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Silent Sunday – 1/14/18
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Uncategorized
Having Church at Home Today
Our roads were way too icy to get out and go to church this morning. My church is about 30 miles from my house, and if I could have gotten to the major highway that is part of my route, I’m sure it would have been clear. Unfortunately my own road and the other local roads are still slick as snot, and travel didn’t seem wise.
Then to make matters worse, my heater in my car stopped working this week. But by the time I realized it wouldn’t work, I didn’t have time to get it into the shop before the snow and ice got here. However, in lieu of going to service (and preaching, which I was scheduled to do this morning) I spent good time with the Lord anyway in prayer and His Word. And I will undoubtedly do that more later today as well.
But just in case a lot of my friends out there are in the same predicament, I thought I’d share a couple of the short Bible lesson videos I’ve made this past year. They are part of my Know the Word; Experience the Power series of messages, produced by the ministry God called me to establish several years ago: Radical About Jesus Ministries. Hopefully, they will encourage and energize your faith today, and you won’t miss being at church as much.
WHEN YOU HAVE THE WORD, YOU HAVE THE VICTORY
BUILDING UP OUR RESISTANCE
Have a happy day. Jesus Christ loves you!
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Weekend Coffee Share – 1/13/18
Hi, fellow coffee drinkers. Well, to begin with this week, I need to confess that I am not drinking coffee as we have this little chat. I’m actually drinking a glass of beer. Does that count??? Now, I’m not a big drinker, and I never drink alcohol of any kind if I’m driving. But I do enjoy the occasional glass of wine or beer. And today — with my sandwich at lunch — beer just seemed like the winner.
I’m also enjoying the first day of sunshine that we’ve had in a week. Of course, I’m not going out in it, since the temps are frigid, and the ice on the roads is still really bad. I imagine the major highways are clear, but getting to them from our local and side roads is the challenge. But I don’t have to go out for anything today. I stocked up a few extra supplies so that I could hunker down if necessary.
Now tomorrow is a different story. I’m supposed to do the sermon at church in the morning — actually it’s the second part of the sermon I began last Sunday — and my church is about 30 miles away. Sooooo — I’m going to have to do some more praying and planning about travel tomorrow.
To make matters more difficult, I’ve been having trouble with my car heater as well. It’s been working only about half the time. That wasn’t a serious problem last week when it was in the 40’s and 50’s. But this week with single digits at night and in the wind chill during the day, it’s a sort of — uh — well, maybe a big — problem. There are a couple church members who would come to get me, but I don’t really want them to have to do that, so I’ll have to make some decisions within the next several hours.
The sun on the ice and snow is pretty, and it has lifted my spirits enormously. I’ve even manged to write two poems today and about half a chapter of a book I started several months ago and have had a hard time continuing.
After I lost my best friend back in August in a very tragic accident, I had a very difficult time getting back into my creative mode. Not only was he my best friend, but he was also my best editor and often a source of great inspiration and terrific creative ideas. We were a really good team, and I have several novels on the market to prove it. But, as I’m sure you can imagine — and perhaps some of you know by experience — when half of a team is deleted, the spirit of the remaining half of the team is sorely damaged. During this time, I’ve been able to express myself only in poetry, and I even began a brand new website devoted to poetry in order to set that creativity free. But I have not been able to write on any of my novel projects during these four and a half months. But at last, this week, I have experienced a breakthrough of sorts, and two novels are beginning to feel the positive effects of that breakthrough.
Well, that’s probably enough sharing for this week. I can see by the clock that in another hour, I’ll probably be ready for that cup of coffee and maybe some cookies — or fruitcake. And, by the way, why is it that fruitcake seems to get a lot of bad publicity? I love fruitcake. And mine’s almost gone. I hope I don’t have to wait until next Christmas to find some more.
Oh, one more thing. I discovered something interesting about birds this morning. With all the ice, I wanted to help the birdies find food, and since I don’t keep a regular bird feeder, I went to my bread and cracker supplies. I have quite a few birds that visit my yard, and often two families of birds that live in my Blue Spruce tree in my front yard. This year I’ve had mockingbirds, cardinals, blue jays, blackbirds, and another kind that I don’t recognize.
I put out some bread and some graham crackers, but then I discovered an old box of garlic and chive crackers. I decided I’d give them a try as well. The smaller birds didn’t bother with those garlic crackers. They ate the other things, but a large contingent of blackbirds came swooping down and really dug into those garlic and chive crackers. They were gone in no time. So now I know — and I can put it on record — that blackbirds like garlic and chive crackers. A friend of mine who’s very knowledgeable about birds said the big birds will eat just about anything. So I just might go in there and see what else I need to clean out of my cabinets. 🙂
photo courtesy of seagul @ pixabay.com
Join “Weekend Coffee Share” at eclecticali.
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Painful Electrical Charge
Static:
Bane of winter.
Each time I take off coat
Or hat. Or slide across car seat.
Ouch! Ouch!
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Darkness vs. Light
A mile out from shore, the ocean was a vast, undulating, lead-gray blanket. But as the currents approached the beach that held them in check by the decree of God, the waves became gentle, but persistent swirls of iridescent silver. As they washed against the land, their substance danced high into the air as if a huge bottle of champagne had been poured out into a giant punch bowl.
The dramatic change in the water’s color resulted from the fact that a lighthouse stood atop a modest knoll whose base stretched across the beach almost to the very edge of the water at high tide. The arm of light rushed out to meet the darkness, which was made more intense because of heavy clouds that almost rested on the surface of the water a couple miles out and covered most of the sky over the coast.
So the only radiance came from the beam that swept its ruling arc across its vast domain every fifteen seconds. But the beacon was so intense that it forced, not only the ocean, but even those heavy clouds to reflect its light into the atmosphere. It was in the brilliance of that light that the caps of the waves became like silver lace, and the hundreds of water droplets like sparkling diamonds ….
In response to the Daily Post Prompt, Undulate, I’m posting the opening setting of my inspirational novel RACING TOWARD THE LIGHT.
(Available in digital or paperback)
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Weekend Coffee Share, 1/6/18
If we were having coffee today, January 6, 2018, I’d remark on the fact that way back in the 1950’s, when I was still in elementary school, we would never have dreamed that we’d still be right here on planet earth in 2018 and involved in such amazing technology that we can communicate with thousands of people at one time and in just a matter of seconds. How cool is that????
I’d also remark on the fact that the 12 Days of Christmas came to a close yesterday, and I enjoyed the extended celebration. I always do. Christmas should not last just a few days. It deserves much more. Today is Epiphany. For those of you who are not familiar with that celebration — or even with that word — it means “a revelation or a showing forth of something not realized previously.” In the church, it is generally the time when Christians celebrate the revelation of the Gospel to the Gentile nations — and the visit of the oriental wise men is generally the focus of many of the church services and messages.
Actually the wise men did not visit Jesus and His family until about two years after He was born. We sort of throw it all together these days when we do Christmas programs. But giving that part of the history of Jesus’ birth its own special place in our celebrations helps us focus on and appreciate God’s wonderful gift to all the nations on earth equally.
I’d also mention — as did Trent — that it is bitterly cold outside. Of course, here in Southern Illinois, we don’t have it as bad as he does up in Vermont. But it’s definitely hard to keep the houses warm — even the very well insulated ones. And I noticed that Alli (our hostess for this coffee share) commented on the fact that she seemed to sleep a lot this week and during the holidays. I did too. I think a lot of that has to do with the extreme cold. It uses up a lot of our energy. And, of course, holiday festivities with family and friends takes a good deal of energy as well. All my holiday festivities were great fun, but I am glad for some time to wind down now.
Today I visited with some friends for the afternoon. It was really great to touch bases with them and just share in their quiet home, enjoying a cup of coffee and some delicious nutty cheese spread on crackers. So, yes, I did have coffee with friends today for real. And not only that, but my hostess today gave me the cup that she had served me coffee in. It was a jolly Christmas cup that sort of resembled a round Christmas ornament. I was thrilled when she served my coffee in it and said so, which prompted her to make it a gift to me. I’d show you a picture of it, but it’s in the sink waiting to be washed.
Oh, I might also tell you that I had to buy a new printer this week, and now I have 30 days to check it out and make sure it’s exactly what I need. I hope it is. It’s such a hassle to buy new ones, get them installed, try to find the user’s guides online and then try to understand that guide thoroughly. I don’t want to have to do that again for a good long time, so here’s hoping and planning for this Epson WorkForce 2760 to be my “perfect printer.”
And here’s wishing you all a blessed Epiphany and a wonderful, healthy, and successful 2018.
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Young Man, Be Wary of Winsome Maiden
She had a winsome smile and quite a winsome way.
Her voice so musical refreshed the air.
Her winsome little dimple and her twinkling eyes of blue
Caught all the young and callow fellows unaware.
She’d capture their attention neatly, one by one.
And beckon each to step within her door
And sample tastes of tea and pastries rich and sweet —
Then promised good behavior would earn something more.
So each one stepped inside, expecting much delight,
And ate his fill at ample table spread.
And while each gazed and swooned over her winsome ways,
Her poison worked its magic until each was dead.
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Making My Future
Another borrow from my “Ahyoka” site. But I thought it might encourage a few folks on this site as well.
To look out on a new year bright with promise,
With unmarred paths that hopeful feet may take —
It gives my heart a thrill, and I’m enchanted
By all the choices I’m allowed to make.
And even though I know there will be pitfalls
And hurdles now and then that must be cleared.
I know my heart will hear the Lord’s direction,
And nothing up ahead needs to be feared.
For in my own decisions rests my future.
It isn’t luck or happenstance or fate.
And this new year before me bright with promise —
I’ll boldly grasp it, and I’ll make it great.
photo courtesy of 12019 @ pixabay.com
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Leap of Faith
I originally published this poem on my “Ahyoka” site, but I decided to share it here as well.
Will she make it? Tell me please.
Will she manage such a leap?
Will her footing be secure?
Can she reach such heights for sure?
Yes! She’ll make it. Never fear.
She is focused strong and clear.
This year’s vision’s burning bright;
She will reach amazing heights!
photo courtesy of Mohammed_Hassan @ pixabay.com
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Merry Christmas, World!!!
original photo without text: nancyouellette @ pixabay.com
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Chocolate for Christmas — Day 8 (Christmas Eve)
I have to do one post that features hot chocolate. And what better time than Christmas Eve. Hey, if you’re feeling really festive, you might even want to leave some for Santa.
This post will close out my “Chocolate for Christmas” series. Hope all of you chocolate lovers out there get a whole lot of chocolate for Christmas. 🙂
photo courtesy of Skeeze @ pixabay.com
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Chocolate for Christmas – Day 7
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And it just doesn’t get any better than this!
photo courtesy of Skeeze @ pixabay.com
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Weekend Coffee Share 12/23/17
If we were having coffee today — and we were at my house — we’d be using Christmas mugs because I love them, and I have LOTS of them. I’d also probably say I couldn’t visit more than a few minutes because I have more things on my schedule than I have hours to give to them. But I can honestly say I’m not feeling too stressed about it.
There was a time in my life when I would have been very stressed, but these days (I’m sure it’s by the grace of God) I seem to be able to take more things in stride and not beat up on myself if I don’t accomplish every single thing on my agenda. And I concern myself a lot less with other people’s opinions of me as well. My goodness, it’s a freeing experience. I think that comes partly with age. I guess I feel I’m old enough to have earned the rest from social pressure.
I would also tell you that I’m trying to figure out how someone who absolutely loves Christmas and has been counting down the days since October can be on the threshold of Christmas Eve and still not have the Christmas towels on the towel racks and no goodies baked. Yep, I’m describing myself. That’s me this year.
Well, actually, I do know part of the answer to that question. It’s because of the remodel I just went through on my house. (I’ve been able to blame a lot of stuff on the upheaval caused by that remodel. But before long that excuse is going to run out of fuel). But — no kidding — spending two months with a house full of men and equipment — who kept turning off my power and moving me out of my office and away from my computers — caused me to get way behind in my work. And since I’ve had so much work to catch up with, I’ve had to put several of my Christmas plans on a back burner. But I’m gradually getting it all done.
And one thing in my favor is that I celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas — not with the song by that name — but in the traditional Christian celebration of the Lord’s birth from December 25 to January 6 (Epiphany). So that means I can wait until Christmas Day to really get started and still have almost two weeks to enjoy it all.
One more thing I’d likely do if we were having coffee is present you with a really cute coffee mug. In fact, I did just that with a friend I had coffee with this morning. We hadn’t been able to meet and visit for months, so we stole some time out of this morning to do that. She loves coffee, as I do. This week I came across a brand new coffee mug in a store that I frequent. On both sides of the cup were these words: “But first … coffee.” It fit my friend perfectly. It fits me as well. And if you and I were having coffee, that would mean you love coffee too, so I think you’d enjoy receiving a cup like that. I know I would. Hey … maybe I’ll go buy myself one too. 🙂
Hope you all have a very merry and healthy Christmas!
Visit “Weekend Coffee Share” to participate and share you thoughts.
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Chocolate for Christmas – Day 6
Chocolate chip cookies and fudge have to be the standards by which all other Christmas treats are judged. They were two things that my mother always made PLENTY of. We always liked the old fashioned cocoa fudge. It took longer and was more tedious to make than the kind made with chocolate chips, and Mom always stirred in a huge spoonful of peanut butter just before she poured it into the pan to cool.
For many years, my mother and I had our own special tradition concerning that fudge. On Christmas Eve morning, she and I always sat down together to have fudge and coffee for breakfast.
photos courtesy of Pixel1 @ pixabay.com
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Chocolate for Christmas – Day 5
It’s probably safe to say that the ‘first family’ of chocolate in the U. S. A. is Hershey. And ever since they created the first “Hershey chocolate bar” for WWII soldiers on the battlefield, they’ve held a special place in the hearts of chocolate lovers everywhere. The bars created for the soldiers didn’t taste nearly as good as the ones we eat today. Their purpose during the war was to provide nutrition in emergency situations, and they were made to hold up under extreme conditions so that they lasted for entire campaigns. You can read more about the history of Hershey’s chocolate bars HERE.
photo courtesy of Janeb13 @ pixabay.com
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The Happy Wordcrafter 