The Candy Cane's Story

The simple little candy cane

Has a wonderful story to tell.

The story of our Savior’s love___

Perhaps you know it well.

Long ago on a wintry night

A star shone in the sky.

And angels came to sing the song

Of praise to God on high.

They sang their song where shepherds

Guarded flocks near a babbling brook.

And you can see in the candy cane,

The sign of the shepherd’s crook.

The red stripes stand for the Savior’s blood

Which was shed for you and me,

As He paid the price for all our sin

When He died on Calvary.

The white part of the candy cane

Shows the purity God imparts

To each new believer when he invites

The Lord Jesus into his heart.

Now turn your candy cane upside-down,

It forms the letter “J”,

Which stands for the name of Jesus Christ

Who was born on Christmas Day.

Ó Copyright 2001, Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, December 1998

About the author:

Norma Gail’s debut contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, you’re to follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon. 

I Love You

February is known by Valentine's Day--the love month. I suppose one of the busiest days in the year for selling cards, candy and flowers--and for telling those we love that "I love you."

Saint Paul in Ephesians says: "...that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love."

Rooted. Grounded. Steady. Firm. Permanent. Non-wavering.

How am I loved?

• My husband tells me he loves me many different ways. Some of my favorites are:

1. Short notes of affirmation that he loves me. 
2. Random bouquet of flowers. No special reason/holiday for them, but a flower (or more) appears on my countertop. Doesn't matter to me whether they are bought or picked on our hobby farm somewhere--they're loved and always bring a smile.
3. A touch of his hand. We can be traveling in the car, and he'll reach over to clasp my hand. Just for a second or two, but love that reassurance that, yes, he still loves me. 

• Sons. What precious gifts God gave us when he gave us these two! Ornery, yes. Mischievous? yes. But smart, fun, loving, respectful and loyal. I love that they call on Dad and Mom for prayer when they have a request. I love that their dad is their hero. I love that they talk with me about my books and give me ideas. I love that they're in our lives. Thank you, God!

• Grandson Jonathan. He's such a precious little fellow.

1. He went to therapy with me a few times and loved going. Now he thinks he's my therapist's assistant. Loves to instruct me in exercise (may only be for minutes--or even seconds! 
2. Love it when he turns to me for comfort. 
3. Love it when he calls me "Gwandma."

• Older grandsons, Blake and Wes. How I love when I see the good in them! Their love of church. 

Blake is smart and is an excellent student, earning awards and praise for his academic efforts. He's considerate of his grandparents. Well dressed and does his chores fairly promptly.

Wes is a friendly guy, a pro with smiles and cameras. He's usually a willing helper and loves to work with his hands and stay busy. He gets along well with most people, and I love his hugs!

• Church and Friends. Love notes from friends and our church family that express their appreciation and love for us. I can always tell when one of the young ladies in our church writes a card or note from the church: "Words can not express what you mean to us." (Or words to that effect.) Their care for us, their gifts and encourage mean the world!

• God's love for me. What better show of love than to give the dearest thing in your life for willful man? "For God so loved the world that he gave his ONLY begotten SON..."  

What greater love! I can not imagine giving one of my sons or grandsons to die. Unfathomable! What immeasurable love God has for his creation! 

Never Alone

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

Years of one health problem after another seemed to condense into that one word. Alone. I don’t want to be sick. I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to do this alone.

Illness is a lonely thing by its very nature. We each have our own experience in pain that no one else shares quite in the same way. It is very subjective.

The trip to a specialty clinic thousands of miles away was a gift from God, a chance to see if the myriad symptoms attacking my body made sense to anyone. But two weeks of intense and intrusive testing and therapy meant I had to go alone. I have flown alone. I’ve driven alone, but there was always someone I knew waiting at the other end. This time there would be no one. To make the trip alone was one thing. To eat every meal, go to every doctor and therapist, spend every evening and two weekends alone, with no one to make me laugh when I felt like crying, no one to share my frustrations, or help me navigate around the massive complex—I cried just thinking about it.

Then a voice whispered in my ear. “I will be with you. You are never alone. Trust me. Focus on what I will do. Look for what I can show you. We’ll do this together.” I don’t know what God will do yet, but I will not be alone. God is in the midst of this trial. I will not fear.

Dear Lord, wrap your arms around those who are lonely and hurting. Whisper your presence into our darkness. Speak your truth into our circumstances. Shout your love into our loneliness. Remind us of your presence. Give us your peace. Help us go forth in hope and faith. Remind us we are never alone. Amen.

© Copyright by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, February 16, 2016

About the author:

Norma Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.

Connect with Norma:

Website: www.normagail.org

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Norma-Gail/e/B00ILHXBAK/

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NormaGailwrites

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Norma_Gail

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2

Book Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Land-My-Dreams-Norma-Gail/dp/1941103170

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas: https://lpcbooks.com/norma-gail/

Giving Good Gifts

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights… James 1:17

No quiet town of Bethlehem surrounded us. Wrapped in home-made robes with crowns, itchy beards, shepherds crooks, and angel wings, our family stood in the cold, wind, filling our slot in our church’s live Christmas nativity scene on a busy Christmas Eve.  Long lines of cars drove slowly by, filling the air with exhaust fumes, but the message was the same as on that first Christmas. God’s gift to the world had come—Jesus Christ was born.

The cast of characters for the first Advent were a strange group. Mary and Joseph were poor and obscure, but exceptional in their obedience to their God-given task. Angels of annunciation sang. Shepherds left their flocks. Wise men from the east sought the place where the new King was born. All had need of the Christ Child's gift.

Playing roles in the church tableau gave the opportunity for reflection on the true “gift” of Christmas. It is not available in any store, but is free for the taking to all who truly desire to know the King of Kings, the Giver of every good and perfect gift.

God knew what we needed before we were even aware. He provided us the perfect gift, His Son, born as a child. Jesus up in world of lost and dying people, sinless, yet willing to die for our sins, risen to life that we might be freed from the power of sin and receive the gift of eternal life.

Whether we're rich, poor, well-educated, unemployed, suffering, or abundantly blessed, we all have one need in common. We need salvation from the curse of sin. Paul tells us in Romans that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” But we are also told that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The gift of God is “eternal life in Christ Jesus.”

Knowing the story of Christmas, acting it out, singing the songs, even knowing the scriptures can’t save us.

A gift is only of benefit when accepted by the intended receiver. So it is with God’s gift of Jesus Christ. If we never take the time to accept Him as our Savior and Lord, we don’t possess the gift.

This year, concentrate on the gift of God's Son. He specializes in giving perfect gifts.

© Copyright November 29, 2012, by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman

About the author:

Norma Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.

Connect with Norma:

Website: www.normagail.org

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Norma-Gail/e/B00ILHXBAK/

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NormaGailwrites

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Norma_Gail

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2

Book Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Land-My-Dreams-Norma-Gail/dp/1941103170

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas Bookstore: http:// lpcbooks.com/product/land-of-my-dreams/

 Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/land-of-my-dreams-norma-gail/1119606864?ean=9781941103173

Clouds

Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge?

Job 37:16

Thin gray clouds hovered just below the peaks of the mountains, making me wonder if a forest fire was in progress. One sniff of the air convinced me it was that rare phenomena in the Southwest, moisture.

Clouds floating past the large picture windows of my mountain home always grab my attention. At almost 7200 feet in altitude, I see a lot of them. At times they start out dark gray and full of moisture which never materializes. Sometimes, they are big and fluffy, but the promised rain still fails to materialize. Beautiful, yet disappointing.

My father-in-law was a great appreciator of clouds, finding shapes in them which he would point out to anyone willing to listen. Living in The Netherlands for half of his life, part of it during the Nazi occupation of WWII, he had seen plenty of clouds, both literally and figuratively. Perhaps the blue skies of the Southwest made him appreciate clouds more because they are not always the harbingers of storms.

When we moved to the mountains we thought the sun would set quickly, causing us to miss the brilliant colors of the evening sky. Wrong! The altitude seems to allow for more interesting cloud formations, streaked with amazing colors every day. My favorite was the pink thunderstorm one summer evening, far across the valley, catching the last rays of the setting sun.

Life is full of clouds, a sudden job change, unexpected illness, a broken relationship, or an untimely death. We can’t choose the kind of clouds that enter our lives. Sometimes clouds bring frightening storms we can’t escape and we cry out for help. Clouds can forewarn of storms, but their absence may not always portend a perfect day. They affect our mood and sometimes change our plans.

One thing is certain, clouds will come. The only thing more certain than clouds is the love and care of my heavenly Father. He promises to stand by my side through the storms, just as He rejoices with me in the good times.

Developing the habit of appreciating clouds makes me more open to the working of God in my life, and less fearful of the storms. Looking for God in the clouds and storms of life enables me to trust Him for the sunshine to come. Clouds may hide the sky, but God is always there.

© Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, February 26, 2015

About the author:

Norma Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.

Connect with Norma:

Website: www.normagail.org

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Norma-Gail/e/B00ILHXBAK/

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NormaGailwrites

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Norma_Gail

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2

Book Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Land-My-Dreams-Norma-Gail/dp/1941103170

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas Bookstore: http:// lpcbooks.com/product/land-of-my-dreams/

 Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/land-of-my-dreams-norma-gail/1119606864?ean=9781941103173

This is Where Amazing Happens

Blogger: Amber Schamel

Have you ever had a day when you woke up and realized that your life is not where you'd wanted it to be? Or realized you'd made a terrible mistake you couldn't take back? Or somehow found yourself in the middle of a mess you can't get out of? One of those days when you'd give anything for one of those Southwest "Wanna Get Away" buttons?

I recently went through a period like this. Things weren't going the way that I wanted them to, and it seemed that no matter how hard I struggled forward, I always ended up back in the same place. A death march of circles that were getting me nowhere. I cried out to my Lord, and though I could sense His presence, I felt as if my prayers weren't having an impact. I had no clear answer or direction.

While I was at work, I was listening to a new conservative Christian radio station when this song by TaRanda Green came on. It touched my heart and really spoke to me. 

What truth these powerful words hold. I heard the voice of God speaking to my heart. 

My child,

Just because you've struggled doesn't mean you're weak. Just because you're at 'the end' doesn't mean it's over. I will bring you out. I will be faithful, but this is an important part of the journey. This is where you see that your anchor holds. This is where you see that I am always faithful. This is where I prove to you how much I love you. This is the part of the movie where I step in and work a miracle. Dear one, this is not hopeless, this is where amazing happens.

It reminds me of the words of Paul to the Corinthians:

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;     ~I Cor. 4:17

A preacher I heard this past fall said it better than I have ever heard it. "Every miracle begins as a problem. If you have a problem, you are a candidate for a miracle."

Friends, I am a candidate for a miracle. Are you? 

If so, then lift your head, because this is where God works a miracle. This is where amazing happens.

Amber Schamel writes inspirational fiction that brings HIStory to life. Visit her at www.AmberSchamel.com. 

God Remembered

And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him…And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood…Then the Lord shut him in…But God remembered Noah…” Genesis 7:5, 7, 16 & 8:1

Several years ago, my husband was without a job. I needed major surgery. Our three-year-old daughter needed surgery. It was a time of uncertainty.

We were following the Lord, serving Him and giving faithfully, but times of trouble still came. I remember so clearly when my husband walked through the door with a box of his things at lunchtime and said he was going back to clean out his office. His boss had told him he was no longer needed. We had two small children and we weren’t certain what we were going to do.

We were blessed that my husband had been meticulous about saving, but we didn’t know how long the money would have to last. Having big medical bills on top of the usual expenses didn’t help any.

A favorite Bible study leader of mine calls times like this “Noah’s Ark experiences.” Yes, Noah and his family were all safe within the ark while “all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens opened…” The waters raged without and rose above the mountain tops and it was probably not exactly smooth sailing. It must have been downright frightening at times.

Sometimes we are allowed to go through rough storms in life and there is nothing to do but ride it out trusting in the promises of God.

I am certain a part of the comfort Noah’s family had was remembering God, Himself, had shut the door. They knew He had put them into the ark and trusted He would save them. They really didn’t have much choice.

Sometimes we do have the choice of whether or not to trust God to bring us safely through our storms. We can get ourselves in real messes when we decide to go it on our own.

We have to learn that when God shuts the door, He isn’t shutting us in and Himself out. He is in there with us. After several months God brought us out of our storm and provided everything we needed in the midst of it.

What storm are you facing?

This world is full of uncertainties, but we can be certain God is with us. He will remember us. Whatever your situation, choose to believe God is right there with you and will bring you through safely.

© Copyright, Norma Thurston Holtman August 9, 2011

About the author:

Norma Gail’s debut contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, released in April 2014. She led women’s Bible studies for over 21 years. Her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, FaithWriters, Romance Writers of America, and the New Mexico Christian Novelists. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 39 years. They have two adult children.

Connect with Norma:

Website: www.normagail.org

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NormaGailwrites

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Norma_Gail

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2

Book Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Land-My-Dreams-Norma-Gail/dp/1941103170

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas Bookstore: http://store.lpcbooks.com/product/land-of-my-dreams/