November 2008

It is Thanksgiving Eve, and I’m about to go watch TV with my hubby, but wanted to wish you all the happiest of Thanksgivings! I know there is much in our world to worry about, from terrorist attacks to the economic crisis. I would in no way make light of those things.

But there is still much to thank God for, especially to those of us who know Him. Some things I’m grateful for:

1. My Creator knows my name.
2. Jesus paid the price for my salvation.
3. My sins are forgiven.
4. I have an inheritance not made with human hands, kept in heaven for me.
5. God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.
6. He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete what He started.
7. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.
8. The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear?
9. God has given to me very great and precious promises.
10. In my Father’s house are many rooms where Jesus is preparing a place for me.
11. Jesus promised to return to take me to be where He is.
12. The Bible ends with the promise of Jesus’ soon return.

That return is closer now than it ever was.

More things I’m thankful for in an earthly way:

1. I’m married to the best man on earth.
2. My three sons are the best sons in the world.
3. My parents have given me a godly heritage.
4. My sister is my friend.
5. My dad gets to come to my house for Thanksgiving, thanks to my sister. (Dad’s been in a nursing home since May and can’t walk or care for himself.)
6. My brother makes me laugh.
7. I’ve got more friends than I deserve and I love them all.
8. I have my needs and a lot of my wants met, more than I deserve.
9. I get to write for a living, something I dearly love.
10. I’ve got a wonderful agent and terrific publisher and thank God for them both.
11. God has given me a great network of author friends whom I respect and value.
12. God has placed us in a church we love, for which we are truly grateful.

My lists could go on and on and get more specific – thanking God for extended family and list friends by name, but then this post would never end. :) I am starting to realize though, just how good God is to me – how much He has blessed me with, not only in this life, but spiritually, and in the life to come. How I long for the day He reveals His Son to the world! All of the blessings of earth pale in comparison to meeting Jesus face to face.

Some of my friends are missing loved ones this Thanksgiving, celebrating the holidays without that special someone near. We lost Randy’s dad last year about this time, and I often wonder how long we’ll get to have my folks with us. I want to love those people God has placed in my life, so that they know I loved them, so when they are gone, I have no regrets.

This Thanksgiving is one of those times I’m looking forward to with anticipation and joy – grateful to be with my family again. And grateful for all of you who read my musings. I wish you all a holiday that is more than a day to eat turkey and pumpkin pie (my dad’s favorite dessert of which I made plenty!) but a day to reflect on all that God has done for us.

Happy Thanksgiving!

One of the definitions of refuge is: “That which shelters or protects from danger, or from distress or calamity; a stronghold which protects by its strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness; a place inaccessible to an enemy.” Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

Comforting thought, isn’t it? In these uncertain times, I need a such a refuge. I need to feel sheltered and protected from worry over future trials and troubles, from distress or calamity. I need a stronghold to shield me, to protect me from outside forces and sometimes from my own inner fears. It’s easy to be afraid, to fear job loss, a failing economy, war, disease, pestilence, and any number of earthly woes.

Here in Michigan fear of job loss is probably one of the highest worries on the list of most people. And for those who are already without work, the worries escalate to loss of everything they hold dear. If anything happens to the Big Three auto companies, many, many more people will be in trouble. Big trouble. And not just in Michigan. The results would have a far-reaching ripple effect that I can’t even begin to imagine.

One man in our AFG (Adult Fellowship Group) reported this morning that he will be out of a job December 1st. Our church has started a career helps program to try to come alongside members who are looking for work. I want to think the need for such a program will be short lived. But I cannot predict the future, and such threats are all too real – and honestly, downright scary. Sometimes it’s better if I don’t read the news. All the negative speculation does nothing to help me take refuge in the only protection I can cling to.

So while I pray for these situations, I limit my Internet news sites and focus on what really matters.

“The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms…” Deuteronomy 33:27

“The God of my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation,
My stronghold and my refuge…” 2 Samuel 22:3

“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” Psalm 46:7

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Until these calamities have passed by.” Psalm 57:1

“In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.”

“Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah” Psalm 62:7-8

“I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.’” Psalm 91:2

“But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord;
In You I take refuge;
Do not leave my soul destitute.” Psalm 141:8

These few verses picture God as having arms and wings, one to hold us close, the other to hide us, to protect us. They show Him as a rock and a fortress – our immovable defense. He is our help in times of trouble.

But we must come to Him for such refuge. We must come as His children, who can approach Him with confidence because of the grace and mercy He has shown us in His Son. And we must come to Him in honesty and openness, pouring out our hearts before Him, laying our burdens at His feet.

If these uncertain times can cause the heart of one who knows the Lord to tremble even the slightest bit, how do those who do not know Him cope? To know Him brings quietness and rest. To trust Him brings hope and peace.

As for that man in our AFG who will lose his job next month, he reminded the class of two important truths – that God is in control, and God is good, all the time. Those who know Him can rest in these facts.

As for me, I will rest in my God’s embrace and cling to the shelter of His wings, knowing that whatever may come, my Rock is a greater shelter to me than any earthly hideaway. Even in the midst of the storm, God is with me. What is there to fear?

Shalom – peace be with you ~

I’ve been doing a lot of reading of late. My favorite time frame is historical, and I’ve found three books to more than satisfy that fancy. Two of the books are by authors whose works I hadn’t read before. The other is from a tried and true favorite.

The first is A Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell

Born with the face of an angel, Marget Barnardsen is blessed. Her father is a knight, and now she is to be married to the Earl of Lytham. Her destiny is guaranteed … at least, it would seem so. But when her introduction to court goes awry and Queen Elizabeth despises her, Marget fears she’s lost her husband forever. Desperate to win him back, she’ll do whatever it takes to discover how she failed and capture again the love of a man bound to the queen.

Loved this story! The author has created characters to love and characters to hate with the unique historical backdrop of a queen’s court, a life far removed from modern society. Fascinating history. Wonderful read!

The second is Rachel’s Secret by B.J. Hoff.

Bestselling author BJ Hoff promises to delight her many faithful readers with her compelling new series, The Riverhaven Years. With the first book, Rachel’s Secret, Hoff introduces a new community of unforgettable characters and adds the elements readers have come to expect from her novels: a tender love story, the faith journeys of people we grow to know and love, and enough suspense to keep the pages turning quickly.

When the wounded Irish American riverboat captain, Jeremiah Gant, bursts into the rural Amish setting of Riverhaven, he brings chaos and conflict to the community―especially for young widow, Rachel Brenneman. The unwelcome “outsider” needs a safe place to recuperate before continuing his secret role as an Underground Railroad conductor. Neither he nor Rachel is prepared for the forbidden love that threatens to endanger a man’s mission, a woman’s heart, and a way of life for an entire people.

One of my favorite authors! B.J. Hoff has created another masterful cast of characters set in impossible situations. Loved this page-turning read!

The third is Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen.

As Charlotte drew closer to the looming grey edifice that was to become her temporary home, she could not help but notice the secretive shuttered windows. Then she noticed the milkweeds…

Even a proper vicar’s daughter can make a mistake–and now Charlotte Lamb must pay a high price for her fall. To avoid the prying eyes of all who know her, she hides herself away in London’s forbidding “Milkweed Manor,” a place of mystery and lore, of old secrets and new birth.

But once there, she comes face to face with a suitor from her past–a man who now hides secrets of his own. Both are determined, with God’s help, to protect those they love. But neither can imagine the depth of sacrifice that will be required.

Sprinkled with fascinating details about the lives of women in Regency England, Lady of Milkweed Manor is a moving romantic drama about the redemption of past failings and the beauty of sacrificial love.

Fascinating debut novel! This romantic drama kept me guessing and reading late, turning pages. Touching, poignant tale. Wonderful read!

Last week, our son Ryan invited Randy and I to join him in a service project set for today. Many adults at our church help out at various places around town that serve those in need. The church encourages such ministries to help in our communities. But for all of the opportunities available to us, I had never volunteered to work at such a place. I had donated items and given donations and such, but there is something eye-opening and humbling about serving first hand.

Honestly, it made me cry. I knew things were bad in Michigan. Many, many people are out of work. Where the economy is bad across the nation and in many parts of the world are in recession, Michigan has been closer to depression standards than other states. I’d just never seen it up close and personal. Not like this.

I have no idea how many people who stood in line today were homeless. This place was not a shelter. They came for clothing and used items to buy, though I don’t know if they used actual money. I think they were given tickets to purchase things. Today was a big day for this organization as it was a day people without funds could purchase gifts for Christmas.

Randy and I worked in the food pantry. A sheet of paper would be dropped in a clear plastic holder, and we would take the paper, which was a list the family had checked off and gather those items. The list showed how many people were in the family. They were only allowed so many choices. At one point I boxed up the items for a family of five.

They included: 2 cans of fruit cocktail, 4 cans of apricots, 2 cans of tomato sauce, 2 cans of sliced potatoes, 3 cans of wax beans, 4 cans of assorted soup, 2 small cans of tuna fish, 1 quart of milk or juice, 1 box of cereal, 1 bag of rice, 1 pkg. sausage, 1 pkg. ground turkey, 1 bag of macaroni noodles, 1 lb. bag of spaghetti noodles, 1 bag of pinto beans. For larger families we could throw in 1 large bag of corn grits and a bag of dried cherries. We also got to toss in maybe 10 large pieces of candy which might include popcorn, cookies, bags or bars of candy, gum, marshmallows, crackers, and such. In the end, that family of five had one large box of groceries.

When I shop for my family of five, I come away with many bags of groceries. The amount they were given might last 3-4 days, 3 meals a day. Maybe. If you don’t count the candy. I suppose it could stretch even farther if you shorten the portions or skip a meal. And it would depend on the age of the children in the household.

But what about fresh fruits or vegetables or dairy products or dry goods? Maybe there was another section of the place that handled things like toothpaste and tissue and shampoo and diapers. But the truth is, these people are living from hand to mouth, day to day.

I have a new appreciation for what it means to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” We are so used to plenty in this country, it is hard to fathom so many people going hungry all around us. Less than ten years ago people were stock-piling foodstuffs and water in fear of Y2K and some kind of global meltdown. How far away that all seems.

At the bottom of the order, the person was asked the reason for the requested food. The main reasons were people were out of work or “they didn’t have any.”

I walked away feeling humbled and saddened fighting tears. It shouldn’t be like this. And I wish I could fix it. All the more reason to pray and to help those in need…

“Our Father, who art in heaven,
Holy is your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread…
And forgive us our trespasses as we
Forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.”

And Amen.

Where do my days go? I keep trying to work on my next book and get a few paragraphs written. Today cleaning got in the way. Sigh. But the thoughts are brewing and that’s important too.

I saw a mock-up of my new website for The Wives of King David – particularly the first book Michal! Five Ninety Labs has done a great job so far! It looks so cool! Wish I could share it here, but not yet.

Michal: A Novel now has a Facebook page. Check it out here! I hope you’ll consider becoming a fan so I don’t feel so lonely over there. :) You can read the excerpt and see what you think, hopefully wetting your appetite for the book. :) The website will have the full first chapter and discussion questions and more to share with friends.

The whole thing is starting to feel real! But this girl really needs to go to bed…

G’night!

When I write, I tend to fight addiction. Addiction to filing my nails instead of typing. Addiction to bubblegum – I found a huge bag at Walmart and have three candy dishes in three locations where I write. In my main “official” office, which used to be a wet bar, the recliner not far from that office in the family room, and near the ancient recliner in my bedroom. I am also addicted to dark chocolate, preferably the Dove brand. I have candy dishes at two locations with this dark, delectable delight – one in my main office and one in my bedroom. They are small dishes, I promise…well, fairly small! But addiction being what it is, they need to be within reaching distance to be effective. One can’t be getting up out of the chair just to feed the addiction, now can one?

After all, when my mind is struggling to create, I have to do something and since my nails can only be filed so far down, I taste test different bubblegum flavors or I savor a piece of chocolate, one half at a time until it melts. Mmmm…I have way too many distractions!

I had an epiphany today. While making strawberry pie for my son’s birthday celebration tomorrow, I realized that I didn’t have to mash the strawberries by hand. The masher didn’t work well at all and it suddenly occurred to me that I have this little thing called a food processor…tell me, where was my brain the last several times I’ve made that pie and mashed until my arms hurt?

My son, whose birthday we are going to celebrate, called me today to tell me about a Starbucks creation called “Truffle” something that tastes like dark chocolate. I asked why he didn’t bring me one on his way home! So I ate a Dove dark chocolate to compensate. :)

Bubblegum loses its flavor too quickly.

I love working through character motivations. I do that best while working up a synopsis – it gets me off to a good start. I discovered some thoughts about Bathsheba and Uriah I hadn’t considered before. Can’t wait to explore them further.

How is it possible to have Amazon sales stats when my book hasn’t been released yet?

I figured out one of the reasons Abram gave in to Sarai when she told him to sleep with Hagar so Sarai could gain a child by her maid. At first it didn’t make sense because Abram had just come from God making a covenant with him and showing him that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky and that the descendants would come from Abram’s own body. Maybe Abram agreed with Sarai because she wasn’t specifically named in the promise at that point. But I figure it also could have had to do with Sarai’s persuasiveness. Have you ever tried to argue with a post-menopausal woman who also happens to be desperate? Had to be the reason…

My guys are watching a loud movie downstairs. Why aren’t there more good romantic movies being made? Seriously. My favorite romantic movie of all time is Pride & Prejudice with Keira Knightly. It is well-written, well-directed, has great acting, and it is extremely clean even though immorality and such are implied. The hero and heroine don’t even kiss until the end of the movie and they are already married by then.

I’m not a prude, (do people still use that word?) but I like a movie that doesn’t need explicit sex, sex outside of marriage, bad language, or stupid humor to be popular. Or to even get filmed. Give me a really good love story – a story of honor and sacrifice. There are some, to be sure. The Count of Monte Cristo comes to mind, and except for the sex before marriage stuff, I loved Runaway Bride. (There are more, but they slip my mind right now.) Still, these kinds of good films are so few and far between. We need more. I asked my guys to write such films since they write scripts and want to direct them someday. But of course, they write what they want to watch and what guy is really into romance? An action flick with elements of romance maybe, but I want a romance with elements of action.

We need more female script writers…and I need to stop rambling and work on my synopsis or read.

My bubblegum lost its flavor again and my dark chocolate has melted – in my mouth, but melted just the same. :)