I SAW GOD TODAY!

I Saw God Today Through a Dreary Sky

2011-05-04T11:41:00.000-04:00

We've been having so much rain that if I didn't know God promised not to flood the earth again, I'd be worried. Local news last night reported rats invading homes to get out of the water. Our ground is 93% saturated making it difficult for farmers to put in crops. Things look grim. The sky is overcast, gray, and drab.

Yet, my eyes find beautiful green trees where just a few weeks ago we had stark barren limbs. I may complain about the grass needing cut, but it is beautiful, lush, and green. My flower gardens are gorgeous. Stepping outside, there is a clean smell of rain washed land.

Whenever things look dark, I only have to move my eyes to see God's hand. And I thank Him.

I Saw God Today in the Actions of My Son

2011-04-28T07:24:00.000-04:00

High winds, blowing leaves, rain. That's been a constant for several weeks. Due to the weather, I noticed that our back gutters were stopped up. Water ran over the tops, and nothing flowed through the downspout.

Yesterday our son came over and climbed up the ladder to discover the "spiny balls" from our sweet gum tree in the front yard had collected and fallen into the downspout to create a huge blockage. Since hubby had riveted the downspout pieces together, there was no way to get inside and clear it.

With perseverance and even a walk on the roof, our son managed to clear everything out. He worked hard and diligently to help us. Once done, he then proceeded to knock down some huge hornet nests that had been built last year.

And, even though he'd worked a long hard shift at work before coming over, he never complained, but instead graced us with his beautiful smile.

I Saw God Today in a Good Friday Rainstorm

2011-04-22T08:23:00.000-04:00

Good Friday...today we are having rainstorms, a two-fold blessing. The rain will kiss the earth, bringing forth beautiful flowers, a sign of hope for the new beginning of spring. The storms allow me to stay indoors and reflect on the sacrifice made on the cross which provided my and your salvation!

I Saw God Today -- in Our Church Service

2011-04-17T12:49:00.000-04:00

What a glorious celebration in church today! It is always so touching when our preacher is moved to tears in reflecting on the loving sacrifice of Jesus. No greater gift has ever been given to the world than when God gave his Son to die for our sins.

I look up at the beautiful blue sky today and feel God's merciful hands stretched out hugging all His children. In His eyes, I see a deeper love than can ever be imagined. What a humbling, healing vision.

I Saw God Today When I Looked Out My Window

2011-04-15T09:04:00.000-04:00

This morning I woke up expecting to see overcast skies and rain. How uplifted I felt when I saw the sun shining through my window!

The grass is a beautiful carpet of green, trees are budding, the pear tree is in bloom, hostas are spreading their beautiful foliage, day lillies are popping up, and the rose bushes are green with leaves.

Just two weeks ago, everything looked dreary and dead, but God's hand has kissed the land once again bringing hope for a new beginning.

I Saw God Today...In a Dandelion

2011-03-26T17:09:00.000-04:00

I frowned when I looked in my front garden area where nothing should be growing in this cold spell. All my rose bushes are brown and dormant, as are my coneflowers, and hostas plants. But on either side of the walk something very green is growing. Dandelions!!!

So, I worried about whether to yank them up now or wait until the ground is not quite so hard. I walked to the back yard and headed to the water faucet to draw water for the outdoor feral cats. Below the water faucet is a bed of rocks. To my amazement I saw another dandelion growing in the middle of these stones!!

I grumbled and groused to myself for a minute and then God tapped me and reminded me of all the wonderful summers I spent growing up in an area called "Dutch Hollow." Wow. All the wonderful huge lawns covered in beautiful yellow dandelions. No one worried about ridding them from their yards. We enjoyed the natural grass that grew along with crabgrass, dandelions and other wild flowers.

What happened? When did we start worrying about keeping our lawns nothing but green carpets? When did we start spending huge amounts of money on maintaining a "green" look? Sometimes I wish I could go back to live in the days when we appreciated all of God's gifts...even dandelions!

I Saw God Today in the Pages of a Book

2011-03-22T13:56:00.000-04:00

My daughter visited Sunday afternoon and dropped off two books she borrowed at the library. I just finished reading the second one over lunch today. All I can say is "WOW!"

The books were written by David Gregory, published by Water Brook. Titles: "Dinner with a Perfect Stranger" and "A Day with a Perfect Stranger."

I highly recommend reading these books if you can find copies. The books are short in length (approximately 100 pages each) and the message is so delightful. Can you imagine receiving an invitation to join Jesus of Nazareth for dinner? What would you discuss?

I Saw God Today - In a Friend's Smile

2011-03-03T08:53:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I had lunch with my very best friend. We spend time laughing and talking about life and writing. Being with her lifts my spirits. We feel free to share things with each other that we'd never talk about with anyone else. It's a way to release harbored worries and embarrassing moments.

She asks me to pray for people who are experiencing difficulty, and I'm happy to oblige. I love when she shares answered prayers. She says she believes I have a direct line to God, and I tell her that Jesus is the person who provides the direct line to God and that anyone who believes can also petition God through His son.

I love Pat's smile, her sense of humor, and her very kind heart. When I look at her I see God's hand. He created her from the inside out.

I Saw God Today - Cancer Free Praise!

2011-03-01T07:46:00.000-05:00

My sister in Christ has been battling cancer for over a year. She went through months of radiation and chemo treatments, many hospital stays for illnesses resulting from her low immune system. She's battled valiantly, while our church family, has kept her raised in prayer.
She's kept an upbeat and optimistic outlook, trusting in God, and has been an inspiration to all who know her.

This morning I received an email from our prayer loop. Her oncologist has pronounced her cancer free!

I Saw God Today - My Muse

2011-02-26T12:38:00.000-05:00

Today, February 26, 2011, I have decided to reopen this blog with a brand new name...I SAW GOD TODAY!

Each and every day of my life I see God's hand, hear His word, feel His presence. I want to share those moments with you.

I'm a writer. Lately I've been struggling with what path to take with my publishing career. I've been working on a book which has me very excited and passionate about finishing. My muse is my daughter. She is the one person I love to brainstorm with. She incites me to write better and to search for how God wants to use this ministry to his glory.

Today I gave her the background to the story and outlined the scene I'm working on. One of the characters has asked a question and I decided to stop and wait to seek God's direction on the answer given. When I posed the question to my daughter, she immediately came back with a fantastic response. My spirit lifted and I shouted "Yes!"

We continued to discuss some aspects of the plot and again she came through with sound suggestions which have me anxious to open the document and get busy writing. Then we chatted about the vision I have for using my book as a way to make money for our church's women's group missions. I felt God using me as the voice to outline my vision and it grew clearer. This is a goal that I'm so passionate about achieving, and I know God is directing my writing and the path for this book.

God is good, all the time! And, all the time, God is good! May your day be filled with His many blessings.

Blog Closed

2010-08-09T11:54:00.000-04:00

I am sorry to have to close this blog due to time constraints. I will continue to share stories of God's love working in today's world on my other blog...Inside the Writer's Mind.

Thank you for your understanding.

Strong Enough to Bend

2010-08-08T07:47:00.000-04:00

I enjoy listening to country music. One song I remember from several years ago is "Strong Enough to Bend" sung by Tanya Tucker. The lyrics tell of the ups and downs of a relationship and compares that to a tree. When storms buffet the tree, it must be strong enough to bend under the assault in order to survive, in order not to break. It is the same with relationships.

Sometimes we take the easy way out and walk away, rather than to bend. But, when we do, the pain of "what might have been" can eat away at our soul. God can give the strength required to withstand the storms of life. He doesn't promise we'll always have a clear, and beautiful day, but He does promise to be with us as we endure the storms.

"Such a Grouch..."

2010-07-26T09:32:00.000-04:00

Last night, I struggled with falling asleep. I dozed in the state where you're not deeply asleep and aware of every noise. When hubby came to bed, I heard him enter and felt him sit on his side of the mattress. Then his hand reached under the covers. He touched my leg, then withdrew his hand. Then he did it again.

"What are you looking for?" I grumbled.

"I was just feeling how warm the mattress is."

We have a latex foam mattress and when you first get under the covers, it's cold. But soon your body heat warms the mattress and it gets nice and toasty. After his comment, I rolled back over and closed my eyes. Then I heard him mutter "..such a grouch."

At that moment, I realized the truth. I had become a grouch. When I worked, people told me all the time how they enjoyed seeing my smile. What had happened to that smile? I've been sharing it with my friends, with church members, with strangers, with family...but not so much with my husband.

Our lives have changed since I retired. I've had to assume all the responsibilities of running the house, including the yard work, because of my husband's illness. Over the months, I've become...well, a grouch. It's not that I don't enjoy doing these things, but I have become impatient with my husband. He doesn't do things the way I'd like. I have to pick up after him. I have to remind him of things. And I have to repeat myself over and over again. So, I rarely share my smile and my feelings of love.

Last night I asked God to forgive me and to help me remember the important things in my life. I woke up this morning with a smile in my heart and on my face. Life is good. God is good. And, I intend to share my smile with the most important person in this house...my wonderful, loving, husband.

Hope by the Power of the Holy Spirit

2010-07-18T07:16:00.000-04:00

Hope is found in the Bible. Romans 15:13 "May the god of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

At times we are filled with despair. During those times, some people give up. But, God would want us to turn to him, to trust him. I learned this so well during the month of December. My husband nearly died from an enlarged prostate blocking his bladder. This happened when I had already given notice to my employer that I was retiring at the end of the year. Little did we know then, that we wouldn't be able to get my husband under Part B Medicare until the middle of the following year. Faced with unsurmountable bills and no income to sustain us through the hard times to come, I refused to give up hope. I trusted God to walk with us through this time of darkness. I prayed for God's mercy, healing, and direction.

My mother had moved in with us several months prior due to her illness. My plan of retiring was to be able to care for her. Her spirits had lifted during the Christmas season, but on December 30th, my husband and my 30th wedding anniversary, God called my mother home. Dealing with her loss, and my husband's dire illness, nearly drove me to the depths of despair. But God lifted me up and walked with me through the trials. He showed me a path to gain medical assistance for my husband. He sustained me through the grief of losing my mother.

During all the pain, I knew He walked beside me, and at times He held me in His arms. And He brought us through the darkness into the light.

Hope is eternal through God's grace.

Living with a Happy Spirit

2010-07-02T08:28:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I stopped at church to get the meeting info to add to the bulletin. I had the entire bulletin completed except for inserting these items. I walked into a full blown crisis.

The printer wasn't working. Someone forgot to get postage. Postcards needed to be in the hands of members by Saturday. Our poor ministry coordinator. She's a wonderful, cheerful, lady and I felt her tension, though she didn't reflect that onto others.

She showed me "special" paper she'd purchased for the July 4th bulletin. Yikes! I would have to seriously do some realigning to fit everything into the smaller viewing area. But, I smiled, measured the new margins and noted that on my paper. Then I moved on to the book of meetings and wrote down everything that needed added.

Next the children's ministry leader entered the room. She's lovingly known by all as "Barbie." She told me she had something to add to the announcements for the bulletin. Oh, no. Now smaller margins, I'd already had everything in place and I would have to find a way to add one more announcement. I didn't know how I'd manage, but I knew also that I would do it. So, I asked her to email me the info as quickly as possible since I was finalizing the bulletin.

She looked at me and smiled. Then she said, "It's so nice to have a bulletin coordinator who has a happy spirit."

I hadn't thought much about how others perceived me, but that comment gave me a lift.

I did finish the bulletin, with the added challenge of adding more info and fitting the entire thing into a smaller space. And, I did it with a happy spirit.

When God is in your heart, that love shines out for all to see. I'm blessed in so many ways, and I thank God for giving me a happy spirit.

God is good.

God Came Knocking

2010-06-30T07:47:00.000-04:00

When God knocks on the door of your heart and calls you to act, do not turn your back.

Since my retirement, I've found myself avoiding writing time. I find time to write blogs, post on Facebook, but when it comes to working on my manuscript, I've been finding excuses. Yesterday, I carried my laptop outside and started working on a newly developed story idea. When I stopped, I had nineteen pages completed and it felt wonderful. I've been turning my back on God's calling for me to write. Now, with prayer, I'm finding my joy of writing again.

But, God didn't stop there. He has called me to ministry within the church as well. I'm coordinating the publication of our weekly bulletin, coordinating the typing of a revised Church Staff Handbook, visiting with members who are in nursing facilities, crocheting prayer shawls and lap robes, and I'm a member of the Staff Parish Relations committee.

God has blessed my life so many times in recent months. And, He's opened doors to utilize my talents. I may be retired from one job, but I've been called to others.

Have you been listening to God's knock on your heart?

Things to Smile For

2010-06-26T12:18:00.000-04:00

Nothing brings a smile to my face quicker than watching children at play. Perhaps it's the memories of once being young and carefree, with an active imagination. I also enjoy watching one of our outdoor feral cats, Molly, as she jumps and plays in the garden outside my office window. My office is on the lower floor of our bi-level, so the garden is at eye level when I'm sitting. She's a calico cat, so she blends perfectly with the pretty orange and yellow cone flowers. There's a beautiful rose bush and a butterfly bush as well. She sits in the garden and waits for the monarch butterflies. It's so fun to see her jumping and cavorting as the butterflies tease by staying just out of her reach. God's paintbrush created my view, and it's worth smiling about.

The Joy of Giving

2010-06-08T09:27:00.000-04:00

When I was a child, I remember hearing "It is more blessed to give than to receive." I kind of knew what it meant, but I didn't fully appreciate the words until later in life. Now, I make prayer shawls, visit friends who are in hospitals, take friends to therapy, and volunteer for church services. But these are just little token things I'm able to do now that I don't go to work every day. But giving is so much more.

We touch other lives every single day. Sometimes we don't know what impression we've made on another. We might be viewed by a total stranger without our knowledge. What might they remember about us?

In Sunday School, we talked about how we have influenced others to follow Christ. That's a hard question to answer. Most times we won't even know. That got me to thinking about how I might appear to a total stranger as I walk through a grocery store, or pass on a street or in a car. Do they see a joyful person? Or do they see the disgruntled person who is annoyed at having to run another errand? When someone cuts me off, do they see anger? I believe it's the little things that really make the difference. Stopping to let someone into a line of traffic. Allowing the person who has only a few items to purchase move ahead of me in the line. Trying not to judge others by their inconsiderate actions and put things into perspective. I mean, after all, if someone cuts me off, what will that matter in the future? But, if I show anger, call rude names, then I've become even angrier and that remains with me, amping up my reaction to the next affront.

Yeah, I know, easier said than done. But, definitely something to pray for. It all boils down to "it's better to give than to receive." Give a smile instead of a rude gesture. The return will be so much greater.

Thanks for stopping by!

God's Garden

2010-06-02T08:15:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting at my desk, after my morning devotionals, and when I looked out my window I was blessed to see two beautiful yellow finches flitting in the butterfly bush. They are so petite and graceful. How can I not smile?

My home office is on the lower level of our bi-level home and right outside my window is a beautiful flower garden filled with roses, coneflowers, a yellow and orange flower (I'll have to ask my hubby what the name is), hostas, and the lovely butterfly bush. God has blessed me with a lovely view. When my office was upstairs, I didn't get to enjoy the garden. Now it's at eye level. Occasionally, one of the outdoor cats walks by and peers in at me.

Sometimes we look for God's blessings in the wrong places. We look for spectacular miracles, when He gives us glimpses of His love every day. My garden is a blessng from God. His hand created the beauty in my garden. Each morning, I look out and see God's face smiling back at me.

It reminds me of the hymn, "I Come to the Garden Alone," one of my favorites. I remember signing this in church as a child, but now the words come to life when I gaze out my window each morning.

I hope you see God's smile today.

Friends are Blessings

2010-05-28T07:02:00.000-04:00

My heart sank when my dear friend told me she had to go back in for a second mammogram on her right breast. The doctor had seen some dark tissue. After the mammogram, if he still found something irregular, they would immediately do a sonogram. I prayed, I cried, and I tried to give her courage.

The day of the testing, I waited by the phone for her call. I kept praying for her along with others who've been on my prayer list. The clock's hands moved slowly.

When the phone rang, I answered quickly. Her first words brought tears of joy. The shadow had been fibrous tissue...nothing to worry about. She thanked me for my prayers and we praised Jesus together.

I find myself thanking God so many times through the day for His many wonderful blessings. My friend is one of those blessings. I know He wants me to thank Him by sharing His love with others, and I try to do that. But, when my eyes close and I'm on my knees, I not only lay my burdens at His throne, but I give thanks as well.

God is good, all the time.

Praising Family

2010-05-23T07:38:00.000-04:00

Every day, I feel so happy and blessed with what God has given me. I have a wonderful husband and we are truly best friends. We fuss at each other and we disagree sometimes, but most times we laugh together and make decisions together. We support each other and care for each other. It's wonderful to have someone I can share anything with and know that whatever I say, he won't turn his back on me.

The blended family we have created is awesome! Together we have eight children. Through the years we made a lot of memories. Now, we can sit together at family gatherings and reminisce and laugh. Even now, we learn things our children did which they didn't tell us at the time! I love the sense of belonging to a family.

We are also blessed to be a family of Christians. And we have a wonderful church family. As I close my eyes, I see all of our families blended together into one huge family, surrounding us with love and protection. And I see God's loving arms wrapped around all of us.

I opened my bible this morning and this is what I read in Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 (NLT, Tyndale Red Letter)

"I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun. This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, 'Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?' It is all so meaningless and depressing.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."

Look! Grapes!!

2010-05-18T09:36:00.000-04:00

Two years ago my hubby planted a grapevine starter. Last year, the vines produced one tiny bunch of grapes. This year the vines have grown substantially, climbing up the arbor which supports a "porch swing" hanging on chains. The grapes are so cute, like tiny little green balls. We aren't experienced in growing grapes, but we will do our best to nurture and care for the vines, pruning as necessary, in hopes of having a bountiful harvest.

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

HIDE AND SEEK

2010-05-16T07:48:00.000-04:00

Romans 10:20 And later Isaiah spoke boldly for God, saying, "I was found by people who were not looking for me. I showed myself to those who were not asking for me."

When I first became a Christian, I loved the feeling of being among fellow believers. Church was a warm, safe place to go and have my spirit renewed. All my friend spoke the same language, asked the same questions, sought the same reassurance. I opened my heart and welcomed Jesus to bless me. He has provided for me in my times of need, carried me through my times of trouble, and restored my faith, time and time again.

Lately, I've started to worry that I'm not carrying His word to others to bring them into His fold. I'm not a preacher. I'm a faltering Christian. But, I know that I am doing His good deeds when I reach out to others and share what I can--a smile, a helping hand, forgiveness, love.

Just as the scripture above says, I am showing God's love to those who may not be seeking Him, and in doing so spreading good seeds for His harvest.

Thank you for visiting and remember to thank Him for all the blessings He bestows.

Anything Can be Bought For a Price

2010-05-10T08:01:00.000-04:00

I look in the mirror some mornings and wonder if I should color my hair. I see a lion's mane of white, sometimes unruly, locks. Coloring my hair would give it more body, more fullness and controllability. But it would also mean having to spend money for vanity's sake.

I have friends who are always longing to change their bodies. Some want unnaturally white teeth, some want larger breasts, less wrinkles... All of these can be purchased. Just look at the television and magazine ads. For a price, most anything can be bought.

This morning, determined to call my hairdresser for a change, I opened my Bible and my eyes fell on this verse:

Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.

So my hairdresser will not receive my money today. I was reminded that God created each of us in His image and that He loves us just as we are. The biggest price has already been paid. Jesus paid the price for our salvation by dying on the cross.

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that what others my see as flawed, You see as beauty.

Rejection Hurts...

2010-05-02T07:35:00.000-04:00

I moved from a friendly small town in the midwest to a suburb of Washington, D.C., when my children were not yet old enough to attend school. My first shock came when we entered a grocery store and I smiled at the clerk who waited on us. No return smile! I tried smiling at people I'd pass and found not one friendly face. Weeks and months passed. Still whenever I reached out to smile or share a friendly word with a stranger, the only thing I received in return was a cold, or distant return glance. That was a very hard time of life for me.

I wonder if that's what God feels when He smiles down on us and we ignore Him. Jesus walked the earth and people refused to listen, denied Him, and killed Him. How His heart must have hurt to be dying for our sins while being rejected by the people He'd come to save. Each and every day, God smiles down on us with the blessing of another sunrise, another sunset, clothing on our backs, food for our stomachs, shelter, and more...so much more. Yet, few thank Him.

Today, I still smile and speak to strangers. Sometimes I get a smile in return, sometimes we strike up a conversation, but sometimes I get rejected. It still hurts. Sometimes I think an ungrateful word, or silently call them an unkind name. That isn't what Jesus would do. So, each day I try to remember to share my smile and kind word without expecting anything in return. How can I love others less than God does?

Open Your Clenched Fist and Offer Your Hand Instead...

2010-04-18T05:00:00.018-04:00

My husband and I had the wonderful experience of hearing Don Piper give his testimony on Saturday night. For those who might not know of Don Piper, he is the author of "Ninety Minutes in Heaven," and several other books. If you haven't read "Ninety Minutes in Heaven," run, don't walk, to the nearest book store and get it.

I received the book at a writing conference. After reading it, I offered it to my husband. He was having a difficult time accepting the limitations his health imposed on his activities. He was angry and bitter. My husband doesn't read books, but he read this one. I believe God was at work in our home. The book changed my husand's perspective and ultimately our lives. Now my husband realizes that he can still do things he likes to do. It may take a bit longer, but who puts a time limit on our actions but us? Having realistic goals based on our individual limits makes sense.

One of the things Don Piper said during his testimony really hit me. He said we could raise a clenched fist high and cry "Why, God?" But then he took that clenched fist and opened his fingers, extending his hand down and said, "Let me help you." What a wonderful thing to remember.

What good does it do to feel sorry for ourselves and place blame on God for the bad things that happen? Better that we take that negative energy and turn it into good. Offer your understanding, your support, and your love to others. You will be blessed so much more than if you dwell in anger and negativity.

We tend to forget all the wonderful things that God does for us...and many times we don't even notice them. However, God always listens to our prayers. And He answers, if we listen. Sometimes His answer is no, and sometimes it takes a long time for Him to answer. But isn't it wonderful to know that God ALWAYS listens to us?

A Little Rose Bush...

2010-04-11T07:23:00.000-04:00

As I look out my window, I see a little rose bush covered with green leaves basking in the morning sunshine. Just two months ago, the bush looked dead. Snow buried the ground, and ice covered the branches. The bush painted a desolate picture.

Spring is one of the most loved seasons of the year. It's a promise of new beginnings, rebirth, and nature's beautiful bounty. The anticipation of the beauty to greet my view in a few short weeks lifts my spirits. I wonder if this is the same feeling that filled the hearts of those who looked at the empty tomb. Surely, God's promise had been fulfilled. Jesus had risen to give all who believe the promise of a new life in heaven.

Spring is here. Jesus is with us.

A Testimony to God's Grace

2010-04-07T09:43:00.000-04:00

I have learned that Jesus always hears our prayers and he answers if we just listen. Usually my husband and I take turns saying grace, and many times he will ask me to do it because he says I pray more eloquently than he does. But, we should remember that Jesus hears what is in our hearts, not just the words we say aloud. It is what is inside that matters. Many people "speak" the words, but they do not carry the words within their hearts. Mere words are meaningless unless they are backed by a true belief, a true faith.

Joseph M. Scriven, in 1855, penned the following lyrics which are so very dear to my heart:

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

It is a privilege to carry our burdens to God in prayer.

Since December, my husband has had a serious illness. His bladder stopped functioning and he was admitted to the hospital with acute renal failure. I found myself in constant prayer. I wasn't ready to lose my husband, but I knew that God was in control. Worse, I had retired from my job and only then learned that my husband was not eligible to enter into Medicare Part B. What were we to do? I turned the burdens to God and He lifted us up. The VA accepted my husband under hardship due to the drastic change in our income since we would only have our social security to live on. It took months of getting through all the necessary steps with various doctors to finally get my husband scheduled for surgery. But, we waited patiently knowing God was the ultimate physician. On March 29, my husband has surgery. We learned on April 6, that the surgery was successful! Finally, after nearly four months of having to live with a catheter, my husband is healed. God is so gracious! He knew the outcome, and we just had to trust in Him, be faithful, and patient.

I don't know how we would have survived if we hadn't turned to God in prayer. Hallelujah!

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

Thank you, Mr. Scriven, for such a heartwarming reminder of the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

A King's Burden

2010-04-04T04:00:00.001-04:00

Today, I'd like to share a poem I wrote which I hope touches your heart on this glorious Easter Sunday.

A King's Burden
by Carol Ann Erhardt

Whenever life may get you down,
And you want to smile, but wear a frown,
And burdens heavy on you lay,
Your headache just won’t go away,
Just fall upon your knees and pray.

Beaten with a lead-tipped whip,
Skin laid bare in criss-crossed strips,
Fists of iron struck His face,
They mocked to put Him in His place,
A crown of thorns to add disgrace.

A wooden cross He bore alone,
Stumbling through the streets of stone,
They nailed Him to the cross that day,
He, who was born in a bed of hay,
“Forgive them Father,” he was heard to say.

They laid Him in a tomb so dark,
And rolled a stone upon its mark,
To seal His tomb would be in vain,
On Easter morn He rose again,
Leaving behind the earthly pain.

So when your life you start to dread,
Remember the whip with tips of lead,
The crown of thorns upon His head.

And when your heart is full of pain,
And you feel your life has been in vain,
Remember how He rose again.

And when your burdens heavy lay,
Remember the cross He bore that day,
Then fall down on your knees and pray.

A March Toward Death and Salvation

2010-03-28T07:08:00.000-04:00

Today marks the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem, knowing His fate, and accepting it...for you and for me. Can you imagine the crowds gathered along the road waving palm fronds and laying their garments to pave His path? As they praised Him, they didn't know He was riding toward His death for their salvation.

I am so humbled when I picture this scene. I imagine the sun shining down, glinting off His dark hair, tears rolling down His face. He cried for all those who did not accept the opportunity for salvation. He'd taught them all He could, yet many still did not believe.

Today, I will go to church, sing praises, and worship. Jesus lives in my heart. As this Holy week unfolds, Jesus is looking down, aching for His lost sheep to open their hearts and let Him come in.

Family Gatherings Warm the Heart

2010-03-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Today is going to be a wonderful day in our home. Our children and their families are coming over for a get together. Son and daughter-in-law from WV will be visiting. I always look forward to having the family in one place. Grandchildren running through the house, laughing and having fun, grown children sharing memories, new stories, and lots of love and laughter. Nothing compares to warm my heart.

I can't think of a better way to spend Sunday afternoon. Many time I wish I had lived back in the days when entire communities would put on their Sunday best and head to a little wooden church to praise God for their blessings. Then everyone would gather around long tables filled with food and share fellowship.

Our family is large enough to represent one of these gatherings. There will be 25 people in our home. God has truly blessed us.

Creative Energy and Spare Time

2010-03-15T09:16:00.000-04:00

Years ago, I spent my spare time working on crafts. I've knitted clothes for my children and grandchildren, crocheted afghans, painted ceramics, woodburned pictures, created candle and flower arrangements, and painted rocks into animals. Since I started writing, my crafting time disappeared and I poured all my creative energy into my books.

It seems I do have more spare time now that I've retired from the day job, and with hubby being "tied" to the house, I don't like to spend too much time down in my office away from him. So when I sit upstairs to watch television with him, I needed something to make me feel productive. I heard about prayer shawl ministries and started reading up on what it involved. Now, I have a stash of yarn and a drawer of prayer shawls. As I work on the shawl, I pray for the person who will receive it. As I hear of women in my church who are facing surgery, I pick out the shawl I believe they will like and pray for them while holding the shawl. I visit the person in the hospital and present them with the gift.

Now what would be an unproductive time has turned into a labor of love.

A Splintered Tooth

2010-03-07T07:05:00.000-05:00

I had a tooth on which a crown which had come loose because the tooth split. The roots were in two separate pieces and it looked splintered near the bottom. My dentist told me there was no hope for the tooth and it would need to be pulled. We set an appointment for a week later. I worried because I'd had another tooth pulled years prior and the dentist hadn't been able to numb me completely. That dentist didn't believe that I could feel the nerve pain. They said I only felt pressure.

I prayed and asked God to be with me through the upcoming ordeal. On Friday, I drove to the dentist, a little nervous, but knowing that whatever happened, God was with me. I shared my prior experience with my dentist and she assured me she would ensure I was completely numb before pulling the tooth. And she told me she would stop at any time if I felt pain. She also offered laughing gas, which I refused. While I sat and waited for my mouth to numb, I prayed and then opened an inspirational novel to read.

Finally, the time came to pull the tooth. I felt nothing beyond a little pressure when the tooth came out. The splintered half came out in one piece, and so did the other half. The dentist told her assistant, "God was with us today. This was the toughest extraction we've ever seen, yet it went the smoothest."

What an uplifting experience to hear my dentist say those precious words. God was with us. He'd assured me he would be with me. God never lets us down in times of need.

God lifts us from sin as easily as the dentist lifted the tooth from my mouth. All you need to do is believe in Him.

Offer Deeds and Gifts with a Humbled Heart

2010-02-28T15:43:00.000-05:00

Have you ever met someone who does good things for others? True, there are many who do so. But, there are also those who boast of their good deeds.

Consider the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. They both went to the Temple to pray. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed giving thanks to God that he was not a sinner for he didn't cheat, sin, or commit adultery. He held himself above others, especially the tax collector. But the tax collector only stood at a distance and beat his chest in sorrow, not even daring to look up to heaven as he prayed. He asked God to be merciful to him, a sinner.

God says that those wo exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

When good deeds are done, they should be with the right heart. We should not give and expect to receive in return, nor should be boast of what we have done. Doing so is not pleasing to God.

Yet, I know many people who profess to be faithful followers of God; who say the right things, and do the right things; but afterward they exalt themselves by letting everyone know what wonderful things they have done for others.

I would prefer to offer my gifts without acclamation, for a humbled heart is a happy heart.

May you offer yourself to others with a humbled heart.

Enjoying the Fruits of Labor

2010-02-15T07:26:00.000-05:00

I never dreamed my husband's health would deteriorate to the point that I would become caregiver during the time we planned to enjoy doing things together, traveling, and being free. My once active, healthy love is now bound by oxygen tubes and other health issues which leave him trapped in our home. At times I feel like I'm caring for a baby again, and sometimes I feel cheated. That's when I'm wallowing in self-pity because I'm longing for "our dream," which will never be. At these low times, I pick up the Bible to receive the strength and regain perspective.

The real truth is...we ARE spending time together. We may not be traveling to new places, but where better to be than in the home we made together? Hard labor remodeled each room. My husband spent his life working long and hard hours, and in his off-time, he worked just as hard to make this house a home. Now, we have the luxury of being united to enjoy the fruits of his labors.

I'm grateful each and every day for his presence, for his sense of humor, for his unconditional love, and I wouldn't trade that for anything.

Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as ransom for many."

How can I not do likewise?

Thanks for stopping by!

What is Hope?

2010-02-07T13:01:00.000-05:00

When I started this blog, I wanted it to be about hope and how to keep hope alive. These are trying times for many throughout the world. The media plays upon these events through television, newspapers, magazines, and radio. Experiencing second hand tragedies through the media can be very depressing. So, how do we keep hope? And what is hope?

There is a wonderful passage in the Bible which truly speaks to my heart about hope. Romans 8:22-25 "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

Hope is the faith within our hearts and souls, the belief in Christ Jesus that God is with us and will provide. God's word through Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, tells us that in order to have hope, we must learn to be patient. We must be still, have faith, and wait without grumbling to keep hope alive.

God bless.

Looking at Each Day with Expectation

2010-02-01T09:30:00.000-05:00

Every day is a new day. A new beginning. A new chance at making a change in your life.

Life is an adventure. When I go on vacation, I am full of eagerness, looking forward to what I'll see, what I'll do, although I have no idea what that might be. There are so many new adventures we embark on every day if we only look at what is presented with an open, eager mind.

Only God knows what is in my future. Worrying about what will happen tomorrow only takes away time from today.

I'm looking out my window. The sun is shining. My spirit is smiling.

I don't know what God has in store for today, but I know it will be a grand adventure.

Facing Fear

2010-01-25T09:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday our preacher's sermon dealt with how we encounter fears in our lives and how we approach facing them. In the past month, I've had to face some very painful issues. First, my husband became very ill and I've had to watch his health deteriorate. I was approaching the last two weeks of my employment, since I'd turned in my resignation to retire at the end of the year. Trying to balance work and home life became a challenge. Then, my mother, who also lives with us became ill. On my husband and my 30th wedding anniversary, Mom was taken to the hospital, and she never returned. She went to be with Jesus. Difficult, dark days. Without my strong faith, and the knowledge that Jesus was with me, that He had his arms wrapped firmly around me to keep me from falling, I could have fallen into a deep depression.

When we are at our lowest times in life, if we take our eyes off Jesus, then Satan worms his way into our mind and tries to remove our faith with doubt and fear.

Remember Peter when he stepped out of the boat in the midst of the storm and began walking on water toward Jesus? Why did he begin to sink? Imagine the scene. He steps out in faith, and then he realizes that waves and wind are battering him. He looks at the surroundings and fear sets in. He immediately begins to sink into the water. He holds out his hands and asks Jesus to save him. Jesus, always loving, takes Peter's hand. How saddened He must have felt to know that Peter had taken his eyes off Jesus and allowed doubt to take control.

My husband and I are still waiting resolution on his illness. We don't know what might lie ahead today, tomorrow, or next month. But, we do have faith. Faith that Jesus is with us, that He is not allowing us to go through this alone. There are times when I cry alone, when I worry, and yes, even when I feel fear. But those are the times that I turn to prayer. And Jesus comforts and lifts me up.

It is my prayer for each of you, that you keep your eyes turned to Jesus. He will bring you through the fears that assail your lives.

Thanks for stopping by.

My Goals for 2010

2010-01-18T08:41:00.000-05:00

• Welcome each new day with a smile.
• Treat each day as a new beginning.
• Brainstorm with feet on moving treadmill.
• Write something.
• Read something.
• Hug family and friends tell them I love them.
• Do for others with a joyful heart.
• Thank God for His many blessings.

As you move into 2010, remember to relax deeply, dream big, and believe with all your heart.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2009-12-21T16:00:00.002-05:00

I will not be posting on this blog until January 2010. Many warm wishes to you and yours for a blessed Christmas and a very prosperous, blessed and healthy New Year.

Dealing with Illness Through the Holy Spirit

2009-12-18T06:28:00.000-05:00

I've spent a lot of time on my knees lately with my husband going through a serious illness. One of the most difficult things to do is to watch a loved one in pain and know you have no control over the illness. It's humbling.

During the ride from the doctor's office to the emergency room, I prayed for God to keep hubby wrapped in his arms and to guide the doctors in bringing relief from his pain. Since the doctor had called to let them know we were coming, I thought we'd be immediately received. No such luck. We had to sit in the waiting room for our turn to be called. When a nurse called us for the check-in, I asked for a wheelchair. At least hubby didn't have to walk, and that was a small relief. But, then we were asked to go back to the waiting room until we were called. I watched my husband's face and knew he was about to give up. His hands were cold and his complexion was waxen. I wadded my coat and let him use it as a quasi-pillow to rest his head. I held his hands and prayed. His body shuddered and I realized he was trying not to cry. I continued to pray. I recited the Lord's prayer and the 23rd Psalm over and over between asking God to help us get into a room.

After we were escorted to a room in the emergency section, a doctor, nurse and tech arrived immediately. My husband's bladder was completely blocked and had been for three days. His bladder had swollen to eight times its normal size. While they catharized him, I continued to fold my hands and pray. They drained a liter of liquid and capped off the catheter to avoid his body going into shock and we had to wait for a half hour. My husband's worst pain had subsided, and he held my hand and tears rolled down his cheeks. "I saw you praying," he said. I assured him that God was with us and that He would see us through this setback. He replied, "I feel God is dealing with me right now." He cried, we cried together, and continued to pray. My husband has always believed in God, but he hasn't felt the presence in his heart like I have. This was his moment. In his weakness, he experienced the Holy Spirit working.

He is home now and we will see the doctor on Saturday to have his catheter removed. We are praying that he will not block again as we wait to see a urologist. And we continually thank God for his healing mercy.

Prayer Log

2009-12-08T07:02:00.000-05:00

I've decided to keep a prayer log. Throughout the day, I find myself praying for people and situations, but I've never logged them and gone back to see all the prayers that God has answered.

He does answer prayers, all the time. The answers may not be what we expected, but we don't know God's plan. However, He is among us and he cares.

Later, I'll share some of my answered prayers with you as I check back on my prayer log.

God bless.

You Can't Outgive God...

2009-11-23T06:11:00.004-05:00

I heard the following story from a friend a few days ago and asked permission to post it on my blog. While I wanted to give her credit, she opted to remain anonymous.

I've been reminded many times about how God will always take care of our needs, but this story truly touched my heart. Especially with Thanksgiving drawing near her in the United States. I hope the story taps on your heart as well.

"I had something really neat happen today. I normally would share something like this, by it was clearly God at work and awesome.

We have a missionary friend who was running behind on her support. She's been on my heart since last month, so I talked to my husband and asked if we could help her out. (We don't have much excess right now since we needed to replace our furnace and chimney liner last month.) Anyway, as I sat down to do some book-keeping today, I wrote out a check and placed it in our mail box.

No sooner did I do that, our mail person stopped by our box and guess what she placed inside-- a check I had forgotten that we would be receiving for exactly double the amount that I had just sent to the missionary!

It was as if it was straight from Heaven to remind me that I can never out give God. What a wonderful thought to dwell on as Thanksgiving draws closer."

May God's love fill your soul and heart and may you bless others with your knowledge by putting it in action.

When God Calls...

2009-11-16T06:34:00.003-05:00

When I began the journey of moving my mother into our home, it was with great trepidation. She hadn't been the ideal mother. I'd never felt loved or cared for. She wasn't demonstrative, except for her bouts of anger and resentment, hair-pulling and fists on the back. But she is my mother. The only mother I'll ever have. So, we made plans and moved her here last May.

Over the past months, God has shown me how to forgive and move forward. In the first few weeks, she lashed out and said hateful, hurtful things. I cried. I wrestled with why I could never be good enough to earn her love. She told lies. She tried to create a wedge between my husband and I. But what she knows, and probably is the source of her resentment, is that my husband and I have a bond of love strengthened through our faith. None of her marriages were the kind I have. I know she's jealous. And I know the devil uses that as a weapon. But satan has no place in our house. Finally, I realized that I had to stand up to her and not let her run over me. I had become a martyr. She's changing. A little at at time. Through it all, I've drawn much closer to Jesus, and my faith has grown tremendously. God always has a plan for our lives, and even in the midst of the darkness, He walks with us and promises us a place in heaven if we accept Him as our only Lord and Savior.

Be still and listen, and when God calls, answer.

Forgiving Enemies - A Test of Faith

2009-11-12T06:19:00.002-05:00

This year has been one of testing faith for me. I've always known a weakness when it comes to forgiving my enemies. Satan knows this and he uses this against me. He wants to shake my faith. But I have no room for Satan in my heart. The Lord resides within me and he supports me and loves me unconditionally. I find that hard to comprehend. He loved me and he loved all of you so deeply and so unconditionally that He sacrificed His beloved son to die on the cross. Jesus was scorned and torn from head to toe. From a crown of thorns, his back ripped and raw from a brutal beating-a beating to near death, to nails driven through his hands and feet. Can you imagine? This was done to save us. When I think of this, my body tingles inside. How could He love us so much?

With such unconditional love, how then can I be more like Jesus? How can I, a mere human, who has given her life to Christ, learn to be as forgiving as Jesus? He called his betrayer, Judas, a friend. He washed his feet at the last supper knowing that Judas would betray him in just a short time. Satan has been trying to chip away at me to find a vulnerability so that I might betray Jesus as well.

We brought my mother to live with us. Every day I struggle with forgiveness and with loving her unconditionally. But I pray for her and with her. The Lord sustains me. As I get closer to a new phase of my life--retirement--with no substantial savings to fall back on, I have been working hard to have full faith that God will provide for us. I know He will. So, Satan continues to attack. I told you a few weeks back that someone broke into our home while we slept and stole our television. That television was only a "thing". God protected us, his precious children. What we lost was material only. So I prayed for the salvation of the thief, that he might come to know Jesus before judgement day. It is up to God to be the judge. Satan did not win that battle.

Yesterday I realized my debit card was missing. The last time it was used was at a restaurant for lunch the day before. My heart sank. I opened my bank account online and saw someone had gone on a spending spree and zeroed out the account. The thief had purchased multiple tanks of gasoline, purchases at a carryout, purchases inside gas stations, purchases at a bar late at night, and the purchase of jewelry at an astounding cost of $1,388.00. What would we do? Shaking and terrified, I called the bank to learn that I can only dispute the charges after they post against the account. They did close the debit card so no further purchases could be made. Once I dispute the charges, it will take several weeks to determine that they are fraudelent and I will receive the funds back. I contacted the police and made a report, I contacted the restaurant and gave them details, I called the mall where the jewelry purchase was made and learned they will release video surveillance to the police. I continued to feel violated all day long. I prayed to God to keep me balanced and thanked Him for being with me. Then I realized I needed to forgive this enemy as well. How could I do that? I felt so personally violated. So, I prayed that this thief would be caught and in so doing his life of crime would be thwarted. I prayed that he would find salvation before judgement day. I haven't forgotten. But as each hour goes by, I know that I'm letting go of the anger. I went to Bible Study last night and in doing so, I received God's reassurance and grace. So many people are suffering through things I cannot imagine. My loss is temporary and is only material. God has provided a means to get through this minor fire.

He is ever loving, ever present, and ever my Father. Satan has lost another battle.

One Beautiful Lone Flower

2009-10-29T06:35:00.004-04:00

In Ohio, we've had very cold weather, nights close to freezing, frosts in the mornings, and rain. Not a typical October. How quickly we were given our first glimpse of the winter months ahead.

Hubby and I were outside preparing the cat shelter with fresh thick comforters in preparation for their comfort over the winter. With hubby's bad health, he hasn't been able to keep up the outside landscaping. The knock out rose bushes in front of the swing have grown so large they look like the brambles in front of Sleeping Beauty's house while she slept. The arbor over the swing houses climatis vines and grape vines, both long dormant. I pulled one grape vine branch out of the chain supporting the swing and poked it back through the lattice of the arbor. I walked to the outside of the arbor to weave it one more time and God amazed me! Amid all the dormant vines and leaves rested one perfect purple climatis bloom. My heart squeezed.

What a beautiful reminder of God's ever present love and promise. God hugged me.

I was reminded that we only need to open our eyes to see God's abundant and glorious gifts.

Psalm 89:1-3 I will sing of the Lord's unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.

The Big Announcement

2009-10-23T06:23:00.003-04:00

For two years, I've been thinking about quitting my day job. This past year, with the addition of my mother into our home, and my husband's failing health, I felt more strongly than ever that I should retire to spend more time with family.

Crippled by fear of the changing economy, I floundered with making the decision. What was God telling me? Did the fear of the future come from God telling me I was on the wrong path? Or did the fear come from Satan?

Satan's weapons include fear, doubt, shame, deception...all the things that cause us to stumble in our belief. Satan is strong, but God is stronger. As Beth Moore says, we are no match for the devil, but he is no match for God. God is stronger. Only with him can we overcome the devil's interference.

Finally, I stopped and listened to God telling me to get the priorities straight in my life. My priorities are God, family, friends. Not money, not material things. For God will provide what we need. Fear is the devil's way of distracting us from His promise. In Proverbs 1:33 "But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm."

How true those words are. Monday, I informed my superior that I would be retiring the end of this year. Since that announcement, my heart is full of peace and joy. I'm looking forward to the future. A future filled with God's love and mercy.

Satan's Stumbling Blocks

2009-10-20T05:57:00.003-04:00

When Jesus was tempted on the mountain, He immediately recognized Satan and saw through his taunts. Even in His weakened state, He remained strong. For us, however, it is harder to recognize Satan. He is sneaky, cunning, and relentless in his quest to take our souls.

Satan's main stumbling blocks for me are self-doubt and fear, which lead to indecision. When praying for answers from God, I have tried to listen, but instead the outside influences of the world around me begin to distract and the voice I hear is that of Satan instead.

For me, pushing aside the self-doubt and fear has been difficult. My saving grace lay in constant prayer, immersing myself in God's word, and allowing Him to enter my heart completely. Faith is such a comfort and joy.

I realize Satan still has a few stumbling blocks for me, but with God all things are possible. I can banish Satan's temptations through the power of the cross.

May God bless you today.

Priorities

2009-10-13T06:32:00.004-04:00

Sometimes I find myself spinning in circles and going nowhere, trying to sort out the priorities in my life.

At work, a phone call might mean a new project, or a problem with one I'm right smack in the middle of completing. Sometimes hours of work might be tossed away. What is important one day takes a backseat to a new "emergency."

At home, I know what needs to be done and I have good intentions to get through all the weekend chores. But, good intentions go awry. Things happen.

A telephone call or a knock at the door might mean an unexpected visit with family members. Cleaning will have to wait. That trip to the grocery store...how will I manage that?

At times like this, I have to step back and look at the priorities in my life. What is really important to me? Spending time with family centers my soul. It also throws off my "to do" list. Perhaps at the end of the weekend, my laundry will not be completed, dust might remain in a light layer across my furniture, the kitchen floor still needs to be mopped. But, my heart is full.

Spending time with God each day is also important. Starting each and every day with God is the greatest blessing in my life. With God, I can see what the true priorities in my life should be. It's not the "to do" lists in my life. Lists are only pieces of paper. God, family and friends are lasting treasures.

The Man I'll Never Know

2009-10-09T06:55:00.004-04:00

A couple of days ago, as I headed to pick up lunch, I got stuck behind a city bus. The bus stopped to pick up passengers and I just wanted the vehicle to move on so I could get my food and head back to work. The bus moved ahead a bit and stopped for a red light leaving me a clear view of the covered bus stop. On the sidewalk, in front of the bench, I saw a man sleeping. His knees were bent, just as mine are when I fall asleep. His head rested on his arm instead of a pillow. A plastic bag snuggled close to his stomach. He wore a blue ball cap with an insignia I couldn't read, light tan pants, a red shirt, and what appeared to be leather loafers. In his sleep, he didn't hear a thing. No passing traffic, no footsteps. He rested in the sun, his gray beard unkempt. I knew this man. I'd seen him walking along the busy four lane highway, staggering to the point that I worried one day he'd be struck by a car. As I watched, I prayed for him. I don't know his story, but I know once a mother gave birth and loved him. Someone held him as a baby, dressed and diapered him. Did he grow up and fall in love? Did he marry and have children of his own?

The sight of that man has stayed with me. I worry for him. He doesn't know this. He doesn't know a stranger cares, a stranger prays. But God knows, and God hears. With prayer, miracles occur. When was the last time you prayed for a stranger?

God's Blessings in Troubled Times

2009-10-06T07:41:00.001-04:00

I don't normally blog on Tuesdays, but I feel compelled to write my thoughts this morning.

I woke up at 5:20AM and wondered why the furnace was running and I was so hot. I turned on the downstairs hallway light and the further down the stairs I walked the colder the air felt. I headed to the thermostat and immediately saw the problem. The basement door was wide open and the screen door was also propped open! I immediately thought hubby must have been painting in the basement and forgot to shut the doors. But then I knew that I would have felt the cold the night before and I had been in the basement to do laundry and everything was locked and secure. As I walked back toward the family room, I saw pictures on the floor and thought the cats must have done it...probably spooked by something. No! Our flat screen TV was missing. I quickly scouted the area and noticed nothing else that seemed to be missing. My office was intact; my purse intact and all my computer stuff...fine. I hurried upstairs and woke up hubby and told him we'd been robbed. We came downstairs and couldn't figure out how anyone could have come in through the door. It had two slide bolts as well as a regular lock. Nothing was disturbed. The door hadn't been removed from the hinges.

I went upstairs and saw the entry point. Someone had come on our deck, removed a bug screen from one half of the window (inside the deck), and then had gone outside, used our ladder and climbed up to lift the window screen and the window. They came in through that half window area and went downstairs to get the TV. As we investigated the path, we realized they had snipped the alarm wire on the door they used to exit. Not too smart of a crook, because if we had actually set the alarm before retiring, that would have broken the circuit and set off the alarm.

Anyway, we are out one 42" flat screen television, but no one in our home was injured. Nothing else was taken.

I truly believe God was watching over us. It could have been so much worse. In today's world, we might have been killed. If we had woken up and caught them in the act, who knows what might have happened.

I also believe God is giving us a wake-up call. We have safety measures on our windows to keep them from opening. We have locks, and the kitchen window was unlocked. We have an alarm system and we hadn't set it. From now on, we are utilizing all our safety measures, and we are thanking God for the blessing in the violation.

God is good, all the time.

Love is Universal

2009-10-04T07:22:00.004-04:00

I am a writer. I write about romance with happy endings. God is all about love. He loves us, each and every one of us, unconditionally.

God sent His only son to earth, to walk with us, to be one with us, and to die for us, that we might have eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. He loves us so much. Those who believe and confess their sins will be saved and will have a happily ever after.

Perhaps that's why I write stories about real people in extraordinary circumstances who find their way to true happiness and love. God created us to be creatures who bond together in love and compassion. I believe that. I believe God wants us to be happy. And one day, the greatest happiness of all will come when He reveals his eternal kingdom to us, His children, whom He loves more deeply than we can imagine.

May you be blessed today by God's love.

The Lord is My Shepherd

2009-09-27T07:12:00.003-04:00

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." When I was a little girl I memorized Psalm 13. At that time, all it meant was earning a bible. I was so excited when I received that black bible with my name engraved on it. The words I'd memorized meant little to me as a child of six. Only in recent years have I looked back at these words and found comfort and peace. These nine words are like a soothing salve to heal small doubts and fears.

The Lord is my shepherd - He leads me where I should go. He is always with me. He has a purpose for my life. He is my salvation.

I shall not want - He will provide what I need. I needn't worry about storing up warehouses full of gold and food, for the Lord knows my needs and He will provide. My faith needs to be fed continuously and He provides those opportunities in abundance. He is my salvation.

Jesus--Picture Him

2009-09-23T06:38:00.002-04:00

I have been taking the Beth Moore Bible Study, Jesus the One and Only, and what a blessing. My mind has opened to the phenomenon of Jesus as He might have looked when God sent Him to save us.

Imagine Jesus as a baby! He would have appeared as our own little babies did. Can you imagine Mary cuddling this miracle? She probably counted all his toes and fingers, nuzzled his hair, kissed his cheeks and fingers. A real live child. And he grew as all other children do. He would have gone through a gangly stage before growing into his body. He would have lost teeth, skinned his knees and elbows. And He worked as a carpenter. Hard, skilled labor. His arms would be muscled, his body strong. He would have dark skin, dark hair, dark eyes, facial hair. I'm sure his legs were strong and muscled as well from walking not only around his village, but later as He journeyed far and wide to teach. His feet would have been very dusty, his beard thick and his face dry from the sun.

When I close my eyes I can picture Jesus, the baby, Jesus the man. Can you see Him?

Worry Not, But Walk in Faith

2009-09-16T06:18:00.003-04:00

I was saddened to hear that my son-in-law lost his job last week due to downsizing. Right now so many are unemployed and the numbers keep rising. Knowing how first-hand how difficult the situation, I was appalled to hear this story yesterday.

A senior manager at my place of employment told the story about having to rent Escalades complete with drivers for some "big wheels" who were coming to Ohio to visit our locations and promote new products. Fourteen people are flying in on a private jet to be escorted in these large vehicles to our location and they will have a huge catered lunch. Rather than ask them what they want to eat, the caterer has been instructed to bring fourteen steaks, fourteen fish, fourteen chicken, etc. The waste and pretentiousness sickens me when I think of how other employees in our facility struggle just to make enough money to feed their families.

Wealth makes greed. It is the devil's delight.

For me, I take comfort reading Luke 12 22-28.

"Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or enoughclothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. ANd you are far mor valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?

"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"

God, please bless those who read this message today. I pray they turn to you and walk in faith. Amen.

Free Inspirational Fiction Books

2009-09-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

Fellow authors from White Rose Publishing are hosting a contest where you can win free inspirational fiction ebooks. Each week for the next seven weeks, you will have an opportunity to visit author websites and blogs and find a colored mug filled with white roses. Identify the mug color and send your answers via email. One person will win one of the ebooks listed. This will continue for seven weeks. At the end of the seventh week, everyone who entered in any of the weeks will get their name entered in the Grand Prize drawing. The Grand Prize winner will win one of our White Rose Publishing mugs, nine e-books, a box of organic White Rose Tea, and a basket of Arbonne beauty products.

Visit www.whiterosesinbloom.blogspot.com to read the details and enter the contest.

Romance should be all about the wonderful joy of finding one special person. With our books, you'll experience the sexual tension as our characters fall in love with each other, but never will they make love outside of marriage, and if the couple is married, such scenes remain behind bedroom doors, not on the pages.

Our books convey life as it is lived, or could be lived, by people of faith.

I hope you decide to check out what we have to offer at White Rose Publishing.

Habituation

2009-09-14T05:00:00.000-04:00

To habituate is to become accustomed to something. For instance, when I was seven years old, our house was situated next to a railroad track. The trains traveled by quite often during the day. The floor would tremble and the clickety-clack of the cars passing by soon became an ordinary sound. I became accustomed to the noise. It was part of everyday living and really quite ordinary. I could sleep without waking, even though the engineer would blow the whistle as a warning before reaching a cross road. I heard the train so much that I had become habituated to its presence.

Have you ever had such an experience? What about your spiritual life? Have you prayed for something and not received an answer? Or have you become habituated to God's voice? God speaks clearly to us if we listen.

When Samuel was a young boy, his mother took him to he house of the Lord at Shiloh. There Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli's tutelage. One night the Lord came to the temple and called Samuel. Samuel though Eli had spoken and went to where the old man slept and said, "Here I am; you called me." Eli told him he had not called and ordered him to lay back down and sleep. After the third time the Lord called Samuel, Eli realized what had happened. He told Samuel that if God called again to answer, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." Samuel did as he had been instructed, and the Lord revealed what he was about to do. The Lord was with Samuel from that day forward and all Israel eventually recognized the Samuel was a prophet of the Lord.

Sometimes we become so busy with our lives that we forget to stop and spend time speaking and listening to God's word. Today, I pray for you, dear readers, that eyes might be opened to the answers contained within the Bible, and that you ears will be opened to hear God's word.

Read: 1 Samuel 3:1-21

Intruders

2009-09-13T05:00:00.000-04:00

Lately we've had spiders of various kinds invading our home. They are silent intruders who show up in the least likely places to freeze my progress. I'm so afraid of spiders. I don't know where the fear came from, but it's truly debilitating. I've had a hard time learning to stand up to the challenge of banishing these eight-legged intruders. Once they are gone, the fear, too, is gone.

The devil works in the same way. Throughout the day he sets intruders on a path to invade my thoughts. Negative thoughts lead to self doubt. Self doubt is the devil's joy. But the threat is unseen. With spiders, the threat is visible. Spying the devil at work inside me is difficult. The devil sets his intruders on a treadmill inside my life that moves me in a path opposite of the path Jesus would have me walk.

But I have the ultimate weapon. I have God. God lives in me and through me and walks with me. With Him, I have the power to banish the devil. I speak aloud and tell the devil he is not welcome and that I will walk with God. I pray. I feel the power of His eternal love and the warmth and hope that replaces the self doubt.

Hope is eternal.

May the joy of the Lord fill you today.

Prayer for Breakfast?

2009-09-10T06:44:00.003-04:00

How often do you pray? Do you make it a daily ritual or do you just send up a prayer when you are in trouble?

Making prayer a daily ritual has brought many blessings into my life. Each morning, I begin my day by spending time with God, with His word and by praying for those on my prayer list.

Today, I am praying for you, my readers. I pray that God blesses you richly today and that you will pay the blessing forward by praying for others.

Last night I started a new Bible Study, Jesus The One and Only, by Beth Moore. I met new friends who will walk the journey with me. We'll be studying the life of Jesus as He walked the roads in Jerusalem. I'm excited to take the journey and I hope to bless each of you with the discoveries made along the way.

Dealing with Difficult People

2009-09-09T06:54:00.002-04:00

In my life, I come across people who are difficult to work with. This causes an internal struggle to "bite my tongue." I have a tendency to be sarcastic...my family can attest to this.

The hardest thing to remember is that we are all unique individuals. We think differently, react differently to different situations, and what we hear is a matter of perception--our perception.

When I get into a difficult struggle with a person or situation, I try to remember the Serenity Prayer. Repeating it several times always helps me to clear the fog and focus on what God would have me do.

God bless, and thanks for reading.

God grand me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Amen

The Futility of Wealth

2009-08-31T06:58:00.003-04:00

As a country, we have become complacent and greedy. So have our people. We have long enjoyed "The American Dream." People from other countries have sought their dreams by coming to America. Many have succeeded. Crime rates have grown. Some believe they shouldn't have to work to have the dream and they seek to rob others so that they might live in luxury.

I prefer to seek happiness in the simple things. God provides what I need when I need it. I walk in faith knowing He walks with me. He doesn't promise our path won't be strewn with rocks, or an occasional mountain, but He never abandons me.

Ecclesiastes 5:8-12 (New Living Translation, The Holy Bible)

"Don't be surprised if you see a poor person being oppressed by the powerful and if justice is being miscarried throughout the land. For eery official isunder orders from highter up, and matters of justice get lost in red tape and bureaucracy. Even the king milks the land for his own profit! Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth--except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers! People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night's sleep."

Laughter is God's Gift for a Happy Soul

2009-08-23T07:14:00.002-04:00

God doesn't promise that we won't have trouble in our life. But He promises that if we love and follow Him, we will have joy and everlasting life.

The secret to facing each new day is to look at the positive things rather than the negative. Find joy in the small gifts...sunshine, flowers, children, family, pets, friends, and so much more. Start each day with a smile and laugh often.

It is a proven fact that those who laugh often life longer. Laughter is healthy, it is calorie free, and it lifts spirits. Take pleasure and enjoy life--the life God has given.

Negativity breeds negativity. Laughter breeds laughter. Both are contagious. Which would you rather have in your life?

Try smiling and laughing. Tell the devil to remove himself from your life. Tell him OUT LOUD. Then thank God for being with you and go into the day with a smile on your face.

God bless you and may your day be filled with much laughter and many smiles.

Choices at the Fork in the Path

2009-08-20T06:36:00.003-04:00

My life has followed many paths and I've had to make choices when confronted with a fork. Which way to go? Many times I chose without first asking God for direction. God knows the complete path of our life. He placed it before us on the day we were born.

I'm now faced with a fork in the road that I once thought clearly defined. There are two different paths branching before me. For the past two years, I've prayed and have heard God answer me directing me to go one way. As the time draws near, many obstacles are being placed along the way. Are these obstacles the devil trying to lead me astray, or are they being given to me by God showing me I've misread His instructions?

I'm troubled and fearful. As I stand here at the fork in the road, undecided, I am praying for God to show me HIs will. With all the devil's handiwork abundant in the world, the noise is so loud that it's difficult to hear God's words. I must be still and turn my ears and my heart to Him.

I share this for others who might be facing similar decisions. Before you run down the wrong fork, take time to pray and then to be still and listen for God. He will provide you guidance if you give your heart and soul to Him.

Dressing for God

2009-08-19T06:50:00.002-04:00

This morning I have been thinking about what to wear to work. Usually I pick out an outfit before I go to bed, which I failed to do last night. I sat at the computer and opened the blog and bowed my head asking God to bless my hands and words. Still unsure of what I would write, I picked up my Bible and it opened at this page.

I Peter 3:3-4 "Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."

God is always with us. He sees our struggles, even the little ones. And he speaks to us through the words of His precious legacy.

Disappointed by God? Unanswered Prayers?

2009-08-16T12:32:00.005-04:00

Have you ever felt disappointed by God? Have you ever felt He isn't listening when you pray? Have you ever felt angry and disheartened because you feel He has abandoned you?

What about Jesus? When he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, he asked God to take the cup of suffering away from him. But Jesus went one step further and prayed, "Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."

How often when you pray, do you add these all important words?

We Christians live in a world filled with temptations. If we turn on the television, we are bombarded with ads for things that promise to enrich our lives. Unfortunately, many of us turn to idolizing things which are meaningless. We pray for God to give us what we crave. And, when we don't receive, we feel disappointed or angry because God wasn't listening--He didn't answer the prayer.

God is always listening. We just have this one-sided belief. A belief that we can achieve what we want if we just ask God to provide. But, God asks us to walk in faith, not in sight.

If you are disappointed or feeling abandoned by God for unanswered prayers, look at what God has given you. He always answers prayers, but not always with the outcome we prayed for.

Romans 5:3-5 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Prayer for today: Lord, if it be Your will, I pray that You will bless each person who reads this and that You will help them see how You have answered their prayers. I thank You Lord for the gift of Your son, so that we can find our way to You through the cross. Amen.

Gloom, Despair, and Agony on Me...

2009-07-28T06:42:00.003-04:00

Deep dark depression, excessive misery...

I remember those words from a skit on the Hee Haw television show. A rather funny segment where they sat on a porch and sang funny lines about the tragedies in their lives. There are a lot of people who live their lives this way. They talk about all the bad things that happen to them, worry excessively about the bad things that will happen tomorrow and the next day. And no matter what suggestions you give, they are shot down with reasons that won't work. How easy to get caught up in that negativity and become depressed yourself!

Last night I picked up a booklet I received from Guideposts. The title is "Expect a Miracle--Make a Miracle Happen". I realized how true this is. Miracles occur every day. They may not be as spectacular as the Red Sea parting, but they exist! We just have to open our eyes to see them.

God promises to provide all that we need if we have faith in Him. Having faith is the first step in aligning our lives for God's purpose. And having faith and believing in miracles will get us through those times when trouble visits our doorstep. God doesn't promise only good things will happen to us, but He does promise to be with us through it all. Having that promise is so uplifting and so healing.

When trouble visits your doorstep, what do you do? Moan and weep in despair? Or do you expect a miracle?

Expect a miracle--make a miracle happen. What a wonderful motto to live by.

Looking Up

2009-07-26T13:08:00.002-04:00

I'm sitting in my office which is half-way below the ground level and looking upward. Outside my windows are a plethora of flowers, yellow and orange coneflowers, lavendar coneflowers, purple butterfly bush, brilliant pink knock-out roses, hostas... What a busy world my garden is! Honey bees and bumblebees flit from one coneflower to another. Back and forth they fly in a never-ending journey. Butterflies blow softly in the breeze as they flutter on the tips of the purple flowered bush of their namesake.

It's Sunday, yet they continue in their efforts. It makes me wonder if we haven't fashioned our lives too much after these industrious creatures. Sunday is meant to be a holy day, a day of rest, a day to honor our Lord, and embrace our family.

Do you honor the Lord's day or are you one of those busy bees?

Dressing to Please God

2009-07-19T12:18:00.004-04:00

This morning as I dressed for church, I thought about how much trouble we put into our clothing, makeup, and hair to look pleasing to other people. Today, many people commented on my purple suit and how good I looked. At one time, I might have loved to hear such compliments, but they don't do anything to warm my heart these days. I've learned that God doesn't care what I'm wearing. He doesn't care if my face is void of makeup. He doesn't even care if I took time to style my hair. God sees me as I really am. He looks inside my heart and knows if I'm dressed to please Him.

I suppose I dress to please other people, to blend in, or perhaps to feel a part of the crowd. Too many times, we look at the outer appearance of our friends and acquaintances. We make judgements based on our first impressions.

Instead of looking at the tatoos, the piercings, and spiked hair, black nail polish and lips, we should look into a person's eyes. Only there will we see the reflection of what is inside. Is it a frightened soul, a timid soul crying out for acceptance? Is it someone who has been hurt and hides behind their exterior coverings? God knows. God sees. And God loves all His children. Thank God for that!

Blessed are the Merciful...

2009-07-07T06:27:00.002-04:00

...For they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7, NIV)

So many times, it is easy for me to see both sides of a issue. And, when someone is accused, it is easy for me to say things like "innocent until proven guilty." This works as long as it doesn't directly affect my family or someone close to me.

How do we show mercy when we have been injured? It isn't easy. God knows. He sees. And if we realize our mistake in placing judgement and ask forgiveness, He shows us mercy.

Showing mercy to another person doesn't mean we absolve them from sin. It is not up to us to do that. It's God's job.

I don't like to hear others condemning another without really knowing a thing about the situation. The media abounds with stories where it is easy to be judgemental. String him up! They should put her behind bars for the rest of her life! What if the accused person would be someone we know or someone in our immediate family? Would we respond with such bitter judgement?

Daily I ask God to forgive me of my sins. He sees me when I don't show mercy to others. But, He forgives me when I ask. And, then I pray for those whom I have accused. If God can be mericiful to me, a sinner, then I must try to be merciful to others.

Healing the Spirit

2009-07-01T06:39:00.002-04:00

So many times I've prayed for God to heal my loved ones from their physical afflictions. It hurts to see them struggle day after day.

I read an Upper Room devotion today and it really hit home. Perhaps I'm praying for the wrong thing. When God heals physical problems, we are always so thankful. Miracles occur every day. Prayers matter. But what about healing the spirit? Doesn't healing the spirit come first? I believe it does.

So today, I will change my focus to healing the spirits of my loved ones, so that physical healing may come after.

Lord, please bless the person reading this, and may their spirits be healed. Amen.

Kids, Humor, and God

2009-06-25T06:57:00.003-04:00

I know God has a sense of humor. I mean, look...He created me!

My youngest daughter gave us many smiles along the way. When the family was together for a birthday gathering last weekend, we were reminiscing and this particular snippet came up.

We were riding in the car looking at all the Christmas lights one night and listening to traditional Christmas carols. Youngest daughter, who loved to sing, kept getting louder and louder, singing the verses to Silent Night...and this is what we heard. Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright, brown eyed virgin

And that's when the laughter arose. Non-plussed she asked, "Well, what is it? Brown eyed surgeon?" Yes, laughter once again. Thank goodness, she had a sense of humor and could laugh at herself, too.

One of my favorite grandkid stories with mixed up song lyrics happened when the boys were in our back seat and we were heading to dinner and a movie. The youngest was singing along with a country tune...can't remember the title right now...but it was about by-gone days, being young and carefree. The line talked about the funny clothes that were worn followed by: "Man, did we look cheesy." My grandson said he really liked the song and repeated the verse singing: "Man, did we love Jeesy!" Then he said, "I guess that's a nickname for Jesus, right?"

May you be blessed with a laugh, a smile, a fond memory.

Healing Hands of Jesus

2009-06-24T06:34:00.002-04:00

I suffer from foot cramps. They usually occur at night, waking me so that I walk the floor trying to relieve them. But, occasionally they occur during the day. Once I was shopping when a cramp seized my foot and calf. I tried to walk but the pain continued. Suddenly the other leg cramped as well. I left everything in the cart and slowly, painfully made my way to the car. Ten minutes of pain and tears and then the pain blessedly left.

That was several year ago, when I believed in God, but I hadn't truly put him first in my life.

Two weeks ago, as I drove to work, my right foot began to cramp. The pain intensified, but I couldn't stop the car. The road I travel has no place for a vehicle to pull off the road. I began to pray and asked Jesus to let me please get to work without harming anyone. I prayed that He would help to ease the pain. Nearly blinded with the pain, I continued to pray, over and over. As I approached a dangerous blind curve in the road, I knew Jesus was with me. I saw the road. I knew I was driving, but I also saw a beautiful outline of his white robe and felt his hands surround my foot. The cramps eased and quit.

Even today, miracles occur. He is with us. Please don't forget to say thank you when He blesses you. I did.

When God is Your Top Priority

2009-06-23T06:47:00.002-04:00

He is always with you. I had a nice talk with my daughter last night about this very thing. Sometimes we find ourselves running in circles, working hard, trying to meet all our obligations, and pushing God to the outside. These are the things that make us stressed out and the more we do, the more there is facing us.

However, if you just take a step back and find God, then make Him a part of your daily life, FIRST AND FOREMOST, then you will find that there is time to do so much more than you ever did before.

God is a part of my daily life. I talk to Him all the time. And the most important thing is listening for His words. No, He doesn't talk to me in a loud booming voice that rocks the walls of my home, but He is a voice that speaks to me softly. I hear Him loud and clear. He directs my life, and He is so good. He is always with me.

No, He doesn't make everything a garden of roses, but He's always with me through all the storms of life. He loves me. How can I not love others?

Lord Jesus, I pray that everyone reading this blog today will open their hearts to let You in, to accept Your unconditional love, and that they in turn, will share that love with others. Amen.

Through the Storm

2009-06-22T06:33:00.002-04:00

On Friday, we had a terrible storm. The sky was a strange yellowish green color as it rolled in with lightning and thunder just in time for rush hour. I am so frightened of lightning and the loud booms of thunder (which is why I avoid fireworks). The thought of having to drive to work in the storm had my muscles clenched in terror.

The rain pounded against the ground like the sound of horses galloping across an open plain. Before I made it out of our subdivision, a huge bolt of lightning complete with jagged forks of fire flashed in front of me. Hunching my shoulders, fingers tight on the steering wheel, I began to pray.

I prayed that God would not let me hurt anyone else on my journey, and that he would get me safely through the storm. I kept praying over and over those same words and then moved to repeating the 23rd Psalm. One mile down the road, the rain began to let up. The sky looked even more ominous, but no further lightning or thunder resounded across the sky. I only had three more miles to travel. I drove through deep puddles of water as the sky continued to whirl in deepening threat. I kept praying the 23rd Psalm, eyes on the road, and arrived at work. I walked into the building without having to put anything over my head to protect me from the rain.

As soon as I went through the double doors, the rain resumed with crashes of thunder and galloping horses.

I thanked God for sending Jesus to ride with me. Every day there are small miracles which occur. God is good, all the time.

Healing Hearts with Love

2009-06-19T06:46:00.000-04:00

Recently we moved my mother into our home. She had two furry cat babies, Maggie and Blacky. Both were elderly and Mom felt they wouldn't survive the long trip to Ohio, so she chose to leave them behind. It's hard to adopt out elderly cats, but we found a no-kill shelter and have hope that someone will open their hearts and adopt them. I know how sad she was to leave her beloved family home and her babies, but there there was no choice. She couldn't afford to keep up her home any longer. When she called with her decision, we immediately made plans to remodel and rearrange our home to accomodate her.
I'm so blessed to have her with me, and she's so much happier now with having people around her to talk to. But, I could tell how much she missed her babies. We have three cats, Charlotte, Wilbur, and Templeton (yeah, can you tell I'm a writer!). Charlotte, like most Divas, chooses the time she wants to spend with us mere humans. However, the boys are a different story. Inquisitive, and very loving, they are people cats. They sensed Mom's need for feline companionship. Wilbur sleeps with her, and when she's in her recliner watching television, he's either on the arm of the chair, in her lap, or laying on the back of the chair, swinging his big furry tail in front of her face. Templeton has been in her lap, too, but he's so much more inquisitive.
Yesterday something really cute happened. If I'd been home I would have taken a picture. He's been investigating her walker. It has a little area where you can sit things, or yourself, and a basket which she uses to keep things handy. Mom has taken over making our bed and hers. It's one thing she can do which makes her feel helpful. Anyway, yesterday Templeton jumped on the walker and was sitting on the little "chair" part. Mom got out of her chair and said, "Do you want to go for a ride? Come on, I have to make the beds." She proceeded to walk down the hall to our bedroom and Templeton just stayed on for the ride. He waited while she made that bed, then she took him into her room and, again, he just sat there watching. Finished, they both came back down the hall! Templeton now believes her walker is his domain, and quite fun, and Mom is so happy to have these furry buddies to help relieve the pain of moving.
We made a lot of changes to try and make her comfortable, but it took our cats to really lift her depression.
I love animals. Guess that's why I always include them in my books!

Love is the Key--Forty Days of Love

2009-06-15T07:08:00.002-04:00

As I began my journey through the 40 Days of Love, I had no idea how it would change my life...or rather how it would change me. Through the six week journey, I learned the one thing that had kept God outside the door of my heart. Though I had accepted Jesus as my Savior, I hadn't had a life-changing event like some people. I asked God to come in, I prayed, but something kept that door closed. That something was forgiveness. Thought I had asked God to forgive me and I thought I had forgiven myself, and my enemies--the truth remained that I hadn't.

How could I be forgiven? I knew Jesus died on that cross for all of us, so that we could be forgiven, if we believed and if we asked. That's where the faith must come in. I had to believe that I was worthy of being forgiven. God loves all his children and he trusts that we will come to him with open hearts and open arms to receive his forgiveness and mercy.

As I moved through the 40 Days of Love series, I found myself believing that I had been forgiven and I truly forgave all my enemies. All the old baggage that reared up from time to time to grab me and bring out the anger from old hurts has disappeared. I haven't forgotten, but these things no longer have any control over my emotions. I don't hurt any longer. I feel truly cleansed.

Subsequently, love has filled my heart. I feel joy and face each new day with excitement and anticipation. I want to share my joy with everyone.

Love is the key. Love. Once you can love your neighbor as yourself, then true happiness will flood your soul. That love can only come through Jesus. Through believing, through faith, through true forgiveness.

May God's mercy touch you today and always.

Happiness is...

2009-06-12T06:28:00.003-04:00

Hearing from a friend who is far away.

Sometimes you make a soul connection with someone who becomes a great friend. I remember having wonderful mind-stirring conversations while we belabored the state of the world, the little idiosyncracies of humans, and some amusing and not so amusing health concerns with this friend. Though miles separate, the heart remembers.

God teaches us to cherish our relationships. What a blessing that he gives us friends.

May your life be blessed with the gift of friends.

When God Holds Your Hand...

2009-06-10T06:48:00.003-04:00

Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

Even in the darkest of times, God is with us, if we believe. God doesn't send the darkness, although He knows it is going to happen. He can't prevent the darkness, but He can help us through it.

When I reached a bottom and felt the despair of all being lost, God took my hand and led me out of the darkness into the light. Yes, there are those times when things go wrong, when I am uncertain what will come next, but through it all I have the comfort of knowing God is in control when I put my faith and trust in Him.

My book, JOSHUA'S HOPE, is about a woman who has to learn to trust. Only when she has lost the most important thing in her life does she let go and let God into her heart. And when she does, a miracle happens.

I hope God blesses you richly today. Thanks for stopping by.

Why God? Why?

2009-06-09T06:27:00.002-04:00

I had a lunch conversation with a very dear friend not too long ago. We were discussing all the tragic things that happened over the past year in her oldest daughter's life. Truly, one thing after another had happened--a heart attack, followed by complications, a job loss, and a legal battle. My friend thanked me for all my prayers on their behalf. She stated her daughter couldn't understand why God had made all these things happen to her.

In these words, I saw myself a few years ago. When bad things happen, people are quick to blame God or to ask Him why. However, as I told my friend, God doesn't make bad things happen. He is with us always, helping us as we stumble along life's path. If we turn to Him and ask for His help, He will lift us up. How we deal with the potholes in the road says a lot about our faith.

When bad things happen we are quick to blame, but when good things happen, how often do we thank God?

True peace comes from having faith, believing in God's grace and mercy, asking for the things we need, and thanking Him for the blessings bestowed. God doesn't always answer our prayers in the way or even the timing we would like, but He is with us and He does listen. Trusting in God is the only way to reach true peace and tranquility.

May God be with you.

How Do You Pray For Patience?

2009-06-08T06:59:00.003-04:00

Lately, I've been praying for patience, compassion, and strength as I move into a new phase of being caretaker for my mother. My daughter has told me I am praying for the wrong things. It appears God has answered my prayers by presenting situations in which I must practice, "patience, compassion, and strength." Maybe that's not a bad thing. I'm learning. But, I'd like to have less opportunities to learn.

Love is Patient, Love is Kind...

2009-06-03T06:48:00.002-04:00

Recently I attended my grandson's wedding. I always cry at weddings, but I didn't cry this time. The setting was beautiful, outdoors beside a beautiful pond in a local stat park. I focused on the faces of my grandson and his bride as they spoke their vows. Shining faces filled with love and the excitement of a future together--forever.

God smiled down that day, blessing this couple, and blessing those who observed.

I felt so blessed to spend time with my grandson and his new bride at the reception, but even more so, when they came to the house on two separate occasions before they left for Arizona again. My grandson has grown into a strong, compassionate young man. I watched him grow up. Home videos capture the baby, the toddler, the school years, and now a man in a uniform who serves his country and has taken a bride.

I've never felt so blessed.

May God smile on your today.

God is Outside My Window

2009-06-02T06:38:00.002-04:00

I see God peering back at me through my office windows this morning. He's in the drops of rain clinging to the petals of the brilliant pink knock-out roses, the yellow petals of the newest perrenial hubby planted. I see him in the stillness of the wind, the blue sky with a hint of clouds on the horizon. The beauty of His hand meets my eye in every direction I gaze.

So many times I get caught up in everyday life and forget to thank Him for all the blessings. As a writer, I create fictional towns, but nothing can compare with what God created. There is no mor wonderful and peaceful way to start the day, than in stopping to appreciate the beauty God has created.

May your day be blessed with God's touch.

And Then There Were Three...

2009-06-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Finally, the wait is over. My mother is now here in Ohio and living with my hubby and me. Memorial Day, the day after we arrived in Illinois, eleven inches of rain fell! I've never seen such a deluge. The rain didn't help to ease my mother's distress. After including her in the decisions of what to pack and what to throw away, she seemed a little better with the process. There were a few tense moments when she "snipped" at us, and a few tears along the way, but overall a fairly smooth transition. I feared she would be tearful as we left, but she surprised me.

Now that she's here, she seems so much happier and peaceful. She doesn't have to worry about the house falling down around her, and though she says she enjoyed being alone, I know she's much happier having people to talk with. She's adjusted very well, probably much better than I have.

With her poor eyesight, things are a bit rocky. I need to follow behind her and clean up without letting her know. In many ways, it's like having a child in the house again. However, cleaning after her is a labor of love. God has blessed me, and I know He is with me and I find comfort in his supporting arms.

May God bless you richly today.

Taking Vacation Time

2009-05-21T07:00:00.001-04:00

This blog will be closed until June 1.

See you then!

Family Love

2009-05-19T06:34:00.002-04:00

My husband's sister and her husband drove from Michigan to visit us this weekend. We had such a wonderful time. Our home filled with laughter and warm conversation from Friday evening through Monday morning. Saturday we visited with out of town family and Sunday afternoon we had a cookout with several other family members. Nothing lifts my spirits more than having family together.

Studying the Relationship Principles of Jesus has helped me to focus on the most important relationships in my life, which are those with family. I've been blessed with a large family and too many times they are taken for granted. My hubby and I tend to be alone and wait for our family to reach out to us. We use the excuse that lead busy lives, and we understand how that is...after all we raised eight children. But, I realize it is up to us to keep the family ties together.

This summer I plan to focus more on bring our family closer through planned functions. It doesn't matter that we don't have a lot of room in our house, what matters is that our hearts have all the room in the world.

God gives us all opportunities to build relationships, but we tend to overlook them, focusing on what we think are important things in our lives. But, without relationships, we are nothing. God created us to have relationships. Nurture them and cherish them.

Words Can Kill

2009-05-11T06:00:00.001-04:00

I've always believed that the pen is mightier than the sword. But I've always thought of this in terms of the written word.

However, the words we speak can be more wounding than a physical blow. With words we can tear down self-esteem and inflict lifelong damage to others. Our tongues are weapons.

Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians (I Corinthians 13:1-1 NIV)says that if we speak without love, we are nothing more than a clanging cymbal. To speak with love, we need to have unconditional love for another person. The words must come from our heart, and have no ulterior motive.

Do you remember hearing this? "If you loved me, you would...." or "After all I've done for you, this is how you..." That, dear friends, is manipulative speech. I've been guilty. How about you?

We need to think before we speak. And, before we are quick to ridicule or judge, remember that God loves us unconditionally. Through His grace we are saved.

Belated Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers reading this. You are blessed by God to be placed in a nurturing role. Do so with love.

How Do You Love Like Jesus Loved?

2009-05-08T06:54:00.002-04:00

How do you love as Jesus loved? This is a question that sticks with me every day. Remember when the big rage was wearing jewelry with WWJD? That was to remind us to think before acting..."What Would Jesus Do?"

Sometimes we get mixed up on loving unconditionally. We are afraid to show our emotions, whether anger, frustration, fear, or pain. Do you picture Jesus as being a man who walked the earth without showing his emotions? If so, you are wrong. Jesus showed his emotions. He wasn't afraid to be angry, or even to grieve? He shared his soul when he asked God to take his cup if it be his will when he prayed in Gethsemane. What about when he raised Lazarus from the grave? When he arrived at his friends' home, do you remember what he did? He wept.

Building relationships with others, and especially with God, means you must learn to trust, to ask, and to believe. Ask God to help you channel your emotions into the right action. Ask before you act.

Have a blessed day.

Laughter is Good for the Soul

2009-05-07T06:26:00.006-04:00

Do you remember when you were a small child gathered together with your friends for a sleepover? Remember how you made each other laugh and the laughter became contagious and you couldn't stop? I do. We'd hide our heads under the covers trying to keep the noise from carrying and that just made us laugh harder. I still smile at those memories.

I believe laughter is good for our souls. It revives the spirit. But, there are many who don't know how to laugh and they don't understand those who do. These are the people who press oppression on the souls who lift their hearts with laughter.

Today, I pray for all those who do not know the joy of laughter.

Gaining Patience with Forty Days of Love

2009-05-06T06:58:00.002-04:00

Amazing how the Forty Days of Love helps to put the things that matter into perspective. It's much easier now for me to focus on relationships first. I'm finding more patience and in doing so peace replaces irritation. Not all the time, but I'm working on it!

Talked to Mom last night. She had another really bad day. I could hear in her voice that she felt bad. She was having trouble moving even a few feet without feeling totally out of breath and exhausted. She explains that she has a "tingly" feeling all over her body on these "bad" days.

I'm trying to put this into God's hands, but it's hard. If you read my blog, please say a prayer for my Mom.

Thanks for stopping by!

Not My Will, But Yours Be Done

2009-05-01T06:28:00.002-04:00

These words Jesus spoke in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42)"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

This is probably the hardest thing so far in my Forty Days of Love. It's easy to say these words and mean them when it comes to my spiritual life. But what about the other aspects of my life? My work, my writing, my family? Very hard. I try to say a prayer at my desk each morning before I begin to work. I sometimes remember to pray for His will before I begin to write. But when it comes to family, it's been more difficult to remember that I can't "fix" anything. I must turn to God in prayer and ask for Him to be the healer.

I do love God with all my heart, but do I love Him with all my soul? In order to do so, I must be able to say, "Not my will, but yours be done, Lord."

Today, I send you blessings that you might in turn bless another.

Repairing and Renewing Relationships

2009-04-30T06:52:00.002-04:00

I reached out to a friend because God laid her on my heart as the person I needed to love. Did you ever open your mouth and say something that hurt another person and you didn't mean the words in the way they were taken? I did. And it nearly destroyed a relationship. I've been praying over the situation which incurred two weeks ago. Finally, I sent an email and poured out my heart. I wasn't sure how she would react, my only intention was to apologize and let her know that I loved her.

God is good!

Last night I received a positive response from her. I feel so blessed.

I've been thinking a lot about putting relationships first. It's not easy. "Things" still want to dominate my life, but when I choose the relationship instead, I feel like sunshine is filling my soul.

May you have a blessed day!

It's Not Easy Living 40 Days of Love

2009-04-29T05:00:00.001-04:00

This week we need to pick someone we haven't shown love to recently and do just that. Show love. Hubby's comment was..."It will be easy to pray for someone, but hard to actually take the step to show the love."

Guess that says it all, right?

I've been struggling with choosing someone, too. I'm sure the first step will be the hardest. Why is it so hard to show love to someone besides our children or our spouse?

I do things for people and don't think much about it. I suppose that's showing love. But to consciously do an extra thing takes thought. Perhaps that's why I'm having a problem with this assignment. Should we show love by planning it?

Lots of questions. Hopefully I'll receive answers as we progress through this study.

If you've already participated in this Bible Study, I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a comment.

Blessings!

The Attraction of Lesser Things

2009-04-28T05:00:00.000-04:00

Day Two of Forty Days of Love--Today the focus is on seeing what is most important in our lives. We learned that love is the supreme value in life and that God created us for relationships. But we are easily distracted. As an example, when I'm busy writing a scene in my latest manuscript, it really irrates me when my husband pops in to read me something from the newspaper or share something that he just saw on television. When I allow my writing to be more important than my relationship with my husband, I've gone against what Jesus would have me do. Jesus was the supreme example of patience and understanding. He always had time for people. His relationship with us is of prime importance.

If we follow the greatest commandment to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, then we become like Jesus. We personify love. And when we love God, we then extend that love to all we come in contact with.

Focus on relationships as the highest priority in your life. First, your relationship with God and then your relationship with others. God said we should love our neighbors as ourselves.

What is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning? What is the last thing you think of before you go to sleep?

On what do you spend most of your time? Your money?

The answers to these questions should help you see what you place the highest priority on in your life. Is it time to make a change?

Nothing is More Important Than Relationships - Day One

2009-04-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Jesus taught that nothing is more important than relationships. When God created us, he created us to have relationships. We need to nurture the relationships we have with God and with the other people in our lives. There are many types of relationships: husband and wife, parent and child, friends, co-workers... You get the drift. Each of these relationships takes effort on our part to keep them going. Sometimes we are hurt by a relationship and become disillusioned. But Jesus taught that we should love unconditionally. He taught that we need to understand the importance of our relationshps and nurture them. Walking away from relationships is the easy way out. Instead, we need to place relationships at the top of our priority list.

Read Mark 12:29-31

Forty Days of Love

2009-04-24T06:56:00.002-04:00

Our bible study group is going to participate in the Forty Days of Love series. We begin the journey on Sunday. It's going to be an enlightening six weeks full of devotions geared to help us improve our relationships with others through love. I'm excited and uplifted going into this series.

It's my belief that if we could only step back and look at everyone with the heart of Jesus, the world would be a much better place. But, we humans are shallow. We are flawed. No matter how far we've fallen, though, God never gives up on us.

I'll be sharing devotions based on this Forty Days of Love on this blog beginning Monday.

On a personal note, we did find no lein on Mom's house. She should have been relieved. However, she has transferred her worry to herself. She believes there is a lein against her personally. Sometimes, her fiction is even better than what I can create. But, I'm not laughing at her. It's a deep-seated worry that troubles her and I need God's help to understand how to help her with this.

Have a blessed day!

Inspiration for Writers

2009-04-23T07:13:00.002-04:00

Now that I'm considered a writer by my friends, family, and co-workers a common question is "when is your next book coming out." I guess that's a good thing. They must like my writing or they wouldn't be anxious to read the next release. Once I was clueless of the publishing world, too, so I understand their confusion when I try and explain the lengthy process.

However, one doesn't become a writer by talking about it, thinking about it, or reading about it. Granted, all of the above are necessary, but the truth is a writer becomes a writer by writing, submitting, and never giving up on the dream.

There are so many ways we can talk ourselves out of being a writer without being cognizant of our self-defeating behaviors. Few of us have the opportunity to spend 8 hours a day writing. We have commitments, responsibilities, and a daunting to do list. But, no matter how full a day may be there are opportunities to write. There is an email floating around about the teacher who brought in a jar filled with rocks and asked the class if the jar was full. Then she added some small pebbles and they settled between the rocks. Next she added sand, which again settled among the rocks and pebbles. Now the class unanimously agreed the jar was full. But, then she added water. We can find a few minutes or maybe more in each day to write if we want it. Remember, one word leads to a sentence. A sentence leads to a paragraph. A paragraph leads to a scene. A scene leads to a chapter. Chapters lead to a completed novel. Even if you write one page a day, you'll have a novel written in one year.

So, what's holding you back? Take an honest look at your schedule and see where you can fit in time to work towards fulfilling your goals.

Hope Courtland had an impossible goal in my latest release, JOSHUA'S HOPE. Read about how she overcame the obstacles and after letting God take the reins, she fulfilled her happily ever after. You can save a tree and read an e-book. Click Here to purchase and be entered in a giveaway to win a free Sony e-Reader.

What's a great way to try an e-book? How about for FREE! Yes, FREE! My free read, Lethal Legacy, an inspirational romantic suspense is available now at White Rose Publishing.

Blurb: When Jessie Carter learned she’d inherited her great-grandmother's home and land in Tennessee, she took it as a sign from God to move away from the hurtful reminders of a broken relationship. Starting over seemed like a great idea--that is, until she arrived and found a dead body as part of her legacy. Just click on free reads at www.whiterosepublishing.com to see all the great free books available.

Thanks for stopping by!

2009-04-22T07:07:00.002-04:00

I was busy writing my inspirational blog for The White Rose Press when I found that my free read, Lethal Legacy, is now available. It's an inspirational romantic suspense.

Blurb: When Jessie Carter learned she'd inherited her great-grandmother's home and land in Tennessee, she took it as a sign from God to move away from the hurtful reminders of a broken relationship. Starting over seemed like a good idea--that is, until she arrived and found a dead body as part of her legacy.

Download now for free

Have a day full of blessings.

And A Little Child Shall Lead Them...

2009-04-20T06:39:00.002-04:00

I've been trying to cheer Mom up and make her see the positive side of moving in with us. She's accepted it, and she acknowledges that it will be all right, but perhaps it's my own feelings of sadness for her that's causing the problem.

Last night I called her and she said she'd spoken to Julie (next to youngest daughter) and Kody and C.J. (Julie's sons aged 11 and 9). Those two wonderful boys have her excited about moving here now. Their enthusiasm and loving hearts reached across the miles and created a remarkable emotional healing.

Sometimes God works miracles through those who are willing to be shepherds.

Thank God for kids.

Walking with God

2009-04-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Walking is cathartic! There is nothing more inspiring than walking on a beautiful, sunny day, beneath a perfect cloudless blue sky. I live for these days. After a long, dreary winter, sunny days make me smile inside.

Walking brings me closer to God and makes me believe that I can achieve my dreams if I work for them. There are times when I brainstorm plots and characterizations while I walk, and sometimes I walk to relieve stress.

When I'm troubled, I walk and talk to God. Nothing makes me more aware of His presence than seeing in nature all the things His hand has created.

One of my favorite hymns is "In The Garden"..."He walks with me and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own." I love to sing this song in my mind as I walk. It brings a smile to my face and my heart that I just can't hide.

Have you taken a walk lately?

Have You Opened the Door?

2009-04-13T07:03:00.003-04:00

Happy belated Easter!

Yesterday was a day of rejoicing the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. A day full of thankfulness, smiles, and love. Our latest sermon series has been Extreme Makeover, focusing on the different rooms of the house and how these relate to our lives. The room on the stage yesterday was the front porch, but the door to the house had no knob on the outside. Why?

Because there is no knob on the outside of our hearts. Jesus knocks, but we have to open the door to allow Him inside.

Have you opened the door yet?

*************

I spent a few hours on the phone with my mother yesterday. Her body is going downhill fast, but her mind is still active. That's so true for all of us really. Our minds are full of dreams, ideas, and good intentions, but sometimes we let our physical body and lives interfere. Live life well. God has a purpose for each of us. Open the door.

Have a blessed day and thanks for stopping by.