Cindy Sproles, Featured Author, plus Monthly Book Give-Away

Christian author and speaker, Cindy Sproles

It's time again for our guest author and monthly book give-away.  It is my pleasure to introduce Cindy Sproles to you today.  I've recently become familiar with Cindy's writing through ChristianDevotions.us.  Cindy is co-founder and executive editor of this 501c3 non-profit ministry. Cindy is the co-author of the successful He Said, She Said devotions and is the co-host of the nationally syndicated BlogTalk Radio show, Christians Devotions Speak UP!  She is a contributor to CBN.com and is director of Writer ADVANCE! Boot Camp Writers Conference. I recently read her new book, New Sheets. I was touched by its relevance and candor.  I believe almost every woman can find encouragement there.  So, I've asked Cindy to tell us about herself and her writing.  And I'm giving away a copy of her book.

Tell us about your new release, New Sheets--Thirty Days to Refine You into the Woman You Can Be. 

New Sheets is a thirty-day devotional/inspirational book.  It was a project I thought of years ago.  Every time I picked up a pen to write it, I found I hadn't matured enough to write it with authority and hindsight.  I came up with the idea in 1984.  I'd gone through a divorce, and moved back to Tennessee with a broken heart and two boys under the age of three. I had no car, no money, and no job.  It took years to look through the rough times and find the good.  But I came at it with the mindset, "God has a plan.  I'm gonna learn."

I kept a journal for a while just to help me through, then one night as I turned down the comforter, ready to crawl into bed, I realized I was still sleeping with the memories of the man who'd divorced me, sleeping on the same sheets I'd slept on with him.  It was time for something new.  A new start.

I couldn't afford a shopping spree.  I could barely afford groceries, but I literally saved quarters in a mason jar until I had enough money to go to Wal-Mart to buy new sheets.  I found some brown and pink paisley ones in the bottom of the sale bin.  New.  Crisp.  Wrinkle-free.  And when I put them on the bed, it was like a new page in my life. 

So after that, every new turn in my life, I bought a new set of sheets. Each new set marked a time in my life when God stoked the fire under me, hung me over the flames and refined me like silver. By the time I hit my 50s I could look over the prior thrity years and say with confidence. . . "I've matured.  Refined.  Learned."  Hence the book.  To this day, I send new sheets to friends who have gone through major devastating life changes.

Tell us about your family.

We're a combined family.  After my divorce, I never imagined I'd remarry.  I struggled with the scriptural side of divorce.  But God sent me Tim.  He took my children (one of them disabled) and me and loved us as though we had always been his.  We have four boys between us, aged 32 and 31 years old.  We're looking forward to our first grandbaby.  We live in the mountains of East Tennessee.  There is never a day that passes I do not praise God for my family.  We are blessed.

You mentioned a special ministry where your heart lies.

There is an organization called Hope House that helps young, unwed moms choose life for their babies.  They help with housing, parenting skills, job training, teach Biblical principals, and so much more.  Our lives and hearts have been touched by the work these folks do.  With every sale of New Sheets, a portion of the money goes to Hope House for the women and the babies they help.

Do you have any closing advice for us?

If I had words of wisdom to offer it would simply be to live by the words of the Apostle Paul.  "Rejoice in the Lord always.  Rejoice in all things". All of us occasionally hit the river and bounce like a skipping rock.  The bounces hurt, but when we manage through them and the skid comes--what a ride.  Learning to rejoice in every situation takes skill and faith.  That's where God refines us.  Those are my words of wisdom.  That and this:  Buy yourself a set of new sheets when the storm is over.  It's a fresh start.  New Sheets. . . new day. . . new start.

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.  Philippians 4:4

 Now, for an opportunity to receive a copy of Cindy's devotional, New Sheets.

At least ten readers must comment and share in order for there to be a book give-away. So come on everyone. Join in. Follow these easy steps to qualify for the random drawing.

1. Leave a comment on this blog.  (Include your name and email address if you want to be included in the drawing. I will use your address to contact you if you win.) I love to read your comments.  Cindy will comment as well.

2. Share this blog post on Facebook so your friends will read about it and visit too, or tweet it, or mention the book give-away on your own blog. If you do not have a facebook, or a blog, become a follower of this site.

Complete these steps by 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 8th. A winner will be announced here on Monday, December 10th, so be sure to check back to see if you've won.

Thank you for supporting my writing by reading and commenting on this blog.  You are a blessing to me.  Please come again.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.Philippians 1:6.

God be with you.

Be Content with What You Have--You'll Save Money

Vietnamese persimmons courtesy of Jeanne Henriques

Be careful to guard  yourselves against every kind of greed, because a person's life doesn't consist of the amount of possessions he has.  Luke 12:15 ISV

Black Friday deals!  Cyber Monday savings!  They all involve spending our hard earned money.  (Although often it's plastic money.)  And getting more things.  I haven't shopped on the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) for twenty-two years, but I do confess I love shopping on the internet. I get caught up in those cyber sales!  Free Shipping! calls my name.  I get excited just hearing the UPS truck at Christmas time.  But, on a more serious note, let me offer this mediatation for our consideration.

          Materialism is “a preoccupation with or stress on material rather than intellectual or spiritual things,” according to Webster’s Dictionary. Materialism has been a spiritual concern for centuries, even before Ralph WaldoEmerson spoke out against materialism 200 years ago. Much of the way we think is shaped by the culture in which we find ourselves.

          Who can dispute that our society has become steeped in materialism.  We are practically programmed to want all the newest technology and gadgets, the most comfortable and stylish homes, cars, clothes, and the most exotic, luxurious vacations.  You name it!  We work to afford the highest standard of living we can possibly attain for ourselves and our families, but when is enough, enough?  I ask myself that question.

          Jesus’ parable of the rich man is a parable for our times. This man had so 

many possessions that he built bigger barns to hold them all—just like we buy bigger homes 

or put the extra in storage.

          Self-satisfied, he said to himself: Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry. The parable continues: But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have  provided?” (Luke12:19-20NKJV)

          God calls the man a fool. This is a  warning to us not to  lose sight of the condition of our souls.

          How do we guard ourselves and resist the temptation to become preoccupied with 

things?

 

          Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, Do not be conformed to this world, but 

continually be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be

able to determine what God’s will is—what is proper, pleasing, and perfect  

(Romans12:2).

 

          Do you think that being immersed in materialism might hinder our availability to the 

things of God?



                                               Daughter Melanie's cute kitty Roscoe

I Am Satisfied with Jesus



My mother-in-law's tongue plant flourishing on my deck this summer.

 



The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.  Psalm 34:15

I want to share this story about a kindness the Lord did for me many years ago when I was a recently divorced, struggling single parent.  I needed to make a big purchase.  The heating and air conditioning system for the house had broken beyond repair and I had to purchase a new system.  I had no money and no credit  (because I had been a stay at home mom).  I don't remember how I heard about Doc Savage Heating and Air, but I remember the journey in search of the business. This was before Mapquest or gadgets guided the way. It seemed so far away from my home, located in south Augusta, on the other side of town, in unfamilar neighborhoods.  I felt vulnerable and unsure of myself.

 

I had prayed for fair treatment, and that the owner would sell me a unit without a down payment, with monthly payments same as cash.  I was unused to doing business, and I knew the best I could do would be modest monthly payments.  I asked God for His favor.  As I drove the twelve miles, I began to sing an uncommon old hymn that I hadn't heard for years.  I sang it over and over with all my heart.  Here are the words.  I'd like to know if you are familar with this song.

 

Satisfied with Jesus by B.B. McKinney

 

 I am satisfied with Jesus,
He has done so much for me:
He has suffered to redeem me,
He has died to set me free.

Chorus
I am satisfied, I am satisfied,
I am satisfied with Jesus,
But the question comes to me,
As I think of Calvary,
Is my Master satisfied with me?

He is with me in my trials,
Best of friends of all is He;
I can always count on Jesus,
Can He always count on me?

 

Chorus
I am satisfied, I am satisfied,
I am satisfied with Jesus,
But the question comes to me,
As I think of Calvary,
Is my Master satisfied with me?

I remember driving down the dirt road to the little rustic building.  I entered the quiet shop and introduced myself to the only person I saw.  The receptionist said she would tell Mr. Doc Savage that I was there.  As I stepped aside from the window, I noticed a picture on the wall.  Framed there was a page torn from an old  hymnal.  The name of the hymn--"I am satisfied".  The very song I sang on the way to the shop.

Along with my astonishment, joy arose in my heart.  Gone were my doubts and fears, and perfect peace and confidence filled my heart.  I did purchase a unit (I've bought a second unit from them and still do business with them.)  The owner kindly gave me monthly payments, same as cash, as if it were the most natural thing for him to do.

God knew this man.  Apparently, we all knew the same song.  And of course, God knew I'd see that song on the wall of his shop.  He had directed my path, even though I hadn't realized it at the time, and He gave me special confirmation with a song that He was looking out for me.

 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.  Proverbs 3: 5-6

 

I am so thankful that He watches out for me, and He cares about the things that concern me.  The everyday moments of my life.  And yes, I am satisfied with Jesus.
 

                                              Have you ever seen this particular plant bloom?
                               Very old plant, practically an heirloom, first time I've seen it bloom
 

 As we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States, I'd like to wish you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving.  I pray God blesses you today.  Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I appreciate you and hope you will come again.

Giving God the Credit

 

November 10, 2012--It's fall at my house.

Bless the LORD, O my soul:  and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  Psalm 103: 1 (KJV)

One of my children told me about a health issue that had been resolved.  It had been a significant problem for many months, but now it was completely resolved.  I recalled saying to him some time ago that we needed to pray about it.

"That's an answer to our prayers you know," I said.  "It certainly is," he replied.  "Praise God."  We smiled at one another.

I was happy that God had answered our prayers, and that my son had told me about it, and I was also pleased that he had acknowledged God's hand at work.  While I sat there, considering God's mercy, I was struck by the thought, how many times must we fail to acknowledge that God has answered our prayers?  We experience the answered prayer, enjoy the benefits of His mercy and grace, but fail to stop and thank Him, and tell others about what's He's done for us.

I want to share the Scripture about Jesus healing the ten lepers.

 

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

 

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17: 11-19 NIV

 

Only one returned to thank and praise God!  Jesus knew he had healed all ten.  Maybe only the one  leper realized in his body and his soul what Jesus had just done for him.  The miracle.  Maybe even greater than the physical healing was the healing of his inner man that allowed him to see Jesus for who He  really is.

 

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:2a (KJV)

 Photo courtesy of Marissa Nicole Photography

 

May God bless you today.  I pray that you will realize in your body and your soul all the good things that God has done for you,  that you will rejoice and praise Him and in so doing feel a real lift in your spirit.  The God of the universe has done great things for you.

 

Thank you so much for visiting the blog today.  I hope you have been encouraged in some way.  I'd be pleased if you'd leave a comment below, or write me a message at writemoments@gmail.com. 

 

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever

Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Augusta, Georgia--oldest Catholic Church in Georgia



Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8

Through the years, harmonious and happy living has been my desire for me and my family.  With diligence and a sense of purpose, I try to maintain a certain balance.  My home is a peaceful oasis in a chaotic world--most of the time.  Life goes smoothly--most of the time.  The everyday routine seems much the same--most of the time.  Until the expected happens:  auto accidents, illnesses, financial upsets, death.  Life is interrupted; peace is disrupted.

Changes occur.  It might be as simple and seamless as a new supervisor at work, or as profound and life-changng as the death of a loved one.  A child grows up and moves away from home.  One of my daughters is about to move 4500 miles away from here; I didn't see it coming.  I'm still reeling from that seismic change.

Oh, why can't life stay just as we like it, all the time?  We long for a type of heaven on earth.

Wise Solomon told us quite eloquently that "to every thing there is a season".  (see Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Then, besides change, what can we depend on?

We can depend on Jesus.  He does not change.  His plans for me have not changed.  My soul's destiny has not changed.  My circumstances and my perspective might change.  But, Jesus Christ is unchangeable.  That essential reality remains constant. 

He is for all Eternity.  He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 1:8) 

God is the only unchanging variable in our lives.  I praise God that no matter what changes may come in my life, I can put my trust in Him.

Alpha and Omega symbol in

the Church of the Most Holy Trinity

 

 

May God bless you today.  Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I hope you will come again.  I'd also love to hear from you.  You can add a comment below if you like, or write to me at writemoments@gmail.com.  

 

 

Now, I'd like to announce the winner of last week's book give-away.  Congratulations to Kathleen Belongea who will be receiving one of Ann Tatlock's books.  I'd like to thank you all on behalf of me and Ann for making the monthly Christian author feature a success.  We had well over 200 visitors.  Blessings to you.  May God be with you.

Blessed is He Who Watches

Watching for Daddy -- photo courtesy of Marissa Nicole Photography

I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven. As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.  Psalm 123:1-2

 

Psalm 123 offers a beautiful affirmation of God's sustaining power.

. . . Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God until that he have mercy upon us. . .

 

We find dual meanings in the Scriptures about "watching". We are watching in

faith knowing that God is about to bring salvation to our situations. 

 

As we know all too well, dreadful circumstances can come upon us as suddenly as a thief, knocking us off our earthly foundations and destroying our world as we know it. 

 

Behold, I come as a thief, Blessed is He that watches.  Revelation 16:15a

 

Circumstances can be disappointing, at worst devastating.  The longer we look at the problems and hardship, the more discouraged we become.  Fear will flood our hearts and minds; sadness and sorrow will come in a torrent. If we can but lift up our eyes to Him. . .

 

Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord: for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.   Psalm 25:15

 

And we are watching for the promise of His return.  

 

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, will return one day.  Scripture refers to His coming again.  He himself told us that He would come again (John 14).  As Christians we look forward to that day. 

 

And we want to be ready. 

 

In faith we lift up our eyes to Him, our hope and our deliverer. 

 

Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He comes shall find watching. Luke 12:37a 

 

Glorious sunrise

 

I'm happy you have visited the blog today.  I hope that together we can encourage each other to look to the Lord.  May His mercy and grace be with you. 

 

Please feel free to leave a comment here, or if you'd prefer, you can send me a message at writemoments@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Ann Tatlock, featured author, plus Monthly Book Give-Away

Ann Tatlock www.anntatlock.com

It's my pleasure to introduce award-winning author, Ann Tatlock, as our guest writer today.  Recently I read the devotions which she had written on Christian Devotions website. I was so intriqued by her inspiring messages, I read every one of hers on the site. Then, I ordered her book I'll Watch the Moon.  Set in St. Paul, Minnesota, during the 1948 polio epidemic, this is a beautifully written story with an inspiring message of trust in God.  I've asked Ann to tell us about herself and her writing.

	Every morning I write a Bible verse in a notebook and leave it on my daughter’s bed for her to read when she comes home from school. Today the verse is 1 John 4:19: “We love him, because he first loved us” (AKJV).           I never cease to be amazed by the “I’ll-make-the-first-move” love of God. That love has wrapped itself around me from the day I was born and, no matter what I’ve done through the years, it has always been true to the words of one of my favorite hymns: “O Love that will not let me go.”      At the age of six I wrote my first poem in very large letters on a very large piece of ruled writing paper. In it I named all the things I loved—Mom and Dad, the singing birds, my teachers—and I concluded with this line: “But most of all I love God.”           That says more about God than about me. To think He revealed himself to a little child—how great a gift! In return, I’ve always wanted to serve Him and to tell about what He has done for us through Jesus Christ.           When I went to college, I thought the best way for me to serve God would be to take care of the sick, but I dropped out of the nursing program when the Lord made it clear to me that my calling was to write.           Deciding to write true testimonies as to what God was doing in the world, I eventually got a master’s degree in journalism. That led to a job with Billy Graham’s "Decision" magazine, where I spent five years as staff writer and assistant editor.            But the Lord impressed upon me the power of story as a vehicle for truth. After all, Jesus used fictional stories to teach while he was here on earth. We know those stories today as the parables.             So I switched gears and started writing novels in the hopes of revealing through them something of the character of God. My novels are both contemporary and historical; I have a particular interest in 20th-century America as it was a time of incredible advancement, unthinkable tragedies, glorious victories and boundless faith on the part of believers.            My new friend Rose Chandler Johnson recently read I’ll Watch the Moon and asked what inspired me to write it. Since I like to choose a particular era or event to serve as backdrop for my stories, I’ll Watch the Moon arose from my curiosity about the 1948 polio epidemic. As I researched the epidemic, I realized I’d be writing a story about hope. When people face trials like war and disease (the Second World War also figures into the story), they so often discover what the narrator of the story discovers, that “even a grain of hope can manage to eclipse a whole world of despair.”      Let me share too the historical time frame and the theme of some of my other novels: A Room of My Own  The Great Depression, 1932   Servanthood A Place Called Morning   1980s                 Forgiveness All the Way Home   WWII and 1960s Civil Rights Era   Redemption The Returning     Contemporary                      Grace Promises to Keep   1967-68                           Discernment Travelers Rest     Contemporary                     Restoration Sweet Mercy        Prohibition Era, 1931             Mercy            I share this with you only because the desire of my heart is to reveal God’s character and announce his truths. Because He loves us, our lives are filled with his grace and mercy, hope and forgiveness, redemption and restoration. I hope my readers will enjoy my stories and--even more important--come away feeling comforted, encouraged and a little bit more certain of God’s unfailing love. Ann Tatlock * * *   Now, for an opportunity to receive a copy of Ann's book of your choice. At least ten readers must comment and share in order for there to be a book give-away. So come on everyone.  Join in.  Follow these easy steps to qualify for the random drawing. 1. Leave a comment on this blog which includes your name and email address. (I will use your address to contact you if you win.) I love to read your comments. 2. Share this blog post on Facebook or mention it on your own blog. If you do not have a facebook, or a blog, become a follower of this site. Complete these steps by 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 10th. A winner will be announced on November 12th. Thank you for supporting my writing by reading and commenting on this blog. I will write for you again on Thursday, November 8th, so please come back. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6. May God be with you.