Tuesday, March 31, 2015

The Prayers of the Unborn



Yesterday, I forgot that I might have to go on the  RV with the mobile ultrasound unit to counsel women who were ambivalent about abortion. I am the team member trained to counsel on the RV, but it has never been available on the day I volunteer, until the past few weeks.  It was there yesterday, parked at the sidewalk of the abortion mill for the first time since I have been back from my month-long sojourn with my ailing Mom in NY. I normally might have spent hours prepping, reading over verses in my Bible and practicing what I would say. I tend to get REALLY nervous, and like to over-prepare. But since it had not been there since I'd been home, I forgot all about my duty as RV counselor should the need arise.

In fact, I was on the sidewalk handing literature to a woman who'd been speaking with me awhile, when two of my team members called my name. They brought me a mama who had agreed to go on the ultrasound, and for a moment, I just gazed mutely at them. Then, I suddenly remembered that it was my job to counsel the woman on the RV! I handed the woman I had been speaking with off to another team member, and led the other mama onto the RV. (Later I learned the first woman I'd been speaking with chose life for her baby!)

God sent me an "easy" case for my RV counseling. (He knows what He's doing.) This sweet mama had tears in her eyes when she said she wasn't sure what she wanted to do. I never doubted she would choose life. She was so soft-hearted, and knew that God would not approve of her aborting her child. And then her little baby gave the performance of her young life when she appeared on the ultrasound.(I don't know if the baby was a girl or not, but will call her a she because she is not an it!) As soon as we saw Baby X on the ultrasound, she started doing gymnastics. We were all enthralled, and the RV nurse was (as always) the perfect blend of medical knowledge and spirit-filled guidance. The mama (and Grandma) were all smiles. And just to seal her fate, do you know what that baby did? She brought her hands together, as though clasped in prayer.
"Look!" I said, "She's praying." We all watched the child, seemingly praying about her fate.
As soon as Mama got up from the ultrasound, I asked, "What do you think?"
"I'm keeping her," whispered Mama.

The mama attends church, claims to know Jesus, understood God would not have her abort, and left with a better understanding (I pray) of what obedience to Jesus really means, born out of love for His sacrifice on our behalf.  I asked if I could text her with Bible verses to encourage and help her. She said she would appreciate that. ( I have a long list of mamas I do that for now!)
Praise God for those two saved lives yesterday, and for the awesome team I have the pleasure of working alongside.

As I sat here smiling, writing this blog, I got a text from the young mama. She thanked me for being there, and pushing her to make the right choice, the choice she knew God would have her make. And then she said, "Good luck on your journey SAVING LIVES."

I can't tell you what a blessing it is to watch God's miracles changing hearts, and to think that He allows me to participate in it!
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please go to charlotte.cities4life.org
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Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Life Changing Events

I did the fifth or sixth edit of the entire Joe book yesterday. As always, I sobbed my heart out at the last chapter. This book is without a doubt the best book I have ever written, and I am anxiously awaiting two last beta-readers' comments before publishing.

Joe, the horse was a life-changing force in my life. There are a handful of events in my life that are cataclysmic. Marriage, child-birth, and the moment I accepted Jesus. Those are the top three, but Joe the horse might be fourth.

I go to the abortion mill sidewalks today, as I do every Monday, to encourage mamas to choose life rather than abortion. I pray that God moves the hearts of the mothers to their children, and they will make a life-changing decision. When they look back on this day, I  pray it is not filled with sorrow and remorse. After my stint on the sidewalk, I am going to lunch with a friend. She is a mama with her 6-month-old baby. I met her a year or so ago at the abortion mill...and she chose life. Today, that little baby will eat chicken nuggets with us, and the mother will remember the day she chose life with relief...and joy. Cataclysmic choices. Life-changing. Would appreciate prayer as I speak for the unborn.
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Matthew 7:13-14 

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

The Adversary

While we are all innocently sleeping at night, an enemy is slowly filling the skies. During the day, the trees are masquerading as beautiful flower-filled visions of loveliness. By night, they are spewing pollen by the bucket-fulls. I can tell, because postnasal drip never lies. This crafty enemy lurks in the air, wafting on the breeze, creeping in the windows left open a crack to let the sweet air flow inside. An invisible poison, bent on destruction, the enemy lays a nearly imperceptible layer on every surface, booby trapping the unsuspecting.

Deception. That soft yellow pollen looks so harmless...but all of us with allergies know better. Deception. I have been thinking a lot about the deception of the enemy of God. It is so easy to be lulled into believing that peace and tolerance must be of God...but I do not see that born out by scripture.

For example:

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.(Matthew 10:34-36)

For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.(Romans 13:4)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.(I John 4: 1-3)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ...(Ephesians 6: 10-18)

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.(1 Peter 5:8)

We are to be crafty, discerning, and armed. The adversary will come masquerading as a spirit of God, but he is a wolf,  a lion, waiting to devour the unsuspecting. We are supposed to be suspicious, astute in our judgements, testing every spirit, and prepared to challenge anything that does not square with scripture. We are to be armed with prayer, truth, righteousness...and stand firm, ready for battle with a terrible enemy. I do not see this as a peaceful enterprise. I am not talking about physical violence, but it is spiritual warfare with a real and powerful enemy. We know in some portions of the world, physical violence IS used against those who believe in Jesus. The Bible warns us we are in a Battle, and one we must be prepared to fight daily in the "whole armor of God."

The pollen settles like a gentle blanket in the night while we sleep, but we with heightened allergic systems would be foolish to think it harmless, or think if we kindly tolerate its presence, it will leave us alone.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Our Help and Deliverer

I have the best friends on earth. A couple of weeks ago, out of the blue, my friend Carol dropped off a gorgeous, brand new Spring coat and some money for me to give to one of the mamas I work with. I volunteer on the abortion mill sidewalks, first to encourage women to choose life, not abortion, and then to walk alongside them and meet their needs as able. Of primary importance is helping them know God, who is ultimately what we all need most. Many friends and supporters of the group I volunteer with (Cities4life) donate resources to aid these moms. Carol was moved by God to give one of the mamas the beautiful coat. She left me instructions that I was to give the coat to the mama I felt should have it. (She left me chocolate and flowers. Do I know how to pick my friends, or what!?)

But how to pick who to give the coat to! I work with several mamas, and all were in a bit of crisis last week. Who to give the coat and money to? I put the bag with the lovely coat in my car and prayed God would  show me who the coat should bless. Yesterday, I had arranged to take one of the mamas out to lunch. She had been having several medical issues, had reconsidered abortion, chosen (again) to let her child live, and then been slammed by a whole host of troubles. I was worried for her on many levels. Would she back out of her decision for life with so many struggles in her path? I had a package of maternity clothes and an adorable baby outfit to give her. She needed perhaps more than anything to talk with someone who knew her story and would not condemn her, but try to help her find God in all the mess of life.

It was cold and rainy. She arrived at the restaurant, and got out of the car. She was clutching her arms against her body, shivering. She was not wearing a coat.
"It's so cold," she said.
"I have a wonderful surprise for you!" I told her.
I pulled the coat out of my car.
"Do you like this?"
"I love it!"
"A friend who loves God wants you to have it," I said.
"I don't have a coat!" she exclaimed.
She tried the coat on. It fit perfectly (with room for an expanding tummy) as though it had been made just for her.
Which of course....it had.

"And one more thing this woman wanted you to have."
I handed her the envelope of money.
The sweet mama looked inside the envelope.
"I didn't know how I was going to pay my electric bill," she said, "And this is more than enough. God is so good." She asked for my friend's email, wanting to thank her herself. I piled the maternity clothes in her car, along with the little baby outfit.
"Lunch is on me," I told her as we walked in.
Then she did something that touched me deeply.
"No," she said firmly, "I want to buy you lunch. I insist on it." It was not a good decision based on her finances and struggles, but she was adamant, and it meant a great deal to her to offer that. I thanked her, and got the cheapest thing on the menu.

We talked about God at lunch. One way or another, all my discussions with the women who I walk alongside end up being about God. We talked about God's assurance of heaven to those who trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior. She was concerned over all her bad choices in life, but I hope our discussion and God's Word left her with peace that because she believes, she is saved, and nothing can take that from her. Just as she could not earn salvation, she could not lose it.

Walking in faith in the midst of terrible hardship is not easy, but she is struggling to do so, however haltingly. I shared the story of Balaam's donkey with her (see my blog from March 27 if unfamiliar with the story.) She understood the deeper message instantly.
"Sometimes we are blocked by God for our own good," I summarized.
"And sometimes we kick the obstacle as though that were the problem," she said, "Instead of just turning around and doing the right thing." (You see why I admire this woman.) She was silent, thinking for a moment, and I know God was at work in her heart.

There is nothing more gratifying than watching God meeting the needs of new believers like this special woman. I suppose the cynics out there are smirking, and saying God didn't meet the need. My friend Carol did. On one level, this is true. But my friend Carol loves God, and felt His prompting to offer the coat. She had no idea this particular woman needed a coat, nor her size. Carol was privileged to be a part of God's plan, a participant in one of His little miracles that helped a struggling woman feel a little less alone in her struggle. Nothing feels better deep in our soul than being a part of something so wondrous.

Later that day, I got a text from the mama with the coat: I am getting soooooooooooooo many compliments about the coat. It is making me feel really good.
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If you would like to join us in this life changing ministry, please go to Charlotte.cities4life.org
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Philippians 4:19 

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!

Friday, March 27, 2015

When to Turn Back

Every time I hit the portion of scripture about Balaam's donkey in my daily Bible study, I am struck anew by the lengths to which God will go to turn us from our evil or ill-begotten path. If you don't know the story, you should open your Bible right now to Numbers 22. The general gist of the story is Balaam is asked by the king of Israel's enemies to curse Israel. He heads off on his donkey to do so, and the donkey stops and will go no further. The donkey sees an Angel of the Lord blocking the path which Balaam cannot see. Balaam beats his poor donkey, and then the donkey talks and tells Balaam that an angel of the Lord is standing in the path, and what a dumbkoff Balaam is for thinking his obedient donkey was defying him for no reason. The angel was sent specifically to turn Balaam from his unGodly mission.

How many donkeys have I metaphorically beaten to circumvent God's purposeful obstruction of my terrible plans? I can think of quite a few in retrospect. It would be much easier if God would just show us the angel blocking the path...but He usually doesn't. We have to discern if we are to stop and turn back because God is blocking us...or are we to persevere through obstacles placed by Satan to frustrate God's purposes?

My study today didn't offer any magic solution towards how to solve the question of which of these situations it is, except for one suggestion. No matter which of those two choices it is, the best and first way to discern is through prayer. I would add a few suggestions from looking back on my life. Is your path lined with sin? Is the goal you are riding towards sin? Turn back.  Here's another hint. If a donkey starts talking, turn back.
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Numbers 22:22-35 

But God's anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary. Now he was riding on the donkey, and his two servants were with him. And the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand. And the donkey turned aside out of the road and went into the field. And Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the road. Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on either side. And when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she pushed against the wall and pressed Balaam's foot against the wall. So he struck her again. Then the angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left. ...

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Those Who Wait

I did something yesterday I never do. I opened my door to engage in discussion with a Jehovah's Witness. I am never mean to them, but I know they don't believe Jesus is Lord, and so why bother talking with them? But it struck me: IF Jesus IS Lord, as I believe, and they DON'T believe that, then they are doomed. I MUST talk with them. I am morally and spiritually BOUND to talk to them.

So I took my Bible, and my Concordance, and kicked my trepidation aside, opening the door. The man was very polite, and very well dressed, as they always are. He had a big smile, and a pleasing demeanor, as they always do.

Until.

Until I pulled out my Concordance, finding the Greek and Hebrew derivations of the words in the verses he quoted, and showed him that his beliefs could not be supported by scripture. He began to sputter and something happened that I have never seen in a Jehovah's Witness before. He got angry. And he said he  had to go, to meet his friend. And he walked away, unable to tell me why the word "Lord" used to describe "The Father" in Luke 10:21 was the same derivation of the word "Lord" used to describe Jesus in Ephesians 1:3. There really could be no other conclusion (at least to me) but that Jesus IS God. He didn't seem to like that.

Then I went to draw a picture for my blog. I used the art program that seems to require more memory than my computer has. It took FOREVER between every brush stroke. If I rushed it, the program crashed. I was becoming very impatient. And I realized, God was sending me a message. Every stroke took time, before I could do the next stroke. Similarly, every mark one draws for God needs time (usually) before becoming a masterpiece. Rushing rarely produces the results one wants (In my art program, the computer crashed in fact when I tried to hurry on to the next paint stroke before the last one had "settled.") It is sometimes slow going, but I must trust that God is not going to abandon the picture until it is complete.

This morning I had a note from a Facebook friend. She told me she knew of a Jehovah's Witness who was angry for a full year after an encounter with someone similar to my encounter yesterday. And then God convicted him so strongly, that the man believed Jesus was indeed Lord and his eternal fate was sealed in Heaven. The former Jehovah Witness was her husband.
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Romans 12:12 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Fully His

I went through the penultimate edit of my new book, Joe- The Horse Nobody Loved. Unfortunately, I got so caught up in the story that I lost track of editing. I relived those years of my childhood with the horse I loved, and dinner time rolled around. Dinner was unmade, and I was reduced to a puddle of tears.

I'll try the penultimate edit again today.

This book was so important to me that I sent samples to a couple of prospective editors. I wanted this book to be as perfect as possible so I would shop around a bit for the perfect editor. One editor, after reading the 5,000 word sample sent me back a synopsis of the story, an understanding of the characters, and even an analysis of the deeper meaning. He was spot on. I hired him instantly. It is rare that someone truly "gets you." He understood, and I knew he would help correct without destroying my writer's voice in the process.

When I was contemplating the choice to believe in God or not, one of my greatest fears was that my voice, my individuality would be destroyed. It would be swallowed up in the great vortex of God. I would be a sheep, a follower. The most important part of my essence, my uniqueness in creativity, would be destroyed.

In fact, the opposite happened. Certainly, I became a part of a unity, of a whole, of the kingdom of God. But I was not just an indistinguishable drop in an ocean of humanity as I feared. All that I was meant to be, the individual plan for which I was created, was released. I was freed...not bound. If anyone understood my voice, it was God. Afterall, He created it. I was at once fully His, and therefore, fully me.

Romans 12:
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.
7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Hope

I was playing with my art program and this portrait slowly emerged. It sort of looks like my oldest son, who I really miss. I like the look of hopefulness in his face, whoever he is. That was what I was thinking as I drew: Hope. Hope is what I wanted to bring to those I encountered along my daily path.

I was fully armed with verses when I went to my volunteer work as a sidewalk counselor at the area's busiest abortion mill yesterday. I had a stack of verses about "the Sanctity of life", and another stack about "How God feels about willful sin when we know the truth", and a third stack about "Salvation." I figured those three major areas would cover what I needed to say. I did get on the microphone and read a few of them. It would be much better if I could memorize them, but my memory stinks.

The three major arguments we counselors get for why abortion is the best choice involve those three areas. We hear them over and over again.
Excuse #1. It's not a baby. It's a potential baby. It's not human.

Well God sure doesn't agree: Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you"

Excuse #2. God is a God of forgiveness. Yes it is wrong, but it isn't the right time for me to have a baby. God will forgive me.

Hmmm. Well what does God really say about willful sin when we know right and defiantly choose wrong? Hebrews 10:26 "For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins"

Excuse #3. I don't believe in God. I'm ok. Leave me alone.

Perhaps you think you are okay, for a season. What does God warn of those who defy and ignore His continual calls? Mark 16:16  "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

My three stacks of verses came in quite handy. I had the opportunity to use each at some point over the course of the morning. I always do... Of course, I need a fourth stack. The stack titled "Blessings when We Follow God." The problem is that stack would use up all my printer paper.

The abortionist arrived. Four women had seen their baby on the mobile ultrasound unit outside the mill and three had chosen life for their little ones. A woman arrived and as I called out to her, telling her we had real hope, and real help, she glanced back. I urged her not to ignore her conscience, which was clearly conflicted. That was God speaking to her heart. She paused, and I thought she would come to me. But then she turned, and went in the mill.

It was time for me to go. My daughter has been sick all week and I had to get her to the doctor. Just then, the woman I had spoken to came across the parking lot. She had been in long enough to have gotten the abortion pill. I was about to tell her about the abortion pill reversal hotline, but she kept coming across the barrier of mill property, which we counselors cannot cross. I was either going to be pounded to a pulp, or spoken with. I hoped for the latter.

"Are you coming to talk to me?" I asked. (I am always a little amazed when that happens.)
"Yes," she said, "Can I have your literature?"
"Of course...did you decide to keep your baby?"
"Yes," she said.
"May I hug you?"
"Yes."
I brought her to my car and gave her piles of maternity clothes, and a gift bag filled with baby supplies. As always, as I handed her the bag I told her, "Here are many gifts for your baby, but the most important thing in here is a Bible."
"I saw that," she told me, "And I agree."
"May I text you now and then, to see how you are doing?"
"Yes," she said.
"And would it be ok if I send you Bible verses?"
"Please do, I really need that."

So do I. So do all of us. Hope. God is all about Hope. Today, I will print Stack 4- The blessings of following God.

Philippians 4:19

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.


Monday, March 23, 2015

Approaching the Throne of Grace

I had so much fun playing with my art program, which is working again. There is a lull in the plans for my Las Vegas book signing, so I had time to create art. It was so soothing and relaxing to create my own little world out of my imagination. A perfect world of luminescent colors, with no troubles or burdens or deadlines...

It was just a brief respite. I have to get back to work preparing for the Vegas trip, and editing my next book today, but it was a nice break. While painting, I reflected on the verse that really struck me from our Sunday sermon: Hebrews 4: 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

There is so much to ponder in that verse. First, the very idea that we, mere mortals, can approach God at all is remarkable. Every one of us can go confidently to God, if we believe in Him. Unlike what happens most of the time when we approach humans, we will NOT receive condemnation or judgment, but mercy and grace! Doesn't that idea soothe you like the serenity of my little scene I painted? What a wondrous comfort! Helps to put life's struggles in perspective. But the miracle of that verse was not yet over. Not only can we approach the Almighty God, receive His mercy and grace,  but in addition, He will help us in our time of need EXACTLY when we need it. 


I leave soon for my regular Monday volunteer work on the sidewalks of the busiest abortion mill in Charlotte, pleading for the lives of the babies doomed to die. I go with this special verse, to encourage the desperate mothers. God will help them in their time of need, but they must believe Him, trust Him, and follow Him. (You can not claim God's mercy and grace while actively and knowingly ignoring his commands.) Please pray hearts are softened to this incredible message of hope and Grace, and not only the babies but the mamas too will be saved.
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Mark 16:16 

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

The Time of Singing

The spring is so beautiful here. I really cannot get enough of the blue sky, and flowers and budding trees. I love how the Bible describes this season: The time of singing has come.  Also, the time of sneezing. I'm surprised the Bible doesn't mention that. Surely hay fever existed in Bible times.

My allergies haven't kicked in yet. I have a two week period when the oak and birch pollen is high when I have to medicate myself to live. Some of my friends suffer from the moment things start blooming. How terrible for them -- to associate all this beauty with misery. Allergies represent one of the strangest conditions of all creation -- bodies turning on themselves! There is no good reason to find oak pollen dangerous. It is not intrinsically dangerous...not the way a speeding bullet is. But when a wacky immune system decides it is dangerous, and begins to attack its own self...bad things happen, and it really is dangerous. Even life threatening.

The same thing can happen to families, churches, communities, nations...We begin attacking from within the very fiber of the structure necessary to exist at all. Then everything implodes, crumbles from within.

What a mess. We destroy ourselves. Spiritually, this is a constant danger to each of us. We're so filled with pride and self-deception, that we think the problem is not us...but everyone else.

2 Timothy 3 warns us of the symptoms:
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

God gives us the solution: Acts 4:11-12
11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

There is no other hope, no other antidote to self destruction. oh-oh...I feel a sneeze coming on.
************* 




 

Saturday, March 21, 2015

The Fountain of Life

A little discouraging news from the vet. Honeybun's liver levels are still low, after a month of antibiotics. She may just be old, and that is what happens as dogs age. So the vet is trying a new medication that targets the liver, and we hope the levels moderate. I love Honeybun, but with old dogs, I think there may come a point where intrusive intervention is not in their best interest. Honeybun seems happy and perky, and still enjoys her walks. I will do everything I can to keep her pain free. With so many growing issues as she ages, I think keeping her comfortable and letting her systems shut down may be the greater kindness.

Life is full of sad moments. Honeybun, who doesn't know her liver levels are off, is the same easy-going happy Honeybun she has always been. Dogs have such a nice perspective. Little is required for them to be content. A patch of sun to warm themselves with enticing smells. A good meal now and then. A loving hand to scratch them behind their ears. As usual, we could learn a lot from our dogs.

My Bible reading this morning began with this wonderful verse:
"For with you is the fountain of life. In your light, do we see light." Psalm 36:9

All we have been given, our very life itself, is illuminated by God. We would see nothing, hear nothing, taste nothing without His enabling. We enjoy our fleeting days here in the light of life because God ordained it. May I be more like Honeybun, basking in whatever light God shines in my direction with a contented, grateful heart.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Beauty In a Stretch of Ugly

I am frustrated. You may have noticed that I used to put lots of artwork on my blog, since I am an artist. But I have been unable to produce any art because my new wonderful Surface Pro 3 seems unable to fully support my art programs. So I have to put photos instead. This photo is of a daffodil I saw on my morning run a couple of days ago. It was very beautiful, and was along the edge of a fence in a vacant lot. Not where you would expect a daffodil to bloom. A burst of beauty in a stretch of ugly.

Perfect. That's what I would like to be. Not physically beautiful -- those days are long gone. But spiritually beautiful in a dark, and desperate world. A flash of Jesus in the vacant lots of life. Yes.  A daffodil in a stretch of ugly.
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Song of Solomon 4:7 

You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.

1 Peter 3:3-4 

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

Proverbs 31:30 

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Isaiah 40:8 

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Cathedral of Blossoms

As the Bradford Pear trees that line the main street of our neighborhood come into full bloom, it looks like a cathedral. I think that every year, and for the few days that the white blossoms are profuse, I make a point to walk that section of the development several times a day. It is so glorious for such a short time; best to enjoy it fully for the brief time it is here.

Reminds me of the poem by A.E. Housman. This is a favorite of both my mom and me, and one of the few I have memorized.

A Shropshire Lad  2: Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
 
Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.

Now, of my threescore years and ten,
Twenty will not come again,
And take from seventy springs a score,
It only leaves me fifty more.

And since to look at things in bloom
Fifty springs are little room,
About the woodlands I will go
To see the cherry hung with snow.

As usual, the truth expressed in this poem, and in my desire to walk up and down that gorgeous street when the Bradford Pear trees are in bloom, reflects a spiritual truth. We are given by God but a short span of years. In that brief time, will we savor every moment, use the time well, and ultimately demonstrate an understanding of our purpose here on earth in the time we are given? The Creator placed us here, and ordained every day we would enjoy. Are we living each day in gratitude, and to His glory? Are we reminding others to look up at the cathedral of blossoms and remember the God who created such exquisite beauty? Seems to me, we should.
***************

Deuteronomy 6:12 

Then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

1 Corinthians 11:2 

Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.

Acts 20:35 

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

1 Corinthians 11:24 

And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Revelation 2:5 

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Deuteronomy 8:2 

And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them” 

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

The Glory is Worth The Struggle

I have completed all the major items on my to-do list in preparing my book for the Las Vegas book signing. It was grueling for a few weeks, but now the revisions are done, the books are ready to order and ship, and I even got my badge for the convention in the mail.

Since I have been working nearly non-stop for a month (while caring for my Mom post-surgery in the unbearably cold state of NY), I decided I had earned an afternoon off. I dusted off my bicycle and pedaled into the 80-degree sunshine.(NC- I love you.) The beautiful greenway trail beckoned to me. The possibility of a severe allergic reaction to all the blooming trees' pollen didn't even enter my thoughts. It was too glorious not to go.

Many roots were pushing up the paved bike path, and it was very bumpy at times. Last year, I broke my tail bone and those bumps began to aggravate that still achy wound. I had to keep standing on my pedals going over the bumps because my tail was getting mighty sore. Then it would be nice and smooth for a stretch, and all of a sudden, an unexpected huge root had pushed up the pavement and I slammed down (again) on my tailbone.

Isn't this just like life? How often are we sailing along, thinking the path could not be smoother or clearer, all is going just swimmingly, and then BAM, you hit an unexpected and jarring situation that totally blindsides you. Sometimes you hit several in a row, and you almost want to turn around, crawl back into the womb, and ask God for a raincheck on life. But if you keep going, invariably, things smooth out again. God warns us about these rough spots. He knows we will hit them, and He wants us to be prepared. That means having a whole lot of His promises about the future stored in your heart, or it is easy to give up when the going gets too tough.

I was pretty sore and tired when I got home, but I was still glad I had gone. Despite the moments of pain, the glory was all worth it.

**********************

James 5:10-11 

As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Hebrews 12:2

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

James 1:12 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

The Joy of Rebirth


The Bradford Pear are in bloom. The forsythia are bursting in yellow profusion. The daffodils are tilting their sun-bonnet blossoms to the sky. No one can encounter a Charlotte spring and not feel at least a twinge of hope. There is new life. There is rebirth. There is warmth after the cold, hard winter.
How gracious of God to build His message into the seasons themselves!

After a month of being in the frigid north, caring for my mom, I returned home, and to my regular Monday volunteer work as a sidewalk counselor at the city's busiest abortion mill. The mill was mobbed. At least fifty or sixty babies were dying that one morning. Sometimes the sheer numbers of people each day swarming to kill their own child overwhelms me. Two cars swerved to hit me as I stood on the edge of the street offering literature to them as they drove in. Many people angrily taunted and ridiculed us. We were a small team, three of us regulars, and one newbie. Later, one other showed up and went on the microphone to beg the women to choose life, choose God, and leave this place. A father standing on the sidewalk engaged in a barrage of back and forth angry retorts. He and one other man mocked our pleas with particular vehemence. I spoke with quite a few women, gave them literature, but they all went in the mill anyway. One woman was sobbing. She clearly didn't want an abortion but her boyfriend insisted they could not afford a baby. I looked at the children in the back seat and asked, "How much would you sell one of your other children for? What price would you put on their value?" He of course couldn't answer, except to say he knew it was wrong, but he had to do it. Tears streamed down the silent woman's face.

The hours stretched on, and not one save. The abortionist arrived, and we all continued to pray and speak on the microphone (they can hear us inside). Slowly one by one the other counselors began to leave. We had been there all morning. I saw a car pulling away from the further driveway, and pulled my "grief" literature from my bag. Most cars do not stop on the way out, however we always try to speak to them. We all know the grief of abortion can materialize later if not immediately.

Surprisingly, the car stopped. The woman rolled down her window.
"Did you keep your baby?" I asked. (Sometimes I am more diplomatic, or more gentle...but I was weary and down.)
She nodded. I did not expect that at all. I figured she was lying.
"Really?!" I asked.
She and the boyfriend nodded.


A car stopped on its way in and the driver told me she and her friend were nursing students, there to observe. I gave them our literature and told them about what really happens in an abortion mill. I begged them to never go into any nursing that involved abortion. They took the literature and went in. A few minutes later they came out. They stopped near me and rolled down their window.
"We would NEVER work in a place that does that!" cried one. They asked me many questions. One girl was almost crying.
"There were so many of them," said the other.
"What do they do with the babies afterwards?" one asked.
"First they have to piece together all the severed body parts," I said, "To be sure they got them all out of the mother. Then they throw them away, in the trash, and that is picked up by a truck and taken to be incinerated."

If one is human, one doesn't need to hear much more than that.

One woman who had taken our literature, promised to go have coffee and then return after thinking  about it, never returned. That meant two saved babies! The other counselors left, and I promised I would leave soon. I was watching two couples, still in their cars that we had all pleaded extensively with. Who would win the battle? I just had to see. It is never wise to be alone on the sidewalk, but I didn't feel any fear. I really did feel God wanted me there, and His reasons would be revealed.

The two couples who seemed to be reconsidering in their cars, made their decision and went in the mill. With sorrow, I decided it was time to go. As I was turning, one car pulled out, and the woman rolled down her window.
"I didn't do it," she told me. Then she drove away. Three babies saved! Hallelujah!

I pulled my car key out of my pocket, when I noticed a couple on the front porch of the mill. They hugged each other. The man was the 'mocker' who had chastised us for our hypocrisy "judging others."

They got in their car, and pulled out of the driveway. I waited, with my grief pamphlet in hand. I would try to assuage the sorrow of one more woman before I left. Perhaps that is why God wanted me to stay. The man rolled down the window, "Well, I guess your prayers worked. She didn't do it. Are you happy?" He said it without rancor. He was smiling.

My mouth fell open, and I looked at the woman. She nodded. She told me when she got inside, and saw all those hopeless women, all that despair, all those people willing to kill their own baby, she knew it was wrong.
"How far along are you?" I asked.
"16 Weeks."
(My friend who was such a comfort to me yesterday when I visited her had given me a fetal model.  A 16-week fetal model. "Maybe you could find this useful," she told me. I have models I have made myself, but none of a 16-week pre-born baby.)

I pulled it instantly out of my pocket and held the little baby model out to the woman.
"This is what your baby looks like now."
She took the model and suddenly burst into tears and fell against me. She sobbed and sobbed, clutching me so hard I thought my ribs might bruise.
I knew what she was thinking as tears filled my own eyes. There is no doubt that little person is a person. To think of what she had almost done ....

I gave them a gift bag, and then asked the father, the mocker, if he wanted a book about being a father. (My friend who gave me the model also gave me the book.)
"I would like that," he said.
"There's a Bible in the gift bag," I said, "I would urge you to read it."
"It's not that I wanted her to abort," he said, "It's just that she has health problems. Whose life is more precious? Hers or the baby?" The woman looked at the model of the baby in her hand, and then hugged me again.
"All human life is sacred, isn't it?" I said to her and she nodded, still crying.
"All life is precious," I said to the man.

I had just filled my van that morning with maternity clothes, an overflow of donations, wondering how I could store them. I had hoped to find someone else to take them.
"Do you need maternity clothes?" I asked.
"Oh yes!" she said.
So I piled a huge bag of them, her size, into the back of her car.
"I may text you with Bible verses now and then," I said, as she got back in the car, "I can't help myself sometimes."
They both laughed, and promised to stay in touch.

As they pulled away, I saw the man reach back for the gift bag. He pulled out the Bible, lay it on his lap, and opened it.

*******************************


Hebrews 4:12 

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Romans 10:17 

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

2 Timothy 3:16 

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Romans 1:16 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Acts 20:32 

And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

1 Peter 1:23 

Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

Monday, March 16, 2015

When You Least Think You Need It....

I spent my first day home in a month trying to make the e-book changes/revisions to my book, The Tower Builder. Fifteen hours. Straight. Fun fun fun. I called my computer guru expert who worked with me for about an hour. I was really glad we weren't on a video chat so he couldn't see I was crying. Then sadly, after four additional hours of work, the changes didn't work converting to the Kindle format. Back to the drawing board. In the end, I was able to successfully upload the e-book, ending the marathon of editing with a prayer. I don't do well with deadlines closing in on me.

I have a book signing in Las Vegas in less than a month and a thousand things to do in preparation. I did not enjoy the struggle to understand how to format the pictures such that they could be read across a variety of mobile devices. I think I am just stupid. I went to bed utterly exhausted, and sad that it was 70 degrees outside and I had not been out enjoying it.

Then, I went to church. I didn't want to. It is funny how when you least feel like going to church is when you most need it. But the message was perfect. The Word is living and active and powerful. Read God's word. Daily. It will empower you to do all God intends for you to do.

And then, I went to my friend Melissa's house, to drop off a small gift to her hubby who is my computer guru and puts up with a lot of idiocy from me. I didn't really feel like talking to anyone. Funny how when you least feel like talking to someone, God sends just the perfect Godly counsel to change your entire perspective. Two hours later, I left Melissa with renewed hope.

Lesson: If you don't think God has something to say to you in church, you are wrong. Go. Listen. Secondly, if you think you are an island and can come to a good conclusion in the midst of troubles on your own, you are wrong. Find a Godly friend. Listen.

And if you are in Vegas April 13, and 14th, 3-3:30, stop by the convention center C Central Hall Bookstore, and say Hi! My sister will be in full tower climbing safety gear, and if we are really lucky, we will find something tall and scary for her to climb.
*******************

Hebrews 10:24-25 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Matthew 18:20 

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Colossians 3:16 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Hebrews 10:25 

Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Cheerful Heart

I've been gone from home a whole month. I left to care for my mom when she had serious abdominal surgery. When I left, I didn't know how long I'd be gone, nor how COLD NY state would be. I left my beloved family, and my dear dogs. I love my crazy dog Lucky, but I have a very special place in my heart for my dog, Honeybun. She had not been doing well when I left. She had "old dog vestibular disease" and her bloodwork showed kidney issues. I didn't really know if she would live but Mom is more important than my dog...so much as I love my dog, I stayed in NY caring for Mom an entire month.

I  wondered if my husband, knowing the stress I was under in NY, just didn't tell me if my poor dog had died. As I got closer to home on my drive back yesterday, I grew more and more eager...and anxious. Was Honeybun still alive? Was she worse physically than when I had left? It was hard not to speed. I needed to see my Honeybun, alive and well.

When I walked in the door, both dogs greeted me exuberantly. My daughter is out of town for the weekend, and my hubby was at work when I arrived. But both dogs were there, like dogs always are, frantic with joy. And Honeybun looked so much better than when I had left. It looks like she is recovering! I hugged them both, but Honeybun lay at my feet, wagging her tail and rubbing her snout against me, groaning with joy. She wasn't all wobbly like she was a month ago when I last saw her, and her head tilt was much decreased.

I have mountains of work in preparation for the book signing, and the carpet smells suspiciously like dog vomit. Still, I am home, my mom is better, my dog is alive, and God is in Heaven. My goal today is to praise God with a cheerful heart.
********


James 1:17 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

2 Corinthians 9:7 

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Proverbs 15:1-33 

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. ...

2 Corinthians 9:6-9 

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

John 16:33 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Friday, March 13, 2015

Abundant Good Things Stored Up

After a month, I am on my way home! I left my parents yesterday in much better shape then when I found them a month ago, following Mom's serious surgery. That is the best I hope to do no matter where I go and who I am with. I suppose that is the point of all love, human and God. Leave all you encounter in better shape than you found them. Easier said than done, but a worthy goal.

Of course the most important aspect to leave with everyone is spiritual. If we are truly following God, His presence should radiate from us, and no one touched by God is ever in worse shape, unless they consciously defy him. One of the miracles of the month with Mom post-surgery is nearly every aide and therapist that worked with her was a Christian who on their own, shared their story. When my car was in the shop there, and Dad and I were driven home, the van driver was a retired pastor, who shared his story. The service rep who serviced the car for free was a believer. Could anyone imagine all this was an accident?

So I pray not only I, but all God's ambassadors here on earth who touched the lives of my folks, all left them in better shape than we found them.

Meanwhile, I am in Richmond, ready to embark on the last leg of my journey home. It was a gorgeous day when I arrived yesterday, and I rambled over to the capitol building where a tower could be seen poking above the trees. The star of my book which is going to Vegas for a book signing at the National Assoc. of Broadcasters Convention April 13,14 is the tower engineer who worked on that very tower. I snapped a photo and sent it to him. You can see it on the right upper portion of the photo below, poking above the trees, pointing to Heaven. We should all be pointing to Heaven like that tower.

I had dinner with my wonderful son and his beloved wife, last night after wandering through their beautiful city. Notice, no coat or ski mask. What a difference a few hundred miles makes! Anyway, as soon as I get home, I have a flurry of things to do to prepare my book for its trip to Vegas. I just hope I leave it better than I find it. Always my goal; not always easy to do.
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Psalm 31: 14-15,19
But I trust in you, Lord;
I say you are my God.
My times are in your hands....
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you,
That you bestow in the sight of all,
On those who take refuge in you.


Thursday, March 12, 2015

Overcoming Evil

One of Mom's therapists touted the miraculous cleansing properties of Fiber One Cereal. Mom asked Dad to pick some up. Yay for Mom's intestines.Boo for my food art. I am VERY limited in what I can do artistically with a bowl of cereal.

I drive home today, stopping halfway at a hotel to split the drive to do my digital proof of the newly reconfigured book, The Tower Builder for the Vegas Book Signing. Yesterday was NY putting on its totally fake show of being a state a sane person would live in. It was 60 degrees, blue skies, and sunny. That is a full 80 degrees above the temperature on the day I arrived. NOT BUYING YOUR RUSE, NY, NY!

I have been here a full month. Mom has not regained all her strength, but is well on her way. She and Dad even went out for a drive through the country on this beautiful day. I stayed home and worked on my book cover changes. In between revisions, I did laps around the block, enjoying the beautiful day. I have this to say for NY, nothing like three weeks of -20 degrees to make one grateful for a sunny, warm 60 degrees.

Had anyone told me I was going to spend a full month where the average temperature would be in the single digits, I would have laughed in their face. But I did it, and now that I know I can, I am kinda proud of myself.

But the best moment of the day was not the 60 degree walk in the sunshine. It was not even finishing the book edits, and receiving a phenomenal cover from my cover artist, Perry Elizabeth Designs. It was when I got a text from the wavering "save" - the woman who had chosen life but then returned to the abortion mill. She turned away a second time, but I was not convinced she would not return again. I texted her all day, not hearing back, sending encouragement, Bible verses, and words of hope and prayer. I feared she was losing hope, and giving up. Many folks were praying for her. Last night, I got a text from her. Her child is still safe in her womb and she is feeling better about her decision for life.

Keep praying friends. She has a long, hard road ahead, but it is always best to walk a difficult (or frigid!) journey with God rather than in defiance of Him. I know from personal experience.
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Romans 12:21 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

James 1:19-20 

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

1 Peter 5:7 

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Need Prayers




Finally talked Mom into scrambled eggs for breakfast. Instantly, they "spoke" to me: Poodle.
Unfortunately, Mom couldn't tell immediately that it was a poodle but the great artists are often misunderstood. Her Physical Therapist came and asked if anything was new. Giddy with excitement, we led her into the bathroom where Mom demonstrated how she could safely and independently get in and out of the tub. The PT was amazed, and after the session, told Mom she was ready for discharge. She will still do a couple of weeks of outpatient PT, and will continue her exercises her entire life, but we are all cheering. Then, lunch time before the nurse came to do her check-up arrived and I had to do something quick and easy. We didn't have much time.


Sometimes simple is best. This is the rare and beautiful blueberry turkey and swiss caterpillar. I am not sure they have ever been sighted in NY before.

The PT then took Mom outside for a walk, and made sure she is safe outside. Mom passed with flying colors. We will be dipping into the cooking sherry tonight to celebrate. "Get out and live life, now!" commanded the PT.

I am in major stress mode. All the deadlines for my book changes for the Vegas book signing are looming (today) and so I am still in NY because I just can't afford the time to travel home. I was on and off the phone all day yesterday, and doing work on the manuscript. And then, a devastating text. One of the "saves" from the abortion mill who I have been in close contact with is wavering. She almost aborted her baby yesterday. Fellow NC Cities4Life counselors talked her out of it (again.) I texted frantically back and forth with her. For now, the baby is safe.

Why now!? I don't have the energy or time or wisdom or strength to help her now! But a tiny human life is hanging in the balance. I don't know what I can do to convince her.

But God does. And so, I am calling on Him. I am relying on His strength, because mine is gone. Please pray.

Isaiah 41:13 

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Philippians 4:6 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

1 Corinthians 10:13 

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Romans 12:2 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.