Breaking Up Is Hard (and Exciting!) To Do

Dear Blogging Friends,

I have come to a point in my writing career where it is necessary to divide my blogs into inspirational/fun and professional. Typing One-Handed was started in 2007 to establish a presence for me online as a writer. I have been writing inspirational blogs here on Blogger. I am branching out into fiction and technical writing. Typing One-Handed is migrating to a new website because it conveys my normal state of being as I write.

I opened the Quiet Resting Places blog as a restful, reflective journal about my life and loves (Mr. Amazing, the Pastry Princess, Orchid, SuperMan, & the Dynamo) and my faith. I've decided to use that blog name here because this is the where I have met so many of uplifting and talented friends. I will continue to participate with In Other Words here, as well as any other memes that catch my eye. I will share links to the columns I write for Take Root and Write.

Launching Here Soon - This Week's Featured Inspirational Blog: A place to share the inspiring internet homes of other writers/bloggers. I will take suggestions from my friends and then do a review of the blog with links. (You will love the blog and wonderful Christian writer I am sharing first!) By the beginning of summer, I hope to be sharing Saturday Selah with you again.

I hope you will continue to visit me here at my home on Blogger. I have been so inspired by the friends I've met here. I'll share links to the new website once in a while, particularly when I have guest bloggers sharing their journey along the writing path.

I hope you like the graphical changes here...the beach is the most restful place for me. I've always loved the majesty of the ocean. I'm not sure, but it's possible that my veins have a 50% solution of sea water mixed in them. ;p

Breaking Up Is Hard (and Exciting!) To Do

https://typingone-handed.blogspot.com/2010/05/breaking-up-is-hard-and-exciting-to-do.html

In Other Words: Simple Faith

“Prayers arising from my needs are preparations for future mercies; Help me to honour thee by believing before I feel, for great is the sin if I make feeling a cause of faith.” from the book “The Valley of Vision” a collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions.

Simple prayers uttered with concrete faith please the Lord. Following the example of King David in Psalm 23 we can see how to voice our faith in expectation of God's action on our behalf.

The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.

1) Acknowledge that God keeps His promises.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. ~Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.

2) Remember the times He has brought peace to you in the past.

I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. ~Psalm 40 NKJV

He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.

3) Learn to recognize the character of the Lord as evidenced in your life.

Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength. ~Isaiah 45:24b NKJV

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

4) Realize that trials and tests are for molding your life into a reflection of His lovely Son, Jesus Christ.

Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ~James 1:12 NKJV

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.

5) Rejoice in the small, everyday blessings that are little touches of grace to be appreciated regardless of circumstances.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. ~James 1:17 NKJV

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

6) Claim the most important Promise!

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may day, he shall live.

And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world." ~John 11:25-27 NKJV

Now pray for those needs, fully knowing that what you receive is His good will!

Karen at In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus is hosting In Other Words.
Visit her to read more and to share your own thoughts on today's quote.

In Other Words: Simple Faith

https://typingone-handed.blogspot.com/2010/05/in-other-words-simple-faith.html

Launching the New Typing One-Handed

Typing One-Handed is moving!

I've wanted to expand TOH for a year. Finally the main site is up... It's the first step to trying out my new motto: Live Life Simply.

New at TypingOneHanded.com...

Sharing the Writing Life: A place for writers to share the experiences that keep them writing day after day. I've lined up some published authors to be Guest Bloggers. I'm also open to unpublished writers. Everyone in the writing industry has tips and experiences worth sharing. Check out the submission page and let me know what you want to blog about and when you are available. I am very excited about this section of TOH. Who knows who will show up to share...


Please join me over at the new place (http://typingonehanded.com). I've already set up Google Friend Connect. I'd love to see all my friends over there.

Launching the New Typing One-Handed

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IOW: Contentment, or How God Teaches Patience

“If monotony tries me, and I cannot stand drudgery;
if stupid people fret me and little ruffles set me on edge;
if I make much of the trifles of life,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
Amy Carmichael, If: What Do I Know of Calvary Love?

Patience: the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient... (according to Merriam-Webster)

Patient 1: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint...

I remember thinking about my short temper as an older teenager and praying for patience. Less than ten years from that prayer, I was the mother of three children ages 5, 3, and newborn. So I prayed more...

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you  may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV)

Patient 2: manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain...

My husband joined US Air Force Recruiting while I was pregnant with baby number 2--baby number 1 was only 20 months old. We began a life of packing, moving to a new abode, unpacking, and trying to keep a normal life...every 2-1/2 to 3 years. My patience was sorely tested throughout those years and many times I failed my tests miserably. In fact, I developed a level of harshness to my interactions with my kids and husband when I was annoyed.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge. (2 Peter 1:5 NIV)

Patient 3: not hasty or impetuous...

Eventually the preschooler, toddler, and infant years ended. Those kids grew like weeds and suddenly I was parenting 2 teens and a middle-schooler. At this point in my husband's Air Force career, I felt I was parenting all alone as he was away two weeks at a time, with only short periods at home. At my husband's last duty station, he was gone 33 times in 21 months. I coped by bouncing between being the kids best friend and being overbearing, trying to maintain some semblance of control.

And to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness. (2 Peter 1:6 NIV)

Patient 4: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity...

All the while life was moving along with some measure of peace. I studied my Bible, read book after book on being a woman of God. Sometimes I succeeded, especially during several severe trials. When those trials came up I felt the Lord right along side me.

And to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. (2 Peter 1:7 NIV)

Patient 5: able or willing to bear...

I have developed a great appreciation for the love of God through the years of watching my family grow. He shows patience with my frailties and strengthens me to be available to stand firmly in Him. His patience with me has taught me patience with others. Not that I always demonstrate what I have learned. And when I reminded, He sends a new test...

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:8 NIV)

Patient (Persistent) 6: continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement...

Our kids are grown and we have been blessed with a rambunctious grandson. And to prove 1) either I didn't learn what I needed to the first go-around, or 2) God has a huge sense of humor, I have been raising that little guy since last August 24 hours a day during the week. My only relief comes when his mother is home on the weekends. And amazingly enough, I am having to learn to ignore all the things that set me off the first time around and try to show love in everything I do. Evidently I didn't quite score high enough on those tests...or I'm working on my Master's degree in the applied science of Christian Love.

So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. (1 Peter 1:12 NIV)

God is Good. Life is Sweet. Share the Love.

I am hosting today! Please join us by putting a link to your blog on McLinky.

IOW: Contentment, or How God Teaches Patience

https://typingone-handed.blogspot.com/2010/04/iow-contentment-or-how-god-teaches.html

"Nana, For a Girl..."

I have plenty of gardening chores waiting my attention on Morning Glory Farm. This morning I tackled cutting down the seed pods I'd left all winter in my perennial border. The Dynamo was helping me clean up the clippings plus some branches that blew down from our ancient Box Elder tree. When he found a particularly large branch he rolled the hand truck over and placed the branch on it and rolled it to his wagon where we were stacking our debris. He asked his trademark question, "Can I get a little help here?"

I leaned over and took one end of the 3-foot-long branch. He took the other end. As we carried it, he looked at me in admiration and said, "Nana, for a girl, you're pretty strong." I started laughing at the obvious distinction this preschooler has already made between boys and girls. 

How does a boy come to the realization that females are the fairer sex? I don't remember ever telling him boys are physiologically stronger than girls. At his age, muscle development is about equal between the genders. 

I am not a weak person...just yesterday I helped Mr. Amazing move the A-frame for my swing to a new place around which I plan a garden. It is made of 2"x4"x8' landscaping timbers. It was no light task to lift and move it. I can carry anything I need to as long as it's a good day for my back...even that precocious 5-year-old!

As a mother of two girls who was raised by a very strong always-in-charge male parent, I was careful to not ever let the girls feel that there were any limits on things they want to do as long as they are willing to put forth the effort. I don't want them to loose their femininity, but I also want them to be confident in the gifts God has given them. Because of this I am careful to avoid saying that certain things are girls' or boys' jobs. 'Cept for taking out the trash. The guys get this job-not because I can't but because I would rather not do it.

One thing I have noticed is the tendency of the Dynamo to play games where he is the hero...the best at climbing, or riding his bike, or digging in the garden, or carrying big sticks. Thinking back, it is easy to remember how my son was the same way as the Dynamo when he was a little boy. One of my favorite pictures of the now-Marine is as a 2-year-old helping his dad carry a very heavy box containing our tent to a campsite. The little guy was tough! And strong! See him standing guard over the campsite...>>>

My conclusion to the question of how the Dynamo knows there is a difference between boys and girls other than the obvious is this: the Creator placed within each male the desire to be a protector. There can be no protector without someone who needs protecting. Regardless of what popular secular thought would have us believe, men are built differently than women with greater muscle mass. The difference is not random. It is God's plan that healthy men rely on their physical strength to care for their families.

Today's politically correct attitude that there are no differences has just about destroyed the drive of young men to step into their God-given roles as provider, protector, and spiritual head of their families. My adult daughters can attest to the fact that the selection of men who can be respected as men of integrity is slim. What a shame! 

For more on the topic of society's role in the degradation of male integrity, see this article I wrote for our local newspaper a few years ago: Raising Men of Honor.

Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They're really doing themselves a favor—since they're already "one" in marriage.

No one abuses his own body, does he? No, he feeds and pampers it. That's how Christ treats us, the church, since we are part of his body. And this is why a man leaves father and mother and cherishes his wife. No longer two, they become "one flesh." This is a huge mystery, and I don't pretend to understand it all. What is clearest to me is the way Christ treats the church. And this provides a good picture of how each husband is to treat his wife, loving himself in loving her, and how each wife is to honor her husband. (Ephesians 5:25-33 MSG)

"Nana, For a Girl..."

https://typingone-handed.blogspot.com/2010/03/nana-for-girl.html

Living Free...To Worship

I am free to run
I am free to dance
I am free to live for You
I am free

The Newsboys -- I Am Free

A few weeks ago I attended a Sunday morning service in a little country church where the sweet spirit of worship permeated the whole building. The joy of that one hour carried me through the next week, helping me be mindful to worship daily. There is great freedom in joining together to praise God without restraint.

I knew when we decided to go that was how worshiping with this particular congregation would be. While I am sure they are no different from the typical Bible-teaching church in most aspects, they hold close the words of Jesus:

"If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." (Luke 9:26 NIV)

For this group of Christ-bearers, to sit reserved and silent in church is an affront to the One who gave all for their freedom from sin and to be able to gather in His name. So Sunday morning worship is a celebration full of singing, praising, and testifying to the greatness of our God.  

Continue reading at Take Root and Write: Choosing Life Everyday!...>>

Living Free...To Worship

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Choosing to Rest in the Father Everyday

"Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10a NKJV)."

A child develops a chronic illness...

A spouse decides to pursue another relationship and leaves us alone...

How are we deal with the problems that come into life? Do we rage and stomp at the unfairness of it all? Do we weep and retreat into ourselves to hide?

"God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling (Psalm 46:1-3 NKJV)."

Psalm 46 is a song for us to sing during times of trouble. We can be so caught in the trouble of the day that we see no way of escaping the stress and pain. If we don't quiet ourselves when the trouble comes, if we just focus on the immediate pain, we can't hear or feel the comfort God has for us.

"There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted (Psalm 46:4-6 NKJV).

We do not have to suffer alone. Jesus did that for us when He suffered alone on the cross. That was the only time in all of eternity that He experienced complete separation from His Father. After He rose from the grave and ascended to heaven, He left us a Comforter, the Holy Spirit. He is the still small voice that speaks comfort when our hearts are crushed. He is the still small voice that warns us not to make the wrong choices in response to trouble. He is the groaning too deep for words that cries out to the Father...

Continue reading at Take Root and Write: Choosing Life Everyday!...>>

Choosing to Rest in the Father Everyday

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IOW: Grace, Because of Who He Is

I am your hostess today. Please share with us.

Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4:6

Quote from What's So Amazing About Grace?

One who has been touched by grace will no longer look on those who stray as 'those evil people' or 'those poor people who need our help.' Nor must we search for signs of 'loveworthiness.' Grace teaches us that God loves because of who God is, not because of who we are.

~Philip Yancey~

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Do we truly understand what grace is?

Whose death?

Can we wrap our minds around just what it cost for us to claim the name 'Christ-bearer'?

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf,
so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

If we completely accept that a holy God loves us enough to give His beloved Son to die for the sins we have committed...will commit... Do we really believe we have the right to judge the worthiness of another?

Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act...
He...said to them, "He who is without sin among you,
let him be the first to throw a stone at her...
Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?" She said, "No one, Lord."
And Jesus said, ^"I do not condemn you, either Go. From now on sin no more." John 8:4, 7 10-11

Of all the books on my bookshelf, I seem to pick up Philip Yancey's book over and over. I get choked up reading it. There is a chapter called 'Grace-Healed Eyes' that discusses his friendship with a man who after years of knowing each other and being close friends, admitted to being a homosexual. This chapter peels away the layers of controversy over the subject of immorality and reveals the deep pain of rejection that man lives with. At the end of the chapter, Yancey quotes Helmut Thielicke (1908-1986), a German Protestant theologian. In trying to get my mind around the concept of true grace, I am both awed and bewilderingly grateful that the King of Heaven loves me:

When Jesus loved a guilt-laden person and helped him, He saw in him an erring child of God. He saw in him a human being whom His Father loved and grieved over because he was going wrong. He saw him as God originally designed and meant him to be, and therefore He saw through the surface layer of grime and dirt to the real man underneath. Jesus did not identify the person with his sin, but rather saw in this sin something alien, something that did not belong to him, something that chained and mastered him and from with He would free him and bring him back to his real self. Jesus was able to love men because He loved them right through the layer of mud.

This is why...

Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross... Hebrews 12:2

We have been touched by grace...

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything,
but faith working through love. Galatians 5:6

Can we also reach out to touch the weary and suffering ones with that very same grace, paying no regard for the differences we encounter?

But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus,
in the same way as they also are. Acts 15:11

Grace Defined:

a. the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.
b. the influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them.

But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more... Romans 5:20

Father of our Lord, Lover of my soul... Help me to see each person with love as the person You intended each one to be. Thank you for the grace that makes my life beautiful in any circumstance. Please make my life a blessing to others and a sweet savor to You. Amen.

For more information on In Other Words, visit Loni at Writing Canvas.

IOW: Grace, Because of Who He Is

https://typingone-handed.blogspot.com/2010/03/iow-grace-because-of-who-he-is.html

Friday Funnies: Jeanne Robertson-Don't Bungee Jump Naked

On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.
~Psalm 100:1 MSG~

Oh, Friends...

After watching this on gal pal Jenn Harpole's Facebook status, I had to wipe my eyes three or four times just to be able to click over to YouTube to get the link info...

Grab some tissues... Oh, and wait to watch till after the baby wakes up. She won't sleep through your gut-busting laughter...





Kim @ Homesteader's Heart hosts Friday Funnies. Visit her for more chuckles and to share yours.

Friday Funnies: Jeanne Robertson-Don't Bungee Jump Naked

https://typingone-handed.blogspot.com/2010/02/friday-funnies-jeanne-robertson-dont.html

In Other Words: Finding Your True Smile

So with a painted grin,
I play the part again,
So everyone will see me
the way that I see them...
Are we happy plastic people,
under shiny plastic steeples,
With walls around our weakness
and smiles to hid our pain,
But if the invitation's open,
to every heart that has been broken,
Maybe then we'll close the curtain
on our stained glass masquerade...

~Casting Crowns in Stained Glass Masquerade~

Once upon a time, in a trailer park far away, a little girl stood waiting for a church bus to take her to Sunday school. She shifted excitedly from foot to foot and even skipped in circles a bit, unable to contain her excitement at getting to see the kind, smiling faces of the church lady and man who taught her class about Love with cookies and juice and flannel pictures of that Jesus guy.

The years passed quickly...different places and yet the smiling faces of the church ladies and men all seemed familiar.

Finally the girl was grown with her own little bundles of enthusiasm bouncing and running in excited circles in anticipation of cookies, juice, and flannel pictures of that Jesus guy while she tried to bathe and dress them and get them to Sunday school.

Slowly life started sapping her own enthusiasm...

...responsibilities...
...disappointments...
...bone-weariness...

Her smiles became harder to find. Still she pasted them on Sunday after Sunday.

Until one day...

She saw her reflection.

The familiar smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She was reminded of other church ladies and men she'd met over the years, some she knew now...

The ones whose smiles eventually stopped at their lips.

O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer;
And by night, but I have no rest. ~Psalm 22:2

She mourned the loss of her joy smile, the one that comes from deep inside, bubbling up uncontrollable from head to toe.

To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. ~Psalm 25:1

In her sadness she opened the Book of God-words. and she read...

To You, O Lord, I call;
My rock, do not be deaf to me. ~Psalm 28:1

and read...

In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge;
Let me never be ashamed;
In Your righteousness deliver me.
Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly;
Be to me a rock of strength,
A stronghold to save me. ~Psalm 31:1-2

and read...

How blessed is [she] whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered!
How blessed is the [woman] to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit! ~Psalm 32:1-2

She sighed in relief, tiredness slowly draining away.

For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name. ~Psalm 33:21

Sometimes the effort to smile is still too much but the girl now first turns to the God-words because she discovered they are the source of the smiles and that Love she felt in the church so long ago.

O taste and see that the Lord is good;
How blessed is the [woman] who takes refuge in Him! ~Psalm 34:8

~~~~~

The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
And His ears are open to their cry. ~Psalm 34:15

~~~~~

The Lord is near the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit. ~Psalm 34:18

~~~~~

The Lord redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned. ~Psalm 34:22

In Other Words is being hosted by Loni at Writing Canvas. Please visit to read more and to post your own take on today's quote.

In Other Words: Finding Your True Smile

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Choosing to Be Disciplined Everyday

"The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction and you're lost for good." (Proverbs 10:17 MSG)

I am an emotional eater. I am also a bored and thoughtless eater. When I am sad, I choose foods high in carbohydrates like chocolate, potato chips, and ice cream. When I watch TV or need other entertainment, I choose cheese and crackers, popcorn, and more chocolate.

There is nothing wrong with any of these foods in and of themselves. Eaten in small portions once in a while they are fine.

Failing To Be Disciplined

Cold weather and family issues gave me a one-two punch that knocked me right out of my healthy eating program. When I was actively engaged in healthy eating practices, I lost 12 lbs and dropped my cholesterol level 17 points.

My emotional eating for the past few months has made my climb back to fitness into a backward slide down a steep hill. Although I only gained 4 lbs back, I got all 17 cholesterol points back plus 42 more points.

I really had no idea what was going on inside my body. I attributed the slight weight gain to holiday cooking and chose to ignore my niggling conscience when I ate foods that were not part of my diet plan.

Imagine my dismay when I opened my recent blood test results as I walked from the mailbox to my house and read these words: "Cholesterol very high. should start medication. She has been reluctant to do so in the past. Will discuss at her visit in two weeks."

Continue reading at Take Root and Write: Choosing Life Everyday!...>>

Choosing to Be Disciplined Everyday

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IOW: To Touch A Child's Heart

He who can reach a child's heart can reach the world's heart. ~ Rudyard Kipling

Every 5th Sunday my husband and I teach Junior Church. I think the ministry is wonderful but I dread doing my 45 minutes four times a year. I used to do it every month, but when it was time to say no to some things on my overflowing plate, this was one of the first to go (right after choir--mediocre alto voice...).

See, I am completely aware of my calling to serve -- my gifts do not lie in children's ministry. But the Lord has equipped me to be my husband's helpmeet. He is gifted to work with children; in fact, with any age.

He has the amazing ability to get involved in whatever game grabs the kids' interest. I remember several years ago during our once-a-month Extended Care time with the 4-5 year olds (during Sunday A.M. Worship) how one little boy was aggressive with the other children and unwilling to participate in any of the activities.

While I worked with the large group, my husband sat with this little boy tearing construction paper into tiny pieces and putting them in a toy dump truck. This went on every month for several months. Then my husband told the little boy that he had to sit with the other kids during story time before they could tear paper. To my amazement, the little boy cooperated. By the time he aged out of the class, he would participate in everything we did and would wait until play time to sit one-on-one with my husband.

This transformation took place because my husband spent time gaining the little boy's trust, eye-to-eye, focusing on what it took to engage his attention. Mr. Steve had reached out and touched this little boy's heart similarly to the way the Lord Jesus did in His own earthly ministry.

Jesus developed personal, intimate relationships with His followers -- not asking for immediate obedience but showing them His heart full of love for them. His eye-to-eye focus on the disciples led to a trust in His words that ended up in ministry that changed the world.

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. ~Acts 2:42-47

Back to Junior Church: What a challenge the 1st through 6th grade group is! Some of the kids have been raised in church and cooperate enthusiastically. Some ride a bus to church and have no church background at home. Ministry to all these kids is so very important.

We have a vibrant youth group for them when they reach 7th grade. This middle ministry --between preschool and youth group-- must keep the kids interested in church and Jesus. My goal each 5th Sunday is to speak words in love that make them want more of Jesus.

I want this ministry to thrive. My grandson will be there some day and I hope the teachers at that time realize the importance of reaching young hearts at their most easily influenced. So I keep to it, trying to follow my husband's example and relying on his gifts to make up where I lack.

From Barna.org: ...teens who are evangelicals - i.e., those who are not only born again but also believe in the accuracy of the Bible, personal responsibility to evangelize, believe in salvation by grace alone, and possess orthodox biblical views on God, Jesus and Satan - have declined from 10% in 1995 to just 4% today.

Lord, help us reach the hearts of the children so they can reach the world.






In Other Words is being hosted by Nina at Mama's Little Treasures. Visit to read more posts and to link you your own take on today's quote.

IOW: To Touch A Child's Heart

https://typingone-handed.blogspot.com/2010/02/iow-to-touch-childs-heart.html

Struggling to Stand in Grace-Learning from Anne Rice

My heart overflows with a good theme;
I address my verses to the King;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
You are fairer than the sons of men;
Grace is poured upon Your lips;
Therefore God has blessed You forever.
Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Mighty One,
In Your splendor and Your majesty!
~Psalm 45:1-3~

I wrote in my January 11th Take Root and Write column, Choosing Life Everyday, about my New Year's resolution to reach for graciousness in every aspect of my life. Choose to Be Gracious Every Day discusses the definitions of graciousness. My particular struggle at this point is on using tact and delicacy...not so much in my speech and my actions, but in my endeavors to write.

As I work to become a novelist, the tug to write for popular acceptance is huge. It is human to want others find value in our creations. In the world of romance writing (into which fall any story that includes boy-meets-girl, etc), the most widely read books have elements that do not have any relation to tact or delicacy.

While I have no problem letting people know that I love the Lord, I am not one to use in-your-face witnessing. I try to develop personal relationships with others so that they can see that I am not just checking off a box on my religious obligations list, but that I truly care for them and their lives. In this I follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. His evangelism was one-on-one, meeting each where he or she was...not directing them to 'turn or burn.'

My friend, author Winter A. Peck, posted on Facebook a video interview with prolific novelist Anne Rice, best known for her book series The Vampire Chronicles. This video testimony has reminded me that regardless of the direction of my writing, it will reflect upon the Lord. My decision is to decide: "Just what reflection do I want my work to cast?"

Please watch this CBN TV interview. Share with me your thoughts and encouragement.

Struggling to Stand in Grace-Learning from Anne Rice

https://typingone-handed.blogspot.com/2010/01/struggling-to-stand-in-grace-learning.html