Exciting News!

"Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. 

The time will pass anyway." -Earl Nightingale 

Once upon a time I dreamed of having a book published.

Through the years, the dream changed here and there, 

but I never closed my mind to the possibility.

I'm excited to announce I signed a contract with Mt. Zion Ridge Press. 

My debut novel, Home Where She Belongs is set to enter the world spring 2022.

I'll post more about this great adventure in the coming months.

To get updates first, sign up for my monthly newsletter at 

Hope for Today's Heart.

I'm so thankful God has given me this opportunity to use the talent he's given me.

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Celebrate~Mary

Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She [Mary] wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Bumping along on a lowly donkey, nine months pregnant, Mary prepared for the birth of her son, Jesus. She made the journey with her betrothed, Joseph, to the town of Bethlehem where they'd be counted and registered to pay taxes. Towards the end of a pregnancy, most women are mighty uncomfortable. I can't imagine riding a donkey on rough roads and bouncing around. But, Mary's faith trumped her discomfort.

Womanhood arrived early in Mary's day. History determines her to be anywhere from fourteen to seventeen, a child in our culture. Yet her love for God matured and grew in her few years. The angel, who delivered the news that she'd give birth to the Messiah, recognized this young woman's faith.

Mary, being the faithful servant, accepted the angel's proclamation with grace and trust.

Trust plays a huge part in Jesus' birth. Joseph trusted enough to wed Mary.  God trusted the angels to deliver his messages. The shepherds trusted the angels and ran to see the baby. And Mary trusted God with the glorious phenomenon of Jesus' birth.

As Mary bumped along, she must have wondered what came next. But she moved forward as God called her. She birthed the baby in a stable, most likely a cave where the animals were fed and watered. Hopefully, she had clean straw and fresh water. Regardless, Mary welcomed her child with joy that night.  

As you think about the troubles of 2020, the inconveniences, the losses, the illness, think about Mary. In her discomfort and what was likely a troubled time for her, she moved forward with trust and faith. Regardless of what's behind us, let's keep our eyes on Jesus and celebrate the joy of this season.

Stop for a few moments and breathe in the spirit of the season. Capture the essence of joy. Then breathe out and share his hope.

 Who Would Imagine a King sung by my daughter Sara Hatch-

God's Gifts

John 17:1-5

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."

Pretty Place, NC

My first thought as I read these words:

Jesus is praying to his Father, God, and I have the privilege to read my Savior's words over 2,000 years later. All I can think is wow! God has given us a gift. Actually, more than one.

First and foremost, God sent Jesus to this crazy place called earth. He knew we needed someone willing to offer his life for our sins. A few verses earlier in John 16, Jesus reminds us, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Jesus knew we needed hope because we'd experience difficulty of all sorts. Physical, emotional, mental and yes, spiritual. At times, I'm exhausted on all counts. I want to curl into a ball and hide. But, Jesus who loves us more than we can imagine, reminds me of the hope, the joy, the peace that waits for me in heaven. The sheer thought of the hope of heaven tugs me up and pushes me forward.

This old world may get me down, but my Father lifts me up through his word, that second  beautiful gift He's given us. The Bible offers comfort and peace, knowledge and wisdom. Jesus' words amaze me as I realize he stood before the people, all those years ago, and spoke out loud for all to hear. Those same words, often printed in red, still speak to my heart today.

May all glory be to God, who loves us.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

Be Caught by the Spirit

Acts 2:38

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Tim and I kayaked on Cowan Lake, a small lake that doesn't allow speedboats. The calm water was perfect for a day of paddling. As we floated along, I watched somewhere around 15-20 sailboats take to the water. The way the boats glided across the inlets reminded me of a graceful heron soaring through the air.

The sailboat depends on the wind to power it through the water. As the navigator observes the movement and wind power that propels the boat, he listens to what the wind says.

"Sailing is not about catching the wind. Sailing is about being caught by the wind."-Didi Bacon

As the sailboat is powered by the wind, Jesus followers are powered by the Holy Spirit. Understanding that we have a supernatural being living in us as our guide draws some doubt. Yet, the Bible tells us that when we choose to believe and turn our lives toward Jesus, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. He's real and He's with us every day. He nudges me to obey God's calling, He comforts me, He loves me, He reminds me that I'm a child of God, He's my counselor, He listens and prays for me when I am without words. The Holy Spirit truly is a gift from God.

Like the navigator of the sailboat, I need to listen and be aware of the Spirit's guidance. My desire is to be caught by the Spirit, just as the sails are caught by the wind.

Ask the Lord to fill you with his Spirit.

God's Gifts from the Earth