Thanksgiving;

The one time of year when many will give thought to their blessings. Here’s my list;

First is my Father, my Lord and Savior who blesses me daily with his presence.

Family; parents, siblings and their families, aunts & uncles, cousins, my sweetheart Joe, my sweet children Patrick and Steven, my beautiful daughter-in-love Rena, and my four wonderful grandchildren Chelsea, Brooke, Summer & Austin!! And all of my in-laws who are as close to me and as loved as my own family are. I thank God for bringing you into my life.

Friends are like family; Debra, Vanessa, Mary Ann, Carol, Pam, D’Ann, Marian, Sarita, Becky, Janiece, Connie B., Connie L., Susie, Susan, Shirley, Stacy, Linda, Irene, Polly, there really are just too many to list. Please forgive me if your name is not on this list. You can put it down to a tired brain or just plain forgetfulness. I do love you all!!!

A home that; though it needs work and isn’t perfect, is a blessing and better than anything we’ve ever had before. Cool in the summer, warm in the winter, dry when it’s pouring outside with room to play, exercise my imagination and have fun gardening.

His Church; some whose members we met while traveling, many of whom are close to our hearts. First Baptist Mertzon, TX, Fairview Baptist in Fairview, Tenn. and Bois D’arc Cowboy Church in Bonham, TX to name a few where we met people who seemed like family we were so comfortable and welcome.

ACFW; American Christian Fiction Writers and all of the wonderful people I’ve met both at conferences and online. Their encouragement, courses and help are invaluable to this novice writer.

Faithwriters and Nanowrimo; just two of the helpful sites with free membership that bring encouragement and inspiration.

This ministry of writing for women, children and families, is both a wonderful and fearful thing though with God's help the fear won't hold me back. God’s inspiration during those times when the words just don’t seem to come is a wonderous thing. I know this is what I am supposed to do.

Life, health, family, friends, home, inspiration & help, work, what blessings these are, I thank you Lord for giving to me these wonderful blessings which make life truly beautiful.

God bless you each one, your families, friends, homes, health, finances, work etc.

The Holidays

The holidays are upon us and with the busyness of the season I will not be posting as often. I am presently busy with Nanowrimo, the yearly competition that encourages writers of all genres to focus on writing, get out of the box and just write for thirty days. It has helped me this year. I wasn’t brave enough to join last year but this year I am enjoying writing not for the prize but just the writing itself. What a joy it is to put words on the screen and think that one day soon the manuscript will be finished.

With the holidays coming we often get bogged down in expectations, both our own and others. Take time this year to change your routine, maybe add a tradition that calls for slowing down and spending time together. Spend some time on your own contemplating those things that you truly should be thankful for. Make your Christmas list differently this year. Add things that take thought and consideration. We always ask people what they want for Christmas, but what if we thought about those we are buying gifts for? What would they really like to have? What brings them joy? Can you imagine the smile that will light up their face when they open your gift? When you fill out your Thanksgiving and Christmas cards include a memory of the person you are writing to. Yes, it will take time but it will be worth it.

We usually take this time of year and fill it to the brim with things; gatherings, decorating, baking, shopping, etc. etc. ETC! How much room do we leave to truly celebrate? Let’s give the Lord a gift this year. Sacrifice something you’ve always done and spend that time praising God. Make a family journal and keep it in a conspicuous place where family members can stop and write down their thoughts. If they aren’t enthused make a game or contest of it. The one who posts the most thoughts or the one with the most thoughtful post will win a prize.

When the holidays are over let me know what you did differently and how it was received. God bless!! And Happy Thanksgiving!!

The Battle

Sin creeps into our lives so insidiously, quietly, insistently. We must guard our hearts, or as scripture says; "Be anxious for nothing but in all things through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to the Lord, and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7 Jesus is the key, our relationship to Him. Keeping that relationship open, clean and pure will enable Him to work in our lives so that sin cannot so easily sneak in. We have a choice, God's will or sin.

What is the bottom line when we face things like disillusionment, anger, fear or hatred? These things are sin, or can lead us into sin. The most important thing is to remain in God’s will. A few years ago the phrase WWJD became popular. It has since lost popularity but it is still a good way to measure what we should do. This is especially true about our thoughts, actions and attitudes.

Illegal aliens are here so what is the best way to deal with them? I am struggling with anger. "These people are here illegaly. They broke the law to get here so they have no rights," the voice inside my head shouts. And if I allow it to continue the anger builds. This anger brewing below the surface is not normal for me, it is not good for me or my relationship with God, nor is it the best way to handle this situation.

What I must do is pray, for myself and my attitude yes, but also for them. If I pray for God’s will in their lives, mine and for America everything else will fall into place. If I treat them as God would want me to I know it will please Him and that is my desire. That is the bottom line. Pleasing my heavenly Father.

This isn’t an easy thing to do but with God’s help it is possible. I am even noticing a change in my thought pattern; when I see them everywhere, when I feel overwhelmed, when anger tries to take hold I know to pray. Praying for their salvation and God’s will in their lives as well as His will in my own life is good for everyone.

Allowing God to lead me in all areas of my life is necessary for continued growth. If I do not grow spiritually I become useless to Him. Giving up those things to Him that I have no control over, knowing that He knows best what is needed and trusting Him to work through the situation brings peace and I can rest in His will for us.

The peace He brings to my heart and life is important. Without His peace, His leading and choosing to trust Him life would be difficult, hard, joyless. Choosing His will isn’t always easy but it is always right.