PRAY: Prayer for Protection
Good morning, Father. I thank you today for the beautiful world you created. I look out my window and see spring. But the gentle breeze and nodding blooms mask a world of hurt. Circumstances and situations strike us. Wounded people grab us. Forces unknown to us attempt to take us down. Today, God, I ask for your protection. Some need shelter from ourselves and the problems we’ve created. Some, from friends or loved ones who—with or without conscious knowledge—inflict persistent pain. Some, from those who choose to misdirect their wrath, ire, or anguish. And all, from the enemy who seeks to blind us to your work and ways. God, we know we are all fighting unseen forces. Please, Lord, remind us that if we know you, we also have unseen powers. Your promise says greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. Protect us from the evil one’s dark desires. Shield us from sin’s death-grip. Allow us to rest in the shadow of your wing, secure in the knowledge that you will make a way, forge a path, win a battle. Once we belong to you, God, we don’t have to fight—only surrender. So this I do as I come to you, our Shield and Defender. Thank you for caring and for providing protection as I pray in the name of your Son, Jesus. AMEN. If you have a specific prayer need, especially one that involves protection, feel free to leave a comment or email me here. I consider it an honor to pray for...
read moreWRITE: Colorado Christian Writers Conference and Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference
“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others” (Habakkuk 2:2). My dear friend, Marlene Bagnull, takes this verse as the theme of her writing life. Along the way, she’s published several books and hundreds of articles and devotions. She’s served her family, which includes a husband, three grown children, and three active grandchildren. And through the years, she’s grown her roots deep in God. This devotion to her Father, I’m convinced, is what sets Marlene’s two conferences—one in the heart of the rugged Rocky Mountains, the other cradled in the countryside near Philadelphia—apart. Yes, you can find authors, editors, and agents (more than 70 on each faculty) at both events. Yes, you’ll receive top-notch instruction in almost any area of writing. And yes, you’ll connect with writers of many genres, various experiences, and great expertise. But God’s Spirit pervades these events in a way I can only trace back to Marlene’s unique walk with God. Who else but a surrendered servant would break into prayer as she makes conference announcements? Who else would choose faculty not on the basis of renown but of ministry capacity? And who else would focus each conference on an issue she believes writers need to address? You see, Marlene’s conferences go beyond helping writers achieve publication. She uses these events to equip writers to use their words to change the world. Keynote speakers address issues that matter and suggest ways writers’ messages can connect. I’ve served on several conference faculties, but I’ve never had my call to write renewed and reaffirmed in the ways I have at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference (GPCWC) and, in a few more weeks, as I will during my first visit to the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC). I’ve wept. I’ve prayed. I’ve been reminded to listen to His voice about what and how I write. Last year at the GPCWC, I taught Writer WannaBe, a continuing workshop for new writers. This year, I have the privilege of teaching Book Doctor, a nonfiction book proposal clinic, at the CCWC along with a workshop that’s become my personal favorite, Master the Memoir. I’ll also represent SUSIE Magazine, the only print Christian magazine targeted exclusively toward girls ages 11-19. Do you have an interest in writing? Do you believe God wants to use your words to make an impact? Check out either or both of these conferences. Scholarships are available and registration deadlines loom. Does God have an appointment for you at the CCWC or GPWC this year? Don’t miss His invitation to write His answer. Do you have a conference (one of Marlene’s or another) experience to share? How has God encouraged you to “write His answer”? I’d love to hear your story and encouragement for other Writer WannaBes. Leave a comment and join the discussion. (Almost forgot! The winner of Because You Care is commenter Mary, caregiver for a husband who struggles with several health problems. Please pray for Mary and others who care for those who need special...
read moreREAD: Review, Because You Care by Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk
“How is he?” I find myself asking when I see my friend. Her husband suffers from dementia, and although both are aging, she has become the gentle caregiver for her often-childlike spouse. “Lord, give her the strength to meet his needs today.” I pray these words often for my mother, now my father’s caregiver. Diabetes and three cancer diagnoses have changed him from an active, robust man to one whose narrow world revolves around doctor’s appointments and treatments. When I opened Because You Care: Spiritual Encouragement for Caregivers by Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk (Harvest House, 2012), I expected to find a gentle, peaceful read—and I did. Beautiful photographs add to the book’s overall aura of calm. But I also found something unexpected: conviction. As Cec, Twila, and selected others shared thoughts about their own caregiving experiences, I reflected on the growing number of caregivers I know. The journeys described in this brief (48-page) volume challenged me to become more sensitive not only to those who require long-term care, but to the heart-breaking responsibilities of their caregivers. How much should I do for him? How will she know I truly care? What will the future hold? The authors’ honest reflections on these and other questions provide empathy and inspiration to caregivers and those who love them. The prayers, summary statements, and practical suggestions presented in a brief, easy-to-manage format make this book a perfect companion for caregivers’ busy lives. Thank you, Cec and Twila, for this thoughtful, transparent work. Next time I see a caregiver, I’ll ask, “How are you?” before I ask about anyone else. I’ll focus my prayers as much on the needs of the caregiver as on the one who receives care. And I hope to display more sensitivity to the delicate balance of the caregiving life. I plan to give a copy of Because You Care to my mother, but I’ll donate my review copy to someone who leaves a comment below. Tell us a bit about yourself as a caregiver or another caregiver you know. I’ll choose one reader at random to receive my review copy which you may share with your favorite caregiver. US addresses only, please, and include your email address or link to it in your comment. Find a local Christian bookstore Find this book on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or at Christian Book Distributors (FTC Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from the publisher. I was not required to post a review or a positive...
read morePRAY: Prayer for Physical Healing
Our God, I recognize You today as the God who heals. I praise You because of Your great grace and the way You use it to pour your power through our weaknesses. Today, I surrender the physical needs in our lives to You. No diagnosis, illness, or wound surprises you. I ask for Your protection from the enemy who so often invades this area of our lives. You designed a world without sin and sickness, without cancer or chronic pain. But You also use physical problems to bring people closer to You. While I ask for healing, I pray for the grace to endure. Allow no one to suffer in vain. May our light and temporary afflictions bring us into the greater glory that is ours in relationship with You. May we know You more and more in spite of— even because of—our physical needs, concerns, and problems. As Jesus knelt to make a mud ball to place on the blind man’s eyes, so I bow in life’s dirt to offer Your healing and hope. Remind us all to pray for those who fear the future, those who live with constant pain, and those who have already suffered much. I ask You to come to those who have physical problems, to be present and powerful in every conversation with doctors and other medical personnel. Give these instruments of healing Your wisdom, Lord God, and allow them to see Your glory as they serve. May we see You and show You as we lay our physical bodies before You each day. In the holy name of Jesus I pray with faith, AMEN. Do you or does someone you know have a special need in the area of physical healing? I’d be honored to lift your request before Him. Feel free to leave a comment or email me. Thanks for sharing in this time of...
read moreYA Friday: READ–Vote for SUSIE Magazine
How many people have the privilege of pursuing a job they love? I don’t know the answer to that question, but I do know how grateful I am that my writing provides both income and joy. My work with SUSIE Magazine brings an extra measure of blessing since it includes writing for and about some of my favorite people: teens. And the missions trips I’ve taken in my role with SUSIE Mag (to Guatemala, Ecuador, and this summer—Panama) only add to my enjoyment of this connection. SUSIE’s making a strong bid to obtain a spot Wal-Mart via a month-long campaign entitled “Get On the Shelf.” Fans may vote twice daily—once via text (text 4959 to 383838) and once via Facebook. And in case you’re not sure about that vote, I now present my TOP FIVE S-U-S-I-E REASONS SUSIE MAGAZINE IS STUPENDOUS: Spiritual: SUSIE presents a healthy, Christ-centered perspective on anything pertinent to girls ages 11-19 and beyond. Unique: SUSIE is the only print publication focused exclusively on teen girls and written from a Christian perspective. Supportive: SUSIE includes a powerful online component known as the Gloal Sisterhood at www.susiemagazine.com. Insightful: SUSIE gives young women the privilege of hearing from experts in the fields of theology, practical living, beauty, health, fashion, and more. Excellent: Take one look at SUSIE and you’ll agree. The writing, photography, graphics, and design make this magazine a standout. Won’t you vote—and keep voting—to put SUSIE on the shelves at Wal-Mart? A print product matched to this store’s huge customer base could have boundless potential. Just like the teens who read the magazine. How has SUSIE Magazine touched your life or your family? I’d love to have your feedback and will pass it on to SUSIE editor/founder, the real-life Susie...
read moreWelcome
I've asked God to use my writing and speaking to count for eternity. I'm passionate about relationships and creativity.
