More Than Rubies

 A wife of noble character who can find. She is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10

Proverbs says “a wife of noble character is worth far more than rubies”, a statement that intimidates most women. It makes me think of my mom. She made her family her entire world. She loved my dad with a love that’s still single-hearted twenty-two years after his death, and we knew she loved us. That sacrificial love that dominated her life reminds me of the Proverbs 31 woman. My lullaby was often the sound of her sewing machine as she made our clothes.

The woman described in Proverbs 31 intimidates us because we believe she was some kind of super-woman, impossible to emulate. However, I think we’re seeing a glimpse of her entire lifetime, not one single day. She provides an example of the attitude all women should have toward the importance of serving as a wife and mother. This outlook is worth more than rubies to the Lord.

This interpretation is rare in our world today. However, we must undertake our task with eager hands, seeing it as important above all but our relationship to God. Her arms were strong and her lamp burned late into the night as she cared, not only for her own family, but those who suffered need.

This woman’s husband was well respected and she behaved in manner that honored him. The influence she made through service to others gave her the reputation of possessing strength and dignity. Rather than eating the bread of idleness, she prepared for her family’s needs far ahead of time. She undertook her God-given task as a wife and mother with a seriousness we are to emulate.

Her husband called her blessed, not only for her abilities as a homemaker, but for a spiritual life and commitment that served as an example. To make the Lord our highest priority, spend time in His word, seek His wisdom, pray for our family, and serve them with joy causes us to become the woman God created us to be.

There is winsomeness about a woman who puts her husband and family first. Nothing is wrong with having a career. Today’s economy often requires that women work outside the home. The key lies in what we see as our ultimate purpose, and that key is found in scripture.

If we first bless our families, the Lord will bless us in every area of life. Then we will be seen as more valuable than rubies, for our commitment, example, and the blessing we bring to others.

© Copyright by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, 2011 and January 19, 2018

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. 

Don't End Up in a Whale!

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

I live the lessons of the Bible study I am leading. It happens each spring and fall without fail. I get a few weeks into the study and realize that my life parallels the topic. You can imagine what happened when our study was Jonah, Joel, and Amos. You guessed it! I had the urge to run the other way. After 10 consecutive years of heading up the study at our church, my 18^th year leading Bible studies, I felt ready for a break.

A couple of years ago, I was anticipating the release of my debut novel. I felt overwhelmed by editing and the demands of learning social media. I spent hours at the computer working on frustrating details I had no idea would be required when I reached my lifetime goal of getting a book contract. How I would get everything done and still have time for my family and downtime for myself?

Leading a Bible study requires discipline and determination. The tasks competing for my attention weren’t bad. The book was also something God planned for me. The difficulty was in determining where God would most want me to spend my time.

As I looked at Jonah’s decision to run the other way, I realized that God was very specific when He told Jonah where to go and what to do. Jonah’s decision to run put him out of fellowship with God, and it also affected other people.

Some television commercials for a cable TV provider depict a series of decisions, which spiral downward to a terrible conclusion. If you do “x,” “y” will happen, which leads to “z,” and before you know it, you’re in a terrible mess.

There are definitely times when God allows us to leave a ministry or job, but in my heart, I knew this was not the time. Disobedience would take me out of fellowship with God and His people. I didn't want to end up in the belly of a whale, so I obeyed and stayed.

Are you struggling with where God has placed you? Seek His will in prayer. Examine your motives, trust Him to show the way, and then obey.

God tells us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. My stress decreased when I submitted to His will. When I am where He wants me, everything else falls into place.

Copyright, January 18, 2014 by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman

Don't forget to hop over to the Prizes Galore page on the blog and enter to win a signed copy of my contemporary inspirational romance, Land of My Dreams, or a Kindle loaded with great Christian books as part of our Stitches Thru Time Birthday Celebration! 

About the author: 

Norma Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams. 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, and the New Mexico Christian Novelists. 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

Obedience is Better than Sacrifice

Monday Musing is a wonderful day for a devotional, "of or used in religious worship" comprises its dictionary definition. What do we think of when we consider worship? Singing, right? In my mind’s view, my eyes are closed, my head tilted heavenward, and my hands are raised. Singing quiet soulful songs that extol His greatness, His Holiness.

But have you ever thought of obedience as worship? Ancient fathers in the Bible offered sacrifices in worship, and I Samuel 15:22 says, Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice. Speaking of Jesus, Hebrews 5: 8-9 tells us though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.

We are to Cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ according to II Corinthians 10:5. And Romans 5: 19 and 6:16 both speak of obedience unto righteousness. So, you’re with me right?

And the promises Gods showers on those of His children who obey! Isaiah 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. I Kings 11:38 And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee. Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil; and  8:32 for blessed are they that keep my ways. Isaiah 48:18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.

And for those who do not, Scripture speaks of casting them away, delivering them into their enemies hands, gives them up unto their own hearts' lust to walk in their own counsels.

So…Be it known this is a totally different direction from my initial my intent when I started this, but my middle name in Lavonne which means ‘like a willow, bendable’ so I follow Him where He leads. Someone needs to hear this.

Titus 2: 5 commands us to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. And Ephesians 5:22-24: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

Submission is defined as the action of yielding to the will or authority of another person. And as married women, we are to submit ourselves to our husbands AS UNTO THE LORD. God's Word doesn’t add ‘if he’s doing everything he should’ or ‘unless he drinks too much', 'feeds the lust of his flesh', or 'ignores you all the time'. There are actually no qualifiers. Yes, he has his responsibilities as a husband, BUT rejoice! You are not responsible for his actions…only yours. And you KNOW what YOU are to do before God…to please Him.

Whew! I know it’s hard. I’ve been there. But I can testify ladies, if you hearken to Him and CHOOSE obedience, He WILL move on your behalf, grip your husband’s heart, and change him before your eyes. Ron and I have been together since we were sixteen, forty-nine years (47 married), and they weren't all peaches and cream. With God's help and both our obedience, we made it through a lot of hard, rough times! Every time you get through one of those together, you come out stronger and deeper in love.

And oh, mercy! It is SO worth it. Trust Him unto obedience and receive all His promises. 

My soon-coming book, Children of Eber, volume 4 of The Generations Biblical fiction series debuts November 11th, my eleventh release of 2015! 

Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

     At the time Abram is called to a strange, pagan land by the God of his fathers, Shem still walks the earth. At his death, his great-grandson Eber becomes the patriarch. Abraham, never the oldest living firstborn, is rewarded with power and riches for his obedience to leave his home and sojourn. Still—though the Lord has promised him an heir—his beloved wife remains barren, which tears daily at her heart.

     Almighty God visits His prophet, talks with him, forgives his indiscretions, and cleans up the messes he makes. The Lord promises amazing things including all of the lands where Abram walks for him and his heirs as a possession and that nations will come forth from his loins—descendants too numerous to be counted. The well-known story of the Father of Faith comes to life in Children of Eber.

     Walk with the man honored by today’s the three major faiths.

Caryl's Amazon Page    Website    Facebook

BIO: Caryl McAdoo currently writes four series, all with a Christian perspective: the historical ‘Texas Romance’; a contemporary ‘Red River Romance’; The Generations, her Biblical fiction; and the King’s Highway trilogy, a mid-grade any day dystopian. The best-selling novelist loves singing new songs the Lord gives her, and she paints. In 2008, she and her high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved from the DFW area—home for fifty-five years—to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and sixteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings believing all good things come from God. Praying her story gives God glory, she hopes each one will also minister His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. Caryl and Ron live in Clarksville, the county seat, in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State with two grandsons, Christian and Benjamen.

Powerful Prayer at the Movies

I so enjoyed War Room at the local Paris Cinemark theater one afternoon following church and Sunday dinner. It took me by surprise, and I'm a fan! From what I hear, you either love or hate it, and I'm guessing this has a lot to do with how well you know the awesome God I serve!

Father of nine, Chris Fabry writes for discovery like I do! I don't know how the story will end or where it's going when I start. Anyway, easy to understand why the author of War Room novel enjoys solitude. He says, "I want to change people’s hearts one story at a time. I want them to feel deeply and connect emotionally to my characters, and in the telling of the story, discover more about themselves, about others around them, and about God." Admirable! On Amazon, Fabry's novel maintains a 4.9 of 5 star ranking after almost three hundred reviews!

The Kendrick brothers with Beth Moore.
She and Alex (left) made cameo appearances.

I need to meet Stephen and Alex, the movie's producers also known as The Kendrick Brothers, LLC Asked what's next, one of the brothers responded, "It’s always an adventure, but not always easy. We are often praying and asking God what He wants us to do next. When a project is from Him, there will be a mutual peace and sense of rightness about its direction and timing that will be confirmed repeatedly with counsel and His Word.
     "Consequently, the movies and storylines have come more as a calling than some cool plotline idea. Over the years, we've discovered there is a huge difference between a good idea and a God-idea. Good ideas may impress, but God-ideas will impact for eternity. So, we will go through a season of prayer, sometimes lasting a few years and ask God to show us what is on His heart and to give us storylines and scriptural truths that He wants us to focus on at that time."

The movie debuted Aug 28 in the U.S. and releases this month in Chile and Argentina. It made $11.4 million opening weekend which multiplied its cost of creation by almost four times, far surpassing the brothers', movie critics', or industry analysts' expectations. A senior data analyst at Rentrak, Paul Dergarabedian, reports, “War Room is just the latest example of the power and box office clout of the faith-based audience and the profound interest that this group has in supporting movies that reflect their values and worldview.” It opened in 2nd place overall on 1,135 screens and 1st place for new releases! This is in contrast with most early estimates which predicted an opening of less than $5 million.  Cha-ching!

Its audience is definitely faith based. When researching, I was surprised to learn just how large that Christian audience is, that seven in ten Americans identify with the faith according to the Pew Research Center. You certainly would think we have that many listening to the news of every channel but Fox. War Room is the 4th in a line of faith-based films that significantly outperformed versus box office predictions. Why can't Hollywood see that good, clean movies will do well? Instead, they ruin one by inserting foul language so they can ooch its rating toward R.

I LOVED War Room! I mean - the actors may not have been fabulous, and the dialogue at times could have been more natural, but the message and dear Miss Clara, (played by Karen Abercrombie) by far my favorite character, praying for a young woman (played by Priscilla Shirer) to mentor quickly won me over.


I loved her bold and not so politically correct questions. And her prayers! I adored them! At the end when she prayed, I couldn't stay in my seat.
      I stood and raised my hands --and my face-- to Heaven, praising God for the longest. Thanking Him for bringing the powerful movie to Paris Texas and all over our nation. The lady eventually quit praying, but by then, I was before the throne in worship. Once I opened my eyes again, half the movie goers had filed out and the credit already rolled. :)
      What moved me most was His Word and His purpose being accomplished in a Cinemark! I had a more profound experience that afternoon there in His presence than I'd enjoyed that morning in church! Now that's a little sad, but you know, out in the highways and byways...it doesn't matter, God will meet you where you are.

I highly recommend you watch the movie at your earliest opportunity! Also that you get my newest book for your young readers :) You'll enjoy it yourself!

My October release is a mid-grade dystopian novel written to bolster faith in young believers that in all circumstances, God is with them and watching over then, and will keep, lead, and guide them through the Days of Dread. Sixty thousand words. Book Two   THE SIXTH TRUMPET   Book Three THE KIDRON VALLEY.
   One reader says this: "This first novel in the Days of Dread Trilogy fits the mid-grade classification in that the chief characters are mid-grade children. It is so much more than a dystopian story since it fits so well into the quest genre. Just as C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia” are much more children’s novels in that they are dearly loved and read by adults worldwide, even so “The King’s Highway” takes the adult reader hostage and keeps them enthralled to the very end, a point when they will want more story.

BIO: Award winning author debuts her new Christian mid-grade, book one in the Days of Dread Trilogy THE KING’S HIGHWAY. The prolific, bestselling novelist loves singing new songs the Lord gives her and painting. In 2008, her high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved her to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and sixteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings believing all good things come from God. Praying her story gives God glory, she hopes each one ministers His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. She and Ron live in Clarksville, Texas with two grandsons, Christian and Benjamen.

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