Blog contest winner

Congratulations to Tami-Jo Boynton Halliman on winning a copy of  "Joseph: Beyond the Coat of Many Colors" from last week's blog contest.

Can pride and humility co-exist?

When I heard last week that my Bible study "Joseph: Beyond the Coat of Many Colors" had won the Blue Ridge Writers Conference 2012 SELAH award for best Bible study I experienced every imaginable emotion. At first, I was confused. I was on the road coming home from Nebraska when I received an email from a friend congratulating me for the award.  I had no idea what she was referring to. I had had limited email for five days and hadn't yet received word.

Next, I was shocked and surprised. The Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference is one of the premier writers conferences in the country and honors the best; I was next truly humbled.

But, I must admit that I am also proud of this study, and admittedly, the award. "Joseph" is more than the culmination of years of study and writing; it is the result of the Lord working in my own life since childhood. It is about how I so closely relate to Joseph's life. It is sharing from my heart how the Lord took me from my personal "pit" as a teenager with multiple broken families/marriages, twenty-one step-, half-, and adopted siblings, and many deep hurts to a life of service to Him.


This study goes way beyond the Sunday school story you heard as a child. I believe you will see Joseph as you never have before: the lonely little boy ignored by his brothers, yet coddled by his parents. You'll feel his fear in the pit; follow his caravan to Egypt; stand with him on the slave auction block. You'll experience his struggle for sexual purity, go with him to the dungeons of Egypt, rejoice in his rise to power, and weep as he forgives the hurt and betrayal of his brothers. Perhaps more than any other biblical narrative, Joseph’s life is a practical model for every day relationships. This study details each aspect of Joseph’s life and shows us how to relate it to our own temptations and struggles with envy, disappointment, betrayal, purity, power, and forgiveness.

“Joseph” is a blueprint for understanding blended families with broken and betrayed relationships. It serves as a leadership manual for churches and businesses; a handbook for employees and employers; a guidebook for resisting negative peer pressure and instituting moral purity, grace and forgiveness. Literally, it has something for everyone. It's an eight week interactive Bible study offering hope, encouragement, and practical answers to life’s problems. I would be willing to bet that Joseph's story is not just my story, but yours too.

I hope you will consider this study for your personal use or Sunday School or group Bible study. May the Lord bless you in your own "Joseph life"!

Please leave a comment with your contact info for a chance to win a copy of "Joseph". We'll be drawing a name next Monday.

http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Beyond-Following-Through-Character/dp/0899573339/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1

Do you love a good story?

I don't know about you, but I love the stories and parables in Scripture. Today I'm happy to tell you about a new book Parables and Word Pictures from the New Testament by my friend and fellow AWSA sister (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) Cheri Cowell. She is a self-described author, speaker, and sidewalk theologian, and is passionate about discipleship and challenging the body of Christ to holiness of heart and life. Cheri’s love of story and the Holy Word shines through in her writing and teaching. In the following questions and answers Cheri tells us about her newest book Parables and Word Pictures from the New Testament, a 13-week workbook-style study of 118 parables from Jesus, Paul, and the apostles.

(Please leave a comment at the end of the blog for a chance to win a gift basket from Cheri. Your contact email must be included.)

What passion drove you as you wrote your new book?

I LOVE the Word and I love storytelling and I want others to fall in love not only with the Word but also with the concept that they can become a living parable, a living story pointing others toward the Ultimate Living Parable––Jesus Christ.

What do you hope readers will gain from your book(s)?

That the parables are not isolated stories only used for sermon illustrations, but when read together they give us a picture of how we are to live as kingdom people. Through the parables we learn how to become living parables in a world desperate to "see" God.

The title of your study is Parables & Word Pictures; just what is a “word picture?”

There are some teachings of Jesus, such as when He says, "I am the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep" that aren't technically parables but are what I call parable word pictures because the image tells the whole story.

It has been said that Jesus spoke in parables to “confuse and confound” and you say you have a “key” to making these less confusing and confounding to modern-day readers. What is this key?

It wasn't until I studied the parables as a whole that the whole message they convey became clear, so the key is a comprehensive look at the New Testament parables.

Storytelling is a big part of our culture. Everywhere you turn there is a new story; how can we use these parables to reach our neighbors and friends with their story-telling power?

For me, this is what studying the parables is all about. It is about shaping our lives after Jesus that when others "read our lives" they see Him. How we treat others, how we respond to sorrow and obstacles tells a story. When asked how and why we are able to be at peace, or turn the other cheek, we don't need a canned presentation. We simply share our story of how God's story has changed us.

The study concludes with a look at the Parable of all parables. Tell us about this because this is the heart of your study.

I remember the moment when in preparation for writing this study I understood that Jesus not only taught parables, but He was a parable––a living parable. In fact, He was the Ultimate Living Parable who lived His life as an example of what a life shaped by the truths taught in the parables should look like. Likewise, you and I have been invited to live parable-shaped lives so we, too, might become a living parable in a world begging to see God.

Thank you, Cheri! 

To order Cheri's book:

http://www.amazon.com/Principles-Testament-Parables-Pictures-Following/dp/0899573495/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335897377&sr=8-1

Trailer Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffcY35Vw2gE

What I (re)learned at Walmart last night.

Last night I went to Walmart to pick up a few items - okay, not a "few" because who goes to Walmart and walks away with only a few items? Anyway, as I  walked across the parking lot toward the store I noticed a young man in his twenties walking out of the store with a woman I assume was his mother. She was pushing their cart with both hands while he kept one hand on the bar next to hers and leaning against her ever so slightly. She walked, he walked. She paused to check for traffic, he paused. She crossed the drive, he crossed the drive. Not once did he hesitate to follow her lead, and they moved together in perfect sync with the apparent practice of many years. As I walked toward the store and passed them in the parking lot, my suspicion that the man was blind was confirmed.

Immediately, I thought of the numerous Scripture references to God leading us such as Psalm 31:3, "For you are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for your name's sake, lead me and guide me". He will always lead, but of course, I actually have to follow Him. So many times I feel as if I'm blind going in to a situation. Am I leaning on Him? Is my hand resting next to His so that I can follow His lead, or am I trying to "push the cart" on my own, not looking both ways, or perhaps, not looking up? Am I walking with Him in sync after years of following?

Here are a few things about following God's lead that were reinforced to me last night:

* He will protect me from harm.
* He is always trustworthy.
* He is always looking out for my best interest.
* He wants me to "lean" on Him.
* He is the leader in this dance of life; I'm to follow.
* He can see; I'm blind.
* It takes time to learn to walk in sync.
* I should never hesitate to follow God's lead.
* I can walk with confidence.

Thank you, young man, for what you taught me last night!

We All Married Idiots:

Three Things You Will Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten Things You Can

by Elaine W. Miller

1. Did we ALL marry idiots?

 Years ago during an argument with my husband I thought, I must have been an idiot to marry this idiot! Then I burst out laughing realizing that makes me an idiot too! Later I learned the word "idiot" is derived from the Greek word "common man." When we look to our spouses to fulfill needs that only Christ can fulfill, then husbands and wives become dissatisfied with their marriages.

2. What is the purpose of We All Married Idiots?

Too many couples give up too soon for too little reason. They enter a second marriage only to realize, Ugh, this person is an idiot too! We All Married Idiots will help couples enjoy marriage as God intended.

3. What are the three things you will never change?

The first is the idiosyncrasies. We all have peculiar habits and do little things that annoy. We'd like to change our spouse's idiosyncrasies, but honestly that is not what we promised on our wedding days.

The second is sin. We all married sinners. We all sin and sin inflicts pain. There will be times you and your spouse will hurt each other.

The third is the differences. Men and women don't think the same. We have different ways of solving problems.

We All Married Idiots teaches husbands and wives to stop concentrating on the three things they will never change and focus on the ten things they can change.

4. What is your best piece of marriage advice?

In marriage we need to examine ourselves. Funny. I've read through the Bible seven times searching for a verse that says, "Examine your spouse." It's not there. But the Bible does say "examine yourself." Another word of advice is to give up your life and your marriage to God and hold on. Don't let go. The problems you have today could be gone in five or ten years. I just don't love him or her anymore is not a reason for a divorce. Husbands and wives grow up, mature, change for the better. Keep running towards the goal God has for your marriage. Of course, if you are in an abusive situation, I advise you to flee to a safe place and receive professional Christian counseling.

5. Why did you write We All Married Idiots?

I wrote We All Married Idiots to save marriages from the pain I inflicted on myself and on Dan. I wrote to glorify God and to change that awful 50% divorce rate.

We All Married Idiots is a great tool for individual study or couples to study together.  Fifty percent of our neighbors are headed for divorce. We could change that statistic by reaching out to them with a We All Married Idiots small group. The questions at the end of each chapter are not threatening and do not require a theological degree to understand. As one reviewer said, "This is the most accessible Christian book I have ever read."

6. How can We All Married Idiots be purchased?

We All Married Idiots is available on line as a print or ebook and at your local bookstore. Autographed copies can be purchased through my website,  http://www.splashesofserenity.com/  or by contacting me at SplashesofSerenity@yahoo.com.

A Mid-year Resolution

(My dear friend and "Goal Buddy" Diane)


January is the time of year we associate with resolutions. People decide to lose weight, quit smoking, clean out the garage, get more organized, etc. I'll admit it, I'm one of those people too!

In 2011 I resolved to blog more often, and I did pretty well until the very end of the year when I had knee surgery and I got out of the habit. What is it about us that we are so easily derailed? Granted, my surgery wasn't a minor thing, but of course, then there was Christmas, and then.... The point is, I made excuses and kept saying to myself, "I'll start up again next week." So, today I'm making a mid-year resolution to start blogging again on a regular basis.

Now, I'd like to challenge you to consider a mid-year resolution or two, not wait until next January. And, here's an idea that has really helped me the past coupe of years. Three years ago my friend Diane and I  made a "goal list" and emailed them to each other. Our lists covered personal, professional, and ministry goals. We included projects that we had put off for years, organizing of specific rooms, photo albums, and so on. We included EVERYTHING we wanted to accomplish. At the end of the year we sent each other a progress report. No, we didn't reach every goal, and some continue to show up on the next year's list, but it does make us more accountable and helps to keep us focused.

Consider finding a friend that will be your "goal buddy", send each other your goals, follow up throughout the year, and make a final report next January. I guarantee you will accomplish more this year.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions!

Download your FREE copy of Linda Evans Shepherd's When You Can't Find God, How to Ignite the Power of His Presence, an inspiring book that will help you pray through any difficulty:

Amazon Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/7wg23as


B&N Nook: http://tinyurl.com/8yv8uqq

When You Can't Find God

www.amazon.com

The storms of life visit us all, and at times we find ourselves ill-prepared to weather them. Where is God when everything comes crashing down? Where is he when a job is lost? When a child goes astray? When the diagnosis is cancer? Does he even care?In When You Can't Find God , Linda Evans ...

"Christy" is the winner of November's free book drawing "Faith Deployed....Again" by Jocelyn Green. Christy, I need you to contact me with your mailing information so we can get the book to you.

Everyone stay posted and check in regularly for more free book offers.

Mark 3: 22 - 27 - And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan?  If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.

When I read this portion of Scripture today during my daily devotions it made me wonder if there are things in my life that are that are "dividing" me, "tying" me up, or "plundering" me. I don't mean anything coming between my husband or family and me, but just me. 

In other words, am I allowing things (even good things) to divide me from doing and being the best I can be for the Lord? Am I balanced in my life? Am I allowing television, computer games (ouch! Spider Solitaire), hobbies, friends, etc. to occupy an inordinate amount of my time, thereby "dividing, tying and plundering" my life?

Perhaps. Perhaps not. But I think we all need to periodically step back and take inventory of our "house". I know that's what I'm doing today.

Leave a comment on any of my November blogs for a chance to win a copy of Jocelyn Green's book "Faith Deployed....Again".

I'm pleased to have fellow AWSA sister and AMG author Jocelyn Green as my guest blogger today.

11-11-11

Does Prayer Make a Difference in Times of War?

By Jocelyn Green

Today, like the rest of you, I honor our nation’s veterans. I happen to be married to one of them, and soon we’ll be dining out where Rob will get a free “Blooming Onion” as thanks for his service to our country. It seems a little funny to me, but we still appreciate it.

As a former military wife, I also appreciate the fact that behind every veteran is a family. And when that service member is sent to war, the loved ones at home go through their own personal battles as well against unseen enemies of fear, premature grief, anxiety. These emotions are not unique to the military family, but they are certainly intensified during times of war.

Casualties are a guarantee. Wives will be widowed. Children will be orphaned. Parents will become childless. This much we know, for this is war. What we don’t know is when and where death will strike.  So, does prayer really make a difference? Below, Navy wife Leeana Tankersley shares her heart on the matter in this excerpt from Faith Deployed . . . Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody Publishers 2011).

An Outcry

By Leeana Tankersley

But I cry to you for help, O LORD;
   in the morning my prayer comes before you.
Why, O LORD, do you reject me
   and hide your face from me?  Psalm 88:13-14

I’ve had an on-again-off-again relationship with prayer. At times, prayer has felt like the only lifeline I’ve had left. Other times, it has felt as ineffective as screaming into a tin can with a string tied to it.

I’ve had to give myself permission to wonder if prayer even makes a difference, to question whether or not my pleas actually turn the hand of God in any direction at all. Is God so cryptic and callous that He asks us to pray but then doesn’t actually take our prayers into consideration?

The Iraq war started when my husband and I were engaged. Without notice, he was off the radar, and I had no idea where he was or when I’d hear from him again. I remember the night the war started, listening to the radio reports of a helicopter down in the Gulf. The flight had originated from the last place I had heard from him, so of course I assumed the worst.

Prayer, in that wretched moment, seemed like the only possible answer and—at the very same time—a complete and utter mystery to me.  

People send their loved ones off to war every day, praying for their safe return, and they never see them again. How do we reconcile such an inconvenient reality? My prayers may not save my husband. So, then, why do they matter?

I turn to the Psalms for some help with these types of questions. The Psalms are some of the rawest prayers in print. Particularly Psalm 88. It’s an outcry. I love that. And it’s questioning the very validity of a prayer life. I love that, too.

Kathleen Norris has a great description of prayer. She sees it as an incessant beginning. Every morning we get up, and our prayer life begins again. We never conquer it, achieve it, complete it. Prayer, she writes, is “being ourselves before God” (The Cloister Walk, 134, 282).

I’m trying to embrace this notion of beginning again and again and again. Going back to God, turning toward him, returning to him—even as that feels repetitive and unproductive. I’m trying to accept the fact that prayer doesn’t move along in a linear fashion, accomplishing as it goes. It moves in a spiral, drilling down into us like a jackhammer tilling up concrete.

Some days I can just manage to breathe in God’s direction and somehow, in the sacredness of that unspoken spoken, he breathes back. And, I’ve found, we can go a long way like that.

Sometimes we wish prayer to be the rudder that changes the course of our entire lives. Yet, I wonder if it’s our hearts—through the small spokens, the actual truths, the directed breaths—that end up changing. And that’s more the point than anything.

Ask

Am I making prayer a part of my life?

Am I able to be honest with God about my questions and doubts?

Pray

God, I’m willing to pray even though I don’t completely understand how it all works. Give me the faith to return to you, each and every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Veterans, I salute you and your loved ones today and every day. For more encouragement for military wives, visit www.faithdeployed.com.

About the Author:
Jocelyn Green, the wife of a former Coast Guard officer, is an award-winning author, freelance writer and editor. Along with contributing writers, she is the author of Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody 2008), and Faith Deployed…Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody 2011). She is also co-author of Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq/Afghanistan (AMG Publishers 2009). She is the chief editor for www.WivesinBloom.com, the online magazine of Christian Military Wives (a branch of Christian Military Fellowship) and a contributor to the Web site www.StartMarriageRight.com. Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. She is a frequent speaker at military wife events, women’s church groups, and writers conferences, and is an active member of the Evangelical Press Association, Christian Authors Network, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and the Military Writers Society of America. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.

Readers, Please leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of Jocelyn's book. We will choose a winner at the end of November.

Sorry it's been awhile since I've posted. Today I have a post by friend and former college teacher Lee Stanford. You're going to love it!

Dear friends and co-lovers of God,

Is new always best, bigger always better, and the latest always greatest?

When confronted with the newest, biggest, and latest, as in a compelling person, a huge church, big name, or a great song, we often become irresistibly attracted as if a spell had been cast over us. It shouldn't be a surprise, then, that the word fascinate originally meant "to bewitch, or cast a spell over." For our brief discussion, it would probably be more appropriate to avoid the notion of witchcraft and use the more common meaning, "to attract and hold spellbound; to charm." Drawn in by the fascination of the lure, we become deprived of our power of escape or resistance.

Like the people of ancient Athens, there is something in all of us that longs for that which is new, bigger and better. Paul reported, “Now the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new (Acts 17:21). Time-tested and proven truths of the past are sometimes set aside in favor of the newest doctrines, trends or ideas.

C.S. Lewis referred to this kind of thinking as chronological snobbery, "the uncritical acceptance of the intellectual climate common to our own age and the assumption that whatever has gone out of date is on that account discredited.

We must find why it went out of date. Was it ever refuted, and if so by whom, where, and how conclusively. Or did it merely die away as fashions do? If the latter, this tells us nothing about its truth or falsehood."

Sometimes the winds of change have blown so strongly over old truths and practices that their memory has all but disappeared under the sands of time. New labels, and bigger ideas and structures, promising the stars, emerge from the old rubble - but often with long-term serious consequences, failed results, or God forbid, His displeasure.

Consider the weight or gravity of God’s Two Greatest Commands. His “Shema”, to “love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love others as we do ourselves” is as old as Moses and Deut. 6, yet it’s as current and relevant today as any words ever penned.

There is gravity to His Two Great Commands! Loving God first and foremost, then seeking the lost, and discipling the saved have weight and importance just because it’s Jesus' directive to His people of all ages. These two old commands may have become lost in the new, and today gone somewhat out of vogue, but they will always remain critical to God. He never changes.

Our calling and involvement in His transgenerational pursuits and passions will become more compelling to us when we are quiet before God, die to our own changing will, surrender to His never changing will and purposes, and see the broken and lost world through His eyes and heart. Then, and only then, will we regain our power of escape and resistance from our fascination (spell) with the latest and greatest ministry fads, methods, systems and “generational messages.”

My written thoughts and considerations are not an attempt to discredit everything new, or label all the new, bad. They are an effort to get us to challenge and carefully examine the new for biblical truth and God-authenticity. If the new thing is not of God, He will be the final judge of the message and His people. If it is from God, nothing should stand in its way, and we should climb on board with both feet.

Our personal and never changing stand must always be, I will passionately love, follow and seek God, and stay focused on his passions for every believer and ministry, His Two Great Commands.

We must “obey God rather than man.”

I'm praying for you as we seek His beautiful face together,

Lee Stanford

To learn more about Lee's ministry go to http://tgcministries.org/

2 Corinthians 3:1-6 (NIV)

“Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tables of human hearts. Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant- not of the letter but of the Spirit’ for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

Each year I have the privilege to speak to thousands of people via retreats, banquets, luncheons, conferences, and even radio and some TV. But, believe it or not, I am a naturally shy person and being in front of people is out of my comfort zone. Yet, Christ has given me a confidence beyond my own competence, and one I don’t understand, to speak His word and actually look forward to these speaking opportunities.

This coming weekend I have the privilege to speak for the Stone Ridge Church ladies retreat (Yuma, AZ). Each time I’m asked to speak I’m in awe that the Lord would allow me to present His word. There are speakers who are more articulate and more well-known than me. These churches and organizations could have anyone come to their events, yet they invite me!

I’ll admit that it’s gratifying when I receive letters and emails of commendation, but I have to ask myself if I’m leaving a recommendation on the hearts of those I speak to? As I read this morning the verses from 2 Corinthians 3, I prayed that the words I speak will be written on the hearts of the women of Stone Ridge Church.

(Melanie in her pj's and sporting her mom's karate gear.)

I haven't been around babies and toddlers on a nearly everyday basis since my own children were that young, so I'm getting old/new/recycled insights every week. I hope you don't mind that I share them with you.

Last week our daughter-in-love Ashley took Melanie (2 1/2) and Ryan (14 months) to the bank. They were all still in their pj's so they went to the drive-through. Directly across the road from the bank stands Walmart - a child's dream.

Melanie: "Mommy, I want to go the the store."

Ashley: "We don't need anything at the store."

Melanie: "But I want to go to the store."

Ashley: "We can't go to the store, Melanie, we're in our jammies."

Melanie: "But I want to go to the store, Mommy."

Ashley: "Melanie, we aren't going to the store."

(Pause) Melanie: "Just the same, Mommy, I want to go to the store!"

Those were her exact words - "Just the same, Mommy...".

The Lord wants us to go to Him with our desires and needs. He wants His desires to become our desires and for His will to become our will. Way too many times I've continued to say, "Just the same, Lord, I want..." after He's made it clear that particular request is not what He desires for me.

Do you relate? I'd love to hear your stories.

Okay, I'll admit it - I'm pretty excited about the release of my new Bible study "Joseph: Beyond the Coat of Many Colors". In fact, when I received my first copy from the publisher (AMG) I nearly cried. There it was - more than four years of hard work and my name in lights!! Well, not in lights, but on the cover of a book, anyway. Several people have written some pretty nice reviews about it, too. So, imagine my shock and disappointment when I Googled "Joseph: Beyond the Coat of Many Colors" and found several retail sites that have listed another AMG writer as the author of MY Bible study!! I know it's an honest mistake, but all my hard work, and now someone else is getting the credit!

Do you see where I'm going with this? How many times do we  take the credit, however unintentional, for the work someone else has done? We see it in politics all the time, in the work place, in families, and even in the church. But worst of all, think about how often God is denied, and credit for the creation of the universe is ignored or attributed to slime or a big bang. Imagine how He must feel when His glorious work goes unnoticed and unappreciated.

Let's remember to daily give credit where credit is due. Acknowledge someone for the good job they are doing no matter how insignificant it may seem. Most of all, let's give thanks for the work of our Creator.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0899573339/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_g14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0PR7YMDCB0VQWVEA97MJ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

(Pictured: My niece Kristen and husband Dylan and my granddaughter Melanie.)

Am I getting old, or what?

Last weekend Bill and I drove to Pray, Montana with daughter Rachel, son Jonathan, daughter-in-love Ashley, and granddaughter Melanie (2 1/2 years old) for my niece Kristen's wedding. We left Tulsa at 5:30 pm and arrived in Imperial, Nebraska (our home before Tulsa) at 3:00 am (our time), slept a few hours, spent the day with old friends, and left at 10:30 pm to drive all night to Montana (13 hours). Saturday was busy with family, rehearsal, and swimming. Sunday was more of the same with the wedding  at 6:00 Sunday evening in a beautiful grassy field below snow-capped mountains. We left at 10:30 pm, drove all night and arrived in Tulsa at 9:30 pm Monday evening - 22 hours straight! Today is Friday and I'm still tired!

I share those sordid details because the craziness of the weekend is important to my post today. After that marathon, exhausting (sometimes exhilarating) trip, we five adults are still speaking to each other and genuinely love each other. Jesus said, "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12) How did we do it? We prayed together before the trip began and we decided in advance that we would love each other during the trip and at it's end. We didn't always agree on where or when to stop; we were all unquestionably exhausted; three of us were sick at some portion of the trip. But we predetermined that we would love each other.

Is there someone in your life to whom you need to show the love of Jesus today? When you make that decision ahead of time you have won more than half the battle!

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you!"

I recently said those words to renowned speaker/author Cec Murphey (http://themanbehindthewords.com/) at the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Cec unceasingly shares his blessings with others asking nothing in return, and graciously provided scholarships for me and several other AWSA members who would not have been able to attend without financial aid.

As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I thought of the impact you and can I have for eternity. How many people will say to us one day in heaven, "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. You told me about the free gift of eternal life through faith in Christ"?

I don't think there is a person alive who has not struggled with "finding God" through times of difficult circumstances, or wondering if He even cares. If you are one of those people, I've just read a book (When You Can't Find God by Linda Evans Shepherd) that I believe will help you walk through your pain and awaken you to an understanding of God's tremendous love and purpose for your life. Your problems may not go away, but you will face them with renewed hope and joy. This is a book of substance, NOT pages of feel-good "fluff".


Linda understands what it's like to wonder where God is. Her young daughter was in a coma for a year and permanently brain damaged after a tragic car accident. Linda has walked a dark path looking for God.

For the rest of the month of May and the entire month of June I'm offering a free Leader's Guide for my book "Winning the Battle of the Bulge: It's Not Just About the Weight" and workbook "Planning for the Battle of the Bulge" to anyone starting a weight loss group and who orders any number of the sets of books. The books are on sale for $10.00 each at a huge savings.

Contact me at mary@winningthebattleofthebulge.com

(Melanie and Maya.)

I was babysitting the grandkids a couple weeks ago and Melanie (28 months old) said, "Nana, I want to watch "Puppy-matian". Puppy-matian? But I knew exactly what she meant - she wanted to watch the movie "101 Dalmatians". I smiled at her and put the movie into the VCR (yes, we still have a VCR).

Isn't it funny how we can understand what our children and grandchildren are saying and what they want when others don't have a clue? Melanie didn't know how to say the title of the movie correctly, so she just said what she knew - it was about puppies and "mations". I think it's like that with our heavenly Father. Sometimes we pray and don't know what to say, what words to use, so we just say what we know. I believe that's when the Holy Spirit intercedes, and let's the Father know exactly what we are trying to say. He knows our needs and our desires. What a comforting thought!


"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God." Romans 8:26, 27

(The empty tomb.)

I pray you had a blessed Easter weekend. We had family and friends over to our home for a wonderful dinner, egg hunt (in the house because it was raining) and an afternoon of relaxation and a movie.

A friend of mine was recently telling me about a conversation he had with a co-worker. The co-worker was saying how the Bible had some good things in it and some of those things were worth believing. He said that Jesus was really a good man and had some good teaching, but a person just can't believe everything that's in it. 

Could this be true?

The main problem I see with that philosophy is that Jesus claimed to be God; over 500 people claimed to have seen Jesus after He rose from the dead; the Bible claims to be the Word of God. If none of that is true, how can we know which parts to believe as truth? How could Jesus be a "good" man if He was a liar? It only takes two people in court to have a firm testimony as truth. With over 500 people seeing Jesus after the resurrection we can have confidence that Jesus is who He said He is and that He is worthy of our trust.