Blog revival needed

I really do miss sharing my thoughts on this blog. However, the limited number of followers hasn't seemed to warrant continuing it. Then several persons recently commented to me: "I haven't seen any new blogs from you for awhile. You're not quitting it, are you?"

Oh boy. What to do? I do try to publish two or three articles weekly on my column on www.examiner.com/western-religions-in-harrisburg and also on my General Education column on that site. Those sites are so different from the personal blogging though, that my personal writing itch would like a scratching now and then -- (like the pups' ears).

Speaking of writing. I'm so thrilled that one of my articles has been accepted for a Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and a second story has made it to the final round. I had previously been published in two of the Cup of Comfort series. Other than those submissions, I have not really written new stuff for the print markets. So this was a blessing.

If the canine kids knew that their capers were not being shared, I wonder how they'd feel? Neglected? Relieved? Hmm. Well, here goes. Daisy still scratches, in spite of all the stuff that's been tried to alleviate the problem. Hopefully, it will calm down in the colder weather. Mitzi continues to clean Daisy's eyes, and demand that I join her in a tug of war with one of her 10 ropes. When she's really happy, she performs her Bichon blitz.

Well, that's a brief update for the few friends who might check up on me. See ya' later!

Memory Lane

My Writer’s Journal has served as a “book of remembrance” that I open from time to time. I came across this entry today, which I had also published in my spring 1996 Newsletter. Walk down Memory Lane with me as you read:

“Lord, I never did like that sticky stuff! I wanted to be sure that Beau (my Dalmatian) didn’t strangle himself in the cord from the mini blind, so in my effort to move it, I got trapped in a strip of flypaper hanging from the ceiling. (Remember that stuff?) Now, that paper had hung there for a week and only caught three flies. How come it zapped me? There I was all dressed for church and wrapped in sticky, gooey stuff. I just couldn’t get it off my hands.

“Later, as I played my guitar for the worship service, a fly kept landing on my nose. I wonder why?”

 "You reminded me, Lord, that life sometimes gets “sticky.” We can get into situations that just won’t let go. But what I desire, Lord, is to get so close to You that You just can’t get me off Your hands. This road to intimacy with You began at the old gold chair on my knees in the dinky blue and white mobile home in the mountain. I was desperately crying out to You when You said, “I’ve been waiting to be gracious to you. I’ve heard your cry, and I’ll not hide from you any longer” (a word from Isaiah 30). That was the beginning of a wonderful romance. Thank You, Lord, for “sticking” by me.                                                                                                        Love, Penny"

Winter Woes

Dear Blog Readers -- if you are still out there

I've been delinquent in the matter of posting entries on you. But I do have a good reason. My responsibility of posting articles on examiner.com has been extremely time consuming. There has so much to learn, and my pea brain is not a rubber band. I've had to stretch and wrap my brain around procedures. In the midst of all this my computer developed a super belly ache. Now, it had been burping on and off for years, but with the help of a friend (bless you, Dave) we managed to de-burp it now and then. (I just about threw it over my shoulder a few times, but the Lord stopped me.) It had served me faithfully for 11 years. I decided it was time to partially retire it and invest in a newby. Now, a new adventure awaited -- getting used to a new 'puter with a different version of Windows. So here I am -- finally posting my woes.

As you may suspect, the posting on examiner site and the  'puter issues were not the only woes. We were spared from severe winter storms as far as snow is concerned; but the high winds and extremely cold temps were a problem. The skirting on the home went bye-byes with the winds. I was chasing skirting all over the place. Much of it is torn as a result -- and the home itself now looks naked without it's skirt. (Sort of like a woman's spindly legs without her skirt to cover!) But I'm safe, with walls and a roof, heat and electricity. I am indeed counting my blessings, especially when I view the Japan devestation. How we need to pray for those people.

Anyhow, I'm back. I'll try my best to tune in at least three times weekly. I hope you'll check me out on examiner.com/Harrisburg as well.

Blessings to you!

P.S. -- The crazy canine kids are still doing their capers!

Why Fast?

I've just posted an article on examiner.com/Harrisburg, which asks the question, "Why Fast?"
Our pastor at Agape Fellowship had presented the proposition of fasting in the Sunday morning sermon. Without mentioning the various types of fasting that one can employ, let me share here a fast that a friend shared with me (not mentioning names). This fast is so appealing that I immediately decided to join with her in this fast. She said (and I quote) -- "I'm fasting on fasting!" Wanna come along? (smile)

Now, just in case someone out there takes us seriously, please read the article to which I referred. We are indeed joining our hearts to commit (in some way) to fasting in the weeks ahead. Wanna join us - for real!

Falling Blackbirds

Blackbird, male singing (Photo by Malene, Wikimedia Commons)

Only twenty-four?


According to the newscasters, there were at least sixty black birds that fell from the sky – not just once, but twice in as many days. What is happening?

Last Spring, a number of black birds landed in the lot behind my home. I counted 24 of them, and thought about that line in the nursery rhyme that I used to recite to my sons: “For and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie.” (What a gruesome thought!). Several weeks later, again 24 black birds visited my lot.

Just last week, a flock of the shiny, black visitors were back, enjoying a feast at the feeder on a pole in my yard. This time, I didn’t count them. Then I heard about the black birds dropping from the sky.

There are different theories about the falling blackbirds. Perhaps something in the environment – a governmental interference – or an insecticide – or this or that.

If you have any thoughts on the subject, I invite you to comment.


(I recommend an article about the blackbirds on the Dothan Christianity Examiner site at www.examiner.com. Joseph Parker gives some insightful, provoking thoughts.)

Let It Snow?

Oh no! They are getting record breaking snow in California, and it is headed east. Remember last winter? Even that was a tip of the iceberg compared to the blizzard we had - let's see -- I think it was in 1994 or thereabouts. I lived elsewhere then. It seemed that I spent as much time on my roof as I did on the ground. Talk about leaks. When the melting came, my house became an indoor water rink. It was indeed interesting as my furniture got moved around like checkers on a board to avoid the drips. The bottom line? Please, Lord, don't let us become another California scenario.
Last year, I shoveled paths for the dogs to plow through. When the wind blew, the paths became tunnels! I kid you not. The top of each path blew shut, but the bottom remained open. I couldn't have done that had I tried. My neighbors thought I was a very clever snow-crafter. The tunnels were more creative than their snow men. This winter I'd rather settle for a simple "dusting" that my broom could handle.
How about you?

The happy blogger -- I think

I was supposed to come up with something for the Agape fellowship dinner on Sunday. (Lord, why is it that the pastor just won’t take No for an answer? What is it about NO that she doesn’t understand?) I never know what to say at these things. Well, maybe if I worked on a BLOG, something would come to me. OK, what could I write? The BLOG had nothing to do with the church, or the fellowship dinner. Oh well. So be it. I’d been thinking about cleaning out the accumulated clutter in the house. I do that at the beginning of each year. I’d BLOG about that. Somebody should be able to connect with that. OK, here goes.


Cleaning Out Clutter

A new year is soon upon us – a new start! I know what I’ll do. I’ll begin by cleaning out clutter. I’ll start with the closeted clothing that hasn’t been worn for too many years to count. Frowning, I leaf through hangers. (Listen in on a conversation that I have with myself).

“That one?” (But it was a favorite.)

“Well then, why haven’t you worn it for twenty years?” (OK, out it goes)

“What about that antique?” (Well, it might come back in style again – they always do. Look how I got rid of those nice velour sets and now they’re the fashion).

“Well, what about that blouse? You’ve had it forever!” (Oh, I know everyone in church will recognize it . . . but I should be able to wear it soon, cuz the old timers are all dying off. . .). Certainly, I’m not an old timer yet.

***

At this point, the thought hits – is that a sign of old age or bad health – or both? Maybe neither. Was it just their time to go? Perhaps their purpose here had been fulfilled. Hmm. In my pursuit of purpose, it may be needful to concentrate on my thinking as well as my closet.

Does this New Year find me with new purpose – or perhaps new resources to fulfill an already defined goal? Is the pathway to that purpose the same as before? Or do I need to try another, perhaps less traveled road: One that has no familiar landmarks?

Do I anticipate new pathways with excitement? Or with dread? How will the meaning of my existence unfold throughout each month that lies ahead? Each week? Or even each day? At the close of any given day, will I find the answer to a deep heart cry – why am I here? Am I making a difference?

When I sit staring at a blank computer screen, will the words begin to flow from within, waiting for my mind to catch up? Will the awesome presence of God enhance my daily endeavors this year? Will each today contain bubbles of joy that spill out to lighten someone’s load and transform a frown into a smile? Or will a present or past grief or pain cloud the room with shadows? After all, I’ve lost so many dear friends these past few years. My loss was Your gain, Lord.

What purpose fills my hand for each today that lies before me? What melodies fill the atmosphere around my life?

Yes, Lord, I think I’ll get back to uncluttering (or is it decluttering?) Whatever – Like Hezekiah, I’ll work at ridding out the rubbish from this temple (my life), inwardly as well as outwardly, so that hopefully, your purposes are playing their tunes in and through me throughout this year.

You’ve been speaking to my heart through this crazy BLOG thingee, Lord. Thanks. Guess I’ll end with a prayer:

Lord, give me the grace to allow You to fulfill Your purpose for me in the days ahead. Amen.

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!

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?

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.

New writing challenges on my plate

I finally received notification that my page on Examiner.com has been activated. That means I can begin to post publicly. My title is Harrisburg Christianity Examiner. I have published my first article entitled, Rescue at Dock Street Dam . . .. I am taking tutorials to learn the techniques required to operate the posting tool -- and they've just incorporated a new tool which makes it a double challenge. If it comes to mind, please wing a prayer in my behalf.

They suggest publishing at least 3 articles per week with a photo. The articles are to be newsworthy and at least 50% of them should be local. A challenge indeed has flown from the horizon to my plate. The good news is that they will take reprints providing the original publisher allows. The tricky part is that I consider myself an inspirational writer. I'm counting on the Lord to teach me to inspire in this secular arena. Thanks, y'all for your support.                                                                          --Penny

It was a plot . . .

. . . this invitation to meet her for a muffin. We were visiting sociably when I innocently asked, "How is the website coming?" You see, the Agape* church is setting up a website -- getting our feet wet with a lot of help. Apparently, I fell right into the muffin dough, and she jumped into the batter with me. Without any hesitation, she filled me in on all the progress that had been made. And then the blueberry dropped out of the muffin. "I really need help from someone who can write . . ." I guess you know who that someone was. Well, we're working together on it, and well . . . it did give me something to blog about.
Penny
P.S. I warned her that she would see it in print. Here 'tis.
* Agape [pronounced ah-gah-pay]

New Opportunities in the Writing Realm

I've been approved for the position of Harrisburg Christianity Examiner with http://www.examiner.com/. My posts will not be made public for about two weeks. I'd really appreciate your prayers for this new endeavor. I did not solicit the opportunity, and do not know how it came to my doorstep. I think it may be a result of having attended the Montrose Christian Writer's Conference, but I'm not sure. It will be quite a challenge to meet the expectations of the managers of this website. Lord, I'm depending on You.

Distractions

It was a clear day and traffic was moving steadily on the Interstate Route 80. I was on my way to preach Revival services in western PA. The 8-hour trip would get me there in time to freshen up for the evening service. I was scheduled to speak, so I had planned to have an early lunch and skip supper.

About an hour on my way, I realized that I'd forgotten my garment bag with all my outfits for the week of services. Groaning inwardly, I turned around and headed back the way I’d come. Checking the time, I realized my plans would have to change. Most likely, I’d have to skip lunch and do a really quick shower.

I had planned to wash my hair and shave my legs – guess I’d skip that too. But wait. I could at least take care of the legs now. I kept a cosmetic bag in the glove compartment. It contained a razor. So I retrieved the razor, propped my foot on the dash, pushed up my pant leg and proceeded to shave away.

One eye on the road and the other on my leg, I happened to sense an automobile passing by. I glanced over, and lo and behold, a state police car. I slid my foot into place on the floor just as he looked over at me. We locked eyes, he nodded, I smiled sheepishly, and he passed by. Miracle of miracles, he did not motion me to pull over. Eyes focused straight ahead, I held my breath as he sped away. Oh the wonderful mercy of God to allow an angel to temporarily block his vision!

What a lesson I learned that day as I thought about my foolish action. Sure, I could have been pulled over, arrested, given a ticket, and perhaps even miss the meeting for which I was scheduled. Worst scenario, I might have caused an accident, injured, or even killed someone or even myself.

Years before, when I attended classes in a seminary, I used to study Greek verb conjugations on the way to class. Yes, in the car while I drove. Fine example.

Whenever I have related the above incident, it has gotten a round of laughter. But what seemed funny at the time could have resulted in tragedy. We hear much about the dangers of using hand-held devices while driving. Laws are being passed prohibiting their use. As Christians, we really should not need the legislation. I’ve repented of my foolish actions, and thank God for His mercy to me.

Distractions can be dangerous in our spiritual lives as well. My spiritual journey will be enriched as I guard against unnecessary interruptions to my devotional time and other spiritual exercises. My wonderful Lord deserves my full attention. Distractions really can be disastrous when we don’t keep our eyes on the road ahead -- fixed on Jesus.

Care to share what distracts you?

Watching Over Us

Walking with Jesus keeps us in the center of the Father's attention, Today I watched the Equestrian Games on TV. I'm always so moved by the mutual tie between horse and rider. The same thing happens to me when I observe the dog guides that I spoke of previously. I visited Tina and Nola yesterday at The Seeing Eye, and as I tried to capture the interactions between them, I was moved to tears.

 Again today, I choked up at the sight of the incredible performances of the horses. As one handsome horse after another jumped the hurdles, responding to the cues of its rider, I was touched.

Yet this time something different transpired in my spirit beyond a mere emotional reaction. My eyes filling with tears, I said, "Father, why do I react this way?"

I seemed to hear my heavenly Father whisper, "That is how I feel when I'm watching you."

I witnessed a few of the horses stumble, slip, or not quite make the jump. But the trainer never failed to pat its side, to give assurance, and to finish the course. What a spiritual lesson this gave me.

With renewed assurance, I felt His eyes on me. My heavenly Father watches over me. May I please His heart today.

Here He Is --Tobiaz Jacob Smith, the grandbaby.