Autumn Rose - My Search For Good Enough

Autumn Rose has written a non-fiction narrative about her life called "My Search for Good Enough"  Published through Outskirts Press, it is also available on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, and BookaMillion.com, and OutskirtsPress.com.

This is a story that chronicles Autumn's troubled childhood and rocky teenage years, how she met Jesus and why she failed to remain close to Him. Autumn writes about her struggles within an abusive relationship and why she had a hard time leaving, and finally, how she was reunited with Jesus and how God delivered her and her children from their abuser.

A little about Autumn: I am a single mom raising my three boys. I am currently taking a break from getting my bachelor's degree in Social Work so I can homeschool my oldest son who has special needs. I have done some public speaking about abuse and continue to share my story with any who will listen. I have also just finished my manuscript for my second book (a fiction fantasy-type novel), which I am hoping to have published early next year.


https://www.amazon.com/Autumn-Rose/e/B01A2V2X7E

    

 

Author, Rita Betti

Rita Betti was born in Santa Ana, California in 1948, into a California family that traces its roots back to the 1800's. She has been writing for over 50 years, but has only recently began to publish. After the death of her husband of 36 years, Rita moved to Los Angeles to study screenwriting at Act One, a private institue for writers and film executives. She then went on to study film and media arts at Los Angeles Valley College. The wrote and produced several short films with a diverse group of filmmakers. In 2011 she moved back to Arizona, where she reconnected with her novelist side and published, "The Martyr" in 2014. She is currently working with FishGate Productions on developing "COPPER TOWN", a full-length feature film to be shot in Arizona. Rita has three books on Amazon: an historical novel, The Martyr and two children's picture books, The Great Meadow Mystery and Harold and The Drain Monster. 

http://www.ritabetti.com/



The Martyr, a historical novel.  Second century AD; during the tyrannical reign of Marcus Aurelius. The martyr is a story  inspired by the testimony of St Blandina and her last days of martyrdom in Lyons Gaul (177AD). The only information we have on her life is in regard to her final battle in the Roman arena. Author, Rita Betti, has woven St. Blandina's  fictional journey from Parthia to Antioch to Ostia and finally to her last days in Gaul.   

The story of Blandina could happen to anyone who trusts God in a dangerous and cruel world. And soon, we may all be called upon to suffer for our faith.     

https://www.facebook.com/BlandinaTheMartyr/

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3551417/

     

Christ is Risen

Surely He took up our pain    and bore our suffering,
yet we considered Him punished by God,
    stricken by Him, and afflicted.
 But He was pierced for our transgressions,
    He was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on Him,
    and by His wounds we are healed.
 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
    each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on Him
    the iniquity of us all.

These words taken from the book of Isaiah 53, were spoken about Jesus, long before he was born. He came to die for you. But, he rose again, bringing victory, over death.  For God so loved the world, that, anyone who believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. The promise still stands today. Jesus paid the ultimate price for you and me.

Father, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to die for our sins.
Thank you that death had no power over Him.
I praise today, as we remember that resurrection morning that begun in a garden long ago.
That spans time and history
Thank you that the promise of abundant life in you is the same today
As it was then.
Amen

Introducing: Teen and Young Adult Christian Fiction Writer, Jason A. Dimmick

Jason resides in central Pennsylvania with his wife Talisa and two children, Alanna and Torin. He is employed at a local high school as the Night Custodial Foreman and his wife is a Speech Language Pathologist. Jason is new to the writing community as he is currently writing his first Christian Y.A. novel; Armor of the Fallen: Wielder of the Gauntlets. It is the first of a planned trilogy with a couple novellas in development for the series as well. Along with writing Jason is also an automotive enthusiast, power sports enthusiast, cellist, and martial artist.

Every moment I write I am truly myself. It is in that moment that I truly live. ..Jason  Dimmick.

An Ancient Power Calls. A Modern Warrior Rises. An Age Old Battle Will Be Fought For The Final Time.

The life Tim is living is not the life God has intended for him. Now he is faced with a choice that will determine the fate of all mankind. After spending the last twelve years of his life in an orphanage, Tim must now move away from everything and everyone he knows to live with an uncle he never new he had. What happens while with his uncle will not only drastically change Tims’ life for ever, but will place the fate of mankind in his hands and answer all the questions Tim has about his past. The Gauntlets have chosen their Wielder. Will Tim answer the call and fight against the Fallen? Answer the call. Wield the gauntlets. Fight the Fallen. Protect mankind.

Check out Jason's website for more information.

http://jasonadimmick.com/

List Price: $8.99
eBook Price: $0.99

buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06XCQ7PR3?ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_Ol2Ywb1Y4HHHK&tag=ammbt-20&linkCode=kpe

 FREE PREVEW on Jason's Website!

Good Friday

I enjoy reading various devotional books, especially old classical/spiritual writers but for the past year I've been reading Experiencing God's Presence by Chris Tiegren

His devotionals are dated for each day, but I never start on Jan 1st, or keep to the book's calendar, so it was a surprise today, to find that my reading was actually meant for December 25. I was quite amazed at how fitting my reading was for this day, which is Good Friday. The day when we remember the cost that Christ paid to redeem (buy back) mankind.

The reading reviewed Genesis 14 and also I Samuel 30, when both Abraham and David set out to pursue raiders who had stolen possessions, wives, and children. Both men, who are pictures of Christ, recover everything that was lost. And both give credit to God. In the end nothing was lost.

The core of the message is that our prince of Peace, Jesus, came to restore that which has been stolen from each one of us. One of Christ's primary missions is one of restoration. That's why He was born of a virgin and choose to die on a cross.

Many of us, battered by life's losses, challenges, and betrayals, have found ourselves emotionally bereft of wholeness. But the good news is, Jesus, the Prince of Peace came to give us peace; came into this world for the purpose of redeeming that which was lost.

The message of Christmas, of Easter, of Jesus, is one of hope. The only hope for humanity. Jesus can and will restore what has been stolen, taken, or just plain lost from you, if you'll ask Him. He will even give you back more, in return. He alone can redeem the losses of your life if you open your heart to him. It begins with a prayer of surrender. When we reach the end of ourselves, and recognize our inability to redeem our own failures, then God can begin to bring healing. I've added a prayer below. If this prayer is your prayer, I'd love to hear from you. My email is: beverleyrayner@aol.com. God bless you this Good Friday.

Father God, I've experienced losses, regrets and failures in my life. I realize that I haven't made the best choices, and although I've tried, I know that I don't measure up to your holy standard of right, pure and good. I feel broken inside.

Please help me God. Please come into my life, and take control. Save me from my own foolish choices. Make me new, God, and set my feet on the right path with you, as my friend and saviour. In Jesus name, Amen.

The Hike : Survivors by Quentin Rogers

Quentin Rogers has written a book entitled: The Hike: Survivors
You can view her web page from the link below.

Is there life after the Yellowstone super Volcano? I once read, that if Old Faithful erupted, we'd be knee deep in ash clear up to Calgary. Maybe that's why I moved away from Lethbridge, (Just North of Yellowstone,) to the much safer earthquake zone that I now reside in!

A middle-aged father takes his thirteen year old daughter on a hike in the Rocky Mountains in an effort to recapture the relationship that he longed for, but an apocalyptic event caused them to set off on an adventure like no other. Makenzie Kincaid wanted nothing to do with the backpacking trip that her dad was forcing upon her. Things got worse than either of them could imagine after they had to spend the night on top of the mountain without shelter. On the way down the mountain from their harrowing adventure, they learn that everyone had died from an ominous orange fog that covered the landscape. Now Mackenzie and her father are left to trek across a wasteland hoping against hope that their family hadn’t succumbed to the mysterious orange fog. The duo find that there are other survivors, but they aren’t the same as they were before fog.


http://www.thehikenovel.com/

The Art of Writing

There's are many writers who could do a little media attention to spotlight their writing. That's why I decided to feature different writers here, along with prayers, poems and thoughts. Often, writing can be a lonely road. There's good and bad about that!  I am blessed to belong to a writer's group that gets together once a month. We discuss all kinds of different genres because we are all so varied with our topics of interest.

Before moving, I belonged to a writers group with a difference. It was also a prayer group. I was a newbie at writing back then, and the encouragement from the group inspired and motivated me to continue, even though at the time, I wasn't sure I could write at all.

I've always seen writing as a ministry. Birthed, I believe, from a desire to serve God. After a critical look at my talents (which, I'm afraid I felt were rather sparse,) I settled on writing because that is something I like to do. God frequently uses interests that we are passionate about and when we give them to Him, He is glorified through them.

Now I write for magazines, devotionals and Children. My first book will be published in a few months. The publisher is just finishing up the layout design. The next book written for children is also ready to send out.

I had to go through many transitions in writing before arriving here. (deciding where I wanted my writing to focus, dealing with pride, and also fears of failure - a whole mix of feelings, really). Writing is a journey and I haven't arrived yet. I'd love to hear your thoughts. What inspired you to begin writing? Do you have a writer's group? And more importantly, what is God teaching you though the art of writing?

Father, be with those who write for you.
Be their inspiration,
Their direction,
Their voice.
As each one seeks to Glorify your name through the printed page,
Bless and encourage them, Lord.
And as words from the heart, unfold to the page,
May they see your reflection in their words.
Amen

Chester Learns About the Great Gift of Grace

Author and illustrator, Jared Albright has written a character building children's book for ages 5-10.  Chester Learns About the Great Gift of Grace is available in an  E-book format.

In the Evergreen Forest there is a squirrel named Chester, doing what most grey squirrels do. He collects food and learns from his wise teacher Lani, a wise and respected hawk. After Chester finds himself in a hidden pattern of stealing, see what Chester’s brave choices get him.


You can find Chester's story here:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/chester-chester-learns-about-the-great-gift-of-grace

https://www.overdrive.com/media/2612248/chester

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/chester-chester-learns-about/id1087124402?mt=11

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/616770


About the Author.
Before he wrote his first book he was a construction worker, a graphic artist, and had a few other occupations.

Jared’s passions have always been a search for balance, love and peace. He has found these things in nature, among friends, among family, drawing, and writing.

He was influenced by books from his childhood like, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton and John Bunyan’s Pilgrims Progress. Jared was always drawn to illustrated literature because his mind would wander into all the possibilities of what the place looked like. With illustrations he could focus more on the story and less on what the place looked like or what it looked like to be doing a certain activity.

He was told something by an English teacher one time in High School that there were no new ideas. This bothered him for a long time until he finally had an answer to his teacher, which was, “There might not be any new ideas to write about, but there is certainly a need for lessons to be retold and made relevant, so that their rich lessons are not forgotten.”

Jared has not published anything before this book nor has he written any other published literature, but he was incredibly inspired to write a book that could stand toe to toe with his favorite books from his childhood. He wanted the book to be visually evoking and for the story to have a lasting impression on young minds listening to the story. For the older readers he wanted the story to be a pleasant reminder on how to help the world positively.

After months of creating a world for this story to take place Jared finally found the story to tell, after telling a pivotal childhood story to his wife one night. She said, “I think you found the story for Chester to play out.

Maybe this will be the first story in a series from the Evergreen Forest, Jared hopes so, and Children will too, when they discover this magical place.

Robert L. Canfield : “Walking Blind and other essays on Biblical texts.”

A self-published book of essays [via Createspace] on a few passages of the Bible, mainly aimed at young people, or, people who are still trying to work out their conceptions of themselves, of the gospel, and what they would like to do with their lives. In the Invitation of this book the author ssuggests that the Bible is useful in reflecting on the great questions of life and he invites the reader to join him in seeking wisdom and insight through the Bible.

Robert L. Canfield, PhD, University of Michigan, spent altogether nine and a half years in Afghanistan in the 1950s and 1960s. He taught sociocultural anthropology at Washington University in St Louis for forty-four years and served as Department Chair for seven years. Trained to think of his discipline as the science of history, his scholarly interests have ranged widely. He has written on the cultural continuities of the Turco-Persian ecumene, on factional struggles among peasants in central Afghanistan, on inter-sectarian relations between Ismailis and Ithna-ashariyyah Shiites of Afghanistan, on the Mujahedin coalitions that opposed the Soviets in the 1980s, on the Taliban and similar movements in Central Eurasia, and on the spatial dimensions of power in Eurasia, and on a riot in western Afghanistan .

This work provides a brief glimpse into his private world. A practicing Christian for many years, he has found in the Bible many texts that have helped him work through some of the profound questions of life and experience. In this collage of essays he examines passages of the Bible that have informed his understanding of himself and his life and career. Its narratives, proclamations, examples, enjoinders, claims and promises have shaped his priorities, thoughts, and concerns and so affected his approach to the deep questions that on a subliminal level vex all of us. In these Biblical passages he finds grounds for reflection into the nature of the human condition, the origins of the Christian movement, the practice of authentic faith (which, he stresses, requires creativity), the social implications of belief in Christ, the threats to the earth’s ecosystem, and the wonder of the cosmos. Some of the passages examined here have received little notice in Christian circles.

Chapter titles are the following:

Christianity in a single sentence: A neglected formulation of thegospel.

Social Revolution in the Two Letters to Philemon: On the Abolition of Slavery in the New Testament

Legal Certainty, Ethical Cowardice

Political Uses of Religious Zeal

Biblical Advice on Non-Religious Living

On Martyrdom and Christian “Suicide”

Peter's Little- noted Statement about Peoples “from Every Nation”

The State of Those Who Have “Never Heard”

Walking Blind: A Promise to the Dismayed

Why I Believe in the Resurrection

The Authority of Twelve Jewish Men

The Greatest Social Critics of All Time

The Bang and the Glory

A Strange Prophetic Sign of the World’s End

What Would I Do? An A to Z Journey Authored by Maurice M Hebert Illustrated by Megan Tennant

An A to Z Journey Authored by Maurice M Hebert  Illustrated by Megan Tennant 
A playful, imaginative romp through occupations and situations. A thought provoking story that explores various occupations in alphabetical order, with rhyming text. The colorful illustrations are pleasantly engaging for ears and eyes. From Astronaut to Zookeeper the delightful illustrations by Megan Tennant will encourage young readers to use their imaginations in forming questions and answers regarding situations they may find themselves in.

Publication Date:                                                                        

Dec 01 2016

ISBN/EAN13:

0998331902 / 9780998331904

Page Count:60

Binding Type:US Trade Paper

Trim Size:5.5" x 8.5"

Language: English

Color: Juvenile Fiction/imagination & Play

http://mogracepublishing.com/2016/09/20/what-would-i-do/

About the author: Maurice M. Hebert and his wife Jane raised five children and are now grandparents of six!  

With his faith founded in Christ, Maurice is passionate about Christianity's influence in history and politics and writes often on apologetics.

He has extensive life experience that includes manufacturing, construction, creative arts
marketing and administration. He has written many songs and several plays for children and adults.

Maurice created Mograce Publishing to publish and promote new material. You may find his blog post here: http://mogracepublishing.com/

Now that his children are all grown up, Maurice has the time to create material that will entertain and inspire rational thought and reason in his grandchildren, and perhaps many others along the way!

A Thankful Heart

I've been travelling: back to Charleston, SC where we once lived when my girls were young. They're all grown now and one is a mother herself. I don't know about you, but looking back 20 years can sometimes be disconcerting. I find it hard not to dwell on my past failures. Also, I was to meet the daughter of a dear friend who has since passed away from Cancer. I knew that could turn me into a melancholy reflective.

Before we left, I was reading Psalm 118, and verse 27 seemed to jump right out at me. Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.

An unusual verse.

But, my trip felt like a festival of sorts. A trip in the company of three grown daughters seldom happens anymore. So what could my sacrifice be? I prayed that I would have genuine thankfulness, with no regrets: that my heart would overflow with a thankful heart for God's goodness and faithfulness in my life.

We arrived at our condo to the sign of "Begin each day with a Heart of Gratitude" hanging on my bedroom wall. I figured I was on the right track. God's track for me.

I had also packed along Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts. A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. No coincidence there, I'm sure. Ann writes about  how the practice of giving thanks is the way we stay present in His presence. I knew this was what I needed, even as we talked of the past.

There is an 'intent to commit to' in verse 27 in the mention of  binding the festival sacrifice with cords, for there are times when the sacrifice is difficult. It isn't easy to be thankful in all things, but as Ann writes, God reveals himself in the rear view mirrors of our lives. In the hard times we don't understand what God is doing as we walk through struggles, and he seems absent, but in hindsight we clearly see is faithfulness.

I received so much from my Heavenly dad, during our travels together and a closure of sorts on several levels  And, instead of unpacking shame, I choose to walk the path of sincere gratitude and in so doing I travelled in the Father's joyfilled presence and His grace has been more than sufficient for the journey.

https://www.amazon.ca/One-Thousand-Gifts-Fully-Right/dp/0310321913/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490847630&sr=8-1&keywords=one+thousand+gifts

William D'Andrea has posted his book on The Christian Writer. You can read it for free! Just follow the link:

https://www.christianwriters.com/threads/a-gatored-community-a-novel-by-william-dandrea-andalib-marx.62709/#post-449178

A Gatored Community
By William D'Andrea
&
Andalib Marx

​

Global warming has raised the sea level by 30 feet. People live in floating communities which rise and fall with the tides. In the floating community of Shellfish, Shoals, A woman pearl thief, becomes involved with the owner of an oyster farm where cultured pearls are produced, and an alligator is used for security. In the meantime, she and her gang are planning to raid the facility.

Centurion's Daughter, by Christian author and graphic designer, Justin Swanton

A Novel about a World in Transition

https://sites.google.com/site/centurionsdaughter/

Centurio

Plot summary By AD486 the Western Roman Empire had shrunk to Roman Gaul, itself on the eve of invasion by the Franks under the leadership of their dynamic young king, Chlodovech.

As the warclouds gather, a young girl, Aemilia, travels, after the death of her Frankish mother, to Soissons, capital of Roman Gaul, to stay with her Roman father whom she has never seen. She knows only that his name is Tarunculus and that he is a former centurion. She finds an old man, fixed on the past, determined to save the last provinces of Rome.

Made a convert to his patriotism, she is caught up in the intrigues of the Roman nobility, desperate to save themselves, and begins to realise that the dividing line between duty and betrayal may not lie between Roman and barbarian. The profound upheaval in her life is mirrored by dramatic change in the world around her, as the old Roman order crumbles and the foundations of Christendom are laid.

Order your copy of Centurion's Daughter by Justin Swanton here:
https://www.amazon.com/Centurions-Daughter-Justin-Swanton/dp/1935228056/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329356828&sr=1-1

A Diary of Private Prayer, by John Baillie

O thou whose eternal presence is hid behind the veil of nature, informs the mind of man, and was made flesh in Jesus Christ our Lord, I thank thee that he has left me an example that I should follow in His steps.

Jesus Christ said, lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.
O God, Incline my heart to follow in this way.
Jesus Christ said, Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
O God, Incline my heart to follow in this way.
Jesus Christ said, Do good and lend, hoping for nothing again.
O God, Incline my heart to follow in this way.
Jesus Christ said, Love your enemies.
O God, Incline my heart to follow in this way.
Jesus Christ said, Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation.
O God, Incline my heart to follow in this way.
Jesus Christ said, Fear not, only believe.
O God, Incline my heart to follow in this way.
Jesus Christ said, Except ye turn again and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of God.
O God, Incline my heart to follow in this way.
Jesus Christ said, Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you.
O God, Incline my heart to follow in this way.

Your Will Be Done

Your will Be done

What's on your heart, Lord?

Can I presume to know your will?

As I spend time in your presence,

waiting at your footstool,

Pushing all of my agenda aside

Will you reveal your Father's heart

to me?

Slow Me Down, Lord

I took this picture, one Sunrise in Cowichan Bay, on Vancouver Island. I wish every day could start this way; peacefully with cup of tea on the balcony of a restful hotel, enjoying the view. But,the quote reflects my life and is more realistic. Sometimes even when I want to quieten my soul, it's a struggle. To find that place at the feet of Jesus, like Mary, rather than banging around in the kitchen, like Martha requires that we cherish the moment. Living a reflective life, I've found, takes a concentrated effort to slow down, to value times of Bible reading and prayer, and to be committed to putting God first, each and every day. I fail often, but each day is a new day to begin again.

Psalm 16, A Prayer

Apart from you, Father

I have no good thing.
Many run, endlessly seeking
In futile search
For that which satisfies
Snippets of pleasure
Is their lot
Brief moments of release.

But I choose to set you before me Lord,
And you have promised to lead me on your life path
Yes, there are your boundary lines:
Not constrictive as some might conceive,
But a loving tracing
Etched in life blood  
Boundaries pleasant as country lanes
With summer hedgerows
Verdantly thick
Where songbirds nest and daffodils grow.
Each turn of a corner adds delight:
New encounters

This is the pattern of your life paths I travel
Even in times of trouble, you stand reliant and true
Time and again, this I know well.
Your ramparts shield me

At night or when thick blackness weighs heavy
You speak, and counsel me
Therefore, I need never be shaken.

Small Things

Zechariah 4:10

Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the had of Zerubbabel.

Life is a smorgasbord of small things. Everyday choices, seemingly insignificant: routine days, ordinary chores, unremarkable activities. As much as we’d love to do things on a grand scale, measuring success in the eyes of ourselves and others, our own lives often seem rather meaningless. We look at the lives of others who exemplify greatness to us as we plug along with common routines in our workaday world.

But God reminds us not to despise the small things in our lives, and not to measure our actions by the world’s standards, but to use his measuring tool – the plumb line of presence. His measure should be our starting point, where all our activities can branch from.  

Do you allow him to gauge the worth of your routines? What of the apparent interruptions in your day, or the detours that waylay your time? Do you see them as annoyances or divine interventions? I admit that I often see such times as a hindrance to my plans, missing the mark of their relevance.

God reminds us not to despise the small things in our lives. With the power of his plumb line we can let go of our measured expectations and gauges of worthiness and allow our Father to weigh the value of our routines.

Many years ago, I attended the funeral of a mother who had left behind a husband and four children, half grown. This woman wasn’t academically brilliant, or career minded, had never travelled far, and by the worlds, standards may not have amounted to much. But her life had been nothing short of astounding. For you see her faithfulness in the small things, and a commitment to nurture those that God had placed in her path has produced a lasting value.

How many of us look at the lives of people like Mother Theresa with her love of humanity with awe wishing we could be like that, and yet, if you took just one day in the life of Mother Theresa what would it have looked like?

Rising early, dressing, prayer, cleaning, changing filthy dressings, a word here or there for the sick, paying bills, preparing food, cleaning vomit from the steps or feces from the sick, busy till dusk, tired, maybe lonely or discouraged by the endless need. Not a very glorious day by human standards, is it!

But God measures our activities with the plumb line of eternity.

God, thank you, that small things matter to you. Small children, changing diapers, playtimes, preparing meals, paying bills, routine jobs all matter. May they matter to me too Lord. May I use your measure of their worth rather than my own. Forgive me, when I hurry by on the other side of the road without stopping to value the small things that you set before me today. Help me to build upon the plumb line that is you each and every day. Amen.

The Power of Words

Psalm 12

He is by his nature, continuously articulate. He fills the world with His speaking. A.W. Tozer

1.      Where are the faithful ones Lord? Those whose word still carries any measure of weight.

2.      I’ve experienced liars, words full of deception, and those, spieling empty flattery.

3.      Then there’s the boastful. I’ve known them too. (Lord I confess and recognise that my own words too have lied flattered and boasted and randomly. I’ve spoken words: batted them back and forth like a ball on the tennis court. Hard words, wacked here and there. Seldom have I stopped and considered their weight.

4.     Some say that positive thinking will lead us to great heights, where in this human age we will stand upon the heights of our own words taller than before. Masters of our own spoken creation.

5.      Then there’s the words of the oppressed. Those who can only groan

6.      These are words that you hear Lord. You listen to them.

7.      The writing process is full of revisions, edits and refinements, isn’t it Father?

8.      And you say that your words have also been carefully selected, and are refined in a furnace, not just once but seven times. Seven, the number of perfection. You say, that your words are perfect. Without malice or pride, without flattery or spoken flippantly but, chosen with great care.  Only your words are truth and can be trusted.

Nothing in the Bible is randomly written. I believe this Lord, because your word has born the test of life’s experiences and time.

9.      Amid this world’s ugliness, your spoken words still stand firm. Please help me Lord, each day, to only climb the heights, standing on the promises of your words: listening, learning, and becoming more like you. Only then, will I learn to be more careful when and how I speak with others.

Refugee Prayer

Lord I pray for those who need a homeland.

The displaced wanderers of our world who have lost all that was familiar and who have received nothing in return: except for fading hope, refugee camps and family members forever lost to them.

Have you not said in your word, Lord, that you place the solitary in families? and in so doing, please Father, grant them a land of their own. One where the red tape runs out.

Where lives are made legal.

With identity and belonging.  

Valued by all of us, just as they are also precious to you.

A home where running may cease, and gardens have time to flourish.  

National anthems sung, and votes valued.

And in the night stillness, the sound of guns and screaming are not heard. Fear of rejection and of being sent back be erased from sleep. 

Where someone, somewhere validates their worth and warm friendship is a sure expression of your great love for them.

Give them shelter I pray Oh Lord.

In safe harbours’ may your healing balm wash away all fear and tears.

And may I be a willing fragment; an answer to my own prayer.

HEBREW - How Great is our God / Gadol Elohai by Joshua Aaron in Jerusalem

God is Love

My friend says that hearts always remind her of God's love. She sees them in nature: rock hearts, heart shaped leaves and, I guess, any time God wants to remind her of his love.

I made a latte last week and dumped out the steamed milk on the top, only to see a heart. I took a picture and sent it to my friend, because for sure, it was meant for her.

Today, I was given a handmade Valentine by Neil,  a little boy that I work with. He can hardly write, but he'd gone to much care to create a card. He wouldn't let me watch him make it. It had to be done in secret because it was so special.  For the last week, he's been so excited to see me open it. Every day, he's been asking, "is it Valentine's Day yet?" Crumpled and smudged, It's the best Valentine I've ever had, because it came from his young heart. It meant so much to me.

This evening, God asked me if I'd give him my heart. My heart is pretty smudged and tattered but the Father asked me if he could have it. So I gave my heart, as best I could. I saw him take it and gently laying it close to his breast, he smiled. It was then that I realized how much he loves, even though in my eyes, I'm pretty shabby. I realize that somehow my Valentine from Neil and my heart surrender to God are one in the same. To share love, to give and receive love is the best of all gifts.

But, He is Good

Be Merciful Lord,
To the faint of heart, and the broken-hearted
Those who have given up on hope.
The worn-out weary,
Who have lost their way.

Be Merciful Lord, to those who have followed you hard,
Have given their all,
Who are spent;
With no more to give.

For those who sit in jail,
The lonely
forgotten,
yet, known only by you.
The young with no advocate.
The single parent, struggling to make ends meet.

Be Merciful Lord, to those trapped in addictions,
Who long for a way out,
For the homeless,
Those without family or friends.

Turn, Oh Lord and deliver them,

Save them because of your
Unfailing Love.

Give Ear to My Words, Oh Lord.

Psalm 5:1

As I live from my heart,
For your purpose today, Oh Lord,

Help me to recognize the passions you have placed within me.

With windows of opportunity, to offer an extension of your love to others.

May moments to pause and reflect,

and discover your Glory,

Not pass me by.

But, stop me in my tracks

At the scent of a passing bloom,

The coo of a dove,

Or sunlight glistening on raindrops;

Scattered among winter's bough.

For in such moments,

I stand, astounded in your presence,

Re-energized by your glory.

Read, Reflect and Respond

Today I am challenged to read, reflect, and respond to God's word on a more personal level.

George Mueller, the great man of faith who opened many children's homes without funding or financial backing, changed many lives throughout England. He wrote:

"The first thing I did, after having asked in a few words of the Lord's blessing upon his precious Word, was to begin to mediate on the Word of God, searching as it were every verse to get blessing out of it; not for the sake of public ministry of the Word, not for the sake of preaching on what I had mediated upon, but for the sake of obtaining food for my own soul.
    The result I have found to be invariably this, that after a few minutes my soul has  been led to confession, or to thanksgiving, or to intercession, or to supplication; so that though I did not, as it were, give myself to prayer, but to meditation, yet it turned almost immediately more or less to prayer."  George Muller, Spring 1841, Bristol, England.

I have also been reading The Reflective Life by Ken Gire. He also speaks about "reading" the moments in our day, and becoming increasingly mindful about what God is speaking to us personally. This is a practice of living a different way; a more reflective way, which takes mindful practice. 

I would like to turn that

reflection to scripture, as so often I can read wonderful books that help me to grow in my walk with God, but today I am challenged to pray the scriptures and reflect on their application for my life.

Father, help me to see you today, in the common everyday routines of my life. May you enter in and break the bread of your presence with me, and my I, in turn, take that bread, and share it with others. Amen.

Thy Kingdom Come

Thy Kingdom come oh Lord.

May your kingdom dwell in our hearts.

May your kingdom love abide with the homeless.

May your kingdom presence be in our home,

Expressed in our families and loved ones.

May your Kingdom power be with those who are persecuted and shamed for the name of Christ.

Establish your kingdom in all the nations of the earth, Oh, Father, so that all peoples would know that you reign.

I welcome and receive your kingdom this day. May I be a channel of your love and share the gifts and graces that are part a of your kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray,  Amen.  

Psalm 73

~ Resonates with me.

v21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was like a bull I a china shop, Lord. My heart had turned inward, folded down on itself in pride and self pity. Callous and untouchable ; cold as stone: painful to the touch.

V16 when I tried to make sense of everything, to find some meaning or understanding I was laid low with a crushing heaviness. Until, I entered your presence, oh Lord.

v23 You have always been with me, and I with you, but yet at arms length had I kept you. Still striving with self. When the final frayed edges of my rope's end I came, I tip toed into your sanctuary, humbled by your presence.

v17 In sorrow and shame I understood my destiny. Like the prodigal son who lingered in pig's slop, reluctant to confess, I came.

and knelt.

v23 With your right hand laid upon me, you received me, you forgave me, and cleansed me, and gently unfolding my crumpled heart you breathed the breath of life.

v24 You are always before me, guiding me, teaching me, my Father, my friend.

v25 There is  nothing on this earth that compares with living close to you, Lord. My heart bursts with the fullness of knowing you.

v26 With every rhythmic beat that you impart to me, I am strengthened. I am growing stronger, Father.

v28 You are my eternal refuge, both now and forever more.