Storytime

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. - Mark 16:15

I think I am ready to begin writing my first book. While I was planning on waiting at least five years ... the enormity of the project has me wondering if starting today might not be a bad idea.

I start this day, by simply making the decision, "I am going to start on my first novel."

Very little training in the craft of writing fiction does have me hesitate a bit. Characterization, plot, structure, deep POV - all of this sends my mind spinning. But there is a protagonist hidden in my heart, waiting to tell her story. Hiding in quiet moments, following me around every hill and turn. I've been chosen for this task and I believe with all my heart that the story is going to tell itself.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the training I've received thus far, and there are endless opportunities to grow in this specialized craft. Like a sponge, I hope to soak every lesson in, letting it drip onto the pages of my masterpiece.

As a result of this new adventure, there may be a slight change in my daily blog posts. Pouring my devotional energies into marketable pieces seems like the next right step. Getting as many eyes as possible to land on the lessons that have been so dear to my heart. I have been commissioned, not to stay in a comfortable box of text - but to go.

I want to invite you along this new journey, one that has me shaking in my shoes. Writing a book means putting yourself out there - many first time writers attribute it to having a new baby. As the wave of morning sickness begin, a twinkle hits my eye with thoughts of seeing God's finished product. One, ten, twenty years ... however long it takes, I am committed to the process.

May God bless you in your own storytelling adventure. As Christians we all have something amazing to share about what God has done.

How will you get your story out?

Meltdown

Woe to you, O Jerusalem! How long will you be unclean?" - Jeremiah 13:27

The Stanislaus County Fair provided me with the wonders and excitement of so many things yesterday ... farm life, blinking lights, people watching opportunities, the glory of a Newsboys concert and one unforgettable hot fudge sundae.

It was about fifteen minutes before the concert was going to start. So, with my money burning a hole in my pocket, I headed for the ice cream stand. It was easy to find even through swarms of people, for I had marked it in my mind hours earlier.

As I stood in line, the choices before me were baffling. A frozen banana, a cheesecake dipped in chocolate sprinkled with nuts, a plain vanilla cone ... or a hot fudge sundae. What to do?

Like a little girl in a candy store (or a big girl at an ice cream stand), I placed my order and stepped to the side while it was being processed.

What happened next, sent me on a ride I will not soon forget. Even before the lady handed me the masterpiece, my glorious hot fudge sundae had started to melt. But with eyes as big as saucers, I was not about to give up on my new cherry-topped friend.

A couple of steps through the crowd, and I knew I was in a world of trouble. The three napkins given couldn't even keep the sticky mess from running down my hand. Too much ice cream, fudge, whipped cream and nuts were crammed into a small Styrofoam cup. Long and careful strides back to my seat would not reverse this madness.

By the time I arrived, my entire hand was covered in glop. Streams of mess ran continuously down my arm, catching the attention of everybody around me. I was stunned - I did not know what to do. So, after a feeble attempt at tidying things up, I did what anybody else would have done ... I dug in.

There are so many times in my life when I think I am making a good choice about something. All of the warning signs are there and my conscience begins melting, leaving an undeniable mess. But do I throw the idea out? Not always. Sometimes, I am bent and determined on making it work - even after God has encouraged me to start cleaning up the mess.

Is there something specific God is asking you to discard my friend? It could be an old pattern of thinking, maybe a hard habit or a dangerous relationship. You can trust God to make things right again - but you've got to let got of what the gloppy mess promised in the first place.

It was a lie.

God is in the business of making all things clean and new. Toss that sticky mirage ... and never settle for less than God's best.

Penny Pinch

I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, saying, "What have I done?" Each pursues his own course like a horse charging into battle. - Jeremiah 8:6

At ten minutes till noon, I grabbed my items and headed toward the check-out counter. I would be meeting Mark for lunch in ten minutes. So, using my time wisely, I decided to pick up a birthday present in 9.4 minutes.

Gift found ... check. 99 cent birthday card chosen ... check. Large bow to rest on top of the package ... check. Being sensitive to the other people around me ... nowhere to be found.

I remember seeing that there was only one person in line, giving me the extra push I needed to accelerate. Dodging the end display of cosmetics, racing past the magazine aisle, pushing forward toward the conveyor belt, I ignored the blur of folks heading in the same direction.

I cut them off at the pass.

Placing my items down, and positioning the long plastic separator, I felt a sense of I accomplishment, like I had won or something. But overshadowing the imaginary trophy, I felt a pinch of shame. Was getting in line first really worth looking like an insensitive fool? I guess in the moment, I had not given that any consideration. But now, I felt ashamed to be standing with myself.

The couple that I practically ran over, proceeded to move around me, and headed out the front door. Wow, they were not looking to pay for anything - they just probably wanted to avoid the maniac with the birthday gift!

Then the real pain struck. As my eyes followed my two victims, I saw not strangers, but people I know - from church. Ugh!

There are times when our sin reveals itself in the most unsuspecting places. There I was, minding my own business ... looking to bless both the recipient of the gift and my husband for not being late - and bam! I was hit with realization of my hidden selfishness.

The next day, I ran into the person and her son (not literally this time), and apologized for my actions. She gave me a puzzled look - she didn't even know what I was talking about. I had to chuckle. Maybe God's lesson was for my correction, not to feed my shame. Hmmm ...

I choose to share this tidbit with you today, because it was a memorable snapshot in my walk with the Lord. Dear friend, when your sin hits you upside the head (and if it hasn't yet, don't worry - it will), know that God is close by, ready to tidy up the mess you've made, to receive your apology and to make things right again.

The key? Repent and ask Him to ... He is more than willing.

Painful Tug

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot. - Ecclesiastes 3:1,2

She stands tall, she stands proud. A striking Queen Palm, positioned a little bit too close to our swimming pool (the hot-tub to be exact). Pieces of concrete patio are starting to lift, one sprinkler pipe broken. As much as I cringe with the thought, we simply have to let her go.

My husband and I wrestled with whether or not to save her. But $250 pretty much made the decision for us. Time to get the chainsaw ...

I thought about how God will sometimes have us pull a beautifully planted tree along our spiritual journey, and we find it hard to make any sense out of it. It looks great on the outside, moving gracefully as the wind catches its leaves. Providing shade from the sun and offering a perch for feathered friends. What could be so bad about that?

But oftentimes there are things below the surface, that have potential to cause harm. A tree that provided years of protection will suddenly become dangerous and a detriment to God's pool of Living Water. Is that because the tree has somehow become rotten? No. The tree is still the tree ... but over time it has simply grown too big for the spot in your heart.

What has God asked you to uproot lately? Do you harbor a secret sin? Maybe you find yourself in an unhealthy relationship, and you are starting to see the affects of broken communication. The Lord may be asking you to make a career change - your whole life purpose has taken on a new meaning.

Wherever you are, take heart my friend. If it is time to pull a giant weed in your life, take comfort in knowing that you won't have to pull it alone.

God's Word is full of powerful promises. Take hold of one - and tug.

Watchful

Today's devotion can be found at: http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/devotions/reese_watchful.aspx .

CBN.com published another one for me! Take a peek.

I appreciate everyone who visits this blog, you are a special part of my journey. I write every day, with you in mind.

Thanks for stopping by ...

Straight Path

Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. - Proverbs 4:26,27

To walk in integrity bears a great price. Choosing no to, costs us so much more.

I listened to an amazing sermon yesterday. Halfway across the country, Pastor Doug's voice landed on my heart through my iPod ear buds. It was the final part of a three-part series ... one that will alter my path forever.

The center of his message had to do with following the commands of God's Word -- "to a tee." He illustrated his point through the story of Adam and Eve in the garden. God's command not to eat of the tree got all twisted up through the interjection of the enemy. How often times that happens to me.

Some of the verses he touched on talked about how no unwholesome talk is to come out of your mouth ... if we ask anything in God's name it will be given to us ... God is able to make all grace about to you ... devote yourselves to prayer ...

I felt the Holy Spirit's conviction as I realized how loosely I hold these commands. No unwholesome talk? Did God really say that? Am I really to devote myself to prayer? Did God really say not to eat that piece of fruit?

The enemy is pretty sneaky.

I come to a place in my walk where I am called to rise up and take a stand. The mistakes of others, promises broken and unforgiveness has threatened to poison the one thing that matters most.

My relationship with God.

God's Word is the only solid step we have along this broken path called life. While many opportunities clamour for our attention, the narrow one is our only promise for peace.

Yes, God really did say that He loves you. Open the Bible - it is written and illustrated through Jesus, His Son.

You can bet your life on it.

Walk Free

Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. - Isaiah 50:10b

I was blessed to be able to attend two amazing services yesterday. I witnessed a funeral service for a dear woman who will be terribly missed by her family. And shortly after, I visited a going away service for a man entering the army.

One was a celebration of the end of a person's life, while the other was a celebration of the beginning of great things - yet both held striking similarities.

Tributes were given for both. Family and friends got up and shared stories and expressed deep emotion. Both ceremonies generated a lot of tears. There was something so sacred about being there, sharing the love, sorrow, joy and pain of two families who would be forever changed. My heart ached remembering some of my own pain.

Food and fellowship followed, and I thought about how dark the unknown can appear. Death leaves a lot of unanswered questions. Being commissioned out onto the battlefield does too. Darkness can threaten to strangle even the strongest of hearts.

But where our understanding ends, God's begins. The name of Jesus Christ was proclaimed twice yesterday, bringing hope to hearts that were broken into a million pieces.

He really can be trusted, even in our darkest hour.

Whatever that next step might be for you today ... I charge you with this thought. Walk free. Taking that next step might be difficult, but you can rest knowing that you will never tread alone.

Jesus lives.