5/4/22 5/4/22

Blog Changing Plans and Gratitude

Ever since we got married a whole lot of years ago September 2nd, we’ve tried to eat out the second of each month to celebrate. Even when our finances were stretched beyond reason, we’d try to budget eating out one time during the month—the second.

We’ve been consistent, though things don’t always work out as planned. Hospital stays and surgery recoveries interfered, among other things—like Covid. At such times, we’re grateful that some places deliver or do carry-out. More now since Covid. Another problem now is my many sensitivities. Not every eating establishment is suitable, as we have discovered.

May 2022, we planned to eat at Applebees. It is May! We expect decent weather by May. In fact, a few days earlier we’d turned on the AC—only to switch it back to heat when the weather turned cold, windy, rainy and just plain nasty for several days.

By the time we were ready to head out for supper, we really didn’t want to go out. I checked the allergen menu and chose what I wanted. Keith tried to order online, but some of my sensitivities aren’t listed. We hoped for home delivery, but when I called, the best we could do was carry out. Well, they did bring it out, so Keith wouldn’t have to get out of the car. Calling meant I could tailor my food for my sensitivities so I wouldn’t have any nasty reactions.

So, we celebrated another monthly anniversary in the security and warmth of our own home, at our own table with good food I didn’t have to fix. Once more we gave thanks for another month of life, another month of being together. Thankful for our many blessings. Hopefully though, next month we can go out.

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Photo by Loija Nguyen on Unsplash

5/3/22 5/3/22

Blog Bio Good Memories of Growing Up with Dogs

When we moved to Wyoming, Skipper, a large yellow dog, was already waiting for us. He refused to leave with the last pastor’s family. Though he scared those feeding him, he took right to our family and was our companion until he died.

Topper was a small, short-haired lovable mutt. Together, we explored the creeks, valleys and tunnels behind the parsonage in Wyoming. I had a freedom to wonder we can seldom afford kids today. I had to carry my pocket knife and be home by dusk when the night creatures, like bobcats, started hunting. Topper had a litter of puppies. One survived. Cutie was a long, curly-haired, black and white puppy—rather like a dusty mop.

We took Topper and Cutie with us when we moved to northern Kansas for the Lund Covenant Church. Six months later Topper died in trying to have another litter of puppies. I mourned my dog. Then we only had Cutie. He would have been but a mouthful for the ever-present coyotes. But somehow, he identified with them and his coyote howl would send chills down the back. Cutie loved wondering as far as thirty miles away. Eventually, everyone got to know him and would bring him back, letting him off in the driveway. He loved the car rides and loved getting home. Strangely enough, the coyotes never bothered our little dust mop.

After I got sick, Cutie would leap on my bed and snuggle with me. He lifted my spirits. Cutie was my brother’s dog until Paul got a “real”—a larger black dog. Cutie was too much a wanderer to take with us to the church in Iowa. We left him with a farm family who let him wonder.

In Iowa, we had an adult cat who thought she was all that. When Paul got a Golden Retriever puppy, the cat baited him, jumped on him, and made his life miserable. Then the dog grew up.

Usually, we made sure our dogs and cats got along. This was a whole other situation. The dog knew he wasn’t supposed to hurt the cat. Instead, he’d wait until no one was looking, grab the cat at the neck, and shake until, at times, he broke the skin. He never tried to kill the cat,, just bully her as though getting revenge. We had to be vigilant.

When Keith and I raised our kids, each of them chose a pet when they were seven years old and proved they would handle caring for a pet. Our older son chose a Black Lab. Our daughter, two years later, chose a feisty black cat with a white snip across her nose. They were part of our family until they died of old age—the cat at 19 years old.

Since then, we spoil the pets of our friends and family, leaving us free to visit our kids and grandkids in Lincoln and Omaha. Once on her own, Cassie took in a rescued dog who was a sweet little dog. Melvin dog accepted into their home Kurt when he married Cassie and then their two children. It was hard when he died since he’d been so much a part of the family.

More recently our son added to his family of three almost-grown kids. With his daughter leading the charge, they added a beautiful Husky named Bear and then, as a companion, a white dog nicknamed Candy.

Dogs are wonderful companions. They give unconditional love, listen when you share secrets, and simply want to be loved in return. I’m thankful for my memories and glad our kids and grandkids can make memories with loving pets as well.

Many of our dogs were rescued animals. They make wonderful companions. Looking for a dog (or cat)? Check out the nearest shelter. You’ll be glad you did.

Hub Column published 05/02/2022

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4/29/22 4/29/22

Blog Miss those grandkids

When our son Chris’ kids were young, the family moved to Indiana for a job. We were used to seeing them once a week. Now, they were far away. That was before video was built into most computers and cell phones were for more than phone calls. We would so miss the three grandkids, but Chris had a video camera, and the plan was to make regular videos as well as phone calls.

What we didn’t realize was that the kids absolutely hated talking on the phone. Then Chris’ video camera went down. I had no idea the actual grief I would go through having our grandkids so far away. We were thrilled when they moved back to Nebraska a few years later. Every summer they came to stay with us for a week or two until they became teenagers with jobs and other activities. I missed those weeks, but we still got to see them periodically.

Chris’ kids are now young adults and on our way to or from Omaha to visit our daughter and family, we usually stop in Lincoln and go out to eat. Love talking to our grandkids. They are kind and intelligent and I learn from them. We usually find it difficult to say goodbye and head on home.

Our daughter married much later than Chris. Her kids are (in early2022) five and three—a whole different generation from Chris’ kids. But so much fun. We love their smiles. Chris’ kids are almost like an aunt and uncles to Cassie’s kids. We’ve visited for events, holidays, etc. as well to help out with the kids.

During Covid and even now at times, we stay in touch with Cassie’s kids using FaceTime. Ellery puts her hands on her hips. “Mom, we want to talk to Grampa and Gramma.” We get a call and open FaceTime. Our older grandkids and I stay in touch through email.

We also are all close enough to share holidays—usually in Cassie & Kurt’s home in Papillion. High school graduations and Chris’ kids’ birthdays we celebrate in Lincoln in Chris’ home.

As we get older, the trip east seems longer, but so worth the effort. It was so hard having our older grandkids far away years ago and such a blessing when they moved back. Work and school might mean our grandkids will eventually move further away, but right now I am thankful they are all within three hours of Kearney. We can go there, and they can come here to visit. I am already looking forward to that next visit.

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4/25/22 4/25/22

Blog Hats, Hats, Hats

***Photo by*** ***Stephen Hocking*** on ***Unsplash***

I like hats. I don’t have a lot of hats, but one or the other of the few I do have are on my head during the winter. As a child, I didn’t want to go anyplace without my cowboy hat. Of course, my mother would not allow me to wear it to church or other functions. That went for my boots as well.

For years, as an adult, I had a knit black hat. I loved that hat. I couldn’t destroy it or crush it. My, at the time, young grandson absolutely loved that hat. After I entered the house, he reached up for my hat and played with it, and wore it during our visit. Eventually, that hat was no longer wearable. A friend did find me a similar hat that I wear though it is blue so doesn’t go with everything. Still, I am grateful for that hat. It is so easy to wear and comfortable.

My husband bought four hats that differ only in the color schemes. He looks great in them. When we visited our younger grandkids and their cousins, those kids reached for his hats. We have lots of pictures with them playing with and walking around with one or another of those hats falling over their eyes.

Keith and little Hannah played a game. One two three “go” and they switched hats, and again, and again. Hannah couldn’t stop laughing. Our youngest grandkids pick up the hats when they visit us here. Ellery over and over piled one after another on her head. Then started all over again.

Hats look good on our heads. They warm us in the winter. But the best has been the fun the kids have with them. It doesn’t take expensive toys to entertain kids. All it takes are hats. Now those make memories.

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4/18/22 4/18/22

Blog It Makes Me Sad My Peers are Catching up

I was a perfectly healthy child. In fact, while my brother and sister contracted the usual childhood illnesses, I never got sick. My mom even found I’d climbed into bed with my sister when she was recovering from chickenpox so we could play games. Mom freaked. I never got it. However, when I was 13, I contracted juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).

Within a short time, I was unable to walk, my joints drew up and I was in constant pain. I went from running to a wheelchair. I remained in that wheelchair for almost ten years. While God, eventually, provided a healing from the constant pain, the results of the disease left me depending on others and unable to walk. One rehab center helped me learn to take back some control, by helping me find ways to manage some care for myself—like dressing and pulling on socks. That assistance sparked my imagination, so I begin thinking of other ways to help myself.

Eventually, I had massive reconstructive surgery and relearned to walk, Still, my limitations meant many normal activities required new ways of doing things. My friends and family accepted me as I was, letting me do what I could and stepped in when I required assistance. I was thankful I could walk and do so many things, often with the aid of utensils, some of which I created myself or asked others to help me create.

I accepted who I was. I did not envy my friends for their health and had no wish for them to deal with my limitations. But time goes by. We’re older now. I don’t like to face the truth. Members of my family and friends now find themselves dealing with things I’ve dealt with most of my life. Some have had joint replacements. Many can’t walk as easily, don’t bend well, and worry about falling.

I can’t bend or stoop, can’t reach my hair, I have limitations with dexterity and strength. Early on I was given two sticks the physical therapist called “dressing sticks.” They had a large hook on one side and fashioners on the other end to help me pull up socks. The hooks helped me dress and pick things up. I took the idea further. I lengthened the sticks to three feet. Made sticks with different sizes of hooks. To everything not easy to pick up, including electronics, I added loops to make it easier to pick up with my utility stick hooks. (I drop things easily.) Those long sticks help me zip up boots—they, too, have added loops.

Before such things were available in stores, I added handles to dustpans. I could push things I dropped into the dustpan and pick them up. I bought grippers, the long-handled pinchers, in several different styles and have one in almost every room. I bought a super-duper one for Keith. I also have long-handled tongs and even use a back scratcher to pull things toward me.

I’ve learned that often I can figure out a way to do something by using implements I already have on hand. All it takes is thinking outside the box. I wish those I know weren’t catching up to me in developing physical disabilities but am glad I can share what I’ve learned to do with what I have. I can also encourage them—regardless of our physical limitations, to appreciate each day and give thanks.

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4/18/22 4/18/22

Blog The Next Step

I was talking to a friend who’d stopped to pick up a couple of copies of my latest book. Neither of us are spring chickens anymore and we’ve both been through rough waters in our lives. We’ve dealt with loss and health issues and more. Those circumstances take a toll on a person, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

She spoke of her last health issues that left her drowning in hurt and sadness, especially considering she still deeply grieved the loss of her dear husband. I am thankful I still have my husband, but in the last couple of years, I have lost a brother, a brother-in-law, and my father-in-law—none to covid and all unexpected. It hurts. Add that to both my husband's and my health issues, grief and/or pain and limitations can send one spiraling into depression.

There are times we all need someone to talk with and sometimes that person may be a health care professional. I have learned to appreciate these counselors since my daughter became one. My friend agrees, but also said moving on is a choice, sometimes a very hard choice, but still a choice. Sharing our heart with someone is a start to letting go. Books on grieving can be helpful. Simply choosing to get up each day can be a start in the right direction.

Then it is getting dressed. Getting out of the house. It is calling, texting, and emailing when one needs a friend. It can also be praying, being willing to ask for God’s help, or even yelling at Him. Anger is a stage of grief from loss or difficult circumstances.

It is also choosing to realize you are not alone and others, too, suffer, providing an opportunity to reach out. No one grieves or moves on in the same way, and what she concluded may not be pleasant or easy but is nonetheless true. Moving on is a choice and if we chose to simply do the next right thing, take the next step, we’ll make it through.

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4/12/22 4/12/22

Blog Books, Books and More Books

Right now, on our dining room table are three books. When he ran out of books to read, my husband Keith looked through my published books I keep available for gifts or sale.

He chose a mystery When Murder Wakesto read until he got new books to read. Keith usually reads while eating. At noon he reads a book and at supper, he reads the Kearney hub newspaper.

On the end of the table are two books. One is my latest book Three Sisters of Stanhavon Castlealong with a blue sock grandson Ezekiel left when daughter Cassie visited with our two young grandkids. She has a friend who enjoys Regency books. She lent out her copy and asked for another to replace it. I’m gathering books, etc. for our next visit to see her family in Papillion.

Next to those items is another book. Keith’s sister visited recently and left a book to pass on to our son Chris. A look around almost any room in our house—including bathrooms—reveals books on tables, shelves, on chairs and even in baskets. We love books and they overflow the house, even though I tend to read most of my fiction on my Kindle these days. (I can make the print as large as is comfortable for my eyes.) We love books.

I grew up with an appreciation for reading and books. From a young age, Dad read to us kids—even after we were able to read for ourselves. Made for some special family times. We passed on that love to our own children. In fact, from the time they were young and almost until middle school, Cassie, Chris, and I would choose a book and spend time together in the evenings while I read out loud.

They also read books on their own. Chris has passed on the love of reading to his, now, almost adult kids. I love choosing books for gifts. Cassie’s kids already love words and books. Ellery at 5 is starting to read and write. Ezekiel loves holding and looking at books and often falls asleep surrounded by them.

In life, we pass on both good and bad habits to our children. I am thankful our legacy is a good one—we passed on the gift of reading. I hope you do as well.

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4/9/22 4/9/22

Blog Humor, Inhibitions and Paying Attention

Humor diffuses potentially awkward moments and anger. Humor lightens up lives and can make us forget sadness and other negative emotions for a time. Laughter is often a healthy release. However, humor can also be used in hateful and negative ways.

Bullies use derogatory humor to cut someone they don’t like down emotionally. Cruel humor can leave scars that last a lifetime. This includes parents, teachers, or others who constantly call someone stupid, fat, slow, or any number of hurtful terms. The big deal today is to call anyone whose opinion you don’t like a racist—usually totally untrue.

Humor has an even more insidious result. Humor is used to lower our inhibitions, getting us to accept things that would otherwise horrify us. But if a situation can be put in a humorous context, we laugh, not realizing we are no longer seeing a situation for what it really is.

One TV series, using humor, has an 8-year-old boy seeing through an alien’s disguise. The alien seeks to murder this child and, though the child is saved, the humor context focuses on the humor not the horror of a main character seeking to murder a child.

What about comedians who make fun of their wives or husbands, make a joke about the overweight, Christians or other groups of people? Such humor tears down instead of lifting up. God calls us to a higher standard. Let’s use discernment in the humor we allow in our lives—walking away from humor that really isn’t humor at all, a humor that becomes a tool of evil rather than good. Even more, let’s take care of our own, so-called humor, doesn’t hurt the very ones we profess to love.

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4/7/22 4/7/22

Blog: Spring vs Winter, Warm vs freeze

Spring never comes easily. It comes in fits and starts and growls and howls from a Winter season not yet ready to let go. Here it is April, and we haven’t even considered switching off the furnace for air conditioning. The heat still clicks on too regularly to even think of turning it off. Feels good to stand on the vents when that heat is released.

Still have lots of covers on the bed and I am still wearing my Winter nighttime attire. This week we’ve had some gloomy days, high winds which keeps us glad we are indoors, and, today cold, cutting rain that hit the windows more like ice than rain.

Reminds me of April 1980. A couple of days before my first child was born, we had a huge blizzard. When I went to the hospital, snow was still piled all over. Two days later, it grew so warm outside the nurses opened the windows. Spring had finally arrived.

We don’t know when Winter will release its hold. Spring seldom arrives gradually. One day it is freezing cold, then next the sun warms the earth--encouraging leaves to bud, grass to grow, and flowers to bloom, adding their beauty and fragrance.

There is something about not knowing. And yet, I am ready for green grass and yellow flowers—even if those flowers are only dandelions. I am ready for Spring. How about you?

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4/7/22 4/7/22

The Lord's Model--The Lord's Prayer

After this manner therefore pray:
Our Father which are in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done in earth,
as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory,for ever
Amen.
-Matthew 6:9-13

Many of us have, at one time or another, memorized this prayer that Jesus taught His disciples. At least most of us have heard it recited or read in some media.

For many, it has become a meaningless recitation of words, rather than the powerful prayer it is. The beauty of the prayer is not disputed. Most will acknowledge it lifts up and comforts those who pray it from their hearts as well as their memories.

However, Jesus taught this prayer, not as the end all for prayer, but also as an example to follow.“After this manner therefore pray,” He said. He meant this prayer to be a model for our ongoing conversations with God. So how do we pray?

First, we start by addressing our Heavenly Father with respect and reverence, and to praise Him for who He is.

Second, we are to indicate our willingness to do as God directs. (Why bother asking if we plan to ignore His guidance and do things our way anyway?)

Third, we need to honestly share our needs and desires with God. This includes our hurts, feelings, good or bad, and even our disappointment of, or questions to Him. (Share what is on your heart and mind. Don’t worry, He knows what you’re thinking anyway.)

Fourth, we need to make certain our hearts and lives are right before God. (Again, He already knows, but wants us to acknowledge our bad choices, thoughts, behavior to ourselves and Him. Reality check.) Here we humble ourselves with confession (admission of) and repentance (turning away) from things we know are not right in our lives and relationships.

Fifth, we live in a world growing more dangerous. When praying, we need to ask God’s safety and protection over ourselves, our families and others on a daily, sometimes moment-to-moment basis. Prayers for wisdom and healing also fit this pattern.

Finally, prayer is more than making demands. Prayer is also about gratitude, praise and giving thanks for what God has done in our lives, is doing and will do in the future.

The end of prayer is the beginning of leaving things in God’s hands and trusting Him for the results. Sometimes we need to ask God to help us do that as well.

Help me, Lord, pray with a willing heart and mind, not just when things are going badly, but daily and even throughout the day. Help me realize prayer is my direct line to Your help and to my relationship with You and to access it often. Help me also pray with the full expectation that You can and will answer, though, sometimes, not in the way I may expect. That’s OK, too. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Proverbs 15:8, 29; 16:3
Tuesday: Psalms 70
Wednesday: Ephesians 6:18; 3:14-21
Thursday: Philippians 4:4-9
Friday: Romans 12:9-21
Saturday: I Thessalonians 5:12-28

From Listen! Who Me?
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4/4/22 4/4/22

Easter more than baskets, bunnies and eggs

When my dad pastored a church in eastern Wyoming during my elementary years, we had traditions for celebrating Easter. We had new Easter outfits. (We probably needed them since we grew all the time out of our clothes and shoes.) Before the big day Karin, Paul, and I colored eggs with Mom. (I’m sure she had to scrub down the kitchen when we were finished.) We knew that later, after dinner Dad had a hunt planned. No, not for eggs.

Our parents bought each of us a large chocolate something, a cross, bunny, egg, etc. He’d hide them in the living room, and we had to find and claim one for ourselves. Since dad was into health, we were allowed to enjoy some of the chocolate, but only in moderation so the chocolate lasted for several days. It tasted all the better for eating it slowly.

Before sunrise Easter morning, we, followed by others from the congregation, drove up the hill to the former church location where the large cross still overlooked the small oil town of Lance Creek. When the sun rose, we had a beautiful view as we listened to dad share about that glorious first Easter morning.

From the sunrise service, we drove west to the Covenant church where the ladies had prepared a breakfast guaranteed to fill up even the hungriest person. The church service was one of rejoicing with songs such as, “Up from the Grave He Arose.” Dad’s sermon brought us from the commercial aspects already creeping into Easter celebrations to the true meaning of the day.

The baby born in the manger didn’t come simply to give us a joyful Christmas holiday, He came for a much more serious reason. Jesus, the Creator God, came to bring hope to a people living in darkness. He came to bring light. As an adult, he healed, raised the dead, and set individuals free as He shared His love and compassion with His creation.

He wasn’t afraid to confront the religious leaders who made all sorts of regulations, but used them not to help, but to separate their people from their finances and their God. Most of them hated Him for uncovering their actions. Others hated Him for calling out their greed, pride, selfishness, and other sins. They hated Him enough to conspire to torture and murder Him with the extreme cruelty of a crucification.

He was a man. He was God, but He willingly sacrificed His life. Why? Because there are always consequences for wrong choices and actions. He died to take the consequences we deserved. He died to offer a better tomorrow. He did more, He rose again, conquering death itself. He rose to offer forgiveness instead of guilt and a personal relationship with the Creator. To those who accepted and followed, He offered light in the darkness, life for death, and the assurance that we are never alone.

Beyond the new clothes, baskets, candy, and more, all of which are quickly discarded, Easter is about Jesus who loves you and me so much, He gave up everything to offer the one thing we need more than about anything else, especially in today’s world, --hope.

Happy Easter!

Column published in Kearney Hub 2022 April 4

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3/31/22 3/31/22

Blog Whistles, Safety and grandkids

After a surgery that left my throat injured, trying to raise my voice hurt. Yet, I needed some way to get a hold of someone if I had a need. It was difficult even to raise my voice so my husband on the other end of our one-story house could hear me. At the time, medical alert appliances didn’t work if a person fell, not automatically at any rate, which is what I would need.

I found an inexpensive solution. I bought a package of different colored whistles on expandable bands I could slip on my wrists. The colors coordinated with my outfits. If I needed to gain Keith’s attention, I merely whistled.

But the whistles became a hit in another way. My young granddaughter loved the colorful, clinking whistles. It wasn’t long before I came prepared when I visited. I’d wear several whistles on my arm. She, and later her younger brother, loved stripping them off my arm and marching around and whistling. I used my whistles to teach colors and counting.

The kids are getting older now and those whistles don’t carry the same draw as they once did. They may whistle a bit when we visit, then move on to something else. But for me, the cheap, colorful whistles still serve their original purpose, if I need to alert someone to a fall or other situation, I merely whistle.

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3/28/22 3/28/22

Blog My Special Radio

I was an active child. I loved wandering the hills behind the parsonage in Wyoming. I loved riding horses. I loved reading, but also loved being outside working on one project or another. Six months after we moved to a rural church in northern Kansas, I contracted juvenile rheumatoid arthritis—though I wasn’t diagnosed for several months. JRA was something new to the doctors and they didn’t really know how to treat the disease in young people.

My parents took me to different rehab centers. Some helped me in different ways. Some not so much. One left me with nightmares for months after I got home again. When my folks took me down to Hot Springs Arkansas to an outpatient clinic for treatments, I was in pain and in a wheelchair. I could not walk, could not even wheel my chair.

My folks had little money, but my dad felt so bad for me. As we wondered in downtown stores before an appointment, I must have indicated my liking for a small transistor radio. It was small, blue, and cool. I didn’t expect anything to come of my checking it out. Small radios like that weren’t in our budget. Nevertheless, dad bought it for me. I could hardly believe it. I wanted to cry. I knew he sacrificed to get me that radio.

For the next few years that radio helped make time go faster and engage my attention when I wasn’t reading or otherwise engaged. I could be outside and listen to the Triple Crown races that held my attention in the spring.

Most of all that radio stayed with me long after I had massive surgery to get me up and walking, long after I grew up and married. How could I let go of what reminded me of something so important, especially when I needed encouragement during those years of frustration and pain--my father’s love?

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3/25/22 3/25/22

Devotion Choice to do Right

Read: I Peter 3:10-18

For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened (made alive) by the Spirit: --I Peter 3:18

How often do we use “Christian” jargon either to excuse our behavior or (maybe unwittingly) confuse others about what we mean? It is easy for some of us who grew up in the church to use such terminology as “Jesus forgives sins”; “Jesus paid the penalty for my sins” or “He took my place.”

We spout spiritual-sounding words such as the following: new birth, salvation, sanctification, and the much-used phrase--”Asking Jesus into your heart.”

These may have meant something significant in our lives. But as time passes, we tend to lose sight of what this terminology once meant to our faith and to our walk with Jesus. We lose sight of the deeper meaning and forget those who do not know Christ may have no clue what we’re talking about when we use such phrases as worn idioms. Why should they? We’ve forgotten.

Jesus Christ, Lord and Creator of the entire universe, loved each of us so much that, when He realized what a mess we’d made of our lives and His beautiful world, He made a critical choice. He left His power and glory to be born into our world. He lowered Himself to our level. He lived as we lived, felt as we feel. He struggled with the same temptations, enticements and sins that seek to entangle us. The difference? He knew God’s Word. He chose to say, “No!” over and over again. He used Scripture to foil Satan at his own game.

Because Jesus said, “No!” to sin and temptation, He didn’t have to suffer consequences for His own sin-- He had none. It meant He could, and did, choose to take the consequences for our bad choices. He chose to take on Himself the punishments and consequences we rightly deserve. He allowed Himself to be tortured and murdered-- for you, for me, for our sin.

We do not need to castigate ourselves over sins for which we’ve regretted and for which we’ve repented and turned away. Jesus forgives all those sins, bad things we’ve said, thought or done. He took our punishment and set us free of the guilt. Our part is simply to accept His gift; a gift freely given, which cannot be earned.

Jesus made the sacrifice for one reason. He loves us. He created us and desires a personal relationship with each one of us. He wants us to follow Him, that He might give us the deep, rich life He has planned for us. Jesus accepted death, that He might conquer death, evil and hell. Those of us who choose to follow Him, He offers His peace, hope, new life today and a place with Him forever in heaven.

He doesn’t want robots. He doesn’t force me to serve Him. With His death and resurrection, He provided us a choice. We do not have to choose His gift of forgiveness, guidance, hope and life. There is always choice to make. We never lose our right to make choices that either bring us life and light or selfishness, heartache and, ultimately, separation from Him. Satan entangles, manipulations, entices and intimidates. Only Jesus offers choice. Only Jesus offers true freedom. The choice is mine--yours.

Thank you, Father God, for the gift of Your Son. Help me commit or recommit my life to You. Help me not merely spout words of faith, but live them out as a follower of Christ. Help me make choices that lead others to You. Amen.

Meditations: Monday: James 4:1-8

Tuesday: Revelation 2:1-7

Wednesday: Matthew 27:15-25

Thursday: Luke 18:18-30

Friday: Revelation 3:14-22

Saturday: Hebrews 25

From LISTEN! WHO ME?

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3/22/22 3/22/22

Blog Bio It has been a long journey to my latest book

As we contemplated whether or not to offer this series as individual books or as a collection, I decided I liked the idea of offering my readers one book for the entire series. I am glad I went this direction. Who knows what tomorrow might bring with health and other issues? The full trilogy is now published, and I am happy with the result.

Three Sisters of Stanhavon Castle has been released. It is a collection of three complete inspirational Regency romance novels that make up a series. We decided on this direction because it takes enormous effort not only to write and prepare a book for publication but also to market a book properly.

As a child, I loved listening to Dad read everything from Alice in Wonderland, the original to books about people from Martin Luther to Bible storybooks and Bible passages. Those characters on the page fascinated me. Long before I entered school, I learned the alphabet. I learned to put letters together At, Bat, Cat on down, even little rhymes.

How exciting to actually read in school and to be able to take home my very first book. I became a voracious reader. My imagination flew. In elementary school, I began writing some stories. By third grade, I dreamed of being a writer.

Once my parents read my writing, they encouraged me. In Kansas, I contracted Juvenile Rheumatoid arthritis and soon rode a wheelchair, not my horse. Those years were filled with pain and frustrations, I poured out in my writing.

In high school, I placed in some writing competitions. When dad took a church in Iowa, we discovered a published author in the congregation. She showed me how to format my work, research, and send my work to appropriate markets. With her assistance, I began selling children’s stories and features. Features led me to pursue a comprehensive degree in journalism from UNK (then KSC). In fact, we moved to Kearney so I could attend college--at a time no one was too concerned about wheelchair accessibility.

By the time I graduated, I regularly sold features and program material (skits, recitations, plays) to several different markets. I also had extensive surgery to walk again. After I married, I continued to freelance. For my birthday one year, my friend Gloria gave me a novel. She challenged me, “You can do better than this.”

I took the challenge. It was ten years of learning my craft, effort, and time before I sold my first novel. I wrote several books for Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents line before moving to Trebleheart Books where I released several more books—including my first complete series.

I also worked with several small publishers, had some good agents, and finally landed contracts with Harlequin--the publisher with all those books in Walmart, Target, etc. Then a company bought Harlequin and forced them to delete some lines. One was the line I wrote for. After I had a severe fall my writing was sidelined. When I returned to writing, I worked on updating books for which I’d received back my rights. Some I resold. Others I brought out under my own imprint. I also wrote the draft of a new series. I worked on it now and again, while I released other non-series books.

In 2021 I returned to my series Three Sisters of Stanhavon Castle. This time I rewrote, reworked, and edited. It took most of the year, but it was done and ready for release before the holidays. It was such fun to give away this book to friends and family. For now, my attention will be on my novel and my Hub columns. We’ll see where my writing takes me after that. Who knows, I may be more surprised than anyone else.

Have a dream? Don’t let it go. Take the steps needed in practice, education, and growing—including the willingness to accept suggestions and constructive criticism--to make that dream come true.

Published Hub Column 3/21/2022

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3/16/22 3/16/22

Devotion True or Temporary Value

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

We desperately want things to hang onto, things that last. Yet how often do we neglect what has eternal value--God's Word and a relationship with Christ?

In the morning we fuss about clothes, and for women, makeup, yet often neglect what will truly give us the right start to our day--time with God in prayer and meditation on his Word.

How long will we substitute the temporary for the things that truly matter?

Help me, Lord, evaluate my priorities and make You and time in Your Word central in my heart, my life and my daily plans. Amen.

Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

From First I Bow
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3/15/22 3/15/22

Blog Following the Example of St. Patrick

***Photo by*** ***K. Mitch Hodge*** on ***Unsplash***

St. Patrick’s Day decorations, etc. fill the stores in March. In some locations, drinking green beer is a must. In fact, St. Patrick’s day has become a day of releasing prohibitions. Such celebrations would sadden the actual man known now as St. Patrick.

Patrick was the son of a well-to-do British family. As a teen, he was captured and sold as a slave in Ireland. Patrick spent his time out in the hills with the sheep. He had little in the way of food, clothes or companionship, but he found a personal relationship with Jesus, which fueled his life from then on.

After six years, he escaped. He desired not only to share Jesus with others but also to return to Ireland to share Jesus with those who held him captive. With that in mind, he became a priest. He grew in knowledge of his faith and deepened his walk with Christ,

Many years later, he was allowed to return to Ireland. His love and care for those whose lives were filled with darkness and superstition changed lives and changed the nation from one of darkness to one of Christian love. Many slaveholders even released their slaves. While there are all sorts of miracles and legends assigned to Patrick, the truth is simple. His life modeled the love of Jesus Christ and it made all the difference.

Want to live your life for Jesus as did the man who became known as St. Patrick? All it takes is asking Jesus to be your Savior, Friend and to make Him the center of your life.

3/14/22 3/14/22

Blog Ugh! DST

I really do not look forward to Daylight savings Time (DST). It is humans seeking to change the natural order of time to suit the perceived wants of some. Whatever the truth, I remember as a kid learning about this change in time in the spring.

I heard that DST was passed to give wealthy golfers more time to play golf in the daylight. Now, I realize this was probably a sarcastic viewpoint. But I understand the sentiment.

We lived in Wisconsin when I became aware of DST. Wisconsin is the dairy state with herds and herds of dairy cows. From time to time, I had the privilege of staying with an aunt who lived on a very small farm. She milked several cows. Those cows had a milking schedule.

When their udders were heavy with milk, they were anxious to enter the barn where my aunt milked them. At times, I even got to holler at them to come—and they came.

DST meant twice a year, herds and herds of Wisconsin milk-ready cows had to be milked an hour earlier or later, depending on the time of year. Like that was going to happen. Instead, it was the farmer who had to completely change his/her schedule to match a nature-bending schedule.

We’ve grown up with DST. Other than when we must change the clocks Spring or Fall, most of us groan, lose sleep, get a bit confused and simply grumble. I wish DST would disappear.

But in light of all the other serious situations we’ve been facing, DST is down the list. Meanwhile, I’ll suck in a breath and hope my aging body and mind will adjust once again. Welcome to DST.

3/13/22 3/13/22

Devotion Matter of Trust

Who am I to get mad at God when life gets difficult, tragedies happen and things don't go as planned? Jesus was God. He didn't have to go along with His Father's program for humankind.

Jesus didn't have to leave Glory to live in poverty, be ridiculed, and have no earthly home. He didn't have to allow Himself to be tortured and murdered and treated like a common criminal.

He did it out of trust in His Father and love for us. Nothing that happened to Jesus was His fault. Can we say the same? Nothing that happens to you or I rises to the level of what Jesus went through.

He took responsibility. He lived without recriminations, or turning His back on His Father. He trusted, and in that trust offered a way for you and I to know life—now and forever.

Jesus was, is a victor, not a victim. In Him, we can be victors, too. It's a matter of trust—and obedience.

Joshua 24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve the LORD.

FromFirst I Bow
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3/11/22 3/11/22

Blog Politics Is There a Reason to Ban certain Books?

Years ago, when I did the research for someone working to stop pornography, I learned about grooming. A pedophile chooses a child and seeks to spend time gaining the child’s trust. The pedophile shows the child explicit pictures to help normalize the act in the child’s mind.

Eventually, this leads to sexual assault. Such graphic material if found by someone near a playground or a school or on a computer might well get that person arrested.

Now we’re hearing about parents calling for banning books at schools and libraries. The idea may make a person cringe. I remember when a group tried to get Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn banned. More recently some schools and libraries are banning Bibles and even historical documents that mention, as many do, God.

And yet, there is a place and time to ban certain books. Today when parents call for the banning of certain books, not all may agree on the precise list. However, I can scarcely conceive of the administrators, teachers and librarians, and others who insist certain books should be available--even for elementary-age children.

These books with graphic text and pictures show adults performing sex acts with children. Some are child-on-child assaults. This isn’t a gender issue. It is an age-appropriate, health and well-being of children issue.

Sexually explicit books and material in libraries and/or curricula is probably illegal. Anyone pushing this type of material shouldn’t be in education, they should be in jail. Parents, are you checking everything your children are seeing and learning in school? You might be shocked!

These books groom our children for sexual assault, yet too many adults are pushing for such access. I doubt I would let any child I know be alone with any adult pushing for such access for children

Parents and grandparents and anyone who truly cares for the mental and physical health of a child need to step up and say no. It is time we take a serious look at what books are being offered to our children and teens, what books they are allowed access and what books they may be assigned to read.

Check out what books are available at your school or public library. Check out those running for office, making sure they don’t condone such books. It is truly a time to stand up and ban certain books.

For more specific information and books check: https://omaha.com/news/local/education/nebraska-ed-board-member-says-books-are-hyper-sexualizing-kids-others-say-it-s-a/article_e8bbd00c-8dee-11ec-a2a8-e79907017a0f.html

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