HAPPY THANKSGIVING

We won't be sitting across the table today from a few faces in our past. My grandparents, my Mother, but I know they are still with us in my heart. When I woke this morning thinking about all the blessings in my life, looking out the kitchen window, I was reminded of a time many years ago. My bare feet hit the cold floor, as I slid out of the warm bed, following my nose downstairs to where the warm smells of cooking turkey filled the air. My Mother was at the sink, peeling potatoes commenting about Dad out in the cold snowy morning hunting rabbits or squirrel. I knew in just a few hours the house would be full of family members, giving thanks,eating lots of food,sharing stories and loving each other. There are so many things to be thankful for. Today if you have a neighbor, or friend who isn't able to get out, who lives alone, make sure you take an extra plate of turkey to them. Be a blessing in someones life today. And remember what the apostle Paul told us: I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. Be safe and know I love you.

ANSWERED PRAYERS

He took another sip of coffee, gazing outside as the rain pelted the windows to my office. "I think it's going to rain all day." My immediate reaction was, oh no! Not today. I have so many things planned, outside. But then, that little voice stopped me in my tracks. It said, you've been praying for rain, for several days. So what am I thinking now? No rain, because it interferes with my plans? I wonder how many other times I have asked God to answer my prayers, then when HE does, I say, no thanks, not today. It is so easy to fall into step with our own agenda. We live in a world of instant gratification. When we don't get what we want immediately, we automatically assume God isn't listening. When actually, HE is listening. In fact, HE always listens to our prayers. Because we don't receive "instant" gratification is no indication HE isn't listening. We order fast food, drive around to the window and pick it up. We text our friends on our cell phones. We answer e-mail from our cell phones---can't miss a call if we're away from the computer. We instant message each other. God is always available. Think of HIM as the Instant Messenger. HE has a plan for me, and one for you too. I am praising HIM today for the rain, and asking for HIS forgiveness at my stupidity. Yes, I did pray for rain. Our lawn is brown and the lakes around us are low. As well as the water table. The trees and flowers are dry. But I wanted it yesterday, not today when we are outside delivering food to people. The rain is a blessing. God knows what HE is doing. In your own time Lord. Ecclesiastes 3---there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven; Today the rain falls gently on the lawn, watering the trees and flowers and filling the lake. In your own time Lord, there is a time for everything. And help me to remember to give thanks for answered prayers.

Look What I Found In My Brain!: Is the publisher just a middleman?

Look What I Found In My Brain!: Is the publisher just a middleman?

MISSED CALL

I settled into my desk chair and my eyes trailed to the flashing display, missed call. Before I retrieved that call I pushed back in my chair and reflected who it could be. I wondered at the time, how many times has God called me, and I "missed His call?" How many times in my life did I "not answer His call?" How many times did I not return His call? How many times have I left Him waiting? I sit here at this desk, in the early morning darkness, waiting for the sun to come up. Often times I pray, or just get lost in His word. Listening for His voice to guide me through out my day. Many days when He is trying to talk to me I am distracted with my own agenda. The phone rings, someone knocks on the door. I glance at my calendar and realize I have to be somewhere in a few hours, am I prepared for the meeting, or whatever it is I need to do? A friend reminded me yesterday, the reason I hear HIS voice so often in the middle of the night is because that's the only time He can get my undivided attention. This morning as I prepared for my day, I asked for HIS forgiveness. I asked the Lord to help me with all those little distractions, those "missed" calls. I'm also reminding myself, I have flesh, I'm human. I have two dogs who don't know the rules. I'm praying, "I'm trying Lord, to stay focused on YOU. I'm praying You will guide me and attempt to "call" me one more time. In closing, that's a comforting thought, knowing that He will call me "one more time." John 10:27-My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

HE'S A LOAD

From time to time I like to tell myself I'm in charge here. But no one seems to pay much attention to me. In fact, Meko, a Maltese (on the left), is asleep on my desk as we speak. I'm starting to think that's not a normal thing. How many of you let your dog sleep on your desk? He runs through the house chasing the ball I throw, or brings me his rope to play tug of war. I jerk on the rope, as he tugs from the other end until he's tired and ready for a nap. I throw his ball several times, he chases it and then comes and stretches his legs on the side of my chair, willing me to pick him up. From there, it's down hill. He flops on the top of my desk and sleeps. From that vantage point he is able to see out all the windows. So I'm thinking he thinks he can "guard" the house. He still has that little puppy bark. You know the one. He sounds like a wind-up toy. In fact, when he barks at people outside the window they laugh. I don't think he realizes they are laughing at him. Only another dog lover will be able to relate to my story. I've probably lost my mind when it comes to my two dogs. They are part of our little family. Do your dogs cause you problems, if so what kinds of problems. My dogs are just precious little creatures. They have me twisted around their little "paw". And then there's Bailey, the cute little Westie (on the right). They love each other. Bailey is as independent as a cat. When I want to shower him with affection, he looks at me like he has better things to do. However, about once a month he'll let me pet him and fuss over him. Meko is on my lap all the time. They are both a joy to my husband and me. We love our "boys". Yup, my husband is just as crazy as I am about them, so it works for us. Tell me your crazy dog story. I love to hear them.

A BAD TREE

Luke 6:43-45 No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. At dinner last night Bev shared with me some of the concerns she has while driving her school bus. A job I am sure I would never be qualified for. She shared she feels several of the parents of her kids are not teaching them to be responsible for their own actions. My husband and I teach the teen Sunday school class at our Church. One of the complaints I hear consistently from them is "life isn't fair." One young man dropped out of high school, and he says "the counselor failed him." Each of us is "recognized by our own fruit." In other words we have to take responsibility for what we say, what we do, how we act. And most importantly we need to assume the responsibility for our own actions. When we make bad choices, it's just that---we made a bad choice. Pray for forgiveness, ask the Lord for guidance, get down on your knees and thank the Lord for the Blessings in your life. When speaking, be careful that the overflow to your mouth comes from a kind and loving heart.

SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE

Throughout most of my adult life, especially during turbulent times I have clung to Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings as eagles;they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. A few years ago, while sitting on the side of a cliff in Colorado in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, I caught sight of an eagle soaring. Their wing span can reach up to eight feet, they can soar at an average of up to 30 miles an hour, while weighing between 10 to 15 pounds. But yet, they soar effortlessly. That vision has sustained me many times, for many years. Picturing in my minds eye that majestic bird in flight, trusting and gliding along without a care. Oh that my faith would be that strong. Where I place all my faith and hope and trust in God. All I have is HIS to use as HE sees fit. Yes, it's true, they that wait upon the Lord............

PRAYER REQUEST

Everyday, after I read Daily Guideposts and the Bible verse that goes along with the daily devotional I spend time reading the Bible. I spend a considerable about of time reading and praying for family, friends and any special concerns or needs I'm aware of. It is during that time I pray to the Holy Spirit to fill me with His love and guidance. It is from Him I receive my "daily" assignment. Some days I "find" my assignment quite by accident. One day, I thought I knew where He was leading me, and "by accident" I read the wrong verse. Not only was it not an accident, the story He wanted me to share went right along with that verse. This morning was like no different from any other morning. After reading and praying, I asked the Holy Spirit for my "assignment." I always leave my Bible open on my desk, as my computer boots up. I thought I had the verse, and prayed for direction. I turned back around and closed my Bible. I sat unbelieving what had just happened. Lord, I prayed I'll never find that verse again. What is it you want me to share this morning? I sent out my newsletter a few days ago asking for prayer requests for the new book I'm writing. All the proceeds for this book will go to Samaritan's Touch Care Center. So I asked them to pray with me that I find a publisher who will be like minded. At that very moment I was reminded about Guideposts "Prayer Request". I opened the link, and typed my request. Another window opened asking if I would like to add that link to my web site? There is much more traffic on my blog than my web site, so I added the widget here. Check it out-----you can ask for prayer any time of the day or night? How cool is that? What's ever more cool, is the Holy Spirit directed me to that site. So now you know, if you are reading this, the Lord is looking out for you today. If you have a specific prayer request, click on the link. It will take you to Guideposts site, where many prayer warriors will pray for you specifically. The Apostle Paul reminds us in I Thessalonians 5:16-17 Be joyful always; pray continually;give thanks in all circumstances, for this is god's will for you in Christ Jesus. Check out the link, pray for me. Know that I am praying for you, everyday.

DELIGHT IN ME

Psalms 147:11.. the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. The definition of "delight" in my dictionary is "great pleasure or joy". So according to scripture, when you delight in God, He delights in you. I can't think of many places I feel the power of the Lord more so than the ocean. Watching the calm waves rush to shore and back out again. Or the violent tide rushing in during a storm, including black clouds thrusting torrent sheets of rain and gusts of wind spewing sand like little cyclones along the shore. The mighty hand of God is evident. And even though the storm can be threatening, I take cover in the Lord. Knowing in just a little while there will be a beautiful rainbow where the storm clouds once gathered. How do you take cover? I'm praying for you today.

TENACITY

Have you ever been that chubby little kid standing in the line, waiting while the team captains call out the names of the people they want on their team? You stand there, hands in your pocket, holding your breath in anticipation. "Will they call me next?" And finally by default, you are on a team. That's rejection of sorts. I don't think there's a person alive who hasn't faced some type of rejection. A boy you are madly in love with in high school, asks your best friend to the prom. Your husband continues to date, even after you are married. If you live long enough you will face rejection. Writers face rejection all the time. Stephen King replaced a nail with a spike to hold all his rejections. I can't remember the number but J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter author) received an outrageous amount of rejections before she found the right publisher. When you receive a rejection you have two choices. You can whine, or you can shove it on the nail and move on to the next publisher. One of the best decisions in my writing career has been to hire Tiffany Colter, The Writing Coach. Tiffany is much more than a writing coach to me, she is also my friend. She is a published author, speaker, columnist as well as a writing career coach. She has held my hand, wiped the tears and kicked me when I needed it. If you are finished with your manuscript, but not quite ready to send it off to a publisher, you won't regret hiring this fabulous woman. When my kids were small and they were ready to quit I used to wipe the tears and say to them, "have you ever heard of Homer Glockenspeil" (if you are a real person, I apologize right this minute.) They would shake their head at me, like I had totally lost my mind. I would finish by saying, "You've never heard of Homer because he quit." My next question to them was, "Have you heard of Abraham Lincoln?" "He didn't quit." Neither can you my friend. Hang in there. Be tenacious, persevere until you have polished that manuscript, sent it off to the publisher, and you are reading the email, "we want to offer you a three book contract." When that happens, let me know. We'll do the happy dance together!

I QUIT

I suppose most writers are driven. We're perfectionists. We don't know when to quit. In fact, I think I read a blog about that---quitting. You've read through the manuscript two thousand times. Okay, I'm exaggerating a bit. But you've checked for "crutch words/phrases. You've read it, checking for misspelled words. Syntax errors. Stupid errors. You've read it out loud, and you've followed along as someone read it out loud to you. Now you're going back putting the finishing touches on it. So, tell me, when is it okay to quit. To say, it's the best it can be? I don't know, because for some reason, that phrase "I quit" isn't in my vocabulary. For the most part, that's a good thing. But there comes a time, when you have to say, enough is enough. This manuscript is finished. My husband deserves an award this week. Normally he plays golf every day except Wednesday and Sunday. This week, because I needed him, he took two days off. Actually he came in the office, and noticed a pile of hair on the floor beside my chair, and then just happened to notice it came out of the right side of my head. I have been up at 4:30 a.m. reading, and fixing, and polishing. I yell from the office, "honey, listen to this, does this sentence sound better this way, or this way?" The man's a saint! He's very happy, because I just sent that manuscript to the publisher. Now, should I wash windows or start on the next manuscript? I think I'll eat some ice cream, and then take a nap, because I have I have twenty minutes before I start the next project!

Honey Do List

We followed her like eight little ducks in a row, looking for a table. Unfortunately we couldn't find one where we could all sit together, so we linked two tables together. We shared stories about our past week and in anticipation of the coming week. We laughed, the husbands told jokes and one of them shared the misadventures of his "honey do list." I sat listening to these friends interact with each other, with such joy and love in their hearts. While Dave shared his up and coming week, I reflected on mine. Paul shared with the Thessalonians at Cornith their "honey do list." In the letter from I Thessalonians 12-13: Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. This morning while reading HIS word, I was reminded of that "honey do list." We have company coming this afternoon. My husband, on his way out the door to the golf course mentioned, "you don't need me this morning, right?" Of course not honey. I've got everything under control. I said under my breath. But actually, I do have things under control. Especially by God's standards. I Thessalonians also tells us 14-15: And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. I'm working on edits today. I do that alone in my office. We're going out for dinner. There are clean sheets on the bed. My husband will share "golf stories" with us tonight at dinner. If there are any last minute things I need help with, I know my husband will be there when I need him. Finally in Paul's letter he reminds us: I Thessalonians 16-24:Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire, do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, always.

THE TRUTH

It seems the older I get, the longer it takes me to make a decision. I find that I am weighing the choices I am given. It used to be with large purchases such as buying a car, or a clothes dryer. Today, it seems even the smaller things are becoming part of that process. Wheat or white bread? Navy blue blazer or red? With the bread, I am weighing the pros and cons. Which is healthier? Do I look better in blue or red? Which of them goes with the wardrobe I already have. Every day we are faced with choices, the decisions we need to make. None of us can make a choice or a decision without facts. The truth. How much does it cost? How long will it last? I find myself researching, to get more facts, to find out the truth. John 14:6 Jesus said, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. That is a truth. That's the one I'm looking for. The longer I study Gods word, the more I learn about His truth, the more I crave to know about Him. He alone can guide me to make choices, decisions. Even the simple ones. John 8:32 Jesus said--And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. KJV The longer I study His word, the more information and truth I have to make better decisions. Yes Lord, the truth shall set me free.

Remember

"Where did you put my keys?" He said with such conviction. I reminded my husband I threw them back in his drawer. We have a basket where we keep car keys, house keys or lawn mower keys, but he decided months ago he hated digging through that basket every time he left the house. So he designated a spot for his car keys. That morning I ran to the bank, in his car because it was behind my car. I came home, opened the drawer and dropped his keys back where I found them. I came back in the office and started working. Somehow, I got the date mixed up. I jumped ahead a week. When he came in the office, because he couldn't find his keys, the fact that I didn't know what day it was confirmed his suspicions. I misplaced his keys. For a moment, I doubted what I had done with the keys. I went to the kitchen, pulled open the drawer and looked at the empty spot where they keys should have been. I stood for a moment trying to retrace my steps. He was becoming more impatient as the time neared his tee-off time. I walked over to my husband and patted the pockets of the shorts he was wearing. He wasn't sure how to apologize. Ecclesiastes 5:2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. It is easy to judge someone else, to place the blame on another person. It's hard to admit when we are the ones who need to be accountable for our own actions. Romans 3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. I see so many people today who are quick to judge their neighbor. I pray that I will always have a forgiving heart. That I will, like the old hymn, 'Turn my eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face." When I am on my knees, or reading His word I feel overwhelming joy. I try to stay in His word. I try to live His word. I try to share His word.

FAITH

Every morning, he programs 45 seconds onto the keypad on the microwave. Opens the door reaches, inside and he closes it. That's my husbands routine, day after day. He has faith that I will first, make coffee, and then prepare a cup of the fresh brew, just as he likes it and set it inside the microwave, waiting for him to wake up. All he has to do is warm it up. And like the child who sits at the table, knowing Mom is cooking breakfast, he'll be eating something delicious soon. That's faith. Or as an adult, you call 911 knowing someone will come. That's faith. Putting the key in the ignition, knowing the car will start, that's faith. Romans 1:17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith. I sit in the darkness of the early morning, waiting for the sunrise. I imagine what the warmth will feel like on my face, the prisms of light splashing across the floor reflecting off the sun catcher in the window. That's faith. There are times when my faith waivers, when I'm not sure I can meet a deadline, or I'm challenged by a new project. Am I good enough, quick enough, smart enough? As I sit in the darkness waiting for God to turn on His light in the early morning I am reminded because He lives and because He is ever present in my life, I can do it. I can face another day with determination and strength I didn't know I had. Once again, that's faith.

Another Piece of the Puzzle

When I envision other writers sitting at their desk, creating a new piece of work, I like to think of them in these terms. They are in a quiet little office. No telephone to interrupt their train of thought. No dogs who need to be taken for walks. Or children running through the house playing. They have no friends who drop in to visit. They have no doctor or dentist visits. They do no volunteer work. But I know that's not the case. They don't sit in a quiet office with no distractions. Some of them home school their children. They have full time jobs and only write in the evening, after helping with homework, cooking dinner, doing laundry. None of them have secretaries who answer the phones and plan their calendar. They are up at dawn ready to start the new day, all over again. There are moments I dream about having less to do, but if that were my life, I would be leading the most boring life I could imagine. I love all the drama and the excitement. In fact, when I am in the middle of all that, those are the times all my ideas are born. I love juggling my schedule. It's like a puzzle, and I have a time frame to make it all fit. Some days by the end of the day, I start to feel like a puzzle with a few pieces missing. My husband complains to me all the time that I am too busy. He said just the other day, "we need to practice, repeat after me, 'just say no." Of course I'm exaggerating a bit, but how interesting could my stories be if I sat in a rocker all day? There are days I feel my life might be a little too busy, but what could I give up? Certainly not my dogs, or my writing, or my friends, or the volunteer time I spend with people, my Church activities, or the special time alone with my husband. I'll just take another deep breath and dig in. I've got editing to do, a proposal to write, dinner to cook, dogs to walk, letters to write and friends to email. Oh, I can't forget the laundry.

My Ruth

The cool chocolate brown leather couch enveloped my tired, aching body. I closed my eyes and started to drift off to sleep. The cushion next to me sank with her weight. "Mom, let me take off your make-up." She whispered. I was exhausted from the 22 hour drive, the higher elevation and the fact that my children think I am still 20 and they drag me site seeing and shopping. My daughter-in-law and I have a special bond. I've often told her I couldn't love her more had I given birth to her. She reminds me of Ruth. Ruth 1:16-17....Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me. Myung Sun married my son, moved to this country and became a citizen. She gave up her career in Korea as an actress and model. She left her family behind and became part of our family. The mere mention of her name brings a smile to my lips. She has given me two beautiful granddaughters. Her love and joy in knowing the Lord is contagious. She is raising her daughters with that same love. There isn't a day that I don't praise the Lord for bringing this child into my life and my heart. She and my son have a love story. Myung Sun and I have a love story too.

LET'S EAT OUT

When I was in college, my roommates and I took turns cooking. Normally we were on our own for breakfast and lunch, but we tried to eat together at dinner. Someone thought it would be a good idea. When Moose shared our plan with her parents, her Father promptly hopped in the car and drove from South Bend Indiana to our dorm in Indianapolis, with a trunk full of meat. I might add that Moose had no experience cooking, nor had she ever lit a gas stove. I was in our room, when I heard the explosion. I ran to the kitchen to find Moose, a little singed, lying across a table in the corner. Her eyebrows were singed, her long inky black hair needed a trim. But no other visible scars. The four of us ordered a pizza that night.She later shared she turned on the gas, then went to the refrigerator to pull out the meat, then went back to ignite the stove. It's a wonder she didn't blow up the entire dorm. When it was my turn, I decided to make chocolate chip cookies. I knew how good they would be, because I had watched my grandmother for years. While reading the recipe, I decided to make a few changes. In classes during the day, I was learning the dangers of too much salt, so I omitted the salt, we didn't need it. I increased the baking soda, because I knew, from listening to my grandmother, that's what helped cookies and cakes rise.(Not realizing at the time salt and baking soda work together). We didn't have nuts, and Diana, or maybe Debbie had eaten almost all the chocolate chips. So instead of two cups, I may have had 3/4's cup. I stirred with confidence. Those of you who cook, can only imagine how awful those cookies were. Colossians 4:5-6 reminds us:Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders,make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. One of the ingredients by itself will not make the cookies. It takes all the ingredients together. Had I followed the directions and added all the ingredients from that recipe those cookies would have been delicious. And like my roommate, Moose. Had she followed the directions on lighting the stove, she wouldn't have blown the door off the oven, knocking her across the room. God has everything worked out and in fact He has given us explicit directions. He encourages us to use all His ingredients, including: love, kindness and patience. A daily dose of reading His word, and following His directions will keep us off the floor.

SACRIFICE OF PRAISE

Even though I spend most of my day praying, I am asking myself this morning, how much of that time is a sacrifice? Am I just "praying on the run", in between assignments? When I have time? Or do I actually sit down, shut the rest of the world out and Offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name. Hebrews 13:15. I sit every morning, before the rest of my world is awake, watch the sun come up and read my Bible. I have a special time with the Lord. But, today I'm thinking that's not enough. When I think of the sacrifice God made for me, giving His son for my sins, just a few minutes a day in prayer hardly seems worthy. I am also learning the more time I spend in prayer, the easier it is to perform the tasks I had lost sleep over. There are days, I wake up, make the coffee, take the dogs out and look at my calendar before I sit to pray. I started a new routine a few weeks ago. When I look at my calendar, I give it to the Lord. I pray, "What are WE going to do today Lord? What is it You want me to do. Is it anything on that calendar?" Of course I'm not talking about doctor appointments, or anything of that nature, but writing assignments. I feel a peace come over me. I am able to sit and write, whether it is my latest wip, or a proposal for my new book. HE is ever present. There are days I imagine crawling into His lap, and just "resting" for a bit. HE always gives me the strength to carry on. No matter how crazy that calendar of mine looks.