Stitches Thru Time: fear

Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts

Monday, August 26, 2019

Devotion: Be Strong in the Lord!

Finally, my brothers,

Be strong in the Lord

and in his might.

Ephesians 6:10

Sometimes we're too stubborn or blind to see what's right in front of our eyes.

But recently I've reached out to God for help,

that I might strengthen my faith.

I'm grown mentally and spiritually, I think,

throughout this summer,

and hopefully, learned a few things along with

sharing love and compassion to others.

I learned to trust,

and because of that,

I was able to trust my hubby

in helping me conquer a major fear of mine:

Swimming!

I'm still far from a professional,

but I overcame something

that I'd carried forever.
Fear of swimming.

I learned to swim!

I practiced forgiveness.

Hurt really badly this past year by someone I thought

should appreciate all I'd done for them,

I carried that hurt inside me,

feeling justified in doing so.

In so doing, I hurt myself

because to be happy,

to have peace,

a person has to forgive.

Forgiving was a process God showed me

and helped me achieve.

I'm praying a hard prayer.

I was sitting in church one day

and felt like God directed my thoughts

to the ways I was praying.

Sure, it was easy to pray for those

who I loved dearly.

It was easy to pray for the softer hearts.

But what about that one I thought would never

serve God? Who, I thought, was a "hard" person?

Why didn't I pray for him/her?

My eyes were opened.

God is the God of possibilities,

and what I deemed as impossible

was nothing to God!

And, so, I allowed my prayers to include the impossible:

I began praying for that one.

Have I seen results?

Not yet.

But I'm not giving up either.

I will cast my faith on the waters of prayer,

and allow God to work.

I learned that the results are not my responsibility.

I'm required to do what I can.

God will produce the results.

***

How far would YOU go to avenge a daughter’s cruel death? Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings. Can his prayers and love reach Cara and show her the way to redemption? Will Cara realize God’s love and forgiveness before she goes too far?

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman is a novel of hope shining through the darkness with strong elements of suspense and romance. A Selah Award finalist and a semifinalist in the Genesis contest, this novel has close to 150 raving reviews!

Amzn Author Pg: http://amzn.to/1nFS0og

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in 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
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

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

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

Monday, September 18, 2017

When Fear & Faith Collide

“He fills his hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark.” Job 36:32 NIV

My fear has become a monument in the form of an overstuffed notebook. Article after article about lighting facts, hoarded as if in knowing, I will be safer. When a bolt of lightning, traveling through a clear, blue sky killed my dad, my fear spiraled out of control. I pulled my kids off soccer fields, refused to use the electric appliances, or take a shower during a storm. Talking on the phone is forbidden.

As a child, my dad held me in his lap, explaining what a beautiful display lightning gives of the power of God. Lightning striking two of my parents’ homes erased any fascination he managed to encourage. Following his death, fear and faith collided, and lightning became a terrible thing rather than a display of God’s power.

Living on the side of a mountain at 7200 feet puts us in danger of lightning strikes to our home and forest fires. The beautiful view drew us, and we never considered the storms.

An in-depth study of scripture convinced me that only God controls the lightning, but I still cannot see its beauty. I control nothing beyond my own reactions, but God’s sovereignty rules over all. I can accept that God took my father to heaven via a lightning bolt, but I don’t take chances by being out in a storm.

I have heard it said that God’s man, at the center of God’s will, is immortal until God is finished with him. Trusting an all-powerful God can free me from concern for self. Stepping out of my comfort zone can grow and mature my faith. Sensible precautions aren’t wrong. It is wrong to cower in fear over something only God controls.

John says perfect love casts out fear, so my fear cripples my faith. Stormy times in life cause me to depend on God in new ways, and lightning storms should do the same. I must submit my fear to God and leave it there. I must trust God completely, no matter my circumstances.

Fear weakens; faith strengthens. Just as the lightning comes from His fingers, so do the events of our lives. When I refuse to give in to fear, God can show me His power.

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, 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.

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normagailwrites/

Book Links:

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

Monday, June 19, 2017

Security in a Dangerous World

For your ways are in full view of the Lord,
and he examines all your paths. Proverbs 5:21

Security systems are designed to keep us safe in a dangerous world. Following a recent robbery in our neighborhood, we updated our home security system. New technology has bugs to work out and our system certainly had them, including a few involving me.

I turned on every reminder available. We received text messages whenever a door or window opened. Then I discovered my husband even could tell when I climbed out of bed. He checked the security camera and saw me watering flowers. He knew when I left for the grocery store.

It’s strange knowing someone sees your every move. If only we remembered that someone is watching, security system or not. God sees everything, all day, every day. Our ways are familiar to him and he misses nothing. Psalm 139 says, “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

All God’s ways are good. He wants the best for us. The scriptures brim with examples of God protecting his people, providing for them, going before and destroying their enemies. Sometimes he allowed them to get into real messes, knowing the consequences were necessary to help them learn. The Lord has set guidelines for us to follow and we should be mindful of the price of stepping outside his safety net.

A high school youth leader suggested we think about God sitting in the backseat on our dates. When my son was little, he often played in his sandbox where I could watch his every move from the kitchen and get outside quickly. He was safe within my sight. That’s how God wants us to see his loving surveillance. He is a loving parent providing security and direction for his children, not the Gestapo spying to swoop down and punish. Psalm 139 also says, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me…”

Receiving a text message every time a door or window opens assures me I am safe in my rural home. It provides safety in a dangerous world. Even if I turn off the motion detectors so I can move freely around inside, God sees me. There is nowhere I can flee His presence. He loves me enough to keep a watchful eye on my thoughts and actions.

About the author:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normagailwrites/

Book Links:

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

Monday, October 17, 2016

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.

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

Monday, April 25, 2016

Hugs from God

He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:2

Alone in a strange city. Afraid of upcoming medical appointments. Needing encouragement. I stood at the rental car counter, wishing I could escape the entire experience.

The small airport was quiet and full of friendly, helpful people suggesting restaurants and places to visit. It was nice to smile for a few minutes and talk about the weather. The young man offered to bring the car around front since it was raining and I gratefully accepted. Perhaps I looked as tired and stressed as I felt.

I walked to the double doors, realizing I didn’t know what kind of car to expect. Three or four cars pulled up, but none carried the nice young man. I saw a little red car and thought of home. My car is red. It’s my favorite color. When the man I was waiting for stepped out of it I almost cried.

God knew my fears and insecurities. He knew I didn’t want to be there, much less alone. He also knew I needed a smile. The young man might have guessed what color I liked since my shiny, new suitcase was bright red but how often do rental car places have red cars?

I had a huge team of friends and loved ones praying for me. They had no idea one answer to their prayers was a little red car. I’m certain no one prayed for it, but I knew it was a hug from God. He knew what would make me smile. He knew that every time I had to go somewhere I would climb in that little car and remember His love.

God wants us to know He cares. I often wonder how many reminders of His love I miss in the busyness of life. He cares about the little things. He knows my needs, my wants, and my favorite things. I needed a reminder that I wasn’t alone. That little red car was my reminder that God not only had every event of the next 17 days under control, He would also take care of the little things.

We all face things we dread, that make us feel insecure, perhaps even cause us to question God. Remember. Look for God in the little things. Expect God in the big things. Believe God in all things. He is faithful.

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

Monday, March 9, 2015

No Fear

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Make them stop! I can’t see where we’re going!” The ride to the top of the wooden rollercoaster in Elitch Gardens in Denver provided a breath-taking view. When we started down the first descent, I couldn’t breathe at all. My glasses flew over my head. I was certain I was going to die without seeing what killed me. I spent the entire ride yelling, “Stop!”

I am as blind as can be without my glasses. The thought of being left helpless is frightening. Whenever I peer over the edge of a mountain cliff or bridge, my hand instinctively goes to my glasses. When something lies ahead, but we can’t see it coming, it’s a frightening feeling.

Joseph had no idea what lay ahead as he lay in the cistern, wondering why his brothers hated him, fearing he would die, knowing his father would grieve. It is usually a blessing not to be able to see the future. However, we would miss out on many experiences, and spend our lives in fear if we knew what was ahead.

Spiritual blindness is just as frightening as physical blindness. However, we can gain spiritual insight through daily time reading the Bible, so that we know the One who does know the future. When we have confidence that God is in control, we have no need to fear. The present may be full of trial and uncertainty, but God is holding us with His everlasting arms.

I can remember my blind grandmother holding the handrail and counting the hallways which led to my grandfather’s room in the nursing home. I never remember a word of fear from her. She spent her days by his side, usually with her crochet in hand, making potholders so she had something to give to people.

As Christians we have something to give to people who are spiritually blind, insight into the mind and heart of God, hope based on our understanding of His love. We are to trust Him with all of our hearts, so we must become acquainted with His heart. When we know Him, He is able to make our path straight.

Our country faces uncertainty every day. It can strike fear in our hearts, but with spiritual insight we have no need to fear. God will make our paths straight.

About the author:

Norma Gail’s contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, released in 2014. She is a Bible study leader, and writes devotionals for ChristianDevotions.us, StitchesthruTime blog, and “The Secret Place.” She belongs to American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and the New Mexico Christian Novelists. She is married and has two adult children.

Connect with Norma:

www.normagail.org

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail

https://plus.google.com/b/102717101441594679714/+Normagail/about/p/pub

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

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

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

https://twitter.com/Norma_Gail

Book Links:

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

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

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

Monday, October 6, 2014

Be Still

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,

because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3

I stopped halfway through the kitchen. My heart was turning back-flips in the center of my chest. Sitting down and feeling for my pulse, I called my husband to see if I was imagining it. I wasn’t. Two hard beats and then a pause. Two hard beats and then a pause.

As a former nurse, I am cautious about calling 911. This time there was no doubt in my mind. Hooking me up to a 12-lead EKG, the paramedics began the trip into town. Because we live 28 miles from the city limits, I was glad to have someone calm and equipped to care for me. I sat on the gurney praying, “God take care of me and keep my husband safe. Slow my heart.”

Since I am on a heart medication that isn’t well-known in the US, I gave the information to the paramedics. At the hospital, the doctor made it clear he wasn’t comfortable in dealing with it. In the meantime, my monitor went off every few minutes as my heart climbed from 90 up to 206 and then slowed down again. I couldn’t turn to see the monitor without setting it off.

Up to the ICU, where a friendly face greeted me. It’s not encouraging when ICU nurses remember you, it just felt scary. Okay Lord, show them what to do. Over to a regular room. My heart rate was normal—a relief, but what had happened?

Almost twenty-four hours later, someone finally explained. Did it matter that they didn’t entirely understand? Well, I thought it did then, but doctors aren’t the authority. I forgot for a few minutes, but God still held me safe.

Nurses make terrible patients, and I’m no exception, but God was holding me. No matter what happens, He knows best. He will provide. He keeps me safe.

Just as the physical condition of my heart drew my attention at that moment, the spiritual condition of my heart should draw my attention every day.

It may seem as if everything is falling apart, but my heart racing doesn’t mean my mind should race. He can keep me in peace when everything around me is shaking and changing. God is my peace, not doctors, not medications—God. My peace comes from Him. “In every change, He faithful will remain. Be still my soul.”

Quote from “Be Still My Soul” by Katharina von Schlegel

About the author:

Norma Gail’s debut contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, set in Scotland and New Mexico released in April 2014. She is a former Bible Study Fellowship discussion leader who established the first weekly women’s Bible studies in her church in 2003 and continues to lead a weekly small group. Her devotionals, poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She has led weekly women’s Bible studies for 19 years. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, FaithWriters, and the New Mexico Christian Novelists. She is a former RN and homeschool/soccer mom who loves family research, history, and Scotland. Norma lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 38 years. They have two adult children.

www.normagail.org

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail

https://plus.google.com/b/102717101441594679714/+Normagail/about/p/pub