The Garden Photo

Gotta set up a photo shoot.Where? How should I pose? Do I want it to tell more than just my face?
Those were the thoughts I had. Then an idea popped in, "Go to the hospital!"
Don't laugh, we have a lovely hospital. Healing permeates its decor from the moment you walk in. As you enter through the revolving door, you stand among trees and plants. Then you see a wall with water slowly flowing down several panels; to the right is a fireplace with overstuffed chairs that welcome you to rest awhile.
In fact, all of the waiting areas are restful, filled with greenery and soft music; and almost all of the patient rooms have mountain views.
On the second floor is a small, lovely chapel with a nearby outdoor garden. That's where I am in the photo- seated on rocks near a small waterfall with the statue of a reader. What a better place for a Christian author!
So ignore the warm breeze that's blowing my hair... listen to the babbling sound of the water as it slowly falls across the rocks into the pond... consider The Reader. Maybe, she's you sitting on the rock ledge! Maybe, she's reading my story!

Keepin'On Keepin' On!

This gramma is having a hard time keeping up lately, but have you ever tried telling God, "Whoa!" He just says, "Keep moving, Child."

Now when He calls me Child, I just have to remember that my earthly body is temporary; and wearing it out for Him is okay. Erma Bombeck once said,"When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say "I used everything you gave me.'" Me, too! But I also must add it is only because He said, "My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in weakness." (2Cor. 12:9 NIV)

So, how is God moving in my life? I'm glad you asked.

I'm learning how to design a website for a new e-zine coming this fall. And you just gotta know, that's Him 'cause I'm technically -0 on a scale of 1-10. A trial site is at www.4Him2U.highpowersite.com, if you want to take a peek- comments welcomed.
I'm preparing to hold a writer's Bible study on-line with Christian writers living in different zones. Technical stuff again...
My new columns are blessing me as I write them- isn't it amazing how God ministers to us as we go about His work!

Wow, my little gray cells are mighty busy and so is my Prayer Team. Thanks, my friends!

Stop by again soon; I'll keep you posted.

Shalom, Connie

Crossroads

Confused where to go? What to do? When? Why? How?

Me, too! Politics confuses me. Technology confuses me. Business tactics confuse me.
Dwelling on the things that I do not know or wish I knew yields confusion that can spiral into depression. But we were not meant to know everything well. Each of us has knowledge, skills, and talents unique to us plus, hopefully, some commonsense.

What's the key to this dilemma of what, where, when, and how? I believe it is relationships and networking. Through the building of positive relationships we learn what people know, who we can trust and depend upon. They in turn have their network of people who know and people that can be trusted. Another term may be "word of mouth."

We are all looking for answers to simple and complicated issues: Who is honest when it comes to insurance? Who is the best doctor for you? When is the right time to buy or sell a car or a house? What school system is good or should we home-school? Which computer system will meet your needs? How to pick a tomato that will actually taste like a tomato? And on it goes...

Recently, I watched a mother teaching her young daughter how to shop for groceries. She demonstrated how to pick the good plums, explained the difference between "each" and "by the pound," when to buy brand names versus cheaper store brands, and how to have a balanced diet. Her trip to the grocery store probably took twice as long, but the benefits will last for years. We need to do more of that!

Older women need to mentor younger women, boys need to have men in their lives to look up to, teens need safe places to go where guidance isn't a threat, all of us need to become better listeners.

I know I am rambling. I am frustrated that I live in the richest country in the world, but children go to bed hungry. That politicians spend billions of dollars campaigning, but millions cannot afford health care. That people can work for 40+ years then, when they retire, they have to decide between buying medicine or food.

Are you at a crossroad? Are you looking for answers?

Here's where I am suppose to say, "Look to God, He has the answers!"

I love the Lord with all my heart. He does guide me in my decisions; He does answer prayers. But God gave man the knowledge, emotions, skills and talents needed to responsibly care for this world. Have we fulfilled that responsibility? When are we going to look away from our needs to the needs of those around us? When are we going to really listen to one another?

Selah-

Think on these things-

Each of us are at a crossroad, what choices are you going to make? What will the ripple effect of those choices be?

I am going to ask my Heavenly Father, what choices He wants me to make. I am going to ask Him for a peek at the ripple effect of my actions so I will understand that what I do can change this world.

" I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something; and what I should do and can do, by the grace of God, I will do." How about you?

Shalom, Connie

"I'll be praying for you" is the greatest gift anyone can give IF they are sincere. I have mentioned previously that I never say those words unless I mean them because I feel that they carry a huge responsibility. After all, Revelations 5:8 tells us that the prayers of the saints are kept in golden bowls as a sweet fragrance to God.
That said, I am asking for some prayer warriors- folks serious about praying.

New opportunities have come my way and, with each one comes the possibility for opposition. Lucifer will use any barrier he can to keep me from fulfilling God's plan.

Over the years I have learned several things about the evil angel, who was cast from heaven & God's presence. He is real. He is angry at God & constantly challenging Him- even though he knows he cannot win. He isn't very smart, but he is sneaky. He uses our weaknesses to create stumbling blocks, potholes, & rough roads so we will detour from the path to God. The more God asks of us, the more Lucifer will try to distract us- the aim is to keep our focus off of God. Most important is that he hates the name of Jesus & the sweet fragrance of prayer is offensive to him.

Selah-

As I strive to please God through my writing, I need the protection of prayers. I will be publishing & editing a new on-line magazine, writing a monthly column for Positively Feminine (www.Positively Feminine.org.) and a bi-monthly column for The Encourager. I have also been given the opportunity to be the Assistant Editor for The Encourager; my main responsibility will be their prayer ministry. In addition to these new tasks, I continue to lead a Bible Study for writers & a support group for those who are chronically ill or have chronic pain.

Join in ministry with me through daily, supportive prayer. Leave a comment & let me know a bit about yourself so I can pray for you.

Shalom, Connie

Updates

My cardiac tests were within normal. I am jumping for joy! Waiting wasn't easy, but I am relieved & ready to increase my activity & exercise.

Have just learned some new things about blogging so you will be seeing some changes in the near future.

Meanwhile, I am writing & preparing... Expecting! A new e-zine 4Him2U is coming this fall, near the holidays. This is an exciting new, adventure for me & the Sonrise Writers. More details soon.

Shalom, Connie