FEAR ~ December 21, 2011 by Audra Krell
INSPIRATIONAL STORY
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Remember when fear used to be different? Back in the day it was a gangly teenager, all knees and elbows. We tucked ourselves around the sharp angles and edges, bent ourselves to conform to childlike worries.
As we grew, so did fear. It became a young adult, and we wondered where it would show up next. And with energy like that, we could conjure it up at any given time. Sometimes it was better to sleep with fear than to sleep alone.
And then fear became a mature adult. An obese, dark monster, who nightly pulls up a chair and waits. We smell and feel its hot breath before we’ve even opened our eyes. When we do, fear doesn’t wait for an invitation. It curls around us, taking up all the air and consuming us from the outside in.
When fear wants to spoon, I pray. I write as if my life depended on it, I spend time with my loves and I focus on the moment.
Living in the moment reaps a heart of thankfulness for all I do have; taking the focus off of what I’m afraid I won’t.
Thanks so much Audra for such a refreshing reminder about how all-consuming fear can be and how to better deal with it. To learn more about Audra please visit her at:
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HE’S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS ~ December 19, 2011 by Dolores Ayotte
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND ANECDOTES
I am the mother of three married daughters. I have eight delightful grandchildren. I always knew that I loved my children with all my heart but I had no way of knowing until I became a grandmother that I would love my grandchildren with the same depth. Each time a grandchild is born, I feel the same thrill as when I gave birth.
When we raise a family we all go through the trials and tribulations that come with each phase of growing up. I remember thinking to myself that after all three daughters were married and settled down, I would have a lot less to worry about. I must admit that this was one naive thought.
As my family continues to multiply I find that I actually have more to worry about, not less. Now my daughters are experiencing some of the woes of raising their children and I am well aware of almost everything that they are going through. I try my best to encourage them to “not sweat” the small stuff but one of the things I still “sweat” about is childhood illnesses especially in the youngest grandchildren. The older ones can at least tell you what’s wrong when they’re not feeling good. Is it only in my own mind or has there been an increase in childhood illnesses? When these little ones get sick, I’m so concerned in a way that brings out the worrywart in me.
It is at these times that I have to search inside and draw from the same strength I used when my daughters were young. That strength is my faith. I know that each and every child born on earth is a whole world to God. I also know that He’s got the whole world in His hands. I not only desire to trust in Him, I need to trust in Him for the benefit of all just like my daughters need to do.
It’s wonderful to have been blessed with such an ever-growing family and I thank God on a daily basis but as I said, it’s not only the family that is multiplying. The fears and concerns that go with it have also multiplied. I need my faith now more than ever in order to encourage my daughters. I want to be there for them as much as possible as they face what life has to offer. I heard many years ago, that you never fully realize how much you believe in God until you have children. I couldn’t agree more! We need prayers and our faith as we work through the challenges that go with raising a family. Don’t you agree?
CHILDHOOD TALENTS ~ December 14, 2011 by Laura Davis
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND ANECDOTES
I was at lunch with my friends and one of the topics of conversation had to do with our children. We observed that certain passions or talents exhibited during childhood led our kids to the careers or ministries they have chosen today. For example, my daughter Sarah took an interest in drawing and displayed a natural talent for it when she was no more than two years old. Today, she is planning a career in animation. One friend told us that her son, as a wee boy, would be drawn to police cars and loved dressing up as a policeman. Today, he is a police officer. The granddaughter of my friend Carol loves to video tape herself doing cooking shows. I’m guessing she is either going to be a cook, or an actress, as Carol tells me she’s quite a natural in front of the camera!
As we continued to talk, we started to see a trend – what we were passionate about as children or had a natural talent for, eventually led us to what we would do in our adult years. I used to sing myself to sleep at night and began singing at a very early age. As I grew older, God led me into a singing ministry. I also spent countless hours reading when I was growing up and writing all kinds of fanciful stories. So, I shouldn’t have been surprised when, after my singing ministry ended, I started writing.
So, I started to wonder – what did Mary see in Jesus when he was growing up, that led her to ask him to turn water into wine? Had Jesus performed other miracles before this one? None are recorded in the bible. So, what made Mary force his hand at the wedding in Cana? How did she know he could help them in a miraculous way? By her knowledge of his birth and childhood! She knew Jesus was God’s son. She didn’t need any convincing on that score. So, like any good Jewish mother she nagged, pushed and prodded until her child did as he was told. Not that Jesus would need to be nagged – the bible said he was obedient to his parents (Luke 2:51). Despite the fact that Jesus was reluctant to display his power so early in his ministry, he obeyed his mother and his first miracle caused his first disciples – James, John, Peter, Andrew, Philip and Nathanael, to put their faith in him.
What are you passionate about? What are your talents? These desires and gifts, if you look back far enough, have been built into you from an early age. You are God’s workmanship and He designed you with those particular passions and talents in mind. He has a plan for you and made you for a specific purpose. Examine your life. Are you doing what God created you to do?
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Thank you Laura for your inspirational story.
Laura is a fellow author. Her book is titled “Come to Me”.
For more information about Laura please visit:
Author Laura Davis Interviews & Reviews
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND ANECDOTES ~ November 12, 2011
“If we all did things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” ~ Thomas Edison
“So many of us limit our praying because we are not reckless in our confidence of God. In the eyes of those who do not know God, it is madness to trust Him, but when we pray in the Holy Ghost we begin to realize the resources of God, that He is our perfect heavenly Father, and we are His children.” ~ Oswald Chambers
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Accept it…It’s NOT for YOU ~ October 23, 2011 by Desiray Lewis
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND ANECDOTES
Many people question why bad things happen to good people? I, myself, use to wonder that so many years ago. I can remember searching the Scriptures trying to find the perfect answer. Then one day it hit me. ” It’s because of sin”. It doesn’t matter how good or bad you are, sin was the reason for the fall of mankind.
Now when we find ourselves asking this question, our answer should be, “the reason why I am going through this is because Jesus knew I could handle it”. Understand that everything we experience has nothing to do with us, it may be for the next person we will meet. Yes it hurts, yes you feel as though you can’t make it, but God sees you as Victorious.
God allowed you to go through what you did so that you could help someone else. Doesn’t it all make sense now? Do you see why you went through what you had to? Do you not see the blessing?
Desiray, thank you for sharing your faith with us and for your thought-provoking explanation for human suffering . To learn more about Desiray, please visit Chosen Woman
MEMORY LANE ~A Simple Faith ~ October 8, 2011 by Susan Earl
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND ANECDOTES
A long time ago, I made a decision to become a “Christian”. To me it seemed a simple step. I was only ten; all I had to do was what I saw many others before me do. I would walk down the aisle of our church, talk to the pastor, and declare that today I was saved. I had a simple faith, the belief of a child. My belief was innate. God was and always had been God. An omnipresent part of my every day world. I didn’t question how or why the stars were in the sky. I just knew and believed that God placed them there to sparkle beautifully just for me.
From the time I was born, I attended church on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and Wednesday evenings. God lived at church and he always came home with me each time I left the church building. I knew I carried God in my heart. It had to be true because every Sunday we sang “Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart Lord Jesus”. I believed those words with the fierce belief of a child, never wavering in the “shadows of doubt”.
My life was by no means perfect, and I was by no means perfect. Many of my life’s experiences should have shaken my faith; my belief in God’s unfailing love. Yet, even through the darkest parts of my life, I always knew; always felt, God’s presence surrounding me and guiding me to make the “right” choices. I only needed to wait upon that still, quiet voice whispering within me. Sometimes I chose to shut out the voice, and I would stumble frequently. Nevertheless, God’s loving presence would still be there, helping me pick up the pieces and begin again.
Throughout the years, I’ve heard testimonies from friends, co-workers, and even strangers who declare they have never heard the word of God, nor set foot in a church. Some are hungry to hear about God, while others turn a deaf ear to the word. I know I’m one of the lucky few because my faith stems from a firm foundation: my mother and her sisters. My mom kept us actively engaged in church, as well as through her music. She wrote many songs that carried the message of God’s love to all who heard them. Although she spoke at many meetings, I believe God’s gift in her life was writing songs of inspiration. She and her sisters traveled to many places together and each in their own way shared God’s love with all they met.
My mother’s gift of writing has also been gifted to me. It is my hope, my prayer that through my words on the page of a book, those in need of healing, of knowing God, will be drawn into his fold. My desire is that as others read my novel, they will come to understand that God has always been beside them throughout their whole life, just waiting for them to stop and listen to that still, soft voice. And I pray that they too will accept Christ with the simple belief and faith of a child.
One last thought before I go. I’d like to share a special memory I have regarding one of my mom’s songs. Her first album (yes, album in those days!) was released when my daughter was two. She heard the songs almost every day and sang along with her Gramma’s record. Around the time she turned six, as she was playing happily with her friends on the playground, she suddenly rushed over to me, her arms folded irately, and declared, “C. told me there’s no such thing as a rainbow of love!” I assured her there was, and she stated, “I knew I was right!” Then she charged back to her friends and “straightened” them out.
This example only illustrates the simple faith and belief a child has that God is covering them with his covenant, his rainbow of love. I’d like to share just a verse from my mom’s song “Covenant of Love”.
“God’s love is so wonderful, his peace so serene, I walk in green pastures, I drink in his stream. A river that’s flowing with his grace from above, I’m covered in his rainbow of love. The rainbows of promise God gave to man, he called it his covenant that would forever stand. When I see a rainbow in the clouds up above, then I know that I’m covered in his rainbow of love.”
~ Nita Owen ©1982
As Christians we are commanded to “Go forth and spread the good news”. I hope I have accomplished this, and that today you have felt God’s love through the power of the written word.
Blessings to all,
Susan K. Earl, author of Moon Dance ~ a novel
Thank you so much Susan for sharing such an inspirational story with us.
Website – http://susanearl.tatepublishing.net
Blog Site -http://moondancenovel.blogspot.com
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES AND ANECDOTES ~ New Ending ~ September 21, 2011 by Dolores Ayotte
How many times in life do we live with regrets? We look back and sometimes our lives haven’t gone quite the way we hoped for or expected. We get so disappointed and discouraged with ourselves, our lives, and with the people around us. No one can change the past, not even God. What’s done is done. The key in life is to not let the past affect our present or future happiness.
There’s nothing wrong with looking back and learning from our past mistakes but rather than mourn the loss of what could have been, we can choose to start now to make a new ending. By doing so, we can change the outcome of future events. Our lives can hold a much brighter future when we look ahead with faith and courage.
Faith in God and a renewed faith in ourselves…because we have taken the time to look in the mirror and realize as well as capitalize on the personal power that we possess in order to start now and create a new, more positive, and acceptable ending to our lives. Go for it!
Life is too short to wake up with regrets.. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.~ Source Unknown
BOOK REVIEW ~ Author Janice Thompson ~ Questions And Answers Interview ~ July 11, 2011
Why did you decide to write this story?
My editor at Summerside approached me with the name of the town because she knows I write a lot of wedding-themed stories. She wanted something lightweight/fun, and she knew me well enough to know I would enjoy a fun story. The only real question we had in the beginning stage was: “Should this be a historical or a contemporary?” We went with historical because I felt sure the story idea was better suited to the turn of the century.
Tell us something interesting about the town of Groom:
Groom boasts a nineteen-story high cross. More than 100 welders worked together to erect it in 1995. Now you can see why I toyed with the idea of writing a contemporary novel! I wanted to include the cross. Because I went with historical, I decided to give the heroine a small cross necklace to wear, one that symbolizes her faith (and alludes to the “bigger” cross to come).
What is it about your lead character that will make your readers care about her?
Readers will care about Anne because she’s been through so much and still chooses to move forward. They will also love her relationship with her younger sisters. She’s the only remaining parental figure and takes that position very seriously.
Why will readers enjoy your novel?
In spite of the lead character’s tough situation, the story is filled with comedic elements. Anne’s two younger sisters are a hoot. So is Maggie (the hero’s mother). She’s an Irish spitfire! I think readers will appreciate the romance between Anne and Jake. It’s filled with all sorts of sweet and comic moments.
Why do you like writing comedies with strong take-aways?
Comedy is a great outlet. We comedians can get away with a lot more than authors who play it straight. Want the reader to walk away with a little nugget of truth? Couch it in something humorous. I’ve found that light-hearted writing not only suits my personality, it’s the perfect vehicle for sharing the gospel.
What about your sub-characters? Call you tell us about any of them?
I love writing stories with fun sub-characters! Those who read my “Weddings by Bella” series know that I spend a lot of time creating my cast! Love Finds You in Groom, Texas is no different. Some of my favorite sub-characters are Emily and Kate (Anne’s younger sisters). Emily was patterned after Margaret O’Brien’s character in “Meet me in St. Louis.” Lots of fun! Another fun-loving character is Maggie, Jake’s mother. She knows just how to get what she wants! Even sour old Uncle Bertrand turns out to be a fun guy. . .in the end.
Are any of your characters patterned after real people?
The characters are patterned more after characters than real people. I wanted the overall “feel” of the book to be a bit like that in “Anne of Green Gables.” If the reader is paying attention, he/she will notice a few Avonlea-esque images, including my heroine’s name. There are also a few nods to “Meet Me inSt. Louis” in this story, as well.
Any suggestions for writers who are trying to get published?
Learn the craft. Take courses. Go to conferences. Do the work. But don’t ever let what you’ve learned rob you of your natural, God-given voice. There’s only one you, after all.
Where else can readers find you online?
I love to connect with my readers at the following places:
www.janicehannathompson.com
www.freelancewritingcourses.com
www.facebook.com/jhannathompson
Where can I get the book?
Love Finds You in Groom, Texas can be purchased at any number of online stores, as well as my website: www.janicehannathompson.com (front page). Readers can always join my VIP bookclub and get the locked in
price of $11 (no shipping) by contacting me directly at booksbyjanice@aol.com.
Thanks for spending time with me! I had a blast!
Thanks Janice for this interview!
THE STORMS OF LIFE ~ July 10, 2011
Oy Vey….Now That’s Faith!
