and heavy laden”

               “I carried the cross and then bore it – just for you. I can carry you, too.”

 “and I will give you rest.”

               “Rest for your mind, body and spirit.”

When the Good Shepherd Speaks

     A favorite card I used to purchase at Mardel carried a simple message about the Good Shepherd. I used to buy as many as were available and sent them often. I haven't been able to locate this particular card there in a while.
     There is no accreditation on the card, and I took the liberty of adding a title. I hope it blesses you with whatever you may be facing today.

When the Good Shepherd Speaks

When the Good Shepherd speaks to His own,
He never uses words of
     Despair,
          Hopelessness,
              Frustration,
                   Defeat,
                        Discouragement,
                             Fear,
                                  Confusion, or                                       
                                       Failure.
Instead, He gives His sheep words of
     Hope,
          Rest,         
               Victory,
                   Peace,
                        Power,
                             Joy,
                                  Triumph, and
                                       Love.

Baseball, Bricktown and Blood

          Living well into the sixth decade of our lives, we’re still finding that it’s fun to do new things – like go to a minor league baseball game for the first time ever. Oklahoma City has a beautiful baseball stadium in the heart of the city – Bricktown, we call it. And we have a great baseball team in the Oklahoma City Redhawks.

          Honestly, our new adventure came about with free tickets given by the Oklahoma Blood Institute in their recent donor campaign. Since I’m O+, I get scheduled reminders that it’s time to pay them a visit every 6 weeks. I feel blessed to be on the giving end of that procedure.

          OK, back to the game. The weather last Sunday night was quite a treat for Oklahomans coming out of two previous hot and record breaking summer seasons. Our seats were in the shade near third base and the breeze was an added pleasure.

 

          When I asked Bud how he was enjoying the game, his reply was that, well, it did give him time to think of other things. And he was so right. Baseball is relaxing to watch. And there’s just enough excitement built in with a couple of homeruns and a close-scoring game to keep relaxation from turning to boredom. Our minds did have time to think ahead – or back as the case may be. But the sound of a bat connecting with a baseball traveling 85 – 95 mph kept our thoughts from staying too far.

          Our Redhawks made us proud with two homeruns (one of them brought in a second runner) and won the game 4 – 3 over Iowa’s team.

         The tough part was inhaling the aroma of funnel cakes, hot dogs and nachos. Our new health-conscious lifestyle kept our resolve intact, and we just settled for the atmosphere of the wonderful food served up as only Oklahomans can.

          Another first? Singing along with “Take Me Out To the Ball Game” during the seventh inning stretch. It made the evening complete. We may even buy our tickets next time.

 

"Appetite"

           My Appetite has undergone a drastic change over the past 18 months. Another “A” word for this meme could be “Addiction” because the one I had was probably shortening the life of this Type II Diabetic. I had squirreled away Blue Bell Home Made Vanilla ice cream with the intentions of eating only a half cup (and still be “legal”), but that would have been like eating only one Lays’ Potato Chip. Remember that commercial? Can’t be done! 
          The inner grocery aisles are lined and stacked with white flour and sugar in infinite forms, and my name was stamped on many of them. I felt that I was living my life with my finger on the self-destruct button.
           A few years ago, my sister’s frustration with her weight issues led to gastric bypass surgery. The required classes before the surgery failed to mention the high mortality rate and the devastating side effects she heard about only after her near-death experience with the surgery. It seemed to be the answer for her at the time, and it very well could have been the best option available; however, the surgeon who may have been well-trained in this particular surgery was not equipped to deal with massive amounts of scar tissue from previous surgeries --- a complication that could well have been the reason for the weight and health problems she was having prior to the by-pass surgery. A forty-five minute procedure dragged into an almost three-hour major operation. Undiagnosed infections and her inability to eat without getting sick over the next six months almost ended her life. After returning to the capable hands of her primary care physician, it was eight months before she could drive a car and then for only very short distances. Thankfully, she did make a full recovery and has only a few lingering, yet controllable, complications. 
          I mention her experience because when commercials began appearing during the news hour that the band surgery could immediately “cure” diabetes, I seriously considered taking the easy way out of this medically-challenged group. Imagine my sister’s reaction when I confided in her about this possibility. To her credit, she didn’t reach through the phone receiver and grab me by the throat demanding to know if I had lost my mind. She calmly explained that, even with all her complications, gastric bypass was the better option because it is reversible. The band is not. 
          It only took a few minutes to mull that bit of information over and decide that surgery was not for me. I knew first-hand the risks and after effects involved were anything but an easy fix for diabetes. If the surgery she went through was the best option, I would try one of the many programs I had tried previously one more time and give it a year before coming back to this as a possibility. 
          To shorten an already long story, I will simply say that a conversation with a close and highly respected friend led to a wonderful and caring health coach and a program that has changed my life. Within three days of trusting her and the system that has been recommended by over 20,000 physicians, I was in the fat-burning mode. The constant craving for carbohydrates was gone, my energy level dramatically increased as the stubborn fat was being burned for energy. 

          I've lost about 60 pounds. My last A1C (a test that measures blood sugar levels over a period of time) was normal. I've been able to reduce my medicationss by three-fourths. My primary care physician is thrilled with the results. 
          My husband, pictured with me, has lost over 50 pounds and is enjoying improved health and reduced medications as well. Our daughter, Mandy? One hundred pounds lost. Her weight loss means she can easily keep up with her active two-year-old and four-year-old sons. Other extended family and friends are seeing the same amazing results.

          I not only have a new dress and jeans size, I have a new career. I've become a health coach. My services are free to my clients and their similar stories are my new Addiction. I have a new purpose in helping others achieve their best health through nutrition, behavior modification and education. I’m not a sales person, just a free health coach who is compensated by an amazing company for introducing the program and encouraging others through their journey. 
          I’ll stop short of making this an “Ad” for the “A” meme and not mention the name of the company. But if you or someone you know could benefit from this program, it would be my honor to encourage them as well. Or if you know someone who could use some extra income by sharing with others from their own home, this program could be the very thing they’re looking for. We’re NOT a multi-level marketing company or a wholesale club. We’re here to coach others to optimal health: Healthy mind, healthy body, and health finances. 

“Or do you not know that your body is 

a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, 

whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

 For you have been bought with a price: 

therefore glorify God in your body.” 

(I Corinthians 6:19,20, NASB) 

Christian Women's Voice

       
  











                 An unexpected blessing came with an invitation to join Debbie Dillon's vision for Christian Women's Magazine as one of the contributors. This magazine is truly different and carries a message of love to women. It's a bi-monthly publication with inspiration and beautiful photography in every issue. You'll find a great variety of articles to address just about every interest in your daily life. The goal is just as Debbie says here:

"Christian Women's Magazine 
isn't about the latest fashions, 
fads or choosing the right shade 
of lipstick for the season.

It's about sharing the love of Jesus 
with a world that desperately needs Him."

         Maybe there's a woman in your life who doesn't have a church family or has never heard that Jesus loves her and gave His life for her. That good news appears inside the back cover of every issue with a prayer that, spoken from the heart, will lead them to salvation through Jesus Christ.

         Debbie Dillon's obedience to the Lord's call with Christian Women's Voice can be a great blessing to you and to women of all ages. It's such a great value, whether in print or online - your choice. Personally, I enjoy curling up in my easy chair to drink in the results of a servant's heart.

         Check out the website and consider giving CWV a closer look. Thanks and have a blessed day:

www.christianwomensvoice.org 

          One more thing. If you have a home business, a book or other venture you would like to promote, the advertising rate is awesome - at least for now. Debbie also promotes non-profit events your church or community may be involved in.

Blessings,

Nancy 

Psalm 33:6-12

"By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,

 And by the breath of His mouth all their host.

 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a                heap;

 He lays up the deeps in storehouses.

 Let all the earth fear the Lord;

 Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in aw of       Him.

 For He spoke, and it was done;

 He commanded, and it stood fast.

 The Lord nullifies the cousel of the nations;

 He frustrates the plans of the peoples.

 The counsel of the Lord stands forever,

 The plans of His heart from generation to                         generation.

 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,

 The people whom He has chosen for His own                   inheritance."

(Psalm 33:6-12 NASB)

Psalm 91:1-4

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress,

My God, in whom I trust!"

For it is He who delivers you from the 

snare of the trapper

And from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His pinions,

And under His wings you may seek refuge;

His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark."

(Psalm 91:1-4, NASB)

In Honor of My Mother

On April 19, 2013, my sweet mother, Goldie Opal (Anderson) McCall completed the family circle of her generation now residing in Heaven. What a glorious reunion that must have been, especially with her life-long sweetheart, our Dad. There are not enough superlatives to describe this amazing lady, but below is a previously posted tribute to the wonderful woman we called "Mom," "Grandma Goldie," and "Gogie."  

Bakin’ Bacon 

      I must disagree, at least somewhat, with the notion that “you can’t go home again.” Following my mother’s strokes, I lived under her roof, two or three days at a time, as my siblings and I rotated in 24/7 to care for her. Mother’s move to an assisted living facility came about six months later, and her special home setting was gone. 
      God gave us a precious time with Mother as she meticulously sorted through old Bibles, antique books, pictures, crochet patterns and other memorabilia and secured the things she wanted to keep with her. I found myself listening more closely to her advice and helpful household hints. I was blessed to have the 89-year-old hands of a master craftswoman patiently show me how to crochet and tat. 
     The simple housekeeping chores and putting three home-cooked meals on the table at regular intervals felt so natural in her home. The same activities in my home are sporadically wedged in among other priorities that are given much more importance than they deserve. 
     Mother’s gentle spirit filled each and every room, yet her dogged determination to work at regaining more mobility, inch by inch, was inspirational. She maintained her maternal presence as she accepted the major change that approached all too quickly. Her calm faith and resolve kept the emotions of each one of us intact. She set a very high standard of saying “good-bye” to a home she cherished and adapting to an entirely different lifestyle and surroundings. 
     Mother’s presence in her new home only added to the gracious atmosphere of the genteel residents who awaited her arrival. And, her recipe for cherry cream pie will someday join the delicacies introduced by new residents. 
     Have you ever baked bacon? It’s one of those wonderful helpful hints of Mother’s. Place the bacon strips in a loaf pan equipped with a drip pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Your house will smell wonderful and there are no greasy splatters. The bacon is tender and absolutely delicious. Believe me, the end results are worth the extra time. 

 “An excellent wife, who can find? 
For her worth is far above jewels. 

 Strength and dignity are her clothing, 
And she smiles at the future. 

She opens her mouth in wisdom, 
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 

 She looks well to the ways of her household,
 And does not eat the bread of idleness. 

Her children rise up and bless her; 
 Give her the product of her hands, 

And let her works praise her in the gates.” 

Proverbs 31:10, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 31 (NASB). 

 “Thank you, Lord, for blessing my life with the soft voice of this Christian woman I call “Mom.”

Treasures of the Heart

The heart has many treasures

That rest quietly within.

Not from earthly pleasures

But from joy that has no end.

The love of our Heavenly Father

Is expressed to us each day.

As we accept His eternal promise

Of the Life, the Truth and the Way.

Each day brings a different blessing

Sometimes in our greatest strife

But even in the face of sorrow

We rejoice in the gift of each life.

The riches that await us in Heaven

Are being kept until our New Start

In the Kingdom filled with God’s glory

And eternal Treasures of the Heart.

Nancy K. Sullivan
12-30-95

A Home for Pheobe

    "A Home for Phoebe is an historical novel of an Indian woman and a young girl wandering the hills of the Hudson Valley during the mind 1800's. One flees prejudice, while the other yearns for a home. Through the friendship of a peddler, a blind granny, and blacksmith's family, they learn of forgiveness and faith."

Zeke the Peddler rides into A Softer Voice 

to introduce you to author 

Yvonne Beverly Blake:   

  

     Thanks for joinin' us today on the blog tour for A Home for Phoebe. Say “Howdy” to Yvonne Beverly Blake.  Without her, none of us would have much to say, if you get m’drift.

     This mother of eight young ‘uns writes from a heart that loves God. Her memories of livin’ in the country east of Albany, New York surely helped her paint the scenery and set the special stops in place for Phoebe, Maseppa, and Granny. I never woulda guessed she’d plop somebody like me right in the middle of her story, but here I am – Zeke, a peddler who jus’ happen to show up to rescue uh … well, never mind that. I sure don’t want to get carried away and tell you more than you wanna know before you get to read A Home for Phoebe.

     Miss Blake knows all about the Algonkin people and the way most folks lived in the early days of America, includin’ the hurtful prejudice so many people had to endure. An’ I guess bein’ a teacher and a mama makes it real natural like for her to write a book that kids and their mamas and daddys could all enjoy.

     Her love of writin’ poetry sure comes through in her story tellin’. She’ll take you right through the forest and have you breathin’ in all the sweet smells of the flowers and plants that God put there for healin’ people.

     Be sure to leave a comment below to let Miss Blake know you’d be proud to enter her contest for a free copy of A Home for Phoebe.

     I got Ol’ Sam hitched to my wagon so we’ll be movin’ along now. They’s folks along the way waitin’ for us to bring our gen’ral store on wheels. Giddy up, Sam. We’re runnin’ outa daylight.

  

LINK TO FULL SAIL BOOKS

http://fullsailbooks.com/a-home-for-phoebe-ebook-2-00-paperback-12-00/ 

LINK TO AMAZON

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Yvonne+Beverly+Blake 

LINK TO MY WEBSITE

http://www.yvonneblake.com  

LINK TO MY BLOG

http://mybackdoorministry.blogspot.com

LINK TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE

https://www.facebook.com/#!/YvonneBeverlyBlake
And on a personal note:
I just finished reading A Home for Phoebe and what an enjoyable journey to share with characters who feel like new family members. There are so many reasons to settle into
a world that we can only view through the eyes of ancestors or history books. Yvonne Beverly Blake weaves so much into her story of Phoebe and Maseppa. Her descriptions will transport you, educate you, and draw you into their lives and their individual quests. I can't wait to see what lies in their future in the sequel to A Home for Phoebe!  Nancy K. Sullivan

     

Stepping Stones to Glory

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.    

©  2/16/08

Traditional Manger Site

Traditional House of Caiphus

Traditional Garden Tomb

Traditional Burial Site

Tangerine Morning by Rita Garcia

Tangerine Morning: Jezzica’s Story

Romance, mystery and family drama intertwine in the small town of Serenity Cove. 

The fictional town of Serenity Cove boasts of beautiful sunsets and roaring waves. Its characters are as varied as the stars that shine on its diamond crusted-sea. Shoreview Drive provides a scenic drive along the coast, although most residents simply call it the coastal road.

Serenity Cove is a contemporary town where people are still good neighbors and family and friends are an important part of everyday life. Where life is a step back in time, blending the best of both worlds. Even a town as wonderful as Serenity Cove has its villains...



Slip into paradise with Rita’s Inspirational Romance: Tangerine Morning, Jezzica's Story. Book Two of the Serenity Cove Series.




Jezzica Shaffer, a young widow, struggles in her relationship with Christ and with starting over. She moves to Serenity Cove and purchases the Sea Glass Bookshop on Main Street, in hopes of letting go of the past and moving forward with her life. 



Detective Zack Johnston, the first man her heart reacts to since her husband’s death, also represents a world that failed to bring her husband’s murderers to justice. The same criminals that now seek to harm Jezzica. 



Can Dr. Ellie Clarimonde help Jezzica find her way back to Christ and the freedom to love again?



“…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” ~Isaiah 40:31

Order your copy here and enjoy: 

http://www.ritagarcia.com