"Where Love is, God is."
-Henry Drummond
Quote found at christianquotes.org
Monday, August 8, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Words that Inspire
The potency of prayer hath subdued the strength of fire; it hath bridled the rage of lions, hushed anarchy to rest, extinguished wars, appeased the elements, expelled demons, burst the chains of death, expanded the gates of heaven, assuaged diseases, repelled frauds, rescued cities from destruction, stayed the sun in its course, and arrested the progress of the thunderbolt. Prayer is an all-efficient panoply, a treasure undiminished, a mine which is never exhausted, a sky unobscured by clouds, a heaven unruffled by the storm. It is the root, the fountain, the mother of a thousand blessings.
-John Chrysostom
-John Chrysostom
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Be Moved by Love
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and he was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. Matthew 14:14
At the beginning of this chapter, Matthew 14, we learn of John's beheading. It states that after John's disciples buried his body, they went and told Jesus. Verse 13-When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: . . . I want you to imagine how Jesus was feeling. He was just told that the man who ushered his coming to the people, his cousin, was dead. How would you feel after learning someone you loved was killed? Sad, right? Sometimes, we think Jesus never felt the emotions that we feel. But that's not true. Jesus was God functioning on this earth as a man. The Bible says He was tempted just as we are. He wept at Lazarus' tomb. Jesus was not immune to emotions, but He knew how to control them and not allow them to control Him. After hearing of the death of John, He went 'into a desert place apart'. Jesus was sorrowful,as any man would be to hear of the loss of a loved one. So much so, that He went off by Himself, to be alone. I like to think He was being comforted by His Father.
But then the people heard where He went and they followed after Him. Jesus, when He saw the multitude, was moved with compassion, the Bible says. Do you think Jesus really felt like being bothered by this group of people? Here He is, trying to get alone to deal with His grief, and a multitude of people come after Him so He can heal them. Do you believe that's really the reason Jesus went to that desert place? No, He went to be apart. But the Bible says He was moved with compassion toward them and healed them. He looked on them, saw their sick and suffering, and loved them. In His grief, He allowed love, the Agapa kind we read about in 1 Cor. 13 and that has been placed in the Believer's heart at the new birth, to spill out from Him and He was moved to act. I believe that had this love not been operating in Jesus at that time, none of those healings would have been able to take place. Why? Because Galatians 5:6 states that faith works by love. It takes faith to heal a multitude of people. Jesus knew this, and He allowed nothing to take the love that was in His heart. Not even grief.
As Christians, Christ-like ones, partakers of the divine nature, filled with the Holy Ghost, and partakers of the anointing, I believe we must follow Jesus' example. We need to allow love to move us to action. Even in our own grief or anger, we need to be able to cast down those negative emotions and let love take control so when we see someone brokenhearted or hurting we can act like Jesus did and maybe be the channel God uses to bring their healing. Let love move you today.
At the beginning of this chapter, Matthew 14, we learn of John's beheading. It states that after John's disciples buried his body, they went and told Jesus. Verse 13-When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: . . . I want you to imagine how Jesus was feeling. He was just told that the man who ushered his coming to the people, his cousin, was dead. How would you feel after learning someone you loved was killed? Sad, right? Sometimes, we think Jesus never felt the emotions that we feel. But that's not true. Jesus was God functioning on this earth as a man. The Bible says He was tempted just as we are. He wept at Lazarus' tomb. Jesus was not immune to emotions, but He knew how to control them and not allow them to control Him. After hearing of the death of John, He went 'into a desert place apart'. Jesus was sorrowful,as any man would be to hear of the loss of a loved one. So much so, that He went off by Himself, to be alone. I like to think He was being comforted by His Father.
But then the people heard where He went and they followed after Him. Jesus, when He saw the multitude, was moved with compassion, the Bible says. Do you think Jesus really felt like being bothered by this group of people? Here He is, trying to get alone to deal with His grief, and a multitude of people come after Him so He can heal them. Do you believe that's really the reason Jesus went to that desert place? No, He went to be apart. But the Bible says He was moved with compassion toward them and healed them. He looked on them, saw their sick and suffering, and loved them. In His grief, He allowed love, the Agapa kind we read about in 1 Cor. 13 and that has been placed in the Believer's heart at the new birth, to spill out from Him and He was moved to act. I believe that had this love not been operating in Jesus at that time, none of those healings would have been able to take place. Why? Because Galatians 5:6 states that faith works by love. It takes faith to heal a multitude of people. Jesus knew this, and He allowed nothing to take the love that was in His heart. Not even grief.
As Christians, Christ-like ones, partakers of the divine nature, filled with the Holy Ghost, and partakers of the anointing, I believe we must follow Jesus' example. We need to allow love to move us to action. Even in our own grief or anger, we need to be able to cast down those negative emotions and let love take control so when we see someone brokenhearted or hurting we can act like Jesus did and maybe be the channel God uses to bring their healing. Let love move you today.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Me Against Circumstance
This is a short story that the Lord inspired me to write, a while after I had gone through some emotional situations. It has blessed me immensely and I pray that it does you as well.
A standstill had come. Circumstance on one side, me on the other. His pressure was on me, so strong it brought me to my knees. My heart raced dangerously against my breast, blurring my vision and causing my head to spin. The coppery taste of blood settled upon my tongue. I hung my head, watching as tears fell to the dusty earth. Defeat was in the air, hanging all about me. I dug my fingers into the dirt, barely able to prop myself up. Jagged rocks cut into my palm.
"I can't take anymore," I whispered. Unwillingness to surrender warred with retreat. Circumstance stepped toward me, his features gloating as he was about to send the final blow. With a sigh, I closed my eyes, waiting for it to come . . .
A moment passed and still I waited, but the blow never came. Of a sudden, Circumstance's pressure lifted from my shoulders. A bright light shone behind my lids. I slowly opened my right eye to find Him who is called Faithful and True seated upon a white horse. I blinked hard, the radiance of His light almost blinding. From the corner of my eye, I saw Circumstance ease back.
"Arise," Faithful said to me, "and fight."
Biting my wobbling lower lip, I shook my head and whispered, "I am too weak, Lord." His light shone brighter as he He drew closer to me. When I looked within His eyes, I saw great pools of love.
"Exchange your weakness for my strength," He said. "For I never faint or grow weary." With a deep breath, I pushed myself to my knees.
"I receive your strength," I said. At once my spirit was filled and weariness could no longer dwell within me.
"Don the Father's armour, beloved. Take back your ground," He told me. I looked over to Circumstance, lurking in Faithful's shadow, waiting for his time to strike. "Keep your eyes upon Me," Faithful said as He blocked the view of Circumstance. "Cast down your fear, for it is not of Me." I stared at Him in wonder, for my fear had gone unspoken.
"Show me, Lord," I said as I pushed myself to my feet. Satisfaction was in His smile as He threw a saddlebag to the ground.
I slowly pulled out the pieces.
"Put on the armour of Light," He said. A helmet marked salvation I put on my head, the breastplate named righteousness covered my heart, a belt of Truth I clasped about my hips, and shoes marked peace did I pull onto my feet. I wrenched a giant shield inscribed with faith from the bag. It covered me from shoulder to toe. And lastly did I grasp the Spirit's sword.
"But, Lord!" I exclaimed, gazing into the empty bag. "What of my back? Surely I should not go unprotected." He gazed at me as one would a small child.
"This armour is for attack," He explained. "A warrior of Christ never retreats." Faithful walked His horse over to me and reached out His hand. My eyes closed with the light touch to my head. "Anointed you are, beloved. He saves those as such. Hasten towards your victory." I could feel my spirit being quickened within me.
When I opened my eyes, Faithful was no longer there and Circumstance was moving towards me. I clenched the sword in my hand and lifted my feet. His pressure stirred nearer and nearer until it hovered above me.
"Over all I lift the shield of faith," I whispered, reaching it high. The pressure weighted down until it felt as if I would no longer be able to bear it. "I fight the good fight of faith." I spoke a little higher as I pushed Circumstance's pressure back. My feet picked up speed beneath me. Circumstance's eyes widened in fear. "I overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony!" I yelled. "I receive victory through the blood of Jesus Christ!" Another blow hit the shield, but my arm didn't budge. Closer and closer we came until only a few steps separated us. "I am of God. He always causes me to triumph in Christ," I said, raising high my sword. "You will never defeat me!"
Circumstance skidded to a stop and dashed to retreat. But it was too late. I delivered the blow with my two-edged sword, and broke through Circumstance. No longer would he have a hold on me. With a cry of victory I hastened toward the dawning light, where darkness no longer loomed.
A standstill had come. Circumstance on one side, me on the other. His pressure was on me, so strong it brought me to my knees. My heart raced dangerously against my breast, blurring my vision and causing my head to spin. The coppery taste of blood settled upon my tongue. I hung my head, watching as tears fell to the dusty earth. Defeat was in the air, hanging all about me. I dug my fingers into the dirt, barely able to prop myself up. Jagged rocks cut into my palm.
"I can't take anymore," I whispered. Unwillingness to surrender warred with retreat. Circumstance stepped toward me, his features gloating as he was about to send the final blow. With a sigh, I closed my eyes, waiting for it to come . . .
A moment passed and still I waited, but the blow never came. Of a sudden, Circumstance's pressure lifted from my shoulders. A bright light shone behind my lids. I slowly opened my right eye to find Him who is called Faithful and True seated upon a white horse. I blinked hard, the radiance of His light almost blinding. From the corner of my eye, I saw Circumstance ease back.
"Arise," Faithful said to me, "and fight."
Biting my wobbling lower lip, I shook my head and whispered, "I am too weak, Lord." His light shone brighter as he He drew closer to me. When I looked within His eyes, I saw great pools of love.
"Exchange your weakness for my strength," He said. "For I never faint or grow weary." With a deep breath, I pushed myself to my knees.
"I receive your strength," I said. At once my spirit was filled and weariness could no longer dwell within me.
"Don the Father's armour, beloved. Take back your ground," He told me. I looked over to Circumstance, lurking in Faithful's shadow, waiting for his time to strike. "Keep your eyes upon Me," Faithful said as He blocked the view of Circumstance. "Cast down your fear, for it is not of Me." I stared at Him in wonder, for my fear had gone unspoken.
"Show me, Lord," I said as I pushed myself to my feet. Satisfaction was in His smile as He threw a saddlebag to the ground.
I slowly pulled out the pieces.
"Put on the armour of Light," He said. A helmet marked salvation I put on my head, the breastplate named righteousness covered my heart, a belt of Truth I clasped about my hips, and shoes marked peace did I pull onto my feet. I wrenched a giant shield inscribed with faith from the bag. It covered me from shoulder to toe. And lastly did I grasp the Spirit's sword.
"But, Lord!" I exclaimed, gazing into the empty bag. "What of my back? Surely I should not go unprotected." He gazed at me as one would a small child.
"This armour is for attack," He explained. "A warrior of Christ never retreats." Faithful walked His horse over to me and reached out His hand. My eyes closed with the light touch to my head. "Anointed you are, beloved. He saves those as such. Hasten towards your victory." I could feel my spirit being quickened within me.
When I opened my eyes, Faithful was no longer there and Circumstance was moving towards me. I clenched the sword in my hand and lifted my feet. His pressure stirred nearer and nearer until it hovered above me.
"Over all I lift the shield of faith," I whispered, reaching it high. The pressure weighted down until it felt as if I would no longer be able to bear it. "I fight the good fight of faith." I spoke a little higher as I pushed Circumstance's pressure back. My feet picked up speed beneath me. Circumstance's eyes widened in fear. "I overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony!" I yelled. "I receive victory through the blood of Jesus Christ!" Another blow hit the shield, but my arm didn't budge. Closer and closer we came until only a few steps separated us. "I am of God. He always causes me to triumph in Christ," I said, raising high my sword. "You will never defeat me!"
Circumstance skidded to a stop and dashed to retreat. But it was too late. I delivered the blow with my two-edged sword, and broke through Circumstance. No longer would he have a hold on me. With a cry of victory I hastened toward the dawning light, where darkness no longer loomed.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Lady White
I'm finally going to post what my book is about. Hope ya'll like it!
The Realm’s sole purpose was to glorify the God who created them. Yet as selfishness and greed grew in the hearts of men, the Realm’s purpose was forgotten. Only the Kingdom of Linolae withstood the power of the evil one and made a stand against his lusting allies, remembering the God who always caused them to triumph. But the times grow darker and an army must arise. Only a lass worthy can lead this kingdom to victory and save the realms from their own destruction. From the loins of a very unsuspecting maiden will she come.
Alina aer Anya, otherwise known as the White Lady, carries a sordid past as she rides with her band of men killing for the nobles’ coin. She searches for her own path in life, one without trust, without love, and without the God of her mother. But as she rides to fulfill a task for a power-hungry ruler, she finds a crossroad in her path, and her hardened heart begins to soften. Will she allow evil forebodings and her sordid past keep her from a trusting friend and the arms of the man she loves? Or will she turn at life’s crossroad and begin her days anew? As she pens her tale in the dungeon of King Richard, only her writing and the hope of escape keep her alive. This is the tale of how the notorious White Lady became the beloved ‘Lady White’.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Lady White
Almost three years ago I finished my first novel entitled Lady White. A couple years of being rejected for not having an agent and then not being able to find an agent, caused me to kind of want to give up on my dream. But God kept it alive in my heart. One day I went online when all of a sudden, at the bottom of the screen, an ad pops up for Tate Publishing saying they were accepting unsolicited manuscripts. With a prayer, I sent mine off. Four weeks later, the phone rings, and it's Tate saying they want my novel. That day was about seven months ago now and my book is heading towards the final stages in production. I prayed for this day. I give all the glory to God because I know that without Him this door would never have been opened and I never would have figured out how to do all that I needed to in this process. A few days ago, my cover options were sent to me, and yesterday I made my choice. Here it is!
Lady White takes place in a medival fantastical realm. It's about a young woman who leads a band of assassins, and she's writing her life story of how she became that. It's a tale of romance, betrayal, adventure, and finally salvation. Look for it soon!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
My Very Own Love Story
Reading is one of my favorite past times. A good book can reel me in and keep me there for hours. But one abominable thing I always do is . . .read the end before the beginning. Horrible? I know! But I like to make sure I'll finish the book feeling satisfied. One book I've read, which will remain nameless, has brought me to do this. It was a great book, but the end, though a complete shocker, left me feeling dejected and angry. You may say, But if it brought some type of emotion out of you, it must have been a great book! Usually that's what we authors are shooting for. But for me, I prefer a book that makes me sigh in happiness with the only tears in my eyes being from the beauty in the hero and heroine's love. I know this isn't how everyone feels, but let us just agree to disagree.
At times, I'll close my eyes and picture my life as one of my novels, especially when I'm lying in bed at night. I'll reminise on the events that made me the woman I am today and then I'll imagine what my future may be like, or rather what I pray it'll be like. Sometimes I'll even catch myself asking Jesus, "Lord, please show me how it's going to be." But no matter how badly I want to, I can't read the end of my story, and though I know that God is more than able to show me things to come, life is a journey, one with many twists and turns, decisions and choices. If I knew the end before the rest, it wouldn't be me making the choices and God wants us to be free to make the right decisions and the wrong ones. (But He's always wanting us to make the right ones.) The journey is a privelage. And I know that when we choose God, though it may be a shocker, our end will be great. I am most confident that at the end of my life, I will be satisfied and happy. Why? Because I'm allowing God to be the writer. I have made the choice to give Him the pen, and the rest of my decisions will be based on what He says.
One of these decisons I've made is to wait for love. In this day and age, finding love in life is a major priority. And I'm not belittling it. We all want someone to love, that special person. But I don't want just a special someone, I want the special someone. When I was young I told my mother that I only wanted the man who would be husband. I came to this choice because I witnessed the heartbreak of friends and I didn't want to get hurt. My choice was made out of fear. And I grew up with that choice, even though as I got older it became such bondage. I was lonely, heartbroken. I had made the decison to wait so I wouldn't get hurt, yet I ended up suffering a complete different heartache that hurt just as bad anyway! Then something amazing happened. I fell in love with Jesus.
I've always known of God. My family has gone to church ever since I was born. But I never had a relationship with Christ. He was just there for me, someone I had to pray to. But then a medical scare arose and He was the One I turned to. For once in my life, I sought His face, His companionship, His love. And what love! My goodness! The love of God is greater than anything a human heart can fathom. I fell in love with Him, with His Word, with His sacrifice. He died for me! Why? Because He loves me too much to see me be condemned. Praise God! With the love of Christ I was complete.
This is something I've only realized a few weeks ago. I am complete in Him, and so is every other person who calls Him Lord. As one of my favorite preachers says, we don't need to find our second half. We are whole people, searching for another whole person. If this is new for you, read Colossians 2:10. It says, And ye are complete in him . . . The Amplified states, And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with theGodhead-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- and reach full spiritual stature . . .] He is my everything. But does that mean my desire to be a wife has diminished? No, on the contrary. I'm more excited than ever. I realize now that being complete in Jesus is going to make me a much better wife than I would be feeling as if my husband was everything. Why? Because I will be able to love him even when he gets on my nerves, even when he hurts my feelings. I'm complete in Jesus, and I am believing that the man God has for me will hold Jesus first in his heart as well. So, in a much happier attitude, I am still waiting. Not because I don't want to be hurt, but because I want the one man God made for me and me for him. I can't settle for anything less. And I know that when the time is right, my very own love story will be greater than I could have imagined. I'm expecting something great!
So for all my single brothers and sisters in Christ out there, hold on. Seek God first, make Him first in your heart. And allow Him to lead you to the one He has chosen. Let us not give in to the temptations of this world, but live as ambassadors for Christ, as an example to the rest, walking in love and loving strong. Be blessed everybody! And happy seeking
At times, I'll close my eyes and picture my life as one of my novels, especially when I'm lying in bed at night. I'll reminise on the events that made me the woman I am today and then I'll imagine what my future may be like, or rather what I pray it'll be like. Sometimes I'll even catch myself asking Jesus, "Lord, please show me how it's going to be." But no matter how badly I want to, I can't read the end of my story, and though I know that God is more than able to show me things to come, life is a journey, one with many twists and turns, decisions and choices. If I knew the end before the rest, it wouldn't be me making the choices and God wants us to be free to make the right decisions and the wrong ones. (But He's always wanting us to make the right ones.) The journey is a privelage. And I know that when we choose God, though it may be a shocker, our end will be great. I am most confident that at the end of my life, I will be satisfied and happy. Why? Because I'm allowing God to be the writer. I have made the choice to give Him the pen, and the rest of my decisions will be based on what He says.
One of these decisons I've made is to wait for love. In this day and age, finding love in life is a major priority. And I'm not belittling it. We all want someone to love, that special person. But I don't want just a special someone, I want the special someone. When I was young I told my mother that I only wanted the man who would be husband. I came to this choice because I witnessed the heartbreak of friends and I didn't want to get hurt. My choice was made out of fear. And I grew up with that choice, even though as I got older it became such bondage. I was lonely, heartbroken. I had made the decison to wait so I wouldn't get hurt, yet I ended up suffering a complete different heartache that hurt just as bad anyway! Then something amazing happened. I fell in love with Jesus.
I've always known of God. My family has gone to church ever since I was born. But I never had a relationship with Christ. He was just there for me, someone I had to pray to. But then a medical scare arose and He was the One I turned to. For once in my life, I sought His face, His companionship, His love. And what love! My goodness! The love of God is greater than anything a human heart can fathom. I fell in love with Him, with His Word, with His sacrifice. He died for me! Why? Because He loves me too much to see me be condemned. Praise God! With the love of Christ I was complete.
This is something I've only realized a few weeks ago. I am complete in Him, and so is every other person who calls Him Lord. As one of my favorite preachers says, we don't need to find our second half. We are whole people, searching for another whole person. If this is new for you, read Colossians 2:10. It says, And ye are complete in him . . . The Amplified states, And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with theGodhead-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- and reach full spiritual stature . . .] He is my everything. But does that mean my desire to be a wife has diminished? No, on the contrary. I'm more excited than ever. I realize now that being complete in Jesus is going to make me a much better wife than I would be feeling as if my husband was everything. Why? Because I will be able to love him even when he gets on my nerves, even when he hurts my feelings. I'm complete in Jesus, and I am believing that the man God has for me will hold Jesus first in his heart as well. So, in a much happier attitude, I am still waiting. Not because I don't want to be hurt, but because I want the one man God made for me and me for him. I can't settle for anything less. And I know that when the time is right, my very own love story will be greater than I could have imagined. I'm expecting something great!
So for all my single brothers and sisters in Christ out there, hold on. Seek God first, make Him first in your heart. And allow Him to lead you to the one He has chosen. Let us not give in to the temptations of this world, but live as ambassadors for Christ, as an example to the rest, walking in love and loving strong. Be blessed everybody! And happy seeking
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