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Archive for April, 2012

Reach Out Recap

Posted in God's Authors, intentional living, Let's Get Real, Reach Out to Live Out, tagged , , , , , , , on April 30, 2012 | 6 Comments »

I’ve enjoyed reading the various “Reach Out” stories posted this month, and each one inspired or challenged me for different reasons.

Here’s what I learned:

Mary Ellis reminded me to focus on the human element–to be careful not to allow the task to overshadow the person I’m doing the task for. This is true in all areas of life, isn’t it? So often, we can begin a project as an act of love only to become consumed by the project itself. But what people need most is time–human connection.

Here’s a snippet of her story: “But most of all, we prayed with them, listened to them, and demonstrated lessons taught by the Savior. Several of them joined our church afterwards. What did I gain from the experience? There, but for the grace of God go I. These people were no different from you or me. Loss of employment or a serious illness could place any of us into dire straits. I get down on my knees each night and ….” (Read the rest here)

Mary hinted at numerous truths in her story. I’d be curious to know what you gleaned from it.

In Love For a Felon by Kenneth W. Bangs, I was reminded of the importance of maintaining an authentic welcome mat, and of staying alert for divine appointments. God’s timing is always perfect, and He never wastes a moment. May we, as His children, never close a door He’s opened nor walk away from a wounded soul.

Here’s a blip of Kenneth’s story: “He nodded and started talking…told me his whole life story. I’d heard it so many times before…so hard, so violent. I prayed with him and told him to enjoy the fishing. He brought his grandson by several times and then stopped. I got a call from a local pastor. He told me Herschel had cancer, no insurance and asked if we could help. …” (You can read the rest here.)

I’d love to hear how Kenneth’s story impacted you.

Cara Putman’s Reach Out story reminded me that God is ALWAYS there, especially during the storms in life. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Jesus with skin on.” God’s love is never-ending, always flowing, but often, it comes to us through others. May we, as God’s children, daily be conduits of God’s love as we reach out to the hurting.

Here’s a snippet of her story: “After the tornadoes that ripped through Joplin, Missouri, last year, I’ve been burdened by their horrific paths of destruction. I first asked God what I could do when I saw the horrific images of Alabama. Then the weekend storms hit Joplin. A third of the town…gone.

It’s almost too much to fathom.

But the burden wouldn’t leave.” (Read the rest here.)

What impacted you most in Cara’s story?

Our final story this month comes from Ada Brownell. This one was very dear to my heart as I’m passionate about reaching out to the next generation. I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s often said this current generation is the “unloved generation.” Our youth are craving adult interaction, acceptance, role models, unconditional love. It’s easy to point fingers and complain about “how things are,” but love goes a bit deeper and focuses on how things could be. Love looks past the behavior to the hurting heart beneath.

Here’s part of Ada’s story: “According to the last statistics I gathered, five million elementary-age U.S. children grow up with no supervision after school. Twenty-two million adolescents are unsupervised between 3 and 6 p.m. on a typical day, according to the U.S. Department of Health’s Child Care Bureau.” (Read the rest here.)

What impacted you most about Ada’s story?

More importantly, how have these stories motivated you to reach out this month? What have you done to actively share the love of Christ? Share it here so we can be motivated to do the same and so we can rejoice at the giver of love, Jesus Christ, who stirs us to act according to His will.

Once again, I want to give a loud shout-out to April’s reach out donors!

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free book, and submit your “Reach Out” story for a chance to win a gift basket.

April’s donors include Mary Ellis with An Amish Family Reunion, Deborah Raney with Almost Forever, Cara Putman with A  Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island, Vannetta Chapman with Falling to Pieces, Rebecca Lyles with Winds of Wyoming, and Gina Holmes with Dry as Rain. (Read more about all these great books here, and show your appreciating by clicking on their names to visit their websites.)

Come back Thursday to see who won the gift basket and give-away.

(If you have a reach out story to share, send it to jenniferaslattery(at)gmail(dot)com.)

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Because You *Didn’t* Ask

Posted in Random Stuff on April 28, 2012 | 4 Comments »

You haven’t asked, and I imagine you really don’t care what color socks I wear (white), what I prefer for breakfast (cereal), or where I do most of my writing (wherever I find a quiet place). But since this is my blog, hahaha. Recently, I was tagged by fellow Living by Grace gal, Maria Morgan, to answer a few fun questions. I loved reading her answers, and today I’ll add mine. I’d love to hear yours, too! You can answer in the comments or shoot me an email.

And make sure to visit Maria’s blog. Her “Life Lessons” always give me something to think about and encourage me to draw closer to God.
 
1    Book or movie and why?

I’m really not a movie person, much to my sweet husband’s chagrin. I’d much rather curl up with a good book, although I have been watching more television (Netflix) lately … for research purposes. I gotta see it before I can evoke visual images in my reader. :) So what have I been watching? Everything from divorce court to Grey’s Anatomy, which is hilarious, by the way!

2        Real book or e-book?

This depends on the book I’m reading and why I’m reading it. If I’m reading to learn, I prefer the real book so I can mark it up. I do most of my pleasure reading at night, in bed. I’ve found the kindle on my iPhone works best. I don’t need a nightlight, I don’t have to flip pages, and it’s easy and comfortable to hold. And last night, while reading Sherri Wilson Johnson’s to Dance Once More, I learned I can open PDF attachments in my Kindle. Woo-hoo!

3         Funniest thing you’ve done in the last 5 years.

I live with a teenager, so our house if full of giggles. Most at my expense. :) Apparently my facial expressions are hilarious! In fact, after a recent house-hunting trip, my husband and daughter spent the entire drive home attempting to imitate various expressions. It seems my eyes about bug out of my head when I’m worried. Which again, living with a teenager, happens frequently. When I’m mad, my face shrivels, deepening the trench-like wrinkle between my eyebrows. I could go on … but I won’t. :)

4        How would your best friend describe you?

I actually got to read statements made about me by dear friends in a recent adoption home-study report. It was very touching … and humbling. My bestie lumped my husband and I together, which I found quite fitting. She said we (my husband and I) were givers, then included a beautiful description as to why she thought so. That touched me deeply because I believe how we give demonstrates the depth of our love for Christ. You can’t draw closer to Christ without caring about the things He cares about, and He cares deeply for the poor and oppressed, the discouraged and overburdened. I know I have a lot of room to grow in this area, and a great deal of selfishness to confess and abandon, but praise God He will complete the work He began in me!

5        Do you put yourself into the books you read/write or the movies you watch?

Oh, definitely! With fiction this is a must! The stories and events may be fictional, but to write an authentic scene, the writer must tap into their deepest emotions. Otherwise the writing becomes stilted at best if not shallow and stereotypical. Some of my greatest pains and struggles have also helped greatly in my writing for Christ to the World.

In January of 2010, I learned a dear friend had brain cancer. This was hard news to take, and I went through a myriad of emotions. It also led to a great deal of learning. She and I spent a great deal of time talking about some very deep theological issues, and she raised questions I had no answers for. Questions I believe there weren’t always answers for.

During this time I was writing a series for Christ to the World on Joseph. Fitting, right? Although Joseph never suffered from a terminal illness, he experienced great pain and, I imagine, moments of hopelessness. He could’ve died in the cistern had his brothers decided not to pull him out. He could have died crossing the desert from his home to Egypt. He could’ve died, forgotten, in the Egyptian prison.

Our programs broadcast in areas of Christians persecution–areas of deep sorrow, fear, uncertainty. Areas where pat answers won’t fix things, and for some, things may not turn to good this side of heaven. I believe God used the emotions I experienced and lessons I learned through my friend’s diagnosis to enable me to write for these precious Christians. He also used my friend’s experience to give me an increased urgency and focus on eternal concerns.

I will add, my friend’s still fighting, so if you feel led to pray for her, please do!

6        Favorite kind of car and why?

Hmm … As a self-proclaimed hermit who would much rather sit behind a computer than peruse a mall, I have very little interest in cars. If I had to choose, I’d say the most economical one with the best gas mileage.

7       Would your choice of party be a catered meal or barbecue out back?

Oh, I love barbecues and eating outside. But what I love most is a picnic in a park or near hiking trails.

8           What’s your favorite season and why?

This depends on where I’m living. In California, we lived on the edge of the Mojave Desert, and our summers were HOT! But our winters were absolutely lovely. One Christmas it was 90 degrees. Seriously. We spent the day at the park. :)

In Missouri, I’d say spring and fall. I love the sounds of birds chirping, of seeing eggs in nests. I love the sight and smell of blossoming trees, and my daughter often picks me bouquets.

I also love the reds, yellows, and golds of fall!

9        What specific lesson have you learned – spiritual, educational, occupational?

God has been showing me sooooo much! Each day it seems there’s something new–an area He wants me to grow in, wisdom He wants to impart, a sinful behavior He wishes to remove. I’m researching a new novel on organ donation and Cystic Fibrosis, which has led to hours of phone conversations with members of the Cystic Fibrosis community. Wow, what wisdom they have!

I’ve learned invaluable truths from each one I’ve spoken to, but a statement made by Casey Bradford penetrated the deepest. Individuals with Cystic Fibrosis are at an increased risk for illnesses and lung infections. Some infections can be fatal. When I asked him about this, he said, “I refuse to live in a bubble.”

This really impacted me. If you’ve followed this blog long enough, you know I tend to be fearful, and yet, I really have nothing to fearful of. And here was Casey, someone facing legitimate concerns, who refused to allow fears of tomorrow hold him back today. That’s faith and courage–throwing off ALL that hinders to run with perseverance the race mapped out for him.

10         Besides writing, what’s your favorite thing to do when you get some extra time?

One of my most cherished times comes at 3:00 each day when my daughter returns from school. She and I sit on our porch swing, chit-chatting. In the winter, we sit on the couch. I also love going on long, leisurely walks with my husband.

11      What’s one place you can be found at least one time every week?

I’m going to copy Maria’s answer here: church, and the grocery store!

Wow, that’s a lot of info! 1300 words worth. hahaha. How about you? Leave your answer to any one of the questions in the comment section! In addition, I’m tagging a large handful of other bloggers and Facebook friends (can I do that?) to join in the fun and answer all 11 questions (if you’re unable to participate, I totally understand!): (To my tagged Facebook friends, you can answer in the comments or create a Facebook note.)

Elaine Stock, my dear prayer partner who seeks to honor Christ in all she does

Diana Prusik, my spiritual mentor, critique partner, and living example of what it means to love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.

Fay Lamb, also a spiritual mentor (Only she doesn’t know this, but I’ve learned sooo much from her).

Henry McLaughlin, another critique partner who devotes a great deal of time encouraging and equipping other writers to hone their craft

Margaret Daley, a woman who continually mentors and helps other writers

Laura Poole, another crit partner who I’ve just started to get to know and would LOVE to get to know better

Kathleen Freeman, another crit partner (I have five, but that’s because I write fast and therefore, have multiple novels in need of feedback. :) )

Cynthia Simmons, another critique partner who is also a dear friend

Eileen Rife, crit partner number five, a wonderful writer, friend, and constant encourager

Mary Thompson, a friend from church who consistently demonstrates what it means to be a godly mom and wife

Michael Ehret, a friend and my editor at the ACFW Journal who has really helped me in my career by offering me new writing opportunities like writing for the Journal. He also radiates Christ in everything he does and is a brilliant writer and editor.

Ami Koelliker, an amazing woman of God who daily demonstrates what it means to offer your life as a living offering to God. Whether she’s in the Operating Room preparing organs for a recipient, praying with a donor family, or serving at her local church, she radiates Christ’s love and truth. (She’s also the one that motivated my current novel, and she’s spent countless hours sharing her stories and knowledge with me.)

And finally, Casey Bradford, a man I’ve come to greatly admire who demonstrates what it means to “make the most of every moment.”

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Pet Peeves and Other Irritations

Posted in grace, intentional living, Let's Get Real, tagged , , , , on April 26, 2012 | 4 Comments »

My daughter let out a heavy sigh and scowled. “Do you have to type so loudly?”

Sitting beside her in my king-sized bed, her with ice propped around her face, me with pillows propped behind my back, I glanced at my hands poised on my keyboard and stifled a grin. “Oh, was I loud?”

“Yeah. Your nails make an annoying clicking noise. And can you quit wiggling so much?! You’re shaking the whole bed!”

Now that’s passionate typing, or a very sensitive teen. By complaint number five, I assumed the latter.

Throughout the day, I wiggled my foot, breathed to loud, shifted too often. After a rough oral surgery, followed by a few days of bed rest, my daughter was going stir crazy. Not only that, but she was overdosing on parental time.

On night three, having all the mommy-time she could bear, she grabbed her bags of ice and trudged upstairs for some much-needed space. Her reprieve was short-lived. At two am, awakened by pain, she sought me out, only to fall down the stairs with a loud crash and a high-pitched cry.

I jolted awake and ran to her, comforted her, and guided her back into my bed where I could monitor her more closely.

Poor child.

The following weekend, we went to Omaha for house hunting, which placed our now claustrophobic (her words, not mine) daughter in a 300 square foot hotel room with both parents. By this point, even a look was enough to make her teeth grind, not a good thing, considering the state of her mouth.

As my husband and I chuckled about her behavior, God used the moment to prick my heart.

I’d been the same way with Steve. Like my daughter, I’d let little things, minor irritations, urk me, only my behavior wasn’t comical. My role is to build up my home, not to tear it down, to support and encourage my husband, not to nit-pick him verbally or mentally.

This week I’m memorizing Colossians 3:12-13: Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

It’s helped. When I’m tempted to get annoyed, God reminds me of this verse, and effectively defuses my irritation. When centered in God’s Word, I realize how petty most of my annoyances are and what a treasure my husband truly is. In other words, the Scripture passage “transforms my thinking” (Romans 12:2) and “judges the thoughts and attitudes of my heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Although we’re nearing the home-stretch with our home purchased and only one more hotel stay left (the hardest part for each of us loners), I know stress will come and pet peeves will happen, but when they do, I pray God will remind me of my comical-yet-not-so-funny, eye-opening time with my daughter. And may He grant me the patience to make allowances for dirty socks found in sheets and crumbs left on counters, or whatever minor “faults” might arise.

Let’s talk about this!

Join us at Living by Grace as we talk about all those little things that drive us crazy in a given day, and how to handle them with patience and grace.

Stop for a moment to contemplate some of your pet peeves in light of the verse above. How can you “make allowances for each other’s faults” today? And how might that change the atmosphere in your home?

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Someone For Kids to Latch on to

Posted in compassion, Faith, God's Authors, grace, intentional living, Reach Out to Live Out, tagged , , , on April 23, 2012 | 4 Comments »

A few weeks ago, I read a Facebook thread complaining about the “state of our world.” Wars, violence, greed corruption. We create policies and host protests, write articles and share moving/inspiring/shocking pictures and Youtube videos on all the evils in the world, but I believe this focuses on the symptoms, not the cause. What if we focused instead on creating long-term change by getting involved in the lives of hurting, neglected, abused, and/or abandoned kids? What if we, as parents, were diligent about teaching love, generosity, compassion, and community involvement? What if we spent more time getting involved in the lives of people–one-on-one?

There’s an old saying, “Each one Reach One.” Imagine a church of 300 members. Imagine if each member found one person–a single mom, an addict or alcoholic, a troubled teen, a hurting child–to consistently and diligently reach out to. Now, say there are 20 churches in a community. Multiply this by 300. That’s 600 lives changed, only it doesn’t stop at those 600 lives. Each child and teen grows up to be a mommy or daddy or aunt or uncle who then impacts the next generation, who then impacts the next generation who then …. You get the idea.

After you read the following “Reach Out” story, I challenge you to spend a moment in prayer asking God whom He’d like you to reach out to. Not for a day, or a week, but who does God want you to pour into, on a consistent basis. Because the next generation depends on the one-on-one involvement of the church today.

SOMEONE FOR KIDS TO LATCH ON TO: JESUS

By Ada Brownell

      “The police came to our house last night to get Daddy,” the little boy announced. “He hid in the back on the shelf in the closet and they didn’t find him!”

His eyes sparkled with triumph.

The report came during our opening moments at the Dunamis Academy, an after-school and summers program where I heard similar stories. Dunamis means supernatural power.

I started the program at our church daycare after retirement. A number of the elementary children in the class were Social Services children who didn’t attend our church.

When I had the idea for the after-school program, I was concerned about latch-key children because I’d written about them in my work as a daily newspaper reporter in Pueblo, Colo. I prayed about it and thought God would raise up a pastor with the vision to use the church’s empty spaces to reach youngsters who needed the gospel, bring the congregation’s children into deeper knowledge of the Word, and help children not doing well in school with tutoring. I hoped spiritually mature teenagers and other volunteers would help.

Then I spoke to the daycare director and she also caught the vision because the older children already enrolled in the daycare after school and summers needed something constructive to do.

The first summer the director taught the lower grades and I took upper elementary. We continued the program after school and summer for two years. We charged a nominal fee to children not enrolled in day care. There was no charge to students already enrolled.

Summers for three hours Monday through Thursday we sang, prayed, played, studied Bible stories, memorized scripture, did skits, saw object lessons, participated in discussion, listened to guest speakers, did crafts and learned how to operate puppets in ministry (the children’s pastor taught puppetry).  Daycare children stayed for a leisurely afternoon.

On Fridays we went on all-day field trips to ministries in Colorado Springs to show children some of the ministries for which they could prepare. We watched a Christian radio missionary who was broadcasting the gospel around the world. We visited Focus on the Family. At David C. Cook we saw how artists create illustrations for their publications. We visited the Navigator’s castle and others. The next year we visited soup kitchens, homeless shelters and other charities in our city.

We had guest speakers, two I’d like to mention. The teenager emigrated from Africa, told about the differences in freedoms there and America and taught a song in Swahili: “Hold on to Jesus.”  The other was a public high school teacher through playing a game called “Virus X” taught how quickly sexually transmitted diseases spread.

According to the last statistics I gathered, five million elementary-age U.S. children grow up with no supervision after school. Twenty-two million adolescents are unsupervised between 3 and 6 p.m. on a typical day, according to the U.S. Department of Health’s Child Care Bureau.

At the same time, thousands of large church buildings are unoccupied except for a few people working in the office.

Large numbers of America’s youth have never heard the gospel. The church is losing young people to secularism.  Some churches have eliminated Christian education, thereby carelessly dropping their sterling silver youth down the garbage disposal. Churches that emphasize discipleship often have only a small percentage of children and youth receiving training.

The first summer of the Dunamis Academy, the two daycare assistants in my classes put the date they accepted Jesus as Savior during that time. Most of the children also invited Jesus into their hearts.

It was a great deal of work, but also gave great spiritual reward to me. If I were young again, I’d love to help establish more programs like it.

One note I’d like to add. Quite a few churches have after-school programs, but the ones I’ve seen don’t emphasize the gospel. We informed parents we would teach undenominational Bible classes and had them sign their permission. We didn’t have one parent opt out. In fact, we had great feedback, with parents coming to awards ceremonies.

I imagine they were like my dad when our family started going to church. He said, “Let them go. I heard they teach children to obey their parents.”

Ada’s Book, Swallowed by Life:

A retired medical reporter for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado, the author looked into evidences w in medicine and the Bible that show we’re more than a body.

The book is about serious matters, but truths are introduced in an easy to read and interesting manner with faith-filled illustrations, quotes and anecdotes.

The book discusses the wonder of who we are, how we know we’re more than a body, how we determine truth about the eternal, the wonders of life itself, discoveries of regenerative medicine, the dying process and how brain death is determined, where we go at death and why we still will participate in the resurrection, along with what we will do in heaven.

 Each chapter has a question and answer section for discussion or contemplation. The book is a good Bible study guide not only for grief support groups and those who have a serious chronic or terminal diagnosis, but also for those curious about the future, those who fear death, those who need their faith strengthened, people who don’t know Jesus, and individuals who give them counsel.

Ada Brownell is the Author of Swallowed by LIFE: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal. She is a free lance writer, former daily newspaper reporter, wife, mom and granny. Music has always been part of her life and erupts because of the joy Jesus gives.

***

We are to be Christ’s hands and feet, His instruments of love to a hurting world. Can you share a time when God called you to mentor or build a relationship with someone else? Or perhaps you were once a troubled youth whose life was changed by the consistent, positive interaction of someone else. Share your story with us and may we all spur one another on toward good deeds.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free book, and submit your “Reach Out” story for a chance to win a gift basket.

April’s donors include Mary Ellis with An Amish Family Reunion, Deborah Raney with Almost Forever, Cara Putman with A  Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island, Vannetta Chapman with Falling to Pieces, Rebecca Lyles with Winds of Wyoming, and Gina Holmes with Dry as Rain. (Read more about all these great books here, and show your appreciating by clicking on their names to visit their websites.)

You might also enjoy reading: The Trickle Effect Part I, Part II, and Part III, and Create Family Not Converts.

And for those of you who believe you’re too busy to get involved in someone else’s life, I challenge you to read this story. The Bible tells us anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. Don’t put off until tomorrow what God’s calling you to do today. Tomorrow might be too late.

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The Gift of No

Posted in Faith, Let's Get Real, Living by Grace, tagged , , , , on April 19, 2012 | 17 Comments »

As many of you now, we are in the process of moving which means we’ve spent a great deal of time looking at houses. As our moving date approaches, my anxiety rises. What if we don’t find a place in time? Will we have to stay in a hotel, spending $100-$150 a night? When deadlines loom, it’s easy to focus on the problem instead of on God, but when we do, we risk tuning out the protective still small voice of our Heavenly Father.

Two weeks ago, we found a lovely house in a great neighborhood. It was large, backed up to trees, and was walking distance from the local high school. It was at the top of our budget but after some number crunching, appeared manageable. We made an offer, they accepted, and we scheduled a home inspection.

The inspection didn’t go well, and as we negotiated back and forth with the sellers, my husband and I became increasingly uncomfortable. But our logical, number crunching, analytical minds viewed things differently. Yes, there were a few issues–like some wood rot and a faulty roof–but if they repaired the roof, we had the money to fix the rest. And we really didn’t have time to start over.

God knew differently and saw what we couldn’t—the future.

After more prayer, we rescinded our offer and called our realtor to schedule more house hunting.

I was pretty discouraged. My schedule’s crazy on a good day. Add weekend house hunting trips and all that comes with it (like not sleeping due to a noisy hotel air conditioning unit) and perhaps you could understand my sense of urgency. (Not to mention the money spent on hotel and restaurant fees each time we look for homes.) I wondered if we’d ever find a home!

We did! Last weekend, we found another house,  made an offer, and it was accepted.

Two days later, we received a few emails necessitating expensive trips this summer. Trips that will eat into our savings–that savings we’d planned to use to repair house number one.

God knew.

Imagine the bind we could have been in if we’d muscled our way forward.

At the time, it was tempting to ignore that still, small voice redirecting us. How easy it would have been to justify buying that house! We were on a time crunch, we had money in savings for repairs, it was a great neighborhood full of kids and close to school. ALL of us liked the house, and we’d already looked at so many! Surely we were being too picky.

And yet, instead of forcing our way and justifying our actions, we chose to obey. We chose to trust that God knew best, and that He only acted in love.

When we hit a closed door, we can either push our way in, closing our ears to God’s warnings, or we can surrender to the loving, faithful, protective will of our Heavenly Father.

Really, it comes down to trust, in believing God is truly for us, not against us. In believing He truly does know what’s best.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 says 11 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. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 

Maybe there’s something you’re holding on to–a new job, a new home, a ministry or opportunity. Have you paused to seek God’s will? And are you ready to obey, no matter what He tells you? How might knowing He’ll only do what’s in your best interest help?

Stop and think of your own children. How many times have you had to tell them no to something–something they assumed to be a blessing but that you knew could lead to danger?

Let’s talk about this!

Join us at Living by Grace as we talk about full surrender  and trusting in God’s unchanging nature when the road ahead gets blurred or blocked.

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When Storms Hit

Posted in compassion, Faith, God's Authors, Reach Out to Live Out, tagged , , , , , on April 16, 2012 | 11 Comments »

We lived in Louisiana when Katrina hit and saw first hand the devastation storms can bring, but we saw so much more! We saw communities unite, churches and Christians mobilize, and a blanket of love encompass the area. A short time after Katrina hit, when our city was full of storm refugees, the Billy Graham crusade came through. Storm victims were living in our cities’ churches, surrounded by Christ’s love, and our cities were filled with an influx of caring, serving, giving Christians coming to see the crusade. As I saw people actively demonstrate Christ’s love, I was reminded that even during the storm–especially during the storm–God was there.

Today’s post comes from multi-published author, Cara Putman. When a powerful tornado ravished Joplin, Missouri, God called her to be His hands and feet–to share His love with the hurting. Despite looming deadlines, family commitments, and all the other demands on her time, Cara accepted God’s call. Because of her obedience, many hurting families experienced the love of Christ.

http://www.wlfi.com/video/videoplayer.swf?dppversion=9248

At the end of May 2011 and beginning of June, I tackled a project that grew exponentially. A little idea that took on a force of its own with the help of local media. As a result massive amounts of time disappeared as I collected and sorted boxes and bags of items for Joplin.

After the tornados that ripped through Joplin, Missouri, last year, I’ve been burdened by their horrific paths of destruction. I first asked God what I could do when I saw the horrific images of Alabama. Then the weekend storms hit Joplin. A third of the town…gone.

It’s almost too much to fathom.

But the burden wouldn’t leave. So I kept praying. A donation didn’t seem like enough, though I did that, too. I wanted to do something tangible. Something the kids could participate in like giving of clothes and books to those who have lost everything.

I mentioned an idea to my pastor’s wife, and literally, in twenty-four hours God exploded it into something so much bigger. I love how He does that! Our church is a collection point for material goods to go to a church in Joplin where my pastor’s brother serves as a worship pastor. I sent out a facebook message to 41 friends (don’t you love social networking) and three local churches partnered with us. I worried about how we would transport the goods, and one of those churches had a box truck we used.

So what can we do?
• Pray. I absolutely believe prayer is key.
• Give. There are excellent organizations like Convoy of Hope and Samaritan’s Purse that are on the ground making a difference.
• If you want to help with physical items when a disaster strikes, make sure you work with a church or organization already on the ground there.
• In Joplin, we learned desperately needed items included:
o Baby food
o formula
o diapers
o kids’ clothes from infant on up
o toys and books are welcome too, but think small since we’ll have to transport everything.
o tarps in all shapes and sizes.
o hygiene products — everything from hotel sample sized to full sized

But those needs may change based on the disaster. I refuse to stand paralyzed in the face of disaster. Instead, I choose to do something and be the hands and feet of Christ to those in desperate need.

***

Cara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She’s an attorney and a teacher at her church as well as lecturer at Purdue. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and romance to life.

An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska and George Mason University School of Law, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.

Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. Learn more at: http://www.caraputman.com, http://blog.caraputman.com, http://www.facebook.com/caraputman, http://www.twitter.com/cara_putman, and http://www.pinterest.com/caraputman.

A Wedding Transpires in Mackinac Island:

Attorney Alanna Stone vowed long ago to avoid Mackinac Island. Although it may seem the perfect place to heal, for Alanna it holds too many memories of a painful past.

But an exhausting high profile case and an urgent plea from her parents have brought Alanna home. Moving into the house next to Jonathan Covington doesn’t help her. Jonathan may have been her first love, but he was also her first lesson in betrayal. Now Alanna must protect her privacy and her heart. Then Secrets and a murder intersect, and she’s thrust into controversy again as tragedy turns public opinion against her and potentially her family.

For years, Jonathan has stubbornly resisted the urging of his family and friends to date, believing he’s already found the perfect woman. With Alanna’s return, he begins to wonder if he’s waited too long for someone who isn’t the right one after all.

We are to be Christ’s hands and feet, His instruments of love to a hurting world. Can you share a time when God called you to reach out to someone experiencing great loss or trial? Or perhaps you were the one struggling, and God loved you through others. Share your story here so we can all rejoice in God’s merciful, ever-reaching love.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free book, and submit your “Reach Out” story for a chance to win a gift basket.

April’s donors include Mary Ellis with An Amish Family Reunion, Deborah Raney with Almost Forever, Cara Putman with A  Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island, Vannetta Chapman with Falling to Pieces, Rebecca Lyles with Winds of Wyoming, and Gina Holmes with Dry as Rain. (Read more about all these great books here, and show your appreciating by clicking on their names to visit their websites.)

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Carry their Burden but Not Their Load

Posted in compassion, intentional living, Let's Get Real, United in Christ, tagged , , , on April 11, 2012 | 7 Comments »

We are commanded to love and help one another, but knowing when and how to help takes wisdom and prayer. Today, Sherri Wilson Johnson, author of To Dance Once More, shares her thoughts on burdens versus loads, and how it applies to the body of Christ. (Sherri is also a “Reach Out to Live Out” donor for the month of June so make sure to come back then for a chance to win an e-copy of To Dance Once More.)

The Christian life is not always easy. In fact, it’s rarely easy. We have the same burdens as non-Christians and even more because we must be an example to the world, and we must often defend our faith. When we’re walking with the Lord, these burdens seem a bit lighter. They often do not seem like burdens at all. When we’re not walking closely with the Lord, we have the added weight of our “load” to carry.

Galatians 6:2-5 says: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”

What is the difference between a burden and a load?

It seems a burden is something that has been placed upon us without any wrongdoing on our part.
• A birth defect or an inherited predisposition for a health problem.
• Growing up in a difficult situation which may include abuse, divorce or betrayal.
• The responsibility of caring for an elderly or sickly parent.
• A job loss because of the failing economy.
• Possessing a meek or too-timid personality that makes it difficult for you to stand up for yourself.

These are some examples of burdens. Burdens are something the Bible says Christians should help each other with.
A load is something you pick up along this road of life and carry on your back.
• Turning a birth defect into a reason for playing the martyr.
• Abusing your body and causing your health issues to worsen.
• Spouting foul language out at your boss for laying you off and causing your co-workers to stumble.
• Exploding because you are sick and tired of everyone taking advantage of you when you have stood back in your timidity and allowed it to happen.

These things are heavy loads (rocks) that we have picked up along the way and placed in our backpacks and they make the Christian life harder to bear. The Bible says each one should carry their own load.

A burden may be something we have to endure because we were deceived by someone we’re in a relationship with. A load we carry is when we’re the ones causing our loved ones to suffer or when we act inappropriately in response to how someone treats us. Doing wrong to a person who has hurt us does not make things better. In fact, it makes our load heavier.

As a writer of fiction, I could handle wrongful situations anyway I please. But as a Christian, I must follow what the Bible commands as far as conflict resolution and accountability if I am going to lead others to a closer walk with the Lord. Just because it is fiction doesn’t mean it can be false. As much as I may want to take out my frustrations on a character, I have to remember that the Lord says, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.” (Romans 12:19). A Christian writer has an obligation to her readers to point them to the Lord.

How do we bear someone’s burdens?

Bearing someone’s burdens can be taking a meal to her when she is sick or driving her to the doctor for radiation treatments or something as simple as praying for that person. Prayer is so powerful and it is often the best thing we can do for someone who has a burden too heavy to bear alone. I have found that laughter often helps ease the burden of a friend. It does not make it go away but it sure helps pass the time and distract the mind.

When we bear the burdens of our friends, we must keep in mind that we have to use discernment because even though we bear their burdens, we don’t take them from them. For example, if a friend has lost a job (due to no fault of her own), if you are able to provide some financial support, that’s a great thing to do. However, you do not want to create a crutch that prevents this friend from “getting back on the horse” and finding a new job. You can even help find a job but you certainly do not want to act as an employment agency, sending out the resumes and making appointments for this friend. Bearing a burden does not need to turn into a co-dependent type of situation. So make sure to prayerfully consider what role God would have you play in bearing your friend’s burdens.

Why can’t we carry their load for them?

A load is something we have brought on ourselves. Each one of us has caused someone to suffer the consequences of a poor or wrong decision of ours. We’ve all made mistakes and can sympathize with people who are trapped in a sinful place. It is tempting to swoop in and try to pluck this person out of the muck and mire. However, it is not always an easy thing to do nor is it the right thing to do. If this person is stuck or if he is like a stubborn mule, fighting your every effort, then sometimes you must leave him to his own devices. Turn him over to a reprobate mind. Take off your sandals and shake off the dust.

No matter how hard we try to keep our Christian friends from sinning, from having a heavy load to carry, as humans it is not possible. Only the Lord can lift the load that weighs us down when we have caused life’s burdens to turn into loads. Our loads turn into guilt and shame and depression and so many other things.
Be on guard!

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:33: Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” It is extremely easy to get trapped into the loads another friend is carrying. The world is corrupt and full of things that Satan longs to distract Christians with. Every day people fall prey to pornography, adultery, crime, greed, pride and more. When you try to help someone through a sinful time, proceed with caution. Stay strong in your prayer life. Ask God to surround you with his guards and to keep your path straight.

Praying for your Christian brothers and sisters is the best thing you can do. It eases the burdens and lightens the loads. And even if it takes a lifetime for the load to fall away, you cannot get trapped by what your friend has to carry. After all, we have our own loads to carry.

So by all means, bear the burdens of your friends but do them a favor—don’t carry their loads.

***

Sherri Wilson Johnson is the author of To Dance Once More and Song of the Meadowlark. She is from Georgia, has been married since 1988, and is a former homeschooling mom. She loves to write, read, eat ice cream, ride roller coasters and make people laugh. She loves Jesus and hopes to spread His love to the whole world through her writing. Visit her online:

http://sherriwilsonjohnson.com

Twitter: swj_thewriter

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Author-Sherri-Wilson-Johnson/138396456193536

http://sherrijinga.wordpress.com

And check out her novel, To Dance Once More:

To Dance Once More is the story of Lydia Jane Barrington, a Victorian debutante. Lydia lives on a plantation in Florida under the watchful eye of her father. She’s quite an independent young lady who does not want to fall into the trap (as she sees it) that her mother and sisters have fallen into—marriage and motherhood. She wants to travel the world and experience life before giving her heart to a man. One day, her eyes are opened to love and no matter what, she cannot forget the blissful feeling it causes. She begins to believe that love isn’t such a bad thing after all. Then she discovers a secret that prohibits any of her dreams from ever coming true. She begins a quest to free herself and her family from a future of bondage. Hearts are broken and lives are torn apart because of Lydia’s own selfishness. Will she surrender to a call that God placed on her life and be able to experience love after all? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

But it now!

(You may also find this article, which I wrote for Internet Cafe’ Devotions, helpful: But is That Love?)

 

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Love For a Felon

Posted in compassion, grace, Reach Out to Live Out, tagged , , , , , on April 9, 2012 | 5 Comments »

When I was a kid, while walking to and from school, I’d see signs showing which homes were “safe houses.” Should trouble ever arise, I knew where I could go. The welcome mat on these doorsteps meant exactly what it said.

Although safe houses still exist, it seems many have been replaced by no trespassing signs as we isolate ourselves further and further from one another. But as followers of Christ, I believe our homes should extend a loud and hearty welcome. You never know when God will use you to be a beacon of love and hope to one of His broken children.

Today’s post comes from Kenneth W. Bangs, a man who extended a welcome instead of a barrier, and in doing so, spoke love and acceptance into two people’s lives.

***

Herschel lived down the road. First time I saw him he was sitting on his porch. I realized we had a new neighbor so I stopped to say hey. He stood as I walked up…tall and thin with a demeanor that told me he had done time. I shook his hand, chatted a minute…could tell he was really uncomfortable so I drove on.

Some months later I was on a tractor and saw him pull up. He shuffled over, head down and said, “Boss would it be ok if I brought my grandson over to fish in your ponds?” I told him sure and he said, “You know I done some time.”

“I know,” I said.

“It was over dope and it was hard time because I acted the fool in the joint.” He looked up at me and said, “You’re police aren’t you?”

“Used to be.”

He nodded and started talking…told me his whole life story. I’d heard it so many times before…so hard, so violent. I prayed with him and told him to enjoy the fishing. He brought his grandson by several times and then stopped. I got a call from a local pastor. He told me Herschel had cancer, no insurance and asked if we could help. Of course we did. I talked with him from time to time, watched as the disease consumed him. Then he was gone. I saw that little grandson as I drove past the other day sitting on the porch steps with his face in his hands. He loved his grandfather and his grandfather loved him…love – so important to give and receive…it lives on long after we’re gone…

***

Stop for a moment and consider the chain events that occurred because Kenneth extended a hearty welcome and created a bridge instead of a barrier. For a moment, consider the impact Kenneth’s choice had on the grandson. Consider the memories, the precious moments, Kenneth’s pond allowed the boy and his grandfather to share.

Now, consider the impact this had on the shame-filled man–the message of love, grace, and forgiveness Kenneth’s actions revealed.

Powerful messages.

But the blessing wasn’t done. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that God brought this man to Kenneth’s pond prior to the man’s bout with cancer. God’s timing is perfect. By acting in love and obedience, Kenneth built a bridge that allowed him to speak love, hope, and truth into this man’s life when he needed it most.

Consider also the long-term impact each pond visit had on this precious child. I’ve often shared stories of the countless Christians God placed in my path when I was a child. (Read more here.) As an adult, when I looked back over each encounter, I realized it was God loving me through them. I realized, because of the love poured out through His children, that God had never left my side.

Powerful messages provided by such a simple act of love.

Who can you love on today? And how authentic is your welcome mat?

I’d love to hear from you. Have you, like the precious child in our story, experienced God’s love and grace through the actions of another? Or like Kenneth, have you extended a welcome and seen it blossom into something more–something of eternal value?

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free book, and submit your “reach out” story for a chance to win a gift basket.

April’s donors include Mary Ellis with An Amish Family Reunion, Deborah Raney with Almost Forever, Cara Putman with A  Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island, Vannetta Chapman with Falling to Pieces, Rebecca Lyles with Winds of Wyoming, and Gina Holmes with Dry as Rain. (Read more about all these great books here, and show your appreciating by clicking on their names to visit their websites.)

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Seeking Peace

Posted in Uncategorized on April 7, 2012 | 2 Comments »

Before you read this post, I encourage you to visit Elaine Stock’s blog to see how God used my sin to show me of the true meaning of Easter.

As you contemplate on Christ’s death and prepare to celebrate His resurrection, I invite you to meditate on 2 Philippians. I’ve been camped out in this chapter this week. I’d love to memorize it. More than that, I long to live it. But as you may notice if you read the above referenced post, most days I fall painfully short. But like Paul, I refuse to give up. Instead, I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. (Phil. 3:12)

Philippians 2:1-11 (NLT)

1Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though He was God,
He did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, He gave up his divine privileges;
He took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When He appeared in human form,
8     He humbled Himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

This is a hard passage to live, one I doubt anyone this side of heaven will ever truly master. But when we think of what Christ did on the cross, our love compels us to try. Stop and meditate on verse one. Stop and think of all Christ did for you. Envision Him on the cross, giving His life for you. For me.

So that we could have peace with God and one another. The biblical term “peace” has a much deeper meaning than what we tend to give it. When we think of peace, we think in terms of the absence of outward conflict, but shalom, the Hebrew word scholars translate as peace means so much more!

Shalom is about wholeness, completeness, a sense of setting all things right. God desires His children to be united (Phil 2:2). When something happens to disrupt that unity, His desire is that we would do what we can to restore it.

This Easter, as you celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection, evaluate your relationships in terms of God’s shalom. Is there anything God might be calling you to do? Will you obey?

Matthew 5:23-24

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Let’s talk about this!

Join us at Living by Grace as we talk about ways to seek and practice shalom. :) Then come back Monday as I continue my Reach Out to Live Out Campaign with a story shared by a man who showed compassion to a stranger. (Click here and scroll down to find out more about the campaign and how you can get involved.)

Want to learn more about shalom and biblical conflict resolution? Here are some additional resources:

Peace Maker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict

The Meaning of Shalom

Shalom and the Poverty of Relationships (This article talks about shalom, how it applies to relationships, our view of man, and the poor.)


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How Deep is Your Love?

Posted in God's Authors, intentional living, Let's Get Real, Praise, tagged , , , , on April 4, 2012 | 2 Comments »

It’s easy to praise God when all is going well, but what about when life turns upside down? When we lived in Louisiana, we went through a period of unemployment that left us scrambling to sell our home before landing in debt. One afternoon as I sat in my van pouring my heart out to God, He asked me, “Do you love me now?” Basically, He asked me if my love was dependent on what He could or would do for me. Would I be a fair-weather Christian looking for a spiritual Genie or was I looking for a true, lasting, intimate relationship?

Thousands of years ago, Noah faced a similar choice. When the world as he knew it fell apart, would he still honor God, or would he choose to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, surrendering all to the Giver of life.

I stumbled upon today’s post, written by my dear friend and debut novelist, Jodie Bailey, when God was showing me what it meant to live a life of gratitude and praise. I hope you are blessed and challenged, like I was, by it.

***

Genesis 6:9 (GWT)–This is the account of Noah and his descendants.  Noah had God’s approval and was a man of integrity among the people of his time.  He walked with God.

It’s hard to believe, but the people of Noah’s time were even more depraved than people today.  In fact, among the people of the earth, Noah (and likely those in his family) were the only ones who were considered to have integrity.  That’s an appalling thing to think about, isn’t it?  That in the entire world, only one person walked with God?

Makes our walk seem a little bit easier, doesn’t it?  It’s easy to watch the news and lament.  I’ve done it many times, so many times that I’ve essentially quit watching the news.  (I read it elsewhere.  Being uninformed is worse than being angry.)  No matter how bad it is right now, at least we have others to pray with and to be there for us.  I’ve seen it in the most amazing way over the past month or so, the way believers rally around each other in prayer even when they don’t know what they’re praying for exactly.  Who did Noah have to turn to?

Know the other thing?  We can’t complain about the way things are.  You don’t hear Noah complaining.  And he had every reason.  The thing is, we can still take action.  We can still band together against the wrong in the world.  God has us here at this time for a reason.  And trust me, it’s not to gripe about the way things are.  It’s to change them.  Shouldn’t our voices be heard now more than ever?  Noah had no one to stand with him.  We have countless others.  Why do we remain silent?  What would happen if we all spoke truth instead of sitting back and watching it happen?

Okay, so my toes hurt.  I’m talking about me here.  I know I don’t speak out near enough.  It’s time to use our voices more, don’t you think?

-JB

Jodie Bailey’s first novel, Freefall, releases in November 2012. She has been published in Teen magazine and collaborated on PWOC International’s latest Bible study. She has a B.A. double major in English literature and writing, and an M.Ed. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Middle Tennessee Christian Writers. She teaches middle school and lives in North Carolina with her husband and daughter. Visit her online.

Let’s talk about this. How might trials and difficulties reveal the depths of your faith? And how do our actions and reactions, both positive and negative, affect our witness? Do you have any stories you can share of a time when God turned a painful time into a blessing or an opportunity to serve?

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