A Sign of the Times by James R. Coggins

Posted on July 27, 2022 by jrcoggins

A few days ago, I went to the store to buy some envelopes. Nothing special. Just four and an eighth-inch by nine and a quarter-inch, white envelopes. The kind we used to use to send bill payments and official and semi-official letters and documents. And junk mail we wanted to look like official and semi-official letters and documents. Not the smaller envelopes we used to use to send letters to friends.

Actually, I went to three stores. The first two didn’t have any envelopes. Just an empty shelf where the envelopes should have been. There was a sign indicating the price of envelopes. But no envelopes. Another Covid-related supply chain issue? Or perhaps another casualty of the worldwide scarcity of computer chips.

The third store I went to had envelopes, so I picked up a box and headed to the check-out.

The envelopes, including tax, came to $2.55. I don’t use cash much anymore, and the result is that I rarely receive coins in change. A few days earlier, I had needed some and didn’t have any, so I though this would be a good opportunity to obtain some coins. I gave the check-out attendant a five-dollar bill.

I never suspected that my desire for change could create a problem for someone else.

As part of the grade one math curriculum at a Christian elementary school, my grandson is learning how to make change. But the check-out attendant was not in grade one. She was apparently a recent high school graduate. She was not used to customers giving her cash either. She also apparently relied on the cash register to do the calculations. The cash register told her that I was due $2.45 in change. But not exactly how to do that.

She stood staring at the cash drawer for a few seconds.

After a while, she decided it was best to start with the two dollars. She reached into the twoonie bin. (The twoonie is the Canadian two-dollar coin.) Because I needed two dollars, she pulled out two coins.

Now for the forty-five cents. She took out a quarter. Twenty-five cents. Then she took out a nickel. Thirty cents. Then she took out a dime. Forty cents. Then another nickel. Forty-five cents. Then she took out another coin. She stared at the coins in her hand for a moment, made a decision, and put the last coin back into the drawer.

Then she handed me my receipt and the change. $4.45. I smiled, thanked her, handed back one of the twoonies, and left.

Is it just me, or is the world not operating as smoothly as it once did?      

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He Knows My Name!

Posted on July 26, 2022 by Author Mary Alford

There’s a Christian song entitled He Knows My Name. It was written by Tommy Walker and the lyrics of this song are so powerful.

I have a Maker

He formed my heart

Before even time began

My life was in His hands

He knows my name

He knows my every thought

He sees each tear that falls

And hears me when I call

Have you ever thought about that?

The same God who created everything knows you personally. In fact, before you were born, He formed you. Whether you’re a Christian now or not, doesn’t matter, because He knows you.

That’s an amazing thing to consider.

Psalm 139: 13 says,

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

He knows our thoughts and He loves us anyway.

Psalm 139: 1-6 says,

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

The same God who created the stars, the sun, and the moon, numbered each hair on your head. He created us in His image He wants to have a relationship with us.

The bible not only tells us that He knows us, but God has plans for each of us.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

What an amazing God we have, and He loves us so much. So, the next time you are feeling down on yourself, remember, He knows your name!

All the best…

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net

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Sleuthfest by Tara Randel

Posted on July 25, 2022 by tararandel

At the beginning of July, a writer friend and I went to Sleuthfest, an annual conference put on by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. After the past few years of Zoom meetings, it was so nice to be with people who were excited to be together and also passionate about writing.

Writing is mostly a solitary job. So many hours spent at the computer feels productive, but there are times when you need to be with other writers. There is an energy that come from attending conferences. We are with our people, folks who understand living in your head and the great stories that come from an active imagination.  Talking about the craft is always a joy and since this was the first conference since shut-downs and being cautious, the writers present were ready to have a good time.

I’ve always attended conferences that focus on romance, so this was quite a change. Instead of workshops featuring romantic tension and the conflict that comes with it, I sat in workshops about cold cases, crime scene investigations and how to write action scenes.  It was like stepping into a new world, informative and lots of fun.

The guest speakers were very generous and there were lots of laughs and inspiration. I came away refreshed and eager to get back to my keyboard. Story ideas pop into my head when I’m with other creative people and I can’t wait to get home and read over my notes. Some ideas are gold, others…well, some have to go back to the drawing board.

I even came home with some reading to do.

I hope you are having a wonderful summer and you’ve been able to escape somewhere special for a few days. In my next post, I’ll tell you about the side trip my friend and I made after the mystery conference, so stay tuned.

Also, this time of year is made for beach-read summer days, so if you have a good book, spend a few hours away from the daily grind and get lost in a good story. I plan to do just that.

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next Harlequin Heartwarming romance, HIS SMALL TOWN DREAM, available AUGUST 2022. For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter

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Listening to the Lord by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on July 21, 2022 by Bridget

Years ago when I was driving home from work, I was on the interstate (highway, expressway, freeway, or whatever you call it in your neck of the woods!). There was a box truck near me that I had a bad feeling about. It seemed to be top heavy because it was skinny and short length wise. Yet it was also tall in height. For some reason I felt the need to get away from it, so I passed it. Not long after, we were coming up on an exit that was backed up. Vehicles that were attempting to get off were stopped on the highway. So we all had to hit our brakes. I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw the box truck swerve to the right and then topple over on its side. I knew then that the Lord had given me that gut feeling about that truck.

As Christians we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, and He helps us to discern things that we might not normally discern on our own.

Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you…. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:16-17, 26 NIV)

We can actively listen to the Lord and seek His wisdom in our lives. When we are facing a decision or difficulty, He is there. We can pray and obtain wisdom about the situation. But there are also times when He will nudge us without our asking, such as with the box truck. It’s important to keep our spiritual ears open to the Lord’s promptings. The world around us is very noisy and we might miss something the Lord wanted to tell us because of the distractions we face.

Just as we can tune a radio into a certain channel, we can also tune our hearts to hear from the Lord. It begins by having a relationship with Him. Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Picturing Jesus as our Good Shepherd will remind us of how our Lord lovingly guides us, step by step.

Sometimes we might think that God doesn’t speak to us. We might believe that He speaks to some, but we are not part of that special group. But I assure, if you are His child, He will speak to you. We just have to learn to listen to His voice. Perhaps you could start with a small decision. Ask God which path to take. Picture both options in your mind. Do you feel a pull towards one option over the other? He will give you a sense of peace when He guides you in a certain direction.

One thing to keep in mind is that the way He wants you to go might not always make sense. But He knows best. He can see the big picture, and we can only see a small portion. Let me give you an example. Last year I had two different friends who worked at two different companies trying to get me to apply for positions at their organizations. In both cases, I would have been able to work from home. I prayed about these opportunities, but I just didn’t feel right about them. I told my friends that it wasn’t a good time, and maybe down the road I would be able to pursue it. On the outside, it might have seemed bazar. Why wouldn’t I want the opportunity to work from home? One friend even felt I might potentially get a pay raise. Fast forward about six months. The company I am with had a change of policy and I am now allowed to work from home. I was able to stay with the company that I have been with for years, I didn’t lose my benefits, and I also have the advantage that my friends’ organizations offered. Looking back I knew the Lord had helped to me hold off from jumping too quickly.

I fear at times we might jump too quickly when an opportunity seems too good to pass up. But God can see it all and He truly knows what will be best. And I also fear that sometimes God might try to speak to us, but we don’t hear Him because we are too busy or distracted. But we can pray and ask God to open our spiritual ears to His voice. When we are intentional about seeking the Lord and listening to Him, we will be amazed at how much He shows up in our lives.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” – Jeremiah 33:3

Thank you for reading!

Image by Nathan Dunlao on unsplash.com

© 2022 Bridget A. Thomas

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Gomer Girl by Julie Arduini

Posted on July 20, 2022 by juliearduini

One of my favorite things to do is teach Bible studies. I’ve done so online, and currently I’m teaching a class for women at church. Throughout 2022 my teaching partner has been sharing through Heroes of the Old Testament. It’s a study that takes a snippet of a previously released Bible study and makes it one of the heroes of the Old Testament.

She asked if I would take the segment on Hosea, and I jumped at the opportunity. The actual study was written by Jennifer Rothschild, but I have combined her study with a deep dive of my own. I’ve come up for air with Biblical treasure.

And a lot of conviction.

When I started, I was certain that the readers were Hosea, the obedient faithful, and Gomer had to be the people we have been praying for who don’t respond or return to their ways time and time again. What a shocker to learn that God used Hosea to not only convict Israel for their wicked ways—-but it is also a message for us.

Me. You. Readers.

Jennifer Rothschild even repeatedly in the book refers to the readers as “Gomer Girl.” Let that sink in.

Gomer, who grew up with a father whose name meant raisin cakes, an aphrodisiac. From my studying, her dad was the guy hitting on every lady at the bar kind of guy. And what her dad started, Gomer took and ran that theme to the fullest.

There is debate on whether she was a prostitute or “just” an adulteress. The point is, she was broken, and sullying herself all over town.

That’s the visual God has in Hosea for Israel and us. We have wandered from our first love. We have strayed. And that visual is raw and graphic. But we’d be fools to ignore it.

—Julie Arduini

Hosea points out that Israel has been freed from captivity, lavished with provision by God, only to take all the blessings and give them to Baal. Are we that far off? Do we receive a blessing and forget to thank God? Do we turn and run to other idols that could include work, toxic relationships, social media, sports, TV, family, and yes, even ministry?

Hosea even goes to the house where he knows Gomer is cheating, and brings them food and money. I’m sure that wasn’t a fast obedience, but he was obedient. Can you imagine? Visiting the one who is sleeping with your spouse and providing for them, even when you know as soon as you leave they will make fun of you AND return to their activities?

But that’s what God does.

He sets us free. We wander. We sin. He provides. He gives grace. He forgives. And the cycle repeats. Look at Israel. How many times did they beg for His help and He gave it, only for them to forget

What I love about my Christian journey and the Bible is that there is always an exchange. Sinner to saved. Shame to grace. Dark to light. Bondage to freedom. Hosea, as tough as it is to read, offers restoration. How this Gomer girl clings to that!

I first asked Christ into my life when I was 22. I am 52. I remember that first Christmas. Everything was alive and a marvel. His word came alive for me as I sang O Holy Night. Tears moistened my cheeks. There was a lump in my throat. Now? I confess my mind wanders. Did I remember this food. Is that present wrapped under the tree?

I’m a Gomer girl, one who has strayed and forgotten her first love.

I’m also a Gomer girl who can receive God’s restoration.

And so can you.

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One Father by James R. Coggins

Posted on July 19, 2022 by jrcoggins

In Mark 3:20-35, when Jesus’ “mother and brothers” came to see Him, Jesus apparently refused to see them. In speaking to the crowd in Mark 3:34, Jesus said that His mother and brothers are those who do God’s will. In Mark 3:35, Jesus also mentioned “sisters.”

Jesus did not use words carelessly. It is interesting that Jesus mentioned mothers, sisters, and brothers but not fathers. One supposes that this may have been because Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, had apparently already died and was no longer around. But sisters were not there either, and yet Jesus mentioned them.

Jesus did not mention fathers because fathers have authority. By grace, we may be Jesus’ brothers and sisters, but we cannot be His father. He has authority over us. We do not have authority over Him. Jesus said, “Do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.” (Matthew 23:9)

Jesus seems to have used Capernaum on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee as His home base (Mark 1:21; 2:1). Interestingly, that is where Peter and Andrew lived (Mark 1:29-30). Jesus had just called the fisherman James and John and Peter and Andrew to follow Him, so they may all have been from the same town. John 1:44 suggests that Philip was from Bethsaida, the same town that Peter and Andrew were from. Bethsaida (which means “house of fishing”) was a few miles farther east along the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is possible that Peter and Andrew grew up in Bethsaida and then moved to the larger city of Capernaum (or, less likely, vice versa).  

Of the women who followed Jesus, Mark 15:40 and 16:1 name two Marys and Salome. Matthew 27:56 names two Marys and “the mother of Zebedee’s sons.” John 19:25 names two Marys, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His mother’s sister. If we assume that Salome is the mother of Zebedee’s sons and also Jesus’ mother’s sister, that could make James and John first cousins of Jesus. It might explain why they were so ready to follow Him and why they thought they were entitled to sit at His right and left hands (be second and third in power in Jesus’ Kingdom, Mark 10:35-45). This might explain why Jesus settled in Capernaum, the home of His cousins. This is not impossible. After all, John the Baptist was also a relative. But there were many women who followed Jesus, and the identification mentioned above is not certain.

The bottom line is that bloodlines do not bring anyone into God’s Kingdom, but they do not keep anyone out either.

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Who Do I Work For? by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on July 18, 2022 by Nancy J. Farrier
Photo by Xan Griffin on Unsplash

Last week a sweet friend asked me to do a favor for her. Her husband died of cancer and she asked me to play the piano and lead the singing for the hymn during his funeral service. I didn’t hesitate to agree, but after agreeing doubts crept in.

Although I play on the worship team, that’s much different than being the sole person on the stage. When I’m by myself, my hands shake and I lose focus. My voice hasn’t been very reliable lately, and it’s been a while since I’ve led any worship. 

I thought about asking someone to play and sing with me, but I wanted to honor my friend’s wishes. On this most difficult of days, I wanted her to be comforted by the song as she’d requested it done.

As I practiced, I prayed but my voice didn’t always cooperate. By the day of the service, I was more than a little nervous. I asked people to pray for me. When we did the sound check, my voice forgot to show up and quavered pitifully. Of course, that didn’t help the nerves at all. 

I went to the back of the room by the sound booth, and prayed. Prayed hard. I wanted to glorify God. This wasn’t about me, or even about my friend, but about lifting up God for people to see.

“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV)

A few weeks ago, when I read this verse, I remember thinking it applied to my writing and to many areas. But while I waited for that service to start, I realized committing my work of leading this song to the Lord applied right now, as it did in every area of my life. 

And it applies to all of us every day.

Everything we do must be committed to God. We shouldn’t be doing a task for our glory or even just for our pleasure. Whatever we do should be for the glory of God.

That is sometimes a hard concept. We tend to say, “But, what about me?” However, I’ve found that when I do even the smallest things for God, I derive great pleasure from that act. Much greater satisfaction than if I did it for myself alone. 

Serving God every day in all we do is the best way to live. And He blesses us beyond measure when we put Him first.

When I walked up on the stage and prepared to play and sing that song, God stepped up in a big way. I remember playing the first chords and singing the first note, but don’t remember much more. My voice was there. My fingers played the notes. But it was God getting the glory and ministering to my friend and all the people. 

Each day we need to determine to commit our work to God, even if that work seems inconsequential or trivial—something we can handle. Let Him establish our thoughts and our works.

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)

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Who, What and How? by James R. Coggins

Posted on July 13, 2022 by jrcoggins

Who are Frank Epperson and Harry Burt, what did they each invent, and how did it have a direct impact on my life?

In 1905 in Oakland, California, an 11-year-old boy named Frank Epperson was on his front porch stirring a powdered drink. He was called away and left the drink outside. When he returned the next morning, he discovered the drink had frozen solid, with the stir stick still in it. He had inadvertently created a now well-known frozen treat. When Frank grew up, he made the treats for his children. He called them Epp-icicles or Epsicles, after his last name. However, his children preferred to call them after the name by which they knew their father, their “Pop.” In the 1920s, Frank quit his job and set up a company to manufacture and sell his frozen treats.

Around the same time, in Youngstown, Ohio, Harry Burt was trying to make ice cream treats. He discovered that if he dipped ice cream bars in chocolate, they would hold their shape better, they would melt more slowly, and they would be protected from contamination and be less likely to spoil. However, his children complained that they were very messy to eat. Since his background was in candy, Harry inserted a lollipop stick into the ice cream. He began selling his ice cream on a stick. He then invented the ice cream truck, the first food truck. Because people were cautious about eating food from a truck, he painted the trucks white and dressed the drivers in white uniforms. He said that eating these treats would put people in a “Good Humor.” He even painted that on the side of his trucks.

Harry Burt acquired a US patent for the design of his frozen treats. He would sue anyone who tried to copy the technology but then make a deal with them to become franchisees, continuing to make the treats but paying a royalty to him.

Frank Epperson also had a patent for his frozen treat technology, and the two companies sued each other in court. In order to avoid legal costs, Epperson’s partners made a deal with Burt to become Good Humor franchisees, pulling the company out from under Epperson. Epperson sold his patent and went on to invent other things. Eventually, Good Humor gained control of Popsicle.

In the summer of 1968, my sister Mary (in whose steps I often followed) went to work for a company called J.B. Jackson Ltd. In Simcoe, Ontario. The next summer, I joined her there. Under licence, J.B. Jackson manufactured Good Humor ice cream products and popsicles. We worked there for several summers, wearing white uniforms. The money we earned paid for a large part of our university education. Without that education, I would not have been able to do many of the things I have done or written many of the things I have written.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

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We’re All Just Walking Each Other Home

Posted on July 12, 2022 by Author Mary Alford

Home. The meaning of that word is different for everyone.

For some, home is a place where we feel the safest. Our little sanctuary in a world filled with uncertainty. To others, home is the place where we grew up. A place that no longer exists except in our hearts and in our memories.

But for Christians, home has an entirely different meaning. We are strangers here on planet earth and we struggle to fit in.  

In the old hymn, This World is Not My Home, the first verse says, This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through

My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;

The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,

And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

This world isn’t our home. Our true home that we long for is in Heaven.

Philippians 3:20-21 says, But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.     

As we walk each other through days that are becoming increasingly darker, we know one day we will be at home in Heaven with our father and those who have gone on before us.

What a homecoming our first day in Heaven will be.

Until then, Jesus called us to be His light to a world caught up in sin’s darkness. For it is His desire that none should perish but all to come to repentance.  

So, let’s keep working on reaching those who are lost. and rest in the Bible’s promises that one day God will wipe away every tear that we cry.

Revelation 21:4 says, And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

 All the best…

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net

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We Have a Choice by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on July 7, 2022 by Bridget

Not too long ago I was at the grocery store and I dealt with a cashier who wasn’t very friendly. While this was just one brief encounter, the situation left me feeling discouraged. Mainly because this is something we are seeing more and more of in our world. Overall, people are becoming more rude and less kind. This was heavy on my heart as I pushed my shopping cart out to my vehicle.

But along that path while I was in the parking lot, God put something on my heart. He helped me to see that no matter how other people act I can still act with kindness.

We have a choice. And ultimately we are only responsible for my own actions.

As Christians we are called to spread the love and light of Jesus to those around us. And one way we can do that is by being kind. Even when others are not kind to us. We have a choice. I admit it’s not always easy, but it is possible. Thankfully we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, and we can rely on the strength of the Lord to help us in difficult situations.

One of my favorite Bible verses that I remind myself of often is Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (NIV)

With the Lord’s help we can give a gentle answer, even when someone else gives us a harsh word. And perhaps when others see our actions, this will nudge their hearts to be kind as well.

However, I do want to mention one important thing to remember. Sometimes we are tempted to correct those around us, but we have to tread lightly in these situations. First we must remember that we are not perfect and likely have fallen short in this area too. So we are not in a place to judge those around us. Although I admit it can be so easy to do!

The Bible does tell us that as Christians, we should help restore our brothers and sisters in Christ who are living in sin. (See Galatians 6:1, 1 Timothy 5:20, and James 5:19-20.)

And we are called to encourage and edify others.

  • Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
  • Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – Ephesians 4:29 NIV

But we do have to be careful when it comes to correcting someone’s behavior. Not everyone will accept our guidance. Especially if it is not someone we know. There was one occasion when I was entering the grocery store and I saw a vehicle stop to speak to a lady walking on the sidewalk. I assume something went down earlier that I was not privy to, because the person in the vehicle told the other lady that she was rude…. And I will just say that you don’t want to know what the lady’s reply was.

I don’t know either of those people, and I don’t know if either would call themselves a Christian. But I can tell you that for those of us who are Christians – we have the Holy Spirit to help us in these sticky situations. If we seek His wisdom, He will tell us when we should speak up and what we should say.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5 NIV

Sadly in our society we will see a lot of cold-hearted attitudes. It can be all too easy to fall into the same behaviors, if we are not careful. But we don’t have to. Day by day, we can cling tightly to the Lord. When we abide in Jesus, the fruit of the Spirit will naturally flow in our lives.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. – John 15:4-5 NKJV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

Ultimately, something I am reminding of myself lately, especially as I encounter unkind people in this world, is that we have a choice on how we will act. Even when others are rude to us, we can choose to be kind. We can draw our strength from the Lord as we press forward, and allow the love of Jesus to shine through.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32 ESV

Thank you for reading!

Image by Adam Nemeroff on unsplash.com

© 2022 Bridget A. Thomas

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The Legacy We Leave by Julie Arduini

Posted on July 6, 2022 by juliearduini

How’s summer going for you so far? I released Anchored Hearts, our daughter graduated, my husband just returned from his annual family golf tournament, and this week we visited our son in his new apartment. In less than a month, he will be a married man. A fun but busy time for sure.

During our visit, I noticed he had a menu board where he wrote what each night’s dinner would be. I smiled, because for a month, he’s there basically making meals for himself. But, it’s tradition. At our house, we have a white board where we write out the meal each day, as well as our schedule.

Looking at that menu board made me think of my choices. Silly as a white board is, knowing he followed suit with a menu board showed me he was watching. Both kids were, and are.

Today I received a message from a family member who showed me a quilt my mom made. The member had a room decorated and wanted to show the quilt. It’s the showpiece of the room. Mom spent so much time on those quilts. Each one was unique and every aspect was thought of just for that person. My response was every time I’m in Wisconsin, our oldest daughter has her quilt from my mom on her couch.

My mom shared that as the youngest child by a decade and then some, she grew up basically an orphan. Her mom passed away when she was seven. She didn’t receive instructions or wisdom from adults when she married and had us. She raised us the best she could.

There is a lot I questioned or disagreed with in her parenting, but this I never doubted, her love for us.

Those quilts are tangible evidence of her love.

With everything going on around us, it’s very evident we aren’t promised tomorrow. We never know when our last breath would be. What I do know, is we leave it all behind. What will it be? Tradition and structure like the menu board? Love spoken through heirlooms like quilts?

How about eternal life?

My kids will certainly attest that I haven’t been a perfect parent. But when my husband asked how I was doing emotionally now that our son has moved, I said I know a lot of moms fall apart over it, but not me. I poured everything I had into him and his sister. Those kids know I don’t just believe in God, I believe God. They are literal miracles because I believed Jesus and that He heals. Our house knows prayer changes thing and worship is key. He’s ready to face the world.

When our daughter is faced with worldly choices, she stands firm and explains her answer. It’s always the same.

Jesus.

That’s the true legacy I want to leave. Not how much in an account or a beloved Christmas decoration passed down. Not even the quilts, and I love those. It’s making sure my kids know who Jesus is, and His Word. That He is the way, the truth, and life. That’s legacy.

—Julie Arduini

If you’d like to know more, reach out to any one of us here at Christians Read.

What legacy do you plan to leave?

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Jesus and His Family by James R. Coggins

Posted on July 5, 2022 by jrcoggins

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, His earthly family, His mother and brothers, did not accept Him as the Messiah. At one point, they even thought He was insane and tried to take Him into care (Mark 3:21). But this does not mean that Jesus’ family were enemies of Jesus in the end.

After all, after Jesus’ death, Mary found refuge in the home of John the Apostle (John 19:26-27). Why she did so rather than living with her other sons is not known. After the resurrection, Jesus apparently appeared to His brother James (1 Corinthians 15:7), and James became a leader of the early Christian church (Acts 15:13) and wrote one book of the New Testament. His other brother Jude might also have become a follower (Jude 1:1), and it is said His brothers (Acts 1:14) were part of the early church, although that need not imply that all of the brothers became believers.

Therefore, it is not known when Mary and Jesus’ brothers came to believe in Jesus. Perhaps it was after the resurrection when Jesus appeared to James (but apparently not to Mary). Perhaps it was when Mary heard John’s account of the resurrection. Perhaps it was earlier. We just don’t know.

God has no grandchildren. Being related to Jesus or to other Christians is no guarantee that one will be a follower of Jesus. But it is no barrier to following Jesus either. 

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Celebrate Our Country by Tara Randel

Posted on July 4, 2022 by tararandel

Happy July 4th! Hope you are enjoying the long weekend.

Today I’m grateful to live in a county where I am free. Where I can worship God without fear of reprisal for my beliefs. I believe God has His hand on America, regardless of how each individual looks at their lives. There are many who pray daily for this country, many who speak out for the Lord. We are children of God above all else and I will boldly proclaim my relationship with Jesus each and every day.

I am also an American. I appreciate the sacrifices many before me made in order that I may live in this free country. We have a rich history of men and women who answered the call to service in the military and the government, both local and national. We may not all agree on every topic, but we all live in a great county.

So, as you barbecue or picnic in one of our wonderful national parks, go out on a boat, enjoy the beach or hike trails in the beautiful mountains, from sea to shining sea, we are all of one mind today; thankful that we live in the United States of America.

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next Harlequin Heartwarming romance, His Small Town Dream, available August 2022 . For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter.

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The Singer and the Song by James R. Coggins

Posted on June 29, 2022 by jrcoggins

What is the connection between singers and the songs they sing? Phrased another way, do singers take responsibility for the songs they sing?

What I have in mind is the singers who sing songs with messages such as these:

• “My girlfriend left me, so I’m going to kill myself.”

• “I am great all by myself.”

• “I’m going to get revenge.”

Of course, the songs are phrased more poetically than that. But when I hear one of these songs, I think, “Really? That’s the message you want to give the world?”

Similar questions could be asked about actors who play serial killers, mobsters, fraud artists, rapists, drug addicts, etc. For singers are really playing roles, a different role for each song they sing—the hopeful suitor, the jilted lover, the person in mourning, the self-centered egotist, the person grateful for undeserved blessings, the searcher for meaning. These songs sell because there are people in those situations who identify with these songs—the songs express what they are feeling but in clearer ways than they could do themselves.

Therefore, it is helpful to recognize that it is not the singer expressing these sentiments but the character the singer is portraying. Or is it? What responsibility does the singer have for the messages in the songs he sings?

This came to mind a while back when I was watching If You Could Read My Mind, a documentary about legendary Canadian singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot. Many Americans will not recognize the name, but they have probably heard someone else singing one of his many songs.

Lightfoot did not follow the modern route of pounding away on a guitar in his garage and posting the result on YouTube, hoping to become famous. When, as a young man, he decided he wanted to be a singer, he went off to a highly regarded school in California to study music. He is a consummate professional who has worked hard to perfect his craft, both music and lyrics.

The documentary opens with one of Lightfoot’s early hits: “That’s What You Get for Loving Me.” It’s about a man who is unfaithful: “I ain’t the kind to hang around with any new love that I found…I’ve had a hundred more like you…I’ll have a thousand before I’m through.” In the documentary, after a few lines, Lightfoot tells the producer to turn it off. He is deeply embarrassed by the song now. He wrote it just after he had abandoned his wife and children for another woman. He said he has been divorced three times and each time it almost killed him.

Lightfoot was also an alcoholic, which almost destroyed his career—until he quit cold turkey. His experience with alcohol might have informed some of his songs, such as “the Old Man Came Home from the Forest” (a lament for an old wino) and “Early Morning Rain” (a song about a man who is cold, broke, and drunk, far from his family).

Lightfoot also wrote some beautiful love songs and addressed wider themes. He wrote some memorable songs on historical events: “The Canadian Railroad Trilogy,” “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” and “Black Day in July” (about the 1967 riots in Detroit).

Lightfoot also wrote “Sit Down, Young Stranger,” which he said was about his first failed marriage but which has echoes of the many songs written in the days of the Jesus movement as mainstream artists tried to understand Jesus. Some of Lightfoot’s songs were truly inspiring, such as “Rainy Day People” (“always seem to know when it’s time to come around”), “Rich Man’s Spiritual” (“I’m gonna buy me a poor man’s trouble, yes, Lord, to help me home”), and “The House that You Live in Will Never Fall Down if You Pity the Stranger who Stands at your Gate” (which echoes the social provisions in the Mosaic law).

Lightfoot is a great songwriter whose songs have been an influence for good—and for evil. His many songs inspire much thought.  

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He Hears!

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Author Mary Alford

Have you ever prayed—poured out your hear to God—and waited for an answer but it feels as if no one is listening? I think we all have felt that way at some point in our lives.

No matter what you are praying for, sometimes if feels as if God just isn’t responding to your needs. But He is. . .God will always answer prayers. It just may not be the way we want Him to.

Sometimes God delays answering our prayers to strengthen our faith.

As humans, we want to fix things ourselves. It’s hard to admit we are helpless.  

James 1: 2-6 says, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Maybe there is some hidden sin in our lives that we are clinging to.

God knows about it and sin separates us from Him.

1 John 1:9 says, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Sometimes God doesn’t answer our prayers because they do not align with His will for our lives.

Just because we feel what we are praying for is right for us, doesn’t mean God does. He might have something far better for us in mind. God sees things that we don’t. He only wants what is best for us.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Maybe the timing isn’t right.

God’s timing is always perfect even when we don’t understand it. Continue to pray and wait on Him. Sometimes it takes days or weeks. And sometimes it may take more than fifty years for Him to answer. But know this. He will answer!  

Psalm 123:2 says, But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Wait on the Lord. Ask him to reveal anything that is keeping you separated from Him. And keep praying!

All the best. . .

Mary Alford

www.MaryAlford.net

Among the Innocent – Available now!

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