Hey, friends. Thank you for stopping by. My writing journey has been a long one, and I'm thankful I stayed on the path where God has taken me. If you are a reader, thank you so much. As an author, I appreciate you more than I can say. If you're a writer and you've been penning words a long time or just a little while, trust God with your journey. He knows what's ahead.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Everyday Joy
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Called to be Faithful
1 Peter 4:8-10
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of
sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have
received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its
various forms.
God has not called me to be successful. He called
me to be faithful. -Mother Teresa
I have a t-shirt with a saying printed on it: God Has a Plan So
I Have a Purpose. I think about that a lot. As my children grew into teenagers
and then adults, I fretted over what my purpose was. I'd held onto the role of
mom for years and knew at that point in my life, my focus was raising the kids
to be kind and caring adults. With them rounding the corner to adulthood, I
found myself at loose ends. Of course, I had purpose as Tim's wife and in my
job at the school library, and I was still a mom, but something in my heart
searched for more. Like many people, I read The Purpose Driven Life. I
found some good information, but not enough.
I prayed and asked God for clarity, and guess what? He let me
know I'd been overthinking my purpose. Yes, there are specific things God calls
me to do, but the most important thing He wants me to do is to be faithful and
love Him.
God calls me and anyone who believes in Him to love Him and
love people. The other day the radio blared out Danny Goeke's song, Love God
Love People. He talks about checking the boxes and trying to do more, but instead
it comes down to caring for God and people.
Peter reminds his readers the most important thing they can
do is be faithful stewards of God's grace. Show grace to everyone and be
faithful to God.
In our broken world, our purpose is to remain faithful and to
love.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
He is my Strength
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Relentless
Matthew 4:8-11
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the
kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he
said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from
me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him
only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Be prepared.
Sara, James, Ella Cate, and I arrived at Ohio University on
Saturday morning to watch and listen to my grandson, Eli, play trumpet with his
marching band, along with several high school bands and the Ohio University 110
at their football game. The 110 is one of the best college marching bands in
the country. Once we were parked and made our way to the stadium, we met
Maggie, Michael, and Zeke, then found our seats on the metal bleachers. Even
though the temperature sat in the 80s, the relentless blaze of the sun and the
reflection off the bleachers made for an uncomfortable experience.
We watched the pregame performance, which was great, ate
sandwiches and watched some of the football game, then James, Ella Cate, and I headed
to a shady area. The shade from the bleachers provided a respite from the heat.
Just before half-time, we all headed to the end of the field to get a better
view of Eli's band. Somewhere along the way, my body started reacting to the
heat. As the band took the field, my stomach rolled, and I felt faint. After
the performance, James, Sara, Ella Cate and I went to leave. As we rounded a
corner, I grabbed Sara's arm and told her I was going to faint. She calmed my
panic and walked me to the first-aid tent. The wonderful people there gave me
ice, cold-packs, and water and helped me cool. In about thirty minutes, I felt
like myself again. In hind sight, I realize I hadn't prepared for the weather.
I should have worn a hat and used my cooling towel (made for hot weather
events.)
The sun's relentlessness reminds me of Satan. Not just
because of the heat, but because, like the blazing sun, he permeates into every possible space. He
pokes and prods in whatever way he can to get my attention away from Jesus. If
I'm not prepared, or prayed up, as Grammy used to say, I won't be ready for the
fight. Whether I want to think about it or not, I fight a spiritual battle
every day. I choose my weapons—the presence of God in my life, my
dependence on God and obedience to Him, prayer, and the wisdom of the Bible to
wage war on the devil. As believers, we need to be ready to resist the
relentless pestering and not succumb to him.
Seek Jesus and be prepared for the battle.
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
You Are Loved
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Nonfiction Book Review: A Small Cup of Light by Ben Palpant
What it's about:
The book that J.I. Packer called, "Haunting, deeply pondered, and
beautifully written," is changing lives. A Small Cup of Light is the story
of an unexpected encounter with God in the desert of despair. Several years
ago, Ben Palpant suffered a sudden and massive health collapse that crippled
many of his faculties nearly overnight. That experience prompted him to ask the
hard questions, like, "What shall we do when confronted with the ache of
our suffering in the presence of a living God?" Palpant's story is proof
that a relationship with God can be more intimate not in spite of suffering,
but because of suffering. A Small Cup of Light is a bold invitation to face God
in the darkness. It is a rousing call to the human spirit, offering hope to the
hopeless and a song to the suffering.
My Thoughts:
I seldom read and review nonfiction. Not because I don't like it, but because
most of what I read is research for writing. Author, Ben Palpant attended the
Goodlit Writer's retreat with me and twelve other writers, where he shared
beautiful fiction prose. I knew he had published before in the realm of
nonfiction, so I thought I'd see what he had written when I got home. I'm so
glad I did. A Small Cup of Light is the heart-wrenching and yet, joy
filled story of a time in his life when he faced a difficult and scary health
crisis. Ben takes that hard time and opens up about how God met him there after
he learned to listen. This isn't a sugar-coated story of recovery. This is the honest story
of a man who came face-to-face with crisis and found along with the anger,
disappointment, and frustration, a joy that could only come from glorifying
God. Ben's book will lift the weary and weighted and offer hope to all of us. His
melodic writing comforts, along with the many references to scripture and
wisdom from other writers which he quotes. He says, "The very hope of the
Gospel rests directly upon our ability to imagine a world in which suffering
serves as the soil from which resurrection springs." I highly recommend A
Small Cup of Light. I purchased a copy.
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Who Am I?
Exodus 3:11-12
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go
to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the
sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the
people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”
Who am I?
My mind is still reeling from everything I experienced at
the Goodlit Writer's Retreat. Not only did we have excellent mentors and
teachers, we were fed well (I tasted food I'd never eaten before) I slept in a
beautiful old inn, and I bonded with writers from all over the country. More
than all the wonderful accommodations, teaching, and the people I met, I had an
overwhelming awareness of the presence of God.
I've known for a while God called me to write, but at
Goodlit, He met me face-to-face and poured into my heart to leave
discouragement behind. Most writers will tell you that we never feel our
writing is good enough—we find ourselves wondering why anyone would want to read
what we write. It's called imposter syndrome. Even as I sit and write this
devotion, the devil is trying to mess with my mind and tell me I'm wasting my
time. I'm not saying any of this so people will respond with encouragement,
although that is always appreciated. I'm saying this because I think we all
feel that way in our walk with Jesus.
Who am I to be redeemed, forgiven, sent into the battlefield
for God?
Moses wondered the same thing, but God had called him to
deliver His people. He asked Moses to bring His people out of Egypt. The
beautiful part of the story is Moses obeyed. He took God's calling to heart and
trudged on. Was it easy? No. Did he get accolades at the end? No. He didn't
even make it into the promised land with the people he led. Yet he obeyed.
God has called me to write, but even more important, He's
called me to obey. I may never win an award, or have a best seller. It doesn't
matter. What matters is obedience to the one who created me and knows my
purpose on this earth.
What is God calling you to? Listen and obey.
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Shout for Joy!
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Dance With God
Genesis 1:3-5
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that
the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God
called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there
was evening, and there was morning—the first day.
Glory filled the sky.
The best thing I can say about my week at Goodlit Writers
Retreat is—God
blessed me with a gift. An unexpected—I can't believe I'm here gift. Surrounded
by other people who strive to write for God, I witnessed the beauty of minds
and hearts opening up and pouring out. Folks from all over the country met in
the quintessential small town of Stanford, Kentucky, to better understand the
purpose of God's calling to write.
The different backgrounds and experiences meshed together to
form a group who, like me, wanted to obey and follow the journey God is leading
us on.
On Tuesday evening, Angela and Jess, hosts for the week,
invited us to their beautiful farm. For me, a country girl at heart, the trip
filled me with joy. After a delicious Kentucky dinner, Jess drove the tractor and
pulled us on a wagon (with upholstered seats) to the top of a grass-covered
hill and we watched the sunset. As the light and coming darkness played
together, the pinks and pale blues turned to glorious red and deep navy. Just
before night fell, the sky reminded me how when people come together to create
or work, or live as a family, God can bring harmony to the dance.
In whatever I do, I pray God joins me as I pursue my dreams.
He's the one who placed them on my heart and poured the talent and skills into
me. Angela owns a beautiful soap store in town, Kentucky Soaps and Such. When we
toured the production area, this quote was painted on the wall. "Lord, let
our workspace, whatever that looks like, be our worship place." When we bring the work we do before
the Lord and ask Him to partner with us, we couple with Him and bring Him
glory.
Watch a sunset and let the beauty fill you with joy and a desire
to dance with God.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Masterpiece
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Are You a Lifelong Learner?
Matthew 11:29
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for
I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
It's that time of year again.
On Wednesday, the first day of the 2023-24 school
year, I spent the day in Sara's first grade class. Those bright little students
took in a lot of information. They got refreshers on how to go through the
lunch line, play at recess, organize their desks, and they got to pick out
books from the Grammy Penny crates. Sara had them do a drawing activity, that
they'll write about this week, and a fun marshmallow story that showed them how
to be quiet and respectful in the hallway. All-in-all they had a wonderful
first day.
Whether public school, homeschool, private
school, college, trade school, or any other learning, being a student takes
work and being the teacher takes preparation. Hopefully, when the two meet, a
great learning experience happens.
I've worked in the public library, school library,
and college library. My mom always said I never stopped going to school. In a
way, she was right. I'm a lifelong learner, always seeking to gain knowledge
and wisdom about something. Maybe something as simple as what kind of butterfly
or flower I saw.
The most important learning I have ever
experienced is what I've learned from the Bible. God's word teaches so many
lessons, insights, and ways to live. There is no education more important.
Jesus wants me to listen and apply what I've heard and read. I'm so thankful
God prepared a book I could read and study that teaches life lessons, offers
encouragement, shares so many types of literature, tells remarkable stories,
and leaves me wanting more. Some say the Bible is boring, but I disagree. It's
fascinating.
I choose to read a few verses a day and ponder
and pray over it and discover what God wants me to hear and learn. That way I'm
not overwhelmed, and I remember it better. How do you approach reading the
Bible?
Be a lifelong learner of God's word.
Saturday, August 12, 2023
He Doesn't Give Up
Jeremiah 4:3-4
This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem:
“Break up your unplowed ground
and do not sow among thorns.
Circumcise yourselves to the Lord,
circumcise your hearts,
you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem,or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire
because of the evil you have done—
burn with no one to quench it.
An angry sky loomed overhead.
As we drove, the sky turned gray and the clouds rolled. Tim commented
that the sky looked angry. Indeed, it did. No sun peeked through, only gray.
The sky darkened the further we drove, and within the hour the clouds burst with
torrential rain.
I've been reading the book of Jeremiah, which is not warm and
fuzzy. It's full of anguish—God's anguish over Jerusalem and the
Israelites. They had turned their back on God and gave their attention to the
idols they created. As I was reading, I understood and recognized God's deep feelings
for these people.
I write a lot about how much God loves us, and He does, more
than we can comprehend. Along with the emotion of love, God feels all the other
ones, like anger, frustration, and hurt. He made us in His image, with all the
feels, so of course He experiences the same emotions.
God and the Israelites had journeyed together for years.
He'd saved them so many times, yet they turned on Him and chose to sin rather
than follow God. His righteous wrath was well founded and His heart broke over
these people who betrayed Him. Sounds kind of familiar. God sees similar
behavior out of people today that He saw from the Israelites, yet even in His
anger and hurt, He longs for us to turn to Him and seek forgiveness.
Later in the chapters, He offers to forgive the Israelites
if they will repent. He doesn't give up on them regardless of how they made Him
feel. God's heart breaks over people, yet He loves fiercely.
Seek God. Turn to Him and give Him your heart.
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
A Touch of Kindness
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Fiction Review: Forever Home by Hope Toler Dougherty
Book Description:
With a fulfilling job and a home of her own, former foster child, Merritt
Hastings, relishes her stable, respectable life. Dreaming for more is a sure
way for heartache. When a contested will turns her world upside down, she must
revaluate what’s important to her, what’s worth fighting for, and what’s worth
sacrificing.
Patience has never been Sam Daniels’ strong suit with his
history of acting quickly and asking questions later, and he’s ready for changes
in his life…now. Too bad the plans for acquiring a radio station didn’t include
a contract. Now he’s out of a job, out of a radio station, and out of prospects.
While his life is in flux,
at least he can help Merritt steady hers, or will he rush in and overstep
…again?
My Thoughts:
Dougherty has written a beautiful story full of emotion and heart. I love
learning as I read fiction, and this book opened my eyes to the life of Merritt
as a foster child and how difficult it is for kids who get moved around and
feel lost. As an adult, Merritt is thankful for the woman, Millie, who took her
in and loved her, but Millie has passed away and now Merritt has to deal with
Millie's ruthless relatives. Along comes Sam, who grew up with stability and
has dreams of owning a radio station. Merritt is practical while Sam is more of
a dreamer. She's not sure she can trust him, and he wants her to give him a
chance. I enjoyed this lovely story and all the great characters. If you want
to read a novel with charm, faith, and hope, read Forever Home. This is the
third book in the series and it can stand alone. I received a free copy with no
expectations.
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Joy in Creation
Psalm 65:8
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy.
My zinnias are blooming.
This time of year, as I'm driving through the country toward
my hometown to visit family, I roll past fields of soybeans and signs with
sweet corn for sale. Abundant gardens filled with tomatoes, green beans, and cucumbers
catch my eye, and one home offers pick your own flowers. The cosmos and zinnias
dance in the breeze, inviting people to stop by and cut a bouquet.
My daughter, Maggie, and her husband, Michael, grew a lovely
garden this year. From their abundance, she gave us green beans and zucchini,
and I can't wait to see her blue pumpkins. As I sat in my chair and snapped the
beans, I considered how amazing it is that God gave us so many incredible
plants. He offers a variety for us to eat and a multitude to enjoy.
The zinnias I planted from seed have sprouted and bloomed.
Their rainbow of color welcomes people to our door and brings joy to my day.
I am in awe of all God created. From the tiny pea to the
giant redwood, the woods to the rainforest, the ocean to the mountains,
everything He made He gave us to explore, discover, use, and enjoy. God also
gave us responsibility to take care of the earth and the natural resources He
provided. As I soak in the beauty, I long for us to appreciate and care for the
environment we live in.
The whole earth is filled with wonder and I rejoice in God,
the Creator of everything. Even as I love all the plants and animals, I adore
and worship the One who made them, and I'm thankful for the bounty of summer
and the beauty of the season.
Thank God for His gift of creation and rejoice in Him.
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Shout Joy!
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Fiction Review: The Lost Manuscript by Mollie Rushmeyer
Book Description:
It’s not just Ellora Lockwood’s home that’s being emptied as she prepares to
sell—her heart seems to be empty too. Since the mysterious disappearance of her
beloved Grandma June and separating from her husband, Alex, Ellora has felt
adrift. Then comes an invitation from Alex to teach history at a summer program
at Alnwick Castle in England. He’s even found information about the location of
a medieval manuscript that was her grandmother’s obsession before she vanished.
Warily, Ellora accepts Alex’s offer. Surrounded by lush English countryside and
captivating history, she pieces together clues about the manuscript’s
whereabouts—and uncovers new questions. Could someone have been sabotaging her
grandmother’s work? Anonymous threats lead Ellora to suspect she too may be in
danger, but as she and Alex work together, she’s finding strength, new purpose
and the courage to see this quest through, wherever it may lead…
My Thoughts:
I finished an early copy of The Lost Manuscript, and just want to say WOW! I
enjoyed every word. Rushmeyer has such a gift for writing
intriguing stories with fascinating characters, with a faith thread that’s
beautiful and full of hope. When I finished the story, I wanted more. As a
huge fan of adventure twisted with romance and mystery, this book hit the mark.
I had a hard time picking up another book after I finished for fear it
wouldn't satisfy my reading desires as this book did. I hope you’ll give Mollie
Rushmeyer’s books a try. Her debut, The Bookshop of Secrets was excellent, too.
I received an early copy from Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
The book is available where books are sold. Amazon
Saturday, July 29, 2023
Let Him Fight
Exodus 14:13-14
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will
see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians
you see today you will never see again. The Lord will
fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Of all the sports available to watch, I enjoy baseball the most. Tim and I and our family are big Reds fans. Growing up, I watched the Big Red Machine, and I remember the team through the years having some great seasons and some, let's just say, that didn't go as well.
A few years ago, Tim talked about his desire to work at
Great American Ballpark. In 2018, that dream came true. He's an usher in the sun/moon
deck in the outfield. He often comes home with fun stories about the
interesting fans he meets and what the team is up to. This year, we have a lot
of rookies who are playing well and entertaining the fans with the hope of
winning. Through his job, Tim has made friends with some fans who have caught
home run balls. One of them snagged a Jake Fraley ball, and Jake signed it for
him. When he showed it to Tim, Fraley had signed his name and written the
verse, Exodus 14:14, on the ball.
When we searched out the verse, we found the familiar story
of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. God separated them from the Egyptians,
who were chasing them by parting the sea and providing dry land for them to
cross to safety. Moses told the Israelites to trust in God and let Him fight
for them. Of course they grumbled, but finally they listened. They were a
stubborn bunch.
That sounds too familiar to me. God has assured me He is
fighting for me, and I know He is, yet fear and anxiety often sneak into the
cracks. I might grumble and question, then finally I stop and listen. God
stills me and assures me He has my back. Why do I question when there is no
need? I pray my faith grows stronger as I seek to trust Him more.
Seek Him and trust in His care.
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Appreciate and Imagine
Saturday, July 22, 2023
How Can I Help?
John 19:16-18
Finally, Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers
took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the
place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There
they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the
middle.
I have bionic knees.
In 2014 and 2018, I had total knee replacement surgery,
first my right and then my left. The cartilage had worn down to nothing and the
bones beat against each other as I walked. As a matter of fact, the surgeon
told Tim several fractures had developed in my bones. I'm beyond thankful that
after several weeks of therapy, I walked again and felt pretty good. One thing
I have to remind myself of the surgery is my scars. About 6-6 ½ inches, they
run vertically along my knees. I used to hide them under long pants or capris,
but this summer, because I don't tolerate heat well, I bought some knee-length
shorts that reveal those lovely scars.
People often hide the physical scars of life. I didn't want
to be reminded of my imperfections, even though I'm thankful for the new lease
on life the surgeries gave me. I don't know if it's my age or my attitude, but I'm
okay with people seeing the imperfect in me now.
Because of the scars Jesus bore, I've been made whole
through Him. When I meet Him in heaven, I'll have no more scars. In the
meantime, I want to use the physical and emotional scars I carry to help
others. It's difficult to escape scars living on this earth. Whether I've
suffered physical or emotional injuries, instead of wallowing in them, I can
use those to help other people. The apostle Paul suffered through prison, Jesus'
mother lived with the truth that her son would die for all of us, of course,
Jesus bore the scars of the cross.
Whatever scars you carry, find a way to use your wounds to help
others.