From the Heart of Dixie.....

The Journals

2011-12-30T21:31:00.001-08:00

Januaryopened her journal and began to jot down her New Year’s resolutions: Attend church faithfully!

June opened her journal and wrote down the happenings of the week: Family’s here from up north. I was unable toattend church this month. Went boating with family. God understands. He knowsthat family is very important!

December opened her journal and scribbled down her thoughts for the past year: I can’t believe it! I went to church todayand someone came up and asked me if I would fill out a visitor’s card! I knowI’ve missed a few Sundays, but who do they think they are?

January opened her journal and jotted down her dreams for the coming year: Lord, I’m willing to be used however You seefit. Put me where You need me, Master!

June opened her journal and wrote down what happened that week: Pastor Paul asked me if I would help in thenursery at church. Now, that takes a lot of gall! Doesn’t he know that I am waytoo educated to be wiping noses and bottoms? I think the mothers of all thosepossessed urchins should take care of their own little monsters. That’s what’swrong with mothers today. They expect others to do their dirty work. They don’twant to take care of their own. What’s the world coming to?

December opened her journal and scribbled down her thoughts for the past year: I am so sick and tired of Pastor Paul askingfor volunteers at the church. I guess I need to type up a resume of jobs I willnot do—I refuse to work in the nursery, teach Sunday school, clean the church,or visit the sick. I don’t want to catch anything. Why, can’t Pastor Paul seehow valuable I am? What I would love to do is be in charge of a seminar. Ohyes, I could be up front and teach others about “servanthood.” Our church needsmore servants.

January opened up her journal and began to jot down her goals for the New Year:Give above and beyond my tithe this year!

June opened up her journal and penciled in the budget for the week: The economy has plummeted. Everything costs so much—Libby’s braces,Rachel’s college, health insurance! God gave me this great job to meet myneeds. I know He’ll understand if I can’t give anything this week.

December opened up her journal and penned these words: The church treasurer gave us our yearly financial receipts for taxpurposes. This can’t be right. According to this report I only gave God mypocket change. This sure doesn’t help me get much of a tax break!

January opened up her journal and jotted down her expectations for the next fewmonths: Forgive those who have offendedme!

June opened up her journal and began jotting down her thoughts: Who on earth does Lillie Williams think sheis? Just because she inherited all those millions, she thinks she can just bosseverybody around. Who died and made her queen?

December opened her journal groaning and moaning as she wrote: I cooked Lillie Williams’ goose today. I’veinformed all the ladies at Bible study about her ulterior motives in giving allthat money to the church. She thinks I don’t know what she is up to. She’llprobably want the church named after her. I can see it now: Lillie’s ChristianCenter! It’s a good thing God has made me so discerning so I can warn thepastor about her. He is so gullible, always believing the best in people.

**

January slipped inside the sanctuary. She sat on the back pew between Decemberand June.

“You guys, I read your journals.” January gasped, “I couldn’t believe my eyes!”

“We read yours, too, January.” June replied as December nodded, “Let’s face itwe’re all a mess!”

“Pastor Paul said that’s why God sent us a “Mess-iah” to help us get out of ourmess. We need some major help.” December grinned.

“Let’sget it right this time.” January pleaded.

December agreed. “Yeah, I’m tired of coming up short at the end of the year.”

June nodded. “Me too. I’m tired of spiritual summer slumps.”

“And I’m tired of end of the year burn out.” December cried.

January put her arms around her two companions and chuckled, “Time for a grouphug.”

They all chimed together at the top of their voices in unison, “We must stayclose to Jesus and not allow the devil to add pollution to our New Year'sresolutions!”

The Bag that Faith Built

2011-12-14T18:47:00.000-08:00

We live in an exciting era. Technology makes it possible for our story to go around the world in the click of a mouse.

I always encourage my writing friends to blog. The more we write, the better writers we will become, and blogging is an excellent writing exercise. Not only will we hone our writing skills, but God may use our words to inspire others.

Last week, our oldest daughter, Rachel, shared about her ectopic pregnancy on her blog. She and her husband were devastated when they lost their first child. Rachel doesn’t claim to be a “writer.” She’s just a young wife and mother sharing on her blog how God has been faithful to her. Her words brought comfort to many other women who read her blog and are facing their own difficulties. Rachel’s blog is a perfect example of how God can use our story to encourage someone.
I felt I was to share Rachel’s story with you today. I hope it will ignite the writing fire in you. So without further adieu, I would like to introduce you to our firstborn, Rachel Michelle Phillips Nolt.

The Bag that Faith Built

The year was 2008. I was at this dark place. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t rainbows. In fact, it was hard and yucky. There was pain like I had never experienced before. And I was crawling through it. Hardly holding on, struggling for each breath.

And then God sent my sister, Beka. We went out to eat, and while we were there she told me we were going to Wal-Mart, right across the street from where we were eating. Beka isn’t a Wal-Mart person so I really didn’t know what we were doing. We walked inside and she told me her plan. “We’re heading to the baby department and picking out a diaper bag. We’re going to fill it with baby clothes for your future baby.”

I raised my eyebrows and resisted her instructions. “I don’t know, Beka.”

She spoke in soothing tones. “Rachel, this is going to be your “faith bag.” Every time you see it, you’ll be reminded of hope for the future.”

Sounds fun, right? I’m not going to lie. It was hard. I was in excruciating emotional pain. And the pain didn’t ease as I went through the motions and picked out a bag. But then I chose two blue newborn outfits, and I felt my heart heal a little bit. A seed was planted, but when I got home I hid the bag. I couldn’t put the outfits in a cute dresser drawer and get excited for the growing baby inside my womb. Mine was gone . . . taken from me before I knew if my baby was a boy or girl. Gone before I ever held my little one in my arms. I was at a loss.

Months went by and I didn’t look at the bag. I forgot about it and walked through depression I had never experienced before. Months passed and I hadn’t conceived. Everyone else was having a baby, but my womb was empty, painfully empty.

Finally, nine long months later, I was pregnant. I dug out the bag from the bottom of my closet. When I opened it, I wept. In my faith bag were the two winter newborn outfits. And here I was, pregnant with a little one who would need newborn winter outfits.

Easton Paul was born and fit perfectly in his little “faith” outfit. Every time he wore the outfit, I was reminded how God turned my sorrow into joy. Not only was my baby boy growing, but my faith was growing as well.

Seventeen months after Easton’s birth came Lincoln Hunter. Joy filled my heart when I stuffed our ten pound newborn baby boy in the “faith” outfit.

In the last few weeks, I’ve been thinking about that little outfit and how it will be a keepsake and reminder of God’s faithfulness. God used my “faith” bag to build faith in me. As I look back, I realize the first time I picked out the outfit a healing process began. I didn’t realize it completely because I was in so much pain. But slowly, ever so slowly, that little seed of faith was growing. But sometimes faith has a way of staying hidden and quiet. It shows itself at times and hides when you think it’s completely lost.

With Easton Paul, my faith was growing. I still had fears and sorrow, but my faith was stronger.

Then when I saw Lincoln wear the little outfit, something in my heart screamed, “I’m free!”

Will trials come? Yep. Do I want them to? Nope. They are not fun. But I know my Redeemer lives.
And He works when we don’t think He is working. He’s planting tiny seeds of faith in our lives. We can trust Him fully because He is wholly true.

So if you are facing sorrow today, go out and buy yourself a bag and fill it full of faith.
Years later, your heart will sing! Great is His faithfulness!

The babies in the faith outfit . . .

: Lincoln Hunter

Easton Paul

Write On

2011-12-08T22:08:00.001-08:00

I will never forget a little poem I learned many years ago.

Two natures lie within my breast.
One is foul and one is blessed.
One I love and one I hate.
The one I feed will dominate.

At the first reading of this thought-provoking poem, we could think of many fleshly desires we might feed on that would take us for a walk down the darker side of life, but I want to visit with those of you who feel called to write in small and big ways, but insecurity and fear of failure have kept you from wielding your pen for Jesus.

Satan will make a punching bag out of anyone who will entertain his lies. Here are a few of his tormenting thoughts that can hinder you from writing for the Lord.

Who do you think you are? You can’t write. You have no education.

Nobody wants to hear what you have to say.

Stop dreaming. God will never allow your dreams to come true.

If we “feed” these negative thoughts, they will dominate and we will never write for the Lord.

I would like to take the time to dispel some of Satan’s myths.

Who do you think you are? You can’t write. You have no education.

”I am a child of the living God.” The Bible doesn’t say we have to be proficient in writing to share what the Lord has done for us. Most of the disciples were uneducated and unlearned men, but Jesus chose them and used them to turn the world upside down.

Nobody wants to hear what you have to say.

Satan is the one who doesn’t want to hear what you have to share. He doesn’t want to hear how the Lord has touched your life. He is the one who wants to give you a fatal case of “lockjaw.” Jesus wants you to “go and tell”what He has done for you. So others can come to know Him too.

Stop dreaming. God will never allow your dreams to come true.

It’s true that sometimes our dreams can be full of selfish ambition. God has His ways of giving us a reality check when that happens, but there are other times when, like Joseph, God births a dream inside of us. He has adivine plan and purpose for those dreams to come true. Don’t be afraid to dream big for Jesus.

There are numerous ways we can write for the Lord. We don’t have to write a novel or text book. Let’s look at some of the ways God could use us.

Are you a Deborah with a gift of wisdom for counseling? Share your wisdom in a blog, short story, or letter to a friend.

Maybe God has raised you up like Daniel and He wants to have you take a firm stand and write letters to the editor of your local newspaper or politicians. Let God use your words so right can win over might!

Are you like Mary and Martha with a gift of organization or hospitality? Share your recipes and creative ideas with others. Simple tips can help make life better for others.

Are you a David with songs welling up in your heart? Keep a journal of those songs. Share them at a nursing home or with your church. Your song can minister to a hurting soul.

May we never forget that God gave a “little” Jesus to a hurting world. Let’s give a “little” Jesus to someone today. Your story can make life sweeter for someone in a bitter trial. In Jesus’ name we write on!

Landmarks

2011-11-30T04:47:00.001-08:00

I am directionally challenged. I openly admit it. Take me to a new part of the country and I struggle to figure out north from south and east from west. I’ve learned to limp along with my “disability,” but I’ve also discovered if someone gives me a landmark I can usually find my way anywhere.

Did you know we have spiritual landmarks too? Defining moments in our lives that help us find our way through the darkest places of life.

In 2008, our family faced a crisis. My husband was dying. He needed a kidney transplant to live. Fear terrorized me. The “what ifs” plagued me until I found some “landmarks.” Many times it was the Word of God. Other times, the Holy Spirit spoke into the depths of my soul.

I would like to share one of my spiritual “landmarks” with you. I wrote this piece in the midst of the storm. I pray it helps someone groping in the night find their way.

Mary Was the First One to Carry the Gospel

“If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13 NIV

My husband has been battling chronic kidney failure for the past twenty-five years. It’s a silent killer and doesn’t have many symptoms until the final stages. This year the disease has progressed to a critical point, and in order to keep him alive, he will need to go on dialysis or have a kidney transplant in the very near future. Many unknowns loom on the horizon.

We have labored together for the Kingdom for 30 years. We met at East Texas Bible College in 1976, fell in love, and consecrated our marriage to the service of the Lord. We have served our present congregation for 26 years. It has been an amazing journey—carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We haven’t regretted a single mile.

Today we had our first visit with a dialysis nurse. “When the doctor sends you to me, it means he is expecting you to be on dialysis in the next twelve months.” The news was overwhelming. Fear gripped us. Once again all the “what ifs” swarmed our thoughts like bees to honey. The nurse was so compassionate and attempted to ease our anxieties by cramming our heads with as much information as she could. The distraction seemed to work, as she filled our laps with pamphlets, charts, and lab results to take home and study.

As we drove home, we tried to keep emotionally afloat by naming all the blessings in our lives. It worked for a few minutes, but then my husband’s cell phone rang. While he chatted, I peered out the window of our van. Scalding tears stung my eyes. I cried out to the Lord in the depths of my soul and tried not to let my husband know the anguish I was in. “He’s only 54 and he’s been so faithful, Lord. He’s such a humble servant of Yours.” I quietly wept and continued to pray, “We’ve done all we know to do. We’ve prayed for a healing, anointed him with oil, and called for the elders of the church just like Your Word teaches. Lord, where are you?”

Suddenly, a ray of hope pierced through the fog in my soul. Spirit ministers to spirit. I could see so clearly over two thousand years ago, an unknown peasant girl. The Holy Spirit whispered, “Mary was the first one to carry the Gospel.”

Thoughts of a simple carpenter named Joseph swirled in my head.

The Holy Spirit continued to minister to me. “I was faithful to this couple, who carried out my will, and I will be faithful to you too.”

At that moment Heaven changed earth. I felt God breathe hope into my hopeless soul. We carry the Gospel. The same God who watched over Mary and Joseph would watch over us.

I felt ashamed for doubting. “Forgive me, Lord. When will I ever learn?”

______

UPDATE: On June 12, 2008, our son gave his father the gift of life. Both father and son are doing well. Great is His faithfulness!

PROFESSIONAL PRAISERS

2011-11-23T16:18:00.001-08:00

May the Lord make each one of us “professional praisers” this Thanksgiving. Here is a little story to help "jumpstart" our Thanksgiving spirit.

Sir Gabriel’s trumpet blared up and down the golden streets of Beulah Land. Multitudes of people from every kindred shouted in unison, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive glory and honor forever and ever. Worthy is the Lamb upon His throne.”

As the corridors of Heaven rang with the praises of the redeemed, Sir Michael whispered to his friend, “Sir Gabriel, look at the white-robed throng! Isn’t it strange? No nation has a monopoly of saints here in Heaven and no tribe is unrepresented.”

Sir Gabriel smiled. “That’s right, Sir Michael. King El Shaddai has seen to it that all people can understand the greatest story ever told.”

Prince Emmanuel sat on His throne as the praise and worship filled the Celestial City. Zoe, a cherub, trotted towards Him, crawled on His lap, clutched His nail-scarred hand and gently kissed it. “Mama told me that the scars in Your hands are the only thing made by man that King El Shaddai would allow in Heaven.”

The beloved Prince patted her chocolate curls. “That’s right, Zoe. Your mother has taught you well.”

Zoe’s dark eyes darted as she scanned the masses. “Mama says the reason the people’s robes are so white and shining is because they have scrubbed them sparkling clean in the Blood of the Lamb and there’s nothing that can take dark spots out of a human soul like the Lamb’s Blood.”

Prince Emmanuel planted a kiss on the little angel’s head, as heavenly harmonies floated with crystal clarity. “Your mother is very wise.”

Zoe cooed, “She sure is! She said that the tiniest people on earth learn about the Lamb in their grandmother’s rocking chair. Did you know that, Prince Emmanuel?”

“I believe that is very true, Zoe.”

The smoke from the incense billowed around the holy court. Sir Gabriel shouted, “It’s the prayers of the saints. Pray on! Oh, Christians, pray on! Though your voice may be feeble, you have a High Priest who has been touched by your infirmities and He lives forever and makes intercession for you.”

Waves of spontaneous praise flooded the streets of the New Jerusalem.

“There’s just one thing I don’t understand, Prince Emmanuel.” Zoe crinkled her freckled nose. “Why can’t angels sing these beautiful songs?”

“Because, little one, these are songs that are reserved for only those who have been redeemed.”

“Oh, I get it.” Zoe cheered, “The redeemed are singing songs of praise to the Lamb, who rescued them.”

“Exactly!”

“And I know how they got so good at praising the Lamb, too.”

“And how is that?” Prince Emmanuel tilted his head slightly.

Zoe lifted her hands and squealed. “They praised the Lamb together in church every Sunday, week after week and year after year. They bowed their heads and thanked Him for His blessings day after day. With all that practice, they have become professional praisers!”

Prince Emmanuel chuckled. “Indeed they have, Zoe!”

“And they even have one day out of the year that they set aside to give thanks.” Zoe waved one finger in the air. “They call it Thanksgiving.”

“Very true.” Prince Emmanuel’s head bobbed. “And all of heaven is sweeter because of the praises of the saints.”

My Grandmother's Faith

2011-10-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

I have one more “Gramma” story I want to share with you today. I pray this true testimony of God’s touch on my grandmother’s life will strum on your heartstrings and jumpstart you to document your family’s amazing story.

My grandmother had only a fifth grade education, but she graduated valedictorian from the University of Adversity. She was the firstborn child of alcoholic parents. Some of the trauma she endured left gaping holes in her soul. Her deep inner pain caused her to cry out to God as a young wife and mother, and she discovered the power in prayer.

As a young child, I realized God had given my Grandma mountain-moving faith. When she prayed, God showed up. There is one memory etched in my mind’s eye I’d like to share with you today.

My mother, Bonnie, was Grandma's second child. She suffered with bouts of severe depression and had to be hospitalized on numerous occasions. After another suicide attempt, our family was summoned to the emergency room. Grandma quickly found a place to pray. She wasn't gone very long and had an unusual bounce in her step when she returned. “The Lord spoke to me today. He told me Bonnie will live and not die. She is going to play her violin for Jesus in church one day."

I didn’t say anything aloud, but thoughts were buzzing in my 11-year-old head. But Grandma, how will Mom ever play her violin in church when she doesn’t even attend church?
My thoughts were interrupted by the doctor’s stern voice. "I think we saved her this time, but one of these times she will get the job done. You need to prepare yourselves for what’s ahead."

Grandma, who was usually mild-mannered and polite, bolted from her chair. Pointing her crooked finger in his chest, she barked, "Now you listen to me, Doc. My girl is not going to die, but live and play her violin for Jesus in church."

An awkward silence enveloped the room. The doctor shook his head and made a hasty exit. “Religious nut! Mental illness must run in the family.”

Mom’s depression increased and there were more hospitalizations and suicide attempts. I often heard my grandmother reminding the Lord, “You promised I would see her play the violin for You.”

When I was 16, my mother met a retired pastor's wife who had battled crippling depression. This woman took a keen interest in my mother and tenderly led her into a loving relationship with Jesus.

Mom became a faithful member of a Bible-believing church. One Saturday she announced, "I've been invited to play my violin for special music in church."

Grandma let out a victory yelp and danced a jig. “I’m sitting on the front pew.”

I have been in fulltime ministry for more than thirty years. I've learned much from Bible college and ministry experiences, but it was watching my grandmother's life that taught me the most about the power of prayer. She gave me a sample, a living example, of how an ordinary woman with a simple faith in an extraordinary God can move mountains.

Grandma resides in heaven, but my precious mother is still living. She will soon be 80, and on special occasions still plays her violin for Jesus.

Get in Your "Write" Mind

2011-10-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

Great-Grandmother Ada Stillion

And then God answered: "Write this.
Write what you see.
Write it out in big block letters
so that it can be read on the run.” Habakkuk 2:2 MSG

Onmy past blogs, I have shared samples of some of the stories I have written formy family. After my grandmothers’ passing, I realized much of their legacywould be lost if someone didn’t document their stories. Thegreat-great-grandbabies being born now might never know how our family came toChrist. I wanted to document as much of it as I could.

I’dlike to point out that you don’t have to be a Karen Kingsbury to write yourfamily’s story. Just start writing. Don’t dwell too much on proper languagemechanics. Just get your story on paper. There are people with large gifts ofwriting who can help you bring your story to life. The main thing is for you to dust off yourkeyboard or pick up your pen and get busy writing. Your family will thank you.

Aftera loved one has died, I’ve never heard adult children say, “They wrote down toomany things. I don’t have time to read all the stories they jotted down.” But Ihave heard many of them say, “Oh, I wish I would have had my grandmother writedown that funny story or favorite recipe. Man, I’d give anything to ask Grandmaabout that!”

Youhave a story and even possibly a book inside you. Don’t listen to anyone oranything that tries to insinuate you are not smart enough! Time is marching on.Soon it will be too late. Begin today. Your family will be very thankful forthe gift you’ve left for them. Get in your “write” mind today.

Iwould like to share my great-grandmother’s testimony with you. Six generationshave been influenced for Jesus because of her choice to follow Christ. Onewoman, one choice, and six generations! Amazing, isn’t it? I hope you enjoy thestory of my great-grandmother Ada Stillion.

OneWoman, One Choice, Six Generations

Adapoured the last few drops of the bottle of rubbing alcohol into her cup ofcoffee. Taking a big gulp, she growled at her husband, “Ed, we're out ofmoonshine, and I've used the last of my rubbing alcohol to stop these tremors!”

Edward hissed back, “Addie, you best get on down to your brother Mel's houseand get us some more brew. We're low on cash, and if we could do somebootlegging, it might help get us caught up.”

Ada's brother lived in Metropolis, Illinois, eight hours away from the smalltown in Iowa where Ada’s family lived. Every few months Ada and her daughter,Nettie, would take a trip to load up on some of Kentucky’s white lightning.They would bring some home and sell most of it to their kinfolks, who wereslaves to whiskey too, but this trip God had something else planned forforty-five-year-old Ada Stillion, something that would change her life forever.

“Mel, it's so good to see you!” Ada cooed as she hugged her older brother.

“Ada!” Mel exclaimed. “So much has happened to my family since we last sawyou.”

“You got any good whiskey?” Ada asked. “I'm spitting cotton. Let's sit down andhave a stiff drink and then you can tell me all about it.”

“Addie, I don't drink anymore.” Mel shook his head. “You'll find no whiskey inour house! I've met Jesus!”

Ada shot back, “Are you trying to tell me that you done got religion?”

“No, Addie! I met Jesus.” Mel reached for his sister’s hand. “Tonight we'rehaving revival meetings at our church. Oh, Addie, you've just got to come. Ihave found what we've been searching for.”

“Church? You want me to go to church?” Ada’s eyebrows stood at attention. “Iain’t never been to church in my life!”

Nettie stiffened and poked her elbow in Ada’s side. “Ma and me are going toKentucky tonight. We've got some important business to tend to. Don't we, Ma?”

Mel's moist eyes met Ada's. “Please come. You’ll find what we’ve been lookingfor our whole lives.”

“Well,I guess going to one church service ain't gonna kill us,” Ada chuckled. “Whattime should we be ready?”

“Seven o’clock sharp!” Mel let out a whoop.

*****
“Listen to that beautiful singing!” Ada motioned for Nettie to sit on the backpew. “Have you ever heard such singing?”

Nettiesnarled, “Don’t know why they are singing about blood. That’s kind of gory, don’tyou think, Ma?”

Adapressed her finger to her lips. “Shhhhh. Listen!”

What can wash away mysin?
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus!
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus!

Ada sat mesmerized by what she heard and felt.

Afterthe singing a minister stood behind the pulpit. “We all are sinners and need aSavior.”

Ada had flashbacks of her daughters and how alcohol had robbed them of a decentchildhood.

The pastor invited all who wanted their sins forgiven to come forward and kneelat the altar. Ada stood to her feet, walked down the aisle, and knelt at thealtar. The minister prayed with her and then asked her if she would like topray.

Tears poured down Ada’s cheeks. She called outto God for the first time in her life. “Lord, forgive me of my sins and make meworthy to be called mother.”

WhenAda stood to her feet, she knew she was a new creature in Christ. Old thingshad passed away and all things were new!

“Nettie, we aren’t going to Kentucky to buy any whiskey!” The trip to Kentuckywas canceled. Ada never touched another drop of liquor the rest of her days. Shelived to be ninety-two years old and shared her salvation experience withanyone who would listen.

AdaStillion was my great-grandmother. Her decision to follow Christ has impactedsix generations. She followed the Lord. Her daughter accepted Jesus. Her granddaughterinvited the Lord into her heart. Her great-granddaughter committed her life toJesus. Her great-great-granddaughter dedicated her heart and life to the Lord,and even Ada’s great-great-great granddaughter has given her life to Christ.

Great-Grandmothercould have left our family a legacy of alcoholism and abuse; instead she leftus a legacy of God's amazing love. God answered her prayer and made her worthyto be called Mother. In fact, He made her a spiritual mother of many.

Moses Was a Basket Case

2011-10-11T04:26:00.000-07:00

Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile….” Exodus 1:22 NIV

I love the biblical account of an infant boy named Moses. Satan conjured up a plan to kill him, but God was watching over the little guy. Jehovah gave Moses’ mother a creative plan to save her baby’s life. She built a basket made out of bulrushes and coated it with pitch.

When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. Exodus 2:2-4 NIV

Even though Moses was a “basket case,” he grew into a mighty man of God and was handpicked by Jehovah to deliver the Israelites from the land of bondage.

My husband and I have been in fulltime ministry for more than 30 years. We have seen firsthand the enemy sabotage ministries in their infancy. We’ve stood in the gap with those God has called for a heavenly assignment and rejoiced with those who fulfill their divine destiny, but our hearts have broken when we watched others allow the wicked one to snuff out a brand new ministry God had called them to.

I would like to speak directly to those of you who sense the Lord is calling you to “birth” a new ministry, whether it is writing, singing, pastoring, or something else the Lord has laid upon your heart.

Always ask God for wisdom as you begin this new chapter in your life.
Never lean on your own understanding. It doesn’t matter how smart and experienced you may think you are, in your natural fleshly nature you are no match for the devil.
Never be shocked by the enemy’s tactics. Remember his goal is to kill every newborn ministry.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV

Don't let the enemy destroy what God is “birthing” in your life and ministry. Remember the story of Moses. May God use you to lead souls out of bondage.

Write About Now

2011-08-31T04:16:00.000-07:00

I will never forget my sixth grade teacher, Miss Schmitz. She instilled in me a love for reading with expression, writing intriguing stories, and neatness in penmanship. I would spend hours practicing cursive, trying my best to make the perfect capital J so my paper could be displayed on the coveted bulletin board at the front of the class.

There were no computers in my elementary school. My creative writing education was pushing my #2 pencil or blue ink pen on a piece of wide-lined notebook paper.

Times have changed. Most children know more about computers, text messaging, cell phones, instant messaging, and e-mail than the adults in their lives. There is a down side to all this technology. Children are lagging behind in writing skills because they aren’t writing enough.

I am a new grandmother of soon-to-be four grandchildren. (Our fourth grandchild is due September 17.) I love technology, and I don’t want to go back in time, but I do want our grandkids to have a good grip on the basics of reading and writing. I hope to whet the writing appetite of the wee ones in my life with a few simple inexpensive exercises. Maybe my ideas will encourage your child’s love for writing, too.

Chalk—There’s nothing like a fresh batch of sidewalk chalk to get a child’s creative juices flowing. Have fun with them as they write their name, a silly poem, story, or song on your driveway or sidewalk.
Menus—With a little imagination, a simple spiral notebook can easily become a menu. Let the child write out their favorite meal and also take supper orders with their new tablet. Be sure to leave a tip!

Grocery Lists—Allow your child to have an active role in grocery shopping by writing their favorite foods on the list every week.

Notes—Encourage your child to write a note of appreciation to a local businessperson, relative, friend, or lonely senior citizen. Be sure to take the time to teach them how to properly address the envelope too.
Scrapbooking—Introduce your child to scrapbooking. Colorful markers or colored pencils can make writing titles and dates in their scrapbooks more inviting and spur more interest.

Reporter—Some children can be reluctant readers and writers, but if you tap into their interests, they will thrive. For instance, if a boy enjoys sports, read a magazine, book, or newspaper article about their favorite sports figure. Then encourage him to write an article of his own.
As you affirm your children’s writing adventures, they will grow and develop as a writer. Be careful not to over correct. Remember the only way they will become a better writer is to write! Write! Write! All the words don’t have to be spelled correctly or the letters formed perfectly. This will come with practice.

So what are you waiting for? Go find the little ones in your life and write about now!

God Makes Lemonade

2011-08-24T19:53:00.000-07:00

I received my ten free copies of God Makes Lemonade. This inspirational collection includes a story about my father-in-law's POW experience.

My father-in-law Orville "Drake" Phillips is the soldier on the right.

I've read a few of the stories and been inspired by the true stories from everyday folks who discover unexpected sweetness in the midst of sour circumstances.

About Me

2011-08-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

For my blog today, I thought I would share a little bit about myself. I’m hoping after you read this, you’ll feel as if you know me a little better.

Tidbit Trivia about Me

I have been a pastor’s wife for more than 30 years. My husband, Paul, and I have four married children, two grandsons, one granddaughter, and another grandson expected to arrive in September.

My husband and I are the promoters of a two-day, all-day southern gospel sing. Over 30 groups from various states come to our little town in Floyd, Iowa.

I enjoy penning inspirational gospel songs.We have been honored to serve the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Floyd, Iowa, for 30 years and Lighthouse Academy for 23 years.Our son John gave his daddy a kidney on June 12, 2008. It was a defining moment in our lives. We realize more than ever before why today is called the “present.”

I love tea parties with my girlfriends and enjoy spending as much time as I can with my husband and family.

My Writing Journey

I have loved to write since I was a little girl, but I the first time I was paid to write was in the early ‘80s.

I am inspired by real people who stare adversity in the face, raise their shield of faith, and help others find their way safely through the landmines of life.

I was fortunate to have two godly grandmothers pour into my life as a little girl. They helped shape my small soul. I find my grandmothers’ influence in every story I write.

A Peek Behind the Scenes

My children’s story One Noble Journey is a story inspired from my own childhood experiences. My maternal grandmother lived in a poor neighborhood called Oak Park. Any of the property in this poverty-stricken location was considered of little value because the lowlands caused frequent flooding. Many who lived on high ground considered Oak Park to be a thorn in the side of their fair city, but this attitude didn’t faze Grandma. She had a heart oozing with God’s love and she was determined to help the neglected and forgotten children of Oak Park. Her home became a soup kitchen, barber shop, and homeless shelter. If anyone from her neighborhood had a problem, they knew they could count on Grandma to help them. She housed frightened children and battered wives. After many years of listening to various problems over a hot cup of coffee and a slice of her homemade pie, Grandma became a seasoned counselor. Most people understood her mission, but there were some folks who were prejudiced against her simply because of where she lived. In my children’s book One Noble Journey, the timeless truths I learned from my grandmother’s life are woven throughout the story.

Two cultures collide in the tiny village of Westbury, when an orphan girl from the lowlands, the daughter of a Count from the highlands, and a baby raccoon become friends. One Noble Journey is utterly compelling, highlighting the negative power of prejudice and the positive power of God’s love and acceptance.

Why I Write for Children

I enjoy helping shape small souls for Jesus and transplanting smiles on the faces of children.

Where can readers purchase a copy of my books?

Autographed copies of my bookscan be purchased directly from me by emailing me at Phillips4Him@omnitelcom.com or you can order my books at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, and www.guardianangelpublishing.com.

Future Stories

I plan to continue writing stories that shape small souls for Jesus. I believe the seeds of influence from my books will live longer than I do and produce a harvest of wisdom and help ignite a vibrant faith in the heart of child, which will change a generation and time my eyes will never see.

Angel Eyes Wins

2011-08-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

Angel Eyes

wins the 2011 Global Ebook Award in the Children's Christian category.

Thank you, Lord, for your blessings!

Marketing Tools

2011-08-15T19:47:00.001-07:00

Finally, after months of rewrites and tweaks your book has been submitted and printed. The hard part appears to be over, but there’s still more work to do. Knowing how to market your book is just as important as writing it. I’ve created a checklist to simplify the job for you.

1. Start blogging now. Post articles about your writing journey and the cover picture of your book.

2. People love contests! Have one on your blog. Give away one copy of your book. Have a drawing for those who leave a comment. Inform your followers about where they can order or learn more about your book.

3. Write articles for e-zines or periodicals. Mention your book in the byline.

4. Build a website and let your presence be known. If you are not computer savvy, hire someone who can design the site for you. In today’s high-tech culture, a website is a must.

5. Set up book signings at local libraries or bookstores. Meet people face to face and promote your book up close and personal. Your fan base will grow. There’s no substitute for meeting an author in person.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If your book is published by a traditional publisher, they usually have a marketing plan in place for you. Most self-publishers have a creative marketing plan are available for a fee. If your niche isn’t marketing, seriously considering hiring someone to promote your book for you.
Hope this helps you improve your marketing and build a platform so you can sell more of your books.

Global E-Book Awards

2011-08-12T22:04:00.001-07:00

I received an e-mail today informing me that my children's book "ANGEL EYES" is a finalist in the Global E-book competition.

Winners will be announced August 20th.

The Invisible One

2011-08-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

“He persevered because he saw him who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:27 (NIV)

This Scripture has been a tremendous blessing to me and impacted my writing journey. In the life of every Christian writer, we keep pushing our pen because we have seen and been forever changed by the invisible One. As we look upon His face and spend time in His presence, we realize this truth—Only those who see the invisible can do the impossible!

Where were you the first time you caught a glimpse of the invisible One?

When did you sense God calling you to write?

Do you remember the first time someone was ministered to by something you’ve written?
One of my favorite Old Testament Bible stories is Elisha and the floating axe-head. Do you remember how the axe-head slipped off the handle, fell into the deep water, and would have been gone forever, but a man of God prayed and miraculously the axe-head floated to the top.

Broken spirits are heavier than iron axe-heads, but when one tiny sliver of Calvary's cross is inserted into a bleeding heart, the hemorrhaging stops and they rise with resurrection life and beat again. God wants to use your story to be that “tiny healing sliver” from Calvary’s cross.

Whether we are writing for children or adults, God wants to use our stories to change the world one soul at a time. Keep sowing those seeds and pushing your pen. Remember the invisible One is watching and if you listen you might hear Him clapping His nail-scarred hands just for you.

A Wise Old Owl

2011-08-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

I love to write for children, but I also enjoy writing inspirational pieces that help encourage and mend broken hearts. The following is a devotional I wrote just before our son gave his daddy the gift of life on June 12, 2008. On Father’s Day weekend in ’08, my husband had a kidney transplant. Our only son John saved his daddy’s life.
__________

A few years ago I heard our son’s voice calling, “Mom, come quick! You’ve got to see this.”

I stumbled down the narrow hallway, anxious to discover what he was so excited about. There in our neighbor’s yard in broad daylight was a barred owl sitting on a mound of freshly fallen snow.

“Isn’t she beautiful?” John pointed at the frightened bird.

I nodded my head as we walked towards our fine-feathered friend. She was in distress and wildly flapping her wings. It was obvious that one wing was broken and she needed help. My husband called our local Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and explained the situation. “The owl is wounded and needs medical attention.”

“We are just swamped, Reverend Phillips. It will be a few hours before we can get there.”

We watched as the owl fidgeted and fluttered to get to a safe place. After a long struggle, she nestled down under a pickup topper. Throughout the day we could hear her screeching. Our son plugged his ears. “She sounds like a newborn baby crying for her mother.”

Hours later, the conservation officer arrived. “I forgot my net, but I have a burlap bag I might be able to catch her with.”

We inched our way to the frightened bird. The officer spoke softly and tossed a burlap sack over the owl. I marveled the bird showed no sign of resistance. No wings flapping and no screeching. What shocked me the most was she made no attempt to fly away! She sat very still and almost seemed to know the officer was there to rescue her.

At that time, our family was facing a crisis of their own. My husband had been diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure and needed a kidney transplant to survive. We had “flapped” and “screeched” hoping to change the situation, but all our anxiety and fearful thoughts only caused our stress levels to spiral out of control.

Who would have thought God could speak peace to the storm raging in my soul through an owl.

“Lord, I give the future to you.” I prayed.

Throughout the rest of the week, when I was tempted to “flit and flutter,” and become restless in my spirit, I remembered the placid owl. As I prayed, I sensed His peace and knew He was throwing His mantle of mercy over our family.

Maybe you are anxious about a storm you are facing. Today allow the Holy Spirit to calm the storm in your soul and throw His mantle of mercy over you. You’ll never be sorry.

Wary Writer Syndrome

2011-07-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

From the time I was a little girl, I remember hearing adults speak about ways to encourage reluctant readers to fall in love with books. Times really haven’t changed much. People are still trying to inspire children to read.

Today I’m not going to talk about reluctant readers, but a disorder that is just as crippling—Wary Writer Syndrome! My hope today is to inspire someone reading this post to pick up your pen and start writing the stories God has placed within you.

I’ve suffered from the dreaded Wary Writer Syndrome myself from time to time, and have met some of the most talented and amazing writers, who suddenly stop writing because they were plagued with this dreaded bug. Their writing dreams were snuffed out in an instant because they succumbed to Wary Writer Syndrome.

Whatever you do, don’t stop writing! The way to become a better writer is to write, rewrite, write again, and then write some more.

Wary Writer Syndrome is self-destructive and a type of self-sabotage. The battlefield is in our minds. Inferiority and insecurity, if left unchecked, have the power to end a writing career before it begins.

Here are a few tips to help you stay on the “write” track:

• Pray and ask the Lord to enlarge your writing territory. Ask for His blessings as you sow seeds of hope in your stories. Then start writing the pieces as He directs and prepare for a harvest.

• Don’t compare yourself with others. There will always be more talented writers and there will be less gifted ones. You’ll suffer with a deflated ego or an inflated one. It’s best to just be yourself and write from your heart the stories God has given you.

• Keep honing your writing skills. Never lose a humble, teachable spirit. Remember our wise heavenly Father exalts the humble.

• Prepare for publication. Develop as a writer and submit your best writing to publishers. There will come a day when all your “preparation” will meet “opportunity.” When that day comes, you will be ready and thankful you didn’t give up and succumb to Wary Writer Syndrome.

So what are you waiting for? Dust off the cobwebs from your favorite writing corner. Pick up your pen or fire up your computer and start writing today.

Shaping Small Souls

2011-07-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Since becoming a children’s author, I’ve often heard, “Writing for children is much easier than writing for adults. Right?” I smile, shake my head, and do my best to dispel the commonly believed myth.

Children are bright, witty, and love a good story, but successful children’s stories don’t just happen. They must be crafted well. I’ll leave the intricate details of plot, subplot, conflict, structure, voice, characterization, dialogue, and point-of-view to the experts, but what I’d like to inspire you with today is simple ways to keep your creative juices flowing and stop “writer’s block” from camping out at your place. I’ve tucked some tips I’ve learned on my writing journey in this simple acrostic—C.H.I.L.D.R.E.N.

C.H.I.L.D.R.E.N.

C—Cherish childhood memories. Reminisce often. Take long strolls down Memory Lane. Draw from those stories and write about authentic, believable, and loveable characters.

H—Hone your craft. Join a writing critique group. Attend a writers’ conference. Allow seasoned writers to mentor you and influence your writing. Be patient and never stop learning.

I—Interact with children. Familiarize yourself with what issues children face. Observe their dialogue and actions when you immerse yourself in their world.

L—Learn the art of revision. After you feel your manuscript is finished, set it aside and come back later. Revision is your best writing buddy and will make your manuscript crisp and concise.

D—Develop an objective mindset toward your manuscript. This simple attitude adjustment will help you become a better writer and separate you from the pack of other writers.

R—Remember what it’s like to be a child. Don’t talk down to the little ones in your world. Speak on their level. Children are like wet cement and your stories are shaping their small souls.

E—Enjoy the ride. Don’t get all stressed out over your manuscript. If you have fun writing, it will show in the stories you write. Remember your story has the power to transplant a smile on the face of a hurting child and sow seeds in his or her small soul.

N—No egos allowed. Many writers feel their story is perfect just the way it is. This attitude will stunt your growth as a children’s writer. To become a better writer, you must leave your ego at the door and allow other writers to help sharpen your writing skills. You’ll be glad you did.

Get busy writing for little ones today! They need your amazing story.

The Son in My Eyes

2011-07-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

Did you ever play the sing-along-song-game, “Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?”

Do you remember the question and reply? “Who me? Couldn’t be!”
That’s how I sometimes feel I should answer when I am asked, “Are you a children’s author?”

I have to be honest and admit I never set out to be a children’s author, but God had different plans. I am living proof that God can use anybody and make them what they never dreamed they could be.

When I was around eight years old, I visited my paternal grandmother. I told her about a missionary story I heard at Sunday school. Grandma disappeared into her utility room and came back with a few sheets of typing paper stapled together and said, “Go write your own missionary story.”

A title flashed in my head and I scribbled it down on the front page—Mae Sue’s God. I wrote about an oriental woman, who worshipped idols and then heard of God’s love for her. Soon she came into a personal relationship with Jesus and destroyed all of her false gods. I even found a box of crayons and illustrated my tiny booklet.

Little did my grandmother know when she read every page and affirmed my efforts, she was helping mold me and whet my writing appetite.

Forty-four years later, I was hired to write a biography about a Vietnamese Buddhist woman who had a life changing encounter with Jesus Christ. (Mai Spencer’s book The Son in My Eyes was released in June.) Although Mai’s book was not for children, the proceeds from book sales go to some poor children in Vietnam.

When people ask me how they can write for the Lord. I encourage them to give their “writing” lunch to Jesus and watch it multiply. He has bigger dreams for us than we could ever dream for ourselves.

Global eBook Nomination for Three of My Children's Books

2011-06-30T21:08:00.001-07:00

The Rose Wore the Thorns

2011-06-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

I enjoy writing song lyrics. Here is one. Hope it blesses you.
Dixie

The Rose Wore the Thorns

In Eden’s Paradise the roses always bloomed
Until a curse was cast and every soul was doomed.
Thorns choked the roses and spread throughout the land.
But from the beginning God had a perfect plan.

In Gethsemane, Sharon’s Rose wept alone.
A bittersweet fragrance floated up before God’s throne.
A kiss of betrayal, forsaken and scorned.
The perfect Rose stood faultless among the thorns.

From Calvary, bruised petals covered the earth.
Sharon’s broken Rose broke sin’s dreadful curse
Crimson water flowed from His feet and hands.
Would Sharon’s suffering Rose ever bloom again?

In a borrowed tomb, they laid a wilted Rose,
By a miracle of grace, the Rose began to grow.
Defying death, the flower blooms again,
And can be planted in the souls of believing men.

The Rose wore the thorns so I could wear a crown.
The Rose bore the cross so I could stand on holy ground.
Trampled by the feet of men
The Rose lives and blooms again.
Heaven helped us all the day the Rose wore the thorns.
Yes, Heaven helped us all the day the Rose wore the thorns.

The Champion

2011-06-16T21:17:00.001-07:00

On October 27, 1980, my husband and I were overjoyed at the birth of our second child. John Drake Phillips weighed in at 8 pounds 10 ounces and was born with a black eye – our “heavyweight fighter” we joked. Ironically, in just a few days our little champion faced a fight for his life.

Baby John awoke the morning of his two-week birthday in distress. He was whimpering like a sick puppy, so I went to his crib to see what was wrong. I couldn't get him to open his eyes.

Picking him up, I tried to get him to nurse, without success. The entire time his eyes were tightly closed and he continued his high-pitched whine. I rushed him to the doctor’s office where I was advised go immediately to the hospital. Our baby was admitted. My husband and I were in shock. What happened? How did our healthy son get so sick?

After several tests, a pediatrician met with us. He was very somber as he gave the diagnosis: bacterial spinal meningitis. John could die.

The doctor said John probably picked up a bug in the delivery room that over the previous two weeks infiltrated his entire system. Our hearts raced and we felt like we were in the middle of a nightmare.

The doctor explained, “If John’s fever breaks, he might have a chance.”

Over the next twelve days, my husband and I took turns spending the night at the hospital. For days the fever continued to rage in John’s limp body. The evening of the seventh day I stood by his bed and whispered in his ear, “Don’t give up, Baby Boy. Don’t give up.” My spirit cried out to his, “Keep fighting, John. Daddy and Mommy love you so much.”

We were not allowed to hold John, but the nurses set up a cot and chair in his room for us. One night during my watch, a nurse turned the television to The 700 Club. A gospel group was singing Because He Lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby.
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days,

As they sang, I sensed the presence of God come into the room. I cried uncontrollably. As if the musicians were physically in the room with me, one of the singers stopped the song and said, "There's a newborn baby who is very sick in the hospital.”

I sat stunned. Could she be talking about our baby?
She continued, "The doctors told you that your baby might die, but God wants you to know that this sickness is not unto death. Your baby is going to live."

The group started singing again and finished the song. As they sang the final chorus, the peace of God devoured my anxieties, and I knew John was going to live. I knew God was going to heal our son.

I felt John’s forehead. He still had a high fever, but I raised my hands to Heaven anyway and thanked God for healing our son. I knew God was granting a miracle to our family. In the middle of the night John's fever broke.

"John has had a dangerously high fever several days.” The doctor said the next morning. “He is going to live, but he might have brain damage."

Amazingly, my heart stayed peaceful at the announcement. No fear, no what ifs terrorized my soul. I had experienced a visit from Heaven, and I knew that John was going to be OK. A few days later we took our baby boy home completely whole.

Twenty-six years have passed, and we still reminisce about the day Jesus visited our baby the hospital room and healed him. We are convinced that without God’s supernatural touch from Heaven, our little boy wouldn't have had a fighting chance – even though he was born with a black eye.

Global E-Book Nomination

2011-06-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

Not So Desperate Pastors' Wives

2011-06-02T06:18:00.000-07:00

Meet my beautiful sister-in-law Sharon Phillips..... She's the tall beauty on the left......

Sharon is a pastor's wife, too. She is married to my husband's baby brother Don. They have faithfully served the congregation of Calvary Baptist Church in Camden, Arkansas, for almost 30 years.

As most of you know, Paul and I have been honored to serve the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Floyd, Iowa, for 30 years.

But that's not the only similarities in our lives.... Here is some fun trivia to transplant a smile on your face.........

Guess what Sharon's maiden name is? FLOYD.....

And guess the name of the little village JESUS has called Paul and I to serve HIM? FLOYD..... **GRIN**

Are you seeing a connection here?

We were born the same year and have shared the same last name for more than 30 years. **TEE HEE**

Have you connected the dots yet?

Sharon's middle name begins with and L and so does mine. **Amazing... don't you think?**

Some people might consider Sharon and I desperate pastors' wives, but we don't. We can both testify that we don't regret a mile we have loved God and served His people.

Now that we're WEST OF FIFTY.... we've asked the Lord to help us FINISH STRONG for HIM.... With more years behind us than ahead of us, we've asked Him to use us in this season of life in a way that brings glory and honor to Him.

And HE PUT A SONG IN OUR HEARTS.......

We've both loved gospel music and realized early in our ministries the power of an anointed song, but the thought never crossed our minds to write a song together.

We've asked ourselves why it took us soooo long to join musical forces and the only answer we can come up with is because it wasn't GOD'S TIMING YET....

But a few months ago something shifted in our souls....... Sharon was praying in Arkansas and I was praying in Iowa. God heard our prayers. The Lord led Sharon to start www.tunemylyrics.com.

I sent her some lyrics and she tuned them. We gave our little "musical" lunch to JESUS and we have some very exciting news.

Drum roll please.....

Tada..........

Our song HOPE WAS CARVED IN A ROLLING STONE placed in the 2011 Singing News / Solid Gospel Songwriters Search. Woo Hoo!

We are humbled beyond words and very thankful for God's blessing in our lives.

Here is an article from Singing News about the contest.......

Nashville, TN - The 2011 Singing News / Solid Gospel Songwriters Search has concluded and the winners have been chosen. The two first place winners will have their songs recorded by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and Gordon Mote.

The First Place Winners, listed in alphabetical order are:

"Another Soldier" - written by David Pike - to be recorded by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

"When I Rise" - written by Boyd Hoops - to be recorded by Gordon Mote

The five Runners Up are listed below, in alphabetical order:

"Believe In Mercy, Trust in Grace" - Brian Bowers/Tara Williams

"He'll Be There" - Frances Barrier Bryant

"Hope Was Carved In A Rolling Stone" - Dixie and Sharon Phillips

"Lord It's The Journey" - Mark Hawkins

"When My Ship Comes In" - Brian Bowers and Tara Williams

Congratulations to everyone who submitted songs for the 2011 Singing News / Solid Gospel Songwriters Search. There were many great songs and the judges debated at length in deciding the winners. Many of the entries will be posted as MP3's on www.SingingNews.com for everyone to listen to.

Southern Gospel music, the music with an Eternal Difference, is alive and well, as evidenced by the many entries in this years Songwriters Search. Keep on writing folks!

Three New Children's Books Coming Soon

2011-05-31T07:31:00.001-07:00

Livia Maelyn Fox

2011-05-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I have experienced another FIRST..... I am a grandmother to our very first granddaughter and she is sooooo precious.

Livia weighed 7 pounds and 13 ounces. She was 20 1/4 inches long.
The Fox den just expanded.

Here is a picture of the happy mommy, daddy, big brother and newest Vixen.

There is a special photo of the first time MOMMY saw little Livia that still brings tears to my eyes. DADDY is looking on and has love in his eyes, too. Hope you enjoy a this little peek behind the scenes.

Divine Interruptions

2011-04-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

Last night at our mid-week Bible study I was blessed by the testimony of one of our church members. My husband had asked if anyone would like to share about something God had done for them.

"I have something I'd like to share." One of our newest members spoke up.
"Not too long ago, my hours were cut at work and I was really bummed. I didn't understand why God allowed this to happen. I was a good bookkeeper and took pride in my work. After talking to the Lord about it, I realized I had to trust Him. Little by little I was given more hours here and there in another department. Then one day it was discovered the bookkeeper I had been working with was embezzling funds. If I had kept my same position, I could have been accused of stealing, even though I was innocent. Instead my work has called me back as a fulltime bookkeeper."

The entire congregation sat stunned. We all had been in her shoes at some point in our lives when we didn't understand why God allowed "bad" things to happen to us or why He chooses to give us a "DIVINE INTERRUPTION!" Hearing her story with a FULL CIRCLE moment was very refreshing. God is always at work behind the scenes for us. His Word is true. We do walk by faith and not by sight.

Tornado

2011-04-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

ABOVE PICTURE: That's my elementary school, the stone building on the far right.

BELOW PICTURE: McKinley School on the left.

>

The older I get the more I enjoy taking long strolls down Memory Lane. This past week I heard about tornadoes in North Carolina where my oldest brother and his family live. Somehow it reminded me of the twister that demolished our little Iowa community back in 1968. I was in fifth grade at McKinley Elementary School. Because of some family problems, I was living with my paternal grandparents on their farm. My two older brothers, Bob and Ken, were living at our parents' home in Charles City.

May 15, 1968 was a huge day for the fifth and sixth graders of Charles City. The annual grade school track meet, which started at noon with a picnic, followed by some friendly track competition, was held that day. After the students gobbled down their sack lunch, the track meet would begin at the College Grounds. Five grade schools, Lincoln, Jefferson, Central, McKinley and Washington Elementary were represented. Little did we realize in a few short hours three of those schools were be demolished. (Central, McKinley and Washington were destroyed. Central and McKinley never reopened.) However, I do have a happy memory just a few hours before the tornado hit McKinley won the track meet!

I had been invited to go over to a girlfriend's house for a few hours after the track meet. When my grandmother picked me up, she noticed I had lost one of my brand new socks.

I rummaged through my bag and said, "I must have lost it when I changed into my track clothes!"

Grandma was very frugal and thought we better retrace my steps and see if we couldn't find the mate to my "widowed" sock. We backtracked from my friend's house to the College Grounds, but didn't have any luck in finding the sock.

On the way home,when we got to the fairgrounds corner, (above is actual picture of '68 tornado) I noticed Grandma was very quiet. I thought she was upset with me for losing my sock, but then I noticed she was preoccupied with looking out the car window at the dark sky.

I tried to lighten the mood and jabbered on and on about the track meet and the visit at my friend's house. Grandma stayed focused and picked up speed in an attempt to hurry home.

When we pulled in the driveway, Grandma spoke sternly, "I'm only going to say this once. You go get your dog, head straight to the basement, and sit under the big table in the corner. Don't come up until I call you. Do you understand?"

I nodded my head and started crying. I hopped out of the car and whistled for my dog. Ginger came running and jumped in my arms.

"Get in that basement now!" Grandma ordered.

I galloped down the steps, clutching Ginger tightly. We hid under the table just like Grandma had instructed. I remember crying and praying out loud. "Please keep us all safe. Don't let anything happen to Grandma and Grandpa!"

After a few minutes, Grandma called down the stairs. "The storm has passed. Come on up and help me get ready for supper."

When we sat down to eat, the doorbell rang. Then a neighbor man bolted into the house before Grandma or Grandpa had a chance to answer the door. His voice was frantic, "Charles City has been hit by a tornado! The whole town is wiped out!"

A lump formed in my throat. "What about Mom and Dad? And Bobby and Kenny?"

Grandma looked up at Grandpa and said, "We need to head to town now!"

My grandmother was an immaculate housekeeper. She did something that I'd never seen her do before or again. She left all the supper dishes on the table and cleaned up the kitchen when we returned.

"Dixie, go grab some of your favorite books. We might be waiting in the car for awhile." Grandma handed me a brown grocery sack.

We were met by the police when we arrived at the edge of the city. "Nobody is allowed inside the city limits unless you live there."

Grandpa pointed at me sitting in the back and explained the situation. "Her parents and brothers live in town."

The policeman looked at me. "I'm sorry. But there are live wires down on the ground. People have been killed by the storm. I can't allow you to go any further."

Grandpa made a u-turn and I thought we were headed back to the farm. "I've got an idea. If I park on the edge of town, I can walk around town and see if I can find them."

I peered through the crack of the car door and watched Grandpa lace up his boots.

"John, be careful. You heard what they said about those live wires." Grandma's voice trembled.

"I will. But before I go. Let's say a quick prayer." Grandpa closed his eyes and prayed. "Lord, guide my steps. Help me find those boys."

Grandma and I sat in silence watching Grandpa march toward town. Finally, Grandma said, "Dixie, pick out a book and we'll read it together."

Several hours later, Grandpa returned. "Bobby and Kenny are safe. They hid under a bridge and saw the tornado hit. Our family is safe, but much of the town was gone."

Later I learned that my elementary school (see above photos) was hit and school was dismissed for the rest of the school year.

A violent F5 tornado tore a 1/2 mile wide path through the town from south to north, killing 13 people,injuring 450 others, and caused $30 million damage. In town, 372 homes and 58 businesses were destroyed, 188 homes and 90 businesses sustained major damage, and 356 homes and 46 businesses sustained minor damage. Eight churches, 3 schools were damaged or destroyed, the police station was heavily damaged, and 1250 vehicles were destroyed.

I've never forgotten the day a tornado hit our little town and changed our lives forever.

God Knows Your Cell Phone Number

2011-04-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

For most of my life I have always lived in small towns. There were a few years, after high school, I dipped my toe in big city living. Like a boomerang, I had a full circle moment when God called me to return to my "homeland" of Iowa and serve Him along side my husband. In fact, the place He called Paul and I to serve was an even "smaller" town than where I grew up and a whole lot smaller than where Paul grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. We were called to serve the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Floyd, Iowa, in August 1981. Our little hamlet has a population of 360.

During our almost-30 years here in Floyd, we have seen God provide above and beyond our dreams. I would like to share one of our God stories with you.

In 2008, Paul became deathly ill. He was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure. He needed a kidney transplant, go on dialysis, or die. All four of our children volunteered to give their daddy a kidney, but it was our son John who became our MVD--Most Valuable Donor. ;-) Fear hounded me and I found after I gave my burdens to the Lord it was best for me to keep busy. God knew this and had a special assignment for me.

The Lord sent Dennis and Mai Spencer into my life. The Spencers lived in Arizona and Mai needed someone to help her write her testimony. I didn't realize it then, but my life was about to be change forever because Mai Spencer isn't your nominal Christian. She is SOLD OUT to JESUS! The word "RADICAL" pretty much sums up Mai!

Mai was raised in Vietnam and a Buddhist. She grew up and married Dennis, an American soldier. The couple moved to the States and had four children. Tragedies took three of their children prematurely. Mai cried out to Jesus and He came to her and revealed Himself. She was transformed. She became a new creature in Christ Jesus. The Lord gave the Spencers a growing ministry in Vietnam.

Mai's book, The Son in My Eyes, will be released May 1st. All the proceeds from the book, help to fund the Jesus in Vietnam Ministries.

I stand amazed at how God orders our steps. Who would have ever dreamed a little Buddhist girl from Vietnam would one day meet an Iowa girl from a tiny town and together they would write the Vietnamese girl's story.

Once again, God has proven to me, He knows our name........ He knows where we live and He even knows our cell phone number. Get ready.... Heaven may be calling.

2011 Quad-Cities Writers' Conference

2011-04-07T20:32:00.000-07:00

Following JESUS is, WITHOUT A DOUBT, the most exciting adventure. A few months ago I learned about a Christian Writers' Conference in Iowa. THINK OF THAT!!!!! I had attended my first Write2Ignite! in North Carolina in 2008. I was hooked. I was in a room full of Christian women who felt the same heavenly Call I did... to write for the glory of the Lord. Women who wanted to "WRITE 2 IGNITE" the hearts of children and youth ablaze for JESUS!

The next year the Write2Ignite! Conference was held in South Carolina. As the Lord would have it, Paul and I were near South Carolina and drove to the conference. I met and made eternal friendships.

But this year I wasn't able to attend Write2Ignite!. Things weren't working out and I was soooo disappointed. I did my best to give my disappointment to the Lord and keep my eyes on Jesus, knowing He always has a plan.

Well, one of the women I met at Write2Ignite! shared with me about the Iowa conference...... I checked it out and here I am.

I have been sick all week, but my husband knew how badly I wanted to attend so STRIKE UP THE BAND...... I may be limping, but I am here.

JESUS, I expect to meet YOU here in a special way.
Lead me........ Guide me...........

Dixie

Future Books

2011-04-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a couple of illustrations from my books that will be coming out this year. Guardian Angel Publishing will be releasing "Whistling Dixie," "Apron Strings," and "The Cat Came Back." (The last one was I co-wrote with my dear friend Lucy Robbins.)

Books Available

2011-04-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

All the proceeds from Dixie’s books go into a scholarship fund in Dixie's beloved grandmother's name. The Hazel Leora Meyer Scholarship is given every fall to a deserving student to attend Lighthouse Academy, a ministry of the Gospel Lighthouse Church.

You may purchase Dixie’s books online at http://www.floydslighthouse.com/catalog.html. Scroll down and click on the link beside the book you want to purchase. You may pay by credit card, Paypal, or send a check made out to Lighthouse Academy to:

Hazel Leora Meyer Scholarship Fund

Lighthouse Academy

201 Madison Street

Floyd, IA 50435

The Cat Came Back Illustrations

2011-04-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick peek behind the scenes of a children's book, "The Cat Came Back," written by my dear friend Lucy Robbins and myself. The illustrations are by Laureen Caponigro. She is amazing.

Hope you enjoy the sneak peek.
Dixie

2011-03-31T21:59:00.000-07:00

66 Love Letters is written as a conversation between God and the author that takes you through each book of the Bible. The author gives his opinion as to what message he believes God is trying to get across in each book. Many times books like these can be very "academic," but Dr. Crabb makes it easy to understand. You get the feeling you are listening in on dialogue between the author and the Lord.

This isn't a "read through in one evening" sort of book. It would make a great devotional book though. Anyone who had a steady diet of Dr. Crabb's 66 Love Letters is sure to grow and develop their spiritual muscles.

How Great Thou Art

2011-03-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

More "Whistling Dixie" Illustrations

2011-03-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

Stilts Coloring Page

2011-03-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

In honor of Stilts landing on the bookshelves, I've uploaded a coloring page for Stilts the Stork.

The Favor of the Lord

2011-03-11T18:53:00.000-08:00

About ten years ago I was offered a position with a team of writers. God has continued to bless our business. I just wanted to encourage all my writing friends to keep wielding your pen for JESUS.... The poignant words of Amy Carmichael are timeless and true.

Dust of earth, but Thy dust Lord,
Blade of grass in Thy hand a sword.
Nothing, nothing unless it be
Purged and quickened, O Lord, by Thee.

He knows your phone number,
Dixie

Whistling Dixie

2011-02-26T11:46:00.000-08:00

I thought a few of you might enjoy seeing the newest illustrations for Whistling Dixie.

Stilts the Stork

2011-02-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

Stilts the Stork has just landed and is ready to fly to your house. ;-) I am very excited about my newest children's book. K.C. Snider outdid herself with the colorful illustrations. Her creations have made Stilts a regular member of our family.

I've posted the book trailer for Stilts. Hope you enjoy it.

Writing for the wee ones in my life,
Dixie

Grandbabies

2011-02-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Paul and I were able to enjoy an afternoon with our little grandboyzz, Tristan and Easton. They are growing up sooo fast and learning something new every day.

We have two new grandbabies that will be joining our family this year. Zach and Beka's little "Livia" Fox is due May 1st and Wil and Rachel are expecting a baby in September. Let the good times roll. ;-)

Paul and I pray for our grandbabies that they will be men and women of God and bring JESUS to their generation.

We're loving this stage of our lives...

2011-02-10T18:03:00.000-08:00

Drum roll please.....

Ta da................

My newest children's book, Stilts the Stork, will be released this month. I dedicated it to my Auntie Lo because she can walk on "stilts" better than anyone else I know. =-)

Reach for the Scars....

2011-01-11T20:50:00.000-08:00

Do you remember as a child how many times someone encouraged you to REACH FOR THE STARS? You could be anything you wanted to be! Dream big! I remember when my mother-in-law came to Iowa from Arkansas for a visit, she was smitten with our baby girl Libby. My m-i-l wasn't one to dish out compliments, but she would often tell Libby that she was going to be the next President of the United States. ;-) Her words encouraged our daughter to dream and be all that God intended her to be.

I don't know why but today I reflected back over my life. In my mind I took a long stroll down the road I owned as a child.... I thought of those stars I reached for in my youth.... most were filled with selfish ambitions and greed. Ways to promote myself and my dreams........ but then Jesus passed by and I felt the Call to His service. He gave me different dreams...... Suddenly I wasn't reaching for worldly stars, but I was reaching for the scars...... His nail-scarred hands....... I remembered the timeless hymns I heard my grandmother singing in the middle of the night...

Lord, lay some soul upon my heart and love that soul through me....

Make me a blessing..... Out of my life may Jesus shine......

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.....

Jesus, use me.... and oh Lord, don't refuse me.....

Somehow as I reached for His nail-scarred hands, I found they were reaching for me. He was battered and scarred so my heart could be mended and whole.

I believe God has an Army of precious souls that are reaching for the SCARS.... Hidden saints that make a difference in this world and only when we get to the OTHER SIDE will we know what their sacrifice meant.

I've reached a place in my life where I have more years behind me than ahead of me and I pray that with the years I have left, I will reach for the SCARS and make a difference in my corner of the world.

I'll close with another song my grandmother used to sing.

If I can help somebody, as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song,
If I can show somebody, how they're travelling wrong,
Then my living shall not be in vain.

Chorus:
My living shall not be in vain,
Then my living shall not be in vain
If I can help somebody, as I pass along,
Then my living shall not be in vain.

If I can do my duty, as a good man ought,
If I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought,
If I can spread love's message, as the Master taught,
Then my living shall not be in vain.

His Father's Eyes

2010-12-25T18:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a Christmas story I've written and thought you might enjoy.

Swallowing hard, Samuel never took his eyes off of the faded photograph of his mother. “Mama, why did you have to go away? I miss you.”

The dingy walls of the orphanage, combined with the musky smell, sent a wave of nausea sweeping over him. His eyes clouded from deep blue to somber gray. Quick footsteps interrupted his tormenting thoughts.

“The Christmas Eve service is in the chapel in ten minutes.” Christopher stuck his head in the door and grinned. “All of us orphans get a bag of candy after the service. Come on! Let’s go!”

Samuel chewed on his bottom lip for a moment. “I’ll be coming in a second.”

Christopher slipped through the door and hollered over his shoulder, “Sam, you better get moving or somebody else is going to get your bag of candy.”

Samuel moseyed to the chapel and sat down just in time to hear the minister recite Matthew’s account of the Christmas story.
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.” Matthew 1:18-19 KJV

Samuel couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His heart pounded so loud, he was sure everyone could hear it. He resisted the urge to groan and pressed his leg against the pew in front of him so he wouldn’t drop to the floor in sobs. I must speak to the pastor immediately after the service. Mary and Mama have a lot in common. I just never saw it before.

When the service ended, Samuel marched toward the minister. “Pastor Dan, my mama was kind of like Mary. She wasn’t married when she was expecting me. But my dad wasn’t like Joseph, he deserted us and left us to fend for ourselves.”

The pastor patted the young lad’s shoulder. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“I never met my father. I don’t have a clue who he is or where to look for him.” Samuel’s lip quivered. He exhaled slowly and a frown crossed his brow. “I’ve heard the women whispering when I walk by. They’re always trying to figure out who my father is.”

The pastor’s tone was soft. “People can be cruel.”

“Sometimes when I look in the mirror, I wonder if I resemble him, but I guess I’ll never know.” Samuel’s jaw stiffened.

The young boy’s words spoke straight to the heart of the pastor. “When I look into your eyes, I see your Father – your heavenly Father. You have His eyes.”
S
amuel lifted a skeptical brow. “Really?”

“Yes, sir! No doubt about it. You’re a child of God.” Pastor Dan cupped the young man’s face in his hands. “You have your Father’s eyes.”

Samuel wondered if his heart might burst within his chest. He shook his head. “Wow!”

“Remember what we read tonight? God made a promise to Mary and He kept it.” Ambling over to the nativity, the pastor plucked the Baby Jesus from the manger and tucked Him in Samuel’s arms. “He promises to adopt us as one of His own children if we believe in His Son.”

“You mean I’m part of a family?” Samuel gave a brilliant smile.

“That’s exactly what I mean.” The pastor tousled the young boy’s hair. “God will be the Father you’ve always wanted and that’s an eternal promise!”

Samuel squeezed Baby Jesus and choked, “I believe.”

“Sam!” Christopher called, walking toward him clutching two brown paper sacks. “Here’s your bag of candy. I grabbed one for you before they ran out.”

“I think I’ll give mine to Titus. He didn’t get to come tonight because he was sick.”

“Are you sure?” Chris shot back.

“Yep.” Samuel’s head bobbed. “I think that’s what my Father would want me to do.”

“Like I said.” Pastor Dan winked at Samuel. “You have your Father’s eyes.”

Hidden Heroes

2010-12-17T19:20:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago there was an ice storm in our neck of the woods. A precious elderly woman (Arlene is in the white sweatshirt in the above picture. My mother Bonnie is beside her.) from our church had a car accident and suffered a compressed fracture in her lower spine. She was placed in a nursing home where she could receive some physical rehabilitation.

Today my mom and I took a road trip to the nursing home to check on Arlene. We were blessed by her grateful attitude. She shared about a new friend Lucille, who was a retired missionary nurse, and wanted us to meet her. We traipsed down the hall and found Lucille.

Words are inadequate for describing this ninety-year-old seasoned saint. We felt like we were sitting in the room of some Bible character. She radiated authenticity and humility.

As we left, we were once again reminded that God has His hidden heroes everywhere - even in nursing homes. Somehow we knew that God had another missionary journey for dear Lucille.... No longer in the jungles of Nigeria, but the halls of a nursing home. And she was finishing strong for Jesus - blooming where she was planted and making a difference for the Kingdom of God.

Happy Birthday, Paul!

2010-12-13T19:54:00.000-08:00

On June 18, 2008, our only son John Drake gave his daddy a kidney. Yesterday Paul Franklin celebrated his 58th birthday. Our family still rejoices over John's gift of life. Because of his sacrifice, we are able to have some more time with Paul.

I've uploaded a couple pictures. I think you will be able to recognize Paul, but I also want you to meet our son John. He is standing to the left of his daddy and has a little girl beside him.

We haven't stopped giving thanks for the Lord's mercies and faithfulness.

Cinderfella and the Furry Godmother

2010-12-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce that my newest children's book Cinderfella and the Furry Godmother has been released by Guardian Angel Publishing. My friend Kim McDougall made an adorable book trailer for promotional purposes. I thought I would post it here and let my friends enjoy seeing it.

Happy Birthday, Rachel Michelle

2010-12-06T13:24:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to our firstborn - Rachel Michelle Phillips Nolt!
We love you and are so proud of the godly wife and mother you are.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

III John 1:4

Interview

2010-12-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

While attending the 2010 Write2Ignite, I made a new friend - Terri Kelly. (That's her in the above picture.) She was teaching a class about writing Christian devotions for children. After I returned home, I contacted Terri and she invited me to take part in an author's interview. You can find the interview here http://devokids.com/category/authors/. While you are there, take a look around at Terri's amazing website. She is helping shape small souls for Jesus.

Cinderfella and the Furry Godmother

2010-11-29T18:54:00.000-08:00

Drum roll please.

TA DA......

My fifth children's book Cinderfella and the Furry Godmother has been released today from Guardian Angel Publishing.

Samantha Bell is the illustrator. I met Samantha at a Write2Ignite Conference in North Carolina. Children will love her whimsical art.

I also learned that my next picture book Stilts the Stork will be released in January. K.C. Snider, the artist who illustrated my Christmas picture book Baby Jesus is Missing is the illustrator.

God is sooooo good,
Dixie

Blessed

2010-11-28T05:52:00.000-08:00

Paul and I celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving Day this year. God has been good to us and given us thankful hearts, but since Paul's kidney transplant on June 12, 2008, we are even more grateful. We realize that each day is sacred and choose to seize the precious moments - every single one - that God grants to us.

This year was Easton Paul's first Thanksgiving and Tristan's second. If you think our hands are full, you should see our hearts. =-)

With an attitude of gratitude,
Dixie

Forward...... March.....

2010-11-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

I recently heard about Captain Jeremiah Denton, who returned home on February 11th, 1973, after years of captivity as a P.O.W. in North Vietnam. When the media asked him to comment, he said, "We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve our country under difficult circumstances."

I was deeply moved by his quote and couldn't help but wonder about those of us who are called to serve in the Lord's Army. When Jesus asks us to take up our Cross or make a sacrifice, I wondered if we shared Captain Denton's attitude - "We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve our God under difficult circumstances."

Lord, help us to "endure hardness as a good soldier...."

Forward....... March..... Hup, two, three, four....

Dirty Feet

2010-11-23T07:20:00.000-08:00

This morning I read in my Bible the familiar accounts about different ones who were found at Jesus' feet. I've read these stories numerous times, but today they were fresh manna to my hungry soul.

Those found at His feet were coming with various needs or just to worship Him. There was an afflicted father (Mark 5:22), a sorrowing mother (Mark 7:25), a sinful woman (Luke 7:37), a healed demoniac (Luke 8:35), a seeker of Truth, (Luke 10:39), a bereaved sister (John 11:32), unfortuate sufferers (Matthew 15:30) and a reverent worshipper (Revelation 1:17).

After reading these precious testimonies, I closed my eyes and took some time to sit at His feet, too. I thanked Him for His love and faithfulness. In that moment, I remembered the story of Jesus' washing His disciples's feet. My eyes filled with tears when I thought about the humility Christ displayed. And in that instant I saw with the eyes of my soul, my Savior washing my dirty feet. Just like the disciples, there are places I have walked in this life that have left me with dirty feet. Times when I nursed a grudge or spent too much time on temporary things and too little time sitting at His feet in His presence?

I confessed my failures to Jesus. A sense of His presence swept over my soul and I knew Jesus was there with His basin and towel washing my dirty feet.

I learned an eternal lesson this morning - Time in His presence cleanses the soul and the Lord is still washing His disciples' feet.

Grammy Award

2010-11-20T18:09:00.000-08:00

I have so many precious memories of my grandmothers. Both my paternal and maternal grandmothers loved the Lord. They came from two completely different doctrinal backgrounds, but each had a vibrant faith. (This probably explains why I am a Heinz 57 Christian.) There's no doubt about the permanent and eternal "footprints" they have left in my heart. And not a single day goes by that I don't think of them and remember some tidbit of wisdom they gave me.

My maternal grandmother loved music. She enjoyed singing while she worked around the house. I have her to thank for knowing so many timeless hymns. She sang the glory down while scrubbing pots and pans. She never skipped a verse of a hymn. So that means all of us, who were fortunate enough to be in her home, learned all the verses, too. Grandma also had a large stack of gospel records that she played every day. When I was a little girl I never realized the impact her music had on me, but yet to this day when I hear one of "Grandma's" songs, my eyes fill with tears.

Grandma often sang about heaven and how Jesus grew sweeter each day. I remember the Speer Family singing one of Dad Speer's old classic - "Sweeter Each Day."

I have a Savior who loves me I know.
He guiding and guarding wherever I go.
He walks beside me along the bright way.
His love grows sweeter each day.

Sweeter each day.
Sweeter each day.
His love grows sweeter along the bright way.
Sweeter each day.
Sweeter each day.
His love grows sweeter each day.

If you are burdened with sin's awful strife.
Just come to the Savior, He'll give you new life.
Then you can say as you travel the way.
His love grows sweeter each day.

I'm a grandmother now of two of the most precious little boyzz - Tristan and Easton. We are expecting our third grandchild in May. I had the wonderful opportunity of babysitting our grandsons today. As I rushed around, tending to the wee ones, I had a blast from the past. I remembered being at my grandma's house when I was a small child. In my mind's eye, I could see the kitchen table, Grandma's favorite chair and my special drawer. But most of all I remembered my Grandma's soft, silky hands and how she prayed for me.

As I rocked our little men today, I had a greater understanding of my grandmother's love and her prayers for me. I closed my moist eyes and thanked the Lord for giving me such wonderful grandmothers and adorable grandsons. They are priceless! And I pray that I can mirror the love of Jesus to our grandchildren like my grandma did to me.

Mirror Mirror Off the Wall

2010-11-18T11:23:00.001-08:00

Bezalel made the bronze washbasin and its bronze stand from bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle. Exodus 38:8 NLT

These women made a great sacrifice giving their bronze mirrors to Bezalel. For some, it possibly meant never being able to see their reflection again.

There are days I feel Jesus is asking me to give my mirror to Him. There seems to be a “Call” from Heaven, pleading with me to look at myself less and to fasten my eyes upon my Savior more. This simple token of my love is not as easy as it seems. Giving my mirror to Jesus means that I can’t always be looking out for “me.”

There are days I fail. I clutch my mirror like a toddler clinging to his favorite blanket and insist on peering at my reflection and making sure I'm watching out for myself and all that concerns "me." Those are the days I am most miserable.

But there are other days, I take the mirror off my wall and offer it to Jesus. A miraculous transformation takes place. Heaven changes this earthen vessel as I gaze into His face and begin to reflect His image. Looking at Him helps me see from Heaven's point of view. I have learned all the mountains I face are just small hills from Heaven't point of view. My eternal vision becomes so keen I minister to the needs of others.

I can't help but burst forth into song when my eyes are fastened on Jesus. I begin to sing a song my beloved grandmother taught me when her eyes had been anointed with the Spirit's eye salve. –

Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus.
I’ve lost sight of all beside.
So enchained my spirit’s vision,
Looking at the Crucified.

I will begin today by taking my mirror off the wall and giving it to my King. Maybe there is someone that I can love for Jesus today.

“Mirror, mirror off the wall.
Today I give to Christ my all?”

The Lord Hath Need of You

2010-10-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

And they said, The Lord hath need of him. Luke 19:34

Friday is ladies' prayer meeting for the women of Gospel Lighthouse. For nearly thirty years, our ladies have met on Friday mornings and bombarded Heaven. Today we were praying for one of our precious young mothers, who had come to pray with us. It was apparent that the Lord is moving in her life in a new and fresh way. And that He wanted to use her to bring Jesus to her generation. Oh, the sweetness of the Lord's manifest presence! As we prayed, the words "The Lord hath need of him..." rang in my soul.

I'm sure you remember the familiar story found in the nineteenth chapter of Luke's gospel:

And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.

And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

I've heard ministers thunder from the pulpit that God didn't need anyone or anybody. I think I might have even spoken those words myself. God forbid, but I think I have.

But I see in these Scriptures how Jesus needed a colt to accomplish what His Father wanted Him to do that day. He also needed two of his disciples to go and fetch the colt.

God has a divine plan for each one of us. He wants to use our homes, cars, kitchen tables, teacups, teapots, our very lives, everything we have to help reach others for Him.

The Lord has need of you today. May He use your hands filled with the love of Jesus to help mend a broken heart today.

Important Announcement

2010-10-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

Contact: Lynda S. Burch, Publisher
(314) 276 8482

Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. teams with Be There Bedtime Stories’ new technology to bring families together from around the globe.

St. Louis, MO, USA: In a time where families are spread further apart than ever before ‘Be There Bedtime Stories’ is a technology that puts video of a Storyteller onto the page of a children’s book, to be displayed on a computer and read to your children. http://www.betherebedtimestories.com

“We are very excited with this new adventure,” said GAP President and CEO Lynda Burch. “Our partnership with Be There Bedtime Stories will allow for an unprecedented availability of family sharing reading time with kids and grandkids around the globe. What a wonderful way to “Be There” for your kids whether on assignment out of the country, traveling for work, or just wanting to participate daily in your children’s reading habits; encouraging reading skills that will last a lifetime. It increases literacy awareness and wellness and strengthens family bonds.”

The Sedona International Film Festival, Tuesday night cinema film series displayed the concept, with 5 local leaders, including the Mayor of Sedona. They recorded a bedtime story for presentation that was made to the audience of nearly 500 patrons, right on the big screen of a movie theatre!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jcBuWI2qo8

http://www.betherebedtimestories.com/bookstore.aspx?search=guardian+angel+publishing

For more information on Guardian Angel Publishing or to schedule an interview with the publisher, email Lynda S. Burch at publisher@guardianangelpublishing.com.

Books

2010-09-03T21:48:00.000-07:00

For all my writing buddies:

Books have an unexpected way of drifting to those hidden places where the soul of man walks alone - for not even his nearest neighbor knows that he is there, but God knows.... and uses His scribe to write words of comfort. These words give the weary traveler strength for his journey.

Keep writing for the KING,
Dixie

Hidden Saints

2010-08-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Many of you know the special bond I share with my beloved grandmothers. The strange thing about our relationship is that Grandma Meyer and Grandma Holtz have been gone now for a decade and I love them now more than I did when they were alive. So often I see them in my mind's eye setting the table or bursting forth into song, usually they would sing a favorite hymn while washing dishes.

Well, a few years ago the Lord brought a family to our congregation. A precious young couple with four amazing kids. The father is a chiropractor and I go to him regularly to keep my neck from getting "bent out of shape." :-) We have often swapped stories about our grandmothers. His mother's mother, Gladys Hamilton, is still alive and living in the Branson, Missouri, area. She and her husband, who is now in Heaven, were church planters. They started numerous churches across the United States. What caught my attention was the fact they had planted a full gospel church in Charles City, Iowa, in the early '60s - around the same time my great-grandmother and my grandma were involved with a Spirit-filled work of their own in the Charles City area.

As a child, I was often present during my Grandma Meyer's prayer meeting. She always prayed for souls to come to know Jesus and she asked the Lord to bless the church and help it to grow and thrive. I've often wished she could have lived to see all God has done with the Gospel Lighthouse in Floyd. I know it's because of her prayers.

This week Paul and I took a little break and headed for a much-needed vacation in Branson, Missouri. Because of ministry demands, we had been guilty of burning the candle at both ends and needed time to recharge our depleted batteries.

The tourism is out of this world in Branson. There are shows every day with star studded entertainment. Paul and I both agreed. We weren't interested in any shows. We planned to rest, rest and rest some more. I only had one request I wanted to meet Gladys Hamilton.

Yesterday we took a little road trip to find Gladys' Hamilton's nursing home. We took a few wrong turns, but eventually found it. We arrived around supper time and the nurse pointed Gladys out to us. Gladys eyes oozed with the love of Jesus. The minute we started talking... Gladys shared what Jesus meant to her. I looked at Paul and his eyes were wet with tears, too. Before we left, Gladys took our hands and prayed. She asked the Lord to make the Gospel Lighthouse a soul winning church. (So like my grandmother) She prayed for the Lord's blessing, strength and favor to be upon our family and ministry as we returned to the ministry front back home.

I can't really explain what happened in those moments with Gladys except to say she took us straight to the Father's throne and into His Presence. She is one of the Lord's hidden saints - overlooked by the world, but the Father's eyes are always upon her. Somehow I felt of all the stars whose names were on Branson's marquees, Paul and I were blessed to spend a few minutes with the one whose name was on Heaven's marquee. Shhhhh! I think if you'll listen, you'll hear the clapping of the nail-scarred hands.

I know Jesus will one day say to each of His hidden saints, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant..." I hope to be in that number.

Vanishing Act by Liz Johnson

2010-08-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

I'm not a detective, but it didn't take me long to figure out why Liz Johnson titled her newest book Vanishing Act. Not only does the main character Nora Jones "vanish," but you will, too, when you read her book. Vanishing Act is so riveting you can't put it down until you have read it from cover to cover. I "VANISHED" from my family's sight for several hours. I couldn't help myself. Once I started reading Johnson's book, I was hooked and had to know the ending.

You'll dampen a few handkerchiefs before finishing the book and heartstrings are will be strummed when readers discover the special bond Nora shares with her father and the twists and turns that take place. (I don't to ruin the story for you by giving too many details.)

Vanishing Act has it all - suspense, romance and a Christian message. I was waving my pompoms and cheering when Nate and Danielle's (aka Nora) faith finally devoured their fears.

Johnson's book could easily be a movie and I would be first in line to buy a ticket.

I was provided a free copy of Vanishing Act by Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense Line in exchange for an honest review.

To learn more about Liz Johnson's books go to www.lizjohnsonbooks.com

DRUM ROLL PLEASE! TA DA.....

Enjoy Liz Johnson's interview below.

1. Did you always know you wanted to write?

I always wanted to write! I started writing stories when I was 7. I don’t know that I always thought about being a professional writer, but I always knew that writing would be part of my life. It’s something that I love.

2. Do you write full time or have another day job?

When I sold my first novel, my brother asked me if I was going to quick my day job. I had to laugh at him. It takes a lot to support yourself just as a writer, and it’s going to be a while until I get there. But until then, I get to work in marketing at a major Christian publisher. Working in the industry is the next best thing to writing full-time.

3. Where do you write most of the time? Other than your home, where is your favorite place to write?

I usually write at my dining room table. But sometimes I take my laptop to bed with me and slouch against the pillows until I finish the next chapter. When I’m not at home, I’ve found a nice little booth at the local Panera where I can tap out 2,000 words in a few hours. The background noise is just enough to help me focus and tune out everything else.

4. What kinds of materials have you written on when paper wasn’t available?

Probably my favorite was when I was working on the timeline for my first novel. I was at a coffee shop and only had napkins to write on. I still have 3 napkins worth of that timeline.

5. How long does it take to write a book?

It took me about 3 months to write my first book, once I really started writing it. But the last book I wrote after completely a full synopsis, and it took me about 2 and half months—while I moved across the country, started a new job, and survived the Nashville floods. I think I could have done it in 2, if I hadn’t moved. :)

6. What advice would you give a kid who is thinking about writing?

I think the best thing kids can do is practice. And read everything they can get their hands on. Get a library card and spend a lot of time surrounded by books. Writing is often less about the specific classes you’ve taken and more about finding your own voice. Keep at it!

Grandboyzz

2010-07-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

I just have to share a picture or two of our two grandsons for some of you to see. They bring our family tremendous joy.

Dixie

Eternal Iron

2010-06-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

My maternal grandfather was a blacksmith. When his last child (my Aunt Lois) was growing up, he built a sturdy iron swingset for her. Aunt Lois was ten when I was born so I have always considered her my big sister and her swingset.... my swingset. I spent many hours playing on "our" iron swingset. In the summer, my grandmother would hang her freshly washed laundry on the clothesline while I played on the swingset. Other times Grandma would make a little picnic for us and she would let me take my sandwich to the top of the swingset and eat my lunch. (I had such a neat grandma!)

Grandma and Grandpa are in Heaven now and Aunt Lois lives next door to us. Last summer she decided to resurrect the beloved swingset and set it up in her backyard. We all cheered when it was finally up. Waves of nostalgia swept over me, but yesterday I experienced an emotion much deeper than a sentimental journey.

My husband and I were babysitting our nine-month-old grandson Tristan. I took him to swing on the swingset. I wasn't prepared for the emotion I felt as we plopped down in the swing. In my mind's eye, I saw my grandmother swinging with me on the sturdy swingset and in the circle of life I was now swinging on the same swingset with my grandchild. A lump formed in my throat when I realized I was singing the same songs to my grandson that my grandmother sang to me.

I thought about my grandfather the blacksmith and how when he built something - he built it to last..... And at that moment, I realized my grandmother and grandfather were instrumental in putting iron in my soul - eternal iron. They gave me a sample - a living example of God's love.

I'm no blacksmith, but when I gaze into the eyes of our two little grandsons - Tristan and Easton - I pray that they would see the "SON" in my eyes and the JESUS in me would help form "eternal iron" in their little souls.

Faithful

2010-06-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

I'm back! It's been awhile since I blogged, but what can I say? The last two years have been a blur. Let's see..... In the last twenty-four months we have had all four of our children get married, our son gave his daddy a kidney, and now we have two darling grandbabies.

Through it all, we have seen God's faithfulness. I can't help but think of two years ago, when the specialists at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, informed us just how sick my husband Paul really was with End Stage Renal Failure. Then, the process of finding a match - and to discover the MVD (Most Valuable Donor) would be our only son John Drake. In the midst of it all, our two daughters were engaged and planning to married the same summer as the kidney transplant. ;-)

I remember the tug-of-war in my soul. The "What ifs" plagued me. Then, in the midst of my own fiery furnance I read the reply of the three Hebrew children when they were thrown into a fiery furnace.

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Daniel 3:17-18

These verses helped settle something in my heart. Our God whom we served was able to deliver our family from this trial, but even if He didn't, we were still going to love and serve Him.

On June 12, it will be two years since Paul's surgery. Jesus has been with us every step of the way.

John married Natasha Stamman (Yes, I have my very own daughter-in-law.) this past April 23. (That's them in the picture above.) Paul was John's best man. Words are inadequate to describe the emotions I felt. Paul said it best when he spoke at the wedding reception, "John, you are really my "best" man. Than you for the gift of life."

Paul heads back up to Rochester for a kidney biopsy this month. We realize more than ever before that life is precious and you are only as healthy as your next checkup.
But we know, as the old hymn so eloquently puts it:

Many things about tomorrow. I don't seem to understand.
But I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.

But we are thanking the Lord every day for the gift of life. We will celebrate Paul's second anniversary with thanksgiving and we will declare, "EVEN IN THE VALLEY GOD IS GOOD.... EVEN IN THE VALLEY HE IS FAITHFUL AND TRUE. HE CARRIES HIS CHILDREN THROUGH LIKE HE SAID HE WOULD - YES, EVEN IN THE VALLEY GOD IS GOOD!"

I don't regret a mile,
Dixie

Mr. & Mrs. John Drake Phillips

2010-04-12T15:48:00.001-07:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Easton Paul Nolt

2010-03-30T20:51:00.001-07:00

Our second grandson Easton Paul Nolt has arrived.
8 pounds 6 ounces
22 inches
March 27th at 1:03 a.m.

Mommy and baby Easton are doing fine.

Singing the Songbird's Praises

2010-03-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

About the book:
The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitlers Germany. The first nights performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion theyre housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Bettys dear friend, Kat, turns up missing. Betty soon realizes Franks photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds hearts may find the answers...in each other. But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.

About the author:
Tricia Goyer is an awardwinning author of twelve novels, more than 300 articles and six nonfiction books. In researching for her WWII novels, Tricia has interviewed over one hundred veterans and service women involved in support efforts. She has also traveled to Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria for research. She lives with her husband and three children in Kalispell, Montana.

My review:
My husband's father was a POW in WWII. As I read Tricia Goyer's Songbird Under a German Moon, I hoped my dear father-in-law would have someone like the main character of the book (Betty Lake) to lift his spirits during those difficult days.

Ms Goyer is a gifted writer and has a refreshing writing style. You actually get the feeling you are there and know her characters personally. If you know someone, who loves WWII stories, you must get them this book. They will love it!

I highly recommend this book. You will enjoy it immensely!

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to review.

Liz Curtis Higgs Kept Me Burning My Candle

2010-03-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

Here Burns My Candle
by Liz Curtis Higgs

About the Author

It’s been 4 years since Liz Curtis Higgs’s last novel, and she’s made good use of that time studying Scottish history and the Scriptures. And now she offers a retelling of the beloved Old Testament story of Ruth and Naomi set in 18th Century Scotland. Visit the Lowlands in Here Burns My Candle.

About the Book

A mother who cannot face her future.
A daughter who cannot escape her past.
Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. A Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage, she honors the auld ways, even as doubts and fears stir deep within her.
Her husband, Lord Donald, has secrets of his own, well hidden from the household, yet whispered among the town gossips.
His mother, the dowager Lady Marjory, hides gold beneath her floor and guilt inside her heart. Though her two abiding passions are maintaining her place in society and coddling her grown sons, Marjory’s many regrets, buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, continue to plague her.
One by one the Kerr family secrets begin to surface, even as bonny Prince Charlie and his rebel army ride into Edinburgh in September 1745, intent on capturing the crown.
A timeless story of love and betrayal, loss and redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of eighteenth-century Scotland, Here Burns My Candle illumines the dark side of human nature, even as hope, the brightest of tapers, lights the way home.

My Review

If you need sleep, don't pick up Liz Curtis Higgs newest book Here Burns My Candle. You won't be able to put the book down once you start reading the riveting story of Lady Elisabeth Kerr, a Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage. I was burning my candle into the wee hours of the morning because every page gripped me. The book is ADDICTIVE! I may need a support group because I find myself sipping tea with my pinky finger extended and dreaming about the characters in Here Burns My Candle.

The book is not all fluff. There is substance and sustenance as the plot thickens. Hope rises with the dawn when eternal lessons are learned.

If you want a good read and a 'stay-cation,'(vacation at home) pick up a copy of Higgs' Here Burns My Candle. You'll be glad you did. And who knows, Lady Elisabeth Kerr might just add a little culture to your life.

I highly recommend this well-crafted book. Bravo, Liz Curtis Higgs! Thanks for penning a story with depth and excellence.

Here you can see different options where you can purchase the book online:

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Book Signing at Greene Iowa Library

2010-03-13T17:49:00.000-08:00

I was invited to read my books to some wee ones at the Greene, Iowa, Public Library.
Those little ones charmed my heart. Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Dixie

From Tragedy to Triumph

2010-03-05T16:15:00.000-08:00

I am overjoyed my story The Champion was included in Guideposts' newest book From Tragedy to Triumph. I've been blessed reading all the inspirational stories.

Ring of Fire

2010-03-02T17:45:00.001-08:00

In 2008, while my husband Paul was recuperating from a kidney transplant, I 'stumbled' across the website for the first Write2Ignite Conference. Although I had been making a little money at writing and been fortunate to be published by Abingdon Press, Standard Publishing, Eldridge Publishing, LIVE Publications and employed as a ghostwriter, I had never attended a writing conference. What complicates my story is the Write2Ignite Conference was held in North Carolina and God had planted my feet and family on rich Iowa soil. It would be a major trip, but it just so happened my big brother only lived a few miles from where the conference was held. (My big brother is always coming through for his baby seester!) My attending all depended on my husband's condition. If he was gaining strength and okay with my leaving, I felt I could go, but if he was the least bit apprehensive, I knew my going was out of the question. Paul practically pushed me out the door. I think his words were, "You've been under enough stress. Go enjoy yourself."

When I walked into the 2008 Write2Ignite Conference, as Johnny Cash would say, "I fell into a burning ring of fire!" I thought for sure someone was going to have to call the fire department. (Especially during the closing session when Pam Zollman lit the candles.) The emphasis was about ministry writing. Honing your craft, but not relying on your ability to be published. Allowing God to enlarge your writing influence. Someone spoke of when preparation meets opportunity! That has been etched in my mind's eye.

In that closing session, I felt like the little boy who gave Jesus his lunch. I was giving him my stories and life's experiences. "Lord, I'm ready to have you use me or not be used at all. You choose for me."

I left the 2008 Conference inspired. My moist eyes were on Jesus and my hand was on the plow.

Writing opportunites came from the north, south, east and west. More ghostwriting (or should I say Holy Ghostwriting) assignments showed up in my inbox.

When I learned about the 2010 Write2Ignite Conference, I made plans to attend. It was slightly more complicated because this time the conference was held in South Carolina and my feet were still planted in northern Iowa - almost to Minnesota, but I made it and am I glad I did.

I have never seen so many 'cheerleaders' in one place. (a round of pom poms for all) The presenters poured their knowledge and expertise into the attendees. Each one exemplified a true servant's heart. There was something for the every writing level.

I look forward to the next Write2Ignite Conference. Whew! It's getting hot in here.

Cole.... I Love You to the Moon and Back

2010-03-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

Product Description
Aaron Dean Ruotsala, 24-year-old husband, father, business owner, and pilot shares a true story about a heart-wrenching experience he calls the best and worst experience of a lifetime. This story will provoke you to laughter, tears, and cause you to examine yourself and your role as a human on this temporal journey. His prayer is that all who read this amazing story will learn from the experience in which they had no choice, to realize that when life brings you to the darkest, deepest, loneliest point imaginable, you will recognize what really matters in life. So, please laugh, cry, share, examine, and mostly enjoy this book that is certain to make you ask the question: "What if this happened to me?" The reality is that it could. Recommended It's amazing how God used a single event to speak to and transform the lives of thousands of people. Three-year-old Cole Ruotsala's short eight-week battle with cancer and his ultimate death, was one such event. The story of this brave little man and his courage and compassion through the toughest of times, is a touching example of God's love and strength in the face of death. Also, the honesty with which it is written will make you face some important questions in your life. I know that you will be encouraged and challenged by this book. Pastor Bruce Estola Ironwood, MI

My Review:

Cole... I Love You to the Moon and Back is a book that will take your emotions to the moon and back time and again. The picture on the cover of a darling toe-headed, blue-eyed boy is enough to make you fall head over heels in love with Cole, but then you begin to read his family's story and you are literally sent into orbit over what this precious family went through. I would recommend this book for families who have lost a child. COLE GIVES HOPE. It's like the Bible says, "though he's dead yet he speaks...." (Hebrews 11:4)

Cole has gone past the moon and is with the SON..... and I believe with all my heart JESUS has a rocking chair in Heaven for the little ones who are there, and with Mr. Cole there, Heaven is sweeter. Though he cannot come back to us, we will one day go to be with him.

Thanks Ruotsala family for your story.... I see the "SON" in your eyes.

Songbird Under a German Moon

2010-03-02T14:38:00.000-08:00

About the book:
The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitlers Germany. The first nights performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion theyre housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Bettys dear friend, Kat, turns up missing. Betty soon realizes Franks photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds hearts may find the answers...in each other. But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.

About the author:
Tricia Goyer is an awardwinning author of twelve novels, more than 300 articles and six nonfiction books. In researching for her WWII novels, Tricia has interviewed over one hundred veterans and service women involved in support efforts. She has also traveled to Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria for research. She lives with her husband and three children in Kalispell, Montana.

My review:
My husband's father was a POW in WWII. As I read Tricia Goyer's Songbird Under a German Moon, I hoped my dear father-in-law would have someone like the main character of the book (Betty Lake) to lift his spirits.

Ms Goyer is a gifted writer and has a refreshing writing style. You actually get the feeling you are there and know her characters personally. If you know someone, who loves WWII stories, you must get them this book. They will love it!

I highly recommend this book. You will enjoy it immensely!

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to review.

Floating Hearts

2010-02-13T05:14:00.001-08:00

I don't have a lot of time to write today. I'm under the gun with a ghostwriting assignment, but just wanted to share a little soul food with you.

We've all had this happen to us. We've read the Bible stories and can recite them backwards and forwards, but then one morning we wake up and the Holy Spirit seems to whisper new depth and give fresh manna to an old familiar story. Today this happened to me while reading the story of Elisha and the floating axe-head. This tool was necessary to the man's everyday existence. The axe-head accidentally came off, fell into the deep water and was gone forever until a man of God cried out and the axe-head floated to the top.

Jesus cares about the little everyday axe-head situations in our life. He has provided godly leaders who know how to help us cry out to God and live a victorious Christian life. The presence of the Lord has lifting power. He doesn't want us to go under, but He wants to take us over the top for His honor and glory.

Broken hearts are heavier than iron axe-heads, but when one tiny sliver of Calvary's cross is inserted in that bleeding heart, they rise with Resurrection life and beat again.

Allow Jesus to help your wounded heart beat again.

Listen With Your Eyes

2010-02-11T05:02:00.000-08:00

My husband Paul and I are official emptynesters. Not quite sure how the years slipped away so quickly, but they did. This morning as I sat quietly before the Lord I had this memory of our baby girl Libby. She was always our little firecracker of a child and had a large personality even as a toddler. I can remember being busy with my day and she would ask me a question. I would always answer her, but if I didn't look into her eyes and answer, she would take her little hands and grip my face and turn it so we met eye to eye. It was like she was saying, "Mommy, listen with your eyes."

This little sentimental journey was soul food for me. I think every individual wants to feel what they have to say is important. Hearts are crying throughout the land, "Do you see me? Am I worth loving? Does anyone care? Is what I have to say important to you?"

I would give anything to have little Libby on my lap right now and I would listen with my eyes.

KATYDIDN'T DID IT FOR ME!

2010-02-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

Parents, grandparents, teachers, children’s pastors and homeschoolers of all ages are going to love Colleen Reece’s new children’s book Katydidn’t.

I have been involved in Christian education for over 20 years and consider myself to be pretty particular when it comes to Christian children’s literature. I found Katydidn’t to be a breath of fresh air. This book should be read in Sunday school classes, children’s church, Christian schools, homeschooling book clubs, mothers’ laps and in grandmas’ rocking chairs. I can see little ones’ spirits being opened up by this delightful story because they will begin to grasp the importance of seeing how our responses can help or hurt our relationships. Katydidn’t is like a mirror reflecting what every child has felt or said. What I liked best is the creative lesson in conflict resolution Ms. Reece ends with. She took a negative response and transformed it into a positive one. She is an author we can trust to help shape the small souls in our lives.

Throw in K.C. Snider’s colorful illustrations and you’ve got a ‘Blue Ribbon’ book. Her pictures are guaranteed to capture the attention the wiggle worms in your life.

I hope this dynamic duo will team up again because I know it will be another winner for sure!

Mom's Bible

2010-02-07T16:50:00.001-08:00

I didn't really know what to expect when I signed up to review Mom's Bible, but I am delighted to report I love, love, LOVE this Bible. It is the New Century Version, which makes it easy to understand and tucked in the pages are inspirational devotionals. Our third daughter Beka just became a first-time mom and our oldest daughter Rachel is expecting a baby boy next month. I have already called our local Bible book store and placed my order for another copy of Mom's Bible. Motherhood is challenging enough and I believe God can use His Word and devotional in my daughters' lives to help shape the little ones in their lives. I can't say enough good about this Book. Thank you, Thomas Nelson for such quality literature.

A Must Read

2010-01-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

About the book:
One moment Carrie Weaver was looking forward to running away with Lancaster Barnstormers pitcher Solomon Reihl-plans that included leaving the Amish community where they grew up. The next moment she was staring into a future as broken as her heart. Now, Carrie is faced with a choice. But will this opportunity be all she hoped? Pr will this decision, this moment in time, change her life forever?

A tender story of love, forgiveness, and looking below the surface, The Choice uncovers the sweet simplicity of the Amish world-and shows that it's never too late to find your way back to God.

About the author:
Suzanne Woods Fisher's interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Dunkard Brethren Church in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne's work has appeared in many magazines. She has contributed to several nonfiction books and is the author of Amish Peace and the novel The Choice.

My review:
Hold on to your bonnet! Suzanne Woods Fisher’s new book The Choice is riveting! Of all the Amish fiction I have read, this is by far my favorite. Once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. This talented author introduces the readers to the main character Carrie Weaver. (What a great last name because she’s constantly “weaving” in and out of so many difficult situations.) In the second chapter, after Carrie’s father dies and the love of her life abandons her, Ms. Fisher writes: Carrie didn’t think it was possible that a heart could break twice, in just one week. When I read that sentence it was a slam dunk for me. Carrie completely captured my heart. I found myself hovering over her like a smother mother wanting to help her find her way.

There were so many great lessons interwoven in this book. The reader discovers God is the God of second chances. I loved the little Amish quotes and food for thought. My favorite was ‘If you listen through the wall, you’ll hear others reciting your faults.’

The best news of the day is The Choice is a series. This is good news for me because if it wasn’t I think I would plunge into deep depression and be in desperate need of Prozac. ;-)

I highly recommend this book. You will enjoy it immensely!

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the first in the Lancaster County Series; an Amish love story set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and published by Revell.

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to review.

Plain Pursuit Beth Wisemen

2010-01-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

I’ll admit it. I have an O.C.D. when it comes to Christian Amish fiction. Beth Wiseman’s Plain Pursuit is now on the top of my “favorites” bookshelf. Once I started the riveting story of career minded Carley Marek taking a forced vacation deep in the heart of Amish country, I couldn’t put it down. Just when Carley is getting adapted to the Plain community, her Amish friend’s son becomes gravely ill. (This is where the book really gets exciting.) A young doctor diagnoses the boy with end-stage renal failure and in need of a kidney transplant. There were moments I had to close the book and brush some tears from my eyes. I think it was because on June 12, 2008, our son gave his daddy a kidney. All the emotions Carley went through, I personally experienced, too. If you need to de-stress, this book is for you. Within the first few pages, you will be transported to life with the Amish and woven throughout the story are eternal spiritual truths. I give Beth Wiseman’s Plain Pursuit a perfect 10!

Sins of the Spirit

2010-01-21T19:24:00.000-08:00

The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. Luke 15:28a NLT

Lord, today I was hurt and angry. When the one who hurt me extended friendship, I responded coolly. I was justified. After what “she” said, I had a right to treat her that way. After all Your Word does say people will reap what they sow. Who does “she” think “she” is making such condescending statements? And you know, Lord, what Your Word teaches about pride. She just oozes with her uppity ways. I haven’t done anything to deserve her cruel comments. In the long run, distancing myself will teach her a valuable lesson! Her behavior is unacceptable. I refuse to reward such dysfunction. After all, her attitude doesn't bring honor to You. I certainly don’t want to enable her. I’ve settled it once and for all. I am right. No doubt about it. There is no need in discussing it further. I am positively... positively... positively miserable.

Why am I in such unrest, Lord? How is it possible that I can I be right and yet be so wrong?

In the depths of my soul, I discern “I” am part of the problem. “I” am like the prodigal son’s older brother, who wouldn’t go in because of his heart was diseased with anger and hurt. The Holy Spirit gives me a much-needed diagnosis -- sins of the spirit; a spiritual malady, which can render the patient powerless to love. Many times manifestations can be masked and difficult to detect, but only for a short time. Eventually, everyone will notice their lovelessness. If not given a biblical antidote of love and humility, the disease can spread to vital organs of the soul.

Symptoms include:
• Polite coolness when friendship is available
• Consumed with proving your point
• Touchiness, sensitivity
• Needing to persuade others to embrace your point of view
• Loving your opinions more than you love people

“Forgive me, Lord. I’ll righten my wrong. Life is too short for me to nurse this grudge. Help me to not be like the older brother and refuse a relationship. Help me respond in a way that brings glory and honor to You.”

2010-01-21T16:12:00.000-08:00

Just had a great review for One Noble Journey at http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org/OneNobleJourney.aspx
Enjoy,
Dixie

Holy Deafness

2010-01-19T20:42:00.000-08:00

But Jesus, not heeding the word spoken…. Mark 5:36

My friend hurt my feelings. She spread “her view from the pew” to several other friends. Her comments waltzed their way into my house and infuriated me. I was sure I had been fatally wounded. Falling to my knees I wailed, “Speak to me from Your Word.” I opened my Bible to the gospel of Mark.

“But Jesus, not heeding the word spoken…”

It was soul food. I knew I needed “holy deafness” or I would become part of the problem rather than part of the solution. I sat quietly and began to pray.

Lord, give me holy deafness when hurtful words are said. Help me to continue to be about my Father’s business and not be shipwrecked because of cruel comments that have pierced my soul. Help me to pray as You prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Sometimes, Lord, those You have called me to serve sting, and I find it difficult to wash their feet, but You, Master, washed Judas’ feet and called him, “Friend.” You knew, from the beginning, what was in his heart. Yet You humbled Yourself and ministered to him just hours before he would betray You.
I openly admit, Lord, that my heart sometimes resists and screams, “I can see through them.”

But You, Lord, plead with me, “See them through.”

My stubborn will resists. “I’m not budging an inch.”

But You, Lord, entreat me, “When they ask you to go one mile, go with them, two.”
I can go the second mile, as long as You go with me, Lord. You make the bitter sweet.

Lord, grant me holy deafness so I can obey Your Word. I’m in earnest when I say I want to be like You. I place Your cup to my lips, Lord, and I drink. I realize it’s the only way our world will ever come to know You. If You, Savior, live out Your life through Your children.

Lord, give us holy deafness to the careless conversations with those we come in contact with, but give us keen hearing to Your Holy Spirit.

He who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Embracing Your Freedom by Susie Larson

2010-01-18T15:42:00.000-08:00

If you are like most women and have suffered from time to time with an attitude of indifference, you must read Susie Larson’s new book Embracing Your Freedom. Her words of hope and conviction will jumpstart your Christian walk and cause your heart to beat again with fresh faith and purpose.

Embracing Your Freedom gives you a peek behind the scenes of people who have sacrificed for the rights and freedom of others. It would inspirational enough just to read the true stories of these heroes sprinkled throughout the book, but Ms. Larson doesn’t stop there. She challenges her readers to come up a level and not just experience freedom for themselves, but to fight for the freedom of others, too. She says it best in the following excerpt from her book:

Embracing Freedom also means being willing to fight for more freedom and influence than our parents enjoyed. May we take what our parents offered us and build on it, push past it, make something more of it, so our children may make something more of it, so our children may enjoy a greater level of freedom than we ever did.

Embracing Your Freedom will leave eternal “footprints” in every reader’s soul. I was expecting a book on social injustice saturated with depressing statistics. Instead the book challenged me and changed me forever. The following excerpt moved me beyond words.

Enlarge your heart to include people who long for the freedoms you enjoy. And for His name’s sake, press on, take risks and recover every shred of who God intended you to be.

This book should be read by every leader in the Body of Christ. It will rekindle ministry fires and make the leadership more effective.

Living Life in the Zone

2010-01-12T20:12:00.001-08:00

My favorite part in Living Life in the Zone is when authors Kyle Rote Jr. and Dr. Joe Pettigrew give instances in the Bible where God made major changes and transformations in the lives of different biblical characters after a 40 day period. Then they offer men of all ages the opportunity to have a 40-day spiritual game plan of their own. They hope by setting time apart each day the Holy Spirit will transform their readers lives, too.

This isn't your typical devotional book for men. It is an "intense" study and jam-packed full of sheer inspirational stories from successful coaches and professional athletes,whose lives have been changed by the transforming power of Jesus Christ and guarantees to help men experience a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ.

If you have a sports-minded man in your life, he will love this book. Living Life in the Zone isn't a book you read once and put away. After your first 40 day spiritual game plan, you can start all over again.

On a scale of 1 - 10.... I give Living Life in the Zone a perfect 10. You just can't find flaws in a book that challenges you to be all God intended you to be.

Father Knows Best

2010-01-11T13:47:00.000-08:00

2010 has started with numerous full circle moments because they seem to be popping up everywhere I turn these days.

Childhood pictures of my two older brothers and myself are hard to come by. We do have a few black and white photos, but color photographs are almost obsolete. Our mother tells us most of our treasured pictures were destroyed by flood waters. God always seems to know when I need a little "wink" from Heaven and He sent me one today.

A few years ago, my grandmother's brother passed away and sometime later his daughter was rummaging through some old photos. She discovered a few photos she thought we might be interested in. You can imagine how thrilled we were when we opened the thick envelope and colored pictures of us as kids dropped out. In the picture above I am the little girl dangling Bongo, a children's picture book, from my hand. I'm clenching another unknown book in my other hand.

Of all the pictures she could have sent, she sends one of me holding a children's book. Somehow that spoke to me. It seemed it was already in God's plan for me to write for little ones. I pray my words will help shape small souls for Jesus!

After examining the picture for a few minutes, I brushed a tear or two from my eyes, and took another sentimental journey. I was probably around eight and visiting my paternal grandma. She had cut and stapled a few sheets of white paper together and told me to write a book about anything I wanted to. I began to write about an oriental woman, who worshipped idols. I remember titling my story Mae Sue's God.

Fast forward forty years later, I was hired by a precious Vietnamese woman named Mai Spencer to ghostwrite her life's story. Mai had been a Buddhist for most of her life, but when she lost her third child she called out to Jesus and her life was forever changed. I didn't write about Mae Sue's God, but I did write about Mai Spencer's God. ;-)

I don't believe in coincidence. I know this was Divine providence.

2010 is the year of full circle moments. Be on the lookout for them. ;-) They will build your faith in a Father who always knows best.

Prisoner of Hope

2010-01-09T21:55:00.000-08:00

I just learned that One Noble Journey was chosen by The Children's and Teens' Book Connection to be in the Top Ten Favorite Books of 2009 for Kids, Tweens and Teens You can read more about it by going to the link below.
http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/2010/01/10/tctbcs-top-10-favorite-books-of-2009-for-kids-tweens-and-teens/

Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle by Nicole Weaver

2010-01-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

Nicole Weaver's new children's book Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle promises not to disappoint the little ones in your life. The exciting adventure begins with a sparkling ocean and a little girl Marie hunting for seashells. She spots something shining in the distance.(This is the part in the book where boys and girls plagued with wiggle wormitis will sit at rapt attention when they discover what the mysterious item is. Could it be the most beautiful seashell ever?) Marie runs over to the shiny item and discovers it is a stranded sea turtle. (I can just hear children oooohing and ahhhhing at this point.) The sea turtle needs to be put back into the ocean, but Marie isn't quite strong enough to help him back into his familiar waters. Maria's parents think the sea turtle would make a nice stew, but Maria convinces them to help save the sea turtle.

There are some important lessons I think children and their parents will learn after reading this book.

1. The importance of families listening with their hearts and not just their heads.

2. Children will hone their critical thinking skills. While her parents and Marie had differing opinions of what should be done with the sea turtle, they worked together and came up with a satisfying solution. Children will learn how cooperation makes a person become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

3. Children will also learn the art of compassion for God's creatures. Marie exemplifies this lost art and will give parents opportunities to discuss treating animals with respect.

4. Children will be exposed to different cultures and discover even if we live in different parts of the world, compassion never goes out of style.

If you have a hesitant little reader in your home, Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle would whet their reading appetite and give them a love for learning more about sea turtles.

What makes Nicole Weaver's story even more captivating are Ruben Chavez's amazing illustrations. Marie's merciful heart shines through each page.

You can purchase Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle at www.amazon.com.

Full Circle Moments

2010-01-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

Defining moments - we all have them. A place and time when you reflect on incidences that changed your perspective forever. You realized your purpose and marched to the beat of a heavenly drum.

This week our church called for a week of prayer. Every morning and every evening we meet for an hour and seek the Lord. Tonight as we prayed the Lord's presence was so near. In stillness and quietness, you could sense the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of the prayer warriors. My soul was overcome with an attitude of gratitude for the way God had led our family. As I was thanking the Lord for His faithfulness, my husband led out in a familiar chorus.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name.
He has done great things! He has done great things! He has done great things!
Bless His holy name.

As we sang, I reflected on past answers to prayer and those memories boosted my faith for the future. I knew the same God who had taken us through in the past was going to walk beside me in the future. And at that moment I was reminded of a story I had heard from my grandfather about a tragedy that happened to my great-uncle years before I was born.

Uncle Ernie was my paternal grandfather's baby brother. Right after he married and had two children, he bought a house in Floyd, Iowa. In January in the 1930s, he lost his house to a house fire. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but they lost everything. They decided to not rebuild, but moved to Oklahoma, where they lived until Uncle Ernie passed away.

Fifty years later, my husband Paul accepted a pastoral position at a little church in Floyd, Iowa. This church was built on the very lot where my Great-Uncle's house had burned to the ground. As God blessed the congregation, a building project for a new sanctuary was started. As the construction workers started to dig, they hit the foundation from my great-uncle's old home. A chipped ceramic coffee cup was salvaged and brought to me for inspection.

"I bet it was Uncle Ernie's coffee mug." I said staring at the old cup.

It was a full circle moment for me. My husband and I have now served the congregation of the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Floyd, Iowa, for nearly 30 years. A few years ago, Uncle Ernie's son Eldon built the cabinets and book shelves for my husband's new office. Even though Eldon was only five years old when the tragedy occured, he still remembers watching the flames devour his home. God has restored in ways above and beyond our wildest dreams. Eighty years ago my family suffered over the loss of their home, but now in that very spot stands a church. The fire that once destroyed the hopes and dreams of a young family has now been replaced by an eternal fire, which offers hope to whosoever will may come.

IF I COULD BE ANYTHING BY KEVIN MCNAMEE

2010-01-05T20:00:00.000-08:00

I am fast becoming an avid fan of children's author Kevin McNamee. I was trying to think exactly what it is about his two new children's books The Sister Exchange and If I Could Be Anything that won my heart. I believe I know the answer - His writing keeps the reader grounded as to what is of utmost importance in life. Before you read the last sentence of his books, you realize, more than you ever did before, just how precious and important family and loved ones are.

A child's imagination will be expanded when they read Mr. McNamee's delightful rhyming tale If I Could Be Anything coupled with Marina Movshina's colorful illustrations. Children will love imagining being an eagle soaring high in the sky or a bat hanging upside down in a cave. If I Could Be Anything is purely an "Imagination Station" that children of all ages will thoroughly enjoy.

And just when the reader is tranported all over the world dreaming about what he wants to be, Mr. McNamee penned these words:

But I'd want to be
with the ones that I love,
and with those who love me.

Those words made me want to stand to my feet and cheer.

When I was a child, after my grandmother read me a story she would ask me what I thought the moral of the story was. Over 50 years later, I continue to look for the deeper meaning of a good book. I felt the moral this story seemed to convey - Go ahead and dream. In fact, dream big, but be sure your priorities are grounded and you know who the important people are in your life and whatever you do... never, ever take them for granted.

You'll have to excuse me for now... I've got to go love on our new grandbaby and tell my husband how thankful I am for him.

To purcase If I Could Be Anything go to www.guardianangelpublishing.com. You'll be glad you did.

The Sister Exchange by Kevin McNamee

2010-01-05T05:24:00.000-08:00

Kevin McNamee's new book The Sister Exchange is going to help mothers from across the globe enlighten their children on just how precious and unique the bond between siblings really is. I think every home with siblings would benefit from this book and would suggest it as a baby shower gift for the big brother or sister of newborns. It would also be a great addition to a church library as a resource for young families.

The Sister Exchange has more depth than your average children's picture book. It meets an emotional need that an older sibling might not be able to express, but Mr. McNamee does an excellent job of using humor to teach just how sacred and eternal family relationships really are.

Heartstings will be tugged when the little souls in your life read about how big sister Brianna wants a new and improved little sister rather than Julianne, the one she has been given. Her wise mother listens intently, goes along with Brianna's request and makes a quick phone call to The Sister Exchange. Families will roar together with laughter when they read about the possible prospects The Sister Exchange offers Brianna.

Another favorite part of The Sister Exchange for me was Kit Grady's amazing illustrations. They are sooooo adorable you want to frame them and hang them on your wall. There's something about Brianna and Julieanne's faces that will capture the hearts of children of all ages.

You can purchase The Sister Exchange at:
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/sister-exchange.htm

While you are there, be sure to check out Kevin McNamee's other book If I Could Be Anything.

Tiny Angel by Nancy Carty Lepri

2010-01-02T20:54:00.000-08:00

In a day and age when chapter books for tweens can sometimes be more hype than substance, Nancy Carty Lepri's Tiny Angel is a breath of fresh air. When ten-year-old Macy Carver's dad is transferred to a new town, Macy leaves behind everything she knew even her best friend. Suddenly she is the new kid on the block and is the recipient of cruel bullying. Then, she receives an unexpectant heavenly visitor - her guardian angel Jody.

There are numerous positive lessons children can learn from Tiny Angel.

1. The gift of compassion - Macy's keen discernment helps her look beyond herself and extend friendship to Tommy, a needy boy in her school.

2. Another perspective - Macy gives readers another view from her pew. She is able, through the help of her guardian angel Jody, to see beyond herself.

3. Generosity - Macy could have been selfish and kept the award money she won from the spelling bee competition, but instead she sees a need greater than herself and donates her money to help those in need.

4. Convictions - Macy's life reflects her heart of mercy for the underdog while continuing to stand up for what you believe in even if it means being rejected.

5. Educational - Children will hone their spelling skills when they attend the spelling bees with Macy and her friends.

6. Faith - Little hearts will grow in their faith when they fall in love with Macy's guardian angel Jody and learn that only faith can devour fear.

Macy isn't some goody-two-shoes. Ms. Lepri pulls back the curtain and allows us to see Macy's struggles.

I think Tiny Angel should be read in elementary schools everywhere. It would open up dialogue about bullying and how devastating it can be to an individual and teach students the lost art of compassion.

If you want a great book with some character building lessons tucked in every chapter for the children in your life, you will want to get a copy of Tiny Angel.

You can purchase Tiny Angel by Nancy Carti Lepri at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/tiny-angel.htm. While you are there, you may want to look around at some of their other amazing books.

George Fox

2010-01-01T13:48:00.000-08:00

Because the economy was drastically unstable, the villagers turned inward, caring little about the affairs outside their own town. Little did that sleepy town realize there was one among them who would shake all of England. (quote about the boy George Fox)

I always enjoy reading about the lives of people who have laid down their lives for the Cause of Christ. Today I read about George Fox, the founder of the Quakers, who lived through persecution after persecution yet humbly shared his faith in Jesus with everyone God brought across his path.

As a boy, George struggled socially. He was a misfit and a loner. I'm not quite sure why I was so moved by learning of his disposition and then years later see how God used him, but I was.

For twenty-one years now my husband Paul and I have invested in the lives of children and young people. Lighthouse Academy, a Christian school in the church where my husband pastors, was started in August 1988. Monday through Friday, Paul stands before the students in Opening and shares truths from God's Word. The students come in every flavor. We have our extroverts and introverts, too, like they did in George Fox's day. I guess the word that continues to resonant in my soul about our precious students is POTENTIALITY! We don't know how God may choose to use each one of them, but we can be sure He will.

I pray each child whether gifted or not will sense God's love for them through our lives. I never want to be guilty of prejudging a child and thinking God cannot use him or her. The Spirit of the Lord uses ordinary people to perform extraordinary feats!

I wonder if you or I are mentoring a future George Fox. A child that through our eyes doesn't appear to be of use in God's vineyard, but through God's eyes can shake the world. God sees things differently than we do. As the old saying goes... He doesn't look for ability, but availability.

George Fox's story has left a deep impression on my soul this New Year. I hope I am not guilty of being "sleepy" and not realizing what God is doing in the midst of my community. I pray every child the Lord sends through our doors will feel loved and come to know God has a Divine destiny for their life. After reading about George Fox, I don't think I will look at a child the same ever again.

There's a Beetle in my Bed by Bill Kirk

2010-01-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

If you want a fun, yet educational, read for the little ones in your life, you've got to get Bill Kirk's newest book There's a Beetle in my Bed. Mr. Kirk has delivered a grand slam with this amusing story. Who would think a gentle nudge from an imaginary beetle hiding in your bed could make learning so much fun? After reading this story, you will be giggling and chanting together with your children:

"There's a beetle in my bed.
I just saw him duck his head."

The rhyming story is guaranteed to tickle the funny bones of children of all ages and the neatest part about the book are the "Factoids" on each page. So while the children are enjoying the story of the little boy who is afraid of the growing beetle in his bed, they are expanding their scientific knowledge, too.

Bill Kirk's text coupled with Suzy Brown's colorful illustrations are a match made in "Picture Book Heaven."

For more information on how you can purchase There's a Beetle in my Bed go to http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/beetle-bed.htm

While you are there, check out some more great books published by Guardian Angel Publishing. You won't be disappointed.

Mirror Mirror Off the Wall

2009-12-31T00:42:00.000-08:00

Bezalel made the bronze washbasin and its bronze stand from bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle. Exodus 38:8 NLT

It must have been a great sacrifice for these women to give their bronze mirrors to Bezalel. For some, it possibly meant never being able to see their reflection again.

There are days that I feel Jesus is asking me to give my mirror to Him. There seems to be a “Call” from Heaven that is pleading to look at myself less and to fasten my eyes upon my Savior more. It’s not as easy as it seems. Giving my mirror to Jesus means that I can’t always be looking out for “me”.

There are days I fail. I clutch my mirror like a toddler clinging to his favorite blanket and insist on keeping it. On those days I am most miserable.

But there are other days that I take the mirror off my wall and give it to Jesus and a miracle takes place. I see life so much clearer. I begin singing a wonderful timeless hymn:

Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus.
I've lost sight of all beside.
So enchained my Spirit's vision.
Looking at the crucified.

I will begin this new year by taking my mirror off the wall and giving it to my King. Maybe there is someone I can love for Jesus today.

"Mirror, mirror off the wall.
Help me resemble the Fairest of them all!”

Camel Lot

2009-12-30T12:25:00.000-08:00

Today, December 30, 2009, our only son John Drake proposed to Natasha Stamman and she accepted. They took a sleigh ride in a restored antique cutter which was used years ago by another young couple in their courting days. The wedding is scheduled to be in early spring 2010. As I watched the excitement on John and Natasha's face I couldn't help but reflect back on this past two years. So much history has happened to our family during this time, we can hardly catch our breath. On June 12, 2008, John gave his daddy the gift of life when he gave Paul a kidney on Father's Day weekend. Then, one month to the day later, our firstborn Rachel Michelle wed Mr. Wilmer Nolt. You can imagine the emotions we all felt when Paul walked our daughter down the church aisle. Then, on August 9, 2008, our second daughter Rebekah married Mr. Zacariah Fox. Our eyes filled with tears again when Paul walked Beka down that same aisle. Our baby daughter Libby married Mr. Isaac Wendland on June 27, 2009. By this time Paul had three hospitalizations since his transplant. So, once again when he appeared at the back of the church to walk our baby girl down that familiar aisle.... we were swirling with so many emotions. On September 5th, Zach and Beka had their first child... a darling baby boy - Tristan Micaiah. Rachel and Wil are expecting our second grandson in March. If all this good news wasn't enough, now our only son will marry his sweetheart. God is sooooo good!

Life can be difficult, but God has been sooo kind to always allow joys to be on their way to us. The kidney transplant wasn't part of our plan for our lives, but just like Joseph in the Bible who found himself sold to a caravan of Midianites. He probably felt forsaken when he was thrown in that pit by his brothers, but God was directing the caravan. Whether they realized it or not they were being controlled by Divine providence. I hope I can always remember this. God knows where we are and He has perfect timing for our precise provision. Months ago He set the caravan in motion for us.

Get ready..... the caravans are coming......... and we will all be living in our own "Camel Lot." ;-)

Playmakers

2009-12-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

My entire life I have been impressed by playmakers. You know who they are in your life. The ones who you can count on when the going gets tough. They say or do something that changes the whole atmosphere in a room. You can be in a volatile situation and these people show up or speak up and can diffuse the situation. They never become part of the problem, but very quickly are part of the solution. They may have a critical eye and can access a situation pretty quick, but they also have a keen sense of discovering solutions to offer to those "sticky" situations. Most playmakers are unsung heroes in our lives. We take them for granted in our early years, but as time goes by you find you cannot live without them. For all the playmakers in my life, I want to say THANK YOU! I hope each of you will take the time to thank the playmakers in your life. They make the journey here much sweeter and help you win at the game of life according to biblical principles.

Jiminy Crickett

2009-12-24T21:19:00.000-08:00

In 1981, my husband Paul was youth pastor at a church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. We had two beautiful children then and had just moved into a lovely three bedroom apartment, but then we felt the Lord was calling us to move to Floyd, Iowa, to pastor a struggling country church. We sat down and counted the cost. There would be a tremendous cut in salary. The tiny church could only pay $75 a week and the parsonage was nothing to be desired. In the natural, we would never have chosen to move to Floyd, but whenever we prayed, we both sensed a call from Heaven.

During one Wednesday evening service in Arkansas the Holy Spirit began to draw our hearts. I distinctly remember the Lord speaking in the depths of my soul and asking, "Will you go?"

I remember weeping and surrendering to His call. "Here am I, Lord, send me!"

The next day Paul and I sat down and had a heart-to-heart chat. He, too, had felt the same call. We prayed together and surrendered our lives to whatever God wanted. We would let Him choose the vineyard where He wanted us to labor in.

A few months later we were headed to the little village of Floyd, Iowa. Paul accepted the pastorate of the Gospel Lighthouse Church. We arrived on the last Sunday in August 1981. (Our oldest child Rachel was nearly three and our second child was nine months old. Our two youngest daughters hadn't even been born yet.)

The first Sunday morning Paul preached we had an attendance of 16. (Four of which were the Paul Phillips' family.) We were excited when a farmer and his wife responded to the altar call and gave their hearts to the Lord that first Sunday.

Every year the little flock grew, but there were financial challenges. I remember us praying for shoes for our little ones' feet and Jesus was so faithful to provide. We were learning to walk by faith and not by sight.

The Christmas of 1985, our oldest daughter Rachel had just turned seven. She had asked for a Crickett doll for Christmas. I went and priced one and was devastated when I realized there was no way we could buy the expensive doll. I remember crying and wondering if we should move to a bigger church, but when I knelt to pray I knew we were supposed to stay and be faithful in the lean years.

That Christmas there was no Crickett doll, but another dolly under the tree. Rachel seemed thrilled with her new doll, but I knew deep in her heart she really wanted the special Crickett doll.

Fast foward to this Christmas, twenty-four years later, God has been good to us during our 28 years of service. He has blessed the church above and beyond our wildest dreams and we no longer live in the old parsonage. God blessed us with another home. It was in this house, the home the Lord provided for us, where our family gathered tonight to celebrate our Lord's birth.

It was a full circle moment when Rachel opened her Christmas gift tonight. We bought her a Cricut machine. For all of you who scrapbook, you know the amazing designs this machine can make. Letters of beautiful fonts and adorable diecuts for special occasions. Rachel's eyes danced when she opened her gift and saw it was a Cricut machine. My heart skipped a beat, too, when I thought about how faithful the Lord has been to our little family. Rachel finally got her Cricut and after I thanked the Lord for His goodness all I could say was.... Jiminy Crickett!

Book Review

2009-12-23T15:33:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to read Stephen Arterburn's new book Regret-Free Living. My husband and I have been in fulltime ministry for 30 years and involved in Christian education for the past 20 years. It's our hope to be proactive and help children and youth learn from mistakes and live a life for Jesus with as few regrets as possible.

I love Stephen Arterburn's writing style. His simplicity and transparency go right to the heart of the matter and he offers hope and freedom from unhealthy choices. Readers' spirits will open up as he shares from his own past mistakes and retraces his steps to finding spiritual and emotional health.

The book begins by enlightening the reader to the signs of an unhealthy relationship. Then he walks the reader through helpful healing steps, which will enable the reader to make peace with their past.

I highly recommend Regret-Free Living by Stephen Arterburn. His practical counsel guarantee to help those who are longing to turn from toxic relationships and begin building healthy relationships.

Christmas Memory

2009-12-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

One of my Christmas memories can be found at this blog - http://www.myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/

Enjoy,
Dixie

Happy Wife Happy Life

2009-12-15T20:15:00.000-08:00

Jim and Cathy Burns have written a book filled with "timeless truths" in their new book "Closer."

This inspirational devotional for couples is overflowing with wisdom and practical advice intended to draw couples closer together. There is something about their "down to earth" simplicity, coupled with the longevity of their own marriage, that resonates pure authenticity on every page.

My favorite chapter "Reactions Speak Louder than Words" will forever stick to my marriage ribs!

Our three daughters were married this past year and you can be sure they will be getting "Closer" for a Christmas gift this year.

If there was a button I could push for TEN STARS I would.

Jim and Cathy, I've never met you, but thank you for this much-needed resource.

Until next time,
Dixie

Beautiful Mess - The Story of Diamond Rio

2009-12-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

Recently my husband heard Diamond Rio minister through testimony and song at a men's retreat in Lynchburg, Virginia. He was deeply moved by their testimony. So when I saw Diamond Rio had a new book Beautiful Mess, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy.

I loved how Beautiful Mess devoted a chapter to each of the six band members. You get a real feel for their unique backgrounds and marvel how the grandson of a coal miner would be singing with the son of a cultured classical pianist.

When lead singer Marty Roe begins to struggle vocally, the band almost fell apart, but they all hunkered down and weathered the storm together. The loyalty they have for one another is sheer inspiration.

It has been said if you find your "mess," you will find your ministry. Diamond Rio found their beautiful mess and out of it has evolved a story of hope and forgiveness.

The book also offers what is known as Nelson Free, where you purchase the actual book and you have access to download the book for free as an audio book and an ebook.

If you enjoy inspirational stories, you will enjoy this book.