May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
In this world of constant attention grabbing and alarm
creating social media and news, I am thankful for the solid consistency of books.
When I write books, the words go through a process. The
stories are not just thrown together and posted without forethought. Instead,
they are vetted by me, my critique partner, my beta reader, and finally my
editor.
I thank God for books, especially the book He inspired most.
I find myself excited to read the stories in the Bible. David’s Psalms inspire
me and give me hope and confidence in God. Luke’s accounts in the book of Acts
teach me perseverance and inspiration. The gospels teach the truth of Jesus.
God created words for us to communicate truth, to tell
stories, and to learn and share.
Do you have a favorite book? A favorite book of the Bible?
Matthew 9:10-13 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and
sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw
this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors
and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need
a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy,
not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Jesus loves people. It doesn't matter who they were,
where they came from, or their occupation. He took the time to sit down with
the folks he met, get to know them and share with them His Story. Yes, he
talked to them about salvation because he loved them. Back in his day, tax
collectors were often cheaters who stole money for themselves from the
collected taxes. They were pretty much low-lifes in the eyes of the community.
And you can bet the religious leaders of the day didn't bother to even say
hello. Yet Jesus sat down at the table with Matthew.
Tax collectors weren't the only ones Jesus
befriended. His disciples were a bunch of regular guys who were sometimes a bit
clueless and smelled like fish. But he loved them and taught them about the new
kingdom, his kingdom, and his sacrifice. Then there were the women. Mary
Magdalene had been filled with demons. Jesus cast them out of her, and she
followed him. He loved children and protected them. He loved older people, sick
people, and sinners. Jesus wasn't a push-over. He was a caretaker, one who
wanted the best for everyone he met. And that best is salvation. So you might
be surprised who the Lord hung out with. It wasn't the kings or queens, rabbis
or teachers. Oh, he spoke with them, too. But he spent his precious time on
earth with regular people. Like you and me. And he still wants to, through us.
He invited regular old Joes and Janes to take up the
cross and follow him. He included the lame, the lepers, and the dying into his
fold. He healed and loved. Knowing how Jesus cared for people, how can I do any
less? It's hard for me because I'm not exactly a people person, yet God puts
folks in my path and says love them. With his help, I do.
How about you? Who has Jesus called you to love? Who
has he asked you to share his story with?
Several years ago, a few days after Christmas, I dropped my
youngest off to spend a few hours with her aunt, uncle, and cousins. While I
waited for her, I visited a coffee shop with my laptop in hand. I’d been
fiddling with writing a novel, and on that day I took the plunge and decided to
take the possibility of publishing a novel seriously. Before I settled in to
write, I spied an after-Christmas sale. The larger mouse you see in the picture
caught my eye. I’m not terribly fond of real mice, but the stuffed variety is rather
cute.
When I picked the little guy up, I read his tag and found he
was called Writer Mouse. Of course I bought him. He’s reminded me to keep writing, ever since. I call
him Nutmeg. Some might say I’m silly, but after spending years as a children’s
librarian, I developed a good imagination. Plus, I like stuffed animals. (The
bear was a gift from friends who encouraged me to write and the little mouse is
from Greenville, SC.)
I’m hoping Nutmeg inspires me to write many more stories.
How about you? Do you have a favorite stuffed animal? Or something or someone who reminds you to keep writing?
Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.
“Sometimes life just calls for an umbrella.”-Unknown
January rain poured outside and annihilated the snow from
last weekend. For a few days, the ground was covered with beauty and calm, then
the rains came and mud stirred. I’m not a fan of mud with a dog to walk, but we
manage, as long as she doesn’t lie down and roll.
I’m not troubled by the dark days of winter, but I know many
people struggle with the dreariness. We all need sun to balance the rain.
Dreary days may not come from the weather conditions, but
from illness, too much debt, missing someone, making mistakes, sinning against
God, or any other difficulty. It’s easy to curl into the sorrow and sadness of
hopelessness—but
with God—hope
is as sure as the sun rising.
I’m thankful God holds the umbrella for me. He stops the
rain from drowning me and shines His light on my situation. When I was
diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I knew I’d live the rest of my life in pain. At
times, the pain gets me down. I hurt physically and mentally, but spiritually,
I hold on to the hope of brighter days. Thankfully, my husband and family
understand. With my hope in God and my support system, the struggle lessens,
and I can store the umbrella in a basket.
Hosea reminds me that no matter my situation, God comes to
me like he did the Israelites. They struggled for years, but God hung with
them, reminding them to turn away from their sin and sorrow and follow Him.
Let God pour over you or let Him hold the umbrella against
the rains. Whatever you do, seek Him.
Everything looks magical when it snows.-Lorelai Gilmore
I've met Will Hillenbrand at several book festivals and rode on the same plane with him to a library conference, years ago. On the plane, as I witnessed him sketching illustrations, I realized how privileged I was to experience one of the great talents in the field of children's books creating his art.
One of my favorite Hillenbrand books is Snowman's Story. There are no words, but the illustrations depict a beautiful tale. As you share this book with your children, let them tell you the story of this delightful snowman and the rabbit family.
“The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Music is a piece of art that goes in the ears, straight to
the heart. – The Minds Journal
Music played, in the home I grew up in, most of the time. My
mom listened to what is now classic country, Elvis, and gospel along with music
from the forties. I heard rock and roll and fifties classics on my siblings
record players. Of course, I had my own stack of pop—John Denver, James Taylor,
Carole King, and Carley Simon. My forty-fives (remember those?) lived in a
black and white checked case. I’m not sure what happened to them, but I remember
sitting on the floor and sorting them into favorites, which changed every week.
I can’t forget the cassette player and recording songs from the radio. We seventies
teens had our own way of making a playlist.
I mostly listen to contemporary Christian music now and
enjoy the occasional foray back to the seventies. But the best music in my life
doesn’t come from a radio, or Amazon music. I love to hear my children and
grandchildren sing, and I adore the worship service at church when we all raise
our voices together to praise God, as we sing to Him in one voice.
When I read Zephania 3:17, I paused and considered the last
part. God will rejoice over me in singing. What? I thought singing came from
believers to God. What a joy to know God sings over us. As I consider what that
means, my heart rejoices. When I walk outside and hear the wind, the birds, the
rustle of the trees I’m reminded God sings over me—because He loves me. He cares
about my comings and goings. He delights in me as I delight in Him.
When you feel down, stop and listen to God sing over you. He’s
there.
I picked Faithful Friends: Favorite Stories of People in
the Bible because of the delightful handmade dolls used in the illustrations.
Marcy & Michael Kelleher created this beautiful book that tells the stories
of forty-two heroes and heroines of the Bible. Each person has a page written
by Michael with Bible references and an illustration created from fiber arts by
Marcy. This would be a wonderful read for children ages eight through twelve. I
enjoyed each well-told story.
I also chose God I Feel Scared by Michelle Nietert,
LPC-S and Tama Fortner, and illustrated by Nomar Perez. This is part of the Bringing
Big Emotions to a Bigger God series. I love how the authors explain fear
and what it is to be scared. It’s the perfect book to share with little ones to
help them understand their fears. The authors share practical advice on the
things the child can do in way children can understand. There’s also a Dear
Parent page at the end that shares calm-down skills. The colorful illustrations
will delight young readers. This is a great book to have in your personal
library to share with your children.
I received free copies with no expectations. Opinions are my own.
Acts 4:32-35 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed
that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they
had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at
work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from
time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money
from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was
distributed to anyone who had need.
“A snowflake is one of God’s most fragile of creation,
but look what they can do when they stick together.” -Unknown
I had the privilege of attending the OMEA Middle School band
concert. Our grandson, Zeke, was selected to play his baritone with students
from all over the tri-state. His band director, Mr. Glader, has done a great
job encouraging his students to learn their instruments and try out for this
wonderful experience. The students had two days to learn four to five songs and
then perform them for an audience.
They met at a local school and worked, for the first time,
to bring harmony from what could have been chaos. On Sunday afternoon, I sat
with my daughter and several hundred other folks and listened to the seventh
graders perform and then the eighth. The music brought joy to my heart as the
kids hit all the right notes.
I love the verse in Acts 4 that says, “All the believers
were one in heart and mind.” He’s talking about the church, the group of people
who love and follow Jesus. Yes, as an individual, I can serve and love Jesus
and tell others about him, but as a group of people with the same beliefs and
goals, we can encourage one another and stand together.
Like those students who came together and didn’t know each
other, but had the same goal, we can work in harmony and share God’s love and
His message of grace.
Seek folks who love Jesus and lift up one another.
For Christmas, my daughter, Maggie, gifted me with books.
Not just any books—picture books. I love picture books. You not only get the
story in words, but in illustrations.
I had added four of the books to my Amazon list, so she knew
I wanted them. Kevin Henkes and his wife Laura Dronzek created four beautiful books
about the four seasons. As a seasonal person, I appreciate the gorgeous
paintings and the melodic words. Henkes is in my top five author/illustrators.
He often illustrates his own books, like Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. I
have to say, his wife’s art fills me with joy. You’ll have to check out, Winter
is Here, When Spring Comes, Summer Song, and In the Middle of Fall.
Maggie surprised me with Just Because by Matthew McConaughey.
I had no idea he’d written a picture book. Humorous and thought-provoking, he
talks about having two feelings at the same time and how life is full of
possibilities. There is a video of Matthew and Jimmy Falon reading the book. It’s
great!
Whatever you read, choose something you enjoy. Even an adult
can have fun reading a picture book, and even better, read to a child.
Psalm 40:10a He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (NIV)
“Sometimes we have to let go of what we think we know and
trust God.”-David Rimarski
Every year, I look forward to January, and if I’m being
honest, I hope for snow. I love the quiet of the winter months and the
peacefulness of snow. I view this time as a period to reset, get back on track,
and rest.
Although I don’t do resolutions, I like to pen a few goals
for the year. Some are things I need to complete, such as the next novel in my
series, while others are items I hope to accomplish. It’s not a long list, but
it’s a jumping off point for the year. The one thing I’ve learned through the
years is to consult God and trust Him to guide me through the year.
I’ve read several blogs that offer advice to Christian
authors and the number one call to action is always—pray. Isn’t prayer the perfect
first step in everything?
No matter what I have in mind as a goal, if I haven’t prayed
over it and offered it to God, I will fall on my face and fail. Seriously, in
my sixty plus years of life, I can attest to this. Sure, I might squeak by, but
I’m missing the amazing blessings and lessons from God.
I bought a journal this year that has Be Still & Know
embossed on the cover. I like this reminder of the providence of God and His
love for me. As our student minister spoke Sunday, I have to let go of what I
think I know and trust God with everything.
He has a plan and purpose for each of us. Pray over your desires
and goals and allow yourself to be blessed with His guidance. Be still and
know.
I’m a reader. In 2023, I read so many books it’s hard to
pick favorites, but I’m going to try.
The number one story that I enjoyed the most is a children’s
literature book called Odder by Katherine Applegate. The story focuses on the
life of Odder the otter and the path he takes. “Inspired by the true story
of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with
surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines
bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming
animals.”
I found the story delightful and inspiring. To read my
review, go to: Odder
The adult fiction I enjoyed are part of a series and inspired
by the beloved classic,Little Women, a childhood favorite of mine. The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series by Heidi Chiavaroli focuses on a different family member in each book. They
are light romance and quite enjoyable. "Contemporary Romance with a Little Women twist."
I look forward to reading a lot of books in 2024. I started
my first one, Hidden Names by Bettie Boswell. I’ll let you know more
about that later.
What was your favorite book in 2023? Do you have a reading goal for 2024?
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I can’t help but turn to one of my favorite verses as I
consider the new year.
Christmas didn’t turn out as I had hoped this year. Illness
caused a shift in plans. Yet, we still spent time with family, as we could, and
worshipped the Savior we celebrate.
I was reminded one more time, that I’m not in control. I can
plan and prepare, but life sometimes takes all the lists and calendars and throws
them into a blender. I don’t recognize what pours out, but I understand
regardless plans work out and timing isn’t mine.
One thing I want to take from the Christmas shift is to always consider God in my plans. He knows what’s best for me and my
family. You see even though I didn’t get to have things my way, I was still
blessed beyond what I deserve.
As I move toward the shiny new year of 2024, I cling to Romans
15:13. I trust in God for the hope, joy, and peace He promises. I believe in
Jesus, who loves me and saved me, and I cling to the Holy Spirit and His power.
I pray as you look to the new year, you’ll seek Jesus and
the hope we have in him.
What it’s about: As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on
Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and
her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in
the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid
preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war,
and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North
America's borderlands.
As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships
appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming
invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from
their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin.
Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the
pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must
work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the
present and forge an enduring future.
My Thoughts:
This story revealed an event in history I knew nothing about. Frantz, with her
attention to historical detail wove a fascinating story from the devastation of
the Acadian people even as she offered a thread of hope. I love the main
character, Sylvie. She’s a talented seamstress thrown into a terrible
situation, yet she holds on to her faith and the strength she learned from her
parents. William Blackburn is a mystery who unfolds on the pages. And Sylvie’s
brother, Bleu, is a fascinating character. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful
story. Frantz is a gifted writer and I plan to read more of her books. I
received this book for free with no expectations. My opinions are my own.
Luke 2:4-7 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to
Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of
David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married
to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time
came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.
She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no
guest room available for them.
God had a plan for a song and His Son.
O Holy Night, one of the most popular and often sung
songs at Christmas, was originally written by a French village merchant, Placide
Cappeau, who was also a poet and an atheist with the music written by, Adolphe
Adams, a Jewish man. Two unlikely people to pen a beautiful hymn about the birth
of Jesus. The local priest wanted a new song for the Christmas season, and he had
asked the local poet to write one. Eventually, the song was rejected by the
church in France, due to its origins.
God wasn’t finished with O Holy Night. Abolitionist John
Sullivan Dwight recognized the truth of the lyrics and brought the song to America, where people embraced the
beautiful message.
When God has a plan, no one can stop Him. The most wonderful
and amazing plan involved the humans He created. Even though Adam and Eve failed
in the Garden of Eden, God had a plan to return people to Him. He offered His
own son to the world, as a baby, who would grow to be a man, who would offer
his life as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
Christmas is the celebration of the Holy Night Mary
delivered Jesus into our broken world. Amid the stockings and the tree, the
gifts, the food, and the tinsel, stop and think about the true reason for
celebration, the freedom Jesus offers and the love and grace God gives.
Merriest Christmas to you all!
Josh Groban sings my favorite rendition of O Holy Night. I
hope you enjoy it.
"The Christmas Tree is the tale of a little girl named Anna, who is orphaned and sent to live in a convent. The lonely girl befriends, as only a child can, a tiny fir tree. Anna and Tree, as she calls him, grow up together, unlocking the secrets of friendship and sharing the wonders of nature. It is this same profound appreciation and love of nature that the grown-up Anna, now Sister Anthony, passes on to her students.
When Tree is threatened by a winter storm, Sister Anthony, by now an old woman, decides to give up her dearest friend, allowing him to become the most enjoyed and famous tree of all: the tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City.
A perennial holiday favorite, The Christmas Tree is about learning to love and, ultimately, being able to share that love with others."
Luke 2:10-14 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that
will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a
Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This
will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in
a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with
the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor
rests.”
You gotta love Linus!
I don’t think I’ve missed watching A Charlie Brown Christmas
since the show debuted in 1965. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate Linus
and his blanket. If you watch closely, when he recites the story of Jesus’
birth, he drops his security blanket. He knows his true security has come as a
babe in the manger. Yes, the characters are cartoons, but the story is real. Charlie
Brown represents all of us who are searching for the truth, and Linus presents
it to him in the most beautiful way.
As Linus tells, the angels addressed the shepherds with good
news of great joy. Years ago, a hymn called Hark How All the Welkin Rings by
Charles Wesley evolved over time into Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Welkin means
heavens or skies. He shared the beautiful idea of the angels, who rejoiced.
Wesley’s hymn changed, but the story of Jesus’ birth remains the same. The angel
approached shepherds, a lowly lot by society’s standards, and shared the good
news of Jesus. That act shows me Jesus came for every one of us so we can have
a relationship with His Father, God.
A few years ago, I realized I’d clung to this hymn because
Linus and all his pals sang it at the end of A Charlie Brown Christmas. It has
stayed at the top of my favorites list for years.
As you contemplate Christmas and the love of Jesus, I hope
you sing with joy.
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on
his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Peace on earth, good will to men.
On Christmas Day 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow heard the
bells tolling in Cambridge and penned the poem, I Heard the Bells on Christmas
Day, later set to music by the English organist John Baptiste Calkin in 1872.
Longfellow had lost his wife to a fire and was left with six
children. His heart ached when his oldest son returned from the Civil War with
a gun shot wound. In his sorrow he sought to find hope.
I can’t imagine what life was like during the Civil War for
America, any more than I can fathom the countries who are war torn now. Longfellow’s
heart must have hurt. By 1863, He’d lost two wives, the second leaving him six
children. His son returned home wounded and nearly paralyzed. At that point he
struggled to write his poems, he was the most famous US poet at the time.
When he heard the bells ring out, he grasped on to the hope
they offered him. Hope for better and brighter days.
Christmas is a time of joy, but it can also be a time of
sorrow for many. Jesus wants us to know he came to bring peace to the hearts of
all. Isaiah proclaims Him as the Prince of Peace, the One who can take a broken
heart and restore it to fullness.
I love these glorious lines from the song:
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”
No matter the circumstances surrounding the holidays or any
days, God is not dead and He’s not asleep. Instead, He holds me in sorrow and
in joy. He loves me and wraps me in comfort and peace.
As you celebrate the birth of Jesus, embrace Him as the
Prince of Peace.
Casting Crowns sings a beautiful version of I Heard the
Bells.
