Adopted

Candy

          If you had visited our home on any day since 1988, you would have been greeted by at least one Shih Tzu. We’ve recently added our fourth. The first one, Candy, lived to be almost 18 years old. The second one, Abby, left us this year after 10 ½ years of sweet companionship. Our current furry residents are Bailee and Maggie.

         

Abby

          These little gals all came from different places. They are members of the same breed, but the resemblance ends there. One thing they do have in common: Each one was adopted. Maggie is our most recent addition - a rescue dog who had to be shaved almost to the skin to free her from mattes, grass and other assorted tangles. One ear was accidentally “shortened” in the attempt to rid her of the misery. Their gratitude for a safe home and having their needs met each day has been obvious in each one of them. They look forward to their semi-weekly visits to the groomer to be pampered by skilled hands and a nurturing touch.

Maggie and Bailee

          We live with the inconveniences, and “mishaps” because they are now part of our family and because we love them unconditionally. They remind me that I, too, have been adopted, rescued from a dangerous and doomed future and received into a place of safety and hope for the future:

“So also we, while we were children, were held in

 bondage under the elemental things of the world. 

But when the fullness of the time came, 

God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, 

born under the Law, so that He might 

redeem those who were under the Law, 

that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

(Galatians 4:3-7, NASB)

          And, like our four little orphans I, too, am loved unconditionally, being groomed each day by the loving hands of Abba, Father. And...I am eternally grateful!

“Because you are sons, God has sent forth the 

Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 

“Abba! Father!”

(Galatians 4:8, NASB)

So...How Do YOU Feel About Facebook?

This past week I shared some love about Facebook at Jewels of Encouragement and dedicated the post to all Facebook Prayer Warriors. You can read about it here:

I Heart Facebook

http://www.jewelsofencouragement.com/2014/09/i-heart-facebook.html

Christian Women's Voice September/October Issue

Good afternoon.

          I'm always excited to get our newest issue of Christian Women's Voice magazine. The September/October issue is full of beautiful articles, pictures, and other good things from the
heart of each contributor. I hope you'll take a look at this one and order yours today.

christianwomensvoice.org

Or click on the CWV magazine cover in the right column.

          If you have a business, book or perhaps a recording you would like to promote, there's a fantabulous offer in this issue. You won't find a better price or a more beautiful place to advertise! Email Debbie Dillon @ cwvinfo@christianwomensvoice.org .

Thanks so much!

Living the "Dream"

          What was he thinking? It wasn’t enough that the bed of his fluorescent yellow, single cab pickup already looked like a leftover prop from The Grapes of Wrath with the way it was piled to overflowing with an array of construction materials and tools. Did he really have to tie a color-coordinated potty chair to the tip top of the mess? Why did this seem so normal to my handsome hunk of a husband?

          To him, it was just another day on his second job. His first was as a firefighter doing the dangerous things they do without a single thought; his day-off job was that of a carpenter/roofer. I had trusted him with the single-most adventure of my life and our two young daughters’ lives, but that judgement seemed a little misplaced now as we led this one-vehicle parade east on a major interstate in, yes, Oklahoma!

          A stroll through the local mall one Saturday afternoon had been the final match needed to ignite my husband’s dream of owning a few acres on the skirts of the city we had both lived in all of our lives. Those few acres would grow to 80 as his dreams never know normal limits. Throw in a model log cabin on display at the mall, and there was no going back, although more research had replaced the plan for logs with Hackett stone from Arkansas. Can this get any more rural?

          A spur-of-the-moment decision to actually contact a realtor on a snowy winter morning in February led us to those 80 acres. How could we afford this much land on our modest income?

          We couldn’t have even considered a piece of real estate that size if it actually had electricity, running water, or even a road! But we could be sweet-talked into the possibilities of a Little House on the Prairie spot complete with 45 acres of timber and, oh yes, the grassy open field that emerged after we had climbed the adjoining neighbor’s fence, trudged through partially frozen streams and ducked around low-hanging brush and tree limbs. Cue the theme as our two blond daughters scampered into open territory. We were home. A home as primitive as any scene from any 19th century setting could ever be. BUT, we did have that potty chair!

          The real estate deal that must have had our grandmotherly agent/broker sinmiling and scratching her head simultaneously was finalized in 1978. Actual construction began in August, 1979, and continued into 1980, Oklahoma’s hottest summer on record. Of course. And it also made perfect sense to my “macho, macho man” to build the barn first. And this story can only get better. Years and years of “better.”

          The scraggly, bumpy road, carved by a friend on a tractor, also had a low-water crossing. The hottest summer on record couldn’t have warned these city folks of the raging, uncross-able river transformed by torrential rains. Who knew we would actually need a bridge? A few design fails spanning an equal number of rains, and we would eventually have an actual bridge that stayed in the original spot rather than being washed away in helpless rubble. And the bad judgement of an oil company that completely destroyed that one and only access to our home after one of those rains led to a decent road with layers of chat and gravel for most of that half mile to the other dirt road. Thank you, Lord!

          That answered prayer was one of many being offered by us and our families still residing in civilization 60 miles away. Even my grandmother who had lived much the same scenario on another farm in Oklahoma, without a phone and inside bathroom at first, was wringing her hands at the thought of our taking two little girls into the wilds of the Sooner State. 

          My life verse, Proverbs 3:5-6 would be my reminder of His will for our family. Perfect will or permissive will? We simply trusted him to halt our decision at any given moment of the progression of our adventure. He didn’t.

          Fifteen years later, after having lived that dream and actually surviving it with our marriage intact and two beautiful young women ready to face their own adventures, we would load our belongings and memories for a lifetime and return to the big city. But this time … there was no potty chair tied on top of the pickup.

---

Lord

"The LORD is my light and my salvation."

"For the LORD is great and is highly praised; He is feared above all gods." Ps 96:4

"For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods." Ps 95:3

"...the LORD is my refuge ..." Ps 94:22

"The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty ..." Ps 93:1

"But, You, LORD, are exalted forever." Ps 92:8

"For You, LORD, are kind and ready to forgive, abundant in faithful love to all who call on you." Ps 86:5

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected." Prov. 18:10

"LORD GOD of Hosts, hear my prayer ..." Ps 84:8

"For the LORD GOD is a sun and shield. The LORD gives grace and glory ..." Ps 84:11

"LORD of Hosts, happy is the person who trusts in You!"

"He is the LORD our God ..." I Chronicles 1:14a

"The LORD is far from the wicket, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." Prov. 15:29

"For You are my hope, LORD GOD ..." Psalm 71:4a

"The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves the one who pursues righteousness." Prov. 15:9

"The LORD is great and is highly praised ..." Psalm 48:1a

"Taste and see that the LORD is good." Psalm 34:3

"The LORD is my strength and my shield ... Psalm 28:7

"For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Prov. 2:6

"LORD, our LORD, how magnificent is Your name throughout the earth!" Psalm 8:1a

Revelation 3:20

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock;

if anyone hears My voice and opens the door,

I will come in to him and will dine with him,

and he with Me." Revelation 3:20 (NASB)

It's all about the relationship. The living, breathing Spirit of God dwelling inside our hearts to love, teach, guide, comfort, and walk with us each day.

To learn how to have this one-of-a-kind relationship, click on “I Want to Know Jesus” .

A Softer Voice, the Book

      

          It's been roughly 14 months since I promised my mother, Goldie Opal Anderson McCall, that I would fulfill her request to gather several years' worth of poetry, blog posts, and Christian Women's Voice magazine articles into a collection. And now she resides in the realm of eternity in Heaven where time is no longer a factor.
          I tried to wiggle out of this project with some very creative objections and excuses, but I knew too well by the look in those brown eyes that she wasn't buying into any of them. So…I promised to honor her request. She knew I would keep my word and (eventually) complete a labor of love simply because she asked me to.
          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, read them to her and vowed to complete the task.
          Here's to you, Mom. Thanks for a lifetime of love, encouragement, support, and...patience. I may not be able to place the first copy in your hands (I think we would enjoy a little laugh over the yellow roses on the cover), but I do surrender A Softer Voice in book form to the Author and Finisher of our faith, Christ Jesus.
          I'm so blessed to have landed on www.FaithWriters.com a few years ago. This network of likeminded Christians with a heart for sharing our faith through writing has become a very special circle of friends who are the first to offer encouragement and support to others. What seemed to be a small and tenuous step led to a writer's conference, a blogging class, Clearing the Blog Fog, by Patty Wysong, the opportunity to share at www.JewelsofEncouragment.com, and an invitation from Debbie Dillon to be a contributor for Christian Women's Voice magazine (www.christianwomensvoice.org). God knew I needed to be led through this wonderful maze with baby steps.  The beautiful new face on this blog is the creative work of another FaithWriter friend, Marita Thelander. Thanks, Mari! 
           Mandy Sullivan Kniskern is a proofreader extraordinaire and just happens to be my daughter. When God placed her (and her sweet family) in our home this past year, she couldn't have known she would be spending late-night hours reading through heavy eyelids looking for typos and other errors. Thank you, Mandy!   
          And a heart full of gratitude to my very best friend, Bud, whose patient character is the benchmark for our marriage in ways too many to list. His hard work each day has allowed me the privilege to be a stay-at-home wife and, at one time, mom. This quieter time in my life means I get to pursue what I enjoy. Thank you, Bud!  
          Following is the link to Friesen Press where A Softer Voice can be purchased for download, paperback or hardback. Many thanks to Mariam Ordubadi, Author Account Manager; Ashley Good, Book Promotion Specialist; and other team members (known to me only by their first names) Geoff, Carmen, Shari, Ceilidh, and Publishing Consultant Tim Plakeolli. A special thank you to the Art Department for the beautiful original art for the cover. Each one of you helped to make this self-published effort blossom into the best it could be.

http://www.friesenpress.com/bookstore/title/119734000012346379

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/nancy-k.-Sullivan

http://www.amazon.com/Softer-Voice-Sharing-Family-Friends/dp/1460229533/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1400524115&sr=1-2&keywords=A+Softer+Voice

http://www.amazon.com/Softer-Voice-Sharing-Family-Friends-ebook/dp/B00KC1KQMY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400524211&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Softer+Voice

"For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth,
 visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities
---all things have been created through Him and for Him.
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."
(Colossians 1:16-17 NASB)

Son of God

 

We saw Son of God last night. Some of the images are still with me today. Some were difficult to see. It felt awkward to watch images of the suffering that Jesus endured. Awkward because the pain was His and the grief belonged to his earthly mother and His Heavenly Father.

It was intense. And personal. And I didn't want to be in that crowd gawking at a painful dying process. But God didn't hide the suffering or the shame of the crucifixion of His only beloved Son. His redemptive plan was meant to draw us in - to show us the cost of our sin. A price He charged to His only Son. For me. And for you.

We have a choice. We can remain ghoulish and watch while we keep our distance. Or we can own what is ours. Our sins - every one of them, and our sin - our nature that makes it impossible to live a pure enough life to meet God's standards of holiness.

Jesus gave Himself up to hands that would beat him mercilessly, mouths that would spew hatred and spittle, and arms that would raise a sledge hammer to drive spikes into hands that were used to bless and to heal others and into feet that carried Him to the lost and the dying. And to the cross.

All He asks in return is a heart full of repentance and faith. A heart willing to be open to His unspeakable gift of forgiveness and love. Unconditional love. If there had been only one person in need of a Savior, He would have endured the cross for that one soul.

Pride would cause us to close our eyes and walk away from accepting our part in Jesus' death. Pride is deadly. And a pride that refuses to believe in God's redemptive plan and be humbled enough to receive it leads to the second death from which there is no return.

My prayer for anyone reading these words is for your eyes to be open to a love only God could bestow. And for your heart to be willing to simply acknowledge Jesus as God's only Son, recognize that we are all sinners, ask for forgiveness of your sins and invite Jesus into your heart.

The Son of God will return. This time in glory.

http://www.sonofgodmovie.com/videos.html

http://faithwritersjesuspage.weebly.com/

Lavender Rain - A Book Review





   

 

     Hope-filled fiction is used to describe the Serenity Cove series of novels by Rita Garcia. I just finished reading Lavender Rain - Maggie's Story. This third book in the Serenity Cove Series is as fresh as the first, Kaleidoscope Summer, and the second, Tangerine Morning.

      Rita’s writing provides a perfect Calgon-Take-Me-Away place to relax and enjoy the beautiful setting in Serenity Cove. The characters are easy to bond with and their stories are current and engaging.The beautiful setting is one of the things that brings me back for more visits. But the residents and their special life experiences make it such a pleasure to stay.

     Maggie's story will take you on an even deeper journey with real-life challenges that can only be effectively faced through faith. Rita Garcia stays true to her writing of "inspirational romance." Lavender Rain will remain with you long after you've enjoyed reading it. The story line is current and important on so many levels.

     You can find all three books at www.Amazon.com. The link to Lavender Rain is below. They are also available for your Kindle. Enjoy.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Lavender-Rain-Maggies-Serenity-Series/dp/1494416867/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1386839744&sr=8-3&keywords=rita+garcia

 

   

      Have a cuppa, relax and enjoy your stay in this wonderful and picturesque oceanside community.

Blog: http://www.reflectionswithdr.com
Website: http://www.ritagarcia.com

Dr. Rita Garcia is a Clinical Christian Counselor and an inspirational novelist. Her knowledge and passion for helping others brings realistic details to the counseling woven into her stories. The theme that permeates her writings is: Love, lit by the flame of hope. Romance is a big part of her novels. Hope is an even larger element of the stories. Rita and her husband, Joe, live in Southern California.

A Special Gift

God's Valentine Message

Today’s post for the Valentine season comes from one who will enjoy the source of all love face to face today – with Jesus. My mother, Goldie Opal McCall joined Him and my dad, “Mac” last April 19, 2013.

Mother loved doing acrostics. She used them often in her teaching in Sunday School and for her personal Bible study. The following is one she did February 14, 1991:  

"God’s Valentine Message is for Every Day" 

G – God’s gift of Love to all, His Son Jesus who in
O – Obedience left Heaven for
D – Death on the cross, to provide
S – Salvation to “Whosoever” will accept Him. 

His Gifts to Us: 

V – Victory in life and over death.
A – Answers to our prayers.
L – Love beyond measure and forever.
E – Example of Jesus to follow.
N – A New Nature.
T – Talents and time to serve Him and others.
I – Inheritance in Heaven as His child.
N – (Our) Needs will be supplied according to His riches in glory.
E – Eternal Life. 

        “Valentine’s Day is a time set aside to show love for for another. This is good, but sad that it is not a practice that can be celebrated each and every day.

        “Since God is the source of all Love, I have spent this day in thankfulness to Him for His love toward me, and the love I have received from my family and friends.

        “I wanted to share this, “His Valentine Message” to me, with you and I hope you will claim it for yourself each and every day.” 

Love,

Goldie McCall

2-14-91

Glenda

It's a quiet and cloudy day in Oklahoma City today. I have plenty of things with which to busy myself. But I'm more in the mood to remember other times. With so many of our family who have moved ahead of us into God's kingdom, we need to keep memories alive. For ourselves. For our younger family members. Following is a piece I wrote when my cousin, Glenda, passed away. She was a poet and spent many hours during a time in her life that would leave many feeling they had no resources to be productive. Parkinsons Disease was holding her captive in her body and in her tiny apartment, but she still reached out to others through her poetry and shadow boxes. It is my honor to introduce you to her today:

Glenda is my cousin.  And, for what now seems a lifetime ago, she was my friend, traveling companion, and confidant.  

As children, Glenda and I spent summer days at Grandpa Anderson’s house creating whatever world we chose to live in for the day.  Some days we would load all of our worldly possessions into the family car parked in the driveway, climb into the front seat and head for California or other far-away places.  We didn’t need the car keys, or money for gas or lodging.  All we needed were our imaginations and that supply never ran dry.  A walk to the local grocery store on a summer day could turn into a raging blizzard as we fought against howling winds and life-threatening elements that no one else could experience.

At the end of such an eventful day, we would lie under the moon-soaked window of her tiny bedroom and plan the rest of our lives.  And, like our imaginations, our plans knew no bounds.  The cool breeze was a welcome relief from the summer heat – and much warmer than the howling “winter” winds we had survived earlier that day.

Our lives took different paths, most of which were not in our well-thought-out summer dreams.  Glenda’s ability to step out of her world and into a better place enabled her to write beautiful poetry and create cards and shadow boxes to showcase what she had written.  I’ve heard how her poetry won awards and how she used to be invited to read her inspired creations to other poets.

That she could know such peace in a body that defied her every move and be able to express such love for and faith in God, in her Jeshua, was God revealing Himself to us through her.  I can honestly say that I never once heard Glenda complain or feel sorry for herself over her physical condition.  The only words spoken were words of praise and of hope. 

At Glenda and Jacob’s anniversary celebration one summer, Glenda created yet another memory.  Our grandson, Barrick, was there.  He was about six months old, I guess.  Glenda engaged him by singing what sounded like a Jewish lullaby to him as only she could sing it.  Barrick’s wiggles stopped, his eyes fixed on hers.  He didn’t even notice the involuntary movement of Glenda’s chair twisting on castors that would not be controlled.  He just heard her soft voice and the beautiful song that was for his ears only – like they were the only two people in a room filled with people and activity.  What a gift, and on a day when Glenda should have been the only recipient of gifts.  

There was quite a party going on in Heaven in 2009 and 2010.  One reunion after another, after another, after another…  Early on a Saturday morning at 2:30 AM, it was Glenda’s turn to run into the waiting arms of her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends - and her Messiah.  And run she could.  With strong legs that allowed her to dictate the direction and speed of her arrival.  I can imagine, once again, and I can see Glenda on the team that writes unending praises to Yahweh.  But that’s where the imagination ends.  This time she really is in a better place.

Thanks for the memories, Glenda.

 

Ode To The "X"

It doesn’t look like much, the letter “X”

But it speaks volumes in the right conteXt

Like the Southern home for a country boy’s eX’s

Just south of the Red River, they call it TeXas.

 

Need a car and have a pile of cash?

A LeXus will finish off your savings stash.

Having a little trouble signing the dotted line?

An “X” on the spot will work just fine.

You can have an eX-wife or even be eXpelled

An eX-con can find his sentence upheld.

You can try to eXplain why you don’t eXercise

But too many eXcuses could bring your demise.

 So number twenty-four in the alphabet

Is a character for sure, one we’ll never forget

To eXpatiate on such a simple theme

Could only happen on the page of a meme.
 

 



 

              

Happy New Year, Friends ...

Photography by  http://midspix.wordpress.com/ 

"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,

Because he trusts in You.

Trust in the Lord forever,

For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock."

(Isaiah 26:3,4 NASB)

Wouldn’t it be nice to begin today with a fresh coat of paint covering over the undesirable events from 2013? To wake up to a portrait of smiling faces among the politicians – from both sides of the aisle that’s more like an abyss these days. To be engaged by co-workers, neighbors, relatives who may not agree with our stand on life-impacting issues but who respect our right to express and live out those convictions. To see careers blossoming after a long spell of unemployment. To see health in the eyes of loved ones who left suffering and weakness behind with 2013. To see innocence restored in the eyes of our school-aged children. 

But, January 1, 2014 is just a date signifying the beginning of a new calendar year. Challenges in our lives on December 31, 2013 are still challenges. Not insurmountable, but present. 

Thankfully, the Name above all Names was present today before we arrived at 12:01 AM. He’s the same today as He was yesterday and all the days past and present. The Alpha and Omega Who carried us through last year is just as loving, powerful and in control as we begin the next leg of our brief journey on planet earth.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything 

by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving 

let your requests be made known to God 

And the peace of God, 

which surpasses all comprehension, 

will guard your hearts and your minds 

in Christ Jesus.” 

(Philippians 4:6,7 NASB) 

We can choose to make this a very happy and new year.

Happy New Year

 

Wishing you and yours a very Happy and Joyful New Year!

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And do not lean on you own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight."

(Proverbs 3:5,6 NASB)

 

 

More Festive Recipes

Here are some up-and-coming traditional recipes from the next generation of McCall ladies. Kitchen tested and delicious!

 

LEAH’S BLACK BEAN VEGETABLE DIP

½ Cup Vegetable Oil
½ Cup Cider Vinegar
½ Cup Sugar
2 Cloves Garlic – Minced 1 tsp.
Salt ¼ tsp
Black Pepper
1 (15 oz.) Can Black Beans – Rinsed and Drained
1 (15 oz.) White Hominy – Drained
4 Green Onions – Sliced
1 Small Onion – Finely Chopped
4 Tomatoes – Seeded and Chopped
1 Small Green Pepper – Chopped
½ Cup Chopped Celery
Tortilla Chips

In a small pan combine oil, vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil and simmer until the sugar dissolves. Set aside. In medium bowl combine black beans, hominy, green onions, onion, tomatoes, green pepper and celery. Pour sugar mixture over beans and gently stir. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Serve with tortilla chips.
Leah doubles the recipe for our (large) family gatherings.

 

 

JULEE’S SAUSAGE CHEESE BALLS

 

1 lb. Sausage

1 lb. Sharp Shredded Cheddar Cheese

3 Cups Biscuit Mix

Mix well and form into balls.

Put on baking sheet until lightly browned.

Cook at 300 degrees for about 25 minutes.

JP’S (JENNIFER PAIGE) PECAN CARROT CAKE

1 ½ Cups of Oil
2 Cups Sugar
4 Large Eggs
2 ½ Cups Flour
2 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Baking Powder
2 tsp Baking Soda
3 Cups of shredded Carrots
1 Can Crushed Pineapple (Any type)
1 Cup chopped Pecans

CAKE:
Cream together oil and sugar for 15 minutes, then add eggs one at a time. Mix dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture. Slowly add pineapple, shredded carrots and pecans. Bake at 350 degrees until toothpick comes out clean.

ICING:
8 oz. Cream Cheese
1 Cup/2 sticks of Butter (Use stick butter for round cake. Use regular butter for square cake)
1 tsp. Vanilla 1 Box Powdered Sugar

Mix cream cheese and butter until smooth and add vanilla and powdered sugar. Mix well. Add pecans on top.

(It can also be served without the icing)

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".