Sunday, July 29, 2012

While in Haiti I was encouraged to locate a book of Creole proverbs. Our last day there, I found it in a gift shop at the Baptist Haiti Mission. My husband and I have enjoyed reading through the collection of sayings and their meanings. I thought I'd share a few here.

First the Creole, its literal translation, and it's meaning.

Kreyon Bondye pa gen gom.
God's pencil has no eraser.
God does not change his mind.

Bondye konn kenbe krab mete nan makout aveg.
Sometimes God catches a crab and puts it in a blind man's sack.
God takes care of the needy.

Bondye konnen pouki sa li bay chen maleng deye tet li: pou l' pa ka niche l'.
God knows why He gives the dog a sore behind its head: so it can't lick it.
God always has a purpose.

Se le bef nan savann we bouche li sonje voye je pou li.
It is when the cow in the pasture sees the butcher that she remembers to look out for him.
When things are going too well you forget about danger.

Le y'ap plimen poul kodenn pa ri.
When the chicken is being plucked, the turkey doesn't laugh.
Don't laugh at others' misfortune, for it could happen to you, too.

Lots of wisdom can be gleaned from these simple sayings from a people who know much about facing and overcoming hardship. When I think about the hope I saw in the eyes of the Haitian Christians I had the privilege to meet, I know they contain much they could teach us about faith.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

"Don't you waste that!"

Have you ever heard that or uttered that? Both for me. I can still hear my mother tell me that when I was young and began to push food around on my plate. I've used it with my daughter telling her to not take out food she didn't want because we didn't want to waste it.

I've also shouted this to someone getting ready to toss a perfectly good cardboard box. To them it was trash. To me it was a way to keep toddlers busy for hours.

I do believe that God might just exclaim this very phrase to us when we waste what He's given to us. I'm not talking about food or cardboard boxes. I'm talking about the gifts and abilities He's given to us Christians.

God never wastes anything. Notice Psalm 139. "Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." So God had plans for me even before I was born. He knew all of the abilities, talents, personality, interests, and experiences that He would afford to me. All to make me into who I am and give me preparation for His service.

God didn't waste anything in making me into who I am. All of the experiences, good or bad, have formed me into the person I am today with more praise and faith.

But, God would ask me not to waste all He has given. I was created to glorify God in my uniqueness and share Christ with others. But, I'll admit, He might need to call out: "Don't you waste that!" I don't always take advantage of the opportunities He gives me. I don't always use my gifts and abilities to reflect back to Him. I don't always see my circumstances as His teachable moments.

Lord, help me not to waste who you've made me to be and the purpose I have to proclaim Your Word.

Think on how God has put you together - everything that makes you unique. Are you serving Him or wasting all He has put into you?

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Did you know that July is National Anti-Boredom Month?

I suppose for school kids this boredom thing might set in during this month since they've been out of school for awhile. But, I can't remember when I was bored the last time. Even when I make a trip to the doctor or have to sit in the hospital with someone, I have a book to read or puzzles to work or even a small notebook to write in. I definitely never get bored at home. There's always something that needs to get done there.

I can remember when my daughter was young, I would pack a bag to stave off boredom for her. That might include a coloring book and crayons. I also had some small quiet games or some small toys to occupy her. If we were riding in a car, I had some games like travel bingo and word games we could play as well as CDs of our favorite sing-along songs.

As you can see, the teacher in me tends to ward off boredom with something educational. I guess I was raised to make good use of every moment.

Did you know that is actually Biblical? We are told to make use of every opportunity because the time is short. Christ's coming is closer today than it was yesterday, and there are still people who need to know about Him. If I truly took advantage of the time I have to share Christ, would I have time to be bored?

So, what do you do to ward off boredom?

And, how will you make use of every opportunity for Christ?

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Scoot on over to Carol Ann Erhardt's blog for a review of THE BLESSING SEER.

http://carolannerhardt.com/cae/?p=2515

Thanks Carol Ann!


I need to thank everyone who has helped get the word out about my debut novella. Many of you know that I have been distracted during the book release because my father required heart surgery. After four bypasses, an extra day in ICU, and an extra day in the hospital, Dad is finally home. Thank you to all who have prayed for him and my family. Please pray for a speedy recovery.

Thanking God specifically today for my Christian brothers and sisters.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

A big thanks to Cheri Swalwell for featuring me on her Facebook author page today.

Check it out here: www.facebook.com/pages/cheri-Swalwell/220762911373306


Also, my good friend, Brooke, deserves a big thank you too. She is hosting me on her blog.

Check it out here: http://www.grooviebrooksie.blogspot.com/

You guys are great! Thanks for helping me get the word out about my debut novella, THE BLESSING SEER.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Sunday, July 8th was my mumble, mumble birthday. I found myself thanking God for my many blessings.

Thank you, God, for allowing me to be born to Christian parents who took me to church and led me to the Lord through their words and example.

Thank you, God, for my very own knight in shining armor who speaks the truth from the pulpit every Sunday with his biggest fan nearby.

Thank you, God, for my wonderful daughter who has surrendered to ministry even after living it all her life - You and I both know she's already having an affect on the children she teaches for the Kingdom.

Thank you, God, for giving me, a hillbilly girl from East Tennessee, stories to share to lead people to You and bring You glory.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

So excited to announce my appearance on Inspirational ebooks. Check it out. There is an excerpt from THE BLESSING SEER included. Thanks for the opportunity.

http://inspirationalebooks.blogspot.com/2012/07/blessing-seer-by-paula-mowery.html

Monday, July 2, 2012

Hope you have a happy July 4th!

Our church always has a special "Patriotic Celebration" around July 4th. We sing patriotic songs and even eat BBQ for lunch after the morning worship. Our decorators always have our church arrayed in red, white, and blue. And, we have a huge flag that hangs down from our ceiling right in the middle of the sanctuary. The choir sings the "Salute to the Armed Forces" while all of our soldiers stand. Enough to rouse some misty eyes and goose bumps.

Naturally, the word, freedom, is tossed around quite a bit. I am thankful to live in a country where I can attend church and worship without fear for my life. But, can I say that I feel we Christians are not without some occasional persecution? No, we aren't threatened with our lives, but aren't we discriminated against? How often do all other religions and beliefs get to voice their opinions only to have followers of Christ told they can't say Jesus' name?

My pastor-husband has been asked to pray for public meetings yet told he can't pray in Jesus' name. He turns the offer down. Why? To not pray in Jesus' name would be compromising what he believes in.

As Christians, we need to be willing to stand up for what we believe in. I'm not advocating violence or picketing. But, too often we stay silent when we need to speak the truth. We have become a generation of "undercover" Christians. This is not what God has in mind. Christ proclaimed that we are to go and tell.

This July 4th I am thankful for my freedoms as a citizen of the United States, but I'm more thankful for the freedom I've found in Jesus Christ which makes me a citizen of Heaven.

Thank You, God. In Jesus' name. Amen.