Courage Scares me a Little

2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 

Cowardly Lion: [crying] You're right, I am a coward! I haven't any courage at all. I even scare myself. [sobbing] Look at the circles under my eyes. I haven't slept in weeks! Tin Man: Why don't you try counting sheep? Cowardly Lion: That doesn't do any good, I'm afraid of 'em.

The Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz feared everything, even the sweet sheep you count in your sleep. I remember watching the movie and getting frustrated with the "king of the forest." He drove me crazy because he was so timid. But as an adult, I've found myself in the same boat. Afraid I'll fail. Scared I won't say or do the right thing. Uncomfortable making decisions. Paralyzed by fear that stops me in my tracks. I may not be afraid of sheep, but sometimes anxiety has kept me from moving forward.

I wrote earlier this week that my word for 2019 is courage. That scares me a little bit because God asked me to be brave. Not just for myself, but for Him. I feel a tug and a nudge from Him to be bold and move forward for Him. To take my writing goals and conquer them. To speak up for Him. To show the world I love Jesus. As I read this morning, I came across 2 Timothy 1:7. The Holy Spirit gives me power mixed with love and self-discipline. What a perfect verse for me for 2019. Courage, love and self-discipline. Wow! This little verse Paul wrote to Timothy bolstered my confidence. I want to remind myself every day that God placed this on my heart.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

2018 Fiction Favorites!

Out of the numerous books I read last year and the many I've reviewed, I decided to choose the top five fiction favorites for 2018; in no particular order. I've enjoyed each one. The authors' excellent writing and wonderful stories stood out to me. I was surprised to see that three of the five are historical fiction, since I usually read contemporary. Each title is linked to my original review. If you're looking for a good book to read this winter, check out my favorites!

• §  Things Left Unsaid by Courtney Walsh
• §  Reason to Breathe by Deborah Raney
• §  Freedom's Light by Colleen Coble
• §  Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett
• §  The Fashion Designer by Nancy Moser

I have to sneak in at least one picture book— my first love in books!

• §  Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

Do you Have a Word?

My daughter, Maggie, has a Cricut, a template cutting tool. She creates beautiful designs for shirts, pillows, and so much more. When I was visiting the other day, I wore a plain pink sweatshirt. She knows I love a particular quote from Cinderella. Before the day was over, I had a newly designed pink sweatshirt that quoted Cinderella's mother, "Have courage, be kind." I love it!

The next day, I saw that Dayspring, a Christian card and inspirational gift company, shared a "Word of the Year" quiz On Facebook. I've chosen a word for the new year before, but hadn't settled on anything for 2019. I trust Dayspring so I thought why not.

My word? COURAGE! Not a coincidence.

My new shirt proclaims to have courage and be kind. Bravery, with a peaceful, loving spirit.  The Holy Spirit is nudging me to have courage in 2019. I love that. God knows what lies ahead. He gives me what I need. May the courage I muster come from Him.

Happy New Year-What's the Plan?

Proverbs 16:1-3

To humans belong the plans of the heart,
    but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.

All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
    but motives are weighed by the Lord.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.

For me, 2019 arrives with changes. I'll continue to rehab my brand new knee as I head back to work, after an extended medical leave. With no arthritic pain in my knees, I can begin to take walks again and enjoy the outdoors. Retirement is around the corner. I'll be making plans for what I want to do next. I plan to keep writing and pen more fiction. Two things I enjoy, crocheting and embroidering, will keep my hands busy. As my grandson said when I told him I would be retiring, "You'll get to spend more time with family." Yes, Tim and I will take some trips and enjoy our family. All these changes are good. But I know the plans I make may not be the ones the Lord has in mind.

Proverbs 16 reminds me to check in with God before I make too many plans and definitely before I plunge in feet first. The Lord knows what's best for me. He knows my future and understands my needs. But how do I know what God wants me to do? I read his word, the guide for my daily life. I listen to his people. He provides wisdom through others. I pray! Then I wait for the nudge. God instilled the Holy Spirit in me when I accepted Jesus as my Savior. That beautiful, wonderful Spirit guides me, comforts me, and shows me the direction I need to go. I'm thankful I have one who loves me so much that He wants to lead me into the new year and show me the way.

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.

What are your plans for the new year?

Merry Christmas

May God bless you with 

peace, joy, hope and 

love this holiday season!

Christmas Blessings: Love

John 3:16 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The winter solstice, observed years before Christmas was a holiday, celebrated the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark season of winter. The people of the time worshiped the sun. When the sun shined less hours in the winter, folks wanted to do something to brighten the darkness. In many countries they set a log on fire and kept it burning for at least three days. This log became the Yule log, their way to bring light to the dark. Even those who didn't believe in Jesus sought after light in the darkness.

By AD 350, we know that Christians chose to celebrate Jesus birth near the same time as the winter solstice. Why would they do this instead of in the spring when Jesus was most likely born? They knew that Jesus light of love needed to come into the cold, dark season. While the pagans ate and drank together and worshiped the sun, believers chose to worship the son of God—Jesus—and shine his light. What better way to celebrate the Prince of Peace, than by recognizing him as the light who shines in darkness, the love who came to change the world.

I'm thankful that the Romans in AD 354 chose to celebrate Jesus birth. He came to earth to bring the light of love. A love that will last through eternity.

Merry Christmas!

Arahaba tratry ny Noely

Madagascar, an island off the east coast of Africa celebrates a Jesus centered Christmas. Even though the temperature is warm, they decorate with snow (that doesn't melt) and holly. Santa Claus is known as Dadabe Noely. But he's not the center of celebration.

Instead, families gather at church at 5pm on Christmas Eve for services that last until midnight. Children and adults sing carols and act out the nativity story. They return to church on Christmas Day and share in sweets. Families give small gifts to one another and greet everyone with " Arahaba tratry ny Noely," Merry Christmas.

I love that they center their celebration on Jesus. What a beautiful Christmas they share.

Cooper, James. “The History of Christmas Cards .” Why Christmas?, 2018, www.whychristmas.com.