Cherish the Journey

On the MOVE!!!

2008-02-28T14:50:00.002-06:00

Ladies and Gents,

This Blog has been moved over to my website: www.valeriefentress.com.

Hop on over to continue watching the blogging grow, and my writing blossoming right under my nose.

Happy Blogging!

Finished, Fineto, Done, Complete....YAY!

2007-12-31T11:25:00.000-06:00

Goodness....I didn't think I would get it done. But I have with hours to spare.

I had set a goal to finished my manuscript by the end of December, and considering today is the last day I am Relieved, Joyous, Thankful to say it is finished!

WHAHOO!

Granted I know the work is not completely done on this little bit of 90,000 words, but the word count and meat of the story is all fleshed out. I can't believe how much this story has grown, changed and developed ever since I got back from the Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference this last March.

Now it's time for a little break (31 days exactly ), before I start polishing things up for the agents and publishers that will be at Mt. Hermon this March.

WHEW....I think it's time for my brain to veg.

Happy New Year!!!!!

Wordless Wednesdays

2007-12-12T10:46:00.001-06:00

WOW!

2007-12-10T08:46:00.000-06:00

Hey Bloggers,

I'm so pumped about an internship I am now involved in with WOW-Womenonwriting.com.

And YESTERDAY was my first blog post on their daily blog. Check it out at http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/2007/12/making-manly-men.html.

He He He, I'm stoked about this post and looking forward to adding to the fun of the WOW site, and the joys of the writing experience. :)

Happy Writing

The Dilemma of an E-society

2007-11-20T20:49:00.000-06:00

Where would we be, or what would we do without the internet? Many people have their opinions, some PG and some not so PC. But it is a question that came to my mind in light of the Writer’s Guild of America’s (WGA) on going strike.

In brief summery the members of the WGA, yeah those guys that write the shows we know and love on TV, have gone on strike because they are not receiving any royalties from the DVD sales of the shows we’re addicted to, or any compensation for internet downloads of their hard work. Resulting in late night shows (Jay Leno, David Lettermen, etc), and many of the primetime line up will be going to reruns soon, if negotiations go poorly. Now whether or not you agree with the strike, the potential for a rerun of 1988’s five month strike raises many questions about what the internet has done to our working society.

Most of us read the news on the web, instead of buying a news paper. We send email instead of paper mail. We can download music, movies, TV shows, and even books online. Even though the internet allows tons of information to be at our finger tips it’s also cutting away some of jobs and revenue with in some industries. Almost adding to the lazy, selfish, give it to me now mentality that has swept our nation in the last twenty years.

Granted I have no idea what our world or society would be without the internet, but it’s something to consider do the benefits out weight the cultural changes that have occurred. Identity Theft, solitude, the number of teens/children that have gone to meet an internet friend and never come home, and many more threats come with this web-concoction.

At this point, I’m at an impass, and a quote from Spiderman comes to mind, “With great power comes great responsibility.” I love the internet, just like anyone else, but even though information is at our fingertips, we need to be careful in how we use it. The more we exploit the more trouble we can cause through our E-society.

Writing with Heart

2007-11-06T07:54:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but from time to time my writing hits a wall. Not writer's block in a sense, but more of a misdirection. I get so focused on getting my word count up, and adding that little twist in each scene that I loose track of the heart I started with.

Follow this link to a blog I like to read through to read an encouraging word from Janet Rubin: http://noveljourney.blogspot.com/2007/11/sun.html

We'll talk more about the heart behind your writing later this week.

A Sad Day to Claim Christian

2007-11-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

Recently on CNN.com I found an article about a Church that was ordered to pay $10.9 million for a funeral protest that took place in Maryland. As I read on I was saddened and practically ashamed to call myself Christian.

This church group apparently has picketed at the funerals, in several states, of many fallen military killed in Irag and Afghanistan, claiming “God is punishing the United States because of its tolerance for homosexuality”. I don’t know what homosexuality and the War on Terror have to do with one another, but that’s a topic for another day.

Now I try to talk/listen to God everyday through prayers and reading the Bible, and I don’t think I could ever make a statement like that. To say what God is doing based on our actions. I’m not trying to defend or offend on the second half of that statement, but more on the part that a Christian associated group is dragging the title of Christian through the mud.

To make statements like “God hates [homosexuals]”, is ridiculous. It is my belief that God hate no one person on this planet. He may hate certain choices we make and is saddened when we turn away from a relationship with Him, but to blatantly say God hates any one group of people is against what the Bible shows as the nature of God. The whole purpose of our being is to have a relationship with God, and in that, as in any relationship, there are many emotions, but at the core of any long term relationship is LOVE, not hate.

What saddens me the most is what non-believers are taking away from the media attention the church group is getting. They are not seeing the gospel. They are not seeing what believing in Jesus Christ is about. They are not seeing the purpose of a church body. All non-believers are seeing are extremist being insensitive to the grief of people who have lost loved ones, under the banner of church and Christianity.

It seems our own humanity is the greatest hindrance to the work God has given to each believer. “Go make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19) Over the course of history humanity has done many awful things, at times under the ‘banner’ of Christianity, as almost a justification to their actions. And I think the fact that we are just a fallible as non-believers is often the greatest hindrance to Christianity. Not that we can be perfect examples 24/7, but it is important to present ourselves and any concerns we see fit to protest about, in a manner that presents the truth of Christ. With humility. With a prayerful spirit. With an eternal perspective.

I am currently reading through Dave Miller’s Blue Like Jazz (Non-religious thoughts on Christian Spirituality), and one of the chapters speaks of Miller and his friends setting up a confessional booth at their liberal college. But instead of listening to the confessions of non-Christian students, Miller and his Christian friends confessed the hindrances, we as a general community of Christian’s, that have been placed as a road block to non-believers’ understanding of Christianity. This was a profound and relevant act, and it feels like something I want to put out there as well in light of the referenced article.

If you have been hurt by a person or persons that claimed Christianity, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that we fail to represent the truth peace and love of my savior, Jesus Christ. My failure is not due to disbelief or what I believe in, but to the mere fact that I am human. I am imperfect, but because of the LOVE of God and the perfection of Christ, this burden has been lifted. Forgiveness from the creator is there for anyone willing to shed their sinful nature and live a life where perfection is not expected only repentance, trust, and a willingness to live for more than yourself.

Day Six: Dublin

2007-10-28T09:38:00.000-05:00

One more beautiful day in Dublin, we’ve only had one day of rain. Lucky us! After another round of Irish breakfast, Justin and I hopped on the bus and back into the City Center. We went through the streets that are becoming quite familiar to us, and wandered to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Were Thomas Swift’s grave is located (author of Gulliver’s Travels) The stained glass and monument’s inside were a walk through history.

The next place we visited was Christ’s Chruch Cathedral’s Dublinia exhibit. This exhibit walked us through the Medieval history of Dublin, and even some of the artifacts found on the archeological dig that was done in the city. That was so cool to be in a city that held so much history. After the museum, our feet were realy barking, so we took in a show. Yes, I mean movie. Our feet appreciated the break and so did our back’s as we enjoyed the movie Stardust. It was a bit strange that today was the opening day of it in Dublin, when it’s been out for a bit in the US. Oh well we enjoyed it, before making the trek back up to Dublin Castle. Unfortunatly the tours of Dublin Castle ended at 4:45, and we arrived at 5:30. That’s the bad thing about seeing a movie I guess. Maybe next time then ;)

Day Five: 10-18 Dublin (Happy Birthday to Me)

2007-10-27T12:29:00.000-05:00

We woke up this morning in a chill. For some reason our radiator stopped working in the night, but I think Justin survived well, since he had all the covers on his side of the bed. We decided to stay under the warm covers a little longer before going down to another wonderful Irish breakfast. They sure know how to fill a belly over here.

We talked with Moira, the Springvale owner, about the bus and how to get into town. Once we got our route planned we headed off to join the morning rush. It’s been great to ride the buses, and not fight our American driving instincts. So into town we go, and then jumped on the Dublin Tour bus. The morning was a bit chilly, and a restless night’s sleep kept me from taking the pictures that I should have, but that just mean we’ll have to come back another time J

Our tour guide was pretty funy, and serenaded us with some Irish tunes along the way. At the end of the nearly two hour tour, we jumped off and headed over to the Writer’s museum. (Hehehe- a good place to go on my Birthday, I dare say) It was a joy to hear the stories of the Irish greats. To see first editions, even some with hand written notes, of such names as James Joyce, Orson Wells, Bram Stoker, William Yates, and many more that have written from or about Ireland. Justin let me get a couple of books, even though I secretly wanted to buy the shop. It was encouraging to here how each author struggled through their art to create something that held a truth of Irish History and it’s people. I love my Husband so much, cause he fell asleep during the tour, and him willingly going into the museum proves his love to me. Yes, it’s silly, but if he does something I love and he hates, and he doesn’t fuss about it I know he’s still in love we me. J

Next we headed up to Trinity College. The Book of Kells (ancient illustrated version of the gospels) is held here, but I felt Justin had seen enough books for the day. So we walked the campus and then headed over to the Hard Rock Café. Granted not a very Irish place to eat, but it is a traveling tradition of mine. After having a bite, and a pint of Guinness we picked out my Dublin Hard Rock T-shirt and head out to wander the streets. It’s pretty fun to start to know your way around a town in another country, makes you feel like a real world traveler. We walked over and took a picture or the hotel owned by Bono, and down to the historic Custom’s House. Once thing about wandering the streets is my feet are tired, so back to the bus and the B&B for hopefully a warmer night’s sleep.

Day Four-Keady/Maladahide/Howth/Dublin

2007-10-26T17:59:00.001-05:00

We started our day with another serving of Irish breakfast, which meant we didn’t eat anything else till 4PM. Such good food. Then we packed our bags and headed off to a viewpoint Larry told us about the day before. Carrigatuke Viewpoint looks out over six Irish county, and we could even see the twin spires of St. Patrick’s in the distance. The wind was quite chilly but the view was wonderful.

We once again set off on the back roads of Northern Ireland destined for Dublin. After winding through the back country and seeing a couple spray painted IRA support notices we eased on to the motorway and off to our next destination. We drove down the coast to Maladahide Castle, where the residence had lived for 800 years. The grounds were beautiful and it was amazing to imagine the history. Oliver Cromwell even stayed in the castle back in the days of over throwing the British throne. We even watched a few raven’s on the lawn, and we could see why they are evil omen’s in Irish folklore. They look like they could tare you to pieces if they decided to.

After touring the castle we headed over to Howth Cliffs. As Justin put it we had to go through the round-a-bout maze to get there, and once we did we were not disappointed. The coast was beautiful, the wind crisp, and the food delicious. I had a plate of Fish-n-Chips along with some calamari, but Justin couldn’t steer away from the steak. He tried a bite of my dishes, and had to admit they tasted really fresh. After wandering the sea side with our feet aching, our eyes drooping, and our bellies full we headed off to our B&B. Well we took a nice tour of Dublin Port, almost taking the ferry somewhere we weren’t planning to go, before we had to stop and ask for directions, and then call the B&B. Just as the sun was going down we pulled into the B&B. Praise the Lord. Now it’s time to rest before our big adventures in Dublin tomorrow.

Blessings.

Day Three: Armagh

2007-10-24T09:34:00.001-05:00

An exciting day, the day I go see the town my novel takes place in, which made it hard to fall asleep last night. But when morning came we got ready for the day, and went to enjoy some Irish breakfast. Bacon, toast and jam, eggs sunny side up and soda bread. So yummy, and so filling, we didn’t eat lunch until three in the afternoon. Larry also introduced himself, and shared a bit of the history of Dundrum house. His accent is fun, but I think I’m only getting about 60% of what he’s saying, while Justin is making out about 40%. It’s amazing all the work they did on this old farm house, and they still have plans of expanding the B&B in the future. After taking a break from the last ten years of renovations, but luckily some of the family have helped fix up the place.

With breakfast settling nice in our bellies, we headed off to Armagh. We weaved through the narrow hilly streets, keeping the spires of St. Patrick’s Catholic cathedral in our sights. We arrived at the church just as morning mass was ending, and a nice gentleman that was going up to the church told us about the school, the archbishops house, and the front walk way which was renovated in 2000. Which is a good tidbit since my story takes place before then, so I’ll need to be careful when I construct my climax.-

After touring the cathedral and taking a lot of pictures, we decided to walk the streets a bit. It was great to get a feel for where my characters could walk, go and do. We walked in the Mall, which is not for shopping, but a park in between the courthouse (which was recently renovated from a bombing in 1993) and the prison (women’s prison now). There were a couple of monuments to the Irish that fought in World War I, and a great row of Georgian style houses lining the park.

We walked around the streets some more, surprised at how many people were our and about on a Tuesday morning. Around noon we got back in the car to go see the Navan fort, which holds a lot of Armagh’s history, but it was closed. Apparently their website had not been updated. But we continued on toward the small village of Tynan, to see a high cross. The village didn’t even have a stop light it was so small. But the large Celtic cross on the road was beautiful. Ireland has about 270 free standing Celtic crosses in the country side. We weren’t able to see the Abby (which has two other high crosses), since it is still a working private abbey, but we were able to see some of the small grave yard and the architecture over the wall. After stopping in Tynan, we decided to head back to Armagh and wander the streets a bit more.

We went into the tourist information center and were told about the Armagh museum, so we walked over and went through the history of Armagh tour. It was very interesting to see what affected the growth and development of this beautiful city, but then we got locked in the tour. The last door was locked, so we had to feel our way back through the dark exhibit before we could enjoy the final movie, luckily they let us in by another door. After we walked about some more, stepped in to a chemists’ (like a Walgreens) to get Justin some cold medicine, he’s doing better but the congestion is keeping him tired, which is probably helping him enjoy such a slow paced trip. Then we headed back to Keady and the B&B.

Once we dropped off our day’s treasures, we decided to go on a little walk. We found Larry getting ready to feed the cows, so we jumped in the jeep (truck) and joined him on a tour of his farm. It was amazing to hear about his family’s history and even some of the situations they ran into during The Troubles. He even showed us the small stone house his father was born in. Most of the Irish we’ve talked too seem to compare The Trouble’s to the war in Iraq, which brings about a wealth of interesting discussions. After touring the farm, and seeing the three day old calf, Justin and I are settling down for the night. Our feet are ready for a rest.

Blessings.

Day Two: Dublin/Newgrange/Keady

2007-10-23T19:02:00.000-05:00

The morning started late. I was able to get a full night’s sleep, but Justin seems to be fighting a bit of congestion. We took the morning slow and headed out of Dublin about noon, going up to the Valley of the Boyne. We took the back roads into the valley enjoying the rolling hillsides, stone and bush fences, plus the scattering of sheep along the roads. It was a lovely way to travel, and even seeing the leaves change add to the beauty. We arrived in Newgrange just in time to enjoy the museum and join the next tour. The valley of Bru na Boinne holds the oldest Neolithic tombs and structures in the world. Dating back further than the pyramids or Stonehenge, which as our tour guide said is ‘not’ something the Irish like to brag about. ;) After enjoying the ancient stones and the green countryside we headed up to Northern Ireland, back roads of course. Justin is dong a great job at driving on the left side of the road it’s a little weird when going around tight bends in the road, but I think Justin’s a better driver in Ireland than in the states. ;) We had a bit of trouble finding our B&B so we took a longer tour of Keady than we planed, but we finally found it and were greeted by a black farm dog, and the mooing of a few cows. The owners, Lisa and Larry, have spent ten years renovating this historic farm house, it has a lovely view. A Canadian couple have been staying here for the last seven weeks, with two more left on their adventure. They are researching their genealogy, which seems to be the most common reason for people from the states to hope over the ocean. For dinner, the owners directed us back into Keady to a restaurant called the Caledonian. We enjoyed a large helping of food, but we were the only ones in the place. Apparently everyone eats earlier than 5PM, or doesn’t eat out on a Monday. We sat and talked with Dorothy and Walter for a bit, and are told that Larry is a bit of a story teller, so I look forward to meeting him at breakfast. I just hope I can cut through his accent.

Blessings

Day One- Dublin

2007-10-22T08:55:00.000-05:00

October 14th, 2007

After a full day in airports, airplanes, and very little sleep we arrived at Dublin Airport. Just before we landed we were able to watch the sun rise over Ireland and the Atlantic Ocean, which was a beautiful start to our trip. We took stairs out of plane on to the tarmac, to the bus, and once we got our bags (Thank the Lord that they made it with us-after three plane jumps) we started the adventure of driving on the left side of the road.

Wow that’s a mind game, and the round-a-bouts are a bit confusing ‘cause the street signs are hard to find. But after heading the wrong way a couple times, we made it to our hotel and made our first trek into the city center. We decided to walk the streets and enjoy the people, since we’re still tired, and save the bus tour for when we come back.

We had perfect weather, and the architecture made our afternoon very enjoyable after hours of sitting. Looks like their might be rain tomorrow though, hopefully it won’t hinder our plans

State Side!!!!

2007-10-20T17:43:00.000-05:00

YAY, Justin and I have arrived back in the US of A, and are enjoying the internet in NC. We have one more flight to go before we can get home, but the long stretch is over. We had a great time in Ireland, and God was so good to us on the trip. Even though we were without internet the whole trip. So my daily blogs of our adventures were not posted, but I did write so over the next week I'll be sharing our adventures.

Blessings!

Emerald Isle Here we come

2007-10-12T19:52:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gents. Boys and girls tomorrow (10/13) Justin and I will be off to IRELAND!!! The excitement is building, and I just hope I can sleep to night. We are in final preperations, and we ask for your prayers for safe travels.

And for those who like to be in the know. I hope to blog, while on our trip, to share our adventures and some pictures along the way.

Enjoy the Fun (and probably goofy pictures)

Blessings to ALL :)

Beware or Be Amazed

2007-10-09T13:34:00.000-05:00

I just got done reading Michael Crichton’s State of Fear, which is just as intellectual as it is roller coaster ride. I won’t give any spoilers if you haven’t read it, but on thing absolutely amazed me when I got to the end of the book… there was a bibliography.

Not only that there were footnotes and references throughout Crichton’s work of fiction (Yes, Fiction not Non-fiction), he goes on to say his take on the global warming subject that is addressed in State of Fear. And then Crichton writes that he spent three years researching before starting State of Fear. THREE YEARS! That is Amazing, and a little daunting if I think through how much research I’ve put into my own WIP.

It makes me question the amount of time I spend researching before I place my characters in the first scene. Would you count your research time in hours, weeks, months, or years?

I think this is an important thing to think about, when joining in the insanity and fun of writing a manuscript. If Michael Crichton didn’t do his years of research would we believe: Dinosaurs can be brought back from the Jurassic Age(Jurassic Park, The Lost World), Time travel is possible (Timeline), or Global warming doesn’t exist (State of Fear). The amount of time he puts into researching his novels is what makes them bestsellers time and time again. His story worlds are so in depth and you can’t help but see them as truth on some levels.

This should be the goal of all writers.

To present a story world that makes us think about our own place in this universe. That is the joy of Fiction, and what I hope to be the goal of all my manuscripts.

Happy Writing!

Question for James Brausch

2007-10-06T11:53:00.000-05:00

Just about everyone in the CBA knows the Snowflake Guy, Randy Ingermanson. So when his blogs said he takes his marketing advice from James Brausch. You have to take notice. I jumped over to James Brausch's blog and found that he is taking questions from us mere mortals and to quote Randy Ingermanson,

"Brausch has built an extremely successful business around his blog, and the information he sells is based on hard empirical data. When he tells you to do something, he’s basing his advice on real experiments he’s done. Ya gotta respect that."

So my question is.....

If you're a beginner in world of marketing yourself and your products would you recommend building trust aka establishing crediblity, or pushing your products and building crediblity over time?

If you want to ask James Brausch a question, here’s how it works:
You ask a question related to generating an internet business, and he will answer all questions on Monday.

You ask your question by posting to your own blog and linking back to this blog entry. He'll see the link or trackback and therefore see your question. He will answer questions in a post on his blog.

Good Luck!

Everything you need to know about life...

2007-07-13T19:45:00.000-05:00

...can be learned from Noah's Ark

One : Don't miss the boat.

Two : Remember that we are all in the same boat.

Three : Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

Four : Stay fit When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

Five : Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

Six : Build your future on high ground.

Seven : For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

Eight : Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

Nine : When you're stressed, float a while.

Ten : Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

Eleven : No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting

Examining Service

2007-07-01T09:44:00.000-05:00

When you’re asked to get involved in a service project, what’s the first thing that pops into your head? Is it “SURE, I’d Love to,” or is it one of these three things:

- I Don’t have Time
- Someone else will volunteer
-OR-
- That’s Not what I do

Many of us revert to an early Moses or Jacob mentality, where we find ourselves fighting against God when it comes to service. We focus on our short comings to give us excuses not to make an effort. But if we look at the later actions of Moses and Jacob, we can see the convicting impact of all they did in our faith. So what’s the difference between these pillars of our faith and little old us?

In one word: Nothing

They were just as human as we are, had the same insecurities, same doubts, same worries, so how did they do it?

Well the church answer is faith, but we can break it down further into:

Reliance
Trust
-AND-
Prayer

Reliance, that God will provide the time and the opportunity to make an impact for God, and when I say impact that doesn’t have to mean the Hiroshima of revivals. But can often mean many small acts of faith putting a dent in the barriers that surround us.

Then there is trusting, that God values and will work through your efforts. At church on Sundays, I get so encouraged by a gentleman that sets up our pastor’s chair, table, and laptop. He is doing something so simple, most of us have no idea who he is, and yet he is instrumental to our pastor’s message. I know at times I would be lost without my notes or laptop, and I’m sure Pastor Gregg would say the same. So God works in that man every Sunday, and can do the same in you on a daily basis if you are willing.

And the last piece is Prayer, to ask and listen to His Guidance in our outward steps of Faith. EPH6:18 says , “And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests with this in mind, Be alert and always keep praying for all the saints.
I hope you make the effort to pray in your daily lives.

God will give each of us the courage, ability, and often the energy to step out in service. We just need to be aware of the needs that surround us and be willing to step away from our insecurities.

I encourage you to examine your attitude toward service and the needs of the people in your lives. Because, if Moses never made the effort to examine the burning bush, our faith and our world could be in a different place.

Which of the three excuses do you struggle with? (You can answer with more than one)

What does that say about your reliance, trust, and/or prayer relationship with God?

Who encourages you the most in the act of service?

Other encouraging verses:
Ephesians 4:16
Romans 13:11-13
Philippians 4:13
Mark 12:41-44

Interview with Rachel Hauck

2007-05-23T20:46:00.000-05:00

Rachel Hauch, author of Lost in NashVegas, Georgia on her Mind, New Hampshire Weddings, and her latest: Diva NashVegas, stops to chat about her latest book, and what writing means to her.

Q: What inspired Diva NashVegas?

A: The idea to write about a singer came from a conversation with my editor, Ami McConnell. At first, I created the Diva to be a wanna-be star, but after thinking the story through, I decided she had to be an established artist, a superstar.

Q: How do you research a diva?

A: Not easy. I read a lot of bios, and spent time with Christian artist, Kim Hill. She was a blast and a great help. I loved hanging out with her. I also got some inside scoop from record producer and fellow Thomas Nelson author, Matt Bronleewe.
I talked to an entertainment lawyer and search music business forums for answer to some of my questions. The hardest detail to find was about artist and record label disputes. We all know it happens, but why? The only reason I could find was "creative differences." This answer did not cover enough detail for me. I couldn't create a legitimate scene with Aubrey and her record label President arguing over "creative differences."
Thankfully, I found a forum on the internet and a kind gentleman gave me eight detailed reason why an artist would enter into a dispute with her label. Saved the day!
I also researched foster care and television production for elements of the story. Kelly Sutton and Molly Day, a TV personality and producer respectively in Nashville were enthusiastic resources.
After that, I only had my imagination.

Q: What do you want readers to take away from the book?

A: First, a great read. I hope they can be transported into Aubrey James's world. Next, a message that life isn't always fair, but we have the power of choice in our response. God is always there for us, even when we don't feel He is.
Diva NashVegas was difficult to write. I had a few crisis, but when I finally submitted it to my editor, I wrote in my email, "I love Aubrey James." She really came to life for me in the end.
My editor loved her, too. I'm confident she'll capture readers.

Q: What is your writing day like?

A: It varies, but I try to settle down from my morning routine by noon and focus on writing. Some days it's earlier, and some later. If I'm approaching a deadline date, I completely clear my schedule and work twelve hours a day or more.
Email is my weakness. I've modified the Lord's prayer some for writers: "give us this day, our daily word count, and delivers us from email."
Seriously, I'm like an email junky. Half the time no one emails me, I just have to check and see. Secretly, I'm hoping a Broadway or Hollywood producer will email me wanting to make a movie or play out of one of my books.

Q: How long have you been writing?

A: For a long time, but not seriously until the mid-90's. Then I quit for awhile because my corp job became more demanding, then one day in 2001 the Lord began to open doors and by the end of 2002, I had my first book contract.

Q: Name your favorite TV show of all time.

A: I have no idea. Friends, I guess. Gee, do I want to admit that? I don't agree with the shows moral philosophy, but I love the comedy, the writing and friendship element of the show. Same with Cheers, or MASH. Wait, I just remembered, I love, loved, loved, The Mary Tyler Moore Show. That is my all time favorite.

Q: How did you meet your husband?

A: Actually, he was hit by a bus. I witnessed the whole thing, pulled my car over, checked his ring finger (empty) then gave him CPR.
Of course I'm making all that up. Hit by a bus? He'd be dead.
I met him at church. He was the youth and singles pastor, and the only guy who didn't wear a pocket protector or have duct tape holding his glasses together. Husband was cool, and we had a lot in common, but mostly what attracted me was his heart of David - a man after God's heart. He's a man of prayer and the Word, high integrity and after being friends for eighteen years, he's my best friend and makes me laugh.

Q: What's next for you?

A: Look for "Sweet Caroline" from Thomas Nelson March 2008. This is a story of inheritance and finding courage to do what you really want to do in life.

Q: How do you get your ideas.

A: Burn up my last brain cell thinking of something. Then I call all my friends and cry, begging for help. I pray a lot.
Seriously, I believe God has a lot of ideas and He's most kind to share them with us. I look for what is on His heart.

Q: Besides writing, what goes on in your life?

A: I'm a worship leader at my church, and with a prayer and worship ministry, Fire Dweller. Until August 2006, Husband and I were youth pastors. We handed the youth church over to a younger couple last summer, and I've been taking time to see what else God has for me. It's nice to have a light schedule for the first time in many years.
Recently, I learned of a volunteer program where I can read to children and rock babies. So, I'm going to give time to that ministry. I'm very excited.

Q: Any parting words.

A: Sure, thanks to the authors on the Diva NashVegas blog tour. Thanks to all the readers. I appreciate you. Stop by my web site and leave a blog comment or email me and I'll add your name to a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Starbucks or Barnes & Noble. If you tell me you bought the book, I'd love it.

Do you want a Donut?

2007-05-05T22:25:00.000-05:00

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christensen, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States. Dr. Christensen taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his freshman year, regardless of his or her major.

Although Dr. Christensen tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

This year, Dr. Christensen had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.

One day, Dr. Christensen asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. "How many push-ups can you do?" Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."

"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christensen said. "Do you think you could do 300?"
Steve replied, "I don't know.... I've never done 300 at a time."

"Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christensen.

"Well, I can try," said Steve.

"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor.

Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it."

Dr. Christensen said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the BIG, extra fancy kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls.

Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the year, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christensen's class.

Dr. Christensen went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?" Cynthia said, "Yes."

Dr. Christensen then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?" "Sure." Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christensen put a donut on Cynthia's desk.

Dr. Christensen then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?" Joe said, "Yes." Dr. Christensen asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?" Steve did ten push-ups! , Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut.

Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christensen came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.

When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?" Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?" Dr. Christensen said, "No, Steve has to do them." Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then."

Dr. Christensen shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?" With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups. Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"

Dr. Christensen said, "Look! this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down . You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.

Dr. Christensen started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christensen asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?" Sternly, Jenny said, "No." Then Dr. Christensen asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?" Steve did ten....Jenny got a donut.

By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say
"No" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks.

Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christensen asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely.

Dr. Christensen started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.

Dr. Christensen went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.> Steve asked Dr Christensen, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"

Dr. Christensen thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push-ups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want." And Dr. Christensen went on.

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!"

Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come." Professor Christensen said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?" Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut."

Dr. Christensen said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?" Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut." "Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?" Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Dr. Christensen finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christensen went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a donut?"; Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you." Professor Christensen quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?" Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda.

Then Dr Christensen turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?" Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christensen, why can't I help him?"

Dr. Christensen, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone. I have given him this task, and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work.

Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."

"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?" As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christensen turned to the room and said. "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into Thy hands I commend My spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.

"Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding "Not all sermons are preached in words."

Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not only His Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid." "Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"

A Writer Moment

2007-05-02T20:31:00.000-05:00

WHICH BELONGS TO AN ENVIRONMENTALIST

2007-04-30T21:24:00.000-05:00

LOOK OVER THE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FOLLOWING TWO HOUSES AND SEE IF YOUCAN TELL WHICH BELONGS TO AN ENVIRONMENTALIST.

HOUSE # 1: A 20-room mansion (not including 8 bathrooms) heated by natural gas.Add on a pool (and a pool house) and a separate guest house all heated by gas. In ONE MONTH ALONE this mansion consumes more energy than the average American household in an ENTIRE YEAR. The average bill for electricity and natural gas runs over $2,400.00 per month. In natural gas alone (which last time we checked was a fossil fuel), this property consumes more than 20 times the national average for an American home. This house is not in anorthern or Midwestern "snow belt" either. It is in the South.

HOUSE # 2: Designed by an architecture professor at a leading national university, this house incorporates every "green" feature current home construction can provide. The house contains only 4,000 square feet, (4 bedrooms) and is nestled on arid high prairie in the American southwest. A central closet in the house holds geothermal heat pumps drawing ground water through pipes sunk 300 feet into the ground. The water (usually 67 degrees F.) heats the house in winter and cools it in summer. The system uses no fossil fuels such as oil or natural gas, and it consumes 25% of the electricity requiredfor a conventional heating/cooling system. Rainwater from the roof is collected and funneled into a 25,000 gallon underground cistern. Waste water from showers, sinks and toilets goes into underground purifying tanks and then the collected water then irrigates the land surrounding the house.Flowers and shrubs native to the area blend the property into the surroundingrural landscape.

HOUSE # 1 (20 room energy guzzling mansion) is outside of Nashville, Tennessee . It is the abode of that renowned environmentalist (and filmmaker) Al Gore.

HOUSE # 2 (model eco-friendly house) is on a ranch near Crawford, Texas.Also known as "the Texas White House," it is the private residence of the President of the United States, George W. Bush.

So whose house is gentler on the environment?

Yet another story youWON'T hear on CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC, MSNBC or read about in the New York Times or the Washington Post. Indeed, for Mr. Gore, it's truly "an inconvenient truth."

Acts Revelation

2007-04-18T20:33:00.000-05:00

My Sunday School Bibles Study has been going through the book of Acts. We were in chapter eleven this week, and in reading through the thirty verses of chapter eleven you might miss a verse. No there's not an actual verse missing in your Bible, but you might have read over this one word without considering it. It's a part of verse 26: The disciples were called Christians.

This may not seem like an important verse in the light of all the other verses in the Bible, but I find it VERY important. Surprisingly the term Christian is only used THREE times in the New Testament.

NOW when money is mentioned over 110 times, faith 280 times, and love almost 700 times, how could these three instances be so important. Well let me tell you: this word summarizes every verse in the New Testament. HOW SO, well in Latin Christianity MEANS:

WE BELONG TO CHRIST

Not only that, but this is how the WORLD refers to us. This is the label they give us, and even if they don't believe as we do they know what that label SHOULD mean.

IN THE TIME OF ACTS, Christianity meant: one who has turned from sin, trusted Jesus Christ and received salvation through grace. SIMPLE ENOUGH RIGHT?

BUT TODAY, Christianity is almost synonymous with Hypocrisy. People join the fad because their not bad people without realizing CHRIST requires repentance and faith. It requires a change in lifestyle, a change of heart, and a change in worldview.

Try this question on for size: If you were arrested right now for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?
E
verything in our life SHOULD reflect Christ, granted none of us are perfect, but even when we falter our reaction SHOULD reflect the branding of our hearts.

True this is a bit of a tangent from ACTS 11, but it is something we need to remind ourselves of no matter where we are in our walk with Christ.

Frugality is the Mother of Virtue?

2007-04-13T19:57:00.000-05:00

Engraved in the façade of a building I see on my commute is the above statement. It struck me as an interesting saying to be on a bank building, but then I got to thinking about it and that’s a pretty sad little motto.

If virtue and purity come from money then why are the rich in the trashy headlines the most? Someone’s in rehab, someone’s caught drunk driving, so on and so forth. The very fact that the rich (in some cases) are not virtuous is how the papers make their money. SO how can we rephrase this statement?

COMPASSION is the mother of virtue
TRUTH is the mother of virtue
KINDNESS, SELF CONTROLL, insert any fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) and virtue, joy, grace, and righteousness result.

May you be rich in truth, hope, and make the source known, Jesus Christ!

Chubby Cheeks

2007-04-08T16:31:00.000-05:00

I think I have my mouth full!!!

If I told you how much is going on, and how much has been lopped on my plate in the last month, I don’t think you would believe it.

Church Stuff, Work Stuff, Family Stuff, Friend Stuff, Writing Stuff….whatever happened to the simple life?

In the past, when I bite off more than I can chew, I proceed to get rid of stuff left and right. Yes I know that is not a good pairing of illustrations, but that how it used to be. I would have rather hidden in the shadows than take hold of the leadership opportunities set before me.

So why the change now? Well part of it is my husband is a service driven man of God, and I his other half get sucked in. For better or worse, better most times. J And I’m starting to think God is cultivating a heart of leadership and service for me too. He’s trying to get rid of the laziness and often time selfishness that I cling to.

But it’s not easy. Actually it is VERY tiring! But in God’s own grace He is helping me see part of the process, and take comfort in the plan he has for me.

WOW! I don’t think I’ve ever set my heart in this fashion. I am encouraged and a little weary of what’s ahead. If you find your walk with Christ in a place you feel overwhelmed. Search the heart of Christ in your decisions, and let his power guide you.

Blessings

EASTER!!!!!!!

2007-04-08T11:16:00.000-05:00

REMEMBER…..

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' “Then they remembered his words. –Lk 24:1-8

He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49I am going to send you what my Father has promised- Lk 24:46-49a

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. –Mt 28:18-20

History of EASTER

2007-04-07T09:10:00.000-05:00

Easter, the principal festival of the Christian church year, celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his Crucifixion. The origins of Easter date to the beginnings of Christianity, and it is probably the oldest Christian observance after the Sabbath (originally observed on Saturday, later on Sunday).

Later, the Sabbath subsequently came to be regarded as the weekly celebration of the Resurrection.Meanwhile, many of the cultural historians find, in the celebration of Easter, a convergence of the three traditions - Pagan, Hebrew and Christian.According to St. Bede, an English historian of the early 8th century, Easter owes its origin to the old Teutonic mythology. It was derived from the name Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring, to whom the month of April was dedicated.

The festival of Eostre was celebrated at the vernal equinox, when the day and night gets an equal share of the day.The English name "Easter" is much newer. When the early English Christians wanted others to accept Christianity, they decided to use the name Easter for this holiday so that it would match the name of the old spring celebration. This made it more comfortable for other people to accept Christianity.

But it is pointed out by some that the Easter festival, as celebrated today, is related with the Hebrew tradition, the Jewish Passover. This is being celebrated during Nisan, the first month of the Hebrew lunar year. The Jewish Passover under Moses commemorates Israel's deliverance from about 300 years of bondage in Egypt.

It was in during this Passover in 30 AD Christ was crucified under the order of the Roman governor Pontius Pilate as the then Jewish high priests accused Jesus of "blasphemy". The resurrection came three days later, on the Easter Sunday. The early Christians, many of them being brought up in Jewish tradition regarded Easter as a new feature of the Pascha (Passover). It was observed in memory of the advent of the Messiah, as foretold by the prophets. And it is equanimous with the proclamation of the resurrection. Thus the early Christian Passover turned out to be a unitive celebration in memory of the passion-death-resurrection of Jesus.

However, by the 4th century, Good Friday came to be observed as a separate occasion. And the Pascha Sunday had been devoted exclusively to the honor of the glorious resurrection.

Throughout the Christendom the Sunday of Pascha had become a holiday to honor Christ. At the same time many of the pagan spring rites came to be a part of its celebration. May be it was the increasing number of new converts who could not totally break free of the influence of pagan culture of their forefathers.But despite all the influence there was an important shift in the spirit. No more glorification of the physical return of the Sun God. Instead the emphasis was shifted to the Sun of Righteousness who had won banishing the horrors of death for ever.

The Feast of Easter was well established by the second century. But there had been dispute over the exact date of the Easter observance between the Eastern and Western Churches. The East wanted to have it on a weekday because early Christians observed Passover every year on the 14th of Nisan, the month based on the lunar calendar. But, the West wanted that Easter should always be a Sunday regardless of the date.

To solve this problem the emperor Constantine called the Council of Nicaea in 325. The question of the date of Easter was one of its main concerns. The council decided that Easter should fall on Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. But fixing up the date of the Equinox was still a problem. The Alexandrians, noted for their rich knowledge in astronomical calculations were given the task. And March 21 was made out to be the perfect date for spring equinox.

The dating of Easter today follows the same. Accordingly, churches in the West observe it on the first day of the full moon that occurs on or following the Spring equinox on March 21., it became a movable feast between March 21 and April 25.Still some churches in the East observe Easter according to the date of the Passover festival.The preparation takes off as early as on the Ash Wednesday from which the period of penitence in the Lent begins. The Lent and the Holy week end on the Easter Sunday, the day of resurrection.

What’s so good about Good Friday???

2007-04-05T20:30:00.000-05:00

English is, together with Dutch, one of the few languages that call Good Friday 'good'. While one could say that Good Friday is the saddest day of the year for Christians, the Church uses the word 'Good' to show that Christ has died to liberate everyone from sin and that suffering and death are not pointless.

Other languages use other names for this day.

In Israel, Good Friday is known as "Big Friday." In Germany it is "Karfreitag", an Old German word meaning "Friday of lamentation", although this meaning is not obvious to speakers of modern German. In Malta, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, Republic of Macedonia (and Eastern Orthodox Church in general) the day is called Great Friday. In Armenia it is called "High Friday (Ավագ Ուրբաթ)". In Russia they call it "Passion Friday (Strastnaja Pjatnitsa)". In Latin America, Spain, France, Italy, the Philippines and Portugal the day is called "Holy Friday"; in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Faroe Islands and Iceland it is "Long Friday". In Portuguese language it is called "Sexta-Feira Santa" meaning "Holy Friday".

No matter how you say it, Good Friday is good because it is the day of our forgiveness. Granted Easter Sunday is the day of Salvation, but Good Friday marks the day the veil was torn and the final sacrifice made.

When God gave Moses the plans for the tabernacle, and David the plans for the temple there was to be a massive curtain that separated the rest of the temple from the Holies of Holies, the resting place for the Arc of the Covenant, and the holy seat of God. This curtain was thick, big, not just some bed sheet on a curtain rod. This was a serious piece of fabric. And just before Jesus’ last breath the curtain of Harrod’s temple ripped from floor to ceiling giving believers DIRECT access to God. No flaming hoops, no animal sacrifices, just a heart for God.

That is what makes Good Friday GOOD! God is not a distant God. We can each approach the throne of Christ with petition and praise. Christ made that possible. We as believers in Christ have the spirit of GOD in our Hearts. We are the temple of God, not a building in some distant place, but right there in your own four chambered heart.

All it takes is this prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be."Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If it does, pray this prayer right now and Christ will come into your life, as He promised.

Now that you have received Christ... check out this website: http://www.greatcom.org/english/nowthat.htm

Gethsemane

2007-04-04T21:07:00.000-05:00

When I read or hear the Easter story one portion sticks to my heart and brings tears to my eyes; Jesus’ prayer in the garden of Gethsemane.

Have you ever been to Gethsemane? Not the actual garden in Israel, but the place Christ’s heart was on that night? The name Gethsemane means ‘oil press’ a place of squeezing oil from the olives. A place where ones soul is pushed, crushed, and pressed to its breaking point.
On the night Christ went to the garden he knew Judas had betrayed him, he knew Caiaphas would send him to Pilot, he knew the Roman guards would mock and torture him, he knew his own people would choose to free a murder over him, he knew how heavy the cross was, he knew every rock and stumbling point on the path to Golgotha, he knew how his body would ache for breath on the cross, he knew the bitterness of vinegar, and yet in those moments he prayed for YOU!

‘…I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.’ –John 17:23-24

He prayed for your hearts, for your life and for your soul. In the midst of the pain that would come his unending love made his heart long for you to know him. To know his love, and his desires for you.

It is heartbreaking and encouraging to know in Christ’s last breaths and final moments he was thinking of YOU!

“Father forgive them, they know not what they do.” –Luke 23:34

No matter how long you have been a Christian the time comes that we turn from God, if only for a moment, or one choice decision, but to go to Gesthemane and be broken and pressed with Christ is to know his heart was for you, and for all God’s children. Do not be afraid to be pressed on all sides, for Christ is the restorer, the forgiver, and the lover of our souls.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-04-03T22:06:00.000-05:00

I”M HOME!!!!!!!!!

2007-04-03T21:46:00.000-05:00

(Wow that’s kind of weird to say during the week of Easter- think about that…)

Today I just got back from Mount Hermon California, and the excitement of a Christian Writer's Confernece. Part of me didn't want to come home! I learned SO much and got to chat with successful authors, editors, and agents. I learned SO much about myself, my writing, AND MY GOD.

It was amazing to see him work in my heart and in the conference every day! I almost got sick while I was there, but through the power of prayer God did not let that hinder all he did this week. I have so many resources to go through and so much to remember/ put in practice that I don't want to go to work tomorrow. (besides the fact that I will probably crash with exhaustion)

Check out some pictures below and come back on wednesdays to see some of the nature shots I did while I was there. Thank you for all your prayers!

May your hearts be supple and your ears open to hear the heart of Christ this Easter Season!

Passover

2007-04-02T00:16:00.000-05:00

The Passover Feast
Passover (Hebrew: פֶּסַח, Tiberian: pɛsaħ, Israeli: Pesakh, Pesach, Pesah), also called the Festival of Unleavened Bread (חַג הַמַּצּוֹת, ħaɣ ham:asʕ:oθ, Khag Ha'Matsot, Chag Ha'Matzot, etc.) is a Jewish holiday which is celebrated in the northern spring. It begins on the 15th day of Nisan (on the Hebrew calendar), which in 2007 arrives at nightfall on April 2. Passover commemorates the Exodus and freedom of the Israelites from ancient Egypt. As described in the Book of Exodus, Passover marks the "birth" of the Children of Israel who become the Jewish nation, as the Jews' ancestors were freed from being slaves of Pharaoh and allowed to become followers of God instead.
Take a moment to think about how the Passover feast mirrors the life, death and resurrection of Christ.
Each element used in the Festival of Unleavened Bread relates to Jesus’ Christ.

The Unleavened Bread- originally used to symbolize the hurriedly-baked bread that the Israelites ate after their hasty departure from Egypt. In the LIGHT OF CHRIST, represents food without yeast, which often symbolizes sin (Mt. 16:6, 1Cor 5:6-8, Lk12:1) CHIRST, being without sin is the bread of life. “…This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Lk 22:19)

The Bitter Herb-symbolizing the bitter years in Egypt, in the LIGHT OF CHRIST, represents the bitterness of our own sin that we cannot escape without the GRACE and LOVE of Christ.

The Cup(s) of Wine- Each cup is connected to a different part of the Seder: The First Cup is for Kiddush( meaning literally, "sanctification" is a blessing recited over a cup of kosher wine or kosher grape juice to sanctify Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) or a Jewish holiday), the Second Cup is connected with the recounting of the Exodus, the drinking of the Third Cup concludes Birkat Hamazon (known in English as the Grace After Meals or the "Blessing on Nourishment) and the Fourth Cup is associated with Hallel(a verbatim recitation from Psalms 113-118, which is used for praise and thanksgiving). In the LIGHT OF CHRIST, represents the blood Christ shed to spare us from the pits of hell and free us from the deadly spiral of our own sin. “This cop is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Lk 22:20)

The Empty Chair- represents the seat for the return of Elijah, who was said to prepare the way for the Messiah. A.k.a John the Baptist.

CHRIST HAS COME, CHRIST HAS RISEN, AND CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN!

The Wisdom of Faith and Maizy

2007-03-29T08:04:00.000-05:00

Everyone needs a helping hand or paw, so lend one you've got four ;)

Mt. Hermon

2007-03-28T21:09:00.000-05:00

As of tomorrow morning I am off to Mount Hermon California for their annual Christian Writer's conference. Blogs might be sporatic over the next few days.

I just ask for pray and the inspration of God through this challenging and excieting experience. In no time you might see my name on the bookstore shelves :)

Blessings

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-27T22:16:00.000-05:00

An Encouraging Tale

2007-03-26T21:58:00.000-05:00

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes as she pushed against a November gust and the florist shop door. Her life had been easy, like a spring breeze. Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor automobile accident stole her ease. During this Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son. She grieved over her loss.

As if that weren't enough, her husband's company threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose annual holiday visit she coveted, called saying she could not come.

What's worse, Sandra's friend infuriated her by suggesting her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. "She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder. "Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?" she wondered aloud. For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life but took that of her child?

"Good afternoon, can I help you?" The shop clerk's approach startled her.

"I...I need an arrangement, "stammered Sandra.

"For Thanksgiving?" "Do you want beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the Thanksgiving Special?" asked the shop clerk. "I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?"

"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, every-thing that could go wrong has gone wrong." Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the shop clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."

Then the door's small bell rang, and the shop clerk said, "Hi Barbara...let me get your order." She politely excused herself and walked toward a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows and long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped--there were no flowers. "Want this in a box?" asked the clerk.

Sandra watched for the customer's response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers?! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed.

"Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again," she said as she gently tapped her chest.

"Uhh," stammered Sandra, "that lady just left with, uhh... she just left with no flowers!"

"Right. I cut off the flowers. That's the Special... I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet."

"Oh, come on, you can't tell me someone is willing to pay for that?" exclaimed Sandra.

"Barbara came into the shop three years ago feeling very much like you feel today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son was into drugs, and she was facing major surgery."

"That same year I had lost my husband, "continued the clerk," and for the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children no husband, no family nearby, and too great a debt to allow any travel."

"So what did you do?" asked Sandra. "I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for good things in life and never thought to ask Him why those good things happened to me, but when bad stuff hit, did I ever ask! It took time for me to learn that dark times are important. I always enjoyed the 'flowers' of life, but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort. You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."

Sandra sucked in her breath as she thought about the very thing her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."

Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" shouted the clerk to the balding, rotund man. "My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement... twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue-wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.

"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind me asking why she wants something that looks like that?"

"No...I'm glad you asked," Phil replied. "Four years ago my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we slogged through problem after problem. He rescued our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she learned from "thorny" times, and that was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks to Him for what that problem taught us."

As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"

"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life." Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too... fresh."

"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that thorns make roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."

Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.

"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."

"Thank you. What do I owe you?" asked Sandra. "Nothing." said the clerk. "Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you'd like to read it first."

It read: "Dear God, I have never thanked you for my thorns. I have thanked you a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to you along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of your rainbow look much more brilliant."

-- Author Unknown

Praise Him for your roses; thank him for your thorns!

Clean HUMOR- The Pastor's Ass

2007-03-25T21:30:00.000-05:00

The pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won. The pastor was so pleased with the donkey that he entered it in the race again, and it won again.

The local paper read: PASTOR'S ASS OUT FRONT

The Bishop was so up set with this kind of publicity that he ordered the pastor not to enter the donkey in another race.

The next day, the local paper headline read: BISHOP SCRATCHES PASTOR'S ASS.

This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the pastor to get rid of the donkey. The pastor decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent.

The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next day: NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN.

The bishop fainted. He informed the nun that she would have to get rid of the donkey, so she sold it to a farmer for $10.

The next day the paper read: NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10

This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the nun to buy back the donkey and lead it to the plains where it could run wild.

The next day the headlines read: NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE

The bishop was buried the next day.

The moral of the story is....being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery...and even shorten your life. So be yourself and enjoy life... Stop worrying about everyone else's ass and you'll be a lot happier and live longer

The Greatness of God: in Creation

2007-03-24T20:35:00.000-05:00

Notes on a sermon by Greg Matte 8-13-06

If creation is removed accountability is removed. (Romans 1:20-30)
-as long as God is creator and we are the created we are accountable to God, so if creation is removed Man is in control and accountable to no one because of our “human” standards.
- Creator removed, Deceiver Received
Ex) Advocated for the environment and saving the earth are often the greatest advocates for abortion.

The greatness of God has no equal in the universe OR our lives (Proverbs 21:1)
-N.A.S.A. estimates 10 to the 12th number of stars in the sky and God places each and knows their names.

We respond to the greatness of God is creation with awe and comfort

God is not too great to care; He is too great to fail (Isaiah 40:27-31)
-reputation is built in a moment steaming from character which is built in a lifetime of action and words
-true greatness is not being aloof, but being connected. (Check out the awesome definition for greatness in Webster’s dictionary) WOW!

God never grows tired and He understand the depths
-Kinds of Tired:
*Physical
*Fed up with (anger)
* Tired in the journey (discouragement)

Lack of deep understanding is the root of our weariness
-God never tires because he always understands
-We need to surrender the end of the story

God is Generous and reviving
-The past is safe cause we know we made it threw

God is Trustworthy
-due to the hope that comes to renew us to soar with God, run beside him and be strong in our walk.

God bless parents who drugged us!

2007-03-23T21:10:00.000-05:00

AN EMAIL FORWARD I RECIEVED

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, ''Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?''

I replied: I had a drug problem when I was young:
I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddingsand funerals.

I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.

I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill ofthe teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort ineverything that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four-letter word.

I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cocklebursout of dad's fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help outsome poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, orchop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior ineverything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, orheroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, North America would be a better place.

The Wisdom of Faith and Maizy

2007-03-22T21:00:00.000-05:00

-The nose knows: Dogs can smell a good person a mile away. Use your own instincts and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to choose those your rely on, confide in, and draw close to your heart.

NOVEL EXCERPT-Heart of Nicaea

2007-03-21T21:21:00.000-05:00

The sweet taste of Minerva’s lips still lingered. Constantine pressed his horse faster. He shook away the tears rising in his chest and looked ahead; the long road to Bononia and his father. Constantine had not seen his father since his parent’s divorce, when he was sent to Nicomedia. The very place he was running from.

When the blue shades of dusk turned to the blackness of night Constantine slowed his mount. He held his right arm close to his chest with the linen bandages showed his crimson wounds. The pain blurred his thoughts and exhaustion crept over his eyes. He needed to change horses at the first post before resting. He tapped the ribs of his mount to move faster. Come morning Galerius’ would seek to capture him again. Urgency filled his mind. He couldn’t return to the courts of Nicomedia. His skills had caused jealousy and rumors to flood the courts, which landed him in the sandy pits of Galerius’ courtyard. He fought day and night for his life even though he was the son of an Augustus.

His head dipped as exhaustion once again attempted to slow his progress. The firelight of the first post wasn’t even in view. Why does sleep wish to claim me? Please Jupiter give me safety. Constantine prayed as his body fell to the ground in sleep.

“Hosius please slow our pace,” a woman’s voice pleaded in the torch light of a caravan.

“We must press on Minerva.”

“My son and I can not handle much more of this wagon,” Minerva said holding tight to her nine year old’s aching body.

“Let him ride with me,” a raspy voice whispered in the dark.

“No, Ralius.”

“He can ride with me for a while then,” Hosius offered slowing his mount along side the luscious wagon. Minerva gave her lover’s good friend a calculating gaze. There was something about Hosius that she didn’t trust any more. Mainly it was the presence of Ralius, a stranger to her, but one that had a firm hand on Hosius’ mind.

“When is the first rest post?” Minerva held her son closer at the offer of Hosius’ hand.

“Not for many miles.”

“Why didn’t we travel with Constantine?” She asked trying to shake the worry that surrounded her heart.

“He needed to escape quickly to his father. Galerius will be seeking him by morning light.”

“You are sure of this?”

“Minerva, you know how Galerius sought Constantine’s death. This is his chance to be free of the Augustus’ dangerous fancies.”

“But we’ve not been apart since his son’s birth.” Tears rose in her eyes as she looked at Crispus. Thick brown hair surrounded his head, and the traits of his father’s dimpled chin and chiseled face made her ache for Constantine even more.

“Drepanum will be a good place for the both of you. Constantine’s mother has asked Lactantius to tutor Crispus until you can join him in Gaul. He is a great mind.” Minerva sighed and stroked Crispus’ hair. She could feel both Hosius and Ralius watching her, but the only man’s eyes she wanted to see were Constantine’s.

“Lactantius will be a good man for you too, Hosius,” Ralius said once he and Hosius had pulled their horses away from Minerva’s wagon.

“How do you mean?”

“You will rise to bishop with his support. My master has great things for you in such a position.”

“My faith abounds with you near.”

“Every servant of my master will know a prosperous life.” A grin slithered across Ralius’ face as Hosius held claim to his words.

It was not long after midnight when the fires of the rest post came into view. Minerva held tight to Crispus resting in one cot, as the servants of Constantine’s house ate heartedly before succumbing to sleep.

“I will take first watch, Hosius.” Ralius stood away from the light watching everyone find their place.

“You must sleep, my friend.”

“My master does not require us to sleep.”

“I suppose the agents of God do not need rest.”

“I suppose not,” Ralius whispered.

Hosius sighed once inside the tents. They had done it. Years of planning finally allowed dear Constantine to be free of the whims of Galerius. A smile stretched across Hosius’ face at his success. He was responsible for Minerva being halfway to Drepanum, and tomorrow Constantine’s mother would be thanking him for her family’s safe travel. But as he sat on his cot his heart felt hollow. There not ten feet away was a beautiful woman, and a regal son. Why Constantine had never married Minerva confused him greatly. Tinges of jealousy rose in his chest. He wanted a family like Constantine’s; a loving woman, a gracious son, a powerful father and a religious mother. All things he had lacked. But God had called him to His service. Hardly a substitute, he mumbled with his head sinking into a lush pillow.

An unseasonable chill hung in the night, and come morning a fog seemed to hinder each breath.

“Momma, where are we going?” Minerva sighed trying to be rid of her anxious heart.

“We are going to stay with your grandmother,” Minerva said joining Crispus in the wagon.

“Why?”

“Because our old home is not safe for us any more.”

“Where is father to protect us?”

“He needed to run far away, but he did write a letter for you.” Minerva turned to her bundle and pulled out a scroll. Minerva’s fingers traced over her lover’s seal knowing the devotion placed in each word to her son. Crispus pulled the scroll from her hand longing to be near his father. She watched him read over each word several times before turning to her with a smile.

“He will send for us when it is safe,” Crispus said with a childish smile.

“Till then you will need to study hard to help him and your grandfather rule the northern countries.”

“Yes, that is true.” Crispus was encouraged by his father’s words. Minerva wished to see what Constantine had written, but she knew the pride of men was not for her eyes.

“Morning,” Ralius said riding next to the wagon just inches from Crispus. Minerva’s skin cringed at the ominous look she received from Ralius.

“Good morning,” Crispus greeted unaware of the racing of his mother’s heart.

“Would you care to ride a war horse, son?” Minerva’s voice caught in her throat at the question.

“Yes, please.” In one swoop Ralius pulled Crispus from the wagon into the saddle of his massive horse.

“Please…” Minerva started to dispute but Ralius had spurred his horse away from her.

“You shouldn’t worry about Ralius as you do,” Hosius said riding along side the wagon.

“Why do you give him so much trust?” Minerva’s eyes tried to keep track of her son in the early morning mist.

“He is an agent of my faith, Minerva. There is nothing to fear from him.”

“There is something about him that has me holding firm to my fear, Hosius.”

“He is with us as a manifestation of God’s protection.”

“If that is so I don’t know that I want your God’s help.” A chill ran down Minerva’s spine at the thought of Ralius as an agent of Hosius’ god.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-21T05:59:00.000-05:00

Where have the Classics gone??

2007-03-19T17:52:00.000-05:00

Over the past few Christmas’ I have been asking for a few literary classics. Like Wuthering Heights, Frankenstein, The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo, Les Miserable’s, and others to add to my mini library.

I recently started The Three Musketeers, and then a thought crossed my mind. Will any of the novels of our age become ‘classics’? Can the novels of today be classics, since reading have become more of a chore than an enjoyable past-time?

The classics that are force feed to teens are books that pushed the envelope of literature. Taking the people of the day to new places, and new ways of thinking through their characters. They were creative and fresh, belonging to no genre. What books of today can say the same?
You might be able to list a few that you feel strongly about, but will they stand the test of time to become a ‘classic’, read in the classrooms? Has the book market been flooded with people on soap boxes, where we are unable to find the books to define our age?

Have movies, which require no imagination of the audience, diminished out ability to think and grow freely. Movies and TV shows have become our classics, and the written word has lost its power. Have you noticed that in the classroom, more teacher resort to movies than encouraging their students to read and develop thoughts and ideas of their own?

Our own laziness is drowning us. Our culture, our heath, our intelligence, our willingness to learn and challenge ourselves is lost by the way-side.

Can the human race survive this trend and the loss of books that challenge our hearts and minds. Are there books out there that force us to look outside of ourselves and take us to new places of the heart.

I sure hope so, and encourage you to take a trip into the pages of a classic and see what the technology age may be stealing away from us.

10 DAYS LEFT!!!!!!

2007-03-18T22:03:00.000-05:00

I can’t believe it…only ten days before I’m off to Mount Hermon California!

My stint of unemployment couldn’t have come at a better time. A time to relax, a time to prepare, and a time to pray. It’s funny how God works everything out for good. Now I just have to remember that when I want to stay under my covers on a bad day.

It has been amazing to watch God prepare my heart and my words as I get ready to step out in the writing world. I know He has great things planned for this conference, even if I don’t come away with a book contract. ;)

But that is the goal. That will be my passion and my heart as my excitement and anxiety start to take over this calm demeanor I’ve developed over that last few weeks, which is VERY un-Valerie like.

I ask for continued prayers as they days rush by, and all the people going to Hermon get amped up. IT’S ALMOST HERE……

Is it time to pack my bag YET!!????!?!?!???!???!?!???

Launching Pad or Parking Lot?

2007-03-18T09:31:00.000-05:00

Which would you say represents your walk with Christ? The sit and wait of a parking lot, or the passion and excitement of the launch pad?

Have you ever had an interview or a meeting to go to where you found yourself scared to get out of your car? So you sit there in you car waiting for the chance to get out of why you’re there. The rapture is about to happen or maybe they’ll call and cancel at the last minute, so you won’t have to get out of your car.

Probably something we can all relate to, but does it represent your faith too? Does fear rule your faith and hinder the passion and blessings God has for you?

Christianity can be a scary thing. The expectation of being perfect, and that every unbeliever is watching you. It’s pretty intimidating, BUT those are not the expectations of you but the expectations of God with you. God is the only one, who’s perfect, and we are still human, Christian or not, so mistakes and slip ups will happen. But it’s the faith and hope we find in God that separates us from everyone else. And this is something that is bigger than your sedan or suburban. So get of the car and out on the launch pad.

Now what does life entail on the launch pad. Does that mean I have to sell everything I own and rush off to the remotest spot in Africa or Indonesia? Well no, it means being ready to serve and be active in your faith.

When N.A.S.A. says they are going to have a launch, months upon months are spent in preparing before the shuttle even gets to the launch pad. Those preparations are for you to grow in your knowledge of God’s word and strengthen your prayer life and faith. Just thinking about launching into a lifestyle of love, forgiveness, kindness, self control is exciting, even if the ship never enters the final count down.

I encourage you to make your Christian walk like the N.A.S.A. space launch prep. You are meant to step our and serve the world in small or big ways so get out of the parking lot and embrace the passion and excitement of faith. This ain’t no spectator sport. J

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

St. Patty's Day

2007-03-17T21:16:00.000-05:00

Now what Irish lass can pass the chance to post something about saint Patrick today :)

"Daily I expect murder, fraud, or captivity, but I fear none of these things because of the promises of heaven. I have cast myself into the hands of God almighty who rules everywhere."
-Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland

March 17, 461 (traditional date):Patrick, missionary to Ireland and that country's patron saint, dies. Irish raiders captured Patrick, a Romanized Briton, and enslaved him as a youth. He escaped to Gaul (modern France) but returned to Ireland after experiencing a vision calling him back to preach. Patrick enjoyed great success there as a missionary, and only the far south remained predominantly pagan when he died (see issue 60: How the Irish Were Saved).

HE… HE… HE… ‘The Husband Store”

2007-03-17T08:24:00.000-05:00

A store that sells husbands has just opened in the Mall of America in Bloomington , where a woman may go to choose a husband.

Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates:
You may visit the store ONLY ONCE !

There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch. You may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband. On the first floor the sign on the door reads: Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord.

The second floor sign reads: Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and love kids.

The third floor sign reads: Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love theLord, love kids, and are extremely good looking. "Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads: Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop-dead good looking and help with the housework."Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"

Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads: Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop-dead gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads: Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please.

Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.
Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!

Check this out!

2007-03-16T14:39:00.000-05:00

A new blog roll has been added to this site.

Check out the other Christian Bloggers out there :)

The Wisdom of Faith and Maizy

2007-03-16T08:20:00.000-05:00

If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have
known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons. -James Thurber

If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise. -Unknown

My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money. -Joe Weinstein

Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul -- chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!
-Anne Tyler

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. -Robert A. Heinlein

The Experiments of ADEM- part 6

2007-03-15T09:03:00.000-05:00

Their bodies ached and their skin tingled. The last several hours were spent being poked and prodded. The cold metal of teks had brushed across their skin, penetrated their organs, and had been pasted to their bodies. Now in their small cell not even the smell of sweet root porridge tempted them.

“Etah, do you know what mates are?” Rahan’s whispering voice asked struggling through her fear.

“No I don’t my friend,” she said trying to rub away the cramping feeling in her belly. Her mind tried to remember the rumors and fanciful tales spread among the slaves about the colonies from her youth, but she could not discern truth from her memories.

This place did not seem like noisy herd of people and the cries of babes. There were now tight quarters of men and women forced together for the spoiled creatures of Terranova. Nothing of what she had heard about the colonies resembled this place. It was cold, secluded, and void of hope.

“Come, Rahan. Let us eat. If tomorrow hold more of the events of today we will need strength.”

“Please my friend, let us sleep and escape this place.” Etah could see Rahan’s tears, and their dream world would be a refreshing escape. But they would be woken to this reality again, so they needed to eat.

“After.” Etah passed her dear friend her porridge with her own fears spurring her determination to escape the earth of Adem.

The warmth of the porridge swam about their stomach and lulled their minds to into the vibrant forms and colors of Layvas. A welcoming change from the darkness of their cell.
Neither of them spoke for a long while. They walked about the fields allowing the lush ground beneath them tickle their feet. The four legged, Jovra, watched them closely with his eyes longing to rid them of their fears. Layvas had never been a sad place, but the fear within was holding an odd shadow around them.

“Let us go swim and splash about. We need not bring the fears and concerns of our cell to this place,” Etah said trying to lift their spirits.

It took a few moments for Rahan to respond, but slowly as smile returned to her face. Laughter and playfulness filled their souls in the cool pools of Layvas.

“Etah,” Rahan began walking amongst the solid forms surrounding the waters. “What do you think this place is? Is it a memory of where our people come from?”

“I don’t know. If that where so why are we the only ones here? You saw how many other women there were before we were chosen by those Gobs. I had never seen so many of our kind.”

“I had never seen so many even in Terranova. But I am loosing hope, Etah. I want this place to be more than our dreams.”

Etah sighed at the hopelessness in Rahan’s voice. The unknown was before them when they wake, and every inch of her body trembled as she tried to comprehend the experiments that would come and the meaning of mate.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-14T07:50:00.000-05:00

Boring School Bells

2007-03-13T08:06:00.000-05:00

http://www.cnn.com/2007/EDUCATION/02/28/students.survey.reut/index.html

A survey of 81,000 students is 26 states; found that two-thirds of high school students are bored in the classrooms. Shocking numbers if you ask me, but why?

Is it because teachers don’t have the motivation to teach and make their subjects interesting. Are teachers pushed too much on standardized test scores revealing their success and not paid enough?

Or is it because a high school degree won’t get you very far? Cause once you get a high school degree, you need a college degree, and once you get a college degree you need a masters, PHD., or professional school to actually get a good job.

Or is it that teens come from a give it too me now, I deserve it, I don’t have to earn it culture. Why do they have to put effort into something they will be given if they keep their head about water long enough?

I think all of these play a part in the boredom of our teens. School is not seen as a privilege any more. Not by the government and not by it’s people. It is just something to do until the school bells ring and they can get on with their real lives. I heard someone say once that school should be made illegal in order to make kids want to go.

For better or worse that won’t happen, but it is the mentality we as voters and you as students and teachers need to adopt. The world holds so many things to learn and develop if we can step out of our selfishness and value learning.

Take the time to value yourself, value your future to make school an active choice, and an active opportunity to move forward. The way the school system is set up isn’t beneficial to its students, but you can’t make a change if you don’t know how to learn and motivate yourself forward.

Take a step out and make learning fun, interesting, and worth every minute. So that when the school bells ring no one makes a run for the door.

IN GOD WE TRUST!

2007-03-12T06:47:00.000-05:00

James Madison, the fourth president, known as "The Father of Our Constitution" made the following statement:

"We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God."

Patrick Henry, that patriot and Founding Father of our country said:

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ".

Every session of Congress begins with a prayer by a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid by the taxpayer since 1777. Fifty-two of the 55 founders of the Constitution were members of the established orthodox churches in the colonies.

The very first Supreme Court Justice, John Jay, said:

"Americans should select and prefer Christians as their rulers."

SPRING CLEANING

2007-03-11T09:24:00.000-05:00

Guess what ladies and gentlemen, it’s MARCH!!! And what comes in March? SPRING, you got it.

I always find it humorous that when spring comes around we feel the need to shake off the old and get into the new. We clean out closets, actually do a thorough cleaning job, and work on the landscape in the yard, just to make everything as fresh as the season.

And why do we do this every spring or so? Well when it’s all done, and the clutter is gone we get this feeling of great achievement. But how long does it last? Maybe a month, a week, a day. The clutter will return, and we will look forward to the next time we spring clean, because of that same feeling.

But what about spring cleaning your heart?

Have you ever thought about digging through bad attitudes, pessimism, fears, doubts, and bitterness to start fresh with God? Most of the time I don’t even realize when I’m holding on to those dangerous feelings. And yes these and many others are dangerous cause the cause us to push away from our reliance on God. They are the awkward moments in a friendship/relationship that you don’t know which way this is going to go.

If you take the time to sit down and talk to God about what’s going on in your mind and heart, HE WILL LISTEN! Can you imagine what kind of feeling would come with that kind of spring cleaning?

I find it invigorating, convicting, inspiring, and a relief to work through those things holding my faith back. A chance to step forward hand in hand with God to be affective for his Kingdom, the goal of all our Christian walks.

Have you ever thought about it that way? The goal of your life as a Christian is to know God, worship God, and spread God’s word.

I encourage you to take the time to spring clean your heart, and evaluate your relationship with God. It will be a humbling experience, but the peace that comes with holding tight to Christ is better than when you’re house has experienced spring cleaning.

RandoM-E

2007-03-10T09:51:00.000-06:00

JOHN GLENN (ON THE SENATE FLOOR)Mon, 26 Jan 2004 11:13

Some people still don't understand why military personnel
Do what they do for a living. This exchange betweenSenators John Glenn and Senator Howard Metzenbaumis worth reading. Not only is it a pretty impressivei mpromptu speech, but it's also a good example of oneman's explanation of why men and women in the armed services do what they do for a living.

This IS a typical, though sad, example of whatsome who have never served think of the military.

Senator Metzenbaum (speaking to Senator Glenn):"How can you run for Senate when you've never held a real job?"

Senator Glenn (D-Ohio):"I served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. I served through two wars. I flew 149 missions. My plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire on 12 different occasions. I was in the space program . It wasn't my checkbook, Howard; it was my life on the line. It was not a nine-to-five job, where I took time off to take the daily cash receipts to the bank.""I ask you to go with me ... As I went the other day...To a veteran's hospital and meet those men ...With their mangled bodies in the eye, and tell THEM they didn't hold a job!You go with me to the Space Program at NASA and go, as I have gone, to the widows and Orphans of Ed White, Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee...And you look those kids in the eye and tell them that their DADS didn't hold a job. You go with me on Memorial Day and you stand in Arlington National Cemetery, where I have more friends buried than I'd like to remember, and you watch those waving flags. You stand there, and you think about this nation, and you tell ME that those people didn't have a job? What about you?"

For those who don't remember During WW II, Howard Metzenbaum was an attorney Representing the Communist Party in the USA. And now he's a Senator!

If you can read this, thank a teacher.
If you are reading it in English thank a Veteran.

The Wisdom of Faith and Maizy

2007-03-09T08:04:00.000-06:00

Every temptation comes with a price…..because some cats aren’t de-clawed. ;)

The Experiments of Adem part 5

2007-03-08T08:20:00.000-06:00

In seconds liquid began to jet out sending each woman to their feet. Confusion filled the room until the affects of the liquid began to take affect. The liquid smelled of chemicals and singed the skin. Everyone began to scream and run about trying to find refuge from the scorching liquid. Many slipped and rolled in the pain that was coming at them from all sides.
The chaos continued for what seemed like hours. Once the liquid stopped the women were screeching at the door to be released. Finally a cold draft rushed in as one door opened. The women rushed out, but soon found themselves wanting to be locked in the chemical showers forever.

On the other side of the door they were greeted with a collar locked around their necks, and blue robes marking them as slaves once again.
“I think Pneu was right, Etah. The pit may not have been such a bad place,” Rahan whispered pulling her new clothes up to her shoulders.

The white walls that surrounded them was a welcomed relief from the red dirt of the pits, but as the women walked in single file behind another set of Gobs fear returned. Etah knew they were still too far beneath the surface to be in Terranova, but what purpose would they serve now. There were no slaves over the age of thirteen in Terranova, and no one over the age of eighteen in the pits, so where would they spend the rest of their days now?

The Gob came to a stop in a large cavern and Etah was amazed at what she saw. Hundreds of women, shaved and chained, filled the massive cavern. Etah had never seen so many of her own people. She had always thought their pit had been the only one.

Six Gobs in dress of their stations stood at one end of the cavern watching the women from an archway. Each mumbling amongst one another; the largest and oldest of the Gobs held a staff in his stubby arms. He struck his staff against stone at his feet. The piercing noise brought Etah and the other women’s hands to their ears until the echo dissipated.

“Line up,” the old Gob commanded causing the women to scurry into a poorly formed line. “Cife search them all.”
“Why do you get first choice Laebo?” One of the other Gobs asked offended that the prime choices would be taken from him.

“Because I am Master Matchmaker, and my experiments take precedent over your breeding. Go ahead Cife.” The Gob’s short apprentice slithered away from the herd and began to inspect the line. He turned each woman’s wrist where he could see it with his beady eyes.
“What do you think he’s looking for?” Rahan whispered.
“This perhaps.” Etah turned her wrist to show the triangular marking she had never been with out.
“What does it mean?”
“Quiet!” The large Laebo shouted causing is lackey to waddle in front of Rahan and Etah. His slimy hand reached out and took hold of Etah’s wrist. His beady eyes nearly popped out of his head at the sight of the tattoo.
“Laebo, she is here.”

“Bring her and the one next to her.” Laebo’s large frame slowly turned to return into the tunnels. The Gob in front of them latched chains on both Rahan and Etah’s collars, and began leading them to follow Laebo slow trudge.

Etah and Rahan seemed to take but one step every minute as they worked their way down the tunnels. For Etah it was hard to believe the colonies were real. She had thought the colonies a myth. Something the Gobs told them as a threat, not an actually place she would find herself.
“Ah, home sweet home,” Laebo belted out entering a room laced with blue light, and more teks than Etah had ever seen. “Chain them there Cife, and let me look at her.” Cife exchanged Rahan and Etah’s leashes for chains on the wall.

Laebo’s large slimy frame waddled over and he motioned for Etah to stand. She rose, her tall slender frame contrasting greatly from the Gob that stood in front of her. Laebo laughed as he looked at Etah’s wrist.
“It is interesting my child that I placed this tattoo on your wrist when you were born not far from here.”
“What are your plans for her Master?” Laebo’s lackey questioned.

“The experiment of a lifetime my apprentice. I spent my life developing her through years of selective breeding.”
“What makes her so special?”
“Have you not read my papers as I asked of you Cife?”
“There are so many my Master.”
“You will find that this slave is immune to disease. I hope to extract information from her breeding to find a way we Gobs can escape this earth caked prison.”

“But the earth of Adem gives us all we need.”
“Dear Cife, I once saw the bounty of the earth above us, and if we could escape the threat of disease then we could reap that treasure. Come let us gather the sample for testing.”
“Why do you need this other Gouti?” Cife pointed at Rahan’s fearful frame.
“Come now Cife. In all experiments there must be a control specimen. I am tired. Take the samples and place them in isolation until we can find them appropriate mates.”

Wordless Wednesday :)

2007-03-07T08:08:00.000-06:00

I’m in a Box!

2007-03-06T08:09:00.000-06:00

Who defines you the world, yourself, or God

If I were to ask you, who are you, what would be your answer? Would you pull out your driver’s license and read off your name, address, height, weight, date of birth and eye color? Or would you start to tell me about your family and your job?

Granted all these things tell me about parts of you, but it doesn’t tell me who you are. It is a troubling thing to try to define ourselves, because we often look to how the world wishes to place us in boxes to answer such a question.

It is humorous to jump on My Space or other blog websites and see the listings under ones profile. They want to know if you are single or married, if you have children or don’t have children, if you are educated or uneducated. These and many more are the labels we place on people, so that we may set them in a box, a stereotype, or a self made ideal of who this person may or may not be. It truly doesn’t seem fair, for these things are only a glimpse of who we are.

One box of the world cannot contain you, for you can be the doctor, the church-goer, and the mom or dad. But we often hold these individual titles so close to our hearts that when any of them change or are taken away we loose ourselves to the world. Doubt and depression sink in for we are hopeless without a box or title to define us. We struggle to regain ourselves to fit back in a box in order to feel valued in our society, but why when all these categories can be taken away.

Daily in the news, our neighborhood, and nuclear families we see things change. Laws and standards are changed with each passing year. Layoffs and lotteries change a person and those they care for. So why do we hold to these boxes to define ourselves? Why do we give these definitions so much value when we are told that “we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7).

I know this seems like a depressing thought, but it’s not if your heart is in God’s box. Yes I’ve just told you not to place yourself in a box, but the difference is you can define yourself in this box. You don’t have to divide your time between the doctor box, the church-goer box, and the parent box. Christianity can be you definition.

If I were to walk up to you on the street and say I am a Christian, you would already know so much about me. You would know about my integrity, the condition of my heart, that I spend time in God’s word, and follow the example and teachings of Christ. Granted I’m not perfect, but you would know the standards I hold myself too. The standards in which I live, work, play, and hope to stand before God and hear him say, “well done good and faithful servant.”(Matthew 25:21)

What an amazing thing to hold that banner high, and know that your profession, your service, and your family can be part of Christ. And no matter the changes in your job, marital status, family size, or income you know who you are. You can take comfort in the God that knew you from before you were conceived. The God that knows your heart, your talents, your passions, your needs and concerns. He values every part of you. For no matter how we might choose to change the definition of ourselves, God does not change.

So in some ways God is what art portrays him as, an old man. An old man stuck in his ways, stubborn, knowing his way is the best way. Wanting you to grow strong, remember his stories and his love for you. God wants to be your definition above all things, so that he can bless your heart and draw you close in his arms.

If I were to ask you now, who are you, what would be your answer? Would you shout at the top of your lungs that you are a child of God? Or does the box of Christianity seem scary and unattainable?

But there is good news. The ‘Box’ of Christianity does not hold perfect people. It holds those that know they mess up, know they are a sinful people, and know if they repent they will be forgiven. It’s not an unattainable box, just one that requires you to sacrifice the things of this world for the blessings God can provide. And trust me he can overflow the box.
© 2007

An Odd Couple of Couples

2007-03-05T08:12:00.000-06:00

I wouldn’t believe this picture if I didn’t read the story myself. (Check our the story here)

A set of twin orangutans, Nia and Irma, and twin tigers, Dema and Manis, that were abandoned at birth have become inseparable playmates in Cisarua, Indonesia.

In nature these two creatures would never meet, and unfortunately instinct will kick in sooner or later, but wow what a testament to the ability to be friendly no matter where one comes from or what one looks like.

I say these infants have the right idea. Their innocence allows them to play sleep and eat near one another without a quarrel. Playful ‘banter’ sure, but not a hint of violence.

I encourage you to take note of these cuddly creatures and try to step out and be friendly toward someone unexpected today, or even all week. See what that does for your own attitude, and what an influence you can have on the people around you.

Be Blessed and Encouraged

A.C.T.S.

2007-03-04T07:55:00.000-06:00

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. –Philippians 4:6

In the last few weeks I seem to be surrounded by messages, sermons, and bible studies that highlight prayer. This is no coincident. There is a lot going on in my life right now, and the one place I need to go is often the last place I find myself; on my knees in prayer.

I am often amazed by the people in my life that are able to go straight to prayer without a tantrum or frustration. Though I’ve been a Christian for fourteen years now, going to God in prayer is a hard thing for me to do. It requires a level of faith that I have a hard time achieving on a daily basis. Sure I pray daily, but often I don’t take that time seriously. It is just a routine, an obligation to my faith, and that is what has shocked me about my prayer life in the last few weeks.

It’s amazing to look back over my life and see God pushing me to my knees. Not with happy moments at first, but a spinal disease, seizures, bad college grades, and persistent job loss have been the events to break down my stubborn and willful self. And each time, when I have no hope left, God lifts me out of it through amazing times of prayer. It was those times that I’m broken into so many little pieces that I felt so in tune with God.

OUCH! You know that realization really hurts a bit. Why can’t I be at that point of faith constantly? I can’t even imagine what amazing things that would do for my relationships, faith, and my writing. I think part of it is laziness, or the way my minds runs off on tangents in the most inopportune moments. But it is something I need to change, now.

How is your prayer life? Have you taken the time to evaluate your conversations with God? Take the time to have a real heart to heart with Him. Go past the superficial layers of prayer to the prayers, petitions and thanksgivings of you heart. He longs to hear you speak to him intimately so you can be at a place to hear his words for you life.

If prayer is a struggle for you, and you don’t know where to start of what to say, maybe this acronym will help.
Adoration – Praise God for who he is!
Confession – Tell God about the struggles and sins that have crossed your path
Thanksgiving- Thank God for all the things he has provided for you
Supplication- Let God know what is on your heart

This is not a perfect formula for prayer, because prayer is a personal thing between you and God. But this acronym is a way to get started. Take the time this week to sit down with God, get on your knees even, and don’t be afraid to shed a few tears. God will be there to lift you head and dry your tears with his loving hands.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for who you are, and the infinite patience you give to us daily. Your grace and love is never ending, and falls to your children no matter where our hearts often stray. Lord I ask for you to revel to our hearts the importance of prayer, and give us the faith and submission to come to our knees. Let our hearts be refreshed and encourage by time in your presence Lord, may prayer become our addiction and something we long for in our daily lives. Shed blessings and encouragement on your children, oh Lord. Amen.

RandoM-E

2007-03-03T07:47:00.000-06:00

Have you ever smelled a puppy?
Silly question I know, and if you haven’t go smell a clean baby. (Be sure and ask the parents first ;)

Now why would I ask such a silly question? Well my sister and her husband recently adopted two puppies and I got meet them, and just to smell them brought a smile to my face and a joy to my heart. Yes I know this is silly, but it’s true.

Why do you think such a silly smell would bring a smile to your face? This is what came to my mind when I thought about this question. Maybe that’s what heaven smells like. Huh…? Think about it. New babies and New puppies (when clean) smell fresh. So close to their time of creation, untainted by the world or puberty (hehehehe)

I don’t know what heaven truly smells like, but if it’s anything like puppies that will be one of many reasons to be on the reservation list. J

The Wisdom of Faith and Maizy

2007-03-02T07:40:00.000-06:00

Some times what seems to be a small test of will, like going up and down stairs for the first time, brings the greatest joy.

Take the time to celebrate the tiny triumphs so you know how you were able to accomplish the big victories.

Yay! I'm a winner!

2007-03-01T16:15:00.000-06:00

Check out this website to see my latest short story win :)

http://www.armchairinterviews.com/winners/second_anniversary_contest_winners.php#more

the Experiments of Adem part 4

2007-03-01T08:19:00.000-06:00

Fear and anxiety shook Etah’s heart as she and Rahan watched the next set of newly shaven girls come down the tiers of the pit. This would be their final moments in the pits, but questions still lingered as to what was on the other side of the hidden door.

The bellowing horn had never resonated or scared Etah until now. Rahan grabbed her hand as they turned to their right and followed the other girls through the secret door. She watched the pit disappear as the door came to a close behind them.
“Get in a line,” A Goab shouted. It had been five years, but Etah almost enjoyed seeing the slick white scales of a Goab in the red dirt. Both Etah and Rahan struggled not to laugh at the sterile garment coverning the Goab’s snake like frame. She had almost forgotten the Goab’s fear of disease.

“To your knees,” the Goab shouted and the women knelt in the dirt confused and fearful of what was to happen next. Once on the ground, a group of Gouti guards, with the same anger as Pneu in their eyes, stepped forward and put a razor to the hair each of them had grown in the last five years. Etah struggled to hold back her tears. Memories from before filled her mind as the matted, dirt caked hair fell to the ground. What had been her beauty was gone again, and who knew if she would have the chance to regain what she had grown.

“To your feet,” the Goab once everyone’s’ hair was gone. Etah blinked back her tears and hatred as she watched the Goab slither toward a white door.
“We are returning to Terranova” Rehan whispered in Etah’s ear. Her excitement didn’t give Etah any hope. There was something strange about this door. The Goab entered a code at the door and with a loud release of air the white door opened to the inside.

“Remove your close as you go in,” the Goab instructed. Every one of them froze at the command.
“Why? Where are we going?” Etah asked surprised at her own tenacity to ask a question of a Goab. The black eyes of the Goab scrutinized her from head to toe before looking to one of the Gouti. Etah didn’t have the time to look behind her before a rod was snapped across her back. The pain and the cold feeling of blood made Etah go to her knees.

Not another person said a word as they took off the clothes they had been given five years ago and stepped through the door. Rahan helped Etah to her feet, and in the throbbing pain of her lashing struggled to pull the dirt caked clothing from her body.
Etah and Rahan stepped cautiously into the white stone room and with the door closed behind them everyone trying to hide behind bashful glances.

“What will happen now?” Rahan said with her usual tone of fear.
“I don’t think we are returning to Terranova.” Etah said looking up to the noise that was sputtering around nozzles in the ceiling. And if she knew the Goab’s fear of disease what was going to come out of those spouts would not make the wound on her back feel any better.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-28T07:38:00.000-06:00

See comment for explination :)

Quote of the Day

2007-02-27T08:59:00.001-06:00

"Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It won't last forever. We must take it or leave it."
--The Case for Christianity, C.S. Lewis

Soul Ice Cream

2007-02-26T08:08:00.000-06:00

A man took his children to a restaurant.

His six-year-old son asked if he could say grace.As they bowed their heads he said, "God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, the family heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, his son burst into tears and asked, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?"As the man held his son and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.

He winked at the young boy and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.""Really?" the boy asked."Cross my heart," the man replied.Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, the father bought his kids ice cream at the end of the meal. The son stared at his for a moment, and then did something the family will remember the rest of their lives.

The boy picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already."

The JOLT

2007-02-25T09:23:00.001-06:00

Sin will take you farther than you ever thought you’d stray
Sin will leave you so lost, you’ll never find your way
Sin will keep you longer than you ever thought you’d stay
Sin will cost you more than you ever thought you’d pay!
-Anonymous

It takes a few times reading through this poem to feel the weight of its words. And the truth of what is says hurts a lot. Sin is one of those inevitable cycles we find ourselves in. We try to be a good person, but in the end we mess up somehow. We try and try in our own strength to conquer this sinful nature. Sadly there is no way for us to win on our own.

"...Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2

But thankfully God’s love and mercy has given us a way to escape the cycles and pitfalls of sin through belief in the death and resurrection of Christ. Now this is one of those group hug moments that we all feel warm and fuzzy, but our belief in Christ doesn’t stop us from succumbing to the trappings of this world.

We are suppose to lead our lives after the example of Christ so that we may know that sin does not own our lives, but that doesn’t mean Satan won’t try to win you back to his team. Christianity doesn’t end the temptations of sin but it does give us great hope in Christ. For Christ washed away our sins, and made a way for us to approach the throne of grace with a repentant heart.

Even Christ was tempted in the desert. He spent forty days and nights in the wilderness with no food. Now I know how I am if I just skip breakfast, so I can guess that when Satan said turn this rock into bread Christ’s human stomach said, oh yeah, we can do that I’m starving. And how did Christ combat the temptation? He fought it with his knowledge of the word and character of God. And we can do the same in our own walks. God will never ask us to do anything that is against his laws or character, so the more we know and study God’s word we will be better equipped to fight off those temptations that seem to fall in a grey area. There are no grey areas with God.

Be encouraged that Christ defeated sin, and if you hold him in your heart and strengthen you mind in his words then he will be the one fighting two steps ahead of you in the war against temptation.

May you be Blessed and Encouraged!

The Wisdom of Faith and Maizy

2007-02-24T10:51:00.000-06:00

Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate.
-Sigmund Freud

I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult.
-Rita Rudner

A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three
times before lying down.
-Robert Benchley

Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.
-Franklin P. Jones

RandoM-E

2007-02-23T08:14:00.000-06:00

Give this a try....

Novel Excerpt- Stained Glass

2007-02-22T07:40:00.000-06:00

“Table for two, Sir?”
“Yes, please,” Aaron answered with nerves dancing in his voice as the host led Aaron and Elise through the ambient lighting to a small candle lit booth.
“Wow this place is nice,” Elise said once Aaron had helped her slide into the booth.
“Patrick suggested it.”
“Looks a little better than the food at the soup kitchen,” Elise said with a laugh as her eyes dived into the menu. Aaron’s eyes ignored the plates, but mainly looking at the prices. But Patrick was right about the decent costs.
“Luke was glad to hear you are doing well, and my Da wanted to say that you and your family are in his prayers.”
“Uh, thanks,” Aaron said unsure if he actually wanted Hal’s prayers. “Guess who called me today?”
“Who?”
“Father Callum, he wants me to go into work tomorrow.”
“Are you going,” Elise asked focusing her concerned eyes on Aaron.
“I don’t know. Ma’s doing better, and the Dr. Laurence is impressed with her improvements. But he’s still pessimistic. Since they didn’t think she would wake up in the first place that we are above the odds.”
“Glad to see you smile,” Elise said setting aside the menu.
“It’s nice to have a reason too,” Aaron said taking Elise’s hand in his.
Not long after they ordered their food came, and Aaron couldn’t remember the last time he has sat still enough to enjoy his food and his company. But as they ate a strange feeling started rolling around in Aaron’s stomach. The food was good, but the air within the eating house took on an eerie chill.
Aaron looked out the front windows to see shadows rushing about the streets and in a snap the window panes shattered and screams rang out. Aaron’s gut was in knots as he slipped down beneath the booth.
“Elise get down here,” Aaron shouted and Elise joined him her eyes filled with shock. Aaron pulled her close to his chest as painfully familiar sounds filled the streets and the restaurant. Gun shots pierced through the air, shouts full of hatred, and fists hitting flesh soon joined by the agonizing noise of police sirens.
Aaron closed his eyes as the sounds danced teasingly around his head. Reminding him of Brody, Faye, and the others he had once shared in the mayhem with. His heart ached at the people he hurt, and his eyes watered at the fact that the woman in his arms had been one of his victims. How could she forgive him so easily after four years, when he had yet to forgive his Da’s executioner?
“It’s safe to come out now,” a police officer said calmly from the end of the booth. Elise crawled out and Aaron followed, but part of him wanted to hide from his past for the rest of his life.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-21T08:24:00.000-06:00

TURNING PLASTIC

2007-02-20T07:52:00.000-06:00

There is a rising trend; I’m sure you’ve all heard about it, of people, including teens signing up for plastic surgery. This shocks me, especially after watching some of those plastic surgery TV shows. But after the shock I am saddened almost heart broken by people who think they need to shove themselves into a mold.

Now I’m not saying I have the best body image or self esteem for that matter, but I am happy with WHO I am. Of course I want my abs tighter, and my hips slimmer, but that’s because I need to get off my lazy butt and work out.

What bothers me the most about this is the lies these people believe. They think that one quick fix with change everything? If they get this fix then everything in their life will fall into place. True plastic surgery has it’s place, but I think the industry seems to feed to the addiction to be perfect with superstar looks.

But if we were all supposed to look like Brad Pitt and Angelina Joli then where would be the fun in that? Where would be the personality that surrounds us in our variety? I encourage you to take the time to walk through an art museum and look at all the men and women portrayed in the art work. It is amazing to look at some of the most famous works of art and see that the men and women in them are not perfect, and even some artists chose to add what would typically be an unwanted feature in order to reveal even more beauty in the subject of their masterpieces.
The phrase beauty is only skin deep is one that I don’t like much at all. True beauty comes from the soul, not your boob size, or waist measurement, but in your actions and in your heart. That is true beauty, and plastic surgery can’t help there.

We are all made with a plan, purpose, and by the loving hands of God. I wouldn’t change anything about my body because this is who God made. And it has been through the aches, pains, and medical conditions God gave me that have brought me closer to him. I love my imperfections cause they make me human and they strengthen my soul.

Motivation Station-

2007-02-18T22:02:00.000-06:00

34 Days to go……

Only a few days over a month left to go, before California. My heart jumps each time I think about it and God just keeps reminding me of how many other stories I have to tell.
From time to time in the last few weeks doubts has crept into my mind that I can’t write. And that all I have to write are the seven manuscripts I’m taking, but Blessed be the name of the Lord that I have heard his reminder of the joy in writing.

I am amazed and often frustrated by the attacks I undergo, in my writing and in my life. Many times it is hard to focus on God’s provision and grace in those times, but he is always there.
It’s also amazing to se what God reveals to me through reading the Bible, and from verses I have memorized. These have been on my heart.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. –Jeremiah 29:11

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you… -2Thessalonians 3:3

But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the almighty that gives him understanding. It is not only the old who are wise. - Job 32:8-9a

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed…Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. - Psalm 20:4, 7

May these verses touch your heart and encourage your week.

THE SUNDAY JOLT- Vol. 6

2007-02-17T07:43:00.000-06:00

This satellite photo amazed and almost scared me.

It you think about all the lights all over the world it is a beautiful picture, but then lets take a spiritual look at it too. If all the illuminated areas of the map were showing all the Christians in the world I see the picture differently.
If the lights are Christians than the darkness on the map is all the unsaved souls in our world. All the people that do not know the love of Christ. That takes up a lot more space than the light sadly enough.

Now I know a few cynics are saying well not all of those dark areas are inhabited. And to you I say, that is why this is an illustration and not fact. ;) But put the doubts aside and think of who you were before Christ, and how he changed your world. And then think that there are millions out there without that peace. Without that love.
Examine your hearts and life. Send your prayers to those men and women who are out there spreading the word of God. I have family in Cameroon, and to hear their stories is a great revelation of faith.

I am not say for all of us to take the next fight to the middle of nowhere. God has placed a mission’s opportunity before you whether you know it or not. There are hundreds of missionary organizations that need monetary support, and then there are the people you see on a daily basis.

They are you missionary field. It may not seem as daring or dangerous as China, or Cameroon, but facing the people that you see daily with the truth of Christ can be just as challenging and rewarding as catching a trip to the far ends of the earth.

Examine your heart for mission and pray to have the opportunity to share the love Christ gave to you.

RandoM-E vol.5

2007-02-17T07:41:00.000-06:00

100 things about ME

For any writer’s out there I encourage you to take this challenge, it is different way to express yourself and your creativity

1. I was conceived on Valentine’s Day
2. Most of my name is in that holiday’s title….VALERIE
3. The meaning of Valerie is STRONG
4 I’m not a body builder
5 I did survive massive back surgery at 17 though
6 My Dad calls me his Titanium driver (b/c of the titanium rod in my back)
7 I don’t like to watch golf, or play much either
8 I did a report in high school on the history of Golf (14 pages…WOW)
9 I golf right handed
10 Even though I’m LEFT HANDED
11 My husband is left handed too
12 Left handed people make the world right ;)
13 I’m a world history buff
14 I do Yoga
15 I don’t do Birkam Yoga- TOO HOT
16 I live in Texas
17 Never seen the Grand Canyon
18 Went to Vegas once, just the airport for a total of 3 hours
19 Didn’t play the slots in the terminal
20 I don’t like gambling
21 I don’t like alcohol
22 My favorite movie is a tie between the Italian Job and Pride and Prejudice
23 The six hour A&E version of Pride and Prejudice is best
24 If I could go back in time I would want to be a noble in the Middle Ages of England or Ireland
25 I’m 1/16th Irish
26 I have the red hair to prove it
27 My nickname is Coppertop
28 Or Buddy
29 Or Frank- as in Frankenstein cause of a fourteen inch scar from my surgery that I wear with pride
30 Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein is one of my favorite books
31 I’ve seen Mary Shelly’s grave and asked devil worshipers how to get there in the dark
32 My bedroom has to be completely dark in order for me to fall asleep
33 I love sleeping
34 My dreams are extremely vivid and I remember the too
35 Several of my manuscripts are dream inspired
36 I don’t believe most dreams mean anything
37 But I don’t deny that God speaks to people in many different ways
38 I’m currently learning American Sign Language
39 If I could go back to school I’d get a masters in Church History
40 I have a degree in Biomedical Science
41 I like ER but don’t like Grey’s Anatomy
42 I don’t like the movie ET
43 But I like the movie Cocoon
44 I don’t believe in aliens
45 I wish I had super powers
46 I like the show HEROS
47 I feel empowered and inspired after watching any Marvel Comic/ DC comic movies
48 Spiderman is my favorite
49 But Batman is up there too
50 I love animals
51Cats not so much- domestic, cause lions and tigers rock!
52 I believe it is our job to care for the animals of the world
53 I feel that adoption is an AMAZING option for kids and animals
54 I feel there are too many teens having sex
55 Media and Parents need to step up to their responisbilites
56 I am addicted to the TV
57 But I love to read
58 My favorite book is the Count of Monte Cristo
59 I’ve read it many times
60 I enjoyed reading Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons and the Da Vinci Code
61 I don’t believe that Mary Magdalene was Christ’s wife
62 I don’t believe there is a blood line through Christ other than him washing us clean of sin by spilling his blood
63 I do believe Christ had brother’s and sisters
64 I have one sister
65 Two sister’s in-law
66 I became an AUNT a few weeks ago
67 I don’t have any kids now
68 My dogs are my kids
69 I do want kids
70 Twin boys (maybe one girl)
71 I’ve already picked out their names
72 No I’m not telling you ;)
73 I volunteer in my church’s nursery
74 I trained service dogs in college
75 I was a volunteer with Equest
76 I used to be a Rodeo Rider
77 Never owned a horse
78 I want to rescue neglected animals one day
79 I think people should be certified to own pets of any kind
80 Too bad we can’t force people to be certified in order to have kids
81 I think animal cruelty is a crime
82 I love the show CSI, although the writer’s need help
83 I would love to be a writer for movies, or TV
84 I hope to see Ted Dekker’s move ‘THREE’
85 I wish there were more Christian movies out there
86 I wish good old sitcoms like Growing Pains and the Cosby show would come back in style
87 I believe reality shows are getting too insane
88 I only watch the tryouts of American Idol
89 I only sing in Church
90 Well sometimes in my Car
91 Yes the shower too, on occasion
92 I go to a Baptist Church
93 Baptism is important
94 I don’t believe baptism is your only way to salvation
95 I was raised in a Church going family
96 I love reading the Bible
97 I believe the Bible is the inspired words of God
98 I believe God did create the world
99 I believe Christ is the son of God
100 CHRIST IS MY SAVIOR

The Wisdom of Faith and Maizy vol.2

2007-02-16T07:48:00.000-06:00

Get excited!

Life is full of simple pleasures, and for us to enjoy our world and our lives we need to hold these moments as little treasures.

To take a walk or go outside is a chance to explore and be amazed by what surrounds us.
To eat is an amazing show of provision. The worries of the day may be stacking up but the time to eat is a time to give thanks and cherish those you are with.

We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made.
-M. Acklam

Thursday SHORTS vol.5

2007-02-15T09:02:00.001-06:00

The Experiments of ADEM- part 3
(catch up with the story through the blog archive-Thursday Shorts)

The luminous colors of their dreamscape danced about them in a mist that filled both Etah and Rahan with joy and freedom. It was a place they had found many years ago, they had come to name it the fields of Layvas. The colorful forms that surrounded them had no names, for their purpose and shapes where unknown to them. But every night they would escape to the hope that came in Layvas.
“Etah are you alright? I saw Pneu push you,” Rahan’s fearful voice sounded as the two friends searched for each other in the light mist.
“Over here by Jovra,” Etah shouted and in moments the small frame of Rahan join her near the place they found the only other occupant of Layvas. It was a four legged creature that seemed to watch and listen to their every word. But the creature’s furry coat and soft blue eyes, never gave them any fear.

“Hello Jovra,” Rahan greeted the creature that sat on its hunches and just watched.
“Are you well? What did Pneu say?” Rahan took Etah’s hand and they began their nightly walk.
“Pneu suspected me of speaking too much today, so I am without food.”
“I wish she would leave you be. Too bad there is no food here and Layvas.”
“I don’t think I have the energy to search again.”
“True. Did you say anything to her about the women that disappear at the end of the line?”
“Yes, but all she said was standing on the line in the pit is better than what on the other side of that mysterious door.”
“That makes me scared if a woman like her could be fearful of anything.”
“Let’s not worry on that. She was probably trying to frighten me. Shall we go to the spring?”
“Yes that sounds refreshing.” Rahan’s smile returned as they walked toward the spring.

It was the only type of water they had found in Layvas. They could never figure out how to drink from the crystal waters of the spring, but to play and enjoy it allowed them to feel clean in there dreams if not so in the pit.
“Do you miss Teranova?” Etah asked as she kicked her feet lightly in the water.
“I think I miss the business, rushing about the tunnels and the satisfaction of following an order. How about you?”
“I miss listening to the Goab’s talk. They spoke so little and worried over much that is was nice to hear their thoughts.”
“Did you Goab share such words with you? I only remember the commands from the kitchen. I had forgotten that you were a personal servant.” Etah thought about the Goab she had served for ten years. He had been older, wiser, and kinder than most of those she saw slithering about the halls of Teranova.
“I would have considered my Goab almost a friend.” The woman soon heard the pulsing bell that shook the colors of Layvas.
“Why must we wake?” Rahan complained as the dreamscape disappeared, and Etah opened her eyes to the filthy red dirt of the pit.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR……EVERYWHERE YOU WANT TO GO……

2007-02-13T22:14:00.000-06:00

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine or the Card companies. Take you pick, but the holidays are not for cynics. ;) So who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery.

St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men .Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. (WOW THIS IS A GOOD ONE- all romantic and stuff)

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured. (CHIVALRIS-YES, ROMANTIC- NOT SO MUCH)

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. ( AHHHHHH…too SWEET)

No matter where this holiday got it’s origin we cannot escape the need to share our love with other people. We were made to have relationships both romantic and friendly. It is what makes me think that Valentine’s day and Easter share such a common theme. For it was because of God’s love for us that he sent his Son, to die for us, so that we could have a close personal relationship with him. For Christ is our bridegroom and we as believers in Christ (aka the Church) are his bride preparing for our wedding day in Heaven.

No matter where you find yourself today, single, divorced, or married, you are loved so deeply by Christ that he sacrificed and suffered to save you. The ultimate act of chivalry and romance. Take hold of that fact. Hold tight to the one that loves you most, for he will never leave you or forsake you.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

TWEENY TIMES vol.5

2007-02-12T09:10:00.000-06:00

LOVE IN THE YOUNGER YEARS…

It’s interesting to think back to Valentine’s days as a teen and remember how that affected me and my self-esteem. The only boyfriend I’ve ever had is still my Valentine today, but the years before I met him made the holiday almost unbearable.

As teenagers, and for many this doesn’t end after high school, you are looking for the things that will define who you are, and many times teens feel that having a boyfriend or girlfriend is a defining factor they can’t go without. Which often gives room for ones self esteem to take a nose dive, but why is that?

Why must we cling to the sweet NOTHINGS of someone else to feel good about ourselves?

Unfortunately I don’t have the tell all answer. I wish I did, but part of it lies in what we put value in. Is it the kind of car you drive, the paycheck you rake in, the house you own, the hottie on your arm and what they say is good and bad about you? OR…….is it that you are a child of GOD? You are loved and cherished as you are. God’s greatest pleasure is for you to be his Valentine.

He longs to have a relationship with you. He is continuously whispering the sweet SOMETHINGS that you do need to hear. His love for you is eternal, and best of all he has no faults. Nothing for us gals to ‘fix’ and nothing for the boys to complain about. He will never break your heart, or lie to your face. Because the human failures we see in relationship are not part his character.

It is his opinion that matters, no one elses. And he believes you to be beautiful, handsome, intelligent, witty, everything you need to be is inside of you because of GOD.
I challenge you this Valentines week, to plan a date with God. No need for fancy restaurants, candle light or spiffy clothes. Just take the time to sit down in prayer with him. Let him be your Valentine. Let the peace and love he will whisper to you be the person you run to when you need comfort. When you need love. When you need strong arms wrapped around you. He can be all things to you if you will let him into your heart.

Let him define you. For if you seek his love and guidance you will know who you are, and the fickle words of your peers will not leave scars behind. He is the best Valentine for he defined love, he is love, and he wants to share his love and blessings to you.

MAY THE LOVE OF GOD FILL YOUR HEARTS DAY IN AND DAY OUT

The Monday Motivator vol.5

2007-02-12T09:06:00.000-06:00

I decided to be apart of the Wordless Wednesday blog group. But for this Wednesday being Valentines Day, I have too much to say…SO the picture I would have shared on Wednesday will be shared today, and I think it’s pretty motivating too.

ENJOY

SUBSCRIBE to the VF FUN :)

2007-02-11T17:44:00.000-06:00

Check it out.

Do you like what your reading?

IF SO... subscribe on the right hand side of this blog. This will send you emails when I come up with crazy and sometimes eloquent words to post.

Have a blessed week :)

The Sunday JOLT vol.5

2007-02-11T16:03:00.000-06:00

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” –John 3:16

I know this is one of those over quoted verses in the Bible that people have come to the point of dismissing the meaning and passion behind them. But in this week of Valentines’ it was the first verse on the subject of love to pop in my head.

I know that your thinking why not the Love is… verse in first Corinthians? While 1Corinthians 13:4-7 is an amazing verse about love I believe that it turns back to this verse in John chapter three. Paul lists out the qualities of love as a reference of how to show the love of God, and it is amazing to think that God embodies all those things when it comes to us.

God is patient. Thank goodness because I know I’ve deserved a few lightening bolts here and there. And for God to know all our thoughts, actions, and motivations and still remain patient reveals a new level of his grace and mercy.

God is kind. In reading through Exodus and first and second Samuel the wrath of God is so evident that is hard to see him as kind. But even through the discipline he dished out, he always turned back to help them rebuild and move forward. To think of how many times we have taken his kindness in vain, and that he still wants to hold us tight in his arms.

Everything listed as a quality of love is part of the character of God. Because HE IS LOVE. He is the creator of love. The definer of love, and he knows your heart deeper than your significant other, and longs to lavish you with blessings and strengthen you heart

His ultimate show of love for us was the death and resurrection of his Son. This was a promise fulfilled, so that we can approach the throne of grace with confidence. So that we can have an intimate relationship with him without the trappings of traditions. What an amazing Valentines gift given every morning, every evening, and with every breath. All that is required of us is to turn our hearts to him daily, and share the love he gives unto us to those that surround us daily.
May his love be revealed to you all this week and carried through the rest of your lives.

Be Blessed and Encouraged.

RandoM-E vol.4

2007-02-10T11:08:00.000-06:00

Ok so have you ever see the movie ‘Super Size Me’?

If not let me give you a summery. A man decided to make a documentary of himself eating McDonald’s for every meal for about a month I think. He documented his health status before and throughout the process, and before he could finish his doctors saw elevated liver toxicity, so high that he had to end the documentary.
Now this does say a lot about fast food and what we ingest sometimes on a weekly…..or daily… basis.

But even after watching this documentary, I’m still addicted to McDonalds. Yep I admitted it. So let’s hope the healing can begin. ;)

There has to be some addictive substance in those fries, cause they’re the best, and sometimes I just can’t help myself.

Granted the guilt does come and I have to pop in another yoga video. So enjoy your Saturday, and I’m going to do some yoga.

The Wisdom of Faith and Maizy

2007-02-09T08:07:00.000-06:00

As you might have guessed from previous postings, I’m a dog person. Currently I’m a stay at home wife as I look for a new job, but there have been two dogs to keep me company Faith and Maizy. And in their company comes a unique observation of the lives they lead. So I hope to share some of their loving inspiration with you.

The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.
-Anonymous

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. -Will Rogers

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. -Ben Williams

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. -Josh Billings

Thursday SHORTS

2007-02-08T07:01:00.000-06:00

“The Experiments of Adem” part 2

The cycle continued in its ever familiar slow and wearisome way. Fatigue was settling into Etah’s back and fingers, but then came the relief she needed. The horns blew their welcomed tones, and the rock and stone stopped coming down the line.
The entire row of women turned to look at the comfort that would come from rest and a belly of sweet root. But staring at the stone carved niches in front of them was a teasing pleasure that would have to wait. Etah could almost taste the sweet root porridge waiting for her in the small cuphs, but the Gouti’s had their favorites. The women that held the wips for the intention of keeping order on the line found those who held their lust for power, and nurtured those women. Leaving the rest to be subject to their whims.
Each Gouti was in charge of thirty six women, and had to lead each to their cuph at the end of the cycle. Unfortunately Pnue didn’t like Etah. Pnue stood taller and wider than Etah’s frame, and each time they came eye to eye Etah couldn’t help but wonder where the dust and mud caked lines on her face came from. A shiver ran down her spine as Ora was led to her cuph. Just the look in Pnue’s eyes let her know that she wouldn’t sleep easily.
“Etah, you silly girl.” The Gouti’s nails dug deep into Etah’s skin.
“What, what have I done now?” She asked trying not to wince too much in the pain.
“You were a chatty little one this cycle, and you know my rules on chattiness.”
“But I’m almost to the end of the line.”
“And you think that give you the right to chat and whisper?” Pneu’s nails dug deeper.
“No, of course not, but I-“
“But what? You have questions? You want to know your fate? Trust me this place is better than what awaits you beyond the hidden door.” The fear and pain Etah saw in the Gouti’s eyes shocked her.
“You will go without food for your questioning mind.”
“Pneu, no, please.”
“Get in that cuph,” Pneu said pushing Etah to the floor. On her hands and knees Etah’s mind raged. She wanted nothing more than to rise to her feet and knock Pneu to the ground. But that would leave her without food for more than just one cycle.
Etah’s lips water as the angered Gouti closed the gate of her cuph, but she was relieved that this cuph was wider than her last. At least two phods on each side giving her the comfort to turn from lying on her stomach to her back.
But now the seclusion and silence surrounded her forcing her mind to escape to her dreams. There she and Rahan were free, and could speak and talk of what could be above the tunnels of Terranova.

©2007

Blogging chicks :)

2007-02-07T11:14:00.000-06:00

I've joined the ranks of the blogging chicks. Check out the blog roll on the right.

In the Headlines vol. 4

2007-02-07T08:08:00.000-06:00

January 17, 2007India

A rampaging leopard attacks a resident of the Indian city of Nashik in Maharashtra state. Panicked city dwellers beat the animal with sticks and iron bars while chasing it from populated areas, inflicting wounds that most likely caused the animal's death soon after it was captured by forest guards. The attack is just another in a series of conflicts between humans and the big cats, which are protected in India, as population growth cuts into the animals' natural habitat. In Maharashtra alone, marauding leopards have killed 22 people in the past year, according to BBC News.

www.nationalgeographics.com

When I read this article an odd thought popped into my head; how selfish are we? Our human nature has a wanting for the things that are bigger and better causing us to spread out and encroach on the world we live in. It almost brings truth a line from ‘The Matrix’, we are a virus, destroying the world around us until there’s nothing left.

In thinking about this, I can’t come up with a solution or even see how we can combat our selfish tendencies. Here is an odd balance between discoveries and technologic advances, and the animals, plants, and weather patterns that are affected by our growth.

Is conservation enough? Is there more we can do? Will this world survive us?
Amazing questions whose answers are left to a higher power, but that doesn’t mean there is nothing for us to do.

TWEENY TIMES vol. 4

2007-02-06T08:20:00.000-06:00

Who will I be?

You’ve heard it many times from family and friends, ‘you can grow up to be anything you want to be’. But part of this statement is false. The word ‘anything’ implies that you could be an astronaut, a fireman, president, or Bill Gate’s fiercest competitor.
I can’t say for certain you won’t be any of the above, but when choosing what to aspire to there are things you need to consider.

When I was growing up I loved animals, so I thought since I loved animals so much I should be a Veterinarian. Now, five years after college, I am not a Vet nor will I ever be because that is not what God intended for my life. Not to say that I would have been a bad Vet, but God had given me other gifts that I had ignored.

I have a vivid imagination, that can get me into trouble sometimes, but ever since I was able to talk or write, I have been creating stories, and drawing. It makes me laugh sometimes to look back at my class notes, because there are more doodles than medical terms.

So when you make a decision to pursue a career of any kind you need to look at three things.
What are your talents?
What is your personality?
Is this God’s plan or mine?

I encourage you to make a list of your talents. What are you good at? Are you good at Math, Science, English, Soccer, Baseball, Art? What do you excel in and where do you see yourself falling behind? I was never good at math, and surprisingly there is a lot of math involved in being a vet or a doctor, but English, History, and Art were my favorite classes. So surprise, surprise, I find myself writing historical fiction. Sometimes it’s the things you do in your free time that can be the window to your future. So don’t forget to consider that, too.

So now with a list of your talents look up the jobs that involve those things you enjoy. Cause if you don’t enjoy your job that can be a long road of unhappy and depressing emotions and events. Now that you’ve found the jobs that involve the things you enjoy, you need to evaluate your personality. Trust me you have one.

Are you a people person, or prefer to be alone. Are you and extrovert, or a wall flower? Would you feel comfortable having to talk to a lot of people, or like the confines of a cubicle? Each aspect of your personality can help you choose a career that fits you best. Don’t forget that whatever path you take will lead to what you study in College, and the job that will define your future, so take your time.

For the last question you need to find a quiet place, or a mentor with bible in hand. God knows you best of all. He has thought about your life and who you are from before you entered this world, so who better to talk to. He molded and shaped your heart, so his advice and guidance will be the best.

So pray. For some people God does use lighting bolts and neon lights to say this is your purpose, but don’t enter into prayer expecting that kind of answer. God has a way of knowing how to communicate with us and many times it takes a few crossed wires before we are ready to listen.
I know that for me, my crossed wires lead me to meet my husband, and God knew the best way for that to come about. And in my misdirection I learned a lot and struggled through many things that allow my writing to be real and relatable. Now that’s God’s wisdom. He knows what we need to go though to set out on the path of our purpose in order to give him the most glory.

But if you are trying to decide what you will be when you grow up, know that many times it is the journey not the destination that will reveal your purpose. So seek God’s wisdom in all things, and know its ok to change your mind along the way. Because you are still growing and changing into an awesome child of God, and if you keep to that, God will show you great things.

The Monday Motivator vol.4

2007-02-05T08:17:00.000-06:00

This Monday motivator is rather simple. Cherish the Journey. It is a motto that I try to live by. In my life, I’ve many time focused too much on where I’m going or where I want to end up that I miss out of so much of what’s around me.

As you’ve heard it said ‘hind-sight is 20/20’, well why is that? Well in looking back over our lives we can see how God has moved and motivated each of us in the smallest things as well as the large ones. But why not have that attitude now?

What is keeping us from enjoying the people and places we find around us at this moment? I know it’s an idealistic thought, but in cherishing each step I take the journey is filled with hope and joy. Not the worry of tomorrow, or where I will be in five years, but this moment, this sunrise, this hug, or this breath.

For better or worse we do have to keep moving forward, but think and pray on your focus. That will determine how your will feel on the journey and can make the destination that much more enjoyable.

The Sunday JOLT vol.4

2007-02-04T15:05:00.000-06:00

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”-Jeremiah 29:11

We as humans cannot make such a strong statement. No matter how many times we tell someone we care for, that we will never hurt them, in time we do, whether it’s a small ache or a large pain. It’s our own fallibility that makes this happen, but what does that say about God.

He is infallible, loving, caring, and desires to bless you with the great abundance he has in heaven. The verse above is one I turn to often when the path before me is lost. God is telling Jeremiah, when he is struggling with his calling, that God knows the steps before him. Those steps will not lead to harm, but will come through to prosper you and give you hope.

Granted the path ahead may seem dark, and many times it is hard to trust someone else to lead you through the darkness. But God has a marvelous track record of loving us and keeping his promises. If we seek his glory in all things, his glory and blessings will shine on us. Maybe not on earth, but without a doubt in heaven.

May you be blessed and encouraged.

RandoM-E vol.3

2007-02-03T07:47:00.000-06:00

I was in Hobby Lobby the other day with a gift card in hand, and I saw the words below in black lettering (50% off I might add). Something about these words struck me. What would my life be like if these four words were in my head and heart constantly?

BELIEVE
LAUGH
LIVE
PRAY

If I stand firm on what I BELIEVE, LAUGH at myself more often, LIVE with passion, and keep my heart in PRAYER it would be hard for my pessimistic self to kick in.
Wow! What if everyone lived like this? What would our world be like?
Sometimes it is the simple words we’ve heard time and time again that give us the most inspiration.

Friday Funnies vol.3

2007-02-02T08:59:00.000-06:00

Entries in a Dog's Diary:
7 am - Oh boy! A walk! My favorite!
8 am - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9 am - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
Noon - Oh boy! The yard! My favorite!
2 PM - Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!
3 PM - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
4 PM - Oh boy! Playing ball! My favorite!
6 PM - Oh boy! Welcome home Mom! My favorite!
7 PM - Oh boy! Welcome home Dad! My favorite!
8 PM - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9 PM - Oh boy! Tummy rubs on the couch! My favorite!
11 PM - Oh boy! Sleeping in my people's bed! My favorite!

Entries in a Cat's Diary:
Day 183 of my captivity ... My captors continued to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from clawing the furniture and carpet. Tomorrow I may eat another house plant. Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded. Must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair. Must try this on their bed. Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body in an attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear in their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was. Hmmm, not working according to plan.

Thursday SHORTS

2007-02-01T08:37:00.000-06:00

‘The Experiments of Adem’- part 1

“Keep working.” The crack of a whip stung her ears as the gems of Adem washed along in front of her, standing shoulder to shoulder examining the rock before them. There they stood day after day separating the sparkling jewels from crude rock for the palates of the Gobs living richly above in Terranova.

“Etah, look,” the woman beside her said with an elbow to her side. Etah’s violet eyes traced up the tiers of red dirt and rock that surrounded her and the other women she had come to know. The top tier held the only entrance to the pit, and coming through to gateway was a group of six women with heads shaved and drooped in shame at the loss of their previous beauty. Etah raised her hand from the water and mud in front of her, and ran her fingers through the inches of hair that had grown since she stood at the top of the pit. Her hair was to her shoulder, but it was hard to believe that she once been luscious and smooth brown hair that danced at the back of her knees. But those things and the beautiful halls of Terranova were left behind when she turned thirteen.

“Has it been that long since we stood up there, Rahan?” Etah whispered to the woman standing next to her.
“I guess so.”
“No talking,” the nearest Gob shouted sending his whip popping across their backs. In muted screams, Rahan and Etah returned to pulling crude rock from the precious jewels that would fill the bellies of Terranova.

Etah glanced at the newly shaven women walking down the tiers of the pit as she sorted the dirt in front of her. Once the young women reached the bottom a horn sounded and the entire line shifted down six spaces. So was the routine each time more women were brought from above.

Etah nearly laughed as heard the whines and cries of the women that had just joined the line. She remembered her first day. The dirt of the pit was a stark contrast to the pristine halls of Terranova, and to place her pampered hands in the mud and grime that came from the mines. The jewels and rocks slashed through her skin. She could barely remember what her hands looked like before the layers of mud clung to every pore.

“Look, we’re close to the end. What do you think happens to all the people before us?” Rahan asked with a concerned look at the conveyer belt that disappeared through a hole in the wall.
“Ora, do you know?” Etah asked the woman to her right.
“I’ll ask down the line.” The robust woman turned to the next person in the line. Faint whispers continued down the row, and then back toward Etah and Rahan.
“The women go through a door that appears in the rock. One woman said that there’s a Gob on the other side, but that’s all she could see.”
“Well they don’t come back here, so where do they go?” Rahan’s voice trembled as they turned back to work. Etah’s mind started to echo Rahan’s fears and questions. It would be one more month before she, Ora, Rahan, and the others she came with into the pit would be at the door.

In the Headlines vol.3

2007-01-31T08:11:00.000-06:00

I guess this is my own personal headline: I was part of my company’s massive liquidation on Monday.

So I am jobless, and currently applying for any job I could qualify for. It’s funny though cause I’ve not enjoyed my job over the last six months or so, and in part it is a relief that I don’t have go and deal with all the drama.

Financially I may not be able to stay at home very long, but I plan on making most of that time in my preparations for a writer’s conference in California. There are two stories I would like to hammer out so that they will be at their best when the land in the hands of agents and publishers.

This job loss might be God preparing the way for my writing, or that’s what I’m telling myself for now.

I wish you all blessings and encouragement wherever you are in life.

“Trust in the Lord, with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. But in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.” –Prov 3:5-6

Jan. 29, 2007, 11:42PM
Lexicon will focus on drugs
By ANASTASIA USTINOVACopyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
www.chron.com

Lexicon Genetics said Monday it is scaling down its genetic research and will eliminate 18 percent of its staff as it focuses on drug discovery and development.

The Woodlands-based company, which develops genetically engineered mice to help in human drug development, said the cuts will affect 133 of 592 employees in its headquarters.
"We believe we can grow into a next-generation pharmaceutical company," said Arthur Sands, Lexicon's president and CEO. "That growth will be in the areas of pharmaceutical development, marketing and commercialization."

Sands said in the coming years the company plans to begin human trials with 10 drug candidates it has developed, including drugs to treat Alzheimer's, irritable bowel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.

To reflect the strategy, the company said it will change its name to Lexicon Pharmaceuticals.

Define Your Christianity

2007-01-30T08:25:00.000-06:00

Many times the biggest struggle for Christian teens is when they make the jump from High School to College. Over 50% of church-going teens fall out of faith when they step out on their own.

Why is that?

Well a lot of it has to do with teens not understanding or calling Christianity their own. Often parents have the good intention to take their kids to church every Sunday, and often in the teenage years it turns to dragging them to church. But just going to church doesn’t ensure the strength of faith one needs before going off on their own. Because if the parent is the instigator of faith when the parent is absent from the picture in a college situation the teens give up because the motivator isn’t there to ‘make’ them go.

So what’s the solution?

Teens need to learn to call Christianity there own, not just follow the trends or the pushing of their parents. And this is where a good strong youth group comes in. Teens are full of questions about their world, and the same should be true for Christianity. Pastors, and Youth directors should fuel and encourage the questions of their youth. Because that is the only way they are going to learn what their faith actually means to them, and the life ahead of them.

Knowing what the Bible says and what Christianity stands for is the only way to combat the trappings of our world. In Ephesians 6:10-18 is the famous ‘armor of God’ verse. Which includes:
· The belt of truth
· The breastplate of righteousness
· Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
· The shield of faith
· The helmet of salvation
· The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Can you see it? The only active weapon we are equipped with is the word of GOD. And with any weapon you have to be trained in how to use it, and this training should begin at the very moment kids/teen/adults pray to receive Christ. That is when we sign on to be a part of the army of God, and if we aren’t trained and shown the faith and pride that comes with being a part of Kingdom warriors it is easier to defect and return to the calls and trappings of the world that surrounds us.

With anything you choose to believe you need to know as much as you can about it so that you can speak that faith to others, and feel strong along the battle lines.

If you look at the men and women of the United States armed forces you will see a trend of people getting tattoos of their company or outfit, etc. It is amazing to see that we want to ware the pride and commitment of being a soldier for all to see. The same is true in the army of God, but our tattoo is branded on our heart. Christ enthroned in our hearts is the symbol we bare to the world in our actions and words.

Are you branded for God? Do you wonder how to fight the world that surrounds you as a teen? Check out the website below, and know we are fighting for you, praying for you, and here to encourage you.

http://www.battlecry.com/

Slow Dance

2007-01-29T07:16:00.000-06:00

This poem was written by a terminally ill young girl in a New York Hospital.

SLOW DANCE
Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rainS
lapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.T
ime is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each dayOn the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,W
e'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,L
et a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say, "Hi”

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.
***
As the years pass we loose the insight of childhood. Wonderful insights, dreams and inspirations come from the minds that don’t loose sight of this.

The Sunday JOLT vol.3

2007-01-28T16:36:00.000-06:00

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

“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”- Matthew 7:8

The verses above are two that seem to frustrate many people of faith. We are told over and over to pray, ask God for the wants and needs in our life. When we don’t see a dramatic answer we think God isn’t listening, or is punishing us. But have you considered that you are asking the wrong question?

Because God is always listening, ready, and willing to share his love and provision for you. Granted if you ask to win a million dollars because the bank account is at 29 cents, and God doesn’t dish out the exact amount doesn’t mean he doesn’t care or know about the bills that will be coming next week.

God is an amazing, and knows your needs. He also knows the best way to help you and encourage you to grow closer to him. If it would benefit your faith and reliance on God to get a millions dollars, God would make that happen. But many times it is the process of climbing out of the ‘pit of despair’ on the strength of God is life altering, and of greater joy than money on a silver platter. You may be saying nope the silver platter would be better, but just listen to yourself for a moment. Don’t you sound like a kid not getting what they want? But when this situation came up in your younger years, your parents had the wisdom to help groom your character and perseverance. It’s the same with God. He knows best, and will do nothing to harm you.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your path straight.” –Prov. 3:5-6

But this doesn’t mean don’t ask. In God’s amazing wisdom he knew we, in our sinful nature, would struggle with pride. And in asking God in prayer we submit ourselves humbly before him to show willingness for his help, his aid, and his provision.

I know I struggled greatly with asking for help, control freak that I am, and that struggle affects my prayer life often. But it’s when I come before him broken, and wanting his glory in all things that I am able to see God work in amazing ways.

Try it. Try asking without agenda, without expectation, but with a heart for God’s will and glory, and see what he does inside your heart and in your life. It is a condition of the heart to ask for help, and great reward is waiting for those who put aside their pride and openly accept God’s will and promises for our lives.

May you be blessed and encouraged