Hard Times and Hard Places

Brick walkway in  Magnolia Cemetery ~  courtesy of Betty Talbert Parker

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all. Psalm 34:19 NRSV

A friend is going through hard times. She’s recently lost a loved one; her children have moved away leaving her with feelings of abandonment; she is suffering with health issues aggravated by stress and grief; and to seemingly add insult to injury, she suffered a freak accident which has spoiled her holiday plans. 

My heart goes out to her.  But words of encouragement and acts of kindness can only go so far.  I cover her with my prayers and trust in God for her.

And the truth is, we all experience times like this, when we feel alone, our hopes and dreams shattered. When hard times come, we run the risk of sinking into self-pity, falling into despair.

But, we, the righteous, have this promise:

For though they fall seven times, they will rise again. Proverbs 24:16 NRSV

Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. Micah 7:8 NRSV

We must hold on to this promise.

Daniel believed this. I love the story of his faith. (See Daniel 6:16-24) He was punished for trusting in God and specifically for praying, which defied the king’s orders.

Then the king gave the command, and Daniel was brought and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, ‘May your God, whom you faithfully serve, deliver you!’  Daniel 6:20

And Daniel spent the dark night sitting amongst the lions in the bottom of that deep pit. But the next morning, to the king’s joy and the glory of God, he was found alive and well.

So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Daniel 6:23b

Let's pray for one another, that our faith will stay strong through the hard times, and pray for God’s mercy and grace to be poured out on those who are suffering. For in time we shall see the victory, for we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. (SeeRomans 8:35-39)

Magnolia Cemetery ~ courtesy of Betty Talbert Parker

Thanks so much for visiting.  I pray for all of you who read this blog and pray you find some encouragement here.  Many Blessings for you and yours at this Thanksgiving time.

Special thanks to Betty Talbert Parker of Thomson, GA for allowing me to share her pictures.

Our Fallen Nature Obliges Us to Seek Him Moment by Moment

Photo of raging river courtesy of Google Images

Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—in peace because they trust in you. Isaiah26:3 NRSV

Following my devotions, I praised God for the beautiful day. After my time of meditating on Him, Scripture reading, and prayer, I was in a happy mood. As I sipped my coffee, I enjoyed the view from my window—golden leaves fluttered on the dogwood tree with the morning sun shining through. I enjoyed peace.

The first thing on my to-do list was to choose my insurance plan for the year during annual open enrollment. I sat down before the computer by the sunny window expecting to complete my task within a few minutes. I signed onto the website and filled in my personal information. But, to my dismay, when I got to the screen where I should have been able to make my selection, the screen was grayed out, and NO Coverage was already selected for me. I couldn't advance or go backwards. I had to call the 1-800 number for help.

So, with that I began a series of back-to-back calls to my insurance provider until I finally got an open line, and then I held for over an hour before a live person spoke to me. During the 2 ½ hour process (by the end of which all was resolved), I had time to analyze what was happening to my peaceful happy mood.

Even though my lovely view from the window had not changed, and God was still God, my focus shifted. As I held the phone, minute by dreary minute, unpleasant changes were taking place in my body, and my thoughts were scampering about like the squirrels in the tree.

My heart rate rose.  Tension across my forehead warned that my blood pressure had also risen. My shoulder ached, and my neck got stiff. I felt aggravated and anxious; all because my focus shifted from God to an unexpected “glitch”.

Allow me to echo the Apostle Paul:

Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? (Romans 7:24)

I think it must be part of our fallen human condition and this earthly piligrimage to suffer these moods and changing feelings so easily swayed by circumstances and situations beyond our control. Wouldn’t it be grand if we Christians could rest in perfect and permanent peace all the time?  Living constantly in conformity to our faith in Him?  We have hope. 

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom. 7:25)

Daily, moment by moment, as we seek His grace (through prayer and reflection, Scripture reading and practicing godly virtues), we can experience His perfect peace in the midst of the realities of life. With our focus on Him, His peace will be like stepping stones in the raging river of life.

For he is our peace…Ephesians 2:14a

And with our mind stayed on Him, He will lead us to our eternal home, where all will be peace and light.

Daily, let us pray, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10b

Sunset at Beaver Creek Reservoir ~ photo courtesy of the talented Eileen DeCamp

Thanks so much for taking the time to visit Write Moments with God.  Some of you will remember this story from last November.  It's so reflective of how we are, I thought I'd write about it again. 

May you experience His peace today.

Now, to announce the winner of my monthly book giveaway.  Norma Gail and I thank all of you who commented.

Caroline Brown is the winner by random drawing of Norma Gail's compelling debut novel, Land of My Dreams.  Enjoy!

Meet debut novelist Norma Gail - Plus monthly book giveaway

Norma Gail 

I’m happy to introduce to you today Norma Gail.  Norma Gail’s debut Christian novel, Land of My Dreams, released in April 2014. Her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, FaithWriters, and the New Mexico Christian Novelists. She lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 38 years. They have two adult children.

I hope you enjoy the interview.  Be sure to leave a comment at the end as your entry in our random drawing to win a copy of Land of My Dreams.

Norma Gail, please tell us a little about yourself and your writing.

I began writing poetry and short stories when I was very young and continued all through my school years, but stopped for a nursing career and to raise my children. I didn’t begin writing again until I was in my forties, and then only on rare occasions. It wasn’t until my children were grown that I began to write seriously. Land of My Dreams is my first novel.

What inspired you on your writing journey?

I feel an intense desire to explain the struggles and challenges that have taught me the greatest lessons of my Christian life through stories that entertain and draw the reader in until they become a part of the story.

Do you have a publishing secret you’d like to share with other writers?

You need to feel confidant you have found your own voice, but it is important to listen to what others are telling you. Do the paid critiques, talk to a variety of people, other authors, editors, and agents. If they are saying some major changes need to be done to make your book publishable, do them. If you are serious about your writing you need to be teachable.

What is the most meaningful truth you hope your readers glean from your writing?

I want my readers to learn that we have a loving God who can turn even the worst of trials into blessing. I don’t write light fiction. There are heavy spiritual lessons to be learned in this story, and the reviews bear that out. I write very much from the point of view of a Bible study leader. Having led women’s Bible studies for 19 years, my thinking is deeply scriptural. I want to communicate the wisdom of God’s word and the blessings of obedience, as well as the consequences of doing things our own way.

Please tell us about your new novel. 

Land of MyDreams began as a dream as we prepared for a trip to Scotland for our thirtieth wedding anniversary. I literally dreamed about a man in a kilt on a misty mountainside with his bagpipes, and surrounded by sheep. The characters developed as people who had been hurt by life and questioned a loving God who is personally involved in their daily lives. Bonny and Kieran are a little older than in some romances. Both have suffered tremendous loss. It takes time to trust each other and their relationship is threatened by their inability to leave the past behind and trust God. They are surrounded by friends who direct them toward the Lord in loving and pretty straight forward ways.

Here’s the back cover copy of the book:

Alone and betrayed, American professor, Bonny Bryant longs for a haven of peace. She accepts a position at a small Christian college in Fort William, Scotland, craving escape from her painful past. The passionate love which develops when she meets fellow professor and sheep farmer, Kieran MacDonell, is something she never anticipated.Kieran harbors a deep anger toward God in the face of his own devastating grief. When Bonny’s former fiancé reenters her life, Kieran’s loneliness draws him to a former student.How will Bonny decide between her rivals? Can they set aside the past to make way for a future, or will it drive them apart?

Landof My Dreams spans the distance between New Mexico’s high desert mountains and the misty Scottish Highlands with a timeless story of overwhelming grief, undying love, and compelling faith.

I can’t wait to get my own copy, Norma Gail.  It sounds intriguing. How can readers contact you on the web?

My website: www.normagail.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail

Google+ https://plus.google.com/b/102717101441594679714/+Normagail/about/p/pub

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459.Norma_Gail

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2

Twitter: @Norma_Gail

Land of Dreams is available for purchase on Amazon.com and BN.com (Barnes & Noble).

In conclusion, I like to ask my guest authors to share their favorite Scripture verse.

 They are not just idle words for you--they are your life. De. 32:47 NIV

I first learned this Scripture when I was a discussion leader in Bible Study Fellowship. Not only has teaching and leading other women in Bible study been my passion and ministry for 19 years, it is my source of strength to make it through every day as I deal with fibromyalgia and other health problems. There is no life worth living apart from Jesus Christ.

***

Dear Readers, thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I hope you've enjoyed getting to know Norma Gail as much as I have.  If you will leave a comment below (including your email in case you are the winner) we will include your name in the random drawing for a copy of Land of My Dreams. Please comment by Sunday, November 9th. The winner will be announced on the blog on Monday, November 10th.  As always, I appreciate you.  Blessings!

Two Absolutes in a World of Relativity - Lou Ann Keiser writes a response

Lou Ann Keiser in El Escorial, Spain

I asked for it and Lou Ann Keiser responded.  I asked Readers to share their thoughts upon reading the reflection entitled "We Don't Know What We Don't Know", which posted October 27th.

Lou Ann Keiser is a pastor's wife, mother, and grandmother who lives in the beautiful Basque region of Spain. She loves her Lord and His Word, the Bible. Lou Ann is the author of His Ways, Your Walk and writes a blog  entitled "In the Way".  I hope you enjoy her meditation.

Two Absolutes in a World of Relativity

  

“It depends.”

“Find your own truth.”

“It’s neither black nor white.”

“I think . . . .”

“You can’t really know.”

“Everyone has to figure out what’s right for him.”

“Different people see things in different ways.”

Relativity.

Is there really an absolute standard, or is that passé? Is there unchangeable truth? And is it possible to know it? 

We could go on and on about how wishy-washy the world has become. Years ago, people had clear ideas about right and wrong and standards of conduct. Today, people make up their own truth. But, how can we be confident that our conscience and gut feelings will lead us rightly? 

What is truth anyway? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it is “the real facts about something: the things that are true.”

It’s fascinating to think about truth as it’s presented in the Bible. First of all, the Bible claims to be true. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17).

Jesus—God in flesh—said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6). So, Jesus is truth.

God the Father is true. Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints (Revelation 15:3b). In fact, the Bible says that He can’t lie: God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began (from Titus 1:2).

The Holy Spirit is truth. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me (John 15:26).

The Bible is truth, and God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is truth. Here, we have two absolutes. The Bible is the best guide for judging whether things are right and wrong and for judging our own actions. Do we line up with the standards taught in God’s Word? (Do we even know what they are?) 

I have a challenge for you: read the Gospel of John. There are 21 chapters. If you were to read only one chapter each day, you'd complete it in three weeks. The Gospel of John is all about Jesus, and many of its verses are His own Words. Look for:

How does Jesus describe Himself?

How can you tell Jesus is God?

How did Jesus treat others?

How can a person be born again (Chapter 3)?

How did people respond to Jesus?

Why did Jesus die?

What happened after Jesus’ death?

Why is the resurrection so important to Christian faith?

How many people saw Jesus after He rose from the dead?

What is Jesus doing today?

I believe that those who read the book of John with an open heart and an open mind, will find Truth. I offer this challenge.

Thank you Rose for trusting me enough to allow me the opportunity to share this.

Photo courtesy of Fay Lamb

Thank all of you who visited Write Moments with God today.  I appreciate you. And thank you Lou Ann for sharing this.  Lou Ann and I would love to hear from you.  Be blessed.

We Don't Know What We Don't Know

My granddaughter Mya reading "Who Is God?" by Kathleen Ruckman

“We don’t know what we don’t know.”  I paused to consider this statement upon hearing it for the umpteenth time last week.  It was spoken by news commentators in reference to the Ebola virus. 

Now I suppose it’s a no-brainer that we don’t know whole vast amounts of knowledge.  If we were ignorant of the fact that we didn't know it, then we wouldn't realize that we were ignorant of it. This statement can seem like some kind of double-talk or a profound theory depending on who’s saying it or our thoughts and feelings at the moment. 

In my opinion, the bottom line is this:

The knowledge of the facts can make a difference to one’s actions. Not only that, but also knowledge of the facts can make a difference between life and death.

It occurred to me that this is also true in the spiritual realm.

So, how does this “We don’t know what we don’t know” apply to me as a Christian?

My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. "Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children. Hosea 4:6 NIV

The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy:

Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15 AKJ V

It seems to me then, that the “facts” from a Christian standpoint must be TRUTH.  Jesus said it is possible for us to know the truth. (John 8:32)

Jesus saith to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me. John 14:6 Douay-Rheims Bible

And it is the Spirit which testifieth, that Christ is the truth. 1 John 5:6b Douay-Rheims

The Psalmist says “thy law is truth.” (Psalm 119:142b)  Jesus also says “thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

Keeping in mind that I don’t know what I don’t know, I pray to God for Him to teach me.

 Teach me your ways, Lord, that I may walk in your truth. Psalm 86:11

God promises to instruct and guide us.

You shall seek me, and shall find me: when you shall seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. Psalm 119:2 NIV

This is my clumsy attempt to share with you a little portion of my reflections on this subject. Please feel free to share your thoughts to add to our understanding.  Proverbs tell us “there is safety in the multitude of counselors.”

Mya reading "What will Heaven be Like?" by Kathleen Ruckman

Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I appreciate you.  Please visit next week for my monthly author interview and book give-away.

Want a Closer Relationship with God?

Thanks to Marisel Jarrin Kleppen for sharing this picture of her husband and son.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8a

Without communication relationships die. I can’t remember where I first read those words, but they ring true.  In fact, I said them this week to a friend about her long distance relationship.  Telephone commercials remind us of the importance of staying in touch with our loved ones far away.  

Without communication relationships die. I’ve resolved to communicate more frequently with friends through cards and letters—hand-written and mailed.  Communication is necessary for healthy relationships.

We know this certainly applies to human relationships, but what about our relationship with God?

We are God’s children, adopted into the family of God.  We call the Lord Almighty, our Father. Our relationship with God is the ultimate relationship.

And I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, said the Lord Almighty.  2 Corinthians 6:18 For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  Galatians 3:26 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father". Galatians 4:6 And Jesus calls us His brethren.  (See Matthew 12:48-50)

We have a personal relationship with God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. But how do we communicate with God? How do we keep the lines of communication open?

We go to Him in prayer.

In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12

Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we many receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

As with any other intimate relationship, we need to spend quality time together in order to nurture and grow that relationship. Prayer is key to our spiritual relationship. Through prayer I draw close to God and my soul communes with Him. 

We can pray anywhere, about anything, at any time.  As children of God there is nowhere that we can be that God will not hear us.  We can commune with Him in our hearts or speak out loud, kneeling in a quiet place or driving down the highway.  

Are you taking advantage of this amazing privilege? Do you want a closer relationship with God?  Pray.

And he (Jesus) withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.  Luke 5:16

Photo courtesy of Marissa Nicole Photography

Thank you so much for visiting Write Moments with God.  I invite you to leave your comments and add to the conversation. I love to hear from you. Click on the little pencil icon or the word "comment" below for a place to write your message.  God bless you as you seek a closer relationship with Him. 

An Uninvited Visitor

We will rejoice and be glad. Psalm 118:24  ~ photo courtesy of Google images

One midlife malady I never reckoned with has come to call.  It was a long time coming. I’d heard stories about its insidious ways over the years from friends suffering from it.  But since I have six children, with a span of almost 17 years between the first sons (twins) and the last child, my home was full and busy. An “empty nest” was nowhere on my radar.  Then, the sneaky intruder moved in a few weeks ago when my youngest child, Robbie, left for college.

At first I didn’t recognize it, calling it simply one of those transitions I’ve written about recently.  I’d heard you need to call these things by their common name in order to effectively deal with it.  Okay, then.  Hello, Mr. Empty Nest.

I’m really okay with that. I have enjoyed being the mother of all my wonderful children and I treasure those growing up years.  It’s only appropriate that the children should grow up and leave the nest. God has blessed us.

But, when I have a momentary lapse into sadness, I remember Ezra’s words that comforted the children of Israel. God’s people had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. The city lay in ruin and they were in despair. (See Nehemiah 8:1-12)

Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b

To be fair, I’ve tried to be hospitable to my uninvited guest and attend with patience and understanding. It’s caused me to think, a lot, and have lots of conversations with God my Father. It’s at time like these that I praise God for His promises and I remember who I am as a child of the King.

For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5 

I'm pleased to report, my youngest son has already come home for visits. When there is no big football game, Lord willing, he’ll come again. I will make his favorite meals, give him my full attention, and see for myself that he is learning to fly. 

Robbie looking at Gabriel's eggs at our family's Easter Egg Hunt, 2014.

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. Psalm 118:29

Thanks friends for spending some time with me today.  You are a blessing.

Now, to announce the winner of Carol Stratton's entertaining debut novel, Lake Surrender.  Thanks so much to all of you who visited and commented on last week's interview. Congratulations goes to Pamela Harrison whose name was chosen in the random drawing.