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Posted by Jill on Wednesday, May 07, 2008 at 11:06 am Some weeks just start on the wrong foot, and I wish we could undo time and start them over again with a different outcome. But of course, barring the invention of a time machine, that isn't going to happen. And life has a way of moving on whether we want it to or not. This has been one of those weeks.I have always adored my daddy and have such fond memories of our times together. On days my mom had to work, he was there for me, attending awards banquets and taking me out to dinner on Friday nights. We collected Pizza Hut cartoon glasses in the months before I got married so that Randy and I could have some everyday glassware to drink out of in our new home. On Saturday mornings Dad would play tennis with me, though I always ended up chasing the ball. I was terrible at returning his volleys. Daddy loves to joke, and his dry sense of humor always makes me laugh. He's a quiet man, who has been through many trials in the past few years, but every time he has made it through, his suffering making him all the more dear. Through the years, Daddy has always been strong, a good listener, and he knows how to make a girl feel special. Every February I could count on him taking me to lunch on my birthday, just me and him. I remember one time he held my hand and prayed for me before we ate - for some reason that memory is especially poignant. He prays all the time, and he has read his Bible through every year from Genesis in January to Revelation in December for as long as I can remember. Daddy has been through a lot these past few years, but the trial he's facing now is probably his toughest. Two weeks ago he broke a hip. We had to move him to a nursing home rehab yesterday... I cried all the way home. I never ever wanted to put one of my parents in such a place. I hate seeing him suffer. And just six months ago Randy's dad died in that place, which doesn't help my mood. I know my dad's illness is not terminal. After physical therapy, once he can walk again, he'll be coming home. It's just the memories of that nursing home are too fresh. So I'm struggling today. Sometimes life is just hard. Of course, Daddy's issues aren't the only stresses in my life right now. If not for Jesus, I would be overwhelmed. But as David so often did in the Psalms, starting out with his worries and cries for mercy, he ended his prayers with trust and praise. And I choose to do the same. As a well known hymn says, "Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blessed assurance control. That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...with my soul. It is well, it is well, with my soul." But the last verse holds the most hope ~ "And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll. The trump shall resound, and the Lord will descend, even so, it is well with my soul." May your soul be blessed this day as well - and as God leads, I welcome and thank you for your prayers. ~Jill~ Posted by Jill on Sunday, May 04, 2008 at 4:36 pm I've got a book cover! Want to see? Oh good - I'm so glad you asked! ;) Here it is: Soooo...what do you think? I think Revell did a marvelous job, and I can't wait to hold the actual book my hands. This is a first draft, so it may change a little, but I was given permission to share it. If you like it, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Just go to my contact page and put "Michal Cover" in the subject line of your email. :) I slept on my new mattress last night - very comfy! Randy said he was less achy this morning. The bed is much higher than before - reminds me of an old poster bed that you have to climb up into. I love it! Did some research yesterday on Israel's history. I find the Old Testament so fascinating. If I could time-travel and visit those eras for a while, I would. Instead, I try to bring those people back to life on the fictional page. I discovered something in my reading that I find rather interesting. Abraham, the man God chose to set apart, through whom all nations of the earth would be blessed, lived in the 21st Century B.C. And we now live in the 21st Century A.D. (Sorry, I'm not politically correct in my time stamps. I do not like the "Common Era" thinking.) While I am not one to guess the time of Christ's return or set dates or try to read the future by political happenings, I just found this thought intriguing... I was reminded this morning, yet again, of a fact we so often would rather forget, and that is, life on this earth is temporary. We tend to act so surprised to hear someone has died, and when that happens, it is heart-wrenching. But it will happen to us all one day. Despite novels that might suggest the contrary, no one has ever lived forever on this earth. As an Agatha Christie title so aptly states, Death Comes as the End. Does that seem morbid? It's really not. The fact that we all face that unknown ought to make us contemplate what happens next, should it not? Do we fear that day? Do we ever examine what is to come?  Gate 1 (WinCE).jpg) I used to fear death, back when I feared hell. But Jesus took that fear from me when He gave me eternal life. Now I know that to be absent from my body means I will be present with Jesus. I suspect that if we had any idea how wonderful that would be, we would long for it continually. In the meantime, I have a lot of work to do. I love doing the things God has prepared for me to do. Learning to love Him better, to serve where He places me, to study His Word. The Bible is so alive with truth and meaning. I have a hard time understanding why Christians don't love His Word more. It's so utterly fascinating and life-changing! We talked about Jesus' return in Sunday School today, and I was reminded of our recent trip to Israel and how even the Muslims know that Jesus said He would return one day and step down on the Mount of Olives, cross the Kidron Valley, and enter Jerusalem through the Easter (Golden) Gate. They bricked up the gate and barred the entrance, apparently to keep the Jewish Messiah from coming through, so no one uses the gate any more. Personally, I find that thinking hilarious. I don't mean to offend anyone, but do they honestly believe they can keep God out of the city where He once put His name or block Him from coming through a man-made gate? Seriously? Maybe they need to go back and check out some of the recent natural disasters around the world - the tsunamis, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, floods, etc. and then decide whether a few bricks can keep God from walking through a gate if He wants to.  In any case, I look forward to that day with great anticipation! (I would gladly give up getting to hold Michal's finished book in my hands in light of Jesus' return!) Nothing compares to the joy of that day, though for some it will be one of terror and trembling. I hope all of my readers see their future with joy and not fear. I have one last picture to share - my publicity photo. It was fun having it taken, though as with my writing, which I rewrite to death, I could "fix" this endlessly as well. :) Here it is: A blessed Sunday to you all~ ~Jill~ Posted by Jill on Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 11:09 am We've got 20 new Christian novels this month - the perfect accompaniment to backyard lawn chairs and glasses of iced tea. I hope you'll find one or more (more is better) from this list to suit your reading fancy. And don't forget to check out my new Spotlight on debut author Cheryl Wyatt!. 1. Anathema by Colleen Coble from Thomas Nelson. An Amish woman who fled after a murder is drawn back to her peaceful community--and a spiraling danger. 2. Bayou Judgment, Bayou Series book 3 by Robin Caroll from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Crisis hot line counselor finds herself in the midst of murder and mayhem, and tough-guy preacher must fight to keep her safe. 3. Beyond the Night by Marlo Schalesky from Multnomah Books. A woman going blind, a man who loves her but can’t tell her so, a crash, a hospital room, and an ending that must be experienced to be believed. 4. Blood Brothers by Rick Acker from Kregel Publications. Sibling rivalry, black market deals, and a dangerous new wonder drug interrupt Ben Corbin's plans for early retirement in this riveting sequel to Dead Man's Rule. 5. Controlling Interest by Elizabeth White from Zondervan. Matt Hogan and Natalie Tubberville compete to find a missing mail-order bride, with Matt's detective agency in the balance--or is love the ultimate prize? 6. Deadly Exposure by Cara Putman from Love Inspired Suspense. With a stalker closing in, will television journalist Dani Richards trust her former love and police investigator Caleb Jamison to help her and God to rescue her? 7. Divorcing the Devil by Dwan Abrams from Urban Christian. Drama, heartbreak, violence, and redemption. Will anyone be spared when trying to divorce the devil? 8. Flame From Within by Shirley Kiger Connolly from Vintage Romance Publishing. Amethyst Rose, inflamed by the devastating war flees her beloved Vicksburg and becomes entangled with two passionate and enamored Yankee warriors and a deceitful Frenchman determined to steal her heart...perhaps her soul. 9. Fossil Hunter by John B. Olson from Tyndale House. A Christian paleontologist makes a dangerous discovery -- a fossil that doesn't seem to fit current evolutionary theory. 10. It's All About Us All About Us book one by Shelley Adina from FaithWords. Can a Christian teenager stay true to her faith and still get the most popular guy in school? 11. Journey to Judah "Born for India" series Book One by Eileen Rife from Capstone Fiction. In an exotic culture of 7.5 million people and over 3 million gods, one woman resolves to follow her heart. 12. Leave it to Chance by Sherri Sand from David C. Cook. After three long years of single motherhood, Sierra Montgomery can finally stand on her own two feet—until a gift horse threatens her finances, her family, and her budding relationship with a handsome landscaper. 13. Ruby Among Us by Tina Ann Forkner from Waterbrook Press. Sometimes the key to your future lies in someone else's past. Ruby Among Us is a stirring story about faith and mother-daughter love. 14. Sandhill Dreams, Book 2 Nebraska Brides by Cara C. Putman from Heartsong Presents. With her dreams shattered, will Lainie Gardner allow God and a soldier at Fort Robinson to breathe life into new dreams that will bring her more joy than she imagined? 15. The Black Cloister by Melanie Dobson from Kregel Publications. When Elise Friedman travels to Germany to research her family's mysterious past, she uncovers a chilling secret and a man who threatens to destroy her. 16. The Duchess and the Dragon by Jamie Carie from B&H Publishing. A passionate duke meets a lovely Quaker girl and finds it was worth losing everything to have her. 17. The Taste of Good Fruit by MaRita Teague from Walk Worthy Press and Harrison House Publishing House. A tragic loss, a devastating secret, and a seductive mistake are insurmountable challenges that take close friends, Sydney, Chanel, and Sherese, on a journey towards self-discovery, strengthened friendship, and renewed faith. 18. Trion Rising, Book one in the Shadowside trilogy by Robert Elmer from Zondervan. What would it be like if Jesus had come to another planet? 19. Wagered Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher from Zondervan. Bethany Silverton can’t resist the challenge of charming a rough cowboy, but when she makes an innocent wager, unexpected results could turn a little flirtation into a lifetime of love. 20. With Endless Sight, Crossroads of Grace #3 by Allison Pittman from Multnomah Waterbrook. When disaster strikes her family, fourteen-year-old Belinda finds herself alone until God delivers her to the unlikely sanctuary of a brothel in the Wyoming mountains. Happy reading ~ ~Jill~ Posted by Jill on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 8:39 pm I should be cleaning my bedroom as I'm hoping to get my guys to move furniture in there tomorrow, and I still need to clear out some things, but all I want to do tonight is veg. Too much running around today, though I did get a little research done for Abigail amidst it all. I'm 2/3 done with the book's word count but probably 1/3 done with my story, so I can see a lot of cutting and rewriting in days to come. But I'm enjoying the story, the discoveries I make as I go.Today, as I reread the passage I'm at in 1 Samuel, I was thinking that most people probably don't see David as the warrior and political strategist that he was. We see him a a shepherd and king, a singer and songwriter, an adulterer and murderer, even "a man after God's own heart," but rarely as an army general or a savvy politician. In the eyes of his enemies, he was a force to be reckoned with, but he also knew how to win over his opponents and keep his friends happy. When he was finally crowned king, the people partied for days and "there was joy indeed in Israel." The people realized that the unpredictable rule of Saul had finally come to an end. The rule of a well-loved shepherd warrior held the promise of new beginning. In any case, it all makes for some interesting scenes to ponder while writing. Speaking of writing, I saw a first draft mock-up of my book cover for Michal last week. When I opened the email with the picture, I was speechless! I'm in awe of what they've done and can't wait to share it here. But I'm going to wait for the final version, which should come through soon, I think. My dad is still in the hospital, though they moved him to a rehab floor today. He's still having a lot of pain, which is so hard to see. It's going to take all his strength to walk again. I promised him a whole pie of his choice (homemade) once he finally comes home. I hope the pain doesn't make the rehab too hard. Continued prayers for him are greatly appreciated. Speaking of rehab - my physical therapy is helping and I'm doing better. I'll find out next week whether or not the doctor will order more therapy or not. I expect to be done in another month at most, but the trick will be finding ways to strengthen myself at home. Randy and I decided that we have to start exercising daily just to keep our bodies from aching and to stay strong. My bone-building program is low-impact but it's helping. I found one of the lowest prices for gas around here today - but it amazes me to think that $3.51 a gallon is the cheapest I could find. I'm going to date myself by saying this but I remember when gas was under $1 a gallon. I don't remember it well, but I do remember it. :) Milk and gas are almost the same price now. The weather hit the high 70s or low 80s here today, but two cold fronts are going to soon ruin our summer-like weather. It's supposed to be in the 40s by Monday. Joy. I love springtime, but I wish Michigan could make up its mind what season its in. And now I've rambled on long enough. It feels good to be home tonight. I'm tired of running out. Of course, the house has been overrun with guys, but I'm used to that. I really need a girls' night out again or a girls' night here - to watch chick flicks and eat popcorn. I'm thinking Runaway Bride or Pride and Prejudice sounds good. :) Oh wait...Monday night is girls' night out. I think I have a mouse in my basement...I suppose that means that cute little mouse I thought died in our vent might have lived...and might be traipsing around in places I don't know...and I'm thinking I need to develop David's warrior spirit and buy a mousetrap... Have a great weekend. ~Jill~ Posted by Jill on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 9:51 pm My pondering got interrupted by a medical emergency. My dad fell and broke his hip this past weekend, pushing my priorities in different directions. Prayers for his complete and quick healing are most appreciated.And speaking of prayer...prayer is more than rote recitations or mind-numbing mantras. Prayer is conversation, a direct communication with our Maker. Of course, there is a catch, that is, there are conditions on which our prayers are heard. Some of those conditions are to know Him personally, to have the right to be called His children by faith in His Son Jesus Christ. Another is to keep our hearts from sin because God won't listen if we have a wall of sin between us. But if we do know Him and are living our lives to please Him, obeying His commands to love Him and seek Him first and loving our neighbors as ourselves, then we ought to pray - always - about everything. Including and especially about our relationships and our marriages. Nowadays, it's too easy to get caught up in life's busyness and struggles and we can take our mates for granted assuming they will always be there. But we don't know what tomorrow may bring or how long we have to live on this earth, so we shouldn't assume that the man we love (or woman if you're a man) will always be at our side. My dad's sudden trip to the hospital reminded me yet again how quickly life can change. One minute he was walking out the door to church and the next he was on the floor and couldn't get up. Not that we should live in fear of tragedy, but we should live in appreciation for each moment God gives us to love those He has placed in our lives. Appreciation and gratitude can go a long way toward stopping the onslaught of temptation that can pull us apart. Temptation toward unfaithfulness comes in so many forms - not only sexual infidelity, but other addictions or idols as well. Idols that we place ahead of God and then above the relationships He would have us put first. Things that replace people in our lives. Even in marriage. Prayer is a good way to keep those priorities from getting out of balance. When we seek Him first and keep the lines of communication with our Lord open, we are free to share everything in our hearts with Him. And as we surrender our wills for His, He restores things that are broken and heals wounds that hurt. The apostle Paul said to, "Pray without ceasing." It's something I'm aiming to do more each day. ~Jill~ |
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