Only With God's Blessings

2010-05-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

Newest SS/Children's Church lesson on Kid's Ministry for Children have been published....Peter Raises Dorcas from the book of Acts, "Purpose of Tough Times" from the book of James, and Use of Tongue from James too.

2010-05-24T10:24:00.001-07:00

Mentoring Moments, an online women's magazine published my articles, Truth about Truth and Recognizing His Voice, and for Father's Day one called Father Knows Best. Just click one the titles to read.

Article

2010-05-14T17:52:00.000-07:00

My newest article on Mentoring Moments was published today called, A View of God. Would love for you to click the title and read it.

Newest Publishings

2010-05-06T15:49:00.000-07:00

I've got new lessons published on the Kid's Minstry to Children website. You can read "Jesus Knows Me" and Moses' Dream Vs. God's Dream by clicking their titles.

You can also read my latest article published on Mentoring Moments called Handling Conflict God's Way.

What a joy and privelege it is to write for both of these venues.

2010-04-14T09:54:00.001-07:00

Three more of my lessons have been posted on the Kid's Ministry for Children. One is on Jesus' Transfiguration, another is the Conversion of Saul to Paul, and the last is on Peter and his release from jail, and can now be read and used.

Worship Lesson

2010-04-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

My new children's lesson on worship is available for use for Sunday School or Children's Church purposes on Kid's Ministry for Children. Click here to get: Lesson: A Heart of Worship

Obedience Lesson

2010-03-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

My newest lesson plan on obedience can be viewed on Kid's Ministry for Children now.

Easter Lessons

2010-03-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

I have two lessons for Easter published on the Kids Ministry for Children website. The first is called: the Lesson from the Garden of Gethsemane and the second is called: Lesson: When Judas Betrayed Jesus. You're welcome to use either for Children's Church or Sunday School lessons.

New children's lesson

2010-03-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

Love this new lesson published on Kid's Ministry for Children's Website. It's based on Psalm 139 called The Three All's of God.

New Lesson

2010-02-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

My newest lesson has been published. To read and use Lesson: Jesus and the Parable of the Soils click the title and it will take you to at Kid's Ministry for Children.

Waiting Lesson

2010-02-24T07:14:00.001-08:00

My newest Sunday School/Children's Church lesson has been published on the Kid's Ministry for Children website. Read and find the practical lessons and truths from this lesson entitled: Why Did Jesus Wait Before He Helped Lazarus?

9th and 10th lesson

2010-02-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

Esther's Bible Lesson for Children: Part 9 and Esther's Bible Lesson for Children: Part 10 of my Esther series have now been published on Kid's Ministry for Children. If you would like to use them for Children's Church or Sunday School lesson, I would be honored for you to use this entire series.

New Esther Lesson

2010-02-08T09:56:00.000-08:00

My newest Esther lesson can be read. It is on chapter 8. Just click title: Esther Bible Lesson for Children: Part 8.

New Pubished Article

2010-02-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

Here is my latest article published on Mentoring Moments. It is called True Freedom. I hope you enjoy it!!

New Esther Lesson

2010-01-27T07:14:00.000-08:00

My Esther Bible Lesson for Children: Part 7 has been published for use for Children's Church or a Sunday School lesson.

Thank You Lord for an opportunity to minister and serve You in this capacity with my writing!!

6th Lesson

2010-01-22T15:33:00.001-08:00

The 6th lesson plan of my ten part series on the book of Esther is now available to read over and use. Feel free to use it for Sunday School or Children's Church.

New Article

2010-01-13T10:25:00.000-08:00

My newest article has been published on Mentor Moments. You can read His Word Guides by clicking the title. I hope you enjoy it. I will now be featured once a month on this wonderful online magazine for women.

New Esther Lesson

2010-01-11T07:27:00.001-08:00

Here is lesson 5 of my Esther series on Kid's Ministry that can be read and used.

Esther chapter 5

Children's Lesson

2010-01-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

Kid's ministry just published Chapter 4 of my Esther lessons. Click her name to go and read.

Lesson 3 posted

2009-12-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

My third lesson in a ten part series on the book of Esther has been posted on the Kid's Ministry website. You can read Esther Chapter 3 lesson by clicking the title.

2009-12-25T08:52:00.000-08:00

My newest paid article on ehow.com after my research can now be read. It is call What is the Meaning of the Flower Lily. It was a different article for me.

Children's Christmas Story

2009-12-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

I write for a Children's Ministry online and offered this story for them to use that I wrote for a FaithWriter's challenge last year. He liked it and published it. Changed in a Night can be read by clicking it's title. For those with young children, they would probably enjoy this version of the angels coming to the Shepherds that special Christmas night.

New Paid Article

2009-12-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

I did the research for this article and got paid for its publication. I love researching about flowers and so this was a fun article to write. I hope you enjoy Are Jasmine Harmful to Animals? It appears on ehow.com and if you wish to read other articles I wrote and got paid for there, just look on left side for other articles listed that I wrote.

Children's Lesson

2009-12-21T07:22:00.000-08:00

My part two of my ten part series on the book of Esther was published. This lesson can be read by clicking the title here: Esther Bible Lesson for Children.

New Article

2009-12-21T06:13:00.000-08:00

I have gotten another article published in Mentoring Moments for the Christmas holidays. It's called Our Family's Christmas Traditions and can be read by clicking the title. If you click the foods at the article you can read the recipe that we use for our eggs benedict.

Children's Lesson

2009-12-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

I have another children's story published. I've begun a series on the book of Esther. Click the title to read...Esther Bible Lessons for Children--part 1

My Newest Article

2009-12-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

For the Christmas season I wrote a devotional for Mentoring Moment's website. We were to use a common Christmas hymn and help to gain a new insight into that hymn. You can read my article by clicking the title here: Jesus, Redeemer of All Things. I hope you enjoy it!!

You can also see about our traditional Christmas breakfast at Eggs Benedict too.

My Newest SS lesson

2009-11-30T14:52:00.000-08:00

This particular lesson it Jesus Talks About Loving Your Enemies.

Lesson on Love

2009-11-24T06:49:00.000-08:00

Children's Bible Lesson on Love is the title of my newest lesson plan published on Kid's Ministry for Children's website. If you'd like to read it or use for children's church/Sunday school then check it out.

My Newest Children's Lesson

2009-11-16T07:19:00.000-08:00

My newest Children's Children's Church/Sunday School lesson can be read on Kid's Ministry. It's entitled, "God Looks at the Heart". Just click title to look at it and feel free to use if you have an opportunity to serve the Lord in your church in this capacity.

New Article

2009-11-11T12:28:00.001-08:00

My newest article on Mentoring Moment can now be read. It's called "A Testimony of Faithfulness". Click title to read.

My Newest Lesson Plan Published!

2009-11-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

My new lesson plan published this week is called The Adoption of Moses and can be read on Ministry-to-Children.

Columnist article

2009-11-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

I am a featured columnist on an online magazine called, Mentoring Moments and just got my first article published on it. Would love if you would go and read Christmas in a Box.

I'm Published again!!

2009-11-02T07:03:00.000-08:00

I've now had my 5th lesson plan accepted by Kid's Ministry for Children. This is a lesson about Jesus' power over the grave when He raised Lazarus from the dead. Feel free to read and use if you teach a children's church or Sunday school class.

The Resurrection of Lazarus

New Lesson Plan Published!

2009-10-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

I also just got another Sunday School/Children's Church Lesson published. I get paid for these each week too. You can read my lesson plan, Jesus and the Adulterous Woman. This lesson covers the Ten Commandments and God's forgiveness of all sin.

The Lord Blessed Again!

2009-10-26T10:30:00.001-07:00

I can't thank the Lord enough for the way He has blessed my writing lately and the opportunities He has given me to not only be published, but paid to do what I enjoy.

I finished the research and article for Gallstones Symptoms After Gallbladder Removal Sunday afternoon and submitted it for consideration. Demand Studios accepted it immediately and it can now be read on Ehow. This was my first article accepted without a need for a rewrite. I chose this subject because Joe had his gallbladder removed several years ago. His symptoms didn't return, but the subject matter interested me. I hope you enjoy.

New Lesson Published!!

2009-10-20T04:59:00.001-07:00

I just had a new lesson published on Jesus Feeding the 5000 on the website that I write lesson plans for. What an exciting opportunity this has been for me the last month.

3 More Articles

2009-10-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

I'm so thankful! I got three other articles that I researched and wrote published and paid for. I would love if you would check them out.

Herbs that Cure Fluid in the Ears

What are the Causes of Cysts on the Adrenal Glands

and the third one I did because my dear friend and FaithWriter suffers from IH (please note that the missing word in the first sentence was due to editors error and not mine...

Post-menopause and Intracranial Hypertension

Please go see!!

2009-10-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

My first article that I ever got paid for is now available on eHow to read. Please check it out and comment. It's called What Birds are Attracted to Purple Homestead Verbena. I'm so excited!!!

The Samaritan Woman

2009-10-09T06:11:00.000-07:00

I've gotten my second children's church lesson plan published. Click the title to read Jesus and the Samaritan Woman.

Freelance Opportunity

2009-09-30T09:53:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited to be writing for a ministry that provides free lesson plans to Sunday School and Children's Church teachers. You can read my first lesson plan about Nicodemus at Ministry to Children. If you're looking for lesson ideas for your teaching, I encourage you to check out this wonderful website.

Newest Published Devotion

2009-07-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

My newest devotion on the Popcorn Bubblegum newsletter can be read. Just click title to go and read, "Keep the Temple Clean".

New Article Published!

2009-06-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Laura Christianson has made me a regular columnist on her Exploration Adoption website. I've got a new article that was just posted today. Would love for you to read and give your comments.

It's called Becoming a Multi-ethnic Family and it also includes our picture! I've been given the privelege of having an article printed every two weeks now.

New Published Article

2009-06-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord! I've been published again. I would love if you'd read my article "Communicating By Hands in Kazakhstan " at Laura Christianson's website, Exploring Adoption.

Published Again!

2009-04-08T06:26:00.001-07:00

I had taken a break from my writing and from pursuing publication. Just this week I got back to what I love to do. My writer's block has lifted. I just received notification that on April 17 a short antedote I wrote of one of Lana's funny's will be published on Mommies Magazine in the Funny Kids section.

You can read my newest published article called "Daddy's Little Helper" (click title) now.

What Would You Do?

2008-12-27T09:35:00.000-08:00

I hope from this story many will learn how to show compassion toward those in embarrassing moments. Here is an usual story.

What Would You Do?
By Beckie Stewart

How can they laugh? Do they have any idea how embarrassed she must feel? How would they like it if it happened to them? I don’t understand how they could be so mean. I am so mad. I wish I knew what to do to make all the pain disappear for her.

What happened, you’re wondering? What I’m about to tell you is true and happened to my friend, Rachel. She is twelve years old and in seventh grade. She attends a private school and her required attire is a tan khaki skirt. If it’s really cold, she’s allowed to wear pants.

On this particular day, Rachel wore pants. Despite her mom’s desire for her to stay home for the day, she decided to go to school. She believed it would be okay. Looking back, she wished she had listened to her mom.

However, she had no way of knowing what the future of her day held for her, and so it’s easier to regret a decision when you see the end result. We all make choices that we think are good and many times they are. Sometimes they aren’t. It’s all a part of life. We learn as we go along. Now Rachel knows and that’s what makes the rest of her story so much harder.

Rachel’s day started well. She thought she had been okay to make only one trip to the bathroom before heading for lunch. I suppose what happened after lunch might have been avoided, but that’s really only a maybe. Rachel was experiencing her worst period yet. She was in her fifth day. It wouldn’t only send her home this day but would keep her home the rest of the week.

When lunch was over, Rachel stood up to leave and discovered blood on her chair. She quickly pushed her chair in, and with her friend, Michelle, headed to the bathroom. She sensed more blood dripping down her legs. Noticing the other students laughing, Michelle broke the difficult news to her friend. This hurt, but Rachel appreciated her friend telling her about the other’s reactions.

Rachel waited about ten minutes as Michelle and the others headed to class. When sure that the coast was clear, she headed to the nurse’s office. Struggling to hold back the tears, she entered the nurse’s office and asked to call home. The other girls realized what had happened to Rachel but said nothing.

When Rachel’s mom arrived, she got her coat, retrieved some things from her locker, and headed home. Once she was in the car, she was finally able to release the full emotion of those awful moments in the lunchroom. The painful reality of what took place in front of her classmates played over and over in Rachel’s head as she also realized a girl she considered her friend had pointed her painful situation out to others in the room.

Upon her arrival home, her mother helped clean her up and settled her in for some rest. It proved to be a long difficult week for Rachel, as the heavy bleeding would eventually cause her to see a doctor for some answers and directions. What Rachel experienced was new for her. Thankfully when she returned to school the following week, no one commented to her about the lunchroom incident except one girl who expressed being upset on all those who had laughed.

So, for a moment, place yourself in Rachel’s shoes. Imagine how you would’ve felt. Imagine now, what you could’ve done if you were one of those classmates in the lunchroom. I don’t know for sure, but I suspect that someone said something to the students about their improper treatment of Rachel that day. I don’t know, but I hope so. I know that if I went to school there and heard people talking about it, I would’ve defended Rachel.

We all have times when we get embarrassed, but it’s worse when we fall into the hands of those unwilling to show compassion toward us. I hope and pray we can all learn more about caring for the well being of others from what happened to my friend, Rachel. I think Rachel’s a brave and courageous young girl. I’m grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to get to know her and tell her story for her.

Proximity Award

2008-12-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

A special blessing from another author and friend was received recently. Connie Arnold of Inspirational Poetry by Connie presented me with the Proximity Award. It is a special honor from a sweet godly woman, and I hope you will visit Connie's blog. She has posted a poem, "A Time to Watch and Wait" which is great reminder as to the reason for the season!

The award is for PROXIMITY and it's explained this way:
"This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I would like to present the award for the following blogs, that I hope you will visit:

My Testimony

2008-12-02T05:05:00.000-08:00

My testimony and song of encouragement have been featured on LauraLee's blog. She is another woman I met through FaithWriters.

Would love if you would go and read at: LauraLee's Limelight

Article Published today!!!

2008-10-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

My article entitled "Gratitude for the Choice of Life" has been published on Exploring Adoption. Would love if you could read it and comment on it.

Song of Healing

2008-09-29T05:37:00.000-07:00

**I entered this testimony of music ministering to me into another FaithWriters blog contest (Laura Lee's Lifesong).

On the Journey to Healing
By Beckie Stewart

Without all the gory details, I wish to tell you about the journey the Lord has me on from bondage and brokenness to freedom and wholesomeness. I’m not fully healed and complete right now, but I’m definitely on my way.

I’ve been a Christian for thirty years, but I’ve been living in the wilderness. Like the Israelites who were in bondage in Egypt, it took them forty years to let go of what they knew and embrace the freedom the Lord had for them in the Promised Land. The Lord allowed my present day difficulties to reveal to me my slavery mentality. The Promise Land is around the corner for me now. I know it.

After an awful run-in with a friend of mine, I called a counselor. As a wife of a pastor, this was a difficult step for me. The first several months focused on coming to grips with my present day problems. As I finally learned to lay them daily at the feet of Jesus, I found myself ready to deal with who I had become due to my past.

I’m in the midst of working with a Christian counselor leading me through a therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). It basically helps you understand your belief system caused by trauma in your life. You are guided through beliefs and incidents to a true understanding of who you really are in Christ.

My drive to my counseling session is forty-five minutes each way, and so on the way, I always listen to our local Christian station. They’re pretty repetitive in their song selection, and so after a while you realize you are listening to a lot of the same music. Do you ever really hear any of it?

However, this last week as I left my intense session and turned on the radio a song came on that said, “Listen closely. This is for you. It’s to give you a hope for your future.”

As I listened to my journey of healing being sung, I realized that the week before, the Lord played this song for me as well. I just didn’t hear it like I did that day.

I know the group Sanctus Real didn’t write this song for me. In fact until I got home to search for the words and author, I never heard of Sanctus Real. However, I know that the Lord had them write this song for me for this time in my life.

The song speaks the rest of my story. Healing is indeed coming.

Whatever You’re Doing
By Sanctus Real

It's time for healing, time to move on.
It's time to fix whats been broken too long.
Time to make right, what has been wrong.
It's time to find my way to where I belong.

There's a wave that's crashing over me,
and all I can do is surrender.

Whatever you're doing inside of me,
it feels like chaos but somehow theres peace.
And it's hard to surrender to what I can't see,
but I'm giving into something heavenly.

time for a milestone, time to begin again,
re-evaluate who I really am.
Am I doing everything to follow your will?
I'm just climbing aimlessly over these hills.

So show me what it is you want from me,
I'd give everything, I surrender to...

Whatever you're doing inside of me.
It feels like chaos but somehow theres peace.
And though it's hard to surrender to what I can't see,
I'm giving into something heavenly.
Something heavenly...

Time to face up, clean this old house.
Time to breathe in, and let everything out,
that I've wanted to say, for so many years.
Time to release some of held back tears.

Whatever you're doing inside of me,
it feels like chaos but I believe...

You're up to something bigger than me,
larger than life, something heavenly.

Whatever you're doing inside of me,
it feels like chaos but now I can see...
This is something bigger than me,
larger than life, something heavenly.
Something heavenly...

It's time to face up, clean this old house.
Time to breathe in, and let everything out.

Here is the song for you to listen to:

The Road to Fame and Fortune

2008-09-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

**This is a reworking of my latest FaithWriters challenge. It placed 12th in the intermediate level.

Greg shot up in his makeshift bed, covering his mouth to muffle the sounds. Drenched in his own sweat again, he shivered from the pictures that flashed before him. The nightmares grew worse and more frequent with the passing of time. Greg buried his head in his knees and wept.

How did I ever get myself into such an awful predicament? Greg wondered. How do I get out of it now?

Intending to have the adventure of a lifetime, everything turned sour. Memories of dreams finally coming true faded into the reality of where his choices landed him. Greg surveyed his surroundings and felt a wave of nausea surface from the pit of his stomach. The dry heaves started again, like all the previous nights. He knew nothing would dispel from within him as little had been eaten during the day to throw up in the night hours.

“I don’t need a college education, and I certainly don’t need you to make my way in the world.” Greg shouted to his parents as he grabbed his suitcase, the last of his belongings, and headed for the door a year earlier.

His plans had been devised for sometime. He saved his money from the odd jobs he had done and waited for the day he turned eighteen and graduated from high school. He believed in the decision to finish school. Beyond that, he desired to determine his own destiny.

Never looking back to see his parent’s reaction, he jumped into his car and headed as far away from his family as he could travel. He headed west toward California and the good life.

After three days of traveling, he arrived in Los Angeles. Greg used the first few days there to practice the song he wrote for his American Idol audition. When the morning of his try-outs arrived, he joined the line with hundreds of other hopefuls receiving the number 450. He would be one of the last to appear before Simon, Randy, and Paula, but he was confident that his impression would send him to Hollywood. It did too.

Using some of his money for a hotel room, Greg got a good nights rest. With a shower and one of his nicest outfits selected, he waited for his turn to appear before the three judges again.

With his guitar in hand, he performed another one of his own original songs. He was sure as the next American Idol his fame would exceed his singing ability and establish him as a brilliant songwriter as well.

“Okay, that’s enough.” Simon said as he waved his hand.

“But I didn’t even get to the chorus yet,” Greg said.

“Well, I’m not interested in the chorus. The first verse was awful.”

“You don’t like the words?” Greg asked.

“I didn’t like anything about it.” Simon stated.

“You just don’t have an ear for good music.”

“Listen, you’re done, Greg. You’ve come in here all cocky and full of yourself. Where was the kid we saw in Los Angeles?” Simon asked.

“I’m right here. You’re just not giving me a fair chance.”

“Really? What do you think, Randy?” Simon asked.

“Man, I just didn’t get it this time. I couldn’t connect with what you were trying to say. Sorry.” Randy told Greg.

“What about you, Paula,” Greg asked as he felt tears forming.

With a frown and glancing down, Paula shook her head and said, “No, I’m sorry, Greg.”

Everything after that day remained vague in Greg’s mind. He left the studio that day devastated. He refused to return home defeated, and so he searched for employment. He worked a few jobs here and there. He brought in some cash but found that he couldn’t afford the deposits or amount needed to obtain a place to live. Living in his car lost its appeal the day he lost his music dream. Occasionally he stayed in a motel, but he couldn’t afford it often.

What am I doing? Greg thought. None of this worked out and the fact was he really needed his parents. Not for their money but for their love and support. With the menial dollars left, Greg told himself. I can face the truth of my situation and dare to make the drive back home or continue on the path I’m going and rot away in my car. With his car in fifth gear, Greg headed toward an attempt to restore his relationship with his parents.

Part 2 of article

2008-08-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

You can now read part 2 of my "Joy of Parenting Again" article on Laura's website. She entitled it, "Can I love my Adopted Child".

Upon returning from vacation, Laura and I will begin discussing my appearance as a regular columnist on her adoption website.

My Article as a featured Guest author

2008-08-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

Part one of a part two series to my article "The Joy of Parenting Again" appears today for the first time on Exploring Adoption, Laura's website. I am listed as Guest columnist. Part two will appear on Wednesday.

My third devotion featured in Pat's Bubblegum popcorn newsletter can be read now. It is entitled "He Sees You".

Friday Fiction #4

2008-07-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

This is a story that I entered into the FaithWriter's Challenge. It was to tell the moral, "Actions speak louder than Words". I didn't place with this, but had fun with it anyway. I hope you enjoy it. For more Friday Fictions, go to Patterings.

The Ride of Her Life

“Greetings, one and all! Today you have chosen the most thrilling but unique ride in our entire park. Quickly take your seats and fasten your seatbelts. Don’t forget your 3-D glasses or you will miss the full visual effects of your adventure. Hold on tight for the journey of your life.”  

Janice grabbed the handle bar as her seat bolted backwards. She felt her seat spinning in circles and then plunge forward. Janice screamed. It seemed like she was falling from a tall building. With her heart pounding in her chest, she gasped for air and wondered where her brain was when she allowed her sister to convince her to take this ride.  

Janice’s seat started bouncing rapidly then came to a startling halt. A ray of colors illuminated the room. When her eyes adjusted to the light, she realized she was in her mother’s kitchen when she was five years old. She instantly recognized the daisy curtains hanging at the sink window.

“I don’t understand,” she cried, “Why does she still get a present on my birthday, when I didn’t get one on hers?”  

“Stop whining,” her mother scolded. “You’re old enough to understand that it’s her birthday.”  

“It’s not fair. You should wait until we both understand. She shouldn’t get a gift on my birthday if I can’t have one on hers anymore.”  

“Life is unfair. Get use to it. Go to your room until you can stop crying.” 
 
“You love Linda more than me,” she bawled and ran to her bedroom. Linda playing in the bedroom and seeing her big sister crying, came and gave her a hug. Janice wanted to push her away, but resisted. The hug felt good.

The pain of that moment resurfaced as the memories flooded Janice's heart. The overwhelming sense of being loved less still hurt as if it had been yesterday.

Janice’s seat jolted and slowly rocked. Everything went black again. She felt her seat move sideways and then swirled. Janice’s stomach was becoming queasy just as the seat went still again. The lights slowly flickered, and Janice was once again in her mother’s kitchen. She was seven, and her mother was stirring something on the stove.

“Mommy?” Silence.

“Mommy?” Silence.

“Mom,” Janice yelled.

“Quit your yelling. What do you want?” 

“I need to talk to you.” 

“Janice, can’t you see I’m busy right now? Go play. I will talk to you later.”  

Janice turned and darted to her bedroom. She had desperately wanted to tell her mother about her horrible day at school. The kids had teased her about her new glasses and said such hateful words, but her mother didn't care. Linda was sitting on the floor playing, but ran and hugged her when she came in the room. “Can I wear your glasses, sissy? I want to look cool like you.” She gave her glasses to her sister. Her sister always wanted to help her, and her mother never did talk to her later.

With a jerk, Janice’s seat rumbled and moved forward again. There were no lights, and she was getting a little weary of this ride. What is the point of reliving what you cannot change? The lights flashed on, and she found herself in a kitchen again. This time it was her kitchen. She was there with her son.

“So, tell me where you learned such disgusting words,” Janice yelled at the toe-blonde little boy in front of her. She pushed the bar of soap in his mouth. He was crying and pleading for her to listen to him, but she wouldn’t. Squirming and wiggling, he finally broke free of her grasp and ran away. She heard him say, “I learned them from you, mommy.”  

Janice began to weep into her hands while her seat slowly moved forward into its final destination. The ride was over.

“How was it,” her sister asked, twisting her ring on her finger.

Janice rose from her seat.

“I had no idea how much I was turning out like mom. You know, Linda, I can't do anything about the past, but will you help me make a better future?”  

“You bet,” my sister said, locking her arms into mine. “Why don’t we start with a prayer?”

Featured Author!

2008-07-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

I have been asked by Laura Christianson to be a featured author on her blog. She has published my article The Spring After Winter as my first article on her website. I love the way in which she introduced it and set it up.

I am overwhelmed with the joy and privilege to be given this honor on her wonderful adoption website. Laura is the author of The Adoption Decision and The Adoption Network.

If you are an adoptive parent or considering adoption, please check out her website and sign-up for her newsletter, called Exploring Adoption. You will find it extremely informative.

My story written for FaithWriters on the topic mother will appear in two parts on her site on August 4 and 6th. It is called "The Joy of Parenting Again" if you wish to read it at that time. It is not published anywhere else online.

#3 Friday Fiction

2008-07-04T04:28:00.000-07:00

It's Friday Fiction and so here is my latest story. For more go to Patterings.

A little background on this story. This story once again comes from the adventures from a good friend who lives in Washington state. The enclosed photos are hers as well, but she has allowed me to give my version of the story. Like the raccoon, this story comes from the perspective of the animal again.

Fiona

The ray of the sun peeked gently through the trees. Francine nudged her daughter awake. Fiona opened her brown eyes and lifted her head toward her mother.

“Can’t we sleep just a little bit longer?” Fiona asked.

“No, early morning is best for scavenging for food. Before we begin our search what must we always remember though?”

“Not again, mama. We go through this every day.”

“It is important. You mustn’t forget it, Fiona.”

“I won’t.”

“No, you won’t, because you’re going to tell me again.”

Fiona reluctantly pulled herself up, stared straight into her mother’s eyes, and said, “True obedience is when we do what we are told without hesitation.”

Francine wrapped her neck around Fiona and pulled her close to her side. They rubbed heads together and giggled. Fiona heard a grumbling in her stomach.

Side by side, the mother deer and fawn walked from their thicket home into the surrounding forest. They occasionally stopped to munch on the various plants along the way.

“Oh, look! It’s beautiful. What is it?”

“That’s a daisy, Fiona. You may eat it.”

“Eat it? I couldn’t. It’s too beautiful to eat.”

Francine smiled at her fawn and said, “Yes, it’s beautiful, but it’s also delicious.”

Fiona sniffed the daisy and bit off a few of the white petals.

“You’re right. I’ve never tasted anything so wonderful.”

“Now try the yellow center. It’s sweeter than the petals.”

Fiona didn’t hesitate to trust her mother’s judgment and ate the center as well. Mama was right, she thought. After she ate several more daisies, she glanced up.

“What are those, Mama?”

“Maple leaves. We can eat those when they fall to the ground, otherwise, we eat the leaves off of smaller trees.”

“Why aren’t our necks long enough to eat off of all the trees?”

“Because God didn’t make us like giraffes. Our necks were fashioned to eat grass, flowers, and even mushrooms.”

“Mushrooms? What are they?”

“They’re a delightful treat found clumped together. They are usually light tan, and look like a bowl on top of an upside down cup.”

“Do we have them around here?”

Francine nodded her head.

“Oh goodie! I want to try a mushroom.”

“I will let you know as soon as we find some, okay?”

Fiona leaned down and began to eat the plants in front of her. As she daydreamed about mushrooms, she wandered into an open field of grass. Out of the blue, Fiona spotted what she believed was a cluster of mushrooms.

“Mama, are those mushrooms? Mama?”

Fiona turned around in circles. Where was she? She had never been here before. She was confused. She saw the forest all around her, but she quickly forgot how she had entered the field.

“Mama, Mama?”

Fiona panicked. What do I do? Where is my mother? Where is my home? She kept calling out to her mother, but heard nothing. Suddenly she saw another deer and her twin fawns. Fiona leaped across the field toward them.

“I lost my mama. Will you help me find her?” Fiona asked as she came between the mother and her daughters. “Please help me. Please,” she begged.

With her nose, the mother nudged Fiona away from her. “Look kid. This is not a safe place to be. I have enough responsibility watching after my children. I’ll not endanger their safety for you. Go away.”

Fiona lay down in the grass near the edge of the woods. She had never been so afraid and so alone. She wanted to kick herself for not keeping a closer eye on her mother. Unsure of what to do, she decided to stay put and kept calling out to her mama.

It seemed like hours when Fiona heard a faint sound. She waited.

“Fiona?”

“Mama!” Fiona called out as she stood up. She caught sight of her mother on the edge of the woods across the field.

“Stay, Fiona.” Her mother called out to her. Reluctant to remain where she was, she considered disobedience, but chose instead to comply with her mother’s demand.

Fiona watched her mother. Francine’s ears stood straight up and she slowly glanced around the field. Without warning her tail went up, and she darted toward Fiona. She pushed her into the woodland behind her.

“Run, Fiona! Run!”

Together they rushed away from the field. When they arrived at their home, Francine prodded Fiona closer to her side.

“Mama, I’m so sorry. I was thinking of mushrooms, and then I found some. I didn’t mean to leave your side.”

“Shhh, Fiona! It’s okay. I wasn’t paying attention either, because I was looking for mushrooms for you, too.”

“You were?”

“Yes, please forgive me for being so careless. I must do everything I can to protect you.”

“Why did you tell me to stay when we finally found each other?” Fiona asked.

“Because, I spotted a human sneaking toward you with something in her hand. I knew I could get us to safety when I ran toward you and then told you to run. You are learning your lessons on obedience well.”

Fiona lowered her head and edged her body closer to her mother’s side. Fiona was relieved to be safely by her mama again.

New Devotion Published......

2008-06-30T07:06:00.001-07:00

My devotion written specifically for The Bible Story Library newsletter called Bubblegum Popcorn can now be read. (After clicking to sight, Scroll down and read it on the bottom right.)

Friday Fiction #2

2008-06-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

Oops forgot.....if you wish to read other Friday Fictions, go Patterings for more!!

*Special note....this story is based on a true story from the adventures of this delightful raccoon in my friend's backyard. They named her Raquelle, and with her permission I have used their pictures and told their story.

Know Before You Judge

“Honey, they just don’t understand us,” Raquelle said to her mate. “They just see us as bandits, nothing else. They can’t look beyond what they think they know.”

Raquelle talked until she convinced her dear husband that humans didn’t understand them. She believed they were clueless and intruded where they did not belong in the life of raccoons. Raquelle wished to remain isolated from the eyes of criticism. She found contentment in her nightly adventures when she gathered food and ate undetected.

However, with the arrival of spring came the birth of her triplet cubs. Raquelle nursed her little ones and therefore needed to consume more food than usual. She discovered her nightly journeys hadn’t provided enough nourishment for her to nurse Robbie, Rachel, and Rickie.

She decided to boldly approach the feeding establishment in the early mornings now. She gratefully accepted the challenge the owners daily set up for her.

Raquelle spied out her territory for the presence of others. She believed she was alone and scurried from behind the rocks near the edge of the woods toward the slender black restaurant. Raquelle leaped as high as she could and landed her front and back paws dead center onto the pole. With a thud, she landed on the ground with it.

She brushed her paws with her tongue satisfied that she had mastered this feat without hitting her stomach or head. Raquelle scampered to where the delectable seed collection laid scattered upon the green grass. She enjoyed her delicious meal when she heard an unfamiliar sound.

She glanced up and noticed some humans. They peered at her through a large clear opening Raquelle knew they dwelt. She had been spotted. Unsure of her present predicament, Raquelle dashed home. She wondered if her new feeding resources would be removed now.

The next morning, Raquelle once again returned to this familiar backyard, but decided she would try a different feeding trough that was set up on the other side of the yard. She discovered it to be more stable than the previous one. It stayed put as she climbed to eat the food left for the birds.

As she feasted, she heard the horrendous sound of humans again. She glanced around. They stayed in their place of habitation. Raquelle realized that they watched as she quickly devoured the delicious birdseeds. She hesitated every once in a while and found that these humans seemed entertained by her. Raquelle sighed, finished her meal, and hurried home.

“I may have been wrong about the humans we live near, dear.” She said to her companion as she entered their tree den.

“What makes you say that?” he asked.

“I was spotted by them again this morning eating their birdseed supply and they didn’t come out to chase me away. It’s like they’re fascinated with me.”

“Just be careful, my dear. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”

“I will. I’m going to check out the food supplies there again tonight.”

After Raquelle realized that the last of the triplets had fallen asleep, she rubbed noses with her hubby and headed for her routine spot. Upon her arrival, she heard noises. She peeked around the rock and scrutinized the human activity in the yard.

The humans were outside. Wow, there were a lot of them. She counted six in all. She wondered what to do when she spotted, between her and the humans, a pile of assorted foods.

Her stomach growled, but Raquelle discovered that her fur stood on end. She didn't know what to do. She didn’t want to risk her life for a marvelous meal spread. However, she suspected that it had been deliberately set out for her. What could be the reason?

Raquelle discerned that her instincts overtook her as she scrunched down and slowly edged her way toward the eatery supply. She snatched an apple core and munched on it, when the noise of the humans ceased. Raquelle froze. The fire reflected light off their faces, and Raquelle sensed pleasure.

It wasn’t a trick. They hadn’t intended evil, but good. Raquelle lingered between bites to keep her attention on the people. She enjoyed the banquet of apple cores, juice pulp, and crackers that they bestowed upon her. After she finished, she bowed her head toward her hosts as she scurried home.

“I was wrong, dear. Each human deserves a chance to show their heart to you by the deeds that they do.”

Friday Fiction

2008-06-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

This is hopefully chapter one to a book I wish to write on adoption with my oldest son, Nick, illustrating it. The idea came from this picture.

For more Friday Fiction, go to Patterings to read links there.

A Little Surprise

As evening approached, Mr. and Mrs. Chip Munk longingly stared together at the stars. If counting the celestial beacons could conceivably be done, they would. It would at least keep them distracted from the little ones playing in the field near their burrow. The pain was becoming unbearable.

Three years passed with no litter for Mr. and Mrs. Munk still. It had been a week since their neighbor’s young emerged from their homes. Parents scampered after their four or five offspring. Mrs. Munk smiled when one waved hello to her. She tried to rejoice with them, but her heart ached.

She looked up with a sigh when the sky exploded with a light that quickly moved toward earth.

“A falling star!” She shouted toward her neighbors. “Run to your burrows quickly.”

As everyone rushed home, Mrs. Munk curiously peeked from the mouth of her home to watch the star arrive. Suddenly, she realized that the object coming closer resembled an acorn instead of a star. It hovered in the field near her before it smoothly secured its landing spot.

Hesitantly, Mrs. Munk scurried toward the life-size nut. It stood just a few millimeters above her head. It was greenish brown as it sat in the cup-shaped base with beams of light shining around it. As she moved closer, she fell back in disbelief as the nut lifted from the foundation.

“Mr. Munk, come quickly.” She called out to her mate, who quickly stood beside her.

She yearned to look inside the large seed, but found that fear had gripped her around the throat. She desperately needed the strength and courage of her husband. With their paws locked together, they cautiously approached it.

Mrs. Munk took a deep breathe, swallowed, and said, “The wee one is the spitting image of us except for the green color of his fur.”

As Mrs. Munk picked up the baby she heard a soft chirp escape from him. “He sounds like one of our feathered flying friends instead of us.” She said to her husband.

“How do you know it is a boy, honey? We don’t even know what planet this little one is from.”

“Well, you are right, dear. Why don’t you examine his ship, and see what you can find while I try to set up a place for him to sleep.”

An hour passed before Mr. Munk returned to the burrow.

“What took you so long, dear?”

“Nosey neighbors. Need I say more?” Mr. Munk mumbled some words under his breathe as he investigated where his wife placed the little one. After seeing that he was asleep with some hay from their bed, he rejoined the Mrs. in the kitchen.

“So, did you find anything to give us any information?” she asked.

“I discovered these pieces of paper but can’t make out what they say.”

“Well, he appeared to be of the male species of the Tamias Striatus family, so let’s go with that for now.”

Mr. Munk readily agreed, and she suggested the name, Chipper, after her beloved spouse. He nodded in approval and wrapped his arms around her. She smiled as she realized that it isn’t the way she imagined becoming a mother, but she was thankful nevertheless.

Latest Story...

2008-06-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Would love if you would take the time to read my latest story. It is about the log cabin my grandparents bought, winterized, and made into a family home.

It is called "The Heart of a Home" and it can be read on SheLovesGod. Please leave a comment when you read it. They are greatly appreciated.

Here is what the home looked like when my grandparents purchased it.
Here it what it looked like just before we sold it in February 2005.

I Am on Site Now!

2008-06-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

I know that many of you have already read this story. It has been edited and republished on the site that my work will be featured.

Please check out the edited version of Faith Comes By Hearing.....my Jonah story. It is one of my favorites.

When you click The Bible Story Library, you can find it by clicking Modern Parables. It is listed there by the title as well.

I am a Featured Writer!!!

2008-06-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have had the joy and privilege to begin working along side a godly man who has a website filled with all kinds of wonderful items to encourage children as well as adults. He has a newsletter in which he has agreed to use my devotions. His first newsletter features my devotion called "Godliness is Profitable". (click title to read) His second newsletter will be coming out soon and will include one of my devotions as well. At this point he is asking me to submit one devotion a month.

He has several of my stories that he is editing and planning to use on his site as well. He has a publishing company, and I am hoping that in the near future to publish a children's story on adoption that will be illustrated by my son, Nick.

I would like to encourage you to sign up for his newsletter. Go to The Bible Story Library. Please check out his great website and sign up today for his newsletter. You will be blessed with the variety that he offers, especially for children. You can locate his newsletters at the link on the left of the homepage called, "Bubblegum Popcorn Archives".

Story as a kid....

2008-06-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

I received a highly commended, 4th place on my story on FaithWriters for this story. It's called Up from the Grave and can be read at She Loves God online site. Click the title to read and please leave a comment. I've been encouraged to move out of beginners level to the next level, but because I didn't place in the top 3 in my level, I'm not sure I will yet. This was indeed a fun story to write, and I hope you enjoy it.

Family Pet

2008-05-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

I have a new story posted on SearchWarp. Read The Brink of Death as this our story of our dog, Gretel's start in our family. Please leave comments and rating. This was another one of my FaithWriter challenges this past week.

Wedding Day article

2008-05-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

This article received raving reviews by other FaithWriters, but due to difficult competition, was not selected by the judges for Editor's Choice or 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place for my writing level.

This was a fun article to write about our wedding day. I hope you enjoy it....It's About Me....Look at Me

Mommies Magazine

2008-05-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

In the beginning of last week I sent another re-written story to Mommies Magazine. Today, I found that they had published it. It is another funny Lana story. She makes for some of my best stories. Click here or on right under Mommies Magazine for The Cheerful Giver.

Please leave a comment so they will continue to publish my articles.

Published.....

2008-05-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Mommies Magazine has published my story, The Scrabble Lesson.

When you read, it would be nice if you could comment there so they know people like my writing.

Tribute to Nick

2008-05-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

I have a new story posted on SearchWarp. You can click the title here or click title on right under SearchWarp stories. This story had been entered in my FaithWriter's challenge and did not place in the top 5 in my beginner level. It is a tough competition indeed to place in Editor's Choice and top 5 in your writing level. This did place #10 in my level of writing though. I am grateful.

I hope you enjoy my tribute to Nick....Sibling Rivalry, What's That?

A "wait" response

2008-05-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

I received an email from the Editor of MomSense magazine regarding my submission to them. They said they found the article "interesting" and would see if they could use it in the future, but would make no commitment to the article.

I had sent them my "Open the Door" story about Lana locking herself in the car. They did tell me to let them know if it was published elsewhere. I had informed them it was on Mommies Magazine online when I had originally sent it to them, but rights had not been purchased on it. I am not sure why they did not see that in my query letter to them.

They said they will hold an article for consideration up to two years. So, for now, I think it will be shelved and unused. So I am considering the note I received from them as a "rejection" letter. They have to come as well as the "acceptance" letters. It is all a part of learning to write and being published.

New Article to Read today...

2008-05-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

I have published another article on SearchWarp.com today. It is title, "Did We Really Worship Today". Click here or the title on the right under SearchWarp articles.

Please comment on articles as it increases my recognition by those that choose to publish my articles. Your comments encourage me as well to know that my writing is being used by the Lord to minister to others as well.

New Publication

2008-05-08T05:09:00.000-07:00

My story "The Spring After Winter" has also been published by Mommies Magazine and was posted today. You may read it by clicking the title. Please leave a comment when you read as it helps to build my reputation with them in using my stories.

I am excited, this is my third time being published with them, and I was informed that on May 16th, they will be publishing a fourth article of mine.

Todays Publications

2008-05-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

If you wish to read my newest publications....

Click the link on the side for stories.....

God's Provisions....under My Testimony and Other

The Spring After Winter.....under Christian Work at Home Moms

A Place to Go.....

2008-05-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

I am overwhelmed with the way in which the Lord has recently allowed my writing to be published. Presently they are with online publications, but I am waiting to hear back from Hearts-at-Home and MomSense, both hard copy publications.

I give the Lord all the honor and glory for what is taking place with the gift that He has given me.

I decided that instead of bombarding my family and friends with constant emails of my newest blessing, that I would have place for them to come view what the Lord is doing that each day, week, or month with my writing.

Please check here on a regular basis for God's newest blessing with my writing.