Jesus, I thank you for your shed blood.
When I needed redemption, you were the Sacrifice in my place.
Jesus, I thank you for your love.
When I was unloved and lonely, you were the Lover of my soul.
You were the bridegroom and your Father chose me as your bride.
Jesus, I thank you for your strength.
When I was weak and weary, you were the Mighty Warrior King,
Captain of the host of heaven, and you rescued me.
Jesus, I thank you for your Word.
When I was lost and living in darkness, you were the Light that brightened my day and enlightened my future.
Jesus, I thank you for your peace.
When I was tossed on every wave, you stilled the storm and calmed my heart.
Jesus, I thank you for your forgiveness.
When I stumbled and fell, you picked me up, and were a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Jesus, I thank you for your gentleness.
When I came to you broken and bent, you were the Master Potter who remade me into a vessel of honor.
Jayde, from “Mr. Topper’s Fabulous Funtown” (a work in progress)
Jayde loved her training at the Academy, even the book learning. She knew how to read and write, figure her sums, and how to fill out all of the forms that go along with being an officer of the law. But her favorite part of the day was when they got to tag along with the Elite Squad, the full fledged, ticket writing, crowd controlling, and crime stopping police. True, there wasn’t a lot of crime taking place in Funtown, which she attributed to the fine job of the Elite Squad, but there were always tickets to write, missing children to locate, gates to guard and famous people to escort. Sometimes, rarely, they got to chase! Once they had to chase a runaway clockwork dog from the “Sprocket’s Stupendous Mechanical Menagerie”. It had shot out of the practice wring and onto the boardwalk before Sprocket could get his hands on it. Jayde and her Sr. Officer took off after it, arms pumping and skates click clacking on the wooden slats. It was the most fun she had ever had. Of course the poor thing wound down before they got very far, but she had gone full speed, in town, dodging people, jumping over waste baskets and blowing her whistle with what little air she had to spare.
Standing in Faith
This was originaly written on June 8th, 2010 (After being diagnosed with a heart condition that needed surgery)
I had to do some housecleaning today, natural and spiritual. I commanded the spirits of infirmity, self pity and despair to leave my home. Isn’t it funny how without daily upkeep our houses get messy? Well it works the same way with our spirit. If we don’t maintain our faith, get rid of those “un-Godly” beliefs and replace them with the Word of God, things get out right nasty. As I ran the vacuum and got rid of all the cobwebs that had been accumulating in my house, I realized the areas of neglect in my spiritual walk. You can do much soul searching while setting your natural house in order. God is so patient with us, and so encouraging. He really has been so loving to me. One day I was complaining to God about my being ill, and not receiving a healing, and like a petulant toddler said, “Jesus do you even know how I feel, you are God, were you ever even sick a day in your life?” and my patient Lord chuckled at me, just like a parent when their child, makes an illogical accusation, and replied, “Only while on the cross, when I bore your infirmities, and those of everyone else.” What could I answer …besides to see Him in pain on that cross…cry and ask Him to forgive my self pity. Another day, as I lay in bed, feeling very sorry for myself and even more confused, I cried and begged, “Why do I have to go through all of this again! Why do I have to have surgery! Why, why, why!” I was in despair. I received no answer from God, no great revelation, no reason for my suffering. My mind rolled and whined until finally I was too tired to even make sense. It was then I heard, so clearly, “I LOVE YOU”. I sniffed, took a breath, sighed in surrender and said, “I love you too.” I closed my eyes and slept in peace. Friends and Family, God doesn’t condemn us-He loves. Yes, he chastens, (for me quit frequently recently), but always from the heart of a Loving Father. Jesus knows our pain, He cried out to His Father begging for another way, but in the end, He did the will of His Father. Let us do the same. We may not like the path set before us, it may look dark and scary. But He who knows best will light our way! He’ll give us the strength, and walk there beside us. He will deliver my healing! I can count on Him! He is ever loving, and ever FAITHFUL!
P.S. The surgery was not finished due to “equipment malfunction”, what the doctors couldn’t fix, God totally healed!
Book Review for “Dancing Shadows, Tramping Hooves”
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review by the author, Dianne Ascroft. This is a wonderful collection of short stories. I really enjoyed the read. Simply written, easy reading, touching stories, a perfect afternoon read. The stories take place in Ireland and Canada. I have always wanted to go to Ireland so I may be a little partial. Good Author, will be reading more from her. I gave this book 4 stars.
Book Review for “Alexios, Before Dying”
I was given a copy of this book by the author, Chance Maree, for an honest review. The very first page grabbed my attention and I liked the book from the start. The characters, a little girl, Velia Gray, and The Magician, were also likeable from the start. I enjoyed the first couple of chapters; the author does a good job with the way she writes of getting you sucked into the story. Then about half way, I started to lose some interest, then things got weird and by the end the story totally lost me. The only way to describe it is like a disjointed dream, you know the ones that get weirder as they go, but feels really real. If you like “New Age”, “Spirit Walking”, “Out of Body Experience”, or philosophy, you would probably like the story. I think it is for more “enlightened” minds than mine. I had originally offered to read a Sci Fi book that she had written and she thought I would enjoy this one better. I wish I had read her book description first. I give the book 3 stars because the book is well written. Just not my cup of tea.
Book Review for “Steward”
I was given this book by the author, Christopher Shields, for an honest review. LOVED IT! I just finished reading The Steward; I grew up reading fairytales and love them. I now enjoy a good fantasy book (as well as other genres) and this is one of the best I’ve read. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. The author makes his character very real. I loved the main character, Maggie. Like every good ‘fairytale’ it has the ‘true love’ element as well! Did I mention I loved it? Well, I did. I recommend this book for YA and for us adults as well. I give this book 5+ stars.
Book Review for “Rogue Genesis”
I was given this book for an honest review by the author, Ceri London. First I just need to mention to all of my Christian friends that, though I am a creationist Christian, I read this book, as it was intended as a work of FICTION. So if it bothers you to even hear the word evolution, don’t bother, having said that, I just loved this book. It is a long read, but worth every minute. This is not a book you can ‘skim’ through; every word is part of the story. I loved the characters, especially the Hero, military guy with a heart. There are more twists and turns in this book than a mountain logging road. This book can be read as a ‘stand alone’ story; I appreciate that, but will be continued. I for one will be sticking with this author and this storyline. I recommend this for teens and up (there is very little swearing and no sexual content). I give this book 5+ stars.