Thursday, March 29, 2012

The Crossroad


We are all homeless
Standing with our signs
Wondering which way to go
Lost at the crossroads of life.

A wish burns deep within me
For a fountain, clear and cold
But one small drink of water
Does not quench a thirst so bold.

To eat should delight my stagnant tongue
But there is no rescue for this delirious ache
Whether a crumb or a banquet spread for me
It’s not enough a fill to make.

A shadow of sorrow fills my soul
Suffering tears at my weak heart
To transcend would be a sweet release
But I cry as life’s venom makes hope and me far apart.

Needless crimes committed against others
In a spacious closet locked away
No act of forgetting will enter my hiding place
So no humble forgiveness from my lips will I say.

Where then do I go from here?
Are there choices yet to make?
Yearning for answers I strain to listen
As at the crossroads I struggle with which road to take.

Suddenly, I notice on the rough and rocky road
There is another with a sign
He’s fixed upon a crossroad of wood
And at the junction tender eyes I find.

He is Jesus, Son of God, there to behold
Who came to earth as a babe in a stall
Lived a human life as our model
Then was crucified for all.

He alone is truth and life
And the healer of all pain
He quenches and fills us with love
And tests us until He comes again.

So when you’re at the crossroads of life
Don’t let thirst and sorrow despair
For Jesus lived and died to prove
That in every situation, He would be there.

by Paula Mowery









Wednesday, March 28, 2012

When do you become a writer?
When I received my contract for THE BLESSING SEER the first line identified me as "the author." I squealed. Finally, I was a true writer. Thinking back, I was wrong. I was a writer long before that. I was even a writer before I had two articles appear in a national magazine.
I became a writer when I put my pencil to that first spiral notebook and penned my first novel, an historical fiction. That novel is stacked with fifteen others in a file under my desk.
So often I feel I need the validation of an editor or publisher to assure me that I am truly an author. Not true. I became a writer when God inspired those first words. I became a writer when God continued to teach me through the stories He has written through me. I became a writer when I obeyed the calling God placed upon me. If God calls me one of His authors, then I'm a writer.
Now comes the part where I live up to the calling. I not only sit and write, but I hone the craft by taking courses, reading books, and learning from other writers.
Jerry Jenkins says, "Study, do the research, develop a thick skin, work hard, learn to take editing, and learn to edit yourself. Have you arrived yet? Neither have I."
This reminds me of growing as a Christian. Have I perfected my Christian walk? No. That won't happen until I'm in Heaven. But, I am still a Christian.
Will there be a time that I "arrive" as a writer? No. There's always more to learn and improvement to be made. But, I'm still a writer.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

"I want it! I don't want to go!" wailed the toddler as she lay in the middle of the mall walkway, arms and legs flailing. Her mother knelt beside her trying to get the child under control. The father tried to look as if he didn't know them by standing a few feet away. That's when the mother, through gritted teeth, said, "Do you want to help me here?"
I, being a sympathetic bystander, felt this was a stupid question. My first reaction would be: "No, I really don't want to help you. That's why I'm standing way over here." Actually, that father knew what this question really meant: "You better get over here fast!"
How many stupid questions we hear everyday.
As a teacher, my favorite has to be the student who asks, "Do we have to do this?" To which I want to reply: "No, I just lectured for forty-five minutes and wrote the assignment on the board for myself."
Another stupid question that cracks me up is when someone gets choked on some food in a restaurant. As the person is coughing and sputtering someone invariably asks: "Are you all right?" Give me a break! The person can't even answer because of coughing uncontrollably.
How about that moment when a husband and wife are disagreeing loudly. After several moments of voicing their opinions, the husband folds his arms and clams up. This prompts the wife to ask, "Are you upset?" Well, duh!
Notice that with all of these stupid questions, the answer was already known. Why do we ask questions if we already know the answers? Sometimes I feel we do this because we don't know what to say.
I fear I often react the same way when confronted with a test to my faith. Let a trial appear, and I am asking: "Why me? Why is this happening? Is God not listening?" Those are really stupid questions because I know the answers. God allows me to be tested to build my character so I can be more like Christ and thus a stronger witness. He made it clear that He "would never leave me nor forsake me."
When faced with trials or tests, I shouldn't ask, "Why?" I should ask, "God, will you lead and guide me through so I can see the good that You plan to bring?"

Monday, March 26, 2012

A simple flower is talking to a nearby bloom:
"You know, I'm not real excited about this new neighborhood. I believe I chose the wrong garden class. I mean, did you see that neighbor, Rosie? How does she get those lovely petals? Maybe I need to check her organic diet. That might perk my bloom. Well, now, tell me the truth, do these leaves make me look fat? I guess is I had her upbringing, her angle on the sunlight, and rain showers, I would look like that too."
Silly, right? But, if flowers were like us, that's what they would act like. Admit it. We should be more like the flowers. I didn't come up with this concept. Check out Matthew 6:25-34. This scripture tells us not to worry about what we eat or drink or wear. We are to look at the lilies of the field as an example. They don't worry about anything. We are to follow this example and trust that God will take care of us if we seek Him and His kingdom.
Flowers don't have a rosy life. They have to endure storms, winds, drought, and lots more. Sometimes they are tattered or wilted. We have the same experience. We have to endure storms in our lives and sometimes we get a little battered, but in the hands of the Master Gardener, we are tended. By fully trusting Him, we can banish worry and bloom more brilliantly in the light of His love and care.
As you notice the spring flowers, think about this object lesson from God.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Friday and Saturday I attended a WMU conference. One of the smaller, breakout conferences I attended was a real eye-opener on the topic of Bible literacy.
We tend to feel sorry for those who are illiterate - meaning those who cannot read. We offer special programs to educate such people because this world is hard to live in if one can't read and write. Personally, I can't imagine not being able to read and write. How often have I found myself reading until the wee hours of the morning because I just couldn't put my latest novel down? Quite often. Equally, I have been caught up in writing on my latest ficton that I didn't want to stop even to eat. I suppose I take it for granted that I have the ability to read and write.
But, do we place as high a priority on Bible literacy? Not in my experience. As I've taught children about a hero from the Bible, I am amazed at how little they know. In fact, it's not always limited to children. I have seen youth and adults who couldn't relate a well-known story like David and Goliath or Daniel and the lions den. With so little knowledge of the Bible, the whole story of God is not known.
The speaker this weekend utilized a simple graphic showing the 14 eras of the Bible. Then, she proceeded to move through each telling the story. It was impressive. She began in Genesis and pointed out the mention of Christ from the start. She showed that the whole Bible is the story of God's love and redemption. We so often pick a story here and there like pieces to a puzzle, but we never weave it together. We are basically not Bible literate.
There were times in the Bible when the words and laws from God were not read and even lost. During those times God's people turned to other gods and became corrupt. Why? They didn't have the words from God to direct their lives. There were times of restoration - like when King Josiah had the temple cleaned up removing idols. During the "spring cleaning" the book of law - instructions from God - were found. The king had them read immediately and the people cleaned up their act. Why? They heard the Word of God and returned to Him.
Just as this world is hard to live in when illiterate, it is tough to live the Christian life when we suffer from Bible illiteracy. Maybe our "spring cleaning" should include dusting off the Bible and reading His story so it becomes our story.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Thanks to all who read my blog. I have had people ask what blogs I follow. Here are a few I start each day with.
1. stepsusan.blogspot.com - This blog is written by a fellow writer and friend. She posts each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You'll find book reviews, devotional thoughts, and blessings. Always uplifting.
2. ACFW - Being a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, I check their blog. It is packed with encouragement and instruction from authors and editors.
3. seekerville blog - This is another writing blog which is chock full of information and encouragement for writers whether published or unpublished.
4. Novel Rocket blog - Yes, another writer's blog. Very helpful and encouraging.

There are others I check on occasion, but these are my regulars. I pray that those who read my blog would find it similarly informative and encouraging which would keep them coming back for more.
Are there issues you would like to address or some encouragement you would like to bring to others? Leave me a comment. I would love to have you as a guest.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

"We talk about heaven being so far away. It is within speaking distance to those who belong there."
D.L. Moody
My daughter has this quote on the small bulletin board above her desk. She put it there as a reminder that God is only a prayer away to her.
Do you love the thought of this? If you are a child of God, your home is heaven. You have a direct line to the Almighty.
There are times heaven seems far away or silent, but we are promised that God is never far away from those who are His. Sometimes, in our flesh, we disconnect the line and try to go on our own. For me, this always results in a 911 call. Lord, help! I've messed up again.
This quote makes a lot of sense when I think about Paul telling us to "pray without ceasing." Christians can walk through life in an attitude of prayer - keeping God constantly on the line.
I suppose heaven can't be too far away if we can just speak and the Lord hears.
If you feel out of touch with God, call home.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Why Write?
"If God and others are not the reasons you write, you might as well write solely for the general market. That doesn't mean everything you write has to be a sermon or packed with scripture, but your unique worldview should come through." From WRITING FOR THE SOUL by Jerry B. Jenkins
If you're a writer or an aspiring one, this book by Jenkins is worth picking up. I am reading it again. It's packed with truths such as the quote above.
Those writers out there - why do you write? I have to agree with the quote above. If God and others aren't the reasons we write, we're probably writing for the general market.
Why do I write? God has called me to do this as a ministry. To not write would be to ignore the plan God has for me. Is everything I write filled with scripture? No. Is everything I write preachy? No. But, there is a difference in the theme and focus of my writing as opposed to the general market. Most of my stories tend to show the hope we have in Christ as well as the plan He has for each of us. My stories tend to encourage the Christian in their walk. I also find myself led to include the plan of salvation in some form in the event an unbeliever might read it.
Come to think of it, no matter if you have been called to write or do something else, whatever we do we do for the Lord - this should be apparent. If we're not sharing Him, what are we sharing?

Monday, March 19, 2012

How I fight the battle of the bulge.
About a year and a half ago, I decided to once again exercise some self-control. Being a pastor's wife can make losing weight and eating healthy next to impossible. Our church has covered dish luncheons and fellowships with finger foods. And, our women can make some delicious and albeit hard to resist food! But, don't despair. Often the key to losing a few pounds and getting healthier is easier than you might think. I lost 30 pounds and have kept it off.
My first strategy was to stock my house with better, more healthy things to eat and snack on. For me, if there's candy there, I'll eat it. If it's not there, I get the healthy alternative. Since I homeschool, my daughter and I can eat healthy during the week. We keep things like brown rice and frozen grilled chicken strips to make stir-fry. We eat a lot of baked fish and veggies. We keep single serving fruits and sugar free puddings. We keep healthy, lower calorie cereals and skim milk - often eating this for supper or snack. I'm not crazy about water, so I keep the flavor packets which makes me drink more.
We also try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise a day during the week. I have some fun DVDs for when we can't get outside to walk.
Now, I don't fret when we have to eat fastfood during the weekend. I do try to pick the healthiest alternatives, but I won't lie and tell you I don't go ahead and eat the fried every once in awhile. I also allowed the weight to come off one pound at a time - slowly. This is hard because I'm impatient. But, when I've lost weight quickly in the past, I gained it back and more.
By slowly changing my eating habits and adding in regular exercise, I'm finally at a healthy weight. I also now have the benefit of a healthy metabolism which burns off more fat keeping me in my weight range.
Since losing 30 pounds, people often ask what my secret was or is. When I explain the above they appear disappointed. I wish I could tell them that I discovered some magic pill, but the magic is in determining to make healthy changes and choices. I'm pulling for you!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Early Sunday morning a thunderstorm awakened me. As I heard the rain pour down, I groaned. Then, I considered why I could be thankful for the rain. Here is what I came up with before I fell back to sleep.
*Listening to the heavy rain, I was reminded that I have a roof over my head to keep that water off of me.
*Always when it rains I'm thankful for an automatic garage door opener.
*Knowing the rain nourishes the ground, I look forward to all of the gifts from the garden this season.
*God gave a promise that it will end. He promised to never destroy the earth that way again.
*After the hard rains the sky seems bluer and the grass seems greener. Everything seems clean.
*A memory always pops into my mind about my husband teaching my daughter about puddles. My daughter was just a toddler. We emerged from church one morning heading home for lunch. There was a puddle near the car. My husband proceeded to demonstrate how to stomp through the water. I wish to this day that I had had a camera to capture the moment - my "grown" husband splashing through with his little shadow behind imitating. The mother in me wanted to fuss about getting Sunday clothes wet, but there was no harm. I only had to hang up socks and a small set of tights to dry.
*Also, without the dark, dreary rain, would we enjoy the sunshine as much? Probably not.
Okay, it's true, we really can give thanks in everything like we're told to do in the Bible.

Friday, March 16, 2012

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.' But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect ..."
1 Peter 3:14-15

In high school I was the "goody goody." I got teased for staying out of the drinking, drugs, and sex scenes. But, I was truly the one that was blessed.
I had a friend during those days that followed the crowd. She and I would go out for some fast food sometimes on a Friday night. Then, she would get a call from someone asking her to come to their house for a party or meet them for drinking. I would simply tell her to take me home if that was her choice for the evening. Many times she did just that. Years later I saw her again. She shocked me when she informed me that she had always respected me for standing up for what I believed in.
As Christians we have no idea when a moment will present itself in which we can give that answer about the hope that we have. How do we do it? We start as the verse above states - "set apart Christ as Lord." Making Jesus Lord of your life means He is leader and boss. When He's not only your Savior but your Lord, His hope will shine through to others. Next, we must be prepared. To prepare for tests, we study. That's how we can prepare to give an answer. We study His Word and commune with Him. With these two prerequisites, we can speak with certainty but remain gentle and respectful, no Bible thumping over the head.
If only Christians could grasp the concepts in these two verses, how differently we would live and how much more powerful our witness would be. That "goody goody" label doesn't seem so bad after all.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

THE GREATEST

Still I'm finding gems of wisdom written on slips of paper in my grandmother's Bible. The following is an interpretation of John 3:16.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."

For God = the greatest love
So loved = the greatest degree of love
The world = the greatest company
That he gave = the greatest act
His only begotten Son = the greatest gift
That whosoever = the greatest opportunity
Believeth = the greatest simplicity
In Him = the greatest attraction
Should not perish = the greatest promise
But = the greatest difference
Have everlasting life = the greatest possession

God gives us His best - the greatest.
If you're a Christian, bask in that knowledge a moment.
If you aren't a Christian, study the words above. Giving your life to Christ will be your greatest decision. Talk to a Christian today to get in on God's best for you.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Have you noticed how grumpy everybody can be? Even at church around our Christian brothers and sisters, we sound like the children of Israel complaining in the wilderness. My husband often says: "We Christians should be the happiest people around because this is as close to hell as we're ever gonna get."
When my husband and I were in seminary, we joked around with each other just as we do today. But, one day my husband had a fellow student pull him aside and ask if we were having marital problems. He interpreted our picking at each other as fussing. I laughed. If my husband and I ever stop picking on each other, that's when something is wrong.
My household is not stuffy and serious. I learned this growing up. Do we secretly use this to cover up problems or hurt? No. I can be just as vocal working out problems or admitting hurt. (I heard that amen from those who know me.) We just love to laugh and have a good time. Is this godly? Yes. When was the last time you read what Paul had to say? Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.
So, come on Christian - If you're happy and you know it, tell your face. You'll be surprised how turning that frown upside-down will improve your attitude - not to mention your witness.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Happy to welcome author, Janice Hanna Thompson, today to share about some of her newest books and courses.



Make Money Writing Interview

Welcome, Janice. Can you tell us about your latest venture?
Thanks for having me. I’m thrilled to share about my latest book, MAKE MONEY WRITING, which is now available from amazon for kindle users. The book, which is loaded with helpful hints for freelancers, is free from March 12th – March 17th. After that, it will sell for $4.49.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your writing experience?
Sure! I write under the names “Janice Thompson” and “Janice Hanna.” I just signed contract #79 (For QUEEN OF THE WAVES) and have written in a variety of genres, including romance, historical, contemporary, cozy mystery, juvenile fiction, non-fiction and more. I’m best known for my light-hearted contemporary novels and for my quirky characters. I’m pretty passionate about writing, and even more passionate about helping others discover their writing talents and abilities. For the past seven years I’ve worked as a full-time freelancer, earning my living with my books, teachings, articles, and write-for-hire work.

Why did you decide to write this book?
For several years now I’ve divided my time between freelance writing and teaching. So many aspiring writers discover that I’ve published several books and they come to me to ask the inevitable, “How do I get published?” question, usually followed by, “Is there really money to be made in publishing?” Over the past couple years I’ve put together several freelance writing courses to answer their questions, but I felt the need to do more, so I compiled all of my mini-teachings into one book.

Will readers get all of the same materials they would get in one of your courses?
No, the courses are very specific to their individual topics. MAKE MONEY WRITING covers a variety of areas of interest to the freelance writer, including: earning top dollar, magazine article writing, write-for-hire work, writing the novel and/or non-fiction book, the submission process, succeeding as a freelancer, and more. The book is not a textbook. Instead, it is motivational in tone and focuses on offering encouragement to freelancers and giving them basic tips for success in each of the areas listed above.

Can you tell us a little more about the book? 
Sure! It might make more sense to share some of the chapter titles because they will give you an idea of some of the topics readers will find in the book.
Earning Top Dollar
Jumping the Hurdles
In the Beginning. . .the Writer Set Goals
What Industry Pros are Saying about Goal-Setting
Write. . .for Hire!
Revolutionize Your Writing
Girls Just Wanta Have Funds
Double Your Word Count in Two Weeks
Cash in on Magazine Articles
Sync Up
Freelance Lingo
Stop, Drop and Roll (Adding the Crisis Scene)
From Mii to Wii (learning how to incorporate the “we” factor)
Make ‘Em Laugh
Elevating Your Elevator Pitch
Seven Days to Better Writing
Five Things a Writer can Learn from American Idol
Got Moxie?
Becoming a Public Speaker
Writers are from Mars, Readers are from Venus
. . .and much, much more!

What other projects are you working on?
I’m currently writing QUEEN OF THE WAVES, a novel set aboard the Titanic. Very compelling story, I must say! And I’m tickled about my upcoming release, Wedding Belles.

You mentioned your courses. Can you tell us what’s going on in that world?
Yes, thanks for asking. I’m tickled about the recent release of my Non-Fiction Writing Course. I recorded this course in the studio several months ago and had a blast doing it. I’m convinced this is the most comprehensive package I’ve ever put together. Non-Fiction writers should be able to take this course and find some degree of success building their platform, writing short pieces and fully developing a non-fiction book. There’s even information on how to pitch (and ultimately market) the non-fiction book.

Here are the ten topics within the course:
From Magazines to Books: Building Your Platform
Understanding Non-Fiction Book Types
Best Selling Topics
Compiling Your Information (Braiding the Book)
33 Tips to Strengthen Your Writing
Incorporating Fiction Techniques in Your Non-Fiction
The Submission Process
Making the Sale (Includes all aspects of the contract/sale/edits/production)
Marketing Your Book
How to Stay in the Game

As with all of my courses, this one is available online at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. 

How can readers get the free kindle book?
They can follow this link to amazon: http://amzn.to/yBeVBh. The book will be free from March 12th – March 17th and will revert to is usual $4.49 price after that.

Janice, how can readers reach you?
I love to chat with my readers! To learn more about my books, visit:

To learn more about my writing courses, including my new non-fiction course, visit:

Facebook: JaniceHannaThompson

Twitter: booksbyjanice

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Writing a story set in 1900 has required some research. However, because this novella is set in a specific city, I've had to dig up more than could be found on the internet.
On Friday, my mother and I checked out an historical section of a museum downtown to find some information for my book. We were able to flip through a town directory from the early 1900's. The directory had sections which included what business establishments occupied specific areas on a certain street. I was able to find restaurants, boarding rooms, department stores, and even barbers. I am so excited to be able to include such accurate information into the setting of my book. I also flipped through books containing photographs of the streets of the town.
This experience brought my story to life in my mind even more which I hope will translate onto the page and be passed on to the reader. Since this fictional story is based on a true event from my family's past, I felt a stronger connection to them and what their lives were like.
Do your ancestors have an intriguing event that could spark a good story? Be an explorer. You never know what you might learn in the process.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Follow that cloud or pillar of fire - or not.
Recently my readings in the One Year Bible have been about the Israelites and their travels with their "portable" temple. God's presence was represented by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. When the cloud or fire moved, the people packed up and moved. When the cloud or fire was still, the people stayed put.
I had never really considered these times of staying and times of moving. Sometimes the people stayed for short times in one site and other times they remained longer durations. Can you relate?
Those of us who are followers of Christ have times when we are moved by God into different assignments. Other times we are called to stay in one place and continue with what God has called us to accomplish there. Too often we fret because we think since God isn't issuing new orders, something is amiss. But, when God doesn't move us, we should continue doing what He last called us to do until He gives new orders.
Follow God. When He stops, set up your sanctuary.
 

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

"Wake up or you'll get us all killed!"
Last weekend I attended a Bible conference hosting a guest speaker, Dr. Bobby Welch. I will admit to you that I should have worn steel-toed shoes because he stomped all over me with his message.
Dr. Welch was in the military. He led a group that would be dropped behind enemy lines. At night they would form a circle (perimeter). Two men would occupy a hole. One man would sleep and the other would keep watch. One night, Dr. Welch crawled around the perimeter checking on his men. He approached one hole to find both men asleep. He proceeded to wake the man who was supposed to be keeping watch and explain that he would be back around. When he returned, the man had better be awake.
The meaning for the Christian is clear. We go through life with such apathy towards what we are supposed to be about. We tend to forget that our family, friends, and coworkers who don't know Christ are headed to hell. We must wake up or we're going to get us all killed. We have to be more intent on telling the Gospel. People are facing eternity separated from God. But, we Christians have the answer.
Let's not hide in the hole snoozing. Let's share salvation through Christ which was our marching orders in the Great Commission.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Reading is one of my favorite things to do. I prefer reading Christian fiction of all types - romance, Amish, historical, suspense, mystery. I enjoy reading because of what I can learn, where I can be transported, and just for the sheer fun of how the story is put together.
As a writer, I strive to write in such a way that the reader will experience similiar enjoyment. Nothing thrills me more than to have someone comment on how much they loved my story. Even more, I love to hear that the Christian message in my story touched him/her.
Having been an English teacher, I felt the school year was a success if I was able to turn the kids on to reading. Instilling a love of reading not only improves their reading comprehension now but normally makes for a life-long learner.
One of my dreams would be that a book I write might cause the reader to decide that reading is one of his/her favorite things to do.
Bonnie Neubauer, in her book, THE WRITE BRAIN, says: "Everything you read was created by a writer. You, too, have the talent and commitment to bring this joy to others. Keep writing and you will give more folks more reasons to love reading."

Monday, March 5, 2012

Humbled again.
The cover for my debut novella, THE BLESSING SEER, was sent to me. It is gorgeous! I am excited yet humbled anew that God would choose to give me the story in the first place. But now, the story's message will be shared with others. I am anxious to see what God will do with this story. I have prayed throughout the editing process that God would increase my influence for Him through this book. Even if this message is to touch one person, it's been worthwhile.
The release date will be reported to me soon, but in the meantime, would you raise a little prayer of thanks on my behalf?
Thanks to the artistry of Nicola at Harbourlight - here's the cover.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

The other day the movie, Bambi, was on. I always think about Thumper, the rabbit. Remember this? "My mama always told me, if you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all."
I was looking through my grandmother's Bible and ran across something she had written down on a little card. I'm not sure where it came from, but I just had to share it.
I Know Something Good About You!
Wouldn't this old world be better
If the folks we meet would say:
"I know something good about you!"
And then treat us just that way?
Wouldn't it be fine and dandy
If each hand clasp warm and true,
carried with it this assurance:
"I know something good about you?"
Wouldn't life be lots more happy
If the good that's in us all
were the only things about us
That folks bothered to recall?
Wouldn't life be lots more happy
If we praised the good we see -
For there's such a lot of goodness
In the worst of you and me?
Wouldn't it be nice to practice
That fine way of thinking, too?
You know something good about me!
I know something good about you!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
This blog is dedicated to Suzi Masoner and all those like her who have fought cancer valiantly. We commemorated and celebrated Suzi's home-going Thursday evening. Many said she lost her battle with cancer, but I don't agree. When she entered Heaven, she beat it! She won!
Though we don't understand why she had to leave a husband and two children, God had the plan. Already stories are circulating about the lives she touched within the last few weeks while in the hospital. No one will know how many lives she touched for Christ even in the midst of cancer. Those of us who will miss her don't grieve as those who have no hope - as the Bible says. One day when we go home to Heaven, we'll be together again. What do we do in the meantime? Live each day glorifying God in whatever we do, trusting God's plan, looking foward to our future hope. Thank you, Suzi, for giving us an example to follow. May we accept the challenge and encouragement your life was to us and finish strong just as you did.