I've been told that I'm not wrapped too tight

. . . but I'm glad. In my class, I've been considering the account of the raising of Lazarus. When Jesus approached the tomb, He wept -- and then commanded, "Lazarus, come forth!" We know the rest of the story. By the power of God, Lazarus came out of that tomb -- all bound up. Now, that in itself was a miracle. How on earth did he manage to get up and walk out with all those wrappings? Don't know. Don't much care. The fact that matters is that he came out of that tomb alive. Jesus then instructed, "Unwrap him and let him go." Yep. I'm not wrapped too tight -- in fact, I'm glad to be completely unwrapped. Freedom! Many of God's people are all bound up, not living in the freedom that has been purchased at Calvary, and fully realized at another empty tomb. Jesus is risen indeed!

Say what?

We've been sooooooooooooo good. Have you noticed that our mom hasn't written about us lately? Do we have to misbehave for her to put us on her blog? She posted that latest photo of me (Mitzi) but didn't say anything about it, so I guess I better fill you in.
Mom took Daisy to the groomer a few weeks ago, so I shivered in expectation cuz I knew I would be next. My groomer is different that Daisy's because there's a man at Daisy's grooming place. I don't like men very much until I get to know them. Anyhow, my groomer is a lady who hugs and snuggles me, and smooches me. She tries to butter me up, but I know what she is up to.
So last Monday mom told me it was time for my groomer appointment. That's when I looked up and said, "Say what?" I tried my best with whimpering little sounds, and heart-tugging looks to tell her that I didn't want a skinny clip. It's getting too cold! Guess what? It worked! When we got to the groomer, mom told her, "I just want you to give her a scissor cut this time. It's too cold, and she is looking so cute this way." I know it takes longer for mom to brush me but I sure am glad she understood my whimperings. I told Daisy that we really do have good mom.
What do you think?

Does God blog?

While I waited upon the Lord as a participant at a prayer meeting tonight, I was struck with the number of times that the scriptures make reference to writing. My thoughts hopped from scripture to scripture. For example, we know that in the beginning was the Word . . . the spoken, creative Word. That Word, given to men became the scriptures, which we call the Word of God. We read that God wrote on tables of stone when He gave the ten commandments to Moses. He wrote. I like that. Malachi 3:16 speaks of a book of remembrance that records the thoughts of those who fear His name. Who is writing it? Hmm. I think I know and that excites me. I wonder if my reflections are written there? Of course, there is also the book of life. My name is written there.
Is yours?

I'm a proud mama

I spent time with my younger son, Blain, today. That in itself is always a blessing. We enjoyed a curry buffet at Passage To India -- a double blessing! But the greater delight was in learning that he had recently been called upon to fill the pulpit on a Sunday morning. Here is just a few lines of His message:

"Best friends are willing to go the extra mile for one another. There is nothing that we would not attempt to do to lighten the burden of our best friend. We sense the pain, the suffering, the stress, and the needs of our friends and we step in to lighten the load.


"These are just a few attributes of true friendship. Christ presents all these to us. He desires fellowship, quality time with each of us. We have found so much stuff to occupy us that often we neglect quality time with Jesus. Are we as open and intimate with Christ as we are in our best friendships? We put aside this time on Sunday to be with Christ, but does our friendship with Christ offer quality time with Him the remaining six days of the week? I have to confess that my time is sometimes pretty limited. What would you or I be willing to change or give up in our lives that we would be able to give the time needed to improve on a true relationship as a friend with Christ?

"I have been challenged this week in my preparations to look closely at my relationship with God as a true friend. Am I open with Him about everything, or do I beat around the bush in my conversation with Him? Do I even bother to consider Him in everything that I am about? I offer to you this morning that regardless of where you feel you are in your personal relationship with God, He desires your friendship even more. What can you do about it? He wants us to stay in touch."

That's good stuff! Don't you agree?

Cutting off the heads of the giants in the land

The Old Testament accounts of giants in the land give us clues as to their traits. Some are friendly, others a threat. But they are all huge. Problems are like that, especially personal "issues". Some of them, we have become so comfortable with, that we want them around. These are the friendly giants. Others have proved to be enemies. They take up too much space. But they are all a threat.
For example, the giant called Impatience. He pops up when he is least expected. Things are going great, and all of a sudden something happens -- a glitch in the program -- and presto! Impatience is on the scene, center stage. You seemingly get him under control with a dab of an apologetic prayer. OK. Now we can get on with the daily events. You decide on a hot dog for lunch. With catsup. The bottle is empty. No problem, you like mustard with onions. You peel the onion, cut it up, get the mustard. Oops. Forgot the hot dog was cooking. Rather, overcooking. In your attempt to rescue it, you burn yourself and drop the dog -- which is the cue for the two Bichon retrievers to do their thing. There went the dog -- the hot dog, that is. Oh well, you weren't that hungry. Want to settle for the bun?
Impatience is just dying to get in on the act. You can almost feel him crowding you out. But instead, you give him a poke with the tip of your sword. I will bless the Lord at all times, you sing. And off comes his head. You are learning that you are the land, and the giants are the nasty little foxes that have grown up inside you.
What giants have you befriended? You have a sword. Use it. If they are not too big, a stone might do.

Writing favor continues in spite of misgivings

What a wonderful start to a new week. On Monday, I received three published stories that I had written -- and three checks. It is always great to 'have written' -- and greater to have been published -- but when I actually receive payment for what I write, it's a plus. The kind of stuff I write doesn't earn much -- but I am grateful for the opportunity to share my heart with others -- even if the stories and articles are "freebies". The free stuff constitutes a return blessing to those worthy Christian publications that cannot afford to pay. The goodness of God is immeasurable. I pray your endeavors are meeting with the Lord's blessing as well. Won't you share them so we may rejoice together?

New guide dog giving new freedom

Introducing Nola, a golden retriever. I believe she will worm her way into your heart just by viewing her photo. As she is learning all the complicated routes in Salem, MA, Tina is experiencing a liberty that she has not known for awhile. Please pray for their safety, protection -- and a long and happy journey together. Amen?

I'm either very brave or unbelievably dumb

Remember the "new writing challenge" of which I spoke? Well, I'm desperately trying to learn the in's and out's -- and scrambling for article ideas. The problem is that 50% of the articles have to be "local" with a news slant. My topic (Harrisburg Christianity Examiner) makes that a bit difficult -- at least for me. But I've learned through the tutorials and community page that they do pay for articles that meet the requirements. They have published what I sent. Please check them out and give me some feedback. If you can't get into the site or to my page let me know. I believe you can access my articles by going to the link I'm providing here: http://www.examiner.com/. Make sure you are on the Harrisburg page. My page is in the Religion/Spirituality channel and my title is as above: Harrisburg Christianity Examiner. If the LDS title is shown don't go there. That was a mistake on their part. It isn't active, but it won't go away. LOL. I'd appreciate if you'd give it a try and let me know how it worked. Many thanks (kiss kiss).
Blessings!

A postscript to the previous post

. . . is that I've had yet another acceptance of a personal experience story. It must be harvest time. I'm thankful for favor. I am encouraged by these personal evidences of the Lord's activity in my circumstances. However, it is also a joy to witness the fulfillment of the spiritual aspirations of others. For example, the local church that I attend now has a website. Check it out by clicking on the Agape Fellowship link. Thanks again, everyone, for your encouragement.

A praise for the Lord's favor

A story that I had written some years ago has been published in the November issue of  an online publication. The story is entitled, Scene of the Crime, and the publication is called Now What? Check it out. The link is http://nowwhat.cog7.org/.

Morgan Hahn's story reminds me of the marvel of forgiveness, and the healing balm that it provides. When I recall the trauma caused by the senseless murder of Morgan's wife and son, I can't help but wonder how I would have handled such an injustice --  and the unbearable emotion pain that he endured. When I was interviewing Morgan, crying with him, no -- sobbing with him --  as I probed for the horrid details. He had agreed to allow me to write his story because, as he said, Lana (his murdered wife) would want it done. Taking Morgan back into the painful feelings of that tragic night tore him up -- and yet it proved to be the start of the healing process in his life.

I've seen Morgan several times since I've done his story. The Lord has blessed his life, and the greatest victory has been his grace to forgive. Could I have done that? Could you? Read his story. Click on the link above, or you can find it on Facebook.