What kind of heritage are you leaving behind?
Do you have godly grandparents or parents to thank?
Check out the legacy left to Alex and Hope in my new release coming Wednesday - Legacy and Love.
What are your thoughts on the quote above?
Monday, March 17, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
Legacy
In preparation for my new release next week, I''ve been thinking about the topic of Legacy. My book is titled Legacy and Love and involves a godly legacy passed down through a grandmother.
Have you thought much about what kind of legacy you are leaving behind? I'm not talking about money or possessions. I'm speaking of the spiritual foundations you have laid or are laying in the lives of those around you.
So often we want to think that taking our children to church every once in a while is enough to assure that our children "get it." As I listen to heartbroken mothers crying because their son or daughter has abandoned his or her faith, I cringe. I also note that without being intentional about passing on a Christian heritage, those children won't possess it.
I'm afraid that we don't take this faith thing seriously. Can I tell you that there are professors in colleges all across our country that want nothing more than to get your offspring in their class and mess them up? Think I'm being overdramatic? I've read articles in which professors have actually said that one of their goals is to get these Christian kids in their class and test them until they don't know what they believe.
Does your son or daughter have the spiritual foundation to combat something like that? Makes you think, right?
The first step to passing on a godly legacy is to make sure you have a rock solid one yourself. I'm not preaching this. I'm telling you from experience. When I made the decision to assure that my daughter had a rock solid Christian foundation, I started with my own heart and on my knees.
When I had checked my relationship with Christ, I started to pray for guidance in directing my daughter toward an authentic relationship with Jesus.
What was the first area God had me to "teach?" He impressed on me the importance of living it. If God was truly priority number one, I needed to prove it. This included worship attendance no matter what else was going on. I needed to read my Bible daily and pray. I needed to show my daughter that I would turn off a TV show if it was offensive or used profanity.
Yeah, I didn't say this was easy, but then again, the Christian life isn't easy. In fact, it's impossible. We can only do it by allowing Christ to live through us and guide us every moment. Isn't this exactly what we want our sons and daughters to learn?
Difficult as it may be, my daughter is worth it. I want her to be successful in this life. But, the success I want for her is wrapped in Christ's plan for her. That's true success. But, I don't want to leave this to chance. I strive to be intentional in leaving a godly legacy.
Won't you join me?
Have you thought much about what kind of legacy you are leaving behind? I'm not talking about money or possessions. I'm speaking of the spiritual foundations you have laid or are laying in the lives of those around you.
So often we want to think that taking our children to church every once in a while is enough to assure that our children "get it." As I listen to heartbroken mothers crying because their son or daughter has abandoned his or her faith, I cringe. I also note that without being intentional about passing on a Christian heritage, those children won't possess it.
I'm afraid that we don't take this faith thing seriously. Can I tell you that there are professors in colleges all across our country that want nothing more than to get your offspring in their class and mess them up? Think I'm being overdramatic? I've read articles in which professors have actually said that one of their goals is to get these Christian kids in their class and test them until they don't know what they believe.
Does your son or daughter have the spiritual foundation to combat something like that? Makes you think, right?
The first step to passing on a godly legacy is to make sure you have a rock solid one yourself. I'm not preaching this. I'm telling you from experience. When I made the decision to assure that my daughter had a rock solid Christian foundation, I started with my own heart and on my knees.
When I had checked my relationship with Christ, I started to pray for guidance in directing my daughter toward an authentic relationship with Jesus.
What was the first area God had me to "teach?" He impressed on me the importance of living it. If God was truly priority number one, I needed to prove it. This included worship attendance no matter what else was going on. I needed to read my Bible daily and pray. I needed to show my daughter that I would turn off a TV show if it was offensive or used profanity.
Yeah, I didn't say this was easy, but then again, the Christian life isn't easy. In fact, it's impossible. We can only do it by allowing Christ to live through us and guide us every moment. Isn't this exactly what we want our sons and daughters to learn?
Difficult as it may be, my daughter is worth it. I want her to be successful in this life. But, the success I want for her is wrapped in Christ's plan for her. That's true success. But, I don't want to leave this to chance. I strive to be intentional in leaving a godly legacy.
Won't you join me?
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Affirmation
Sorry to be MIA from this blog recently. Due to some internet issues, I'm composing this on my tablet since my laptop won't allow me to post right now.
To affirm means to confirm, to assert positively. An affirmation means to make a declaration or profession.
We all enjoy feeling affirmed in all areas of our lives, especially in our work. Who doesn't like to receive that pat on the back and a rousing verse of "you're doing a good job?"
But, what about affirmation from God that we're on the right track? These confirmations are clear when we watch for what our Father is communicating.
Recently, I began the slippery slope into a pity party. I wondered just what effect my writing ministry was having. I mean, was I truly reaching anyone through my writing?
My mother called to tell me that a woman in her Sunday School class had stayed up late reading my book, Be The Blessing. In tears she told how she was encouraged to keep living for Christ and being a blessing to others despite being confined to a wheelchair.
Affirmation number one.
The publisher of Brave New Century placed the book on an ereader promotion site and dropped the price for a couple of days. The book went to #5 on Amazon's Christian Historical Romance category.
Affirmation number two.
A fellow author thanked me for the devotional thoughts I share on this blog.
Affirmation number three.
I could go on. But why do I share this? Not to "toot my own horn." On the contrary - God doesn't want us walking around defeated. He declares that we are more than conquerors. And I've always heard that if He calls us to something, He'll make it so.
We should practice this habit of affirmation with those around us - those Christian brothers and sisters we are called to spur on.
Have you told your pastor how much a message meant to you? Have you thanked that Sunday school teacher for her faithfulness? Have you praised that co-worker for how he shows Christ everyday?
Speak of word of affirmation to encourage a Christian brother or sister today. These days are hard and pull us down. We need words of affirmation to spur us on to accomplish God's will.
I'll start: Thank you, sweet blog reader, for taking time from your day to share a moment with me. You've blessed me!
To affirm means to confirm, to assert positively. An affirmation means to make a declaration or profession.
We all enjoy feeling affirmed in all areas of our lives, especially in our work. Who doesn't like to receive that pat on the back and a rousing verse of "you're doing a good job?"
But, what about affirmation from God that we're on the right track? These confirmations are clear when we watch for what our Father is communicating.
Recently, I began the slippery slope into a pity party. I wondered just what effect my writing ministry was having. I mean, was I truly reaching anyone through my writing?
My mother called to tell me that a woman in her Sunday School class had stayed up late reading my book, Be The Blessing. In tears she told how she was encouraged to keep living for Christ and being a blessing to others despite being confined to a wheelchair.
Affirmation number one.
The publisher of Brave New Century placed the book on an ereader promotion site and dropped the price for a couple of days. The book went to #5 on Amazon's Christian Historical Romance category.
Affirmation number two.
A fellow author thanked me for the devotional thoughts I share on this blog.
Affirmation number three.
I could go on. But why do I share this? Not to "toot my own horn." On the contrary - God doesn't want us walking around defeated. He declares that we are more than conquerors. And I've always heard that if He calls us to something, He'll make it so.
We should practice this habit of affirmation with those around us - those Christian brothers and sisters we are called to spur on.
Have you told your pastor how much a message meant to you? Have you thanked that Sunday school teacher for her faithfulness? Have you praised that co-worker for how he shows Christ everyday?
Speak of word of affirmation to encourage a Christian brother or sister today. These days are hard and pull us down. We need words of affirmation to spur us on to accomplish God's will.
I'll start: Thank you, sweet blog reader, for taking time from your day to share a moment with me. You've blessed me!
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
EXCITING NEWS
For Wednesday, February 19th!
Catch Brave New Century on eReader News Today. For the couple of days of this promotion the book will be available for only 99 cents.
eReader News Today site
Another great book to catch - The Tempering Agent which releases from Prism Book Group.
Catch Brave New Century on eReader News Today. For the couple of days of this promotion the book will be available for only 99 cents.
eReader News Today site
Another great book to catch - The Tempering Agent which releases from Prism Book Group.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Keep the First Love the First Love
I'm thankful this Valentine's Day that my sweetheart hubby has kept his First Love and encourages me to keep my First Love.
Please drink in this video and beautiful lyrics from Kari Jobe.
This is real love.
Kari Jobe singing What Love Is This
Please drink in this video and beautiful lyrics from Kari Jobe.
This is real love.
Kari Jobe singing What Love Is This
Monday, February 10, 2014
Make a Friend Day
February 11th is Make a Friend Day.
When was the last time you made a new friend? Have you noticed someone who could use a friend? Have you seen someone who seems to act left out? Do you have acquaintances who could become friends?
In our busy lives we so often just pass by people who might be in need of a friend. I mean, we don't have time in our hustle from here to there to stop to chat or inquire about another's well-being, right?
I was curious how friend would be defined so I looked it up. Here's the definition: one attached to another by respect or affection; buddy, comrade, crony, intimate, advocate, supporter, booster.
Am I that kind of friend? Do I have a respect for my friends? Am I their advocate and supporter?
I've often stated that people today don't know how to be true friends. I believe it's because we don't invest the time into another person like we could.
I truly believe that Christ would have us befriend those He brings into our lives. Look at the example that He gives us. He was friendly and helped people wherever He went. But, He did have some close friends - His disciples. Jesus spent time with the disciples and shared intimate moments with them. He was their advocate and supporter. He encouraged them. He even served them.
If we as Christians ever hope to live the Christ-like life we are called to live, we must learn to befriend others. We are to have Christian friends to share this journey and to provide mutual encouragement and prayer support.
How about it? Can you make a friend today? Can you be a friend today to another?
When was the last time you made a new friend? Have you noticed someone who could use a friend? Have you seen someone who seems to act left out? Do you have acquaintances who could become friends?
In our busy lives we so often just pass by people who might be in need of a friend. I mean, we don't have time in our hustle from here to there to stop to chat or inquire about another's well-being, right?
I was curious how friend would be defined so I looked it up. Here's the definition: one attached to another by respect or affection; buddy, comrade, crony, intimate, advocate, supporter, booster.
Am I that kind of friend? Do I have a respect for my friends? Am I their advocate and supporter?
I've often stated that people today don't know how to be true friends. I believe it's because we don't invest the time into another person like we could.
I truly believe that Christ would have us befriend those He brings into our lives. Look at the example that He gives us. He was friendly and helped people wherever He went. But, He did have some close friends - His disciples. Jesus spent time with the disciples and shared intimate moments with them. He was their advocate and supporter. He encouraged them. He even served them.
If we as Christians ever hope to live the Christ-like life we are called to live, we must learn to befriend others. We are to have Christian friends to share this journey and to provide mutual encouragement and prayer support.
How about it? Can you make a friend today? Can you be a friend today to another?
Monday, February 3, 2014
ORANGE YOU GLAD YOU'RE MARRIED?
Yes, you read that right. My hubby and I just returned from a marriage retreat. It was the Big Orange Weekend. We learned maxims for a winning marriage inspired by General Neyland and his famous maxims for a winning football team.
Again we couples were reminded that the first and foremost priority for a great marriage is having the right relationship with Christ. Without Christ to guide us in our marriage, it is close to impossible to have that right covenant relationship. You know why? God created marriage in the first place. He knows how it is intended to be done.
You wouldn't ask your plumber to diagnose your illness. Why do we expect to do this covenant marriage without the Master's help?
One quote that stuck out to me was: "Focus on blessing your spouse, not blasting." That could apply in many areas.
We were encouraged to pray together and make time for just the two of us a priority. We were also reminded that we didn't enter a contract when we married; we entered a covenant. A contract states that I will do this and that if you agree to do that and this. A covenant says I'm in this no matter what; I'm bound to you.
There was so much good information shared that I could never go through it all and definitely not as well as our presenters. Just as they shared, all of the maxims they told to us were things we already know but just need a reminder now and then.
I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to get away and focus on my hubby for a couple of days. This October we celebrate 25 years of marriage. I can't wait for the next 25! The adventure he promised me was no lie. I love you bunches!
Again we couples were reminded that the first and foremost priority for a great marriage is having the right relationship with Christ. Without Christ to guide us in our marriage, it is close to impossible to have that right covenant relationship. You know why? God created marriage in the first place. He knows how it is intended to be done.
You wouldn't ask your plumber to diagnose your illness. Why do we expect to do this covenant marriage without the Master's help?
One quote that stuck out to me was: "Focus on blessing your spouse, not blasting." That could apply in many areas.
We were encouraged to pray together and make time for just the two of us a priority. We were also reminded that we didn't enter a contract when we married; we entered a covenant. A contract states that I will do this and that if you agree to do that and this. A covenant says I'm in this no matter what; I'm bound to you.
There was so much good information shared that I could never go through it all and definitely not as well as our presenters. Just as they shared, all of the maxims they told to us were things we already know but just need a reminder now and then.
I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to get away and focus on my hubby for a couple of days. This October we celebrate 25 years of marriage. I can't wait for the next 25! The adventure he promised me was no lie. I love you bunches!
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