An Open Book

Thanksgiving and Prayer - Word-Filled Wednesday

2009-11-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my contribution to Word-Filled Wednesday, hosted this week by Susan at Forever His. Be sure to stop by her blog for more visual inspiration from scripture.

I'm guessing I won't be the only person focusing on Thanksgiving today. We have so many blessings, but there is little more precious than the ability to petition our Father, and to thank Him for all he has given us. Prayer is powerful.

Thanks for stopping by, and praying you have a blessed Thanksgiving (whether you are an American or not!). Be sure to stop by Susan's blog for more

Celebrating Another Step: "Ailing Body, Nourished Soul" Progress/Update

2009-11-24T06:55:00.000-05:00

I know - it's NOT the end of the month quite yet, but I couldn't POSSIBLY wait to share the latest step in my "finishing my book" process.

Last night, I FINISHED my last read-through of Ailing Body, Nourished Soul before sending it off for its professional edit.

Now, the ball, for the moment, is no longer in my court. Just waiting (patiently - really!) for my editing estimate from the amazingly talented, beautiful, loving, and busy Deb Porter, and then the thing will be off my desk :). I can hardly believe it!

I'm buying donuts today to celebrate. Chocolate, of course! It's party time!!

So, what's next, you ask?

My plan for the rest of this month and all of next is to start researching agents and publishing houses and such. Once I get my beautiful manuscript back (hopefully torn to pieces by sweet Deb so I can make it better! LOL), I'll shine it up and get ready to send it to those scary people! Wow.

Thank you, Lord! And all of YOU!

Blessings!

Who's The Rose?

2009-11-23T05:00:00.002-05:00

Would love for you to stop by the Family Channel at Exemplify today. I've got a post up there that exposes a bit more of the "real me" than I generally share - but God told me to do it. I'm sure (LOL or perhaps I hope!) many of you can relate. Pop over there and read about Motherly Insecurities.

I'm going to be spending the Thanksgiving holiday, as many of you, I assume, with family. In fact, at various times over that long weekend, there will be a total of nineteen of us together - some of which I haven't seen in months, others in years, and a couple in nearly a decade.

Out of those I will see, I am 99% certain of the spiritual condition of all but two of them. The have NOT accepted Christ as their Lord. So, it seems, I have a job to do.

I so want to be a good witness, to be salt and light, to my family. How I would LOVE God to use me and my family to bring them into a saving knowledge of Christ. But I am nervous.

I'm afraid I'll chicken out. I'm afraid I'll say it wrong and turn them more against Christ than they already are. I'm afraid I'll compromise my convictions to keep the peace, or to avoid confrontation.

And sometimes, I wonder if they're beyond reaching--that they're so engrossed in their selfish lives that even the love of Christ can't break through.

Of course, I know that NOBODY is beyond reaching - but still, Satan allows that thought to occupy me occasionally.

And yesterday morning, in church, our pastor preached on the stewardship of the gospel of Christ. They were words I needed. He ended his message by sharing a powerful, four-minute video, which I am sharing with you.

There are so many messages in this, for so many people. But for me, it spoke to me, asking if, perhaps, my parents, or my brothers, or anyone else who will be with us for Thanksgiving, might be the rose. And if so, what must I do?

Click here if you can't view it on my blog.

Blessings!

Old Glory's Tears - Friday Fiction

2009-11-20T08:25:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my contribution to Fiction Friday, hosted this week by Sherri at A Candid Thought. Make sure that you head over to her blog and link up with your own fiction. Or, if you just want to read some great fiction (ALWAYS great in my opinion!), head over to Sherri's blog and check out the links there.

This is actually my most recent challenge entry and I wrote it for (gasp!) last week! Enjoyed writing it. Hope you like it too (I've been told to add a tissue warning - so here it is!). The topic was purple.

OLD GLORY'S TEARS

It was sideways. This just wouldn't work.

Daniel sighed. "Can I put it on the floor, Mama?"

"Put what on the floor, DJ?" Mrs. Harris looked up from the newspaper she was reading and turned toward her son.

"The paper." He pointed at the easel in frustration. "I have to paint it wideways, and it's hanging longways."

Mrs. Harris rose slowly and grabbed the pad of paper off the easel. She turned it ninety degrees and hung it back up.

"Does that work?"

DJ nodded, licking his lips and staring at the angle of the paper.

"Thanks," he mumbled.

He went digging through the art box, pulling out a paintbrush and two containers of paint: red and blue.

"What happens when you mix blue and red, Mama?" He held the paintbrush up in front of him and stared at the blank canvas.

"You get purple. Why?"

"There isn't purple on the flag, right? Isn't it Daddy's favorite color?"

"The American flag? No, there isn't, hun." She wiped her eyes. "And yes, it was Daddy's favorite."

"I shouldn't mix the colors, then. Or it won't be a real American flag." DJ chewed on the end of the paintbrush and furrowed his brow.

"I think a little bit of mixing would be okay, DJ." She rested her hand on the top of his head and tousled his hair. "Like you said, purple was his favorite color. I think he'd like it."

DJ whipped his head from side to side. "It needs to look like a real American flag, cuz daddy's a real American hero." He looked at her, eyes blazing. "That's what you said, right?"

Mrs. Harris nodded, her eyes shut tight. "That's what I said, DJ."

He nodded himself and turned back toward the easel. He uncovered the blue paint and dipped his brush in. He slowly and meticulously painted a large blue square in the upper left corner.

Dropping the brush in water, he looked up and licked his lips. He opened the red canister, picked up and shook off his brush, and dipped it into the paint. With careful yet childlike brushstrokes, he painted each of the seven red stripes, glancing occasionally at a picture on the table. As the paintbrush got closer to the blue field, DJ slowed his strokes and stared, his tongue peeking out from between his closed lips. Not once did the colors mix.

Finishing the last stripe, he put the brush down, stepped back, and looked over his creation. He picked up a pencil and wrote on the white stripe below the blue field "my daddy is a hero" in uneven block letters.

He grabbed a sheet of star stickers and carefully placed them, one by one, in the blue field, just dry enough to touch. As he placed the 50th star, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"We leave for the cemetery in about ten minutes. You about ready?"

DJ nodded.

"Why don't you go wash your hands and change into the outfit on your bed? I'll be up to help you in a minute." She kissed him on the head. "And that's a beautiful flag, Daniel. Your father would be honored to see what you made."

A few minutes later, Daniel entered the car. Once buckled up, he held the flag across his chest.

"I miss him so much, Mommy."

"I know, sweetie, I do too."

Tears dripped down his face and further, a few landing in the flag's blue field. He glanced down a moment later and sighed, his crying increasing.

"There's purple, mom. The red stripe under the blue part has a purple smudge. My crying ruined my real American flag!" DJ bowed his head.

Mrs. Harris pulled over to the side, turned her body, and shook her head. "No it isn't, Daniel." She lifted his chin with her hand. "It's perfect. It has your own tears of love on it. Daddy is looking down on it right now, so glad you made it for him."

Daniel sniffled and looked into his mother's eyes. "Really?"

She nodded. "I think your tears will remind people of the tears we all cry when a hero dies for our country. A crying flag makes sense to me. Don't you think?"

DJ cracked a smile. "Yeah, I guess you're right." He closed his eyes. "And purple tears are kinda special too."

"They sure are, sweetie. Especially when they come from a special boy and his special flag."

**
Thanks for reading! Be sure to stop by A Candid Thought for more great fiction.

Sheltering Protection - Word-Filled Wednesday

2009-11-18T06:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my contribution to Word-Filled Wednesday, hosted this week by the lovely Christy at Critty Joy. Be sure to stop by her blog for more visual inspiration from Scripture.

This isn't the EXACT picture I wanted for this verse, but it works. I love how unafraid these children look. If only we could feel this way when we are in the midst of "rough seas." And we should--because of Who is beside us.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. Psalm 57:1 NIV

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to stop by Christy's blog for more

Ultimate Faith: Monday Manna

2009-11-16T00:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Monday Manna. The purpose of this meme is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. On the first and third Monday of each month, anyone who wishes can post their thoughts on a verse I introduced at my blog the Thursday before. It doesn't have to be a long post -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional.

Anyone is welcome to participate. Just put a link to your Monday Manna blog entry in the MckLinky gadget below, and check out others' thoughts.

This week's verses are from one of the greatest stories of faith in all of God's Word. I wonder sometimes if I would be able to say these same things in the face of difficulty and trial.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:16-18

Looking forward to reading your thoughts. Link up below!

**

It's been a bit of a busy week/weekend for me. I have been thinking a lot sbout these verses, and my thoughts keep coming back to some "stuff" I've already written on this subject. So, I'm going to share two of them.

First is a story I originally wrote over a year ago for the writing challenge. It is not Biblical fiction, but this character (who still haunts me a bit, by the way) is living the life of Daniel 3:16-18. Check out "The Pain of Gain," and let me know what you think.

Also, back in August of last year, I wrote a devotional on this very story. I'm sharing it here.

Each year, I read through the entire Bible, and I just finished the book of Daniel. In the early parts of this amazing book, I foun, once again, one of the most incredible statements of faith in God in the Bible—in my opinion, anyway.

Let me set the scene. Daniel’s friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, are in the service of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. He has recently built a 50-foot statue, and demanded that every one of his subject bow down and worship it. These three men of God, high up in Nebuchadnezzar’s organization, refuse to worship anyone but their Lord.

The king approaches the three men and gives them one more chance to obey: "If you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?" Daniel 3:15 NIV

Now, if I had been one of those men, I'm fairly certain my panic alarm would have gone off at maximum volume. Doubts, anxiety, and fear would have dominated my thoughts. I might have even bowed (with my body) just to save my life (admit it--you might have considered it too!).

But not these guys.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:16-18 NIV

Now that, my friends, is faith. These men knew He could save them, but were willing to pay the ultimate price even if He chose not to do what they wanted. That is faith no matter the circumstances--faith despite circumstances.

There are many around the world who are faced with the same dilemma as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: men and women who risk their lives, families, finances, possessions and everything else every day just to share the Gospel, or to live it out. The persecuted church is huge, yet it is the fastest growing part of the body of Christ. These people are willing to look their oppressors in the face and say "but even if He does not." And in some cases, He does not. But they still say it.

That is the kind of faith I want.

Heavenly Father, I pray for all those who are suffering for their faith, for those who risk death daily because of their love for You. Give them the strength to say, and life "but even if He does not" each day. Strengthen them, and hold them close to You.

And Lord, I pray that you would give me that kind of faith. Help me to trust You enough to live for You no matter what the consequences. Make me an "but even if He does not" Christian.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

**
Thanks for reading! Be sure to link up below, and check out other folks' thoughts on these verses.

Friday Fiction: "Litter Box Ministry"

2009-11-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my contribution to Fiction Friday, hosted this week by Vonnie at My Back Door. Make sure that you head over to her blog and link up with your own fiction. Or, if you just want to read some great fiction (ALWAYS great in my opinion!), head over to My Back Door and check out the links there.

AGAIN, I'm posting non-fiction. Hope you don't shoot me through the toes and hang me by the holes ;). Wrote this one a year and a half ago, when I was first working out how I was going to write/format my non-fiction book Ailing Body, Nourished Soul. This is in the style of my book (which is VERY close to ready for its professional edit!!!), but not an actual excerpt. Hope you enjoy it!

LITTER BOX MINISTRY

It felt like a completely ridiculous and uncomfortable request, but I had to make it.

Our needs at the time were wide and deep: money, day care, prayers, meals, transportation, companionship, clothing, groceries, yard work. Some we had graciously received from our church family without even a request on our part. Others had been granted after we made the need known.

Every person in our family had been blessed by the gracious and giving natures of the body of Christ. Whether it was a church member mowing our three-acre yard so my husband wouldn't have to, a ready-cooked meal so I could stay out of the kitchen, or a toy to keep my son occupied, each member of our household had been blessed abundantly by the giving of fellow Christians.

Well, almost every member. It seemed our two "feline children" needed ministering to as well.

Twix and Squeak were already getting food and water, and even a bit of love. Their needs were a bit more sanitary in nature.

You see, for the past several months, my husband had been taking care of the cats' "business" after they relieved themselves. Prior to this, cleaning up after the cats had always been my chore, as my husband's sense of smell was a bit more acute than mine. This was certainly not a job he enjoyed, but he had done it, nonetheless, because of the warning in my most consulted book (besides the Bible, of course): "What To Expect When You're Expecting."

My second child was on the way, you see. Every pregnancy book known to man, it seemed, discouraged expectant females from contact with cat poo (I can be straightforward, can't I?). It seems feline fecal matter can carry a disease called toxoplasmosis. This disorder, though having little effect on the mother-to-be, can be spread to the unborn child and cause serious complications, including blindness.

Well, my husband was now physically unable to take care of this, and cats will only put up with an unsanitary lavatory for so long. And, as much as I adored my kitties (and hated asking for yet another favor), I was unwilling to risk my newborn child's eyesight.

So, I called Barb, our pastor's wife and a dear friend, who had been coordinating our assistance (do you know what a Godsend it is to have someone coordinating your assistance?). Apparently attuned to my plans, our calico curled up on my lap, gazing up at me with that "rub me or else" look. I obliged, of course.

"Hi Barb."

"Hi, dear! How are you doing?"

"We're doing okay. Barb, thank you so much for all you've done. You don't know how much we appreciate it."

"I just thank the Lord that I can."

I sighed. "I have one more thing I need help with."

I could hear her shuffling papers. "What do you need, hun?"

"Well, I need someone to come and clean out the litter box." I paused. "Of course, my husband can't do it, and I'm not supposed to because I'm pregnant."

Barb went right to work, with a smile I'm sure. Within a day or two, she had found a cat lover (had to have been!) and sister in Christ willing to come to our home and take care of Squeak and Twix's "leavings."

Now if that doesn't require a selfless attitude, I don't know what does. And she performed her litter box ministry cheerfully and without complaint for three months.

The body of Christ blessed every living being in our home during our trial, it seemed. Some prayed. Some gave us rides. Some watched our son. And some cleaned up our cats' waste. Every one was a blessing.

Questions: Do you ever feel embarrassed to ask for help when you really need it? Do you let your pride get in the way of asking for, or performing, assistance that may seem "below you"? Do you feel like you need to do something important in order to really help someone?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to remember that Your Son was willing to do the lowliest of jobs when He was on earth. Help us not to be ashamed to ask for help, and not too prideful to do even the lowliest of tasks for Your sake. Thank You for hearing our prayers in Jesus' name. Amen.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to stop by Vonnie's blog for great fiction!

Monday Manna for November 16 - Even if...

2009-11-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

The purpose of Monday Manna is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word.

On the first and third Mondays of each month, anyone who wants to participate can post their thoughts on a specific verse--posted here at my blog on the Thursday before, to allow you to chew on it over the weekend. It doesn't have to be long -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional. Just post it on your blog on Mondayish (early OR late is fine, by the way!), then come back here and link up in the MckLinky gadget that will be at the bottom of MY post at o'dark thirty that morning.

In my Bible reading, I'm in the book of Daniel. There is so much to learn and study in this wonderful Book. One of my favorite, and most inspiring, verses is in this OT prophetic book. Every time I read it, it challenges me. How real IS my faith? How much am I willing to put on the line?

And so, for this week's Monday Manna, I ask you to ponder, and write on, the very same thing.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:16-18

Look forward to YOUR thoughts on these verses. See you back here on Monday, I hope!
Blessings!

Exemplify: Moments to Spare

2009-11-09T05:00:00.003-05:00

Be sure to stop by Exemplify today. I've got a post over there in the Family Channel about making time for YOU in the busyness of your hectic life. Check out Moments to Spare. Maybe you'll learn something from reading that I had to learn the hard way.

Speaking of Exemplify...

Have you been over there in the past week or so? If not, there are TONS of new features, with more to come in the next few weeks. This wonderful site is becoming a place for all Christian women in whatever stage they may be in. I am so excited to be even a small part of it!

Just last week, five new channels were introduced. Each has its own blog with its own feed. With several more writers added to the mix over the past few months, there truly is something for each of us, no matter where we are in life.

For those of you who are "spouseless," try the Singles channel. Wives, the Marriage channel may be just what you're looking for--or perhaps with kids underfoot, the Family channel may be more up your alley.

Are you in some type of Christian service (and who isn't these days?)? Our Ministry channel may be just what you need. And for a bit of God's message for all of us, you can't go wrong with the Devotional channel. And don't forget the Editor's Blog, hosted by our incredible, beautiful, and blessed cupcake in chief Kristen Schiffman.

Subscribe to the one that fits you best--or to all of them (I do!).

And what would Exemplify be without the wonderful monthly magazine, also available on the blog?

And that's not all! In the coming weeks, Exemplify will be unveiling a new design, interactive community features, a new flipbook style magazine and much more.

So, be sure to stop by this wonderful site (and not just to read my devo!). You won't be sorry!

Friday Fiction: "The 800-Pound Gorilla"

2009-11-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my contribution to Fiction Friday, hosted this week by Rick "Hoomi" Higginson at Pod Tales and Ponderings. Make sure that you head over to his blog and link up with your own fiction. Or, if you just want to read some great fiction (ALWAYS great in my opinion!), head over to Rick's blog and check out the links there.

I wrote this piece for the Faithwriters' Writing Challenge during the genre quarter more than two years ago (time has FLIED!). The topic was writing something appropriate for teens, and this was, in fact, my last entry in advanced. There was some confusion about the title (are YOU familiar with the phrase?), but I like it enough that I kept it.

The 800-Pound Gorilla

"Hey, look at this!" Daphne spotted a lime green envelope lying on the table. Emblazoned across the front, in hot pink lipstick, were the words: to the Junior class.

"So, who wants to read it?" Joe, the junior class president, sat at the table, brushing his wavy brown locks from his eyes. Soon, all eight chairs were taken, and another dozen teens, making up the rest of the junior class of the small high school, were standing around the table.

Daphne sighed. "I guess I will. Hand it here."

Taking the envelope from Joe, Daphne flipped it over and removed a folded up piece of paper, neatly torn from a spiral notebook. Glancing over the contents, she gulped, then placed the letter on the table in front of her. The room hushed.

**

Members of the class of 2009,

So, did I surprise you? Bet I did. I've gone to school with most of you since kindergarten, and some of you consider me a good friend. And I'll bet you all thought you knew me pretty well.

Pretty Jenna. Happy Jenna. Joker Jenna. Perky Jenna. No Troubles Jenna. I guess I put on quite a performance, because not a single one of you has asked how I was doing, or if I needed anything, for months.

Well, now's my chance to answer that question. I'm doing terrible - lousy. Have been for a year, ever since Billy died in Iraq. Do you really know what it is like to lose a brother? Your hero? Obviously not.

Sure, you guys were nice enough the first month or so. But after that, every time I brought it up, someone would change the subject, or go find something else to do. Guess I was too much of a downer for you and your plastic little lives.

So I went back to being the Jenna you wanted me to be. Sweet, fun, silly, fake Jenna. Jenna, who didn't care about anything that mattered. You all seemed to like her better anyway.

But, do you know what I really needed? I needed someone to let me cry on their shoulder. Someone who would ask how I was doing and actually want to know the real answer. Someone who cared about my heart and soul, not just my clothes, what I got on my last test, or what I thought of some stupid teen flick.

Did any of you even remember that yesterday was exactly a year since Billy was blown up by that IED? Not a single one of you said a thing to me all day. Guess I wasn't bubbly enough to be noticed.

Well, I can't take it anymore. I hope you all grow up and have your wonderful, perfect plastic lives just like you want. Just know that I won't be there.

Jenna

**

Nothing could be heard in that room but the sounds of heavy breathing, sobbing, and wailing. The students hugged one another, patted each other's backs, and bawled.

"I can't believe we were so insensitive," Daphne said between sobs, lifting her head off another girl's shoulder.

The others nodded.

Joe stood on his chair. The others turned and looked up toward him, despair and hopelessness in their eyes.

"We cannot let this happen again. We need to stop brushing off the tough stuff, and be there for one another. You guys are important to me. We've been through too much to lose anyone else this way. So, who's with me?"

A chorus of "me" echoed through the room, and hugs were abundant, like the tears falling from their faces.

"Hey guys."

The entire group turned toward the door, where Mr. Zach, the junior class advisor, stood with half a smile on his face.

"She's gonna make it, guys. The paramedics got here just in time, it seems. Jenna's on the way to the hospital now. She'll be in the hospital for a couple of days, but she's going to be ok."

A collective sigh echoed across the room as they walked toward their teacher. On their way, they passed the spot where they'd found their classmate not half an hour earlier, sprawled on the floor seemingly dead from a drug overdose.

"Guess we'll be practicing what we preached sooner than we thought," Joe quipped.

**

Thanks for reading. Be sure to stop by Pod Tales and Ponderings for more great fiction!

Numbered - Word-Filled Wednesday

2009-11-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Word-Filled Wednesday, hosted this week by Penny at Pennyraine. Be sure to stop by her blog for more visual inspiration from scripture.

I've always had this thing for red hair. Probably because I don't have it. My hair is brown, curly, and VERY coarse. You'd be surprised at all the "stuff" I have to put into it to make it look halfway decent in my eyes.

But God gave me my hair, and he knows every one of them. So why do I worry about it?

(yeah - I still snuck in this redhead. Can't help it! LOL)

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

Be sure to stop by Pennyraine for more

Not Just Optimism - Monday Manna

2009-11-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Monday Manna. The purpose of this meme is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. On the first and third Monday of each month, anyone who wishes can post their thoughts on a verse I introduced at my blog the Thursday before. It doesn't have to be a long post -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional.

Anyone is welcome to participate. Just put a link to your Monday Manna blog entry in the MckLinky gadget below, and check out others' thoughts.

This Monday's verse is a favorite of mine - and one I REALLY needed this weekend.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts--link up below, and read others' ponderings. Mine are below.

**

Pollyanna isn't enough.

Looking at this verse from Paul's letter to the Philippians, one might think, at first glance, that this apostle to the gentiles is simply asking us to be optimistic - to find the "sunny side" of our situations. If we only think about what is lovely, excellent, admirable, and praiseworthy, everything will seem hearts and flowers. Right?

Wrong.

There is a lot more to this than optimism. We are being being told not to be naive and "happy," but to be God-centered and God-focused. For as I look at this list for things to think on, I see God, and His work.

His Word is truth. (John 17:17)
His Name is noble. (James 2:7)
Everything He does is right (Psalm 65:5)
His eyes are too pure to look upon evil (Habakkuk 1:12-13)
His dwelling place is lovely (Psalm 84:1)

I think you're getting the point. It is only by keeping our eyes and minds focused on these things of God, and off our circumstances, that they will make the kind of difference in our lives that they did for Paul, and many who have come after him.

So don't just keep your chin up. Keep your eyes on the Lord, and your thoughts on His works.

**

Thanks for reading! Be sure to link up below, and check out other folks' thoughts on this verse.

Down to the Wire - "Ailing Body Nourished Soul" progress/goals update

2009-11-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

I really, truly CANNOT believe it is the first day of November (of course, I'm writing this on the 31st of October, but that's STILL no excuse!). This year is going by WAY too fast!

And on THAT note, it's time, once again, to share my progress on my preparation of my NF manuscript "Ailing Body Nourished Soul" for its professional edit.

My goal has been, and continues to be, getting this manuscript completely ready to be sent to the lovely Deb Porter at Finesse Writing and Editing Service by the end of...(gasp)....wait for it....THIS MONTH. So, while many of you are writing your hearts out feeding your screaming muse during November, trying to spit out those 50,000 words for NaNoWriMo, I'll be scouring my WIP with my friend Genghis Khan the editor, getting it polished into enough beauty that I'm not embarrassed to send it for its professional edit (hehe).

ANYhow - as far as October, I think I did pretty well. As usual, here are my goals from last month, straight from my last progress/goals post.

Finish my flow/repetition/names read-through of Ailing Body, Nourished Soul.
Start a third read-through.
Work on my read-through daily a minimum of 15 minutes a day, with a weekly minimum of 2 hours.

Well, I did finish that second read-through, and am well into my third (a bit more than halfway, I think!). For this one, I'm reading the manuscript aloud - WOW, what a difference it's making! If you don't do this, I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend it. HIGHLY. So many things I've caught that I haven't before!

As far as time, I'm not sure I've made two hours a week or not - but I can only think of one day the entire month I didn't spend AT LEAST 15 minutes on it. There were several days I went over that amount, so I'd say if I didn't make the two hours each week, it was pretty close. So, not bad :)

And how about November? Well, besides my overarching goal of getting this WIP off my desk, I have some more small, specific aims.

Finish my "read-aloud" read-through of Ailing Body Nourished Soul
Do one more "proofreading/whatever else I can find" read-through
Spend a minimum of 15 minutes a day, two hours a week on my book until I'm done

So, that's it...for now, anyway. I DO have plans for once/while my book is in the editor's hands, but I'm trying to keep focused on the now. I promise to fill you in on those details later!

So, in the meantime - no matter what those folks at NaNo say - "slow and steady wins the race!" (and yes, I am DUCKING! hehe)

Friday Fiction: "The Cupboard Conundrum

2009-10-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my contribution to Fiction Friday, hosted this week by Stina Rose at With Pen In Hand. Make sure that you head over to her blog and link up with your own fiction. Or, if you just want to read some great fiction (ALWAYS great in my opinion!), head over to Stina's blog and check out the links there.

This bit of fiction/devotional-type piece was written for the Faithwriters' Writing Challenge (this weeks' topic is white!) a bit over two years ago. I don't write in this style very often, but I like this piece. Hope it blesses you as well. The topic was "bold (emotionally)."

The Cupboard Conundrum

Jacob stretched his arm as high he could. He even got on his tiptoes, but he couldn't quite reach the handle on the upper cabinet.

"Hey, Dad?"

"What's up, Jacob?" Mr. Danes rose from the living room chair where he'd been reading the paper and looked around the corner into the kitchen.

Jacob looked up at the cupboard and then into his dad's eyes. "Could you get the potato chips?"

"Sure." His dad reached up, opened the cabinet, and grabbed the bag, handing it to Jacob.

"Thanks, Dad." Jacob sat down at the kitchen table and tore open the bag. He started munching as he read a magazine and drank from a tall glass of milk.

As he finished the last article, Jacob remembered that he had homework to do. He put the magazine in the recycle pile and his empty glass in the sink. After looking back at the table, he glanced into the living room, where his dad was reading the paper.

Jacob grabbed the chips off the table and stood by the cupboard. He tried again to reach the handle - he even jumped up, but still couldn't get it open. Stepping back, he tried a running leap, but banged his head on the lower cabinet door, spilling the chips on the floor.

"Ouch!"

His dad got up from his chair and entered the kitchen.

"Are you okay?"

The boy rubbed his head. "I think so."

"What happened?"

Jacob lowered his eyes. "I was trying to put the chips away and I bumped my head and dropped them instead."

Mr. Danes tousled Jacob's hair.

"It's okay. Let's just clean it up."

As Jacob picked up the chips and put them in the trash, Mr. Danes tapped him on the shoulder.

"Why didn't you just ask me for help? I would have been happy to put them away for you."

Jacob shrugged. "I didn't want to bother you - you looked busy."

His father smiled. "I'm never too busy to help you out, Jacob. Don't be afraid to ask me to help, especially when it's something you know you can't do."

Mr. Danes swept up the last of the crumbs while Jacob held the dustpan.

"You know, Son, it's the same with God." Mr. Danes held the trash can open. "Sometimes we feel like we're bothering Him when we pray, that He has more important things to do than to listen to our requests."

Jacob nodded. He remembered skinning his knee the other day. It had hurt, but he didn't ask God to make it feel better because he figured it wasn't that important.

"But, do you know what, Jacob? God doesn't want us to be shy about talking to Him. He wants us to pray to him boldly, to ask for whatever we feel we need. He may not answer exactly how we'd like, but He always loves to listen to us pray to Him."

He smiled. "So, just like I should have asked you to help me put the chips away, I should ask God to help me too, even if I've been asking and asking and asking?"

His dad nodded. "That's right. Besides, God loves you even more than I do. Do you think He would really ever get tired of listening to you?"

Jacob smiled. "I guess not."

"So, the next time you want to ask for something from God, just do it boldly." Mr. Danes patted Jacob on the back. "Don't be afraid of bothering or interrupting Him. Just ask."

"Okay, Dad."

"Oh, and the next time you want the potato chips down, do the same with me. Okay?"

Jacob giggled. "Okay."

**
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NIV

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Ephesians 6:18

Thanks for reading. Be sure to stop by With Pen In Hand for more great fiction!

Monday Manna for November 2 - What To Think About

2009-10-29T05:00:00.000-04:00

The purpose of Monday Manna is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word.

On the first and third Mondays of each month, anyone who wants to participate can post their thoughts on a specific verse--posted here at my blog on the Thursday before, to allow you to chew on it over the weekend. It doesn't have to be long -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional. Just post it on your blog on Mondayish (early OR late is fine, by the way!), then come back here and link up in the MckLinky gadget that will be at the bottom of MY post at o'dark thirty that morning.

If you read my blog much, you probably know that the book of Philippians is one of my favorites in the Bible. And of the chapters, the fourth tops the rest (though they're ALL good!). As we go through "Halloween weekend," I thought a reminder of where our minds should be would be a good idea. I know that Bible believing Christians have honest disagreements about the appropriateness of celebrating this particular holiday, but I think all will admit that, at least for some, it can turn folks' thoughts to the less-than-holy.

So without further ado, a WHOPPER of a verse to ponder for this weekend.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

I look forward to seeing what wonderful insights you all get from these incredible words of Paul's. See you back here on Monday!

Listening for His Voice

2009-10-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

I love the music at our church. We sing the old hyms, some contemporary choruses, and even a bit of contemporary Christian music. But every once in a while, a song totally grabs me and truly ministers to my soul. Yesterday, it happened to me.

Our worship choir sang a song by Christian artist Mandisa. I know a bit about her, but not too much. What I do know, however, is that I love the two songs of hers I have heard--both in church. I think I may need to pick up a CD.

Lately, I have been trying to listen for God's voice in so many different areas of my life. This song has helped me remember that I've probably been hearing it all the time - I just haven't necessarily recognized it as such.

Listen to the video, if you'd like, and read the words. I pray it will bless you as it did me.

God Speaking
By Mandisa

Have you ever heard a love song
That set your spirit free?
Have you ever watched a sunrise
And felt you could not breathe?

What if it's Him?
What if it's God speaking?

Have you ever cried a tear that
You could not explain?
Have you ever met a stranger
That already knew your name?

What if it's Him?
What if it's God speaking?

Who knows how He'll get a hold of us
Get our attention to prove He is enough
He'll do and He'll use
Whatever He wants to
To tell us I love you

Have you ever lost a loved one
Who you thought should still be here?
Do you know what it feels like
To be tangled up in fear?
What if He's somehow involved?
What if He's speaking through it all?

His ways are higher
His ways are better
Though sometimes strange.
What could be stranger
Than God in a manger?

God is speaking
I love you

Friday Fiction: "Misplaced Musician"

2009-10-23T05:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my contribution to Fiction Friday, hosted by Lynn Squire at Faith, Fiction, Fun and Fanciful. Make sure that you head over to her blog and link up with your own fiction. Or, if you just want to read some great fiction (ALWAYS great in my opinion!), head over to Lynn's blog and check out the links there.

This is, I believe, one of my first Biblical fiction entries for the Writing Challenge. A few verses from the Psalms just grabbed me, and I had no choice but to flesh them out and share the story. Wrote this one over two and a half years ago - and it was also printed in a Mennonite Sunday School paper.

MISPLACED MUSICIAN

"What are we doing here? Why have we been abandoned like this?"

The middle-aged man sighed and lowered his body until he was sitting against a poplar tree, staring out into the Kebar River of Babylon, the land of his captivity.

It had been at least a dozen years since Ollam had felt like singing God's praises. Yet, he hadn't stopped completely. Partly out of habit, and partly due to demand from his captors, he'd played his songs on occasion, the wonderful songs of praise his ancestors had composed. He could hardly help it. He was a temple musician, and though the temple was out of his reach, the songs still haunted him.

How he loved those songs, those psalms of praise of the homeland he hadn't seen in years, and of the God who had sent them to this terrible place. The wonderful songs written by great men of his faith: Moses, David, Asaph, the sons of Korah. But whenever he sang them, his heart ached. Each year, he would sing them less and less.

Singing songs of the temple, of Zion, of his Lord, was like being dragged from Judah all over again. The pain, twelve years old, returned fresh, and any wounds that may have been partially healed opened once again.

Just the other day, a Babylonian official had ordered him to play his harp and sing one of the songs of ascents. He knew the official was mocking him, but he also knew the punishment for disobeying. The words, and the melody, were still burned in his memory.

May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,
and may you live to see your children's children.

It had taken all of Ollam's willpower to keep his composure during the performance. When the official started harassing him, however, he could handle it no longer. Turning his head, he'd cried like a baby. The official had laughed and dismissed him.

Ollam looked out at the Kebar. The river was at flood stage and was rushing by violently, hitting the rocks along it with fervor. Such a contrast to the waters of his favorite psalm, as much as Babylon was to Judah. He opened the knapsack beside him and pulled out his harp. His voice and fingers joined in harmony.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.

Throwing down his harp, he buried his head in his hands and wept.

"Where are they, Lord? Where are the still waters, the green pastures? Where is my restored soul?"

Leaning against the tree, Ollam slowly rose. He reached down for his harp and examined it.

"I just can't do it anymore, Lord."

Raising the harp over his head, he felt it hit a branch of the tree he'd been leaning on. He gently maneuvered the branch through the harp's strings until it was a good half-cubit down. Letting go, he looked out on the river and wept.

By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion.
There on the poplars we hung our harps,
for there our captors asked us for songs,
our tormentors demanded songs of joy;
they said, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"
How can we sing the songs of the LORD
while in a foreign land?

**

References in order, from NIV:
Psalm 128:5-6
Psalm 23:1-2
Psalm 137:1-4

Thanks for reading! Be sure to stop by Lynn's blog for more great fiction.

The Right Path (Word-Filled Wednesday)

2009-10-21T05:30:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my contribution to Word-Filled Wednesday, hosted this week by the lovely Christy at Critty Joy. Be sure to stop by her blog for more visual inspiration from Scripture.

Go stand at the crossroads and look around. Ask for directions to the old road, the tried-and-true road. Then take it. Discover the right route for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16

People today are always looking for what is new and different. They want to find their own way. The old ways are outdated and boring. They want to blaze a new trail.

But that isn't always the best way. In fact, it often isn't. When it comes to following the Lord, the only route that will "work" is the one he laid out for us since the beginning of time.

So, if you want to continue to walk in fellowship with God, find the path, well-worn by the saints ahead of you. Then take it.

Be sure to stop by Christy's blog for more visual inspiration from scripture.

Monday Manna - What Man Is

2009-10-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Monday Manna. The purpose of this meme is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. On the first and third Monday of each month, anyone who wishes can post their thoughts on a verse I introduced at my blog the Thursday before. It doesn't have to be a long post -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional.

Anyone is welcome to participate. Just put a link to your Monday Manna blog entry in the MckLinky gadget below, and check out others' thoughts.

This Monday's verse is a well-known one, and, at least in my opinion, very thought-provoking.

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8:3-4

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts--link up below, and read others' ponderings. Mine are below.

**

I am often captivated and awed by the beauty of God's creation. There is nothing man-made that is as beautiful as what the Lord has made. No artist can create a canvas as beautiful as a sunrise or a sunset.

The lovely colors and design of a forest or jungle, a field of wildflowers, or the cloud formations against the blue sky can take my breath away. And don't even mention the beauty of a cloudless night, staring into scores of stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies.

God is an incredible artist and creator. Yet, no matter how gorgeous and awe-inspiring these aspects of nature are, to the Lord, they are second to another of his creations.

Man

Does that blow you away as much as it does me? To the Lord, we are the most lovely and beautiful of His creations. We are the only of His creations that is "fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14) We are his crowning achievement. It is us the Lord has put in charge of all of His creation (Psalm 8:6-8)--all these same amazing things we are looking at with awe.

Yes, we are all sinners. Without Christ, we can never be worthy of God's attention. Yet, His love for us is infinite, and to Him, we are His most precious creation.

**

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to link up below, and read other folks' thoughts on these verses.

Friday Fiction: "My Garden"

2009-10-16T05:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my contribution to Fiction Friday, hosted by the lovely Sara "Sawa" Harricharan at Fiction Fusion. Make sure that you head over to her blog and link up with your own fiction. Or, if you just want to read some great fiction (ALWAYS great in my opinion!), head over to Karlene's blog and check out the links there.

This is actually one of my "latest" Writing Challenge entries (the fact that I submitted it over six months ago may hint you in to how infrequently I've been entering lately!). I remember being SO excited when I came up with the angle to tell this story from. Got several comments at Faithwriters on my POV. What do YOU think?

MY GARDEN

Looking at the wispy white clouds against the sky, I am reminded of my garden of long ago. As I glance out over the horizon, I smile, recalling the lush, colorful foliage, the beautiful and diverse animals, and, yes, the deep blue of the firmament. Clouds were scarce, but the peppering of them in assorted places made the blue seem that much brighter, that much deeper. The loveliness and peace of that place was nearly unrivaled.

It was perfect.

I sigh, focusing on what is before me here rather than my recollections. The ground beneath my feet is a reddish-brown and feels rough, a complete contrast to the lush green carpet of the floor of my garden. The plants here are sparse, and many have thorns.

I approach a small patch of poppies. I inhale the scent (it is quite lovely), but it is the petals that grab my attention. Though their edges are generally smooth, I notice irregularly-shaped holes in each one, made, no doubt, by a hungry insect or two. They are still beautiful, but not perfect.

I run my tongue over my front teeth and look up again. In the distance, I see another cloud, larger and darker than the others. Clearly a rain cloud. It appears to be heading this way. Soon, the sky will darken, the red-brown dirt beneath my feet will turn to mud, and these beautiful, but imperfect, flowers will be weighed down by the falling rain.

Yet, I remind myself, the rain will also bring refreshment to the people, a touch color to some of this drab land, and continued life to all who need it.

I grin and look, not toward the sky, but down the path I am walking on: the road to the temple, just within my sight.

Yes, it will get worse before it gets better. Much worse, in fact. But, it will get better. Better, even, than My garden.

Of this I am certain. For that is why I have come. That is why My Father sent me.

**

The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Romans 8:19-21 NIV

Thanks for reading! Be sure to stop by Sawa's blog for more great fiction

Monday Manna for October 19 - What is man?

2009-10-15T05:00:00.001-04:00

The purpose of Monday Manna is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word.

On the first and third Mondays of each month, anyone who wants to participate can post their thoughts on a specific verse--posted here at my blog on the Thursday before, to allow you to chew on it over the weekend. It doesn't have to be long -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional. Just post it on your blog on Mondayish (early OR late is fine, by the way!), then come back here and link up in the MckLinky gadget that will be at the bottom of MY post at o'dark thirty that morning.

I'll admit that I didn't have a verse "jump out at me" to pick for this week. So, I thought I'd read a bit of Word-Filled Wednesday, hoping to find a verse that screamed "pick me." Well, I did - and it was at the blog of my dear friend Teresa Rainey. So, without further ado, here are our verses for Monday.

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8:3-4

Humbling AND wonderful, isn't it? Looking forward to your thoughts (and my own! LOL). Be sure to come back on Monday and add your entry to my post. See you then!

WFW: To Be Praised

2009-10-14T05:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my contribution to Word-Filled Wednesday, hosted this week by Lori at All You Have To Give. Be sure to check out her blog, and the links below it, for more visual inspiration from Scripture. (Glad to be back after a couple weeks off!)

I've been thinking a lot about my "motherly" and "wifely" duties lately - as the homemaker, chauffer (LOL if you only knew how much), maid, cook, homework police, cleaner, lover, etc. At times it feels overwhelming. I REALLY want to be the Proverbs 31 woman. When I read through the passage, I get overwhelmed just about every time. I'm just SO thrilled it ends the way it does!

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

Thanks for stopping by! be sure to stop by Lori's blog for more visual inspiration from scripture.

The Self-Opening Gate (a repost)

2009-10-12T05:33:00.000-04:00

I haven't been terribly good about blogging lately - with the whole trying to sell the house, work on my book, write for Exemplify, shuttle kids back and forth three times a day and such, the new thoughts haven't been coming (and when they do, I haven't had time to put them down on paper). My goal - for now, anyway, is to have a post a minimum of three times a week - Word-Filled Wednesday (which I've missed the past two weeks), Fiction Friday, and a post on Monday. Anything above that is bonus.

Every other Monday that will be my bi-monthly "Monday Manna" meme (see my tab above for more info), and I'll try to get something up the other Mondays.

This week, it's gonna be a repost - I know I have LOTS of new followers since I started, so for many of you, this is a never-seen reflection. It's one of my favorites. I originally posted it in July of LAST year. Hope you enjoy it (and hope I don't have to resort to reposts too much more in the future!).

The Self-Opening Gate

I was doing my devotions and Bible reading this morning (and it was quiet, unlike most days - but that's totally unrelated to my thoughts) and I came across an amazingly wonderful and wonderfully amazing insight that I had to share with you all. I believe it will help me, at least, in moving forward with this book, and anything else God is leading me to do.

In my July 2 devotional from "Streams in the Desert," (why the date on the online one is January 6 is anyone's guess)I found the author's analogy to a self-opening gate especially apt.

There is a self-opening gate which is sometimes used in country roads. It stands fast and firm across the road as a traveler approaches it. If he stops before he gets to it, it will not open. But if he will drive right at it, his wagon wheels press the springs below the roadway, and the gate swings back to let him through. He must push right on at the closed gate, or it will continue to be closed.

The writer (Henry Clay Turnbull) goes on to explain that our walk with God is just like this. If we find an obstacle in our path, we are not to stop and wait for it to move. We must continue moving forward, and God will move the obstacle for us. Just like the Israelites crossing the Jordan in Joshua 3, we may have to step into the water before the obstacle will go away. Yet, if it is God's will, we will step through on dry ground.

It is much easier, often, to give up, or try to figure out the problem in our own power. Yet, stepping forward in faith, if you are in His will, is clearly the right thing to do. So, in the words of Turnbull:

Is there a great barrier across your path of duty just now? Just go for it, in the name of the Lord, and it won't be there.

So, I need to step forward in faith: work on my book despite the distractions, raise my children in God's way even if it's not easy, exercise my spiritual gifts no matter the difficulties. Once I do, God will move the mountain.

Friday Fiction: Non-fiction WIP Excerpt

2009-10-09T06:25:00.001-04:00

Welcome to my contribution to Fiction Friday, hosted by the new "head" of Friday Fiction, Karlene at Homespun Expressions. Make sure that you head over to her blog and link up with your own fiction. Or, if you just want to read some great fiction (ALWAYS great in my opinion!), head over to Karlene's blog and check out the links there.

Most of you know I am working on polishing up my non-fiction work in progress "Ailing Body Nourished Soul," the story of God's workings in our lives through my husband's serious health issues. So, even though it's not fiction, I'm posting an excerpt today. I've only posted my intro and third chapter so far - and now, I'm sharing the concluding chapter(just hoping I can get the rest of the book as compelling as I've gotten these parts. Hope it blesses you - and I'd LOVE any feedback you can give me!

Ailing Body Nourished Soul- Concluding Chapter

On Monday, August 7, 2003, my life was pretty normal: I dare say average. Sure, I was pregnant and had a toddler and a husband, but that's not so unusual, is it? At the time, I probably would have told you my faith was strong and my life was good.

Even the next day, when Marc started experiencing his migraines, I never could have imagined what was in store for us over the next few days, not to mention years. Who would ever imagine that a bad headache would lead to the surgeries, treatments, and other circumstances that we would experience in the days, months, and years to follow?

For me, my family, and our friends and acquaintances, my 36-year-old husband having a brain tumor was a total shock. It completely changed our lives.

But it didn't shock our Heavenly Father. And though we, and our lives, changed, He, and His plan, did not. God knew from eternity past what, when, and how this would happen. And, as I hope you have seen in the preceding pages, He equipped us, and those around us, for what we were to face: for what we continue to face daily. And, of course, He provided Himself, the Holy Spirit, and His incredible Son to lean on, cry with, rejoice with, trust in, and love.

And it all worked out, and is working out, for good. God promises in His word: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Yet, Christians often throw this verse around but don't know what it truly means. Many who look at our lives now and compare it to before life got tough might ask how what we have now can possibly be called "good." We're living off disability payments. My husband is still going through many of the health issues he's had. Neither of us is working. A lot of "normal" things are tough for us.

But the good spoken of in this verse is not what you might think. Though a lot of Christians know verse 28, not many know what follows it.

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 (emphasis mine)

So the "good" God promises is the ultimate good - being conformed to the likeness of Christ. All things work out to make His people more like Christ. And that, no doubt, was certainly accomplished in Marc and me, and continues to happen. And, God willing, perhaps reading about His work in our lives will help to do the same for you.

I hope that our struggles, joys, sorrows, celebrations, and disappointments have encouraged you and helped you see, perhaps, that you are not alone in your own difficulties.

I pray that my questions have helped you see our story, and the lessons I've shared, as not just interesting tidbits, but as real-life instruction you can use to help you in the struggles you go through.

And, I hope that at least some of my prayers have become your prayers, and that, through seeing how the Lord has drawn us closer to Him through our difficulties, you too are drawing close to him, and allowing Him to nourish your soul, no matter how much your body may be failing. For that is what Our Father does best.

For all of our bodies are ailing. Whether we have a diagnosed disease or not, because we are human we are getting older every minute, and the amazing machine of the human body is breaking down, cell by cell. The bodies we have now are not perfect. They harbor sin, disease and the selfishness of our own natures. Until we get our glorified bodies in heaven, this will always be the case.

But our souls are a different matter. With God's power, they can be nourished and made more and more like Him. When we allow God, in His triune form, to work within us, we can have that supernatural peace that comes with a "healthy" soul, no matter the state of our earthy frame.

And that is the kind of peace that can change lives. It did for us, and God can do it for you too.

The End
**

Thanks for reading! Be sure to stop by Karlene's blog for more great fiction(and maybe some other non-fiction LOL who knows?)

Finally - the winners!!

2009-10-06T05:00:00.000-04:00

Yes - this contest was tougher than I thought! I put up a picture I found in a store circular, and asked for the best caption for it. I was gonna pick my favorite - but I COULDN'T - so I let YOU guys choose among my four favorites (out of 19 entries).

And now, without further ado...the winner of the "interesting prize" is...GARY L. MINIX, with his incredibly funny caption: Honey!!!!! The kids have been playing with their Chia Pets too close to my Rogaine again!!!!!! Gary - send me your snail mail address and I'll get your Camo Compact (not this exact one - but I don't think you much care ROFL) out to you soon!

And for those who remember, I also promised a book with one of my stories in it to a random entrant. Using the randomizer, the winner of "Women of Passions: Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God" is HOOMI/Rick Higginson (oh - it's a GUY - if you want something else, Rick, lemme know LOL). You send me your snail mail, too, and I'll send you your book.

Thanks, EVERYONE, for participating - whether it was entering, voting, or just reading the post. Blessings to you!