You Follow Me

Posted on March 9, 2021 by Author Mary Alford

We all have a path to follow for God. He uses the talents He’s given each of us to help advance His kingdom. All He asks of us is to stick to our path.  

But that’s not always easy.

As an author, I believe God has chosen this path for me to help spread His word. All I have to do is follow this path He has chosen for me. Easy, right? Not always.

As humans, the flesh can take over and we lose sight of our purpose as we look at others and see them having more success. It doesn’t matter if you are an author or a teacher—whatever your profession might be, keeping your eye on the One leading you among so many distractions in this world is critical. Otherwise, one false step leads to another, and before long, you lose your way.

I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer, but I didn’t always choose to follow the path God had laid out for me as a writer.

When I first started out, I tried several different genres without any success. I received rejection after rejection and became frustrated. There were many times when I considered giving up. Maybe being an author wasn’t the path for me.

And then. . .

I wrote my first Christian suspense and entered it into a contest through Love Inspired. Through each step along the way where the editor asked for a partial of the book and then a full, I felt a calm that I hadn’t experienced through other submissions. When I received word, I’d sold to Love Inspired Suspense, I finally realized I was back on the path God had chosen for me.

Though there are times when I still veer off the path and let things like professional jealousy take me in a direction, I have no business going, each time, God nudges me back onto my path and I feel at peace again.  

In John 21:21-22, this exchange between Peter and Jesus has always spoken to me:

When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!”

We are each called to walk our path. I’m slowly accepting that my path is not someone else’s and theirs is not mine. And I’m thankful for this.

So, what’s your path?

Coming March 23 – Firestorm!

To save her brother’s life, Sarah Hancock must risk everything to find the one man who can bring Blake home. Former Navy SEAL, James Cooper.

Amidst talks of peace and the rise to power of Daniel Pamphili, the unthinkable happens—an attack like no one in Strike Force could have predicted proves the depths in which Pamphili is willing to go to silence Strike Force.

After a daring attempt results in Blake’s rescue, Pamphili steps up his attempts to find Strike Force.

Hiding out in the wilderness of Wyoming, Sarah’s and James’s relationship grows stronger. With the world quickly moving toward unprecedented times, Sarah knows she loves James and she’ll spend whatever time they have left here on earth loving him.

When Pamphili announces his pledge to rebuild the Jewish Temple, he sets in motion events that will mark the beginning of the end.

And the countdown clock is ticking down to zero.

Blessings always,

Mary Alford

www.MaryAlford.net

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Always Thankful by Tara Randel

Posted on March 8, 2021 by tararandel

I was sitting at my computer today, when a nearby Post-it note caught my eye. Many years ago I had written; Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed. Pro.16:3

I don’t know about you, but when I’m deep into a project, I need a reminder that the Lord is in that project with me. That while I may sit at the computer by myself, His Spirit is by my side. Writing can be a solidity endeavor. I spend a lot of time in my head. Which I don’t mind, I actually do well when I’m alone. It’s when deadlines overlap that I find myself struggling and stress starts to get the better of me. That’s when I have to remember, God gave me this wonderful career, which I am thankful for, and I can always call on Him.

I think every one of us can admit to a time when we felt like the world was out of control and we were just spinning along, unable to stop the ride. Much of 2020 was that way. We’re coming out of much of the fear and anxiety, seeing light at the end of the tunnel. That is the light God provides. He’s been with us through it all, and He’ll continue to do so.

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

As I stared looking up scriptures about God’s glorious light, I realized that Spring is right around the corner. A time of new beginnings. Hope. The light remains longer into the evening. All around us, we can draw in the magnificent light of God and never once doubt that he is our Creator and King.

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. Psalm 89:15

Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Psalm 97:11

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. Prov. 4:18

Today, when you look out the window and see your part of the world bathed in his marvelous light, remember, God is with you. I know I do, giving thanks every day.

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, available August 2021. 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 and receive a link to download a free digital book.

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Remove the Residue by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on March 4, 2021 by Bridget

There is a shampoo that I like to use every so often. It is an anti-residue shampoo by Neutrogena. They say that regular shampoo, conditioner, and hair care products leave a residue in our hair. This little gem by Neutrogena magically gets rid of that residue, when used periodically. It does make my hair feel cleaner. Or maybe it’s all in my head. 😀

I was recently thinking about the need to get rid of residue in our lives as well. Sometimes we collect debris in our hearts, little by little. Like the residue in our hair, we might not even realize it’s there. It could be a negative attitude, a sin of some sort, worry, a bad habit, or any number of things that loiters in our lives.

According to Merriam-Webster, residue is “something that remains after a part is taken, separated, or designated or after the completion of a process.” So could it be that we thought we got rid of our temper, but a little remains? Could it be that we fought a temptation, but a small amount is still lingering?

The good news is that, as children of God, we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, who can help us get rid of the residue. In John 14:16-17 (AMP), Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.” Look at all the ways the Holy Spirit is described here – Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, Standby, the Spirit of Truth. How amazing it is to know that God has planted this very same Holy Spirit inside you and me and all of His children. What a precious gift.

And the Holy Spirit can help us identify any residue in our lives. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit will be quick to convict us of any sin in our lives. In those cases, we should immediately pray and repent. Or sometimes, we might not have sin necessarily, but we do have things in our lives that keep us from a wholehearted relationship with the Lord. We might not always realize that these things are holding us back. They might even be good things, yet they are not part of God’s plan for us or they might distract us from more important things, like our relationship with Him.

I think it is a good idea for us to seek the Lord and ask Him to reveal to us anything in our lives or in our hearts that needs to go. We can repeat the words of David found in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

When prayed from the heart, with determination to follow through on whatever is revealed, this can be a powerful prayer. In the words of Craig Groeschel in his book Dangerous Prayers, “Be forewarned, this prayer has the potential to convict you. To correct you. To redirect your life. To change the way you see yourself. To change how others see you.”

Some people might cringe at that statement. But honestly, that makes me want to raise my hands and say, “Yes, Lord! I am all Yours! Search my heart!” When we make God the center of our lives, we want to seek Him at every turn. We want to place our lives fully in His hands. We want Him to change us from the inside out. And we want to do everything for His honor and glory. That’s why I love this prayer so much. And that is why I believe it is important to remove the residue in our lives. If you are ready for a radical change, then take some time today to sit with the Lord, pray this prayer, and then listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In the end, you will not regret it. You will walk away feeling closer to God and with a renewed sense of peace.

Photo by Harry Cooke on Pexels.com

© 2021 Bridget A. Thomas

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Who God Can Use by Julie Arduini

Posted on March 3, 2021 by juliearduini

There are a few hats I wear and this year one of them is a Sunday School teacher. I co-teach a class for women and although we’re still finding normal after being on forced hiatus last year, I love it. I think I learn more than anyone else because I have to dig a little harder to prepare.

We started the new study, Elijah: Faith and Fire by Priscilla Shirer. If you aren’t aware of her, she is Pastor Tony Evans daughter and she can preach. She’s also an author and actress. I enjoy her ministry a lot.

Elijah is no exception. Although we just started, I’m already gleaning so many treasures. For one, when we read triumphant stories like Elijah and Mt. Carmel or our favorite Christian victory, we see and want only the highlight reel. We don’t take into account the snapshots developed in the dark room. There’s a lot of blood, sweat, and tears that goes into being an obedient and active follower of Christ.

I also stopped when I read about Elijah’s background. We don’t know a lot, but he was telling King Ahab who not only God was, but who his God was. Think on that. He was in the presence of royalty, not something that happens every day in modern times. In reading, there’s not about Elijah that’s royalty. If anything, he was a simple sheep herder from the mountains. That visual isn’t appealing. He probably had dirty clothes, unkempt hair, and was generally the last person who should be standing next to King Ahab.

But, God.

I don’t know how Elijah got to that moment where he’s telling the most poweful man in the country about God and that no matter how many rings the guy has, Elijah is making it clear he is unimpressed because his allegiance is to Yawheh and Him alone. God used Elijah not because he was the most educated, or good-looking or wealthiest.

He used Elijah because the man was willing.—Julie Arduini

If you’re willing, God will use you, and I believe for great things, even if they seem less than amazing to you. What doesn’t matter much to the world is probably a big deal in heaven and what isn’t impressive in heaven is often a big deal to this world. Afterall, gold is pavement in heaven.

I write all this because I know lately I’ve struggled with feeling useful. Between the pandemic and the grief from losing my mom, I have serious brain fog. My memory is shot. I start a sentence and trail off. Meals I’ve mad for twenty years I’m burning or forgetting ingredients. If my faith weren’t as strong I would be listening to the enemy’s taunt that I’m a failure and useless.

If that’s the song playing in your head, trash that recording. It’s all lies. You are a masterpiece made by God. And even with flaws, you are never too far removed from making a difference for His kingdom. Remember Rahab? She was listed in the Bible as a prostitute. Yet, she knew God was real and she was willing to be used. In the end, she was protected and spoiler alert—listed in the lineage of Jesus.

That’s how God works.

There are so many examples I could use. Moses had a speech impediment. David was a kid. I’m just a middle-age chubby girl who tries to change lives within the pages of clean romance books.

Yet God can use us.

Just like with Elijah and his simple look and life, God can use you.

Are you willing?

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Why I Love Story

Posted on March 2, 2021 by Kristin

I grew up in the Bay Area of Northern California. It’s a very diverse area. In fact, the statistics for the city I just moved from (and where I raised my children) said 75% of city residents were not born in America. That is an International upbringing without ever leaving America! (Though my kids did get to travel the world with their grandfather.) Sheesh, I remember being excited to go and look at my grandfather’s wooden bridge that he built in Menlo Park because we got ice cream afterwards! I thought that was travel!

Living Internationally is one reason I love story. When you, as a Christian, are the minority, you learn to be very aware of how you speak to people with different backgrounds and cultures. Story allows the conversation to begin. When Jesus spoke in parables, He could illustrate the truth without being offensive. At one point in my daughter’s classroom, a parent was going to talk about the Hindu god Ganesh. If you don’t know the story, it’s about a man who sets off into the world and his head is replaced by that of an elephant. My daughter went to a party during this season and she came home and informed me that you cannot eat in front of Ganesh, so you have to leave the room if you want to eat at the party. (Good to know!) She must have been about six at the time and she said that she was glad she could just pray to Jesus and eat.

That same year, not long after this holiday, I asked if I could tell the children about Christmas. Since we had celebrated Ganesh in class. And to be honest, I never minded. We had all religions in the public school and I did not mind my kids being taught about that because I knew they knew their Truth. And Jesus’s story stands up because it is truth. But the school wouldn’t let me tell the story of Jesus. It was “offensive.”

Honestly, that only encouraged me. The truth always comes out, it rises to the top like cream. So even though I didn’t get to tell the story that day, I get to tell the story of Him in my work. I get to hide it in story with humor wrapped around it. One of the best letters I ever got from a reader was from college students who used my book “What a Girl Wants” as a tract to start a conversation. Their friend became a Christian and God used my story to start that discussion. Isn’t story amazing?

I’m currently rewriting decades’ old novels and it’s interesting to see how we’ve gotten so sensitive to culture differences that people are afraid to write about them. Two of my stories I’m working on, one takes people during the time of Californios — it’s a heyday for Calfornian-born Mexicans under Mexican rule with the Americans and Spaniards coming for them. In the meantime, they used the Native Americans as serfs on the land. Okay, in this climate, that’s a rough story, but it was the truth. Their time was much like the old south with slavery as its ugly reality to the beautiful life for a few.

The other book is about a prodigal who leaves Natchez, Mississippi before the Civil War and comes home afterward for his southern belle. Could I make things tougher on myself? But story is like humor. It doesn’t resonate if it’s not true. So while we may be facing some harsh truths today, they are still truth. And there’s room for everyone’s story to be told. Just like Jesus could tell his followers some harsh realities by using story, we can do the same.

“The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”

He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.  Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables:

Though seeing, they do not see;
    though hearing, they do not hear or understand. Matthew 13:10-13

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Following His Footsteps by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Nancy J. Farrier
Photo by Steffen Lemmerzahl on Unsplash

I live in the desert and rarely see snow at my house, but the storms of the past few weeks reminded me of growing up in the Midwest. Some winters brought deep snow. While it’s nice to stay inside and admire the beauty through a window, that wasn’t an option. We had animals to care for on our farm. We had school to attend. We had places we needed to go that required wading through deep snow.

Walking through a foot or two of fresh snow can be tiring and difficult, especially if your little legs sink deep with every step. Once the paths to the barn were tramped down, getting there was easier, but I remember how nice it was to follow my dad after a snowfall. I would step in his footprints where he’d already tramped the powder down. Walking behind him and following those steps proved so much easier than plowing through on my own.

Sometimes in life, we walk through the proverbial footsteps of those who have gone before us. Pioneers who marked the way with their tenacity, bravery, research, and more. Those footsteps make it easier for us to do the tasks we need to do. For instance, finding a vaccine for Covid 19 would not have happened so fast without all the medical milestones laid out before us.

As Christians, it is nice to know we are not trailbreakers struggling through on our own. We have a precedence to follow. We have guidance. We have footsteps that lead the way.

“Yes, the ʟᴏʀᴅ will give what is good; And our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, And shall make His footsteps our pathway.” Psalm 85:12-13 (NKJV)

Don’t you love that God is the groundbreaker for us. That our path is easier because He had marked the way and left us footsteps to follow. Yes, there are times we aren’t positive of the direction He wants us to take and we have to step out in faith, but God is always aware and He guides our choice.

So, where do those footsteps lead? How do we know we’re following in God’s pathway? How do we know we aren’t following the wrong course?

Let’s explore three ways to tell. There are many more, but for the sake of brevity, we’ll look at these three.

LOVE: “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” 1 Jn. 4:16 (NKJV)

If we are following God’s footsteps we will love. God is love and we are to be like Him. In fact, Jesus says this:”…“The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mk. 12:29-31 (NKJV)

What a great check for us to run. Are we loving God with everything thing we are? Our heart? Our soul? Our mind? Our strength? Are we putting Him above all else in our lives? And, are we loving others as we love ourselves? As we take care to make sure our needs are met? If the answer is no, then we need to check whose footsteps we are following. 

TRUTH: 

“Good and upright is the Lord;

Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.

The humble He guides in justice,

And the humble He teaches His way.

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth,

To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.” Psalm 25:8-10 (NKJV)

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth. God is truth. If we are not living in the truth and telling the truth with the conversation and actions of our lives, then we are not walking on the path God has for us. God doesn’t lie and if we allow lies in our life we are giving entrance to the devil. (Jn. 8:44-46) Truth isn’t always easy, but is always a must.

ETERNITY: God is eternal. He was there before the creation of the world and will be there forever. When we follow in His footsteps, walking in love and in truth, we also have the promise of eternity with Him.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ro. 6:23 (NKJV)

This concept is a difficult one for those of us living in an instant society where long term seems farfetched. But, the truth is eternity with God is what we were made for, part of the plan He has for us. It’s what God wants for us and we are following Him toward that goal.

While there are many more ways to tell we are following God’s footsteps: peace, protection, grace, comfort, to name a few, these three give us the idea. Just like I followed my father’s footsteps in the snow, we must strive to follow God where He leads us. The benefits to doing so lead to love, truth, and eternity.

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Nora’s Review of: On the Run by Traci Hunter Abramson

Posted on February 26, 2021 by Vicki Hinze

 

Nora St. Laurent, Review On the Run

 

 

On the Run 

By Traci Hunter Abramson 

Published by: Covenant Communications, Inc.

275 Pages

 

 

 

 

FROM THE BACK COVER:

As one of the top investigative journalists in the nation, Elle Jameson has a knack for uncovering the truth. So when a promising lead points to corruption on a German military base, Elle anticipates a straightforward assignment. But then she stumbles upon a deadly conspiracy beyond anything she’s faced before, and her scrutiny does not go unnoticed. She knows too much, and she can’t be allowed to live. With no idea where to turn for help, she does the only thing she can: she runs.

The guardians, an elite team of undercover agents, have one job: safeguard those under their protection. As a new guardian, Nolan has just received his first solo assignment to help a young woman who just survived an assassination attempt. Within minutes of making contact with the beautiful journalist, however, their location is discovered. Thus begins a game of cat and mouse spanning the globe as the two work to stay ahead of a determined assassin. Nolan fights to buy Elle time to complete her investigation, and what she discovers is a plot that threatens the very fabric of America. In a desperate race against evil, Nolan and Elle are the only ones who can prevent global catastrophe.

 

NORA’S REVIEW: 

This is an intense action paced adventure that had me engaged and on high alert from the start. ”For three weeks now, Ellie had set aside her true identity of investigative journalist and had acted under her alias of Lieutenant Elaina Martin to send her suspicions up the chain of command… Her assignment to Germany was supposed to be her opportunity to take a break from high-profile cases for a while, a chance to rest and recover from nearly six months of undercover work in the Middle East.” Something happened that forced Ellie to run for her life.

I cared for the main character and her guardian Nolan who is trying to protect Elle Jameson’s life. Someone killed her informant and tried to kill her. But why? Will Elle and Nolan figure out who the evil force is and where they will strike next? I kept reading to find out.

I enjoyed this mystery, and the dedicated people fighting the good fight, at any cost with characters I felt a connection. Even though this was book four in the series I didn’t feel lost. I liked this author’s writing style, clean language, with just the right amount of adventure, and a splash of romance. Enjoyed the journey. This would work well for book clubs. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent 

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

 

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I Miss You, Paula Kay – by Kathy Carmichael

Posted on February 25, 2021 by kathc2

Earlier this month my older sister, Paula Kay Carmichael, passed away. We thought it was amusing that we each married Carmichael men. My husband was born in Scotland, hers in Arkansas, but they had to be distant cousins since the Carmichael clan is originally from Scotland. I always told my children that their cousins Robby and Jonathan are double-cousins.

Paula grew up as Paula Lynch, although she had a different father from me and my younger sisters. I looked up to her so very much. I remember crying when she sewed me a dress without a pattern–and I hadn’t asked for it; she gave it to me from the love in her heart.

She was well known as an incredible artist as well as a hugely talented musician. She had her own TV show on her local public broadcast channel, and she sang and performed at many events, both locally and statewide.

It was during one of these performances that Jody Carmichael saw her and, from what I heard, decided she was the one woman for him. It didn’t take him too long to make it so and they were married for over fifty years. They had two sons, both of whom are wonderful fathers and men, and had careers in law enforcement.

Paula Carmichael with sons Robert and Jonathan

 

Sadly, tragedy struck when Paula was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and dementia. Her biological father died from the same diseases. For many years now, Paula has resided in an Alzheimer’s facility. Recently she came down with Covid-19 shortly before she was scheduled to receive a vaccine. My sisters and I were all thrilled when we were told she’d defeated the virus and had now tested negative for it. What we hadn’t realized was the damage that was done to her heart.

It was too much for her frail body and mind. It’s with a broken heart of my own that I report she lost her battle and passed away on February 6th. I couldn’t talk about it for days and weeks, but now I’m ready to share my loss with you. I’m reassured, though, by faith that before too long we will all be reunited. 

There is no way to easily deal with the loss of a loved one. Paula was the eldest of five sisters. My youngest sister recently wrote, “Each of us are like a five-piece puzzle and it’s hard not to have the first piece. She knew how much we loved her and I know she is at peace in heaven with Mom.”

Even though it’s been many years since Paula lost her memory of our past, she knew we loved her. And that’s the best gift she could have given us. You see, we remain a five-piece puzzle.

 

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Reflections from a Hospital Hallway by James R. Coggins

Posted on February 24, 2021 by jrcoggins

They told me to go home and come back in a couple of hours after the operation had been done. That’s when I realized that this hospital was set up to serve people who lived nearby, in the middle of the city, not out-of-towners like me. For me, the round trip home and back would take three or four hours, providing that traffic conditions were good.

The visitor waiting rooms were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. So, for the next six hours, I haunted the halls of the hospital’s main floor and the basement level below it. In spite of the heavy restrictions on visitors, no one seemed to notice that I was wandering around with no discernible purpose for being there.

I got a lot of exercise walking and climbing up and down stairs, evidence that hospitals are dedicated to improving people’s health. I managed to find an empty chair, safely socially distant from other chairs, in the coffee shop during an off-peak moment and ate a small, overly expensive but nutritiously balanced meal. I had already been in the hospital for six hours before my peripatetic sojourn began, so I was, if not actually feeling very hungry, at least in need of nourishment.

As I wandered, I examined each of the many artworks lining the halls, some of them twice, but understood few of them. No one else seemed to be paying any attention to them, which made me wonder why they were there. Were they worth all the expense and fuss and public praise of the gifts of wealthy patrons to this charitable institution?

As I waited, I watched the passing flow of hospital workers, patients, and visitors, all masked to hide their identity from inquisitive viruses anxious to invade their privacy.

As I sat unobtrusively in a chair by the wall, I noted that about half of those going past walked with their toes pointed straight forward. These people seemed efficient, focused, purposeful, knowing exactly where they were going and what they were doing. Another half seemed to walk with their toes pointed somewhat outward to the side. These people seemed more casual and relaxed, less focused. A few odd people walked with their toes pointed slightly inward toward each other, but these were just a few individuals, out of synch with the rest of the world. It was hard to tell about the people in wheelchairs. When I got up again to resume walking, I noticed that I, with my usual balanced approach to life, walked with one foot pointing forward and the other pointing out to the side, a moderate amount.

The hospital staff were a varied lot. Some seemed rushed, grabbing a chocolate bar and a coffee to keep them functioning as they rushed off to help their next patient. Some carried bike helmets and plastic containers full of homemade salad. Some were overweight. I had seen some of these dedicated health professionals earlier retreating to a quiet corner of the lawn outside to have a smoke.

At one end of the hall was an imitation stained glass display celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the hospital’s school of nursing, whose founding seemed to have been inspired by Florence Nightingale. One of the images seemed to show a nurse in clerical vestments. Prominent on the display was the motto NON MINSTRARI SED MINISTRARE. I wondered how many passersby (or how many of the current nurses for that matter) knew what these Latin words meant or that they were inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 20:28, saying that He “did not come to be served, but to serve.”

After six hours, I was informed (by cell phone) that she wouldn’t be coming home today and that I should go home. I wondered what I had accomplished by wandering the halls all afternoon, but I was reminded of Christian poet John Milton’s words: “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Nevertheless, I did as I was told and went home, a long, lonely journey in the dark.

There was a happy ending. The next day, I returned to the hospital, picked her up, and took her home. It was another exhausting four-hour round trip, another long hospital day.  

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Emerging Grateful

Posted on February 23, 2021 by Author Mary Alford

This week, in my part of Texas, the temperatures are going to be in the 60s. There’s sunshine outside my windows, and the snow has all melted.

After last week’s record-breaking weather conditions, these days are welcomed.

My husband and I woke up early Monday morning, on February 15th, to no electricity. . .and a cold like we have never seen before. Outside a blanket of white covered everything on top of the freezing rain that had fallen the day before. And we faced a situation that we’d never experienced before. Record temperatures that reached a low of 4 degrees and cold that was in the teens for days. Along with the weather, we went through days of rolling blackouts. Many lost power for most of the week along with water. It became a matter of survival at that point. Some people ended up sleeping in their cars to stay warm.

As you look at the pictures my husband took of our place, you’re probably thinking that doesn’t look so bad, and it wouldn’t have been except for the loss of power to heat homes and water to drink.

Some lost their lives.

In the days following, as the temperatures rose above freezing and the snow began to melt, the stores quickly emptied of essentials. Many stations ran out of gas. Still, Texas is slowly getting back to normal.  

As we emerge from the deep freeze of 2021, I am grateful. God brought us through with a new appreciation for what truly is important. Through the rolling blackouts when the power was out and the cold crept in, I was reminded that if I have Him holding my hand, I could get through whatever came my way.

I pray for those who lost loved ones to the cold. I ask God to give them His comfort, and that their loved ones’ sacrifice will shine a light on things that need to change.

And I hope all of you are doing okay in your part of the world today.

Blessings,

Mary Alford

http://www.maryalford.net

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God Wins by Vicki Hinze

Posted on February 22, 2021 by Vicki Hinze

God wins, Vicki Hinze, ChristiansRead

GOD WINS

  

Recently, I was asked how to remain calm and at peace in times of chaos.  The answer isn’t complex, though the journey to that answer most definitely is.  The answer is to be at peace. Believe it or not, that is the easy part.  The more difficult part is the journey to get there.

 

It begins, as most journeys do, with a single step.  A choice you must make.  That choice stems from a single question:  Do you trust God?

 

Often we say we do.  Our automatic response is a resounding, “Of course.”  Yet we dissolve into worry, into doubt and mostly into fear.  We allow that worry, doubt and fear to spawn questions in our minds that plague us.  What ifs and buts torture us, claim our thoughts and impact our actions and we discover that rather than walking in “Of course” faith, we crumble under the weight of uncertainty.

 

The things we worry most about often do not happen.  But do we cease worrying?  Not always.  Oh, on some matters—those that mean little to us mostly—we stand strong against worry, fear and doubt, but on those matters we deem significant, those with serious consequences, we tend to shake and wobble and sometimes fall.

 

Rather than seeing the value in falling, we focus on having fallen and succumb into being on our knees or flat out on our backs.  That is, unless we choose to grasp that the fall is a blessing to us.  You see, it isn’t the falling, but the rising after a fall that takes us to the next step on our journey.  Does the Bible not tell us that when we are weak, He is strong?

 

When we fall in weakness, we struggle but stand up.  That’s the important part.  To struggle and stand.  That is our expression of faith.  When our knees are knocking and our stomachs are full of knots and we feel as if we’ve done all we can and we just have nothing left and can’t get up one more time, it is then that we look to Him and then that He infuses us with His strength, the strength to rise once again.

 

We see this truth repeat in our lives over and over, until it dawns on us that if we do our part and we seek help, He will step in.  At some point on this journey, we come to understand that this isn’t the only truth being revealed to us.  Another extremely important one is also there, and that is this:  He is always with us.  Always aware of our struggles.  Always standing at the ready to guide and direct and help us.  In short, we are never in a situation, or experiencing an event in our lives, where He isn’t there, waiting with a plan.

 

And that is the key to being at peace in spite of chaos.  We might not know how things will work out.  We might not know when.  But we do know we face nothing alone, and that God is aware.  He’s always aware. 

There’s something else we know.  His timing is perfect.  His awareness signals that He has already worked out the perfect solution that seemingly has escaped us.  We are given a heads up in the Bible:

 

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us,

who can be against us? — Romans 8:31

 

Now, we might not like that solution.  We might have hoped for a different solution.  But if we trust God, we know that His timing and solution is best.  We don’t just think it, we know it.  And we know that in the end, God wins.

 

And that is how you remain calm and claim peace when chaos reigns.  You lean in, listen to Him, and do as He says.  And you do it certain, fearlessly certain, that no matter what happens, no matter what twists and turns the journey takes, how many times you stumble and fall and struggle to rise again, in the end God wins.

 

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God’s Love Letter by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on February 19, 2021 by Nancy J. Farrier
Photo by Emmanuel Phaeton on Unsplash

Ah, February, the month of love, when we are reminded to reach out to one another with love and kindness. I wrote a blog post this week about historical love letters. You can find that post here. Those letters got me thinking about true love – not the love portrayed by movies or in books, but love that lasts and is unchanging. 

While there are great love stories between people, the greatest love story of all time is the love story between God and mankind. In our marriage vows we pledge to be true to one another. To be there in hard times of sickness or poverty. To be there until parted by death.

But, God promises us much more. His love goes beyond anything we can even imagine.

God brings us salvation. He rejoices over us and sings over us. His love quiets our fears and worries. He is there for us when we need Him.

“The Lord your God in your midst,

The Mighty One, will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)

God’s love never changes. He is dependable and always the same. We can always count on Him to have our best interests in mind, even if that differs from what we want. His love is steadfast, filled with kindness, not done out of duty, but out of genuine caring about us.

“…Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love…” Joel 2:13 (ESV) 

God’s love is deep. Deeper than we can even fathom. Nothing at all can take us from His love. Not even death. His love doesn’t depend on our actions, but on His character. Once we are settled in His love, we are inseparable. 

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ro 8:38–39 (NKJV)

There is no doubt about God’s love. We don’t have to wait for flowers, candy, a touch, or a look to ensure His love. He has given us the greatest gift possible, not because we deserve that gift, rather even when we don’t deserve it. His love is boundless, immeasurable, beyond what we can conceive. And, His love is ever directed toward us.

“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” I John 4:9-10 (NKJV)

Take time today to revel in the love of God directed to you, His precious child.

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Walking With God by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on February 18, 2021 by Bridget

Today is the second day of Lent. If you know me, then you know I love Lent, Advent, a new year, and basically any opportunity to change and cling to Jesus. Each of these seasons can be a precious time to pursue God and see spiritual growth.

But the truth is that we don’t have to wait for a special holiday or season to seek God. We can experience a meaningful connection with Him every day of the year. God is always there, waiting for us to meet with Him. Sadly, too often, we are too busy or too distracted to stop what we are doing and focus on Him.

We simply have to show up. Day by day, moment by moment, we have to choose God. We choose to get up early to read our Bible before heading to work. We choose to pray instead of checking social media. We choose to listen to praise music in the car instead of worldly music. All of these small, yet significant, choices add up and result in a beautiful relationship between you and your Heavenly Father.

The key is consistency. Are we devoted to pursuing God daily? Do we make time for Him every day, even in the midst of a hectic schedule? Are prayer, the Bible, and worship among our top priorities? Do we make a habit of talking to the Lord in our spare moments?

I was recently reading in the book of Genesis and I love the way the Bible says that Enoch “walked faithfully with God” (Genesis 5:22,24). And the Bible also tells us that Noah “walked faithfully with God” (Genesis 6:9). Walking faithfully with God is something we all can do every day of our lives. And the rewards will be immeasurable.

As Christians, we have a natural desire for God. But we have to make an effort to chase after Him. If we don’t, then our hunger will find other pleasures in life, in an attempt to satisfy that deep longing within. But we will never find ourselves satisfied, because the Lord is truly the only one who can satiate our hunger. Saint Augustine put it this way, “Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.”

The older I get, the more of God I want in my life. I want to rest at Jesus’ feet and absorb as much of Him as I can into my heart and life. I want to be more aware of His presence in my life. I want to see His footprints in every circumstance. He is always there. But do I miss out on so much because I am not looking?

Do you want more of God in your life? Do you want to be more aware of His presence? Do you want to soak up His love every day? Make a habit of walking with Him and following hard after Him. He is always there, waiting on us. So we have to make an effort to spend our days with Him. Over time, our spiritual lives will grow immensely. Our hearts will change, little by little. We will be filled with peace and joy. He will strengthen us, guide us, and teach us along the journey. We will be refined to be more like Jesus. And we will find that meaningful connection we have been longing for.

Photo by Enric Cruz Lu00f3pez on Pexels.com

© 2021 Bridget A. Thomas

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The Brilliance of WandaVision by Julie Arduini

Posted on February 17, 2021 by juliearduini

I never thought I’d turn into a Marvel nerd, but here I am. I grew up on the DC movies and cartoons, so I didn’t even realize another comic book movie world existed.

Until my son grew up.

Thanks to his enthusiasm, my husband and I have enjoyed the Marvel movies to the point of watching them via Marvel timeline, including the TV shows Agents of Shield and Agent Carter.

Then came Disney+. Part of the reason I emotionally stayed stable during our quarantine was learning the ambitious plans to bring several Marvel characters to the small screen with their own shows.

One of those is WandaVision. I was skeptical when I first heard the premise. A sitcom. Featuring Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch and her true love, Vision. Without giving too much away, how could Disney/Marvel take SciFi characters who had a pretty staightforward story in Avengers Endgame and make it a sitcom?

It took creative brilliance and patience on the part of the viewer. Giving a tip of the hat to classics like the Mary Tyler Moore show, Bewitched, The Brady Bunch, Family Ties and Growing Pains, the writers wove together the best of sitcom and the Marvel universe. More than that, the throwback commercials seem to be clues, big clues, to the story.

I’m hooked.

I love when writers take a risk, and to me, this paid off. Again, without sharing too much, I can relate to where it appears Wanda’s head is at.

When the going gets tough, let’s check out.

After a bumpy 2020 and a harsh start to 2021, I have lamented that I just want to eat cookies and watch Dallas. Yes, that larger than life show from the 70’s and 80’s. I grew up with JR and Bobby, and with both parents gone, the show has been a comfort to a simpler time. I’ve checked out mentally more than once when the grief and reality were too much and I turned on that familiar Dallas theme song and settled in.

Wanda, I get you.

For trivia fans, the show is also enjoyable for me because it showcases the amazing acting chops of Elizabeth Olson. As in the Olson twins from Full House. She is the little sister, and if you follow Mary Kate and Ashley’s fashion lines, they have a brand named after their siblings. Watching Elizabeth in the sitcom format has been enjoyable simply because she looks like her sisters, and I watched them for years in the same kind of show WandaVision is depicting.

More than that, the acting syncs beautifully with the writing. Together it puts me in Marvel nerd giddiness.

If the Marvel universe is new to you, chances are Wandavision would be a tough place to start your journey. I almost think you’d have to start at the beginning with Captain America, or at least Avengers: Age of Ultron. For those of you nerding out like me, what do you think of WandaVision? What advice do you have for those curious but new to the MCU?

Image: Disney+/Marvel

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The Cure is Worse than the Disease

Posted on February 16, 2021 by Kristin

Back in the 80’s, I had an album by “The Cure.” I had the CD in my car and I was driving my grandfather somewhere. He looked at the CD and said, “The Cure? Looks more like the disease!”

That is how I’m starting to feel about these lockdowns. We have been at some level of lockdown since March of 2020 and it’s too much. Children don’t have school and even as adults, our social skills are starting to go by the wayside. It’s so hard to talk to people through a mask, it really keeps you from starting up conversations.

I’ve been in Arizona for much of the lockdown. Things are pretty normal there. Restaurants are open with certain tables shut down. People wear masks, but not outside. People aren’t afraid to have conversations, etc. Now I’m back in California and it’s like I’ve gone back in time. Restaurants are only open in tents outside. (I still don’t understand how a tent is safer than indoors, but whatever.) Salons and barbers are finally open with masks. Curiously, box stores have never closed.

My main concern about these lockdowns is the depression, suicides and general malaise that comes from existing verses living. God did not give us a spirit of fear. I’m not saying go outside and throw caution to the wind. I’m saying, let’s not forget Who is in charge. Who was not caught off-guard by this virus and Who came so that we could have life more abundant.

This morning, I saw a young man on TikTok lamenting how San Francisco is an absolute ghost town and taken over by homelessness and scourge. (My parents were both born in San Francisco and I spent much of my youth there — we lived about 30 miles from the City.) The homeless/addicts have taken over and normal businesses are struggling to make ends meet. This man’s next TikTok was showing him live in the Dubai airport having a lovely meal. He said everything was open there and life was normal so if you wanted to escape America for awhile, to come to Dubai. How sad that we’d need to “escape” America.

I don’t know what Dubai and India are doing differently, but they are not living in constant fear. My parents and brother are older and immune-compromised so they don’t go out. They are very careful. But we cannot forsake our youth and their education and what it means to be alive. We cannot allow another child to kill themselves because they are home consistently and missing out on what it means to thrive.

There is so much strife and anger in the world. We need to bring back the best parts. To eat, drink and be merry. We need to not make the cure worse than the disease.

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