Cutting With Scissors by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Nancy J. Farrier
Photo by Valeriia Kogan on Unsplash

Yesterday, my five-year-old grandson was working on his school work at home. He had one last assignment to complete—cutting out figures with his scissors. He loves doing this, although in his enthusiasm he doesn’t always stay on the line. 

Still, having a task he likes frees my daughter to do other things while he works. She went to get dinner started while he was studiously cutting the papers assigned by his teacher. 

When she went to check his progress a few minutes later, my grandson has his bangs between his fingers and snips of hair scattered across his homework paper. He’d gotten distracted from his homework by the lure of using this tool in a way he wasn’t meant to. 

What could be wrong with this? His mom takes him to get his hair cut and that person uses scissors on his hair. Why can’t he?

I’m sure every parent here understands this frustration and many of us have faced this as we raised children. The hair cutting episodes usually precede some important event and our child looks lopsided for a while. Thankfully, hair does grow out.

How many times do we, as adults, receive tools or gifts from God, and in our enthusiasm to see how they work, use them the wrong way? Or, we see someone else using the same gift and decide that must be what God wants us to do without ever asking Him for guidance. 

When we do this, we end up with lopsided results and blows to our faith that can be damaging for us and for those around us. God gives each of us a gift or talent and a specific way to use that gift.

For instance, if you have the gift of teaching. There are many ways to use this talent: teaching children in a school, teaching a Bible study, teaching classes online, etc. The list is endless and may simply be teaching your child about your faith. What could be more important?

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deut. 6:6-7 (NKJV)

If you have a talent for music, maybe you are to use that in the church, or on a stage somewhere, or simply to sing to someone who needs a comfort that words won’t reach. Maybe you only need to use that gift to raise your instrument to God in private worship. 

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” I Cor. 12:4-6

We are all different. Our callings are all different. But all are blessed when we follow God’s leading. When we ask Him to show us what to do.

Whatever tool we are given, whatever gift or talent, we must ask God His intent for our lives. How does He plan for us to use this for His purpose? Then we need to grab out sheet of paper and our little pair of scissors and do what He wants. From that will come beauty beyond what we can imagine.

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Nora’s Review of: The Key to Everything by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Vicki Hinze

Nora St Laurent, Christians Read, Reviews,

 

The Key to Everything

By Valerie Fraser Luesse 

Published by: Revell

348 Pages

 

 

 

 

 

 

NORA’S REVIEW: This novel reminds me of the movie Forrest Gump (as both characters went on an adventure that had them meeting fascinating people). There is a Forrest Gump kind of feel mixed with a coming of age story minus the graphic sexual side of things.

From the start readers get to know Peyton and his mother after a tragic event. They are waiting for medical news about their loved one. It’s then Peyton learns the details of his mother and father’s love story and a few surprising things about himself.

This is a heart-warming and delightful story of Peyton and his quest to go on the same journey his father went on when he was 15 years old. He sets out with his bicycle and backpack filled with his stuff and goodies from his mom.

The expedition begins in Georgia and goes all the way to Key West, Florida. I enjoyed Peyton’s adventures and the interesting people he meets. I lived in Georgia and Florida, so I appreciated the trip through the streets of Georgia and Florida and all he saw there. Peyton says to Lisa, “Do you think my father found it?” Peyton propped on his elbow, looking down at Lisa. “Yeah, I think he did. But the sad thing is, he left it here.”

“I don’t want to do that, Lisa. Because there’s something else I’ve figure out. You can’t follow anybody else’s path, like I tried to do with Daddy – Like Daddy thought he had to do with Granddaddy.  Somewhere along the way, you gotta draw your own map.”

Good point. I loved the charming cast of characters (including the ones you were not meant to like) with a captivating deep story I could not stop reading. It was a grand adventure mixed with a splash of young romance, family drama and a remembrance of a life well lived.

At the end the author shares what inspired her to write this story, “…General Patterson really did ride his bike to Key West and back, Sleeping in police and fire stations, ..Like Peyton, General Patterson loved to fly, completing 101 missions as a US Air Force fighter pilot during the Korean War… couldn’t resist giving Peyton Cabot just a little bit of my own dad, Junior Freser, whose creative, adventurous, take-it-as-it-comes spirit always amazed me growing up. There’s just a touch of Daddy in my protagonist. I don’t think Holly will mind. There’s room for both of our heroes in Peyton.”

This is a book that would work well for a book club pick. There is so much to talk about. If you have not read a book by this author, I highly recommend you read this heart-warming tale that will leave you with a smile on your face and a happy heart.

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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Freedom from Perfectionism by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Bridget

There are many days when I fret and worry about all the things on my to-do list. I wonder when I would have time to get it all done. Twenty-four hours in a day just doesn’t seem like enough time. Other days I beat myself up for small mistakes. A harsh word, a forgetful moment, a small mishap. Thoughts of failure marched through my head. I wonder why I am so incompetent.

While these two scenarios look different, for me they both boil down to the same thing – perfectionism. According to Oxford, perfectionism is a “a refusal to accept any standard short of perfection.” The world teaches us we have to do everything right, that we cannot fall short, and that weaknesses aren’t acceptable.

We also have the enemy whispering in our ear, reminding us that we are not good enough, not strong enough, not smart enough, and just plain not enough. We easily accept his lies and think badly about ourselves. And sometimes, in an attempt to feel better about ourselves, we work harder, pushing ourselves beyond our limits.

We have to be careful in this area of perfectionism because it could easily evolve into working for our righteousness. When we check off everything on our to-do lists, it makes us feel accomplished. When we succeed at something, we seek approval and recognition from ourselves, from others, and from God. We believe our achievement will gain our acceptance. And the messages we receive from the world seem to agree with this theory,

On the flip side, when we fall short, we feel weak and useless. We believe due to our lack of performance, others won’t love us and accept us. So we push ourselves even more to get back on top. The enemy is all too happy when we fall into this trap. If we keep pushing ourselves, we will lose sight of our true identity.

When we see this issue stirring in our lives, it would be helpful to remind ourselves of Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

But that’s not all. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul also said, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

And another verse to keep in mind also comes from one of Paul’s letters. In Romans 8:1, it says, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

I believe Paul is one who rested in the security that Jesus offers, without the need to strive or to prove himself. Before Paul was converted, he did terrible things against Christians, imprisoning them and not thinking twice about their deaths. But one day, Jesus appeared to him and he was instantly a changed man. If anyone felt like they had to prove themselves, I would think Paul would be first in line. But he wasn’t. Yes, he worked hard, out of his love and devotion to Jesus. But he didn’t work to gain approval. He knew he was already accepted and loved by His Lord and Savior.

If this is an area that you struggle with, take one (or all three) of the verses above and tuck it into your heart today. We are already righteous, thanks to Jesus. We don’t have to be perfect, we don’t have to get everything right, we don’t have to beat ourselves up for small mishaps, we don’t have to walk around with guilt on our shoulders for our mistakes and regrets, and we don’t have to work to earn God’s love. We are already loved, accepted, approved of, and chosen children of God. As you remind yourself of these truths, I pray you find a new sense of freedom. Extend grace to yourself, as you rest in the loving arms of Jesus.

Photo by Samuel Silitonga on Pexels.com

© 2021 Bridget A. Thomas

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Introducing Proverbs 9:10 Ministries by Julie Arduini

Posted on March 17, 2021 by juliearduini

From Julie: I recently had the opportunity to host Christine Paxson and Rose Spiller at juliearduini.com. I was so impressed with their ministry that I invited them to share more here. I hope you check them out!

We are Christine Paxson & Rose Spiller. Co-founders of Proverbs 9:10 Ministries, co-hosts of the Podcast, No Trash, Just Truth, and co-authors of books, No Half Truths Allowed – Understanding the Complete Gospel Message (book & study guide released on May 8, 2020) and The Bible Blueprint – A Guide to Better Understanding the Bible from Genesis to Revelation (due out Spring 2021)

            We both come from different backgrounds, but in 2009, God brought us together by putting us both at the same church. The friendship was instantaneous; and out of that friendship has grown a partnership and passion to serve the Lord by learning, discipling, teaching, writing, and speaking.

About four years ago, we felt led to create Proverbs 9:10 Ministries. We chose that title because Proverbs 9:10 says, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom; knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” The only way to grow in your faith and in wisdom is to know God! And the only way to truly know God is to study Scripture. We saw a deep need for Biblical literacy while we attended a church that had did not put a high priority on knowing Scripture, doctrine, or theology. Sermons and Bible Studies offered there were little more than moral lessons and self-help sessions. This ignited in us both, a passion to help women move away from the garbage that is being pedaled as “Women Bible Studies,” but is instead, false teaching that is dumbing women down with fluffy, often times heretical nonsense that is much more about the individual and her victories, than about learning the Bible or understanding and glorifying God. Our motto for our podcast says it all, “Taking out the trash of false teaching and replacing it with Biblical Truth.”

We had both been teaching Bible Studies for over 20 years, but it was at this time, that we felt God leading us to begin to write our own Bible Studies. It was out of one of those studies that the book, No Half Truths, was born. Along with need for deeper study and more knowledge of the Bible, is understanding and being able to articulate the complete Gospel message. The Gospel message is the life-saving, life-giving, life-transforming message that every human being of every age needs, and is the central message of the entire Bible! It’s crucial that we get it right so that we are not selling those we witness to, and more importantly God, short. Just like false teaching, there are a lot of false gospels out there and they are often used in Christian circles on a regular basis. In the book, we go through many of these false gospels, and point out why they are not the Gospel. Besides explaining every facet of the true Gospel message, the book also gives a solid foundational theology, with chapters on each of the three Persons of the Trinity and touching on a few essential doctrines.

No Half Truths Allowed – Understanding the Complete Gospel Message has recently won bronze in the “Illuminations” award for theology! We are very excited about this honor and pray our book continues to bless those who read it!

Next, in the very near future, is the release of our second book, The Bible Blueprint – A Guide to Better Understanding the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The original release date was February, but with Covid, production was pushed back to this spring. The Bible Blueprint divides the entire Bible chronologically into six easy to read sections. It provides a basic understanding of Scripture as a complete story that links all the various books together. It gives an overview of each book, touching on highlights and some of the amazing and significant events in each, while helping with comprehension of the more difficult sections.

And everyone is always welcome to check out our podcast, No Trash, Just Truth, for weekly 20 to 30 minute episodes. The audio podcast is available on all major podcast platforms, while the video version is available on YouTube and Rumble.

May you all have a blessed day!

Chris & Rose are co-founders of Proverbs 9:10 Ministries and co-hosts of the No Trash, Just Truth Podcast. They have been teaching Bible Studies for over 20 years and have written many of their own studies. Along with teaching together, they also speak at conferences and retreats. Both have graduated from the “Dimensions of the Faith” Program from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary; and continue their seminary studies by taking online classes through Reformed Theological Seminary and through Biblical Training’s “Institute” Program.

Chris resides in Lancaster County with her husband of over 31 years, John. They have twin sons in the USAF. Rose and her husband, Ed, have recently sold their home and now live full-time in their RV to travel between their four children and eight grandchildren.

Besides their first book, No Half-Truths Allowed – Understanding the Complete Gospel Message, Chris and Rose have a second book, “The Bible Blueprint – A Guide to Better Understanding the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, is due out in spring of 2021. They are in the process of writing their third book.

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Romanticizing History & Allowing Creativity

Posted on March 16, 2021 by Kristin

I grew up on a steady diet of old movies, classic books and a love of history. Reading especially helped me disappear into an idyllic pastoral setting in a Thomas Hardy novel. Watching “Masterpiece Theatre” in high school whisked me away to another world of Regency England. But California history is what really sparked my interest. I loved the old ghost towns of the Gold Rush and the missions during the “Californio” days. If you haven’t read, “Redeeming Love” — well first off, what is stopping you? And secondly, Francine Rivers brings the California Gold Rush to life, so please rush to get your copy. It’s going to be a movie soon.

I lived in Redwood City where the redwoods were cut down to create the timber to build the mining towns of old. So my first book was set in “Searsville” which is modern-day Woodside. I loved doing the research and learning how this port down pretty much killed everything in its wake to build mining towns. The California Grizzly, which is on the state flag, is extinct now as well. I wondered what it used to be like, so I researched and wrote a book.

Next up, I wondered what it was like to live in the Californio era, which was a time of milk and honey for the few rancheros who owned such vast wealth they didn’t need fences for their cattle — who roamed free. They used California dollars (cowskins) to trade for everything and lived a life of leisure on the beautiful land Steinbeck called “brown grass love.” That book became a novella with a sword-wielding circuit-riding preacher and a trip into pastoral life in California.

I’ve mostly written contemporary novels since then, but I still get lost in whatever world I’m creating. It doesn’t have to be a trip down memory lane. It can also be a trip to exist in a world I’ll never be a part of. This is why the “you must be Hispanic to write a Hispanic character” does not work for me as an author.

Imagine if Harper Lee was told she couldn’t write about African-Americans. or if Jane Austen was told she wasn’t part of England’s nobility and could not pen Mr. Darcy. These are dangerous precedents to limit people’s creativity based on not being that person. An author sees life from outside and often has a deeper perspective. In fact, someone just told me yesterday I needed to write my daughter’s story and I said, “I can’t. I’m too close to it.”

Allow authors the freedom to get lost in the creative world of their choosing. Last time I checked, George Lucas hasn’t visited the Death Star. Although some might argue that point.

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One Incident Changed Everything by Vicki Hinze

Posted on March 15, 2021 by Vicki Hinze

Indications are this will be a challenging week, which means we will be looking for insights and practical coping skills that we might or might not easily find.

A few years ago, I wrote two projects–a short novella and a book–about Dr. Dana Perkins, who encountered not one but two incidents over a period of years that completely changed everything.  Back then, Dr. Dana dictated a few articles to me that she thought might come in helpful in the future. Please note that these are general market projects (clean reads). What follows is one of Dana’s dictated articles…

One Incident Changed Everything–Twice

Death and loss and grief impact us in different ways but the burden is always a heavy one.  We struggle with healing, with feeling normal or even letting light penetrate the veil of darkness that enshrouds us. 

 

No one is immune from the effects of death or loss.  No one escapes the trials and burdens of grief.  As adults, we struggle.  But for children the burdens are in ways even heavier and more confusing.  Most don’t fully understand the finality of death.  Children are young and inexperienced and most things are new and different to them.  So too is death and loss. 

 

When death or loss occurs as a result of violence, for most kids, that too is a new and different experience.  Parents and caregivers typically do their best to shield children from those harsh realities.  When the death or loss happens in their presence, kids are as shocked and as terrified as adults.  They lack the coping skills of older people who have had more experience at coping, so the kids look to adults they trust to see how they should react to the event, to death, and to loss.

 

It’s been said that kids learn what they live. There’s a lot of wisdom in that. They also learn from those they trust and how those people react.  If a parent or trusted one reacts well, the child will take cues and react well.  If the adult does not, the child will follow that lead.

 

After a tragedy, children need information and tools.  To know it’s okay to be sad. To miss the person who has died.  To heal, and recover, and continue on with life.  They need to know that it is okay to laugh and play and be happy again. That it is not an insult to the person no longer there.  They need to know that life goes on, as it has and will in the future.

With grief typically comes guilt.  For smiling again. For going a whole day without thinking of the departed.  For feeling happy.  For some, they feel guilty that they survived while others died.  Especially if they were responsible for the departed’s safety.

The emotions that come with death and grief are harsh, merciless and few escape them.  Striving for perspective is a struggle and a journey.  But we make it.  At first, the pain of loss is such a shock, so intense, we feel we’re ripping apart inside.  Rightly or wrongly, we regret everything we did or didn’t do.  We buckle under the weight of what ifs or I wish I had, and our souls cry for just five more minutes with that person, for one chance to change something, anything and cheat death.

With time, the numbness of shock wears off, and we grind through all that to acceptance.  We adjust.  And we ache.  But we go on, and one day we see the sunshine and don’t curse it as being arrogant for daring to shine when we’re in such a dark place.  We hear laughter and aren’t appalled by it but intrigued to see what brought that joy.  In other words, we crawl out of the dark abyss of grief and rejoin the world of the living.  That too can make us feel guilty.  Make us question whether or not we deserve more life.  We do, and eventually we accept that and we do recreate our life and go on.  We don’t forget, but we do move forward and live.

Some say we grieve a year.  That we should give ourselves that long to process it.  I say dates on a calendar don’t dictate any of the stages of grief.  That’s a gauge, but not the way it works out for everyone.  We do have to work at it.  We do have to sometimes make ourselves get up and keep getting up and going on.  But the second time we do is easier than the first, and the twentieth time is easier than the nineteen times before it.  We get better at coping.  And we must.  Otherwise we condemn ourselves into living in the grief abyss. 

her deepest fear, vicki hinzeIn Her Deepest Fear, Dr. Dana Perkins experiences a life-shattering event that changed her forever.  The story is about that event and how it impacted her and those around her.  It drove her to a fresh start she needed more than wanted.  And that need is what took her to Shutter Lake in So Many Secrets.  It was supposed to be crime-free–the perfect town.  And it is for seven years.  Then Sylvia Cole is murdered.  And that one incident changes everything for Dana.  Again.

so many secrets, vicki hinzeFor the second time in Dana’s life, one incident changed everything.  For adults and kids, friends and neighbors.  But Dana is not now the same woman she was the first time.  She has filled her coping toolbox and she now knows that one incident–for the first or second or tenth time–no matter how difficult and challenging it is, does not have to be destructive or disruptive forever. If you have the courage to seek the truth, no matter the personal costs, you can find answers. You might also find out that the perfect town isn’t so perfect. That your friends and neighbors aren’t exactly who you thought they were.  And you might be stunned at exposing so many secrets, but courage and truth can see you through.  Can help you not fail to protect others this time, which helps you protect and preserve yourself.  

Helps you to bend and not break.

 

And that is an important lesson for us all in the power of any one incident.

 

Blessings,

Vicki, duly nudged and instructed by Dana

Remember

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  –Romans 8:28

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”  –Psalm 55:22

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Reaching Out in Faith by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on March 12, 2021 by Nancy J. Farrier

My dad was terrified of snakes. Growing up in Indiana, he said the big black snakes in the barn would chase him. I have no idea if this was true or his youthful imagination, but those snakes left a mark on him and he would run the opposite way any time he saw a snake. I’m not talking about quick steps or a slow jog. He would flat out run.

One time when we were camping, my sister, my cousins, and I found a snake on the road that was dead. We thought it would be a fun joke to scare dad, so we took the snake back, put it up on the tent awning with the tail trailing down. Dad didn’t notice at first, so one of us made a comment and he looked up. 

I had never seen my dad move so fast. He could have been an Olympic sprinter in that moment. I had also never seen him so angry. Dad wasn’t one to get really mad at us, but that stunt tested his limits. And possibly gave him some gray hairs.

I am reminded of my dad when I read about Moses talking with God in Exodus. God is asking Moses to go to his people in Egypt, but Moses isn’t sure the people will listen. God gives Moses a sign to convince him.

“So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He [Moses] said, “A rod.” And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it.” Exodus 4:2-3

When I read that Moses fled from the serpent, I picture my dad running away from that snake. Running as fast as he can. Moses must have had similar experiences with snakes and didn’t like them at all. 

The interesting note is what comes next. 

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand)” Exodus 4:4

Isn’t Moses’ faith amazing? He had this horrible fear of that snake yet he reached out and took it by the tail. Why? Because he trusted God. And when he had faith in God, Moses conquered his fear. 

The same can be true for us. We all have a certain thing we fear, many of us have more than one. Heights. Water. Spiders. Crowds. The list is long. Yet, when God asks us to step out in faith and do something out of our comfort zone, we must be ready to set aside the fear and trust God implicitly. 

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim. 1:7

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…” 1 John 4:18

Some may be saying a sound mind doesn’t pick up snakes. (Smile) But, this isn’t about picking up snakes. This is about conquering our fears – no matter what they are. With God at our side, we can trust that what He asks us to do will be safe and right. Even if that rod looks like a serpent, when we reach out in faith it will become the staff. 

My dad’s fear of snakes did mellow. He never developed a love for snakes despite my trying to convince him they were beautiful. But in his later years, he didn’t run from them when he saw them in his barn.

We must all work to put aside out fears and step out in faith when God calls us to do so. The benefits of overcoming that fear will be amazing.

The picture above is a rattlesnake from one of my walks in the desert. I did not pick it up by the tail to see if it would turn into a staff. (Grin)

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Blessed is the Man … and Grandma! by Kathy Carmichael

Posted on March 11, 2021 by kathc2

“Hey! I’ve got something to say!”

Lately it seems as though my blessings are too numerous to even consider counting. Welcome to the world, little one! My sweet and precious first grandson was born a few days ago and he’s healthy, happy and beautiful. He certainly has a lot to say as he joins his sister as my only other grand baby (at least as of now). I am so happy.

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” ~ Proverbs 17:6

What more could a grandmother want?

Well, I haven’t seen my granddaughter in over a year, nor have I had an opportunity to see and hug my newest grand baby — all thanks to the pandemic. But my son and daughter-in-law say I can come visit them in a few days and my wishes will soon be granted 🙂

Our Heavenly Father has indeed blessed me and my family. It’s already been such an unusual year–mourning my sister’s absence and now welcoming a new life. I’m unsure about the world my grandson has been born into, but I’m hopeful that he’ll find his place in this world and in the hereafter.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

 

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Getting to the Bottom of Things by James R. Coggins

Posted on March 10, 2021 by jrcoggins

Raising sons can be challenging. Consider the following conversation.

The mother says, “I have just been folding the laundry.”

The seven-year-old shrugs. This is a topic that clearly holds no interest for him.

The mother continues, “Can you explain why your little brother changed his underwear nine times last week and you only changed yours twice?”

Another shrug. “Nobody checked them, so I just kept wearing the same ones.”

This is not a good answer from someone whose favorite word is “fart.” (He is, after all, a seven-year-old boy.) The mother moves into lecture mode. “You need to be more responsible. Nobody should have to check your underwear. It is your responsibility to change your own underwear. Your little brother changes his underwear more often than you do.”

Another shrug. “That’s because he has more accidents than I do.”

It is hard to argue against logic. The mother changes the topic. “And can you explain why the two of you only wore three socks between you last week?”

Another shrug.

“And why none of them match?”

The seven-year-old has no answer. There are some things in life that must remain a mystery. Many of them have to do with parenting.

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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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