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
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.
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.
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!
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Grow Through It
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of
many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces
perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and
complete, not lacking anything.
Every flower must grow through dirt.
I've grown zinnias everywhere we've lived. The tall green
stems topped with an array of color danced in my flowerbeds all summer—until
we moved to the condo. The little plot where the lavender and black-eyed Susans
thrive isn't good for zinnias. I'd given up trying to grow them from seed until
a new spot opened on the other side of the porch. The HOA had removed a pine tree
and left a gaping hole in the landscape. When the neighbor gave me several
packets of flower seeds, I stirred the dirt, laid down some potting soil, and
sprinkled the seeds with the hope of growth.
In about a week, little seedlings pushed through the dirt. Those
tiny green sprouts brought me joy. Not all the seeds made an appearance, but the
ones who did will show the colors of summer. I'm eager to see how they grow and
bloom.
Like the seedlings, sometimes we have to push through the
dirt to grow. The soil may represent a difficult time in our lives when our
hearts are tested by sorrow, despair, or uncertainty. Or maybe we're in the
wrong soil, like the zinnias. The dirt in the little flowerbed didn't allow for
growth, but the other side had the nourishment the plants needed.
Maybe we're in the wrong place because we aren't listening
to God. What if I've allowed myself to stop listening to the Holy Spirit, which
means I've cut off my life's supply of grace and hope?
Regardless of where I am in life, I will continue to grow
through as I go through. Whether I'm pushing through the soil or finding myself
in the wrong spot, I need to seek Jesus and listen to the Spirit of God so my
faith will produce perseverance and perseverance will bring me to maturity.
Have you planted your heart in God's soil?
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
His Joy is Strength
Monday, May 15, 2023
Coming June 1
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Easter May Be Over But...
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Rev. 5:13
Saturday, February 11, 2023
This Old House
Proverbs 24:3-4
By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.
I’ve lived in 14 different homes in my lifetime.
When I was young, my parents sometimes took us for a Sunday drive to look at houses. We rolled along rural roads and through small towns. From that experience, I learned to appreciate the architecture of older homes. Some with fancy ginger breading and others with simple porches attracted my attention. To this day, I enjoy seeing some of the interesting houses in our travels.
Of the 14 different houses I’ve lived in, some of my
favorites were the old farmhouses. They have so much character. I loved imagining
what stories they could tell. From the farm wife toting in eggs from the
chicken coop to the child sitting on her dad’s lap at the end of the day. Life
was breathed into the home. Love, laughter, dinner around the kitchen table,
cousins piling in, and the dog laying by the hearth. My mind weaves a tale of
joy. However, I also know some houses heard the rough voices of arguing and
anger. They felt the trembling of fear and sorrow. Those homes break my heart.
I also see the houses, who abandoned over time, have the
life sucked out of them. They look tired, run-down, weary, and sad. I wonder at
the stories they could tell.
As I compare a house or home to life lived, I see the same
thing. Many people are filled with joy, peace, and love. While others may be
angry or fearful or live a weary, sad life.
I could have been any of those three. We all could, but when I
accepted Jesus’ invitation to follow and love Him, my life found the joy, love,
and peace I longed for. Even in times of sadness and difficulty, Jesus’ love
carries me. I no longer live as a slave to fear, anger, sadness, and sorrow.
Instead, Jesus poured His love and grace into me and loves me more than I could
imagine.
I want my home to be a place of love and peace, reflected in
Jesus, just as I want my life to shine for the Lord.
Does your home reflect Jesus’ love? Does your life?
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Faith
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
The Star
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Heavenly Delight
Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
Jesus gives the true joy of the season.
In the book, Blessed
are the Misfits, Brant Hansen, Star 93.3 radio DJ, poses the question,
"Can a person have depression and joy at the same time?" That got me
to thinking, can we invite joy into our hearts during the holidays, regardless
of our circumstances or our feelings? Can I be joyful during the holidays even
when...
I'm a single parent and, by America's standards, I
can't buy what my children want...
I've lost a loved one who won't be there to wish a
Merry Christmas...
I'm a high school student who has no close
friends...
I'm a college student struggling to balance work and
school...
I'm a parent rushing from activity to activity just
trying to get it all done...
I’m single and all my friends are in couples...
I'm a soldier, out of the country, with no hope of
being home for the holidays...
I’m sick and not sure I can celebrate...
I'm just overwhelmed with all the preparation of Christmas...
I haven't experienced all of these scenarios, but
I've had my share of struggles
during the holidays. Circumstances that could
have stolen every speck of joy from my heart. Yet, God shined on me through His
people and His word. I found if I could hold on to one little twinkle of joy in
my heart, the fire would burn and spark delight in my soul.
Joy filled the wise men's hearts when they saw the star and realized Jesus was nearby. He is for us, too. Jesus is here with the joy we desire. Not happiness that's fleeting, but joy that underlies all circumstances. Even when everything seems difficult, frustrating, or hopeless Jesus' joy is like a buoy that helps me through the tough times. I think of it as heavenly delight that fills my soul.
I pray this Christmas you’ll seek hope in Jesus and discover
His spark of amazing joy.
Saturday, November 19, 2022
Grateful
1 John 4:9-10
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only
Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not
that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning
sacrifice for our sins.
I thank God for the gift of His Son.
When I volunteered in Sara’s first grade class, she had the
children write three things they were thankful for. In this process, they
learned to write words and understand how to form sentences. At the same time,
they thought about what they appreciated. Many of the children wrote family and
pets. I had to chuckle when a couple of kids added Taco Bell to their list. One
little guy even said he was grateful for George Washington. Through their sincerity,
they expressed what they appreciated most.
If I were asked to write three things I’m thankful for, I’d
certainly say family and my dog, but I’m not sure Taco Bell would make my list.
I do appreciate George Washington and the early settlers of our country and the
sacrifices they made for our freedom, but I have another sacrifice I appreciate
more.
I am so thankful for Jesus. You see Jesus’ sacrifice of His
life on the cross and His incredible resurrection give me hope, because when I
leave this world I’ll have a home in heaven. His sacrifice also gives me
freedom. Freedom from Satan and his cronies, freedom to worship and live my
life in peace. Jesus’ sacrifice gives me joy and a peace that passes
understanding. God fills my heart with love I can pour over my family, friends,
and neighbors.
In this season of thanksgiving, I am beyond grateful for
Jesus.
What are you thankful for?
Saturday, September 17, 2022
Life is Not a Checklist
1 Thessalonians 1:3
We remember before our God and Father your work produced by
faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by
hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
I like lists and calendars. Something about the orderly way they help me organize my life gives me satisfaction. I use a program called Scrivener that helps me organize my writing, and I create Excel sheets to help me keep track of editing. Notebooks with check-off lists and the calendar on my phone help me show up where I’m supposed to. Without my notes, there's a great chance I'd forget something important.
As much as I like lists and organization, I can't
live my life by checking off boxes. Organization works wonders for a project,
like writing a book, but not so much for life. Living life is more about
prompts, nudges, crossroads, inspiration, and endurance. Life in Christ includes
hope, conviction, the nudges from the Holy Spirit, opportunities to serve, and
unexpected joy. If I only stick to my to do lists, I’ll miss out on the
blessings.
How about a list infused with hope and joy!
- If you're a parent, take time to play with your kids. If your children are teens or adults, hang out with them. Enjoy making memories.
- If you're married, date your spouse and be attentive.
- If you're single enjoy the adventure God's given you.
- If you work outside the home, stop and ask your co-worker how their day is going.
- Take the walk, pet the dog, smell the flowers, smile at the folks God puts in your path.
- Sing out loud in church or in the car and worship freely.
My point--God has plans for me. If my head is focused on a check list all the time, I'm going to miss out. Instead I want to live like the Thessalonians who were faithful, and prompted by love and inspired by hope.
Be flexible when it comes to living a life mapped out by God. He has unexpected surprises, if we pay attention.
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Sorrows to Dancing
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Saturday, June 25, 2022
Fruit not Fruits
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such
things there is no law.
The fruit of the Spirit isn’t fruits.
By the time you read this, I will have talked to a group of
moms and daughters at Woodland Lakes Christian Camp. A while back, Amy, the
director of Mother/Daughter camp asked me if I would put together a devotion to
share about the fruit of the Spirit.
As I’ve searched for the words and examples to share, I remembered
my realization that the “fruit” is not “fruits.” As a child I thought the word
was plural, like there were nine different fruits standing on their own. As an
adult, I realized I was wrong.
Now I see the fruit of the Spirit like an apple. When I
purchase an apple at the grocery store or orchard, I have one whole piece of
fruit in my hand. I bring it home and cut it into pieces. Is the apple multiple
fruits now? No it’s still one apple, just with several slices.
The fruit of the Spirit is like the apple, one fruit with
many pieces. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control are all part of the same fruit. As a follower of
Jesus, I need to nurture all aspects of the fruit of the Spirit. If I seek
peace and joy, without kindness, my fruit spoils. If I try to be good and
faithful, but lose my self-control, my fruit rots. God has given his children
this amazing gift through the Holy Spirit, and I long to embrace all the fruit
and make them a constant in my life.
God calls His children to live with all nine segments of
fruit. He knows the world needs all of these and as Christians we are the ones
to inject love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control into all aspects of our lives.
Take the challenge to actively live by the fruit of the
Spirit and share God’s gift with the world.
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Because God Is
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Called Into Light
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of
him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
When I was a child, I was afraid of the dark.
My neighbors,
cousins, and I played outside and caught fireflies. We played hide and seek
while the adults chatted in their lawn chairs, and the light shined from the
porch. I felt safe as long as a glow shined over the yard, and the sound of
grown-up voices echoed through the air.
When the
cousins, aunts, uncles, and neighbors left for home, the dark overwhelmed me.
The porch light clicked off, and I made a bee line for the house. Even as a
young adult, I didn't like being outside by myself in the dark cover of night.
As I've
grown older, I've learned to appreciate the light of night, the stars overhead,
and the moon, for those lights shine through the darkness.
As a
believer and follower of Jesus, I'm called to God's light. He doesn't want me
to be afraid of the dark or stay in the shadows. The King of Kings has called
me to step out of the gloom and doom of the world and step into the beautiful,
wonderful light of grace. God calls his children his special possession, a
people he encourages, and loves. He guards our hearts and radiates His light as
a guide away from the dark corners of the world.
My family
experienced a great amount of loss the first three months of the year. Times
were dark and sad. We clung to each other and to God, and His light and love have
carried us through. Some days will still be rough, but peace comes from knowing
the One who created the sun and moon and calls us to His light.
Seek God's
light as He calls your name.