Book of the Week

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

BLESSED ASSURANCE

Avon Inspire (October 1, 2007)

by

Lyn Cote

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lyn Cote's journey to becoming a published author was a long one - she started her first book when her daughter was 13 months old and her first novel was published when her daughter was about to enter high school. But Lyn was writing for a market that hadn't taken shape yet - the inspirational fiction market.

In 1996, Lyn Cote's first inspirational historical manuscript was a finalist in the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart Contest. This became her first historical novel, Whispers Of Love, in her BLESSED ASSURANCE series.

Most recently, Chloe, the first novel in Lyn's "Women of Ivy Manor" historical series was a 2006 RWA Rita Award finalist for Best Inspirational, as well as a finalist for the Holt Medallion and the National REaders Choice Contest.

Lyn also writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She lives in the lovely northwoods of Wisconsin with her husband and three cats. Aside from writing, she also likes to knit, crochet, read, and do lunch with friends.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Now available for the first time in one edition--All three novels from Lyn Cote's beloved Blessed Assurance series

In Whispers of Love, Civil War widow Jessie Wagstaff must fend for herself and her son. When a stranger, Lee Smith, befriends Jessie's son, even though she recognizes nine-year-old Linc's need for a father figure, she's reluctant to let a new man into their life. When the Great Chicago Fire blazes, every heart is pushed to its limits.

In Lost In His Love, Jessie's son Linc, a social activist and reporter, charms his way through the upper class of San Francisco to build much-needed support for his fight against child labor. His main target is Cecilia Jackson, a beautiful heiress who doesn't recognize the crucial part she plays in this dangerous exploitation. As the secrets of her family's dark past are exposed, Cecilia must revive her own wounded spirit and find the strength to lean on the never-failing love of Christ. But when the 1906 earthquake hits, everyone's faith will be put to the test.

In Echoes of Mercy, Meg Wagstaff challenges the racial barriers of 1920s New Orleans in order to prove that her childhood friend did not commit murder. The stubborn lawyer prosecuting the case, Gabriel St. Clair, is an authentic Southern gentleman who makes the mistake of underestimating Meg, both her tenacity and her charm. Despite their many differences, sparks begin to fly. But when Meg discovers the truth, will Gabe be able to protect her from those who can't afford to have justice prevail?

"A beautiful tale of love, forgiveness, and acceptance."
~CBA Marketplace

I don't usually read fiction but I like to help new writers get their books promoted. The Bible is my favorite and it doesn't leave me time to read much else.

New Book Review

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Ex Files

(Touchstone June 19, 2007)

by

Victoria Christopher Murray

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Victoria Christopher Murray always knew she would become an author, even as she was taking quite an unlikely path to that destination. A native of Queens, New York, Victoria first left New York to attend Hampton Institute in Virginia where she majored in Communication Disorders. After graduating from Hampton, Victoria attended New York University where she received her MBA.

Victoria spent ten years in Corporate America before she decided to test her entrepreneurial spirit. She opened a Financial Services Agency for Aegon, USA where she managed the number one division for nine consecutive years. However, Victoria never lost the dream to write and when the “bug” hit her again in 1997, she answered the call.

Victoria originally self published Temptation. “I wanted to write a book as entertaining and compelling as any of the books on the market, put God in the middle, and have the book still be a page-turner. I wasn’t writing to any particular genre – I didn’t even know Christian fiction existed. I just wanted to write about people I knew and characters I could relate to.”

In 2000, Time Warner published Temptation. Temptation made numerous best sellers list across the nation and remained on the Essence bestsellers list for nine consecutive months. In 2001, Temptation was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literature.

Since Temptation, Victoria has written four other novels: JOY, Truth Be Told, Grown Folks Business, and A Sin and a Shame. All of her novels have continued to be Essence bestsellers; her last three each reaching #1. In addition, Victoria has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and in 2006, she was awarded the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being the pioneer in African American Christian Fiction.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Ex Files:

A Novel About Four Women and Faith...

There are four ways a woman can handle heartbreak. She can fall apart, seek revenge, turn cold, or move on. The Ex Files is the story of these four women:

When Kendall Stewart finds her husband and her sister in bed together, she vows to never let anyone get that close again. But when she is faced with saving the life of the woman who destroyed hers, will she be able to forgive?

When an NBA superstar tells his mistress, Asia Ingrum, that he's decided to honor his marriage vows, her shock quickly gives way to revenge...but her decision may come back to haunt their five-year-old daughter.

Every night Vanessa Martin wonders why her husband committed suicide. Even worse, she contemplates joining him in eternity. Will Vanessa be able to gather the strength to live again?

Sheridan Hart is finally finding her way after a lie destroyed her seventeen-year marriage. Her new love is ready to get married, but will she commit to this younger man or is her ex-husband taking up too much space in her heart?

When their pastor asks Kendall, Asia, Vanessa, and Sheridan to meet weekly for prayer, they can't imagine they will have anything in common. But then a devastating tragedy strikes and these strangers are forced to reexamine their choices. Will they find true friendship, or will prayer -- and their union -- fail them?

Tagged Response

Don't know if this is right but I'm just following Ally's tag. Here Goes:

Accent?

I talk normal. Everyone else has one.

Drink?

No Alcohol. Wouldn't want to miss Jesus talking to me.

I love flavored coffees, though. Decaf. Starbucks is a real treat. My daughter got me a gift card last May and I'm savoring it, one purchase at a time. I used it yesterday and still have $7 left on it. I love their unique cups.

Hateful Chores?

Cleaning up dog mess. My dog has had a nervous stomach lately. Lactose intolerant, I think.

Pets?

1 dog. Used to have 2 cats that I loved, but they died. That's ok because God loves cats. He created them.

Essential Electronics?

Cell phone. Computer.

BASS GUITAR AND AMPLIFIER. I can't believe I almost forgot that one!

Perfume?

My favorite has always been Shalimar by Guerlain. My husbard bought me my first bottle before we were married. But I usually just have the hair pomade fragrance around me now.

Gold or Silver?

Used to be silver only, now either. I had friends who bought me a lot of simulated emerald jewely (birthstone) with gold settings. My hubby bought me a lovely little emerald in silver, ages ago. That's my favorite one.

Insomnia?

Nope. Just wake up calls in the middle of the night so that I can call on the name of my Lord for strength and comfort.

Job Title?

Assistant to the Pastor. I LOVE MY JOB!

Most Admired Trait?

Perseverance, steadfastness, on time, one who does what they say they are going to do.

Phobia?

Wow! What a day for that question! Got to work with the burglar alarm system going off today but all the doors/windows were secure. A serviceman came by to check on some new windows for at the church and said he thought he saw a squirrel/rat in the one room. No surprise at that one but immediately I looked for a place to jump to. Had to get my feet off the ground. Turns out that its a larger than normal mouse who's been eating all the peanut butter off the traps! We'll get him soon!

Religion?

None...just a relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ so that I can talk to God and receive instruction from His Holy Spirit

Siblings?

An older sister and older brother. That's right I'm the 54 year old baby of the family. Didn't you just hate that term?

Time I wake up?

5:25 am

Unusual talent or skill?

I can blow spit bubbles off my tongue.

Vegetable I refuse to eat?

Spinach. Tastes like grass. Ugh!

Worst Habit?

Talking into my cell phone when the other person hasn't finished talking.

Xrays?

Dental, foot, hand, chest

Favorite Meal?

Meat loaf, scalloped potatoes, brussel sprouts and apple crisp for dessert.

I think I'm getting ready for fall.

Do I have to tag anyone?

Super Sunday!

This is a picture of my husband and his water baptism testimony to the Lord.

What an awesome day!

To start it out, my husband's brother Tom, came to Sunday service and walked the walk up the aisle with my husband to receive the Lord's Salvation! There were tears all around and I'm sure that I heard the angels in heaven singing and rejoicing.

When we got to the lake for the baptism, my pastor talked how the day had started with Mike's brother's salvation. As he said that, my husband broke down and gave a little testimony about how Christ has affected him. Pastor and I started crying and soon everyone had tears. It's a joyful memory with tears of love.

My husband's walk is gaining momentum. Soon he'll be running right past me.

That's ok.

We're jointly teaching the college age students. I'm sure they'll have a lot to teach me.

We sang a song in the service "The Potter's Hand"
My eyes were drawn to the hands that were shaping, molding, making a new vessel out of a pliable substance. He added water to smooth and nourish the clay. All of the unwanted clay came off on his hands. As he continued to work, his arms and body became contaminated by shavings and clumps of excess clay. The work in his hands became smoother, while his hands got dirtier.

How much does our Savior clean us up to make us useful? He took on our infirmities and sins to cleanse us and make us new.

How wonderful is our God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE DID IT!

We had our first Sunday in the new building.

The whole thing came together on Saturday and we just stood amazed at what God had done with a few volunteers that were very unskilled! To think that we have come this far with the aid of God and He gave us beyond our expectations is amazing to us.

I hope to have some pictures soon that I can share with you. Our dedication ceremony will be in September and we're going to make a powerpoint presentation.

Yesterday we cleaned out our old building and it was very sad. When the Spirit leaves something, you can see how soon it shows. The building is so small now, and deteriorating fast. God moved.

My husband has taken a Bible to work so that he can read when he has down time. Truly amazing. We tag teamed his brother on Sunday. He's ready for the Kingdom. His father is in such poor strength that I'm hoping he'll be able to make it to a service at our new church. He loves music.

Today I start back to work. My pastor says that this will be a regular work week. No extra messy stuff, just back to what we're there for. I can't wait.

For the last couple of weeks I couldn't even wear good clothes to work. So I checked my closet and had to iron tons of slacks and tops in preparation. It feels good to wear nice clothes again.

Tonight we're jammin'. I expect some extras to come. That'll be fun.

Oh and lift up my friend's son. He went to Pittsburgh yesterday to a headache clinic. He's in his mid 30's and had a neck operation last December. Since then he's had excruciating pain, can't look into any type of light and is border-line suicidal with this pain. Pray for him that this clinic has the answer for him. He's lost his job and insurance and is having a hard time getting medicaid to cover his medical expenses. So sad.

This clinic helped my father-in-law with 'tic delareaux'. He struggled with pain for 15 years, found this clinic. They found the nerve behind his ear that was being pinched, covered it with teflon and he was cured! He could eat like a normal person again, let the wind blow on his face and enjoy life.

Thank God that He gives the wisdom and knowledge. We just need to persevere and search for His answer.

Bye for now and have a blessed day!

The Questions were just a bit too young for me.

What kind of little girl were YOU?

Quiet Girl
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Update....

Hi Everyone!

Just a note to let you know how things are going.

1. My hubby is progressing wonderfully in his walk with the Lord. For a guy who never ever read his high school textbooks, he's halfway through the Bible! He loves the old testament and struggles with the new. He just can't understand why we haven't gotten it right yet!

2. Our new church building is in the final stages. Just 3 rooms to complete, rug to put in and the sound system and we're ready to go. We have tons of little items to get finished and I'm sure we'll be finishing them after we're officially open. God has surely blessed us. His mighty hand is through it all. We just hung up the cross with the crown of thorns hanging from the center and put a light behind the crossbar. It's lovely. I'm going to have one of the men build me a half/round to go under it with tons of greenery inside.

3. My job is still the most wonderful I've ever had.

4. My hubby confirmed that his mom and dad are saved. Such a burden lifted from his shoulders. He can't wait to start on his brothers.

5. Oh and we played at a local club last week. We had a little rough start but it was our first public performance. We had a great time and the crowd wants us to come back. We may, but I think we're going to start finding nursing homes and such to play at.

6. I did get to play bass again at church this last Sunday, but I so wanted to go to the altar instead.

7. Had a real strange dream, too. Need an interpretation.

8. The weather has been lovely. Our church picnic was beautiful last Sunday. We even had a bald eagle fly over at the end. Everyone had a good time, even my mom (she's 82 and still looking for a man).

9. My mamomgram results: my doctor wanted me to go for a biopsy but I remembered that I had bruised myself where they noticed something. It wasn't a lump or anything, they just weren't sure what it was. I'm going for a re-take in 6 months. I'm sure they'll find nothing.

10. Back on Bone density pills. My Chinese doctor has some great ones. He said take 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening, get lots of sunshine (without sunscreen) and excersize and least 30 minutes a day. With all the painting and climbing ladders I'm doing, I think that'll work for now. After that, I'll have to start walking again.

Bye for now!

Oops! Sorry Gals

38%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

What Debra Means

D is for Dignified E is for Earthy B is for Beautiful R is for Remarkable A is for Articulate

What Does Your Name Mean?

Hope to All

Another week has started and it feels like it's almost over. They blend into each other with all the work we're accomplishing at our new church building.

Today started my regular work week at church and I was busy all day.

Did you ever feel the rest of God? I have been lately. Just peaceful rightness that envelopes me and makes me feel as if I'm in a cocoon. Maybe even 'wrapped in swaddling clothes'.

My hubby asked his father if he was 'born again' and he said yes. Hubby said it was the hardest question he ever had to ask his father. He is very frail and hubby was afraid to burden him with pressure. But my father-in-law was very forthcoming and lifted my hubby's shoulders. Now, he's after his brother and my son.

Why is it, they are so hard? The ones you live closest to are the last to come into the kingdom. We will hold on and hold out, for He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more that we can even imagine.

Too bad the rest of the world rocks with indecision, immorality, greed, craftiness and such. They don't know what they're missing.

What's New?

Hi everyone!

Been busy, busy, busy and more busy.

The new building for our church is progressing wonderfully. God has certainly had His hand upon this move! We see His might daily.

My husband is progressing tremendously. There's no question about attending church every week. He is in the new believer's course and devouring his Bible from cover to cover.

He has only serious questions. Some I can answer, the other's I leave to P. Dann.

I can't wait to get to work in the morning, then I'm sad to leave, but happy to go home to my hubby, but then wait till sleep time to get refreshed to get up and go back to work! I LOVE MY JOB!!!!!

Couple of things, though.

Thank you, Karen for keeping me in your thoughts. When you thought of me the other day, I had to go in for another mammogram. Something about some cystic tissue they want to keep an eye on for 6 months. And before that the doctor's report showed some osteoporosis.

But that's not the truth! The Truth is Jesus Christ! 'By His stripes I am healed'! Hallelujah.

My work for the Lord is much too important to get bogged down by a little aging process. I trust in my God of heaven and earth to get me through to the other side. This is the time He has prepared me for and I will go through the fire unsinged.

NOW, I have a lovely new office and a wonderful boss to enjoy. God gives us the desires of our hearts and He's not an indian giver (who ever thought of that line?) to give us a gift and take it back.

Anyway, even if He does....HE IS STILL GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm a Lily

You are a nurturer and all around natural therapist.
People see you as their rock. And they are able to depend on you.
You are a soothing influence. You can make people feel better with a few words.
Your caring has more of an impact than even you realize.

What Flower Are You?

My Scripture for the Day

Psalm 27

Verse 4 made me cry.

Verses 13-14 grabs my heart.

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

God speaks to us in His Word. He is able to give you a word, no matter where you look in the Bible, for this day.

Side note....

Last Sunday my pastor asked me to play bass for our 11 am service.

Soooooo cool to play for Jesus!!!!!!!!!!

Let Go and Let God

This has been the hardest Christian lesson to learn.

I think that as you've walked with God, you begin to be more demanding and authoritive than you should be.

Maybe that's why He states in 1st Peter 3 that wives of unbelieving husbands should remain quiet, so that the unbelieving husband will become believers by the demonstration of the Christian walk of the wife.

It comes down to the 'I' thing. I want, I need, I believe, I desire.

If we truly would like to see things change in our lives, we just have to wait upon God.

Express the problem. Ask God to do His Will in the problem and see what happens. Things are amazing!

It's only been since April 15th that my husband re-dedicated himself to the Lord and the Lord has worked miracles.

His excuse for not being able to attend church on Sunday....he shattered this weekend. He felt it was more important to see his parents during church hours. He would go out and entertain them for a couple of hours with his brother playing guitars.

Now, he's changed the schedule so that he goes to church and then we go out in the afternoon. His mom is not happy about the change and she's made him feel bad about it. How soon your family will begin to hate your belief!

I haven't been saying anything to him about reading the Bible unless he asks me a question about it. Then I just get it and show him the answer. I left one by his chair so that if he wanted, he could pick it up and use it.

Last night he just sat down and read 5 chapters in Genesis and 1 or 2 in John.

Isn't God great! How rich He has made me feel, that I'm the most blessed of all women!

Glory to God in the Hightest! He REIGNS!

So just let go and let God. He will move mountains for you, if you just let Him have His way. God bless your day.

When 2 Hearts Unite

My husband and I have been married for 35 years (36 in June). We've been through many trials, tribulations, jubulations and joy. Love is not perfect, here on earth, but it sure has been an adventure.

Our concept of marriage and love is marred by the commercialism of the world. Love never changes but listening to the media, it's easy to alter it.

I believe that love has many facets. It's not just one thing but a compilation of many emotions that all blended together becomes something we call love.

You can hate some of his habits, but you love the way his skin smells. Just funny, quirky things that when you think about it makes your head spin.

Now, that I'm free to God-talk with my husband I've found that I need to adjust my brain and tongue to let loose the things I need to say. I also need to learn how to communicate better so that we have even greater understanding of each other.

The vessels are now on a semi-even keel and to avoid strife and miscommunication is more important than ever.

With this testing, I'm leaning more on my Savior's shoulders to change me. I feel as if I'm a 'babe' in Christ all over again.

We're both going to work at the Franklin Graham Festival in June. He's decided to be a counselor on the floor, as well as an usher. I'm just amazed at how receptive he is to God's prompting. I feel like I may be left in the dust if I don't step up to the plate.

Also, I've felt the need to study the book of James. Wow! Such fires we start with the tongue.

Ok. Time to Stretch those Spiritual muscles. I need to exercise.

UPDATE

Hello All!

Sorry that I've been lax on posting.

Update on my husband: 1. It's hard turning your mind around and realizing that you can share God things with him. 2. It's hard to change into an obedient wife. I thought I was unless it had to do with spiritual things, like doing what I wanted when it came time for church. Now, I have to consider his wishes more than my flesh wants to. 3. It's wonderful sitting in church with him when he can get there. 4. Yesterday he was accepted into the church membership. Hallelujah!
5. Usually when I want to stay, he wants to leave. 6. Maybe that's a good thing, so that I don't get burned out overworking. 7. How can you overwork for the Lord? 8. Tonight's our last night of the Christian Life and Witness Course that we're attending together. 9. I'm going to get him his own Bible today. 10. I'm painting at the new building today, since it's my day off. 11. We're starting a Branch of our church once a month at our home. Kind of like a 'home cell' group but not with the wrong connotations. It will be fellowship time and prayer. We're going to incorporate music because we have the studio. Once we get it going, I think it'll be fun. After all, what's the sense in having what the Lord gives you if you don't share it with others?

That's it for now. Got to get to work.

God bless all of you and I hope the Lord grants every good and perfect gift to all.

Take It Easy...

Remember the oldie - "Well, I'm running down the road, tryin' to loosen my load. Got a world of trouble on my mind"?

Here's the chorus line"
"Take It easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own wheels
drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
don't even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand
and take it easy"

It just keeps running through my mind today because of what the Lord has done.

Since my husband has confessed his salvation, I keep waiting for the Glory of God to fall and anoint him with His Holy Spirit.

I haven't yet experienced the euphoria of emotion because of his salvation. I thought bells, whistles and jumping for joy would accompany his testimony. Nope.

My husband is a very quiet man, a man of a few words. Why would I think that God would change his personality? He's the way God made him.

Salvation doesn't change the man, it changes the way the man is.

The Franklin Graham Festival is coming here in June. We have been preparing for this for a year and a half. There are so many training and educational opportunities before this event takes place, that I had a dilemna on how to be able to participate within the event without ruining my marriage.

Now, that Mike is saved, he has been so understanding (another prayer answered).

FG had an upcoming Christian Life and Witness Program starting last night. So I just prayed and left it in God's hands, that I would like to go with Mike. When he came home last night, he asked me what the evening would hold and I told him that I wanted to go and asked if he did too.

Of course, he said no. Said he didn't need it to witness to people. So it started a whole conversation on witnessing. I told him that I hadn't had 'formal' training on witnessing and that I wanted to be able to KNOW the truth so that when I see someone witnessing in the wrong way, I could say that I KNOW the right way.

He didn't say much about that but said that he was happy and had no worries so why go at all.

I said then, what will you say to people who ask you, why are you happy? What is the reason for the hope that you have? He couldn't answer. So I left it at that.

I just got in the shower and left it in God's hands. Next thing I know, he comes in and says "I think I'll go with you. I don't like staying home alone anymore and I'll go and see what it's like."

See, we have to 'take it easy' with our loved ones and leave it in God's Hands. He knows the desires of our hearts and He's blessed me so much that I'm complacent to let Him do it.

For all of you 'unsaved' spouses, take hope and encouragement. Don't expect fireworks when your spouse gets saved. Expect God to do it in His timing and perfectness.

Expect God. Expect Him to save AS HE HAS PROMISED IN HIS WORD.

He won't let you down.

P.S. I hate the term 'unequally yoked'. Everyone is, because no one is on the same level. I love the feeling of being married to a believer, though. I feel like I finally fit in, even though, I already did.

P.P.S.S. Always look at your unsaved loved one as ALREADY SAVED. God does. He knows the ending from the beginning. So must you.

Salvation is Here!

For all of those spouses with unsaved spouses, there is hope!

My husband committed himself to the Lord yesterday, April 15th.

We'll be married 36 years this June. I feel like a newlywed again.

God is faithful to keep His promises. Promises of household salvation. Promise that if we are persistant and persevere He will honor that. He stored up all my tears of supplication and standing in the gap for my Mike and granted His salvation in a beautiful simple moment.

It's taking me awhile to soak it in. I didn't hear any fanfare or even cry when I heard.

I expected.

I waited for God's response. I told God that this was the year. I wanted Mike's salvation proven, once and for all.

Please don't give up on your lost loved ones. Seek and seek and seek. Knock and knock and knock. Ask and ask and ask. Expect, expect, expect, expect...

You will see the deliverance of God's hand in your life. The timing will be perfect. The results to the Glory of God.

Hallelujah! Salvation has come to my house. Truly I can say "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

Shoes In Church

I showered and shaved...............
I adjusted my tie.

I got there and sat..............
In a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in prayer.........
As I closed my eyes.

I saw the shoe of the man next to me.....
Touching my own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side......
I thought, "Why must our soles Touch?"

It bothered me, his shoe touching mine...
But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: "Our Father".........
I thought, "This man with the shoes.. Has no pride.

They're dusty, worn, and scratched Even
worse, there are holes on the side!"

"Thank You for blessings,"
the prayer went on.

The shoe man said.........
A quiet "Amen."

I tried to focus on the prayer.......
But my thoughts were on his shoes Again

Aren't we supposed to look our best..
When walking through that door?

"Well, this certainly isn't it,"
I thought, Glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended............
And the songs of praise began.

The shoe man was certainly loud. ........
Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters.........
His hands were raised high.

The Lord could surely hear..........
The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering.........
And what I threw in was steep.

I watched as the shoe man reached....
Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out............
What the shoe man put in.

Then I heard a soft "clink".
As when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me..........
To tears, and that' s no lie.

It was the same for the shoe man.....
For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service........
As is the custom here

We must greet new visitors..........
And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow.............
And wanted to meet the shoe man

So after the closing prayer..........
I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark....
And his hair was truly a mess

But I thanked him for coming.........
For being our guest.

He said, "My names' Charlie ............
I'm glad to meet you, my friend."

There were tears in his eyes.........
But he had a large, wide grin

"Let me explain," he said...........
Wiping tears from his eyes.

"I've been coming here for months....
And you're the first to say 'Hi.'"

"I know that my appearance.........
Is not like all the rest"

"But I really do try.................
To always look my best."

"I always clean and polish my shoes..
Before my very long walk."

"But by the time I get here...........
They're dirty and dusty,like chalk."

My heart filled with pain............
And I swallowed to hide my tears

As he continued to apologize.........
For daring to sit so near.

He said, "When I get here...........
I know I must look a sight."

"But I thought if I could touch you..
Then maybe our souls might unite."

I was silent for a moment............
Knowing whatever was said

Would pale in comparison...
I spoke from my heart, not my head.

"Oh, you've touched me," I said......
"And taught me, in part;"

"That the best of any man.....
Is what is found in his heart."

The rest, I thought.................
This shoe man will never know.

Like just how thankful I really am...
That his dirty old shoe touched my Soul.

You are Special to me and you have made a
difference in my life.

TODAY'S THE DAY!!!!!

We will finally close on our 'new' church building today. Hooray!

Now, the work begins. Fun stuff of decorating and re-designing.

Tons of work and tons of rewards to come. New neighborhood and new opportunities to disciple those seeking.

Can't wait.

What's Happening?

Well,
1. Water heater at my job broke.
2. Furnace thermocoupler went at work.
3. Computer died at work.
4. My brakes are making noises on my car.

Hmmm. I've been so busy working for the Lord that everything else is breaking down.

Connection?

Busy, Busy, Busy

I haven't been lost...just busy in the Lord!

Last Thursday we had a special prayer meeting for the Franklin Graham Festival that is coming on June 8, 9, & 10. What an awesome, Spirit-filled time we had!

Then on Friday night we watched 'Facing the Giants' at a movie presentation at church. Great movie for those who haven't seen it. Very predictable Christian message but the humor and acting were the best I've seen in this type of movie. Loved it!


Sunday Service was filled with God. Worship and Praise and Preaching certainly hit the mark.

Then.................................Sunday evening, a group of us went to Rochester to the First Annual "Night to Honor Israel" event at Bethel Church. The unity and admission of our sins against the Jews was very cleansing. The Rabbis that spoke were overwhelmed with the love that was shown to them.

Night to Honor Israel

If you've never sung the Hebrew names of God, you're missing a blessing. We didn't return home till after midnight and I still couldn't sleep well. I felt very humble and blessed.



It's wonderful to bask in the Lord. I can't wait to see what this week brings.

Come Lord Jesus, come!!!!!

This Good Day

With God's love, how can we ever think it's a bad day?

He consumes us with His love. It overpowers the greatest threat that could ever come against us.

His joy conquers all doubt and pain. His mercy overwhelms us as we realize how far we've come.

His grace...phenomenal.

When I focus on the enormity of the cross, all else fades into indistinct emptiness.

He, alone, is faithful.

Peace, beyond measure, floods my soul.

I want a fat soul. I want fat on my soul bones. His Word is the food of life.

The Best Medicine

Prescribed by the Great Physician

The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer... AND
Lazarus was dead!

Now! No more excuses!
God can use you to your full potential..
Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.
And one more thing...
Share this with a friend or two...
In the Circle of God's love, God's waiting to use your
full potential.



1. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

2. Dear God, I have a problem, it's Me.

3. Growing old is inevitable .. growing UP is optional.

4. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.

5. Silence is often misinterpreted but never misquoted.

6. Do the math ... count your blessings.

7. Faith is the ability to not panic.

8. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.

9. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.

10. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.

11. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.

12. The most important things in your house are the people.

13. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still.
God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15 He who dies with the most toys is still dead.


Have a great day!!! The SON is shining and he
can certainly use you!


"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;
it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8

My Favorite Commercials

I found the one that I talked about in my previous post. So if you liked to see it go to this link: Dairy Queen Flame Thrower

It still makes my sides hurt.

My other favorites of all time are the Jimmy Dean Sausage Commercials

Thank God there are companies that promote family values.

And no, they weren't my cats in the previous post but I liked the picture.

Wow!

Last night I saw a commercial on TV. I was laughing so hard that I couldn't even see it all. It was something about not being able to exhale while they were eating these flame-broiled burgers. So they were only talking while breathing in. That's what caught my attention...the raspy voices. All of a sudden one of them exhaled and fire shot out of his mouth and the others were so surprised that they exhaled and fire was shooting out all over.

I laughed so hard that my sides hurt, I couldn't talk to my husband AND I had to go change my clothes after I picked myself up off the floor.

Must have been just an oddity. Couldn't have been that funny, eh?

The Watcher by Mark Andrew Olsen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



MARK ANDREW OLSEN whose novel The Assignment was a Christy Award finalist, also collaborated on bestsellers Hadassah (now the major motion picture: One Night With the King), The Hadassah Covenant, and Rescued. The son of missionaries to France, Mark is a graduate of Baylor University. He and his wife, Connie, live in Colorado Springs with their three children.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Just below the surface among the family of God lives another family tree--one traced in spirit, invisible and ageless, known as the Watchers. For two thousand years they've seen beyond the veil separating this world from the next, passing on their gift through a lineage mostly overlooked. Throughout history they've scouted the borders of the supernatural frontier, but now their survival hangs by a thread. And their fate lies in the hands of a young woman, her would-be killer, and a mystery they must solve....



"Congratulations. You just reached my own little corner of cyberspace.

Who am I?

Abby Sherman, that's who.

Who are you? And why are you checking me out?

Drop me a few pixels, and let's find out!"


With that innocent invitation, Abby Sherman unwittingly steps in the crosshairs of history, and thus begins her harrowing tale--taking her from ocean-front Malibu to the streets of London, the jungles in West Africa, the Temple Mount, Jerusalem, and to the very gates of heaven itself!

A sneak preview of eternity becomes her one-way ticket to danger--and discovery….

Two lives collide in a globe-circling adventure involving both peril and discovery: Abby, a young woman whose visions of heaven turn her into a Web-celebrity; and Dylan, a troubled young man sent by an ancient foe to silence her. From California beachfronts to Nigerian rain forests to Jerusalem and back again, THE WATCHERS is high-octane blends of action, mystery, and spiritual battle spanning centuries.



A woman's awe-inspiring vision launches her on a quest through distant lands and ancient history, face-to-face with eternity and into the arms of a family line on the brink of annihilation...

A man who is hired to exterminate her discovers the folly of blind loyalty, then learns how to wage war in a realm he never believed had existed...

An extraordinary saga of the unseen war against evil, the reality of the supernatural, and the transforming power of forgiveness.
ENDORSEMENT:

"A writer who can take your breath away with a single sentence. A welcome, fresh voice that must be read!"--Ted Dekker

YAHOOO!!!!!!

Most of me is baaaaack, thanks to bonnie.

She LOOOOOOVES MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Now, I just need to figure out how to get pictures into my post, since google won't upload the images.

She's a master blogger (or is it madame?).

Need help...ask BONNIE!

Uh Oh

As you can see I've updated my blog template.

Now I've lost all my friends. :(

Please respond and let me know where you are.

I can't find anybody....

Oh me, Oh my...blogger said goodbye....

Bless This Chick

This was so cool. I visited Sit with Me Awhile and she had the neatest picture she designed at Bless This Chick.

I think the likeness is quite remarkable for me. What cha think?

Have fun with it yourself.

Tricia's Newest Book

Tricia Goyer

Amazon Books


ABOUT THE BOOK:

We are pleased to be able to review her exciting Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War, A Valley Of Betrayal

For reasons beyond her control, Sophie finds herself alone in the war-torn Spanish countryside, searching for her beloved Michael. His work as a news photographer has taken him deep into the country wracked by civil war. What was once a thriving paradise has become a battleground for Nazi-backed Franco fascist soldiers and Spanish patriots. She is caught up in the escalating events when the route to safety is blocked and fighting surrounds her.

Secrets abound in the ruined Spain. Michael is loving but elusive, especially about beautiful maria. The American who helped Sophie sneak into Spain turns up in odd places. Michael's friend Jose knows more than he tells. When reports of Michael's dissappearance reach her, Sophie is devastaed. What are her feelings for Philip, an American soldier who comes to her rescue?

Sophie must sift truth from lies as she becomes more embroiled in the war that threatens her life and breaks her heart. On her darkest night, Sophie takes refuge with a brigade of international compatriots. Among these volunteers, she pledges to make the plight of the Spanish people known around the world through the power of art.

Acclaimed author Tricia Goyer creates a riviting cast of characters against the backdrop of pre-WWII spain. Love, loss, pain, and beauty abound in A Valley Of Betrayal, the first book in her new series, Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War.

Hey You All!

Sorry I haven't been on but I forgot my new password. I couldn't respond to posts or others postings on their blogs. So here it is - I'M SORRY!

Here's something that I wanted to post but IT DOES NOT PERTAIN TO MY NEW JOB! Maybe my old jobs....

Things You'd Love to Say at Work, but Can't

• How about never? Is never good for you?
• I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
• I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter.
• Ahhh... I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again...
• I like you. You remind me of when I was young and stupid.
• I have plenty of talent and vision. I just don't care.
• I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
• Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
• The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
• I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
• And your crybaby whiny-butt opinion would be...?
• Do I look like a people person?
• Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
• If I throw a stick, will you leave?
• I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.
• Can I trade this job for what's behind door #1?
• Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?
• Chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is done.
• How do I set a laser printer to stun?
• I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted paycheck

New Book

John Aubrey Anderson

OOh OOh!

It got this from Dan Miller - 48 Days to a new Job Dan Miller . He has wonderful insight on how to find your soul in your work. I highly recommend his email newsletter, too. He has inspirational ideas and loves HIS JOB! What a concept!

Sarah was the church gossip and self-appointed supervisor of the church's morals. She kept sticking her nose into other people's business. Several residents were unappreciative of her activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence.

She made a mistake, however, when she accused George, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his pickup truck parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She commented to George and others that everyone seeing it there would know that he was an alcoholic.

George, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just walked away. He said nothing.

Later that evening, George, quietly parked his pickup in front of Sarah's house............... AND he left it there all night.

Spring is just around the corner....

Here's our view after the Valentine's Day snowstorm.

There was such a peace and serenity from the blanketing snow.

It subdued all humans and forced us to stay inside for awhile.

Soon, though we will see the new birth rising out of the earth.

Thank you God for the change of seasons.

There is an appointed time for everything.

And there is a time for every event under heaven--

A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
a time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear apart and time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:3-8 NASB

Hmmm...

A 45 year old woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital.

While on the operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God she asked "Is my time up?"

God said, "No, you have another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to live."

Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, liposuction, breast implants and a tummy tuck. She even had someone come in and change her hair color and brighten her teeth! Since she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well make the most of it.

After her last operation, she was released from the hospital. While crossing the street on her way home, she was killed by an ambulance.

Arriving in front of God, she demanded, "I thought you said I had another 43 years? Why didn't you pull me from out of the path of the ambulance?"

God replied: "I didn't recognize you."

EEEEEEEEEEEGADS - What's Wrong With Congress!

Can't you just tell that it's getting closer to a Presidential Election year.

All the potential candidates are sniping at each other and they haven't even won the nomination.

Everyone's agenda, at the moment, is to denounce the war in Iraq and bring shame upon President Bush. The shame is filtering down all through our military ranks.

Where has the respect for our servicemen gone? Now, Congress is threatening to stop funding the war. Oh my, doesn't that show our military that we support them no matter what.

I'm just a little pea in the large pot of soup, but thanks to this forum I can say what I want to say.

STOP!

That's right. Stop it! Stop the cat calling, name calling, bad mouthing, childlike behavior from our elected representatives. We voted for you to serve US, not yourselves. Stop working for your own agenda and start standing up with solutions on how to solve things.

We will not overcome anything without UNITY!

Yes, times are a'changing but not for the better. Congress has allowed things to take place that are denegrating America's society.

Let's start by supporting our troops here and overseas. They have VOLUNTEERED for duty to their Country. Let's make them glad that they are fighting for FREEDOM and the right to express our freedoms.

BTW, the evening news is history. Grow up. We know that the headlines are not what's really going on over in Iraq. Quit trying to be the sensation of the day and spread some GOOD news around.

If you want to keep a secret, don't tell a politician or a news reporter. BECAUSE they'll stretch the truth to meet their own needs. Or they'll invent a story out of nothing. An exception is FOX NEWS (most of the time).

Write your Congressman. Tell them that WE KNOW they are listening to big corporation, lobbyists and their own vanity. GROW UP and do your job as we elected you to do.

Democrats - watch out. You're hanging on a limb and it's getting weaker every moment you talk.

Sally E. Stuart Strikes Again!

Stuart Market


If you haven't purchased the new Christian Writers' Market Guide for 2007, you're missing something great. Any old ones are obsolete.

Included in this book is the entire contents on a cd. Install it in your computer and you'll have all the information at your fingertips.

I've found new publishers and editors that will help me to narrow the submissions. Pick it up and you have a valuable resource.

Just Call...

I have been reading a lot of posts lately and was struck by the

timeliness of this verse:

I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love
of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
-- Romans 15:30

So many times we're afraid to ask for prayer or help from our brothers and sisters. Some say that you should only rely on God and pray for yourself.

But here is Paul requesting prayer to help him get through to the end of his situation.

So to ALL who are out there struggling with something...anything...we're here to pray for each other. Just ask.

New Book - The Longing Season by Christine Schaub

Christine Schaub



All of the books in the MUSIC OF THE HEART series are based on a hymns and their histories. The Longing Season is about one of the greatest redemption stories of all time: John Newton and his song, Amazing Grace.


Nature conspires against him, tossing the ship like a toy. Directionless--just like his life.
It seems his odyssey will end here, in the cold Atlantic.
Grief and terror grip his heart, but he will not surrender...not yet.
She reads the sentence again and again.
The first day I saw you I began to love you.
He'd written the words, sealed and posted them, then vanished.


She has a choice--turn toward the future, or wait, waiting and hoping.

And so begins her season of longing.

The book link is: The Longing Season

Fresh Manna

This verse came to me via an email devotional. I'm sure I've read this a few times but sometimes when it's all by itself, a verse will hit like a brick.

You are to help your brothers until the LORD gives them rest, as
he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of
the land that the LORD your God is giving them. After that, you may
go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the
LORD gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise.
-- Joshua 1:14-15

Have I been helping others to find their Promised Land?

I feel as if I've been very self-centered focused upon my own goals, even the ones I believe God has for me. I am very complacent in my new job and I understand the reason for where I am but I also need to make sure that I help others attain their goals. It may be ministry or just supportive prayers to get them on their way to the mission that God has planned for them.

I certainly want to enter God's rest but how can I rest when others are discontent and searching? The only direction is through God and His Wisdom.

Seek God for what He wants. Line up with the Cross. Get plenty of advice from Godly people. Listen for His heartbeat for He'll place it inside of your heart.

When the two beat together as one, you will know where, when, how and why to go. He's already chosen the who...it's you!

Oh God! You're So Big!

Can you believe that some people still question the fact that there is a God?

I think it takes more faith to believe in the "THEORY" of evolution than to believe in the Divine Creator who made this very complicated world of ours. If you just study your fingernail, you'll realize that Someone had a design in mind.

Another thing...

Where is our value system? I was listening to the news this morning and someone was arrested with 4 ounces of cocaine in their possession. Now, they said it was worth about $6,000. ?????

I'm thinking 'I have the Word of God in my possession. It cost me $29.95 at the book store.'

The world values confuse the wisest of men. Here we are buying a pleasurable experience for almost everything we own, when our soul is seeking its Maker and the cost is next to nothing except living like His Son.



There is no balance to this life without Jesus in your heart, mind, body and soul. Everything else fades away and becomes like dust blowing in the wind.

Search for true value. It can only be found in Jesus.

It may cost you your present life but you will gain life ever after.

And the Survey Says.....!

Bethany House would like your opinion on a book cover for an upcoming novel.

Click on the link below and answer the questions:

http://faithinfiction.com/phpsurveyor/index.php?sid=8

All data is private.

New Book - If the Shoe Fits by Marilynn Griffith

Rhythms of Grace
Successful shoe designer Rochelle Gardner is having foot problems and man trouble. Three men are vying for her attention---but which one has God intended for her? When she can't decide, she gets a little help from her friends in the Sassy Sistahood. Filled with faith, fun, and laughter, Griffith's engaging read will keep you turning the pages!

How Do You Add Numbers?

In the Iraq war, over a period of 3 years, the US has lost 2,434 military personnel.

In 2003, the city of New York lost 84,903 children to abortion.



The military are fighting for us to keep our rights of freedom.

Is abortion a worthy cause for our men to die?

Don't you think it's time to declare war on abortion and make our military proud to serve a country that honors and preserves life?

At least our soldiers are volunteer and have the choice of life.

A fetus doesn't. The choice of abortion is death.