God and New Year Resolutions by Catherine Castle

 

A couple across the row from me was loading groceries into their vehicle in my local Kroger’s parking lot at 6 p.m. January 2^nd and I heard this:

“Well, we’ve already broken our New Year’s resolution about pop and junk food.”

 I glanced over in time to see the gentleman setting several cases of soda into the back seat. Their resolution lasted about 30 hours. I wouldn’t call that the fastest breaking time for a resolution, but it ranks close to the top.

 This is one of the reasons I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. I break them almost as fast as the couple at Krogers. Sure, I’d like to have the resolve to exercise daily, not eat anything bad for me—ever, clean the house weekly, empty the dishwasher as soon as it stops, do the laundry before it piles up as tall as me, save up a million dollars, clean out the closets and the medicine cabinets, lose weight until I’m back at my high school weight, give up chocolate, finish all those UFO crafts floating around in the basement, clean the old stuff out of the file drawers (some is so old the paper has yellowed.) My hubby wants me to turn it ALL into digital files. Like I can find the time to do that! And I haven’t even mentioned the writing things that need to be done. If I listed all the things I needed to change or resolve to do in my everyday life, the list would go on forever.

 It’s no wonder we break resolutions as fast as we can make them. The stuff we need and want to do can be overwhelming.

 But is all that resolution stuff really important?

 As I thought about this, I wondered what God’s word has to tell us about resolutions. I know He wants me to be resolute in my faith, but does God care about how resolute I am in my everyday life? Does my list, or lack thereof, of New Year’s resolutions matter to him?

 I dug into my Bible resources looking for an answer. Although I couldn’t find any direct commandments about New Year resolutions (I don’t think they existed in Bible times), I did come up with four interesting commandments about faith I believe can be applied to New Year resolutions to make them more successful.

·       Following through on your resolutions requires preparation.  “Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:13 NIV

·       To succeed you must get rid of obstacles. “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witness, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1 NIV

·       You’ll only get back what you put into the job. “He who sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 2 Corinthians. 9:6 NIV

·       Being resolute helps us grow stronger. “… the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.” Job 17:9 NIV

·       Persistence pays off. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians  6:9 NIV

 

I’m not certain God cares one way or the other about my New Year’s resolution list—unless I’m directly disobeying his commandments. What I do know, after searching His word, is He has provided guidance to conquer that list should I decide to tackle it—next year.

 

What about you? Do you make New Year Resolutions?

 

About the author:

Multi-award winning author Catherine Castle loves writing, reading, traveling, singing, theatre, quilting and gardening. She’s a passionate gardener whose garden won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club. She writes sweet and inspirational romances. You can find her award-winning Soul Mate books The Nun and the Narc and A Groom for Mama, on Amazon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Running the Race

Photo from Wikimedia

photo by Bill Brine

My husband and I watched the Kentucky Derby a couple of weeks ago. As I was watching, it occurred to me that an awful lot of time and money had been spent on getting these animals ready to race. It costs over $51,000  to enter the race. According to a 2014 survey, the yearly average maintenance on a racing horse is $40,4023 a year. The cost of purchasing a race horse is between the low six to low seven figures in dollars. That’s a lot of money to spend on a two minute race, where only one horse will be the winner. 

In many ways this cycle is sad, because the thrill of winning and the resulting fortune only lasts a while. The high from the win can quickly become a low, especially if you lose the next race. The flowers on the winner’s wreath fade. The prize money gets spent, and eventually the horses are put out to pasture, old and has been.

The same cycle is repeated with human athletes. They strive to become the best, and, if they are lucky, they may achieve that status for a while. But, like the winning race horse, the thrill of the win and their abilities eventually fade. And they are left with memories and bodies that can no longer do what they did in their youth.

The same fate befalls all of us humans. Time is not kind to us. The excitement from our successes fades over time. Our earthly bodies wear out, whether we are athletes or not. Heaven knows I can attest to that, as I’m sure many of you can, too.

I’m just glad that, unlike the athletes and the horses that run their races and then diminish, when my race on earth is done I will be claiming a prize that never fades.  God’s Word assures me, and you, of this when the Timothy says, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7

I don’t know about you, but I think an eternal prize that never fades beats a temporal and temporary one any day. It’s a reward that is worth everything we endure on this earth. And it only costs our love and devotion to a Father who loved us before we were even born. He paid our entry fee. He made all the sacrifices that would ensure we all can win. Running the race He set before us is something worth striving toward.

About the Author:

Multi-award-winning author Catherine Castle loves writing, reading, traveling, singing, theatre, and quilting. She’s a passionate gardener whose garden won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club. She writes sweet and inspirational romances. You can find her books The Nun and the Narc, A Groom for Mama, Bidding on the Bouquet  and Trying Out for Love boxed set on Amazon.

On Eagle’s Wings—A Music Meditation

 



 

courtesy of Pixabay

Christian writers are often asked, “What is your favorite Bible verse?”

Before becoming published, I hadn’t given it much thought, but when pressed for an answer, I realized the one verse, besides John 3:16, that had stuck in my memory over the years was Isaiah 40:31:

But those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.

They will mount up with wings like eagles.

They will run, and not be weary.

They will walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

The impact of this verse, which I claimed as my favorite verse, was brought home to me a number of years ago after I discovered a song, written by Roman Catholic priest Michael Joncas. I went to Mass with a friend and the congregation sang one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. The song was entitled “On Eagle’s Wings.”

The scriptures the composer based his song on came from Isaiah 40:31 (quoted above), Psalm 91:4 (He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart), and Deuteronomy 32:11 (As an eagle that stirs up her nest, that flutters over her young, he spread abroad his wings, he took them, he bore them on his feathers).

Joncas wrote the melody after the mother of a friend died. The song, which was recorded in 1979, quickly became a favorite hymn in Catholic churches, especially for funerals.

 For me, however, this beautiful song, which speaks about God raising us up and holding us in His hand, is a comfort for my life here on earth and the struggles I may face.  Knowing that the Lord is always there for me and has promised to be my Rock, my Protector, my Refuge, and will always be faithful to me in life and in death provides a measure of security I could never achieve on my own. When one has a God who can lift you up and help you soar, what else do you need?

 I’d like to share this wonderful music with you, so please click on the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvpjxfWrjzY and listen to “On Eagle’s Wings.”

I pray this music blesses you today.

 

Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in this week’s giveaway—The Healer’s Touch, by Amber Schamel (Ebook)

Comment on any post now through February 11th to get your name in the drawing! Winner will be announced in the February 12th issue of the Weekly Windup. Paperback giveaways are for U.S. residents only.

 

 About the Author:

Catherine Castle is a multi-award-winning author who loves writing, reading, traveling, singing, watching movies, and the theatre.  In the winter she loves to quilt and has a lot of UFOs (unfinished objects) in her sewing case. In the summer her favorite place to be is in her garden. She’s passionate about gardening and even won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club.

 Her debut inspiration romantic suspense, The Nun and the Narc, from Soul Mate Publishing was an ACFW Genesis Finalist, a 2014 EPIC finalist, and the winner of the 2014 Beverly Hills Book Award and the 2014 RONE Award.  A Groom for Mama, is a sweet romantic comedy from Soul Mate Publishing.  Her latest release, Bidding on the Bouquet, from Forget Me Not Romances, is an inspirational contemporary romance and is part of the Trying Out for Love boxed set. Her books are available on Amazon

 

 

The Heart of the Artist

 

 

Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted. Isaiah 12:14

 

Philippe de Champaigne

The Last Supper

 

This spring our church put on their first Easter drama, centered around the Lord’s Last Passover Supper. My husband and I were asked to write and direct the play, which we agreed to do without reservations. We are writers and have been actors and directed skits and a large interactive Christmas drama at our former church, so we felt what we were being asked to do was within our abilities. What we weren’t certain of was whether we could find 13 men to play the parts or even if we’d have enough people interested in coming to see the play. Because, as I said before, the church had never done anything like this before. Nevertheless, with prayer, determination, and a lot of practice we felt the members could pull off the drama.

Satan must have thought so, too, because He worked overtime to create issues that kept some of the original volunteers from taking part in the drama. We had lighting gremlins that turned spots or chandelier lights on and off at will. One of our main actors had to have hernia surgery 3/4 of the way through the practices. After the church had spent a lot of money for a yard banner advertising the event, the city decided we couldn’t put it up. The minister’s father was put in hospice the last week of rehearsal. That same week the sound tech had to be rushed to urgent care because something got in her eye. And the night she went to urgent care, I fell flat on my back in the foyer resulting in the re-injury of two compressed discs in my back that put me walking on two canes and in such pain I made my husband call the doctor for prescription pain meds. And I never take those things!

Yep, Satan was alive and well and trying very hard to stop the church’s drama.

And we were all fighting just as hard to make sure he didn’t win.

You’ll be glad to know, just as we were, that the presentation was a success. Our never-on-the-stage-before actors did a marvelous job. There were no lighting gremlins, no microphone feedback, every actor remained heathy for the performances, not a line was dropped, we had enough playbills and communion cups, and the house was packed.

You might be wondering what the Heart of the Artist has to do with the story I’ve just told. We artists, whether we’re professionals or amateurs, have big egos. The egos go along with the ability to have the nerve to step out and do something others only dream about doing. In the secular world being an artist in any field, up front and center stage, is usually all about you. How many gold records or Music Awards will you earn?  What choice roles will your agent land for you? How many Oscars or Emmys can you win? What best-selling book lists or Writing Awards you can get? Or how much money will your artistry earn you?

Christian artists have egos, too. After all, we’re just as human as the next guy. Center stage and the attention it brings can have a powerful draw. And we want our endeavors to be a success just like the artists who act on Broadway, sing in Nashville, or sign best-selling books in New York.

But the thing that separates the Christian’s artist heart from the heart of secular artists is that we do what we do for a different reason. Is it fun to act, or sing, or play an instrument, or direct a play, or write book? You bet it is. We were having the time of our lives and the most fun working hard than we’ve had in years. Everyone at church kept praising us and telling us how much they appreciated what we were doing. We kept praising our actors and crew. For us, it was all about the rest of the crew and what they were doing and who we might touch for Christ with the drama. Everyone involved on the stage and behind the scenes worked hard and prayed hard so that the play would come together. Not so they would be praised, but so that God might be praised.

The Heart of the Christian Artist does his very best to lift others up ahead of himself. The Heart of the Christian Artist prays that one soul, at the very least, might be touched by her performance. The Heart of the Christian Artist knows that his talent comes from God, belongs to God, and should be shared with the world to praise God. Ego takes a backseat. Touching others’ hearts for the Lord becomes primary.

There were about 200-250 people at our Easter drama. While the actors were greeting the crowd, one of them overheard a visitor say, “Now I understand what it’s all about.”

Praise the Lord! We know we touched one soul, and that’s what all the hard work was about.

 

The Weekly Windup--Don’t forget to leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for Linda Matchett’s Under Fire.

 

Catherine Castle has been writing all her life. Before beginning her career as a romance writer she worked part-time as a freelance writer. She has over 600 articles and photographs to her credit, under her real name, in the Christian and secular market. Besides writing, Catherine loves traveling with her husband, singing, and attending theatre. In the winter she loves to quilt and has a lot of UFOs (unfinished objects) in her sewing case. In the summer her favorite place to be is in her garden. She’s passionate about gardening and even won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club.

 

Her debut inspiration romantic suspense, The Nun and the Narc, from Soul Mate Publishing was an ACFW Genesis Finalist, a 2014 EPIC finalist, and the winner of the 2014 Beverly Hills Book Award and the 2014 RONE Award. Her newest book, a romantic comedy with a touch of drama, entitled A Groom For Mama, is due out September 2017, from Soul Mate Publishing. You can follow her on Twitter @AuthorCCastle, Facebook or through her blog Romance for the Ages.

Dwelling in Happiness by Carole Brown

Happy are your men,

and happy are these servants

who stand continually

before you,

and hear your wisdom.

Second Chronicles 9:7

Starli Cameron was a successful person. She owned her own restaurant business: an up-class place that catered delicious foods. She was a talented pianist. Her features were beautiful, her body slim and strong from running and ice skating, her clothes well fitting and gorgeous. She was loved and had friends.

Was she happy?

No. 

Starli had forgiveness issues carried from the past. Until she forgave--not only the people who wronged her but herself too...and turned to God, she couldn't be REALLY happy. 

--(Taken from Knight in Shining Apron, Book Two of the WV Romantic Mystery series )

***

Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon to talk with him. She came bearing vast and glorious gifts. She viewed his establishment, his servants, the officials attending his feasts, his food, and all that was in his hands. She experienced his wisdom in answering her questions, and was awed by it all. So proclaimed the queen: Happy are your...



Everyone wants to be happy, but sometimes real happiness can be hard to find. 
Searching in the wrong places (business, friends, looks, talents and money) will not bring happiness.



The answer is simple. God is the only way--the only path--to find happiness. Searching his word, following his words, trusting in him, allowing him to guide us in all that we do will give us contentment and peace which leads to true happiness. 

Psalm 144:15 says: "Happy are the people whose God is the Lord" 

And that is so very true.

ABOUT CAROLE:

Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole is an award winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

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

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Life Preserver

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you ... Isaiah 43:2

Helpless. Alone in a vast expanse of tossing, tumbling blue-gray waves, I searched the horizon for help when the shape of a small boat appeared. I called out as I fought against the pounding waves toward the only hope of rescue and saw something fly through the air. Was it a life preserver? My haven, my only source of survival—yet so far away I doubted my ability to reach it. When I raised my head for a breath, another wave smashed into my face. I choked and sputtered, my vision, blurred from tears and seawater, fixed on that one small, bobbing hope.

Thunder rumbled from dark clouds roiling above in a sky as dark as the water, dragging me back two strokes for every one I took. I had to make it. My legs ached. My lungs burned. My shoulders knotted with exhaustion. Waves crashed higher and higher, and the life preserver seemed to be floating away. 

I paused, treading water, and waved a quivering arm above my head. “Wait!” I spat out the salty water that washed into my mouth. “I’m coming. Please, don’t leave me! I can’t swim anymore.”

The life preserver sailed across the water, smacking against the side of my head, and I grabbed it. Relief. I wrapped my shaking arms around it, my spirits buoyed by the firm tug on the rope, grateful for the unseen hand pulling me toward my rescuer. I was safe at last.

The figure in the boat was obscured in darkness, but I clung tight, overjoyed as each tug on the rope drew me closer. Perhaps he had a warm blanket to ease the chills that racked my body. My teeth chattered until I could scarce take a breath. A drink of fresh water to wash the salt from my lips would be heaven. Just a few more yards to go.

My hand bumped against the boat and I looked up at the imposing form of my rescuer, silhouetted against a ray of sun shining through a break in the clouds. “Th-th-thank y-y-ou.”

No hand reached down to pluck me from the waves. No voice spoke words of reassurance. The man sat, taking up the oars and beginning to tow me through the water. Perhaps the boat was full? I saw no other survivors. There seemed room enough for me. “P-please, I can’t hold on much longer.”

His head dipped in a nod, but he only rowed on, strong, firm strokes drawing the boat toward a shore I could not see.

“Please sir, could you help me into the boat? I’m weak and numb—so tired.” The steady pull as the oars swished through the water was the only answer. I closed my eyes and concentrated on keeping my head above the water, praying to reach the shore.

“Trust me.” His deep tone resonated through my soul. I knew that voice. “You’re safe, my child, safe in the center of my will. Can you not trust the man who died for you to do what’s best?”

A wave, more massive any than I had faced washed over me, stealing the breath from my body. I sputtered as water streamed down my face and gasped, drawing air into emptied lungs. “Jesus? Is that you? Please, will you not help me into the boat?”

“When the time is right, my child. Hold on. I’m here.”

“But Jesus, the next wave could drown me. I’m so tired and cold.”

“Hold fast. Your rest will come. I’ve got you.”

I closed my eyes, tightened my tenuous grip on the rope, and leaned my weary head against the life preserver. My heart screamed what I felt too weak to say. My God is for me, so nothing can overcome me. Even these waves will not destroy me. Nothing can stand against His power.

With every ounce of strength, I heaved a breath. “How long?”

The swish of the oars stopped and the boat slowed as a gentle hand settled on my head. “Dear one, I am more interested in your character than your comfort. I forge my greatest servants in battle, not in ease. When the time is right, I’ll lift you up. Trust me. Breathe my name.”

***

I’ve been there. So weak I thought I could not hold on one more second. So weary I felt giving myself up to the waves preferable to holding on. So overwhelmed I had no words of hope for anyone. So fragile I could do nothing for myself. But my Savior says He holds me safe in the palms of His hands and underneath me are His everlasting arms. He keeps a bottle filled with my tears. He has numbered every hair on my head. He lifts the weary as on the wings of eagles. All is well when He is near.

Because I have known Him for a long time, and I have His word, I know that Jesus will never let go of me. I know He will bring me safely home in His perfect time.

Lord, give me strength to hold on when I cannot see the shore.

© Copyright by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, August 1, 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/

Storms and Sunrises by Jamin Baldwin

I woke to cloudy skies and pouring rain for the second day in a row. With a groan I rolled over and pulled the blanket over my eyes.

Another dreary day.

I could feel my mood darken at the thought of another damp, chilly day. Its Spring! Where are the blue skies and singing birds?

Glancing out the window I continued my mental tantrum, when I felt a small check in my heart.

There is no such thing as a dull sunrise.

You might not see it through the gloom, but it doesn't mean it isn't just as bright, just as majestic as it always is.

The key is to wait out the storm and know in your soul that the Sun rose. Even through all the rain you can still see the light. Even through all the gloom you can tell that its morning.

The Bible says "the righteous will shine forth like the Sun in the Kingdom of The Father."

It isn't enough to not complain about the storms and darkness in our lives, but we, as the Children of Light, are supposed to be the sun for others to see.

Be the light that shines through someones dark rain clouds. Be the light that awakes them from their sleep to let them know that morning has finally dawned. Be the Light of hope and let them know, though the storm is raging, the Sun has risen and the storm cannot outlast the Sun.

Enjoy the Sunrise, Be the light.

In addition to writing historical novellas and poetry, Jamin Baldwin is also a song writer and sings at her local church. She has been a volunteer as a Sunday school teacher and the VBS decorating coordinator for the past three years. With her Irish/Native American roots firmly planted in SE Ohio, Jamin enjoys the simple life on her small farm with her husband. Where she homeschools their three small children. Her writing styles range from inspirational to romance. Seeking plots and ideas for her novellas that stray outside the ordinary. Yet, drawing inspiration from every day life.

If Tomorrow Never Comes

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life?

You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14

The words of the country song emanating from my iPad as I stepped out of the shower precipitated a torrent of tears. “If tomorrow never comes, will she know how much I loved her?” Garth Brooks pegged it with that one. The lyrics reminded me of a loved one’s recent medical diagnosis.

When you stop to think about it, the promise of tomorrow belongs to no one. We will all die.

Last night’s news featured a story of the tragic death of a high school freshman in a car accident. My father was struck by lightning while fly fishing under a clear, blue sky. We don’t know what a given day will bring.

As Christians, we should consider this question on a regular basis. If tomorrow never comes for me, for you, for anyone close to us, have we done the two most important things? Have we made certain they know the Lord Jesus Christ? Do they know how much we love them? We must not allow differences to divide us because we never know when a conversation will be our last.

Right before the 2008 presidential election, my mother and I became embroiled in a heated political argument with a close family member who had cancer. Before we could set matters to rest and convince him that our love for each other was the most important thing, he died. It haunts us to this day.

It has become “the thing” in our world to stick with our “right to disagree” to the point that the nightly news is full of antagonism of the ugliest sort, one group pitted against another because of politics, race, social standing, financial status, or philosophy. Hate has become the “in thing” in our world today.

What divides you from those you love? Religion? Politics? Family matters? Money? It is so easy to allow differences to taint relationships between ourselves and our loved ones. It is much more difficult to be the one to step forward and try to settle a disagreement.

If tomorrow never comes, have you asked forgiveness? Even if you feel you’re in the right. Simply because you offended someone you love. 

Make a point of trying to set things right with loved ones as soon as the incident occurs. We never know if tomorrow will afford us the opportunity.

© Copyright by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, January 19, 2017

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

Alone

Alone.

An interesting word. Some crave alone-time, being surrounded by constant chaos. Others get more than their fill.
But are we ever really alone?

The answer: NEVER.

Let that sink in.

You are NEVER alone.

When people forsake you, you're not alone. God Himself promised in Hebrews 13:5 saying, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you."

When you're surrounded by a crowd, yet it seems no one sees you. God does. Jesus saw Zaccheus in a tree despite the crowd, didn't He? He sees you.

When there's no one around to hear you cry or make you laugh, God's there. He has said, "I am with you always." As David put it in Psalm 56, "You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?"

You read that right. You're so important to God that He keeps a record of every tear. He keeps a running tally of every hair that grows in or we yank out. You're that important to Him.

And because you are that important, you can come to Him. With every problem. Every care. The size doesn't matter. He just wants to hear from you; He wants you to let Him carry your burdens. He can, you know.

Will you heed His invitation today? Will you spend some "alone" time with Him?

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” - Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30)

From the Archives: Picking Dandelions

By Catherine Castle
(Original airdate: 3/24/14)


photo by C.Castle

When my daughter was young, I often had scads of dandelion bouquets on the table. We didn’t use weed killer, since I didn’t want to expose my daughter to the chemicals, and our lawn was a canvas of yellow polka dots on a green background. Day after day, she would come into the house after playtime, clutching as many dandelions as her little hands could hold. I took them with a smile, put them in a vase, and proudly displayed them. I encouraged her to pick those bright yellow flowers from our lawn whenever she saw them.

Yes, I enjoyed seeing her face beam as she handed me her gift.

No, I never told her they were really weeds.

And yes, I did feel a bit guilty encouraging her to clean the yard of blooms. After, all, no yellow dandelions dotting the grass meant a yard that at least looked weed-free. And if by some miracle she managed to pick a billion dandelions before they went to seed, I might actually have a weed-free lawn.

Or maybe not.

I knew there was no way my little weed picker would ever be able to rid the lawn of dandelions. Yet I kept encouraging her to pick those flowers.

Are you saying, “Oh, you bad mommy!” yet? 

Before you do, consider this: The way I used my unsuspecting daughter to weed the lawn, is often the way we weed our lives. We pluck the tops off of our sins, effectively hiding them from the world and fooling ourselves into thinking we’re cleaning up our life. And all the while, the weed roots just grow deeper because we haven’t taken the time to root out the bad stuff that lies below ground.

Luke 12:22 says “There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.”

We can keep plucking the heads of our sins so they aren’t visible to the world, but the Lord can still see them all. So, which will you choose?  A vase full of dandelions with the potential for even more deeply rooted ones to grow? Or would you rather dig out as many as you can from the stubborn soil? The latter is the more effective, and more long lasting, way to have a clean lawn … and a clean heart.