Stand firm…

Posted on November 17, 2020 by Kristin

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33

These are unprecedented times. Even in WWII when it must have felt like the world was ending, people had each other to cling to. They weren’t told to stay six feet apart and avoid church and worship services. They knew they were in the battle together. This “war” is different. The enemy keeps changing. We don’t know enough about Covid 19 and so the vice grip keeps tightening and we try to figure out how to stand firm and keep our families safe under the new and differing guidelines.

I’m weary of this never-ending enemy. In California, the news is all bad. “Cancel Thanksgiving,” they say. “Cancel Christmas” while we watch politicians break the rules for lobbyist dinners at Michelin-star restaurants. It’s disconcerting. It’s depressing.

And yet, that isn’t our problem. We are believers. God has told us to stand firm. He is our peace. He is where we find solace. The Word of God doesn’t change and neither does He. When we watch the news and read the latest, we are putting ourselves in the reference point of man. But God has a higher vantage point. He is not surprised by any of this.

If you’re feeling down and overwhelmed by the news, turn it off. Turn up some worship music and let it echo around your home. Decorate for Christmas. Dance like no one is watching. Pray without ceasing. Anything to remind yourself that He is sovereign. He is ready and willing to show His mighty power. Wait with anticipation, do not let your humanity allow you to forget that He is capable of anything.

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

The Glass Graveyard by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Nancy J. Farrier

I love my walks in the desert. They are quiet and almost always people free. The solitude gives me time to consider what I need to do, to listen to an audiobook or podcast, or to pray. It’s such a peaceful getaway that my day is not complete when I can’t walk.

One of my paths takes me through what I term the glass graveyard. This is a large, isolated area full of broken glass and some unbroken pieces. I can stand still and for hundreds of feet around me all I see is the glitter of broken pieces of glass. 

I don’t know how the glass got there. This section of the desert has been like this for as long as I’ve been walking there. The glass is made up of old bottles, pottery, dishes, and cookware. The colors and types are many. Green glass, blue glass, brown glass, white opaque glass, patterned glass, clear glass, and so much more. 

All I see are the variety of broken pieces. Once whole, useful items, they are now sparkling bits of the beauty they once were. Oh, there is still beauty there, but nothing like what they were when they were whole and functional. 

So often, as I walk through this sparkling graveyard, I contemplate my country today, the United States. We are like broken bits of beauty, scattered across the ground, unable to perform like we once did. We lie next to other broken pieces, pieces of all colors and textures, yet none of us seem able to function in the capacity for which we were designed.

But, there is God.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,

Because the LORD has anointed Me

To preach good tidings to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives,

And the opening of the prison to those who are bound… Is. 61:1 NKJV

This prophecy in Isaiah foretold of Jesus and the work He would do. He can heal the brokenhearted. Heal them. Heal us. 

He can set us free. Bring those broken bits together and make us whole again. Make us a vessel that is complete in Him and capable of doing whatever He asks.

How do we get healed? How does this multitude of tiny pieces get put together in a useful way? 

By listening to Him. By hearing what Jesus has to say to us. Not what anyone around us has to say. But, what Jesus instructed. 

What were His two most important commandments? 

Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself…’” Mt. 22:37-39

The two greatest commandments. Able to take broken beauty of all color and types and make them whole. Able to remake each of us into the perfect chosen vessel.

As we walk through our day, let’s consider our lives. Are we part of that graveyard of glass? Are we broken bits, unable to perform what we were intended to do? If not, then pray for those who are. If so, the rejoice in Christ, Who is able to heal each of us and make us better than what we were. 

Rejoice and be made whole.

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,

My soul shall be joyful in my God;

For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,

He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,

And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the earth brings forth its bud,

As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth,

So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. Is. 61:10-11 NKJV

Posted in Nancy J. Farrier | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

We Have a Choice by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on November 12, 2020 by Bridget

It is no secret that complaining and negativity is rampant in our culture. It has been for a long time. Then 2020 came along, and our griping seemed to multiply overnight. But we don’t have to succumb to the pessimistic side of life. In fact, the Bible directs us to do the opposite.

Today I want to talk to you about a beloved Bible verse which you might be familiar with. Philippians 4:8 says to “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

I realize it can be difficult to remember this and to live it out. We are surrounded by negativity. When we turn on the news, there are many terrible things that make us worry. When we talk to other people, we are often bombarded with complaints. And worst of all, the enemy is waging a war against us, in our minds. The greatest battle we face as Christians, is the one that goes on inside our own heads. The devil does not stop trying to defeat us, and he knows getting into our thoughts is an easy victory for him. As you can see, it is vital for us to fix our thoughts on what is true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and admirable.

Negative thinking is like a cancer that seeps into our whole being. It brings us down and defeats us. We feel discouraged and defeated before we even begin our day. It causes destruction in our relationships, as well as our health. And it creates a wall between us and the Lord.

But I have good news for you – we have a choice. We can choose to turn our thoughts around. We can turn to the Bible for truth. We can ask God to help us win this battle. And He will gladly help you when you call on Him.

Dr. Charles Stanley puts it this way, “If we dwell on negative or sinful thoughts, our thinking degenerates. Feelings of pride, pessimism, selfishness, shame and destruction tempt us to turn aside from God. But if we fill our minds with the holy and acceptable things of God, the opposite happens. We begin to see and respond to the world as he does – in truth, righteousness and in accordance with his will (Ro 12:2; 2Co 10:5; Col 3:2).” (The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible.)

So for today, keep this verse tucked in your heart and mind. When you are tempted to think negative thoughts, stop and turn it around. Say a prayer asking for the Lord’s help. And then turn your thoughts to something positive.

I decided to share a picture of a cute puppy to send your thoughts in a positive direction! Haha!

© 2020 Bridget A. Thomas

Photo by Helena Lopes on Pexels.com

Posted in Bridget A. Thomas, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 4 Comments

In All Things Give Thanks by Julie Arduini

Posted on November 11, 2020 by juliearduini

When I write, anything from an email or a manuscript, I say a little prayer that God would give me the words.

The other day I was responding to an email and I asked for words that would be just for her this coming month.

The answer was a blessing that she would be able in all things to give thanks.

As I have moved on, that is the answer I’m hearing no matter what my prayer is.

In all things give thanks.

Like health situations.

In all things give thanks.

Like transitions.

In all things give thanks.

Like writing.

In all things give thanks.

Like pain and heartbreak.

In all things give thanks.

Like financial issues.

In all things give thanks.

Like the election.

In all things give thanks.

All things.

It’s hard.

Here’s the secret sauce, because I asked God how when everything feels so topsy-turvy crazy.

Know God, know peace.

No God, no peace.

In all things give thanks.

Posted in Julie Arduini, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I’m a Traveler…

Posted on November 10, 2020 by Kristin

Do you know that song by Chris Stapleton? That’s become my life and this is a problem because I’m a homebody. I like the house. Home. Writing. My schedule. However, I chose to have four kids and they are all over the country. Which means, I’m all over the country because no matter how old your kids get, they’re still your kids. They NEED things. And you worry. Oh, how you worry.

Case in point: My daughter Elle needed to get from Colorado to Arizona. Then, from Arizona to California. As a mother, you can’t let your beautiful blonde daughter drive these distances herself — maybe it’s because you watch a lot of “Dateline” but whatever. It’s the truth. There are new trafficking stories on the news every night. Long story short, I have been in Colorado, Arizona and now, California. A writer must produce and it is hard to do so when you are mobile. My friends are really good at writing on laptops while driving — I am not. I like to be in an upright position at my desk.

So this week I planned to get back to work and write with my writing buddies. (We schedule a time to write every day of the week and do writing sprints with a timer.) Yes, we can do it ourselves, but this gives us accountability and a chance to have our water cooler moments.

This all reminds me that life is what happens when you’re busy planning. I planned to get this book done by December 15th for my next release, but life gets in the way. Today, a handicapped relative needs to go to Costco so that’s my priority. Because like it or not, I’m a traveler.

What comfort zone does God continually push you out of for your growth?

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Potted in Fresh Soil By Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on November 6, 2020 by Nancy J. Farrier

My daughter visited us recently. She works at a botanical garden in their desert collection and had the expertise to help me with some of my cactus and succulents that were in desperate need of repotting. One sansevieria in particular was so tight in the pot from multiple expansions that she had to cut the pot away. 

She is used to taking away the old parts of the plant and tossing them while saving the newer growth and repotting. I struggle to breathe when she does this. I want to save everything. Every little plant part that still has a bit of life—no matter how twisted and browned—is something I want to try to revive. That isn’t feasible though. 

My daughter removed the old growth that hindered the health of the succulent. She was careful to protect the roots as she worked and pruned. We ended up with a pile of sansevieria parts to throw away and also some beautiful pieces that will grow and multiply. By the time the salvageable pieces were potted, they appeared freer of restrictions and ready to fulfill their purpose. They were a study in beauty.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:1-2 (NKJV)

Being pruned is not fun. Who wants parts of themselves torn away, even if those parts are dying or dead? We prefer to hold on to all those bits that are dragging us down and keeping us from our full potential in Christ. After all, we’ve become accustomed to those dead pieces. They’re part of us and we don’t want to let go.

We end up so focused on the past, working to make those parts presentable, that we don’t bear fruit. We need to shrug off what’s in the past and allow new growth so the blossoms will come and fruit will be the result.

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


That plant my daughter divided and repotted was at the point of not being productive. It was root bound in a too small pot and suffering from an overgrowth of leaves. She was so careful to keep the roots from being damaged. In the same way, when God does pruning He is very careful to keep our connection to Him. Without being pruned by God, we end up stagnant and unable to do the work we need to do. Sometimes, we’re even unable to worship God because we’re so mired in the overgrowth of life that we can’t see our way free to do so.

Besides our goal of worshiping God and doing His will, we need to focus on bearing fruit. On being so in tune with Christ that we desire to bear fruit. God is pleased when we do this. So, let’s allow God to remove the stifling pot, to cut away the old growth, and to repot us in fresh soil so that we can stand tall and be prepared to be fruitful. To be pleasing to Him.

“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:8 (NKJV)

Posted in Nancy J. Farrier | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Fear by Kathy Carmichael

Posted on November 5, 2020 by kathc2

Fear.

It’s a nasty four letter word, and a feeling that trips me up.

It’s probably not surprising, given what’s going on in the world right now, I’ve been experiencing a lot of fear about the future. While the fear is rational, it’s not justified because of my faith in our Heavenly Father.

Stained Glass

When I was a child, my sister or sisters and I usually stayed for several weeks with each of our grandparents during the long summer months. Sometimes the days seemed exceptionally long, especially since I didn’t have my toys or friends that kept me busy while I was at home. My mother’s mother said that one of the things I should do to counteract boredom is to memorize the 23rd Psalm. So, I did what any nine-year-old would do. I sat down and memorized it, even though I’d never heard of it before. Several times I had to ask my grandmother the meaning of some of the words and phrases. “Mama, where is the valley of death?” But this Psalm truly did teach me everything I needed to know about the relationship between God and believers.

There have been terrifying moments in my life when I’ve recited the 23rd Psalm out loud, hoping to find my faith and find fearlessness in the face of fear.

Psalm 23:

Psalm 23

I have repeated this phrase numerous times, too many to count: “I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.”

Now I find myself in a position where I don’t fear my own death, but I do fear for the future of my family, children and grandchildren. As a result, I found myself wanting more reassurance from God, and I searched for Biblical references to ease my anxieties. I’m sharing some of these verses with you, in the hope you find them helpful in conquering your own fears.

This verse is particularly calming to my soul. It’s such a luxury that our faith allows us to place our troubles and cares on the altar of God’s love.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” ~ John 14:27

That reassurance brings a huge amount of joy and peace into my heart.

Here is another verse that speaks directly to my fears:

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” ~ Joshua 1:9

How can I worry or fear when I’m not the one in charge? Our Heavenly Father has it all in hand. He guides events as He intends. In my case, I have done everything within my own control to handle my situation. There’s nothing else left for me, a mere human, to do at this point. Now I have to let it go and as they say, “Let God.”

And really, at the base of my fears, it isn’t that what I want to happen will happen or not, it’s whether God’s will aligns with my own. And that’s a scary thought in and of itself. I am a mere human. I cannot foretell the future. I am not in charge. I don’t know what’s best for me, much less the entire world. I can only do what I am capable of doing, which of course includes prayer. But my will may NOT be done. Isn’t this at the very root of my own fear? Isn’t it at the very root of all evil?

What a humbling thought. My fear actually points out my conceit—my sin. Now I have a whole new set of fears about needing my faith to be stronger than my weaknesses. Thankfully, the Lord has provided direction, even in my sin:

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” Isiah 43:1

Reading this verse brought me to happy tears because I know I belong to the LORD who created me. He will act in my best interests regardless of what I think I want. And for that, I am eternally grateful. He wants us to be happy because He loves us.

Here is a final verse I found in which I think you will experience joy and happiness too.

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 8:39-39

It’s amazing and a huge blessing how I find that reading the Lord’s word can change me from fearful to courageous, worried to happy, and anxious to joyful. I hope you found the journey I took in dealing with my fears helpful to you as well.

May the Lord bless you!

Posted in Kathy Carmichael, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

I Am Not a Charismatic Christian by James R. Coggins

Posted on November 4, 2020 by jrcoggins

I have been asked if I am a charismatic Christian. The answer is no, it is too hard.

Oh, I have no problem believing in the miraculous. I believe the Bible, and I know God can and does heal people and perform miracles and give His people direction.

It’s the other stuff that is too hard.

I grew up a Baptist. It was easy. All I had to do was not drink or smoke.

Then for a while I belonged to a Mennonite denomination. That was harder. Not only did I have to do what I was doing before, but they also expected me to be able to sing. In four-part harmony. No one ever expected that of a Baptist. Especially an English Baptist. (The sad truth is that England has never had a famous composer. Until Paul McCartney.)

That is why I am not a charismatic Christian. I know what is expected, and it is too hard. Not only would I be expected to be able to sing. In tune. I would also be expected to clap. On the right beat. At the same time. And maybe even dance. In rhythm with the music.

I am not coordinated. I can’t dance. Just ask my wife. It is too hard.

Oh, I know God can do miracles. But that would be a biggy. I don’t think He will.

I am not a charismatic Christian. It’s just too hard.

(Please don’t write me angry letters. I’m just having a bit of fun. I appreciate the strengths of all of these branches of the Christian family.)

Posted in James R. Coggins | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Look for the Good by Bridget A. Thomas

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Bridget

My husband and I love going to the mountains. In particular, we especially enjoy going to Cades Cove. This is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is an eleven mile loop that you can drive through to see wildlife and nature. Countless hours can be spent in Cades Cove, enjoying the original churches and homes, hiking on various trails, horseback riding, and more.

The main road is paved and easy to navigate. But there are a few gravel roads located in Cades Cove that you can drive down as well. A few years back, when we were visiting Cades Cove with one of my sisters, we witnessed another tourist’s car slide off one of the gravel roads. There was a young bear crossing the road at the time. And there was also a lot of traffic, as many were trying to get a glimpse of the bear. In one particular vehicle, the driver got too close to the edge where there happened to be a drop off. The passenger side tires were no longer on the road.

In this position, they could not get traction to get themselves out of their predicament. In the car was an elderly couple, both with disabilities. My family and a few other families gathered around to see what could be done. We managed to get both of the people out of the car and at a safe distance. My husband got behind the wheel of their car and helped steer, as another man pulled the car with his truck. In the end, we got the car back on the road, and no one was harmed.

A few things stand out to me when I think about this story. First is the grace of God. This situation could have turned out much worse. The couple in the car, as well as those who stopped to help, could have been hurt. In situations like these, many of us would have been tempted to complain, cry, or get angry. But if we look around and see how God has helped us, it can bring comfort and peace to our hearts.

“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” – Psalm 147:5

Another thing that stands out to me is that there are still good people in the world. When we step out our doors or turn on the news, we see a lot of evil in the world. It can easily discourage us. We might be tempted to feel as though there is only discord around us. But there are still good people around who will help those in need. It is heartwarming to see a group of strangers lend a hand to other human beings.

Also, this story shows me how much we can do as humans. As Christians we are called to help out those in need. But many times we allow fear or pride to hold us back. It would be easy to think, “Oh well, someone else will help them.” But perhaps you are that someone else who needs to help. We should be a light in this dark world, and look for opportunities to spread the love of God.

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:1-2

We cannot allow the bad things in this world to take our focus. Instead we have to train our eyes to look for the good. The enemy always wants us to focus on the negative side of things, causing us to feel anger, depression, worry, anxiety, and fear. He wants us to live in constant despair. But we don’t have to live that way. We can look for the good around us and live in God’s perfect peace.

Post (c) 2020 by Bridget A. Thomas. Photo (c) 2013 by Bridget A. Thomas. (This is the road and the bear that I referred to above.)

Posted in Bridget A. Thomas, Uncategorized | Tagged | 6 Comments

Surrendering Hearts by Julie Arduini

Posted on October 28, 2020 by juliearduini

Three years ago my sister and I were talking about siblings and their stories. She had a book suggestion about uniting siblings who shared the same donor father. Interesting concept, but one I didn’t feel ready to tackle.

However the subject of multiples came to mind. Watching This is Us definitely added to my curiosity. After mulling all the questions around, I landed on this:

What if a group of sextuplets stay in the national spotlight because of a tragedy?

I had high hopes of writing six books total with a book a year. As a mom with a child with health issues, a wife with a husband who works crazy hours, and I’m someone who is active in ministry, I’m not one of those authors that can produce a lot of quality books in a year.

Turns out, I’m not the author who was supposed to churn out this series until now.

Almost now.

Anyway, the series is Surrendering Hearts about the Hart sextupletsfrom Upstate New York. Each book will feature a sibling and their journey to find their own identity and a love like what their parents shared.

First up is Jordyn Hart. The oldest, she’s always been in control. Guided her siblings through childhood. Worked hard in college. Fought to become the youngest noon anchor at the same television station her mother started at.

Now Jordyn’s facing the unexpected. Co-anchoring a new morning show. Watching her siblings make choices she doesn’t love. Coming to terms with her father’s new marriage.

Then there’s her co-anchor, Spencer Collins. Also the oldest, he’s always been steady. Reliable older brother. Part of a solid, healthy family. Until he wasn’t.

Anchored Hearts introduces you to Jordyn and Spencer and their need to surrender control. I’m someone who can relate to their story, even though I know I never had control to begin with. The bottom line is I struggle with trusting God. And that’s a story, right?

I wanted to release Anchored Hearts in November but I had a family emergency in September that I’m still working through. While I finish up, I thought I’d give readers a taste of what is to come.

Not only is there a free Surrendering Hearts series prologue, I also have a sneak peek at Anchored Hearts.

My heart in everything I do is to encourage readers to find freedom in Christ by surrendering the good, the bad, and—maybe one day—the chocolate. I’m so excited to share the Hart sextuplets with you. @JulieArduini #wednesdaymorning

CLICK HERE to receive the Surrendering Hearts prologue and Anchored Hearts sneak peek.

Posted in Julie Arduini | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

But God… by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Nancy J. Farrier

In times of turmoil, we tend to focus on the turmoil and forget the power of our Creator and how much He cares for us. We forget how often the Bible talks about dire situations and then says—But God. Because when God enters a dire situation, those circumstances come under His control and we no longer have to worry. We simply rest in His care and His grace.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of Biblical situations and what happens when—But God—enters the scene.

Noah faced a flood that wiped out all his family and friends except for his wife, three sons, and their wives—an a whole bunch of animals. Just imagine how scary that must have been on the boat with rain pouring down and the flood waters rising until there was nothing but water all around. Did they wonder if God knew what He was doing? Did they think he’d forgotten them? That He wasn’t listening to their prayers?

But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided. Genesis 8:1 (ESV)

In the midst of any doubts they may have had, when His timing was perfect, God did what He planned all along.

Joseph is another one who faced very difficult times. He was sold into slavery by his brothers—by the family he trusted. He ended up in prison for something he didn’t do. His attitude could have been one of doubt, or of fear, but we know this:

“And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him…” Acts 7:9 (NKJV)

Once again, God was with him (Joseph). In that well where his brothers threw him. In the prison dungeon. And, in the foreign country where he found himself. God was there.

Of course, we all know the one who faced the worst life had to offer was our Savior, Jesus. Ridicule, testing, abandonment, false accusations, a mockery of a trial, beatings, humiliation, and the most painful death of the time. Through all that, we might want to ask where was God? Why did Jesus have to suffer and then die? God had a purpose and we know this:

But God raised [Jesus] from the dead. Acts 13:30 (NKJV)

Once again, God stepped in at the right time—His perfect time—and raised Jesus from the dead. Her performed a miracle that was for us and part of His sovereign plan. Something we wouldn’t have been able to see during at that time, just as the disciples too caught up in the turmoil to understand God’s plan.


And then there is us today. People who are so imperfect no matter how hard we try. We all fall short of what we are supposed to be. Without the grace of God, we would be lost completely. Yet, God has that perfect plan which includes us.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7 (NKJV)

But God. Where would we be without those two words that explain so much about His love for us. In the midst of our difficult times, when we face a country—a world—on the brink of disaster, we must remember God is there. He sees. He cares. He has a purpose. 

We may not see or understand His purpose, but we can trust that He has one. He didn’t stop the flood from happening, but he dried up the waters. He didn’t keep Joseph safe at home or out of prison, but He helped him become great to save His people. He didn’t keep Jesus from dying on the cross, but carried out His plan for our salvation. 

Go through the Bible and do a search for the phrase “But God” and see all the times God is at work when the situation seems hopeless. He is aware of everything we face today. He has a plan, even if we can’t see it.

But God.

My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Psalm 73:26 (NKJV)

Posted in Nancy J. Farrier | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Book Launch: Heaven and the Afterlife by Kathy Carmichael

Posted on October 25, 2020 by kathc2

Today is the official release launch date for my new Christian non-fiction book. For me, this book is both a source of pride and a source of fear. I’ve put myself out there for this book in a way I never have in either print or in person. Admitting I’m afraid is an understatement. Click on the image below to learn more.

Heaven and the Afterlife book cover

Here’s a little about the book:

Life can be miraculous. In August and again in September of 2016, I nearly died. Several times. But for the grace of God, I wouldn’t be here now. What I experienced has forever changed me, and I hope my retelling these experiences will create good change in your life as well.

Anyone may have near-death experiences, visits from angels and the like. It’s not reserved for those who are particularly saintly, but be assured that once you’ve experienced an NDE (near-death experience), it will likely impact your life in ways you can’t currently imagine. But even if you’ve never had events like these happen to you, reading about them may be a catalyst for positive change in your life and you may never think about death in the same way again.

Journey with me as I recount my heavenly experiences and interactions with Jesus, saints and angels. It could change you forever, too.

Click here to visit Amazon to learn more about the book.

Note: Special Discount.

Now through 11/1/2020 the ebook is discounted to only $0.99. On 11/2/2020 the ebook will return to the original price of $7.99. 

 

Posted in Kathy Carmichael, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

When Life Gives You Lemons by Kathy Carmichael

Posted on October 22, 2020 by kathc2

That old saying about making lemonade when life gives you lemons has been in my mind for the past several days. In my case, it seems it’s more like making lemon cookies.

lemons

Around four years ago, I suffered from major heart attacks and heart problems. As a result, I underwent open heart surgery involving a quadruple bypass and mitral valve repair. The doctor said I was young to be experiencing all these heart problems, which worked in my favor. I’m still working hard at living my life to the fullest possible, but I have to keep trying sometimes to do things that were once simple for me.

I’ve searched for the right recipe to make my life have value and fit with my personality. It hasn’t always been easy. Sometimes my recipe flopped and I had to start over again. Sometimes I had the wrong ingredients. For instance I have tried setting up a YouTube channel to talk about things of interest to me (my Ninja Foodi air fryer and pressure cooker, medicare, and so on). While I may eventually get those videos uploaded, in the meantime they are living in my iCloud storage.

The Lord has called me to write about my experiences and I’ve written a non-fiction book about them. In this case, the recipe was perfect. I felt as though the Holy Spirit was my co-writer, often directing what I should or should not include. And now the book will be releasing in a few days.

Here’s a link to a great lemon cookie recipe, guaranteed not to flop like some of my own.

Find out more information regarding my new book by clicking the image below.

Heaven and the Afterlife book cover

Note: Special Discount.

Now through 11/1/2020 the ebook is discounted to only $0.99. On 11/2/2020 the ebook will return to the original price of $7.99. 

Posted in Kathy Carmichael, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Last Words by James R. Coggins

Posted on October 21, 2020 by jrcoggins

Good writers work very hard to craft interest-grabbing opening sentences to their books. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” Charles Dickens wrote as the opening for A Tale of Two Cities. I think it is much harder to write a memorable closing line to a book, although Dickens often achieved that as well.

British suspense writer Ruth Rendell went one better perhaps in composing a memorable closing sentence to her entire writing career. Her last novel, Dark Corners (Doubleday, 2015), ends with the sentence: “‘And now,’ he said, ‘now it’s all over.’”

Rendell (1930—2015) was a truly great suspense writer, with over 60 books to her credit. She began writing traditional murder mysteries, from the point of view of a police detective whose goal was to discover and arrest the murderer. But she then moved on to write stories from the point of view of the murderer, some of them under the pseudonym Barbara Vine. She did a masterful job of detailing her central characters’ inevitable descent into murder and often madness. In One Across, Two Down (1971), she described this as “a slow, indiscernible disintegration towards…utter collapse.”

Dark Corners offered as a frontispiece a quote from a 2005 interview. When asked why she seemed to be fascinated with psychopaths, she answered, “I do empathize with people who are driven by dreadful impulses. I think to be driven to want to kill must be such a terrible burden. I try, and I think I succeed, in making my readers feel pity for my psychopaths, because I do.”

Perhaps the most chilling aspect of Rendell’s later books is that her psychopathic murderers were not that different from the other characters in her books, who, for the most part, lived petty, self-centered lives.

Rendell’s change in viewpoint was perhaps based on a profound insight. The real problem is not crime but human evil and guilt. In the end, the best solution she could offer for human evil and guilt was not arrest and punishment but confession. It is a good start, but unfortunately it falls short of a satisfying conclusion. While clearly identifying the problem, she could not identify a full solution. She could offer no clear avenue for forgiveness and redemption.

Posted in James R. Coggins | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

On the Move…

Posted on October 20, 2020 by Kristin

I’ll admit it, I don’t like change. I don’t like moving. I don’t like the thought of moving. I grew up in a very stable household. I lived in that house my entire life and I could ride my bike to either set of grandparents. The biggest move we made was going to see my cousins about 20 minutes away and I remember thinking it took an eternity to get there every time.

Then, life blew up in its own magnificent way and I had no choice but to move. And to move again. And again. You get the picture. I could not provide the same stable environment for my kids and that always will feel like a failure. But when God calls us to move, we must go. I keep praying for that kind of stability in our lives now, but He has a different plan. My kids are dispersed in four different places. And it’s where they belong, but I don’t have to like it.

Today, my oldest son is moving to Seattle. He has been in Los Angeles after growing up in Northern California. He’s a 5th generation Californian and that means something to me because it means we are grounded in our land — our community. Only God has different plans from my vision.

Last night my son and I were researching our family tree. Our family moved from Nebraska to Montana under the homestead act. It reminded me how desperate they had to have been for land because in a covered wagon, they took 5 kids (they would have 7 more) and lived in a one room shack. We checked the weather there last night and in October it was 30 degrees with “icy rain.” Icy rain in October — can you imagine farming in such country?

It made me so grateful for the stability I was able to enjoy because of my ancestors. Because they lived such a hardscrabble, difficult existence, I lived like a princess in Redwood City, California — “Climate best by government test.”

But now, God has said “go” again to my son. He’s an engineer out of work in California and they’re not hiring. So, just like his ancestors before him, he’s answering the call because it’s necessary.

I am hopeful that one day, we will all live in our own Hallmark movie and we’ll all be in the same place once more. Until then, God said “Go!”

Ever gone when you didn’t want to?

Sorry for the bad quality, but this is my grandfather’s homestead in southwestern Montana.

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments