A Deeper Faith...

When I began blogging about three years ago, the primary purpose was to share my faith. That goal is still intact. Deeper faith comes through trials, and those of us closest to our daughter Mandy and son-in-law Ken have witnessed an amazing amount of grace and trust in the Lord being etched into their lives and into ours. Our walk becomes bittersweet when we see loved ones going through difficult times, yet seeing spiritual growth rise from the debris left behind by the enemy. Our God is bigger. I hope you'll be inspired and blessed with the wisdom of a young wife and mother whose heart is absolutely staid on the Lord:  NKS

"I have waited awhile to speak to this chapter in our lives because I didn't want to respond out of raw emotion. The fact that I have been largely silent does not mean I have not had anything to say; to the contrary, I have had plenty to say. I am not wired for conflict or confrontation, so I do a lot of post-processing. Tons. And the more I want to say, the more I wait, so that I'm not just responding out of the flesh and saying what I truly want to say. I really try to filter and sort everything out with God first. I typed several thoughts out the other day, to get them out of my head and take a good look at them. I have let them sit for a few days, and have edited them down to this...

It is incredibly sad to see a man so bound by hatred for so long that you are continuing to try to bring destruction to our family with your lies and deceit after all of these years. You may feel that you have succeeded, but I assure you, you have not. You will never kill the joy in our hearts nor the burning desire in our souls to be used by God however He sees fit. We will continue to make ourselves available for His service anywhere, in any way He chooses.

It is disheartening, at best, to see those who are unconcerned with knowing and understanding the whole truth and history of your situation because it serves them better for others to see you in a negative light.

Satan is at his best, or at his worst, when he pits believer against believer.

Satan will use whatever he can to distract us from the real reason we are here- to know Jesus and to make Him known. I will not give him that victory in my life, at least not for long. I shake the dust off of my feet and move on. 

If you have lost faith in people, you're on the right track. That's not where our faith is supposed to be anyway. We are imperfect people living in an imperfect world, and we are going to fail each other. God is the One who is unfailing, unchanging, unshakable, always faithful and true. Put your faith in Him. He did not create us for life here in this painful world; He created us for eternity with Him. Let's get through this life as best we can and tell as many people as we can while we're here how they can spend eternity with Him in heaven too.

I am all the more thankful every day to be married to a man who is unpretentious, who is who he is who he is no matter who he's around. Who gives freely of himself to everyone. Who shows love and compassion to everyone who crosses his path. Never do I feel threatened by this, as he has always demonstrated the same love and compassion to me, our sons, our families, friends, co-workers, people we don't even know that well, or even at all.

I'm so thankful for a God who shows us He loves us and is personally interested in our lives. Who has given us encouragement whenever we have asked for it. Who has provided for us at every turn. He has done this through many friends and family. To those who have ministered to us in some way, prayed for us, reached out to us- thank you, and many blessings to you :).

Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. "

Mandy Kniskern
wwwK2ProStudio.com 

Maybe Even an Air Horn

Jan Ackerson is one of my favorite writers. She can do more with 100 words (exactly 100) than most can do in that many pages. Her brief stories leave you wanting to read more, to become more acquainted with the character or characters. And, her unique twists always make you smile. Thank you, Jan, for sharing your special talent at A Softer Voice today and for so effectively tailoring this original tale to the theme of my blog. You really nailed it.

     Great-uncle Jerry frightened Rochelle when she was little—his voice always entered the room a long time before he did. She didn’t know him well; he only showed up once or twice a year, at Christmas and (with increasing frequency) at funerals.

     He outlived nearly everyone, holding off death until the age of 93. It fell to Rochelle to empty his apartment. She’d never been there; she imagined gongs, power tools, perhaps macaws.

     Instead, she found an encyclopedia with notations in every margin. A collection of hand-tied lures. A bonsai tree. In the bedroom, a fat tabby regarded her, silently.

You can read more of Jan's (very) short stories at http://www.1hundred-words.com 

"G" is for ... Gonna Be Gone

"Do not let your heart be troubled, believe in God, Believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going."

John 14:1-4, NASB (emphasis mine)

A trio I sang with for a few years loved Lanny Wolfe's music, and one of our favorite songs to share was "I'm Gonna Be Gone." I couldn't find a dowload of his song and our modest cassette (yes, it was a looonnng time ago) is now nestled somewhere in a safe place. I did fine the lyrics online. Here are a few of them:

"I'm Gonna be Gone"
 

I'm gonna be gone

In the twinkling of an eye

I'm gonna be gone

Won't have time to say goodbye

I'm gonna be gone

It could be while I'm singin' this song

I'm gonna be gone, and it won't be long

I'm gonna be gone.

 

This old world's not getting better

Everyday it's getting worse

So much fighting and confusion

Going on down here on earth

But I don't let it bother me

'Cause I'm not here to stay

I know my Lord is coming soon

And I'll be caught away.

 

Chorus

 

It could be just any morning

it could be at night or noon

We don't know just when He's coming

But we know He's coming soon

I can say with calm assurance

This old world is not my home

One of the days you're gonna look for me

Praise God, I'm gonna be gone.

 

Chorus

 

 

 

Does anyone else think this day is coming sooner, rather than later? Praise God we're Gonna be Gone!

"F" is for ... Favorite

                                         

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

I suppose the daily headlines and seeing prophecy played out in our living rooms as the worldwide news becomes more ominous has my mind set on Heaven and the promises that await us there. 

One of my Favorite hymns of all is Face to Face. Can you imagine being here in the middle of utter chaos and heartbreak one minute and looking into the face of Jesus the next. No more illness, tragedy, war, unemployment, hunger - just Jesus and complete fulfillment of every eternal promise.

Face to Face with Christ, My Savior                                         

Face to face with Christ, my Savior

Face to face - what will it be

When with rapture I behold Him

Jesus Christ who died for me?

Chorus:

Face to face I shall behold Him,

Far beyond the starry sky

Face to face in all His glory

I shall see Him by and by!

(Words: Carrie E. Breck, 
 Music: Grant Colfax Tullar)

"See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called the children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is."  

1 John 3:1-2, NASB

http://www.freshpiano.com/audio/JOEL_ROSENBERGER-Face_to_Fac-4.mp3

Click on I Want to Know Jesus in the right hand column to secure your reservation. Have a blessed day.

All on the Altar

One of the most difficult things to do, at least for me, is to give it all to Jesus. “It” is a pretty non-descriptive pronoun, but one that can be replaced with powerful emotions or needs.

When “it”  involves those closest to your heart, and you know they are suffering unfairly at the hands of others, surrendering the details, the pain and their very future – ALL – to Jesus is the only option. And the best option.  

But the human side of a mother who can turn into a fire-breathing she-dragon when someone comes after her nest or one of its inhabitants brings the temptation of saying, “That’s OK, God. I’ve got this.”

The letter “A” for today’s A to Z meme could also be for “arrogance” with a capital “A.” As if this mother could actually bring about a solution that would carry wisdom and the full knowledge of the future of those involved.  

Funny how circumstances can bring up words to hymns we haven’t heard in decades …

“Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?

 Your heart does the spirit control?

 You can only be blessed

 And have peace and sweet rest

 When your all on the altar is laid.”

Another hymn from our Christian heritage carries a commitment as we sing:

 “All to Jesus I surrender. All to Him I freely give.

  I will ever love and trust Him. In His presence daily live.

  I surrender all. I surrender all.

  All to Thee, my blessed Savior.

  I surrender all.” 

Jesus has His own loving way of saying, “That’s OK, mom. I’ve got it all under control.”

August 7, 2012

Stay Tuned ...

I’m taking a little side trip with my blog today. I guess you could call it, “Stay Tuned For This Important Message.”

Last summer I had reached a point of deep concern for my personal health. I’m a Type 2 Diabetic and was failing miserably with managing proper eating habits. Too many failures at weight loss attempts had me living a defeated lifestyle. News spots touting the benefits of a surgical procedure, called The Sleeve, had garnered my attention. According to the source, the procedure was effective in literally making diabetes “go away.” The news of such a quick fix certainly had my attention.

I picked up the phone and dialed my sister’s number. That sounds pretty uneventful, but sharing the news that I was seriously considering bariatric surgery with someone who nearly lost her life from a similar surgery six years prior was no small feat. Joyce used great self-control at the news, but her silence sent a very clear message: “Have you lost your mind?” When I explained why, she educated me about the difference between the sleeve and gastric bypass surgery and explained that the latter, regardless of what she had been through, would be the best option.

That’s not what I wanted to hear. Joyce’s life was turned upside down with the complications she suffered. Infections, feeding and drain tubes and almost a year of living as an invalid until she returned to her primary care physician who, among hundreds of prayers, methodically led her back to a manageable lifestyle. The horrific memories of those months returned with very sharp focus.

I decided to try once more with a plan that had not met my needs the several times I had previously signed on with it. I was determined to remain patient for at least a year and make it work. But … There’s that word again. Constant craving of carb-loaded food made that addiction stronger than my quest for health, and – once again – I was losing, not weight, but the battle.

I believe in Divine appointments, and the day my friend Sally Kern introduced me to the plan that had successfully helped her lose weight has changed my life. She simply asked me to agree to a brief phone call from Joanne Wallace-Lovelace, the person who had coached her through the change to a healthy and thinner lifestyle. Joanne’s phone call intervened at just the right time, and I agreed to try the program for 30 days.  I've never looked back.

Within 3 or 4 days of beginning this tried-and-true program on January 12, 2012 my carb addiction was gone, and the extra pounds came off very quickly. (Normal results are up to 2 – 5 pounds per week and often 20 lbs. a month.) Six months later, I’ve lost about 48 pounds and am still losing. My blood glucose levels are within the normal range, and with one-third the medication I was taking just to keep those levels below 200 (the point at which organ damage occurs.) Bud has lost over 30 pounds and his recent lab work reflects his improving health.

The program is healthy, effective and absolutely clinically tested. Approved with over 20,000 doctors recommending it! Keeping the blood sugar and the body’s insulin at constant and safe levels mean the food cravings are dealt a fatal blow.

Several weeks ago, I chose to join a national network of Health Coaches and now my passion for the mission is great!

So many family, friends and acquaintances of mine are searching, just as I was, for a solution to the health crisis that has overtaken our country and our children. It’s time to stop this madness dead in its tracks and change courses!

It is my prayer that you’ll agree to the same five-minute, no pressure phone call that will also change your life. Again, more than 20,000 doctors are using this complete program, making it their No. 1 choice for weight loss and health management in our country.

I’m committed to, not only share what I’ve learned, but to also come along side you or someone you love as a coach, guide and encourager. This is my new, healthy lifestyle and mission! I do not sell or inventory any products, and I’m not offering a wholesale club membership. I will be your guide and encouragement, as your free personal Health Coach. Our Health Coaches are compensated by the company… but at no charge to you!

PLEASE PRIVATE message me so we can connect with the best time to call. I guarantee you the same brief, no-pressure phone conversation that will literally, change your life. Your information will remain confidential with me. It’s a simple, easy, effective pathway to health. When followed, it will insure that your days of dangerous yo-yo dieting are over.

God bless.
Nancy K. Sullivan


“Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And forget none of His benefits…”

Psalm 103:1,2 (NASB)

Arise, shine ...

Arise, shine; for your light has come,

And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

For behold, darkness will cover the earth

And deep darkness the peoples;

But the Lord will rise upon you

And His glory will appear upon you.

Nations will come to your light,

And kings to the brightness of your rising.

(Isaiah 60:1-4, NASB)

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

A Shepherd's Story

The night was still, the sky was clear

We tended our sheep; they knew we were near

Each star had its place assigned at Creation

And stood watch, like us, but over all nations

From nowhere, it seemed, an angel did appear

“Has he come for our souls?” We froze with fear.

But glory encircled this being before us.

His announcement of “Peace” broke forth in a chorus.

Multitudes of angels sang, but as one

And followed his proclaiming the birth of God’s Son

Then, as quickly, the stillness of night

Left us stunned and amazed, but absent the fright.

The scene we discovered was just as he said

In the arms of a mother who cradled His head

Among sheep and cattle lay the King of Kings

And who were we to be involved in this scene?

We’re lowly and simple and just do what we can

To provide for our sheep that live by the land

Surely this King sent straight from above

Came to bind all people with His grace and His love.

(c) Nancy K. Sullivan

        December 16, 2011

"Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'"

Luke 2:10-14

Wishing you a very blessed Christmas season.

Real Women

I’ve never watched an episode of any of the “Real Women” TV shows. I prefer to think about, reminisce on and count as life’s greatest blessings the “real women” in my life – our daughters.

These two special ladies rock our world. From strangle holds on new kittens and puppies, missing tails on rabbits, and the daily chore of feeding the catfish in our pond to gallons of mousse and hairspray, each new phase of their journey is etched into the walls of our home and into our memories.

When we moved to the country in l980, they survived being uprooted from city life and deposited squarely in the middle of nowhere. They made friends quickly, and our home was soon one of the gathering places for hay rides, youth activities, and just hanging out. We loved every minute.

When the time came, they were ready to assume their place in a world that was not protected or governed by Dad and Mom. Again they survived - and thrived. I love that they know who they are and have successfully pursued their God-given talents as career choices.

These special ladies are both amazing mothers entrusted with the lives of our three grandsons. (Introduced under the letter “G”.) They have a keen awareness of their special style for themselves and their homes. I learn so much from observing them and the great wisdom in their approach to life.

They put the twinkle in their dad’s eyes and warm my days with their phone calls. Fortunately, we live close enough to see each other fairly often, and they maintain a special friendship with each other.

The television shows have their reality, and we have ours. I’m very humble and thankful for these genuine young women.  

 "Many daughters have done nobly,

But you excel them all.”

(Proverbs 31:29, NASB.)

Being QUIET

The catch-up letter for today is “Q” – as in "quiet."

“Quiet” can be a good thing after a long day at work or with the kiddos. Sometimes it’s merely an elusive goal attainable after everyone else’s bedtime. But for the person who lives that reality day after day, it’s a state of mind. It’s a world where solitude is key; a place of sorting through situations and searching for answers. It’s a setting that houses a need to take time out and relax that cannot be ignored.


The quiet ones are usually found standing on the fringe of all gatherings, taking in bits and pieces of conversations. Most of our friendships begin with people who are outgoing and who usually take the first steps to becoming acquainted. It’s just a matter of God-designed balance in a world that seems to be tilted a little off center when it comes to human nature.

The reality is that we’re just ... you know ... quiet. We live normal lives, marry, have children and grandchildren. We love the Lord. Attend church. Sing (surprisingly much louder than we speak.) We’re content to let others lead in social situations. Those who know us best are allowed to see our dry sense of humor.

We're usually night owls, maybe because of the compulsion to have that "still" time. While we have been called insightful, analytical problem solvers, we must guard against being critical and judgmental.

The Bible addresses quietness in a positive way and sets a standard for each one being the best she can be, whether wonderfully outgoing or simply ... quiet.

“Your adornment must not be merely external ---

braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses;

But let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the

imperishable quality of a gentile and quiet spirit, which is

precious in the sight of God.”

(I Peter 3:4, NASB)

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!