I don't know why the text color is off. It's late, and I can't fix it. I hope you're able to read, and I apologize for any inconvenience.
If you've read the LETTER I wrote in my previous post, you'll understand why I'm looking forward to 2016 and why I'd rather not look back on 2015.
One of the exciting things that happened this year was the publication of my first book since cancer: OUT OF THE ASHES.
If you've read the LETTER I wrote in my previous post, you'll understand why I'm looking forward to 2016 and why I'd rather not look back on 2015.
One of the exciting things that happened this year was the publication of my first book since cancer: OUT OF THE ASHES.
Sales have gone well, and I've been happy with it. It's a historical, Christian romance. You can click HERE to find out what it's about.
Then there were a lot of overwhelming things that took place this year that pretty much left me without words, which is why I didn't write. My oldest daughter got married and moved out of state. I miss her terribly! I visited my dad in prison, and he met my youngest daughter for the very first time (I hadn't seen my dad in twelve years). Even got to see my grandma who lived in another state and passed away a few months after our visit. So glad I got to say goodbye to her.
There were also several events that made me feel unsafe. I lived in Holland for thirteen years, and I felt safer there than I do here in America. How sad that this "land of the free" is intolerant of people of faith, that Americans are killing other Americans, that the LBGT agenda is being taught to our children in public schools, that ISIS is on the rampage in other countries, and that so many nonsensical events and beliefs are being thrust upon so many (and we better not voice our opinions for fear of being politically incorrect), and God is basically left behind and forgotten in society, being tossed out with the trash. I wrote a post on gay marriage, attempted another on all the persecution believers have been suffering from money-hungry LBGT folks, but I couldn't post any of it. I couldn't bring myself to share the deep sorrow and discouragement I was feeling. Why dump that on others? But now I've shared it in a letter to both Christians and LBGT people. Hope it's not too heavy-handed.
Finally, a month or two ago, my oldest daughter (who's married and far away from me, *sniff*) shared something that gave me peace and hope. It was a reminder I desperately needed, and I hope it will encourage all of you. Allow me to quote what she posted on her Facebook page:
Then there were a lot of overwhelming things that took place this year that pretty much left me without words, which is why I didn't write. My oldest daughter got married and moved out of state. I miss her terribly! I visited my dad in prison, and he met my youngest daughter for the very first time (I hadn't seen my dad in twelve years). Even got to see my grandma who lived in another state and passed away a few months after our visit. So glad I got to say goodbye to her.
There were also several events that made me feel unsafe. I lived in Holland for thirteen years, and I felt safer there than I do here in America. How sad that this "land of the free" is intolerant of people of faith, that Americans are killing other Americans, that the LBGT agenda is being taught to our children in public schools, that ISIS is on the rampage in other countries, and that so many nonsensical events and beliefs are being thrust upon so many (and we better not voice our opinions for fear of being politically incorrect), and God is basically left behind and forgotten in society, being tossed out with the trash. I wrote a post on gay marriage, attempted another on all the persecution believers have been suffering from money-hungry LBGT folks, but I couldn't post any of it. I couldn't bring myself to share the deep sorrow and discouragement I was feeling. Why dump that on others? But now I've shared it in a letter to both Christians and LBGT people. Hope it's not too heavy-handed.
Finally, a month or two ago, my oldest daughter (who's married and far away from me, *sniff*) shared something that gave me peace and hope. It was a reminder I desperately needed, and I hope it will encourage all of you. Allow me to quote what she posted on her Facebook page:
"In light of the recent events in this world I found this calming and was left in awe:
'14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good Romans 12:14-21.'"
Thank you, my precious girl, for sharing God's word and a passage that we ALL need. This is a good way to close out the year and start anew. Whew. I'm ready to go!
May God bless all of you in this upcoming new year! And may we all find peace in Him and His word, and keep in mind, this world is temporary, we're "just passing through."
2 Corinthians 4:18 "So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Thank you, my precious girl, for sharing God's word and a passage that we ALL need. This is a good way to close out the year and start anew. Whew. I'm ready to go!
May God bless all of you in this upcoming new year! And may we all find peace in Him and His word, and keep in mind, this world is temporary, we're "just passing through."
2 Corinthians 4:18 "So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
I just stumbled across your blog, and wanted to say I really appreciate those scriptures today, too! And I'll be checking out your books. =)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you could be encouraged. :-)
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