Author Kathy Eberly

Where Did I Go?

2017-11-09T16:52:00.002-08:00

Philippians 4:7-"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

The past few years have gone by in a blink. All of the sudden I realized I hadn't posted in two years! Yikes! How does that happen? In all honesty, life happened. Things often happen beyond our control and we can't go back no matter how much we want to. Many things happened in my personal life, I lost my father-in-law who lived with us, our Our home went from having nine people in it to just the two of us and our two fur babies Snap and Luke. Did I say two? We live in the country and often people will get rid of their unwanted pets. Monday morning when I let Luke outside and a tiny critter wandered in scared and cold. A minute later his identical sister came in the door. we estimate these kittens to be eight weeks old. They are cuddly and loving and though the older two have not been happy a bond is starting.In June my father went into the hospital with a fever and not feeling well and within hours was in a coma for three weeks. He was in the hospital for five weeks or so.We learned he was suffering from the Powasson Virus; a tick born illness that is so rare only 100 people nationwide have contracted it and 10 have died. Dad has been in and out of skilled nursing facilities and the hospital since the beginning of June. My mom has attempted to care for him with the assistance of my brother and myself.God has been a close companion to me since before this event.In the past couple of years my own life was rocked when I was diagnosed with some serious health issues. Due to some of these, I lost considerable weight. I'm not looking or feeling the same.

This year I celebrated a huge milestone in my life. My graduating class had it's 40th reunion. Every time I've had a reunion I have gone to great lengths to improve my appearance so people won't see me as the insecure person I was in 1977. God has a sense of humor. He allowed me to finally realize He loves me as I am and guess what? So do others. I am humbled. He continues to bless me despite my insecurities and doubts. This weekend I leave for what has been my favorite thing to do the past four years. I am going on my fifth short term mission trip to Jamaica November 10-18. I will be assisting a group of chiropractors who treat people and I get to work with children and pray with those with heartaches and needs. Some are so personal I can't even share. Hearts all over the world suffer from similar needs. My prayer for you is God ministers to you today. He cares for you more than you could ever know. What about you? What's going on in your world? I'd love to connect with you!

2015--Another new beginning!

2015-01-30T11:07:00.000-08:00

When I realize it's been several months since I have updated my blog/website. What a whirlwind 2014 was. There were joys, sadness, hellos and goodbyes. In April, my father became extremely ill and for a few days, we imagined the worst. But God, had other plans! My father revived and is still here with us. He is still battling Lymphoma, but the sheer fact we can still fellowship with him is nothing short of miraculous!

In May, I underwent Rotator Cuff Surgery and my right arm was laid up for quite a while. I went through many months of physical therapy and then I began to feel better. My arm is 90% back to where it should be, yet I still have days of discomfort. All in all, God is STILL good and God is God.

I've had the privilege now to go on my second mission trip to Jamaica. This year, my teammate and I did puppetry for the children and adults we came into contact with. We were able to minister to orphans, deaf students, public school students and many teachers as well as staff members at our hotel. We enjoyed our time there and I was privileged to lead a child to the Lord! This revitalized me. Another exciting event happened. I published my first Christian contemporary romance, Karissa's Hope. The story is a moving one, I'm hoping all will enjoy. In the next few weeks I will be sharing more opportunities on how you may obtain a copy and also about my special book launch party on February 24! Keep posted for this event! So we're off and running in 2015. What exciting things are happening for you this year? I'm also going to be improving this site. Let me know what you like and don't like! My prayer is you will be refreshed and renewed and enjoy this site as well as this year! We still have 11 months of it left!

How Are You Doing?

2014-01-20T19:12:00.001-08:00

"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:14

It's unbelievable that we are almost a full month into 2014. If you are like me, 2014 isn't much different than 2013. Did you make New Year's resolutions? I used to but I found that I was discouraged from not having kept them for more than a week or two. I do make goals yet I don't stress as much over them.
In the work I do, it's important for my clients to have goals. It aids in their recovery. For those that don't know, I work with substance abuse clients. Each person has their story and each person has their own demons that they face. If they don't have a plan when they enter, by the time they have completed their time with our organization they do. Some succeed. Some don't. It's like that for all of us.
If you aren't keeping up with the plans you had for 2014, there is still hope. I've often said that as long as a person is breathing, there is hope. Some of my hopes for this year are similar to last year. I'm praying for God's guidance in whether He wants me to go on another mission trip. I am seeking the Lord for help in my weight loss and physical situations. What are some of your goals or resolutions for this year? Whatever they are, you can trust God to lead you!
I would love to hear what some of your goals are for 2014 and how you are doing!

Remembering Diann Hunt

2013-12-14T19:29:00.000-08:00

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

A few years ago while at a writer's conference, the members brought up a member of our group who was very ill. I had heard her name mentioned before and had read some of her earlier books. Right now the names escape me, but I vowed I would pray for her. I not only decided to pray for her but I friended her on Facebook as I had done so many times before with some of my favorite writers. Her name was Diann Hunt and I began a friendship with a very special lady. Bear in mind that I never physically met her. I never spoke to her face to face, but her very words often cheered me up when I was down.
Last year at this time, my family received difficult news. My father was diagnosed with cancer. It was at this time that I chose to write Diann. I wasn't even sure how to word my note to her. I had been praying for her cancer battle that she had faced for a long time, yet I knew she could possibly give me some insight. She wrote back immediately telling me that her walk with cancer had started in much the same way as my father's and that it had progressed to Ovarian Cancer. She was encouraging and uplifting and her words of encouragement, "I'm here until He calls me home," warmed my heart. She even told me that I had encouraged her and to enjoy the time with my precious father.
Through the following 11 months I read every note from her and I prayed for her. I left for a mission trip in November and the week I was gone I noted that virtually nothing was said. The Lord took Diann home on November 29. For me, Diann showed Christ and showed that she loved Him above all else. One of the last posts I remembered reading, she posted these words:
"Stop! Right where you are. What do you see? Taste? Feel? Smell? Hear? Root yourself in this very moment. Memorize it.

Life is made up of these. Don't be so consumed by the past or with the future that you are blinded to your moment. Right now. The one you're given by Almighty God to make a difference.

Go out and live for Jesus today, my friends! I mean REALLY live!! You can do it! Start now. Ready. Set. Go!"

Diann made a difference in my life in two ways: she lived her life for her God and she passed the love she had on to others. I only hope that when my time on Earth has finished that people can say the same of me. What will people say of you?

Just a Little Hole

2013-08-07T01:47:00.001-07:00

Last Friday I was driving my car to Minneapolis when I noticed that the "check engine" light was on. I was concerned because my car is only a little over a year old. I stopped at a gas station to fill with gas and decided to try to assess the situation. It appeared that the overflow bottle of anti-freeze might be running low but didn't look that low. I drove on when the "heat" light went on. I found another close gas station, bought anti-freeze, put it in and drove on. The engine light would not go out. My husband checked all the hoses in the car but found nothing that would cause fluid to leak and there didn't seem to be any problem. Tuesday we took our car to the mechanic who repairs our cars. He came out with a short piece of hose with a very tiny hole in it. This was responsible for the loss of fluid and the engine light.

In life things may seem as though they are good. We might feel that we're walking close to God and things are in order, but perhaps something little might cause us to stumble. Perhaps a guilty pleasure. Fill in your own blank. The big things don't usually cause me to fold. I don't drink, I don't do other things but there are those little things that can cause me to stumble. It might be a questionable TV program or book or even worse, a thought. Before things get to the full blown sin point, the key is to keep the matter short with God. He longs to be close to us and only a simple little thing can break the fellowship.

Whatever it is that is keeping us from being in fellowship with God, we need to get rid of it. Let's face it, a bruised rotten apple by itself isn't a big problem but if left with a bushel, it corrupts the whole bushel. Keeping short accounts with God often seems tedious but it's a must to be in fellowship. I know, I need to do this daily. Let's not let the little holes in life trip us up.

Bible Camp, Missions and Jesus

2013-08-02T01:41:00.000-07:00

Many years ago in the 50's a young couple with children were called as missionaries by the American Sunday School Union (Its name back then) to rural communities in Wisconsin. Their job was to win souls for Christ and in so doing, they would help to start Sunday Schools in those communities. One of the families they called on was a farmer and his wife and their three teenagers. The family built a camaraderie with the missionaries and soon they accepted Jesus. One of the sons would go on to graduate from Bible College as a Pastor and the parents would soon become active in their small Sunday School, hauling children to hear about Jesus and they would work with the Bible Camp that was hosted by these missionaries. Eventually the couple also helped to serve in various duties with the camp and missions themselves.
When I was 8 I was privileged to attend Riverside Bible Camp in Amherst, Wisconsin for the first time. I remember vividly hearing a missionary speak about Africa and Jesus and it was then that I realized that I wanted to serve Christ as a missionary as well. Time marched on though and many other missionaries came and went in the rural communities. The family aged and grandchildren grew up and some became pastors, some became Christian teachers and in the third generation some became missionaries.
The American Sunday School Union is now In Faith but its mission is still the same: to win others to Christ and like it was in the 50's they have Bible Camps and Sunday Schools. This year, my two granddaughters attended camp in East Central Minnesota and they made decisions for Christ. As I was driving home I remembered the story of my grandparents and my mother and uncles and I was humbled. Because of the faithfulness of willing workers, my family knows Christ. I haven't been to Africa as I wanted as a child, but the Lord has worked things out for me to go on a trip in November to Jamaica. I just want to thank those faithful ones who took the time to visit a farmer's family one day and shared Christ with them. Thank you and thank you to the present missionaries who serve in all parts of the world winning the lost! Who knows who you might lead to Christ?

Bible Study Expo is Tomorrow!

2013-07-17T11:19:00.002-07:00

The event of the summer is taking place tomorrow at www.BibleStudyExpo.com! I am so excited and I plan to be there. Make sure you register today, then you will have the opportunity to win prizes from one of the amazing Bible Study teachers. I am really excited to study with Liz Curtis Higgs and Elisa Morgan. Elisa will be studying 12 Women of the Bible: Life-Changing Stories of Women Today. Liz will be studying her famous Bad Girls of the Bible and What We Can Learn From Them. Come and be blessed. The Blog Expo will take place tomorrow from Noon to 3 P.M. (CST). It will be a wonderful event1 There will be drawings with each interview for the author's books. Trust me, this is going to be a great event!

Again, here are the participating authors:

Liz Curtis Higgs – Bad Girls of the Bible: And What We Can Learn From Them

Suzanne Eller – The Unburdened Heart: Finding the Freedom of Forgiveness

Elisa Morgan – 12 Women of the Bible: Life-Changing Stories of Women Today

Leighann McCoy – Woman’s Guide to Hearing God’s Voice: Finding Direction and Peace Through the Struggles of Life

Susie Larson – Your Beautiful Purpose: Engaging You in a Strong and Active Walk of Faith

Sheryl Pellatiro – The Bride of Christ: Unveiled Before the King

Sue Edwards – Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ

Mindy Ferguson – Eyewitness to Majesty: Peter – Abandoning Self for Christ

Carla McDougal – My Prayer Chair

Last Week's posting has a video you will want to watch! Also, Facebook is having a Pre-Bible Study Expo party and you will want to join in the fun!

Blog Expo is Almost Here!

2013-07-11T22:56:00.000-07:00

I love women's Bible studies and this upcoming expo is an exciting one! Imagine if you could have all of your favorite women authors one room and hear study the Bible with them for a day. It would cost a lot of money, but this expo is FREE and it's a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of your favorites. I have had the privilege to hear Liz Curtis Higgs and Elisa Morgan and I have been blessed. The Blog Expo will take place Thursday the 18th from Noon to 3 P.M. (CST). It will be a wonderful event and be sure and register. There will be drawings with each interview for the author's books.Trust me, this is going to be a great event!

Here are the participating authors:
Liz Curtis Higgs – Bad Girls of the Bible: And What We Can Learn From Them
Suzanne Eller – The Unburdened Heart: Finding the Freedom of Forgiveness
Elisa Morgan – 12 Women of the Bible: Life-Changing Stories of Women Today
Leighann McCoy – Woman’s Guide to Hearing God’s Voice: Finding Direction and Peace Through the Struggles of Life
Susie Larson – Your Beautiful Purpose: Engaging You in a Strong and Active Walk of Faith
Sheryl Pellatiro – The Bride of Christ: Unveiled Before the King
Sue Edwards – Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ
Mindy Ferguson – Eyewitness to Majesty: Peter – Abandoning Self for Christ
Carla McDougal – My Prayer Chair

On my posting below you can see the video that Marnie Swedberg has prepared for this event!

Bible Study

2013-07-11T09:48:00.001-07:00

Independence Day

2013-07-03T22:55:00.002-07:00

Repeat of a favorite blog:

When I was young, the fourth of July was a day where we would often have a picnic or ooh and aah over fireworks. Later on I would learn about the true reason for Independence Day--the day when the founding fathers framed the original constitution on July 4, 1776. In my small mind, I thought that this was all there was to it. We came up with our constitution and then England let us go free. How naive I was back then. I didn't realize that it took many years and even loss of life just to be able to declare our independence from them.
This week I tried to think of just which way I wanted to go with my blog. I thought of talking about how we can have freedom in Christ and freedom from the world's entanglements. All of these things would have been good, but after receiving an e-mail from one of my friends, I decided to post what happened to the original framers of our Constitution. I don't know where this originally came from, but I am thankful for my dear friend for reminding me of these important truths about our founding fathers.

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors,
and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army;
another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or
hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes,
and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation
owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of
Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be
death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and
trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by
the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to
pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the
British that he was forced to move his family almost
constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and
his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were
taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall,
Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and
Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that
the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson
home for his headquarters. He quietly urgedGeneral George Washington to open fire. The home was
destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed.
The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was
dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His
fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he
lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife
dead and his children vanished.

One more fact that I learned while I traveled in Boston a couple years ago. When Paul Revere made his famous ride, there was more than one rider and Paul never made it to warn of the invasion.

All of these men paid a dear price so that we could be free today to be able to worship as we please and live as we please. I am so thankful that we still have many of these freedoms available.

"If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chron. 7:14

You Can Trust Him!

2013-06-22T00:54:00.001-07:00

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
    your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
    your justice like the great deep.
    You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
    People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalms 26:5-7

I know we've talked about trust before yet it seems like this is a topic that I struggle with a great deal. Often I find myself placing my hopes, dreams and desires in others in this world. Many people place all their dreams in a spouse or family member and then when things fall apart, they are devastated. I'm no different. Recently I remember being told that someone would do something for me. When it didn't happen I found myself angry and cynical. God is trustworthy. He doesn't break promises, doesn't get tired and He definitely doesn't abandon us when things get tough, although at times we question whether He is there or not, He is there and He can be counted on. I notice in this passage that not only can God be counted on to be there for us, but for animals as well. Wow, I never saw that before! In other parts of the Bible it says that God takes care of the birds of the air. Well, if God can take care of them, He definitely can be trusted with larger issues, right? I don't know about you but I intend to trust God more completely with my problems.

Dear Father,
You created me and you can be trusted. I know I fail you so often.
I am so glad that you never give up on me even when I fall. Thank you.
In your precious name,
Amen.

I'm back

2013-03-15T03:38:00.000-07:00

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

This winter seems to have lasted forever for me. Perhaps it's because since December many things that were out of my control have happened. I don't know about anyone else out there but when things are out of control for me I seem to hibernate, withdraw into myself. Fortunately, I have a husband, three grandchildren and a couple of close friends who won't let me so that.

I have had a time of blessing during this absence and I've had tears. I've had moments where it seemed that I didn't know how I would ever get through it. The situations in my life aren't necessarily going away but I can lean on God. It's so easy to forget that's He's there because I can't see Him; yet I feel him in the events of the day. I can see his hand of healing on various parts of my life and I know He will bring me through everything for His glory.
So what is next? The Lord has brought many things to my mind. I haven't written in quite a while. I started editing a drama I wrote several months ago and am getting excited about upcoming episodes. Another thing that I am becoming excited with is the marriage of my son that will take place in early May and then I will be traveling to Spokane, WA to meet some friends that I have never met before. Lastly, I am hoping, Lord willing to go on my first mission trip. With the Lord's help and provision I plan to go with a group to Jamaica just before Thanksgiving to share my faith.

You can see that with spring coming up I have many things the Lord is bringing to my mind. I am excited about the road ahead. Now, if He would only do something with all this snow! :)

What's next?

2013-01-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

What do you have planned for 2013? Do you make resolutions that are unattainable and then feel bad that you didn't reach them? Do you not make resolutions at all because you know that you more than likely won't reach them? I used to resolve to cut out all chocolate or all ice cream out of my diet. The resolve usually lasted about three days before I succumbed to a chocolate bar or something equally decadent.
I haven't made a resolution for years but I do now make goals. For instance, my son is getting married May 4 and I would like to be down a few dress sizes to look good in the family pictures that will be taken. I would love to lose 100 pounds between now and then but that's not realistic. What is realistic is doing the best I can with exercising and calorie intake and losing at least two to three dress sizes. Will I lose 20, 30 or even 50 pounds? I don't know. It's in the Lord's hands and mine to make sure that I do what it takes. What if I can't lose that much? Will my son love me any less? I doubt that my son will love me any less if I can't lose the pounds I would like to lose.
There are other goals that mean more to me too. I want to read my Bible more, pray more, witness more? What can I do to achieve those goals? I always tell myself I don't have the time to read my Bible or pray, but what about the time I spend online? Could I possibly use any of that time? Yes, I can do that. I could eliminate quite a bit of time from my schedule.
What about you? What do you want to accomplish in this year? It's true that we are nine days in, but we still have 356 more days and if you do make a mistake, you still have more days to make up for it.I'd love to hear from you!

Dear Father,
Help me to remember you this year.
Help me keep my promises and trust You
to bring me through whatever comes my way
this year.
In your precious name,
Amen

New book available now!

2012-12-31T00:31:00.001-08:00

Cascade of Tears is a book about surviving chronic illness and pain. When I was diagnosed with lupus, epilepsy and Grave's disease, I felt like my life was over. But now, after over six years of pain and struggling, I've reclaimed my life. This book is my way of sharing my journey through it with the world and helping readers get past their illnesses and the limitations. Knowledge is power! You can get this book at lacreshahayes.com! She would be glad to hear from you!

What is Different This Christmas?

2012-12-03T05:04:00.000-08:00

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’” — Luke 2:10-11

Doesn't it seem like yesterday we we celebrating last Christmas and here it is again, a year later. The TV and newspapers are full of advertisements telling people to get the best gift for someone at their stores. They're more than willing to tell you what that best gift is: jewelry, cars, furs, clothing. All of these gifts sound plausible to the average person.but for the person who loves God, we know that Christmas has a totally different meaning. I confess that I often let myself get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas. I worry about purchasing the right gift. I worry that people won't like what I got. I get concerned about having my house and my tree just so. Yet the truth is that it's not about the decorations or the trees or the shopping or tinsel but it's about the son of God who came to earth as a baby over 2000 years ago to be born to a virgin. He later grew up, was betrayed and died on the cross for our sins. We know this, most of us do anyway. Yet, I know that sometimes I get caught up in the same rat race. So what is different this year? For me, I am regaining focus. Oh sure, I completed my shopping weeks ago and the presents are wrapped and ready to place under the tree but I realize that this isn't the most important thing to me. This year it's about the True Gift that was given to us. My prayer for you is that you have the opportunity to take a break from all of the hustling and bustling to regain your focus as well.

Dear Father,
Thank you again for sending your Son to die for me.
Thank you for the remembrance
of the gift you gave us so many years ago.
Help me to be an encouragement to others about what you have given us.
In your precious Son's name,
Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving Indeed!

2012-11-22T05:05:00.000-08:00

"Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:" Psalms 50:14

Thanksgiving has been a special time for me through the years and many times I forget just why we celebrate Thanksgiving. For instance, did you know that that after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth in 1620 that they had lost all but 53 people.
That first year in America was extremely difficult for the Pilgrims. It must have been exhausting for those left behind to carry on in a strange land. Another thing that I didn't know was the food that was eaten. Historians say that fowl was eaten, not necessarily wild turkey but some kind of bird was eaten. 90 Native Americans joined the Pilgrims for that first Thanksgiving and the honest truth is the Pilgrims themselves didn't call their meal Thanksgiving but thanks was obviously given.
Though much of that first Thanksgiving is a mystery, one thing is clear. The Pilgrims were grateful for having survived horrendous situations.
Obviously the things that I endure are nothing in comparison to what our forefathers went through but I am thankful for God's blessings during the last year: I have become grandmother to two more little boys whom I love deeply, I have a new job that I enjoy. My health has been fairly good and I have a warm home. My parents are still here for me to enjoy their wisdom and the rest of my grandchildren and my children melt my heart.
My prayer for you as you celebrate this day is that you recognize where your blessings come from and thank God for them.

Come Ye Thankful People Come

Composed by George J. Elvey in 1858 (with lyrics by Henry Alford), "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come" is a classic Thanksgiving hymn.

The first verse of "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come" serves as an invitation to Thanksgiving worship of God:

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God's own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

Thank you Heavenly Father
for all you have given to me and my family.
Help me not to be thankful just one day a year but every day.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Remembering Bullies and Saints

2012-11-03T03:15:00.000-07:00

"Be ye kind one to another. Tender hearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

October was bully awareness month in our school district and there were signs all over telling kids to stamp out bullying, etc. I applaud those efforts. It's a worthy cause and many times we fixate on one certain kind of individual. Today my granddaughter captured my attention and it propelled me back to my memories of my years growing up being bullied.
"Grandma, what does it mean if someone is nice when no one else is around and calls you names when others are?" I thought for a moment.
"It means they are not really your friend," I responded.
"But they're being made to be mean to me." Bless her heart. The child may have being coerced to be mean to my granddaughter but obviously the child hadn't learned to have a backbone and not hurt someone.I blurted out that the person was a weak person who obviously didn't know how to be a friend.
Memories of supposed friends flooded my mind. Being called names because of naturally curly hair and being pigeon-toed came back to me. spitballs being hurled at my head on the school bus while the driver ignored the goings on. Being burnt by a boy in art class who was mean and a class all going along with him because he was popular while a teacher was out of the room. Being invited to a boy/girl party and being shunned by the boys because I didn't wear the "right" clothes and my frizzy, ugly hair. I could go on and on but you get the point.
All of the sudden, there it was. And I could hear the hurt in my sweet granddaughter's voice who wants nothing more than to be kind to people around her and see them learn to love Jesus. All I can do is pray for her and tell her teachers, principal or anyone who will listen about the way she's being treated. The most important thing though is to somehow get her through this part of her life without thinking she's an inferior individual unworthy of love and acceptance like her grandmother. Were it not for a young woman in my high school years that welcomed me to her school I might not have any pleasant memories of growing up and might be more messed up than I am but I am thankful for that shining star in a dark world of depression and sadness and unworthiness that taught me that I might be someone worth knowing. I wrote about her in a book a few years ago and sent her a copy with a note of gratitude. I never heard back from her. I know nothing of her life, but Janis made a difference in my life and for that I will always be eternally grateful!

Becoming New Again

2012-09-04T03:38:00.001-07:00

"Therefore if anyone be in Christ he is a new creation: old things are passed away, behold all things are become new." II Corinthians 5:17.

I work with chemically dependent individuals. It's always interesting to watch them when they first arrive at our facility. Some are withdrawn and cold, some appear open and friendly. As time goes on we can tell if someone is changing for the better. Their attitude seems to change as they heal. Likewise it is for anyone who is in Christ. He can take the most horrendous of sinners and make them into someone new. I've read some fascinating stories of redemption recently and it's encouraged me. One man I heard speak at our state fair was sharing about his past drug use. He mentioned that he realized just how much he needed Christ and was now enjoying a new relationship with God.
It encourages me to see people so excited about a new faith and trust in Christ and I love to see a new Christian who is vibrant and energetic when it comes to things of God. My desire is to continue to live as a new creation. As a Christian I am not the same as I once was. I am a new creation!

Dear Father,
Help me to realize that I am a new creation in you. I am not the same person I once was.
Thank you for your love and healing.
Amen.

I Can Do it Myself

2012-08-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5.

Ever watch a small child who is learning to dress themselves or tie their shoe? They usually want to do it themselves and then they get frustrated because they aren't quite able to do it. I know that I struggle with much the same problem. I work in an overnight position where being alert is a very important attribute. The other evening I witnessed people stealing from my workplace. My first instinct was to try to run outside and take charge. I will say this, I don't have skills in apprehending criminals and I'm in no shape to run after them. All in all, this was a silly blunder on my part and I should have called the authorities.
In a way, it's like how we are as Christians. We try to manipulate and figure our problems out by ourselves when we should leave our problems to Christ. He's stronger and has more powerful, but we figure we're bothering Him. Jesus said in John 15:5 that we can't do anything without Him. We shouldn't even try. He's waiting to be there for us but sometimes we are too proud. Just like a child trying to do his or her shoe tying before they're capable, we need to depend on Him. God really does have our best interest at heart and will save us from heartache.

Dear Father,
Help me to remember that I can't do anything without you. Help me not to lean on my own devices. In your name,
Amen.

I Am Not Afraid

2012-07-16T01:19:00.000-07:00

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

When I was a young girl, I had a very vivid imagination. I remember staying at my grandparents' house and waking up in the middle of the night and seeing what appeared to be a frightening shape across the room from me. I was terrified to move. When I managed to get to the light, I learned that the terrifying form was that of my younger brother. Some scary creature, right?
This past week has been a frightening one for members of our family but because of faith that God would intervene, we can say with certainty that He has indeed done a mighty work. When we put our trust in God, even when things are disconcerting to us, we can always depend on Him to give us the strength that we need to get through.
How about you? Are you going through challenges that you can't control? Trust that God will be your strength. He will bring you through.

Dear Father,
I thank you that you are my strength.
Thank you for your presence in my life.
In Jesus name,
Amen.

The Hall of Fame

2012-07-01T02:37:00.000-07:00

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

Several years ago I had opportunity to tour the Country Music Hall of Fame as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was fascinating to see whom the organizers of each of these establishments felt deserved these honors.

   I love to read the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. It is filled with ordinary people that God chose to honor for obedience above and beyond the call of normal.It encourages me that though they didn't have all of God's word that they trusted Him to guide them through circumstances greater than themselves. God promises to bring us through our journeys as well. Just like the characters in this chapter, we don't know what lies ahead of us but we do know that God will get us there if we have faith in Him. How about you? Are you going through something today that you're not sure you're going to make it through? Trust God today to guide you there. He will bring you through.

"Dear Lord,
Guide me through what I need to do today. I trust that you alone can get me through no matter how difficult it seems.
Amen"

Making Plans

2012-06-05T23:50:00.000-07:00

"For I know the plans that I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

35 years ago this week I graduated from high school. My biggest hope and dream at that time was to become a high school English teacher. I also wanted to be a writer. Within short order I realized that teaching in a school would not become my vocation. I've talked with many other people who have said that the plans that they had at graduation were not what they had become. I applaud those who graduate from high school, go on to college and land in the profession that they always wanted. I used to wish that too. Then I read Jeremiah 29:11. God knows everything that we're going to do with our lives before we are even born. Of course we don't know so often we work by trial and error trying to find just where we are supposed to fit.
In my case I have attended secretarial school, Bible college and medical assisting school. I've worked in hospitals and clinics, plastics plants and group homes. None of these were where I thought I would be, yet I am now in a place where I am content. God has given me a focus in a job I love and I am enjoying my life for the first time in a long time. How about you? Are you frazzled by worrying about where you need to be and wondering why things aren't working out the way you planned? Trust God. He knows where you need to be and He will put you there.

Dear Father,
Thank you that you know where we belong.
Help me to trust that you know what is best for me.
In Jesus name,
Amen.

Memories for Memorial Day

2012-05-24T00:53:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was young Memorial Day has been a special day of remembrance for me. Perhaps it was because of the times that I grew up in. The 60's were gone and we had well embraced the 70's. We as a nation had already witnessed a president assassinated on television and his assassin also captured and killed on TV. I lived just blocks away from rioting as a small child and still vividly recall the images that day. I remember the three astronauts that lost their lives on the launchpad and a nation helpless to rescue them. I can still see the face of a first crush only to months later see that face quiet and still, in a casket at his funeral.
There are so many people that I remember and some I swore I would never forget. Some I go to place flowers on their graves. Others will remain in my memory like a secret that fades with time. God told us to remember. Remember what had happened to us before so that we wouldn't make the same mistakes again. Remember those who were faithful and did what they were supposed to do. Do I do that today? Do I remember the mistakes that I have made and try to learn and grow or is it something that I must repeat like an unlearned class in school? My prayer is that as we remember those who have touched us this Memorial Day that we would remember the lessons learned from each one and be thankful. I'd like to share some memories of some special souls lost since last memorial day:
Michael, a young man who even at age twelve did greater things for God than he ever knew. Kent, as a doctor he showed the very same kindness and compassion to his family as those he cared for and lived his faith in death; Adaline, an honest, friendly woman who loved her Lord and Savior and shared him with every person she me.Van, a man who fought in a great war and accepted the greatest gift of all and is now enjoying the joys of Heaven. Mary, a woman who in my mind is vibrant and happy and going on a hike in the 20 below snow of a February day to surprise her best friend on her birthday. They will be missed this year.
Who are you remembering today? And what is your story? I'd sure like to have you share it with me!

And the winners are....

2012-05-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

The winner of a copy of my book is drumroll please---Anastasia! She will be receiving a copy of my Extraordinary Life Lessons from Ordinary Christian Women! Thanks so much for participating in the Blog-Hop!* *The winners of the: * *John 3:16 Authors Network Blog Hop * for the *two Kindles *have been announced at http://john316mn.blogspot.com and also listed below! *Let's thank the following John 3:16 Authors for sponsoring our 2 Free Kindles * * * Deborah McCarragher Joy Hannabass Rose McCauley Elaine Cooper Amanda Stephen Tom Blubaugh Paulette Harper Theresa Franklin Susan Craft Carol Brown Lynn Dove Martin Roth Saundra Dalton-Smith Katherine Harms Heather Bixler Lorilyn Roberts Laura Davis Bob Saffrin Sid Frost Sammie Chandler Donna Dawson *Congratulations t... more »

Mother's Day and Blog-Hop 2012

2012-05-07T01:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I have had a lot of fun this week with the 1st Blog-Hop, but I thought I might pause for a moment to reflect on Mother's Day. When I was a young girl, I remember that we would make things in Sunday School class or school for our mothers. My mom would beam over each and every little thing we would make. Later, when I was a mom, my children did the same thing. They would rush home with their gifts. They couldn't wait for mother's day--a ceramic hand, a bouquet of paper flowers. I loved each gift so much. Every now and then I take them out and look at the treasures that my children made so long ago. Now I have grandchildren. The older ones spend quite a bit of time picking me dandelion flowers, making pictures and making their mother little projects and whatnot. The time has gone so fast.

Fortunately for me, my mother is still alive and I can still do things for her. Perhaps Mother's Day isn't pleasant for you. Maybe you were never blessed to become a mother or your relationship is strained with your mother or your children. God knows your hurts and sadnesses and He wants to comfort you. Perhaps your children have passed on to be with the Lord. Though I have not lost a child, I have lost a baby and I still think about my baby boy from time to time. My prayer for you is that God would give you grace to get through this holiday. He loves you and He treasures you.
Have a blessed Mother's Day!

Remember, you still have a few days left to Hop on over to the 54 other sponsors of the Blog-Hop--There are so many great prizes out there and I know that you will enjoy them. I am not giving away the Kindle, but if you go to the link, you will be able to register to win. I am giving away a copy of my book Extraordinary Life Lessons from Ordinary Christian Women. Enjoy and Happy hopping!