Category: Wisdom

  • Book lover corner

    “It is a great thing to start life with a small number of really good books which are your very own,”—Arthur Conan Doyle.

    Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely LOVE books. Fiction, non-fiction, memoir, mystery, funny & serious books. I give them away and let people borrow from my extensive, unorganized library. You might hear me say,

    “Take care of this one. Treat it gently; like family.”

    As an early married gal, I read all I could about engagements and then married life. Love languages of men and women. During my child rearing years, I tended toward non-fiction, self help type of books. How to potty train in one week. Then, we moved to the turbulent teen years. What to do when you teen doesn’t like you any more (not even a little bit)? Later, as our children grew and moved out, I stared at the empty nest years. How to keep our marriage flame burning brightly. Happy days came when our first born son and his wife were blessed with our first grandchild, Liberty Hope. How do I creatively grandparent from far away?

    Seasons come and go in your life and in mine. One of the keys I’ve found is to be flexible. Having a positive attitude and eagerness to embrace a new chapter in life also is helpful.    image001 (Copy)

    Over the last several years, I’ve been investigating various genres of books. After attending various writer conferences, I’ve learned some benefits of exposing myself to all sorts of writing.

    But the most widely used and appreciated book throughout my entire life would have to be the Bible. The Word of God. Scripture. There are many different titles/references to this Holy Book. Whatever you choose to call this inspired and God-breathed book, I’ve found it to be the answer to any question that might surface during a lifetime. Whether you’re angry, sad, doubtful, happy, searching, or confused, ask God to lead you to the passage that will speak to your specific heart need.

    • What is the burning question(s) in your mind right now?

  • Keep in touch

    God, I hear Your still small voice calling out, “Where are you? Where have you been? Don’t you realize you need me?” Oh, I need You, yes I need You—every hour I need You!

    Liberty holding baby Elijah's hand
    Liberty holding baby Elijah’s hand

    Of course, I know I need God, but I don’t always act like I know I need God. It’s sometimes easier to go about my merry way and ignore the fact that I’m really not in charge. In fact, life doesn’t usually go as well when I operate as though I’m the one in control.

    “Spending time alone with Me is essential for your well-being. It is not a luxury or an option; it is a necessity. Therefore, do not feel guilty about taking time to be with me,” Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young.

    You, too, have decisions/choices to make. Big ones and little ones. But before any decisions should be made, I must spend time with God, in His presence, in His word. When I take the time to do this, I find guidance and blessed peace. Peace that this world can never offer me. Do you find this to be true?

    • Do you find it difficult to set aside time to meditate in God’s presence?

    • What truths did you encounter when you spent time with God and in His Word?

    “Come near to God and he will come near to you…”—James 4:7-8.

  • Help is only a prayer away

    Sometimes it’s about admitting our inability to shoulder the burden alone. There will be times of troubles, trials, and temptations. We’ll be disappointed and distressed as we walk this journey called life. Maybe you’re plagued with an ongoing health issue, or a child you love dearly tests every fiber of being in your body. For some, Satan is trying any way possible to place a wedge between you and your spouse.           image002 (Copy)

    The question is not if fears and trials come, but when. When these afflictions plague us, know that there is a place to run to for help, a strong tower to shoulder our weak frame.

    God’s comforting words appear many times in the Bible, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” When God says something, He means it. He is there right alongside us as we go through deep waters. I may not see Him physically, but faith tells me that He’s there regardless of my limited sight.

    • Whom do you seek in times of trouble?
    • When have you felt the mighty hand of God?
    • Can you name your fear(s) and willingly offer them up releasing them to a compassionate God?

    We’re offered solace and refuge in Isaiah 41:10/NLT, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

     *****

  • Steady as she goes

    Bad news comes in all shapes and forms. It could be: a car breakdown, loss of job or hours at work, strained relationship, death of a loved one, inability to become pregnant, health issues, or a rebellious/wayward child. Regardless of the bad news content, we do not welcome it’s intrusion into our busy, pre-planned lives.    image001 (Copy)

    Life was going so well, but then _______ or _______ happened! When life seems to go swimmingly along, I tend to revert to “neutral/coast” mode. Yet when life throws me a curve, insignificant details don’t seem to matter all of a sudden. Then I’m all about seeking wisdom or a cure. Daily mundane tasks are put on hold. I may cry out to God, Why me? Why now? I tend to search out Scripture for comfort. Or, humble myself and ask others for prayer support.

    I looked up the definition of the word ‘steadfast.’ You don’t hear the word used much these days. Here’s what I found:

    Fixed in direction, steadily directed, firm in purpose, resolution, faith, unwavering, firmly established, firmly fixed in place or position.

    What I hear the psalmist saying is that I must keep my heart firmly fixed on God. To be steady in my direction and purpose. Do not waver on my convictions. Stand firmly planted on what I believe and in Whom I believe.

    •  Where do you go when you hear bad news?
    • How steadfast is your heart?

    “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord”—Psalm 112:7.

  • Each day is a gift

    I echo this prayer written by James Dobson,

    “Father, each day of life is a gift, and we do not know when we will draw our last breath, may we live circumspectly, with eternity always in view, Amen.”

    Orchid, Frederick Meijer Gardens
    Orchid, Frederick Meijer Gardens

     

  • I am with you always

    Welcome banner in snowdrift (Copy)

    Are you dealing with a tough decision today? Know that the God of all ages sees, hears, and knows your every struggle.

    He knows when you’re happy, sad, glad, or angry. God longs for you to tell Him your doubts and to share your pain. Confide in Him, my friend. You won’t regret it.

    “And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”—Matthew 28:20.

     

  • DREAM Big!

    My husband and I did some after-Christmas shopping. While browsing the shelves for bargains, we purchased hand towel with the words: DREAM written across the bottom edge. Above the lettering appeared a spray of green leaves and red berries with a gold thread running throughout.     DREAM (Copy)

    I didn’t pay a lot of attention to a possible meaning behind the word on the towel until several days later after the excitement of the holidays passed. This morning I picked up the towel and realized just how inspiring this towel could be for my writing in 2014.

    I recently read a piece from Jeff Groins, How to Get Ahead During the Holiday Season (or anytime of year). He includes several tips about how to get ahead and stay motivated.

    “Successful people aren’t successful because they’re like everyone else. They are successful because they’re weird. Because they do what others are afraid or unwilling to do.”

    I began to ask myself questions while thinking about Jeff’s article. Am I that type of person? Am I willing to do what no one else will? Willing to be classified as weird?

    If I am willing, I must learn focus, stamina, and balance. Only the smart ones will finish. Will I finish that book I’ve started? Query an editor about an article burning deep within? Jeff goes on to say, “I must put pain from my mind. And on the last day … you alone will be friendly with the dark.”

    My desire is to “break out of the constant feeling of being left behind. Work harder; show up more often; and eventually, you will prevail. It’s not easy. It will require sacrifice. But it will also lead to victory.”

    So Dream Big—I plan to dream so big others will look sideways at me concerned. Concerned that I possibly might have bit off more than I can chew. That is just fine. Because when I bite off more than I can humanly handle, that’s when God’s miraculous powers come into play. And into view for all to see, marvel, and glorify His holy name!

    What are you willing to do to break out of the norm? Will it be staying up an extra hour to put the finishing touches on a manuscript? Or, maybe sequestering yourself away from the TV room and spending an extra 45 minutes in front of a computer, or reading and doing research for your project.

    What goals or new patterns do you want to put into practice in 2014? Here are a few suggestions to get your thinking cap spinning:

    • Get up early to write
    • Less TV; less Candy Crush, Lucky Slots, etc.; more real writing
    • Exercise consistently (not just when the clothes don’t fit like they used to fit)
    • Read the Bible through in a year

    Dear God, as I look at my new, unspoiled 2014 calendar, my desire is for a new me too. You’ve taught me much in 2013. I have grown, but there’s so much more internal growing to be done. This new me—I want to look more like You and less like the old me. Thank you for what You are about to accomplish in my life, my goals, and talents. The goals and talents You so graciously gifted me before the beginning of time. Amen.

     

  • The Transformation Project

    This year, our local Word Weavers writers group embarked upon a mission of compiling an anthology book. The theme would be “Transformation.” For some odd reason, the idea didn’t excite me—at least not at first.    image001 (Copy) (2)

    Most of the submissions were already turned in, critiqued, and accepted before I decided it would be a good idea to get with the program and come up with something for the book. I searched my archives and found the perfect journal article. My son.

    My son was transformed later in his teens—(you’ll just have to read my story to find out about the before and after details). Little did I know that during that whole upsetting ordeal that God was transforming my heart. Transforming it from independence on self and dependence on the only wise God. I didn’t even realize this story had evolved into a double transformation. One in my dear son’s heart and one close to home: me.

    Maybe you’ve experienced deep grief in your soul in the past. Or, maybe you’re experiencing it right now. I invite you to take a look at the stories enclosed within the covers of our new release, The Transformation Project. The book is available in both paperback and Kindle format.

    P.S. the title of my story is: I Hope He’ll Come Home.

    Dare to tell about a time of #transformation in your life. #WordWeavers W MI authors did. https://amzn.to/1d195NW

  • Do you consider yourself an Encourager?

    “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today”—Hebrews 3:13.

    We must not give up! Some days and hours are just tougher than others. We all have days when we feel good about ourselves, our family, and the world in general. But there are also those times when we feel the entire world is against us.   purple-white crinkle flower (Copy)

    I get that. I’m with you and have the same types of ups and downs. My ups and downs may not be the same as yours, but nevertheless can be defeating. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us to encourage each other. Daily. That’s a whole lot of encouraging. He knew that as humans we are likely to forget yesterday’s triumphs. For me, a good feeling is easily replaced by a not-so-good feeling. If one person make a comment about my work that I consider negative, my mind lingers on that thought a lot longer than a praise note.

    That’s why we need a lot of cheerleaders in our life to counteract the naysayers…those who think before they speak. I understand the need for people to critique. I’ve been amazed at the great counsel that comes from writer’s groups and friends who work with the English language on a daily basis. Great value comes from another set of eyes to look through my work.

    The problem comes from when one or two negative comments cause me to quit writing or creating all together. Through the years I’ve learned there is something to be learned from every commentary I receive. Asking God what portion of this information I need to take to heart and what part do I need to discard and forget. God is my ultimate source of critique. His wisdom trumps all others.

    Prayer of encouragement: Dear God, may I be the one to communicate hope and light to someone in need. I know that when I share with others the blessings go both ways. Amen.

    How about you? Do you have a resource to filter your writing or creativity mode through? Maybe it’s a writer’s group or group of friends whom you trust their intuition. If not, why not make that a priority this week to find at least one other unbiased person to share your talents?

  • Come away with me

    “See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me” — Song of Songs 2:11-13.     tomatoes on the vine v2 (Copy)

    In the book of Song of Songs, King Solomon writes of love & carefree days. He speaks of courtship & consummation of love between a man and a woman.

    This type of pleasure can also be carried over into our relationship with God. God longs for my companionship. He eagerly awaits me to quiet my body and mind. To still my thoughts & drink in His presence, love, and wisdom. He woos me away from the cares of today. Coaxes me to focus on Him; not on my problems or circumstances.

    When life calls me away from contemplation and into disorder, confusion, and strife — I push God further and further from the center of my life. The center of my soul.

    Chaos, fear, doubt, depression, and health problems are symptomatic results.

    I’m sure your days are filled to the brim … just like mine. I feel there is little time to pause, read scripture, and pray. Or maybe it’s that I’m not allowing for that time in my life. When there’s much to do, that’s the day, I need to spend more time on my knees.

    How about you? Did you steal away for some God-time yet?