A Surprise Award

The other day a blogger friend, Jeannette Levellie, gave me an award-Superior Scribbler. I'm not sure what constitutes a superior scribbler, but her words about it warmed my heart. She said there were rules but I don't know them, except to pass the award on to others.

What an excellent way to encourage and uplift.

I have several in mind.

The first is a group, the Kindred Hearts, without them I would not be writing. There are many things other than what is below but too numerous to share. They each deserve this award in their own way. http://kindredheartwriters@yahoo.com/

Clella Camp with her "can do" encouragement both in writing and life, and how she answers my unending technical questions about the computer. Plus, she is the Kindred Hearts fashion guru.

Jeanie Wise who willingly shares whatever she learns. Her writing combines her medical profession with spiritual lessons and she forwards writing resources and shares her notes from any writers conference.

Laura Groves, a mother of four boys, shares insight, patience and understanding in my efforts. As my roommate at the writer's conference she boosts my confidence to go forward into unknown territory.

Johnnie Donley supported me, urged me, to write my first attempt at fiction writing. Of course she said it was good, whether it was or not :) Her own novel, almost completed, is wonderful and inspires me to keep on.

Check out their individual blog sites on the kindred heart writers blog.

Melinda Means for her energetic, honest and open parenting situations on her blog. I love her light hearted style. http://parentingconfessions.blogspot.com/ The blog is wonderful and brings back so many memories for me.

Thank you again Jen.

God Bless

Midnight in Madrid-Book Review

Midnight In Madrid is the second book in a Russian trilogy written by Noel Hynd. Alexandria LaDuca, an agent from the U.S. Treasury, assists in solving a theft of a religious artifact from a museum in Madrid.

She follows an elaborate trail of espionage and terrorist activity and travels across Europe wherever the leads take her. Alexandria wonders who to trust, even among the agencies that work with her. Confronted with betrayal, lies, and hidden agendas Alexandria questions her ability to do her job. Conflicts give in to soul-searching, and she finds a surprise relationship in the process.

The beginning confused me with his many different character introductions. I think if I had read the first book this one would have slipped right into place. I loved the action after that. Noel Hynd researched well and used many current events across the world. I can see this book being made for movie. I received this book as an advanced reader copy from the publisher. Check out the book on Amazon with this link.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310278724

Meet the author of Midnight in Madrid, Noel Hynd.
Noel HyndNoel Hynd was born in New York City and grew up in New York and Connecticut. He began writing professionally before graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in International Relations.
He lives in Culver City, California with his wife and their three cats.
Some of his other novels include The Enemy Within, and Ghosts.
Noel goes to Honduras for a yearly medical mission to Honduras with friends and members of All Saints’ Parish, Beverly Hills.
Learn more about Noel at http://noelhynd.com/.



To check out other reviews follow this link.
http://blogtourspot.com/nhynd-tour/nhynd-tour-stops

Get Ready for the Future-5

This is the last in this series, whew, aren’t you glad? Anyway, I was watching TV and a shoe infomercial began. “Buy now and get a second shoe understorage container for”, oh, I don’t remember but probably both for “$19.99.” Two contained enough room to fit 48 shoes. Forty-eight shoes!!!

Who has that many shoes?” I said and laughed with my husband at the same time.

My ridicule went on, that’s a different shoe for each day of the month and then some. What kind of people have that many shoes, and why? They would never use’em all. Can’t they just be happy and content with what they possess?

That night getting clothes ready for the next day, I noticed my shoes on the closet shelves and under my clothes and some in boxes. Oh no! I have shoes for summer, sandals, flip flops, walking/athletic tennis shoes, dress shoes, winter shoes, work shoes, yard shoes….. And it’s crazy, I have more than one for each occasion with varying colors. Ummm, do I eat my words now or… And no, I’m not going to tell you how many. And I have a coupon for 20% off at Famous Footwear, right now.

Strength for the State You’re In

“For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Philippians 4:11

We have read and said these words many times. Paul was writing to the believers in Philippi from prison. He said he “learned” to be content. This contentment does not mean happiness, but rather satisfied. It was not automatic when he met the Lord. Through what circumstances did he learn?

“In far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was ship-wrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. …Dangers from rivers, … robbers, …countrymen, …Gentiles, …city, …wilderness, …sea…false brethren… Many sleepless nights, in hunger, and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.” 2 Corinthians 11:23-27

How could Paul say he was in a state of contentment? “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 His life’s purpose was to do/be whatever God had in store for him.

Can we say we are content with whatever God puts in front of us? I know it will not be traumatic like Paul’s, but we will go through times of trouble. The question is, will we be content, can we trust God to carry us through any hardship? And I hear a resounding yes from all of you.

But let’s bring this home. Contentment when a child or family member gets sick. Contentment when personal relationships are rocky. Contentment when your business goes downhill, or you are laid off. Contentment when there’s no money for medical bills, or to help others. Contentment when the pantry has only a few cans and you are tired of sandwiches. Contentment when bill collectors call and foreclosure looms. Contentment when government appears to close in on freedoms.

Have we really learned to be content like Paul when we rattle off that verse? I believe the only way to live that verse with conviction is, when in our discontent we become acquainted with contentment.

Here’s Paul’s secret. Philippians 4:12-13. “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” Here it is! “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

That’s the true context for that verse. In our difficult times, He gives Strength in the Strain, to Stand, to See, for Security and for our State of Contentment.

May God’s strength be exhibited in all His children.

Blessings**

Photo-Tiny Pic

Get Ready for the Future-4

My husband and I with our two young children bounced up and down in the Florida bay aboard my father’s 17 foot boat. For some reason the motor just wouldn’t start up again after we fished a bit. We were close to shore, but too far and deep to get out and pull the boat.

A passing boat stopped. (Must’ve been the frantic waving of our towels that they noticed.) They agreed to tow us to the nearest boat launch. We gratefully accepted. After securing the line from their boat, the journey began.

It took only a few minutes to see the drag our boat made on theirs that we came up with a brilliant idea. Let’s lift our motor, then they’ll be no drag and we can get to port faster. Without telling our “tow-ers” we lifted the motor us and immediately went faster. So fast our boat started swerving from side the side. I grabbed the children and told them to hold on tight. The forceful zig-zagging meant we couldn’t put the motor back down, and their big motor was too loud for them to hear our yelling. So it was back to the towel waving while holding onto the sides of the boat and our wild-eyed screaming children. Finally our rescuers saw us. To their credit they didn’t laugh, just shook their heads. The motor was lowered back into its rightful place. But my kids still wanted to hold on.

Strength from Stupid or Strength to Be Secure

“But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Did we really think through our “brain storm?” No. Was it good? No. The motor was lifted out of its position. We thought we could make things better on our own. We ended up holding on for dear life, well, at least for immediate safety.

Scripture tells of many things we must “hold fast” in our lives that benefit both the spiritual and physical. Here are a few.

“Holding fast the word of life.” Philippians 2:16.
Constantly hold on to His words that give us life.

“Let us hold fast our confession.” Hebrews 4:14
Keep up a good Christian witness.

“Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.”
1 Timothy 6:12
Be aggressive and decisive in our faith and cling to the promise of eternal life.

“We may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast.” Hebrews 6:18-19
All who seek refuge in Him must make a personal decision to cling to His promise of hope and encouragement. When our soul is adrift or swerving, about to be engulfed by the waters of the unknown, God is our anchor. Leave Him in the position to guide and stabilize your life.

Hey, that’s a promise. So hold on tight, sometimes it’s a bumpy ride.

Photo: bigfoto.com

Get Ready for the Future-3

The other day I totally humiliated myself. I try to limit my impulse grocery buying by using cash. Naturally, that means I need to calculate my purchases as I go. But the “2 for $5” and the “2 for $6” sucked me right in on this particular day. All those July 4th specials! I just picked up things along my merry way and proceeded to the counter, and you can guess what happened next.

I watched as my few items added up to $85 and something, and I only brought $65. My face reddened and my pride sunk swirling me down into the vortex of embarrassment. I think I mumbled over and over, “I’m so sorry” to the cashier while I picked out things to take off my bill. The one saving grace was that no one was behind me. Then what happened? They paged overhead for someone to come to the counter to take back stuff. Couldn’t they have waited until I was out the door, or at least out of the check out lane? Don’t tell me God doesn’t have a sense of humor.

Strength to See Beyond My Want

“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and on your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness.”
2 Peter 1:5-6

The Message reads like this, “So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder.”

Either way the “self-control” or “alert discipline” part I failed. Why? Because I bought in to what they were selling. Did I miss any of the things I put back? No, not unless you call missing the Velveeta for the hot sauce dip something I couldn’t live without.

Scripture says we must ever be alert that the “things” offered by the world may not be what God has in mind for us. We will only know the difference by supplying/adding/applying the words and knowledge of the faith God has given us. And yes, that means I need to add better. If I can’t handle the grocery shopping, what’s going to happen when something big comes along?

May my “want list” always be in accord with His “Word List.”

Get Ready for the Future-2

A friend of my daughter lost her well paying job several months ago. Two weeks later she found out she had cancer. A single mom with a 12-year old, she’s facing unbelievable trials. The treatment sickens her for two weeks out of the month, therefore she can’t hold down a regular job. She shared with my daughter that the hardest thing is when she needs to ask her daughter which meal she wants to skip that day so their food will last. Her sister, church and friends are helping her.

But the odds are heavy against her. Let me tell you when I first saw her about a month ago, she was on standing on stage with my daughter at their church singing and honoring God with the praise worship team. How is that possible? Doesn’t she have every right to be bitter and angry about her circumstances?

Strength to Stand

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the word.... I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!” 1 Peter 5:8, 9, 12

When Peter wrote those verses to his fellow Christians, they thought of the mangy, starving lions and the filthy arenas where believers were killed and tortured. So comparing the devil to a loin was real to them, not like ones we might think of behind bars in the zoo, or in Africa.

What mangy, filthy animal has Satan thrown in your path to disrupt your life? Adversaries of depression, bitterness, anger, isolation, financial hardship, defeat from circumstances or physical illness? Be alert, and recognize those traps. Then chose to stand and fight against our natural inclination to give in to them. God will help. “The LORD is my strength and my shield.” Psalm 28:7a

You will not be alone. We are not alone. “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?” Hebrew 13:5-6

When we stand on our faith with God as our strength and helper, then we can sing like my daughter’s friend, “The LORD is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.” Psalm 28:7

Standing up again and will sing.

Photo: USFWS

Get Ready for the Future

Times are wild and crazy with our economy, country, and world. Some of this hits my family directly. The next few posts I would like to share what the Lord is teaching me in hopes that it will help some of you, too. The first in this series is:

Strength in the Strain

“You too be patient: strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” James 5:8

That sounds great. I know and believe our Lord’s return is coming in His time, but it’s the “strengthen your hearts” that stopped me. How do I do that? I, many times, pump myself up with good feelings, only to find them deflated in no time.

The physical and spiritual heart function in the same way. We all know that to maintain a healthy physical heart we “should” exercise, eat well, and have fellowship/love with others. The heart doesn’t get strong by just thinking about doing those things or even knowing those things. It takes action. Ditto with the spiritual heart.

First, let me tell you right now, exercising is a strain and major pain. But without any stress, muscles, heart and all that other stuff would turn into mush. The spiritual heart alike cannot grow strong without experiencing the pressures that come with life. Why? If all remained hunky-dorey it would never grow in the strength that God makes available. “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14. So God tells us again to wait (yuck) and courage will come. Well, it’s certainly not coming from me, so it has to come from God. “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man.” Ephesians 3:16 Yes, it comes from Him.

Now second, eating, which I love to do and it is one of my favorite pastimes, can heal or kill your heart depending on your intake. The same is true of the spiritual heart. “My soul weeps because of grief; strengthen me according to Thy word.” Psalm 119:28 This one is easy; meditate, read and hear the word of God in order to feed the heart and soul. His words are alive and can quicken the heart. For my heart to continue to be healthy, this must be its daily diet.

Third, fellowship with family, friends and outside help if necessary can give the extra support to keep me in alerted to my physical heart. For the spiritual heart it’s necessary to open up and let others pray, support and succor in time of strain, then sweet fellowship will follow. And of course the Father, “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10.

If the strain is tearing you up…complete steps 1-3.