Grandma Teach Me Wisdom

A Word of Encouragement

2011-07-23T06:54:00.001-07:00

Are you discouraged? Do you think your life will never change? We can all change if we want too. Yes, we have fail, but it is never too late to change. At any point and time, God is able to transform our lives to the point where others will say, “Isn’t that Mary Jane or Susie Q, the oddball, the one with mood swings so violent no one could depend on her? The Mary Magdalene, the town gossip, the cripple that could not stand on her own two feet, the dummy that could not learn in school? What is she doing impacting the world around her with such force? That is what Jesus countrymen said of Him.

“Where did this man get His wisdom and mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s son. Is not his mother called Mary? Matt.13:54,55

All bad habits can be broken and learned behavior can be corrected. If we want to change something bad enough we can. But if the desire to change is not in our heart, neither is the ability. If the desire is there all things are possible.

We can do all things through Christ who is our strength. Philip. 4:13

Let the word of God dwell in you richly, walk in obedience and read good motivational books. I love John Maxwell’s books.

The Man without a Country

2011-07-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite books is about a young fictions character that made a mistake which cost him everything. I read this book first in Jr. High half a century ago, and I love it to this day. It was written in 1863 by Edward E Hale. The title is: “The Man without a Country.”
It is about a fictional character named Philip Nolan, a young lieutenant in the United States Army in 1807. In a moment of anger and deception, he cried, “Damn the United States of America, I wish I may never hear of the United States again!”
The courts granted him his wish that he would never see or hear of the United States as long as he lived. For the rest of his life, he was transported from one ship to another but was never allowed within a hundred miles of America from any direction. He died at sea.
From his early twenties to his mid eighties he never read or heard of America again. A young officer who took an interest in the old man about 30 years before Nolan’s death narrates this story. According to him, Nolan was the most patriotic American who ever lived. He tried to move heaven and earth to have him discharged and pardoned but with no success. After so many years no one in Washington knew who Nolan was. They denied that such man existed.
The story of this so called Nolan, once a young man who had self destructed in a moment of madness and unrestrained emotions, had been forgotten. Nolan, himself, had once confessed that the whole ordeal had been like a wretched nightmare of a boy’s idea of personal gain and fame.
Nearing the end of the story a few years before Nolan’s death a vehement and violent squabble had risen somewhere in the South Islands due to some slaves who were being set free. Nolan was the only one on the ship who spoke Portuguese. Therefore, he was asked if he could interpret for the slaves in order to bring peace in the midst of the vicious chaos.
The plan of the Commander in charge, Officer Vaughan, was to take all the slaves to Cape Palmas and set them free. The outrage came when the slaves refused to be sent to an island far away and unknown to them. Their plea was to be allowed to return to their own families and homeland where they had been kidnapped. They were willing to fight unto death for that right.
In the slaves’ language, Nolan helped resolved the issue, and they were promised a safe return home. In gratitude, all the slaves fell to the ground and kissed Nolan’s feet.
On the way back to the ship Nolan said to the young midshipman who accompanied him to the island: “Youngster, let that show you what it is like to be without a home, without a family
and without a country. If you are ever tempted to say a word or do a thing that shall put a bar between you and your family, or your country, pray God in His mercy takes you to His heaven that very instant.
“Stick by your family, boy. Forget you have self. Do everything for them. Think of your home, boy. Write and send and talk about it. Let it be near and nearer to your thoughts. The farther you have to travel from it --- rush back to it, when you are free as those poor black slaves are doing now.”
“And for your country, boy,” the words rattled in his throat. “And for that flag,” he said pointing to the ship. “Never dream a dream but to serve her as she bit you, though the service carries you through a thousand hells.”
“No matter what happens to you, no matter who flatters you, or who abuses you. Never look at another flag, never let a night pass but you pray to God to bless that flag.”
“Remember boy, that behind all these men you have to do with, behind officers and government and people even, there is the Country Herself.”
“She is your country and you belong to her as you belong to your own mother. Stand by her boy, as you would stand by your mother as if those devils of hell had gotten hold of her today.” (He was referring to the slave-traders who violently and mercilessly were trying to keep the slaves away from their homeland.)

Almost in a whisper he said, “O, that anyone would have told me this when I was your age.”

My Counsel

I hear people say all the time, “Young people today are so rebellious. We cannot tell them anything, so why try. If young people today are hard of hearing it is because they cannot hear what they cannot see.
Nolen was a broken old man full of wisdom, stripped of all his arrogance and self-will.
His wisdom came at a very high price. That’s the way wisdom comes for most of us. It does not come from wealth, education, or church attendance. It is hidden very deep within the human soul and it takes a lot of years of digging and peaking at its deepest point to find that diamond in the rough. It is hidden in the darkest crevasse of our wicked hearts. Our children long to see it in us so they can imitate us.
Not long ago, I was at the deathbed of a dying friend. With tears in her eyes, she shared with me her youthful regrets. She cried bitterly at the fact that she could not return to the past and make all her wrongs right. She loved the Lord deeply and knew she was going to heaven but her grief came as she recalled those wasted years. Like Nolan, wisdom came too late.
Millions still cry his words, “O, that anyone had told me this when I was your age.”

Someone once said, “Unless a man is broken he hardly has anything of great value to say.”

The story does not say if the young shipman understood the half of what Nolen said. But this we know, Nolen saw America with a different set of eyes, and loved it with a deeper passion.

Prayer: Have Mercy upon me oh God. According to Your loving kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions that I might know how to pass down wise counsel and truth to another generation.

The Life Is in the Seed

2010-10-12T04:49:00.000-07:00

When the Word of God talked about the herb, grass and tree yielding seeds in Geneses 1:11 most of us never think anything beyond that. Often times we do not realize that we live in a seed filled world. It is as if though all of God’s dealing with humanity is about nothing more than seeds, sowing and reaping.

We have the harvest seeds (soul), tithing seeds, seeds for the sower (spiritual and physical farmer), seed of the woman, the generational seeds, and the animal kingdom seeds.

The Word speaks of the righteous seed, royal seed, the lineage seed, life giving seed, Holy seed, seed of Israel, seed of blessings, seeds of kindness,incorruptible seed and the seed of the Word.

Opposite of that we have the seed of thoughts, seeds of words and actions. The wild seed, bad seed, corruptible seed, the mingled seed, wicked seed, seed of evildoers, seed of falsehood, seeds of adultery and the list goes on.

Luke 8:5 talks about a sower who went out to sow referring to God’s Word and our spiritual condition.

For this reason, many Christians are seed conscience they consider what they say and do. God fearing parents raise their children in church because they want the seed of God’s Word to take deep roots in their little children’s hearts.

I have been working on a fiction story called “On Wings of Praise” for a couple of years. It is about a little girl who pulled her family out of poverty during the early nineteen hundreds. One afternoon as she sat on the front porch eating a peach. The six year old looks at the pit and realizes that inside the pit was a life giving seed. From that revelation a million dollar idea was born. That idea transformed the rest of their lives.

Inside every seed is a life bearing power that produces after its own kind. It is not the nature of the seed to be corn and grow carrot. What we sow is what we reap.

The taste of ripe California fruits is divine in flavor. The last time I went, I brought several seeds home to Texas. The other day I took some of those seeds and planted them. I am anxious to see them grow next spring. Because every seed must grow as sure as the acorn that the little squirrels bury in the ground. In the spring (due season) it will be force to pop upward.

There in the darkness of the rich potting soil, It will lie dormant for a long while. Winter will come and the earth will freeze and it will appear that all hope is gone. It will show no signs of life for a season. Buried underneath the frozen sod is a lifeless and forgotten seed. It appears to be dead in every form, but not so --- there is a mystery in the seed sown. Though it be tiny it is bursting with life giving energy.

Underneath the wet ground its shell swells and crakes open releasing an ocean of roots. They explode with a force that spreads out in every direction. The thread thin roots grow downward embracing the earth with a solid grip. They feed on the richness of its new muddy environment. They dig deep into the utter darkness to quench their thirst.

They continue their downward pursuit, until the spring showers and warm sun come pounding on the ground making their demand.“Come forth!” they cry. Like Lazarus in the grave it too must obey,and that which appeared dead comes back to life in a sprout form.

God commanded that as long as there was life, seedtime and harvest would remain. It cannot do otherwise.

This is true whether the seed is secret sin, a tree, a flower, a weed, an action, a word, a behavior pattern, running of our finances or the rearing of our children.

It may remain in darkness for a season but it will grow and bear fruit. It does not change in character because it is spiritual, financial, physical, earthly or eternal seed.

By nature, we are seed producing beings. Furthermore, with every passing year, it will produce more fruit and every fruit will bear its own seed.

Like Johnny Appleseed we too spread seeds everywhere we go with every breath we take, every thought we think, every word we speak, every decision we make and every act we commit. Knowingly or not we are producing life or death, good or evil, blessings or curses.

Every earthly progression, government, advancement, movement, invention, business, lifestyle, creation or idea came from a seed.

When I stopped and consider the weight of my responsibility as a seed producing being - I wept.

By Norma Vera

Interview with Kathy Macias

2010-10-05T05:12:00.000-07:00

1. How did you get started with writing?
I've always wanted to be a writer-can't remember ever wanting to be anything else. I was an avid reader as a child, particularly because I was sick quite a bit and couldn't always go to school or, when I did, couldn't play with the other kids during recess. So I read everything I could get my hands on! When I ran out of things to read, I began to write my own stories. I wrote a story in the third grade that the teacher liked so much she showed it to the principal, and they decided to turn it into a play for the entire PTA. I was
thrilled-and hooked!
2.Were you a child writer?
Definitely! As I stated in the previous question/answer, I started early. By the time I was in junior high, I had my mind set on writing professionally, even though I didn't really understand how that would happen. But I remember telling my boyfriend, Al (now my husband) when we were about 14 and walking home from school one day that I was going to be a writer when I grew up. He reminds me of that often, and tells me how blessed I am to be able to do what I dreamed of for so long.
3. If so, do you have advice for children writers?
If you love stories and enjoy writing, do it every chance you get-and also read as often as possible. You will develop your style and polish your gift and talent by reading/studying other people's works and practicing your own. I also encourage you to take journalism classes. Though I only worked as a reporter/columnist for a short time, it taught me great discipline in my writing and enabled me to write quickly and concisely. Another area of study that helped me a lot was drama. Learning to "get inside someone else's skin" as an actor enables me to bring my characters to life on the written page.

4. What do you love the most about writing?
I write fiction and nonfiction and enjoy them both, but I suppose I prefer fiction because I love being able to create stories and watch them unfold through my characters' lives. There are times those characters become so real that they actually try to take over my story; then I have to reign them in and remind them who's in charge! It's hard work, but a lot of fun too.

5. How did you get into Bilingual writing?
I studied Spanish in school and speak it passably-conversationally, actually. But I use a professional translator for my Spanish books and weekly Spanish devotionals. I don't trust my command of the language to do it accurately. It's been great, though, as I have met people in countries all over the world, some who say they read my weekly devotional in English and some in Spanish. What a joy!
6. How many books have you published?
I've published just over 30 of my own books (with more in the works), but I have also written several others for well known people-as a collaborator or ghostwriter. As a result, people are often reading my work without even knowing it!
8.Tell us about your latest book.
My most recent release is Red Ink, the third book in my four-book Extreme Devotion fiction series from New Hope Publishers. Each of the four books is set in a different country (No Greater Love in South Africa, More than Conquerors in Mexico, Red Ink in China, and People of the Book in Saudi Arabia). Red Ink is a fictionalized account of my own personal hero, Li Ying, a young woman currently serving a ten-year prison sentence in China for the crimes of printing and distributing Christian materials and teaching
children about Jesus. Realizing the price she pays for obeying God's command to preach to gospel makes me appreciate my freedom to do so every day.
9.Tell us about your relationship with Christ. I wasn't raised in a Christian home, but one of my younger brothers became a believer when he was about 20. Soon he led my mom to Christ and then my other brother too. My dad and I were the "hold outs." Then, when I was 26 and my life was falling apart, I remembered what my mom and brothers had told me about Jesus, and I turned my life over to him. That was 36 years ago, and it was the best decision I ever made. (My dad finally came to the Lord too-in his last week of life at the age of 88. What a faithful God we serve!)

10. What ministries are you involved in?'

I've been involved in many over the years, including teaching both children's and adult Sunday school; jail/prison ministry; homeless ministry; biblical counseling; working with the persecuted Church and helping to free modern-day slaves from the human trafficking trade (which will be the topic of my next series). Primarily I spend my time writing and speaking/teaching about those subjects. I'm also my almost 90-year-old mom's primary caretaker (she lives with us).

Check out her Blog amd website for free book giveaway
http://www.kathimacias.com/

http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com/

alandkathi@ca.rr.com

The Voice of Experience

2010-09-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

I heard a testimony once about a blind man who navigated some missionaries across a river in a third world country. It was so deadly and dangerous they could only travel by night. When the missionaries discovered that the guide was blind they asked the escort, "How do we know he is leading us safely?" The man responded, "He relies on the Holy spirit for guidance."

If we train our ear to listen to the Holy Spirit. He will guide us safely around landmines that are hidden from our sight!

Interview with Lisa Buffaloe

2010-09-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

1. How did you get started with writing?
I didn’t seriously begin writing until my health crashed from undetected Lyme disease in 2000. During that time, I searched God’s word for answers on suffering and illness and began making notes and writing a book on the subject. From there, I branched into writing fiction using some of my past experiences. To quote Dickens, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...”

2. What do you love the most about writing?
For non-fiction, I love blogging or writing articles about God’s grace and love. With fiction projects, it’s fun to explore characters and their stories. I absolutely love when God surprises me with an unexpected twist or turn while I’m writing.

3. How many books you have published?

At this point, I haven’t been published other than articles, blogs, and interviews. My agent is Tamela Hancock Murray of the Hartline Literary Agency. Two of my manuscripts are currently being reviewed by publishers.

4. Which one was your favorite article?

The most fun to write was The Visitor featured as a short story on Christian Fiction Online Magazine. http://www.christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/visitor.html

5. Tell us a little bit about The Visitor.

Years ago, I lived in an apartment that had originally been a garage/barn. Late one night I had an unexpected and very unwelcome visitor. The article takes that experience and turns it into a humorous story.

6. Your relationship with Christ?

I was blessed to be raised in a Christian home. However, even growing up in a loving, safe environment some very negative things happened. God has helped me through molestation by a baby-sitter, assault, rape, divorce, cancer, death of loved ones, numerous surgeries, and chronic illness. I’m amazed at God’s goodness. Every day He gives me more reasons to long for Him and His presence. What a blessing to be walked through the fires and trials to find the things of this world replaced with a greater knowledge of Who God is and His sufficiency. Nothing and no one can remove what is safe with God, and with Him I am eternally safe.

7. What do you see in the future for your writing? (or you goal)?

I pray and hope that God will continue to allow me to point others to His amazing love. My goal is to help readers discover the truth in God’s promises. His love is unending, and through Him we can be healed, restored, and renewed—regardless of the nightmares of our past. No matter what we’ve been through, God is big enough to handle all our needs. He will free us from the past. He will restore what has been taken, and He will renew what has been destroyed.

8. What is your favorite quote and why?

“In my deepest wound, I saw Your glory and it dazzled me.” St. Augustine. God not only heals our past wounds, He takes what the enemy meant for evil and turns it into something amazing for us and His kingdom. God never fails to dazzle me with His goodness and love.

Lisa Brewer Buffaloe

www.LisaBuffaloe.com

http://www.lisabuffaloe.blogspot.com/

www.ShoutLife.com/LisaBuffaloe

www.MySpace.com/LisaBuffaloe

Girl Talk

2009-06-21T05:08:00.000-07:00

Girl Talk

Be a Treasure
Everyone loves individuals who enhance and enrich our lives. We love those who add joy, peace, and harmony to our lives.

The in-laws love the spouse that comes into the family adding value. Employers reward workers who help promote the company. Spouse’s love the partner with whom they can communicate and work as a team. Parents love children who listen and obey.

These types of people give meaning and value to life. They are so easy to love and get along with. Everyone loves them, not because of their outward, but inward beauty.

How to be a treasure

Things to Guard with all your heart.

1. Guard your relationship with God
2. Guard your heart
3. Guard your tongue
4, Guard your reputation
5. Guard your name

Things to build while you are young.

1. Build intimacy with God.
2. Build godly character.
3. Build up your finances
4. Build your dreams
5. Build your home on a solid foundation.

Ten don’ts

1.Don’t let the foolishness of your youth separate you from God.
2. Don’t follow the crowed
3. Don’t marry into a family who does not love you.
4. Don’t let fear control you
5. Don’t say things you don’t mean
6. Don’t free load
7. Don’t live for the moment
8. Don’t allow bitterness to rule your heart.
9. Don’t be a cheat, thief or liar.
10. Don’t look at others through a microscope.

Learn early in life

1. Learn to trust and obey God.
2. Learn to stand on your own two feet.
3. learn to manage money.
4. Learn to think before you speak.
5. Learn to listen with your heart.

Stay away from

1. Stay away from things that offend God
2. Stay away from things that bind you.
3. Stay away from sin.
4. Stay away from gossip.
5. Stay out of Debt.

Try to be

1. Be true to God
2 To yourself be true.
3. Be the giver not the taker.
4. Be honest, loyal, courageous, diligent and strong.
5. Be transparent, trust worthy, and committed
6. Be real

Five things to get with all your might.

1. Get serious about your walk with God.
2. Get the Word of God in you.
3. Get a good education.
4. Get wisdom
5. Get born- again

Last but not least

1. Believe that God loves you
2. Believe in yourself
3. Believe life is worth living
4. Believe that people have value
5. Believe and invest in others

Achievements:

2009-05-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

May 14, 2009
My Article: “OBIEDENCE IS NOT AN OPTION,” will be published by The Christian Pulse Magazine on June 22, 2009

“The Secret Place,” put out by Judson Press bought four of my devotionals.

My story, “The Miracle of the Christmas Star.” won second place in the Children’s Story Category last week at the North Texas 2010 Christian Writers Conference. That was a good feeling.

Devotional

2009-05-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

Day of Judgment

My calling is evangelism, so for me to think about souls and eternity is normal. I think about the millions of souls in the valley of decision all the time. Inside the evangelist’s heart is a drive to witness - like the teacher is compel to teach and the writer to write.

Not long ago I went with a friend to a Lions Club Annual Pancake Event. The waiting line was the longest I had ever seen. My friend who has never met a stranger, joyfully visit with everybody in line. I on the other hand, unless someone talks to me, I will stay pretty much to myself.

It took us over an hour to reach the serving area. As we moved forward one inch at a
time, the scripture in Revelation 20: 11,15 came to mind. “I saw the dead small and great stand before God, and the books were opened. And another book was opened which was the book of life and the dead were judged out of those things that were written in the books, according to their works.”

I wondered, how fast an inch would be if we were heading towards the Throne of
Judgment. I closed my eyes in an effort to capture the terror a soul would feel on that day - but I could not. No one can imagine such feeling. I believe that the horror will be beyond anything a human soul has ever known.

Who can picture such anguish? I asked myself. There will be nowhere to run too, for help. What lie or excuse could one fine to trick the Almighty, and escape the great judgment? I could almost hear knees knocking out of control, and teeth chattering with fear. While tormenting memories, of times salvation was present and reject flooded and tortures the mind.

In my mind I could visualize weeping, groaning, wailings, and tears of regret. Suddenly I felt every hair in my body standing on end as I thought, of the dread and panic of that day. Our simple minds cannot fathom the horror of such hopelessness.

I opened my eyes and almost cried aloud, “But Jesus!” I restrained myself and whispered, Praise God for Jesus, who is the bridge of love, and compassion between us, and that day. He made a way where there was no way! Even today, one can repent, and escape that dreadful hour.

My heart leap with joy as I said in my heart, “How glorious, is this massage of salvation.How wonderful His forgiveness? What joy to know that His love is greater than our sins.Sweeter than honey on the honeycomb is His grace. Fortunate to be envied is the soul whose trust is in the Lord!

Finally we reached the dining area where the smell of pancakes and sausage send out a scrumptious aroma. To my growling stomach, it was like music from heaven. The place was jammed packed with people of all color shapes and sizes. Hundreds everywhere feasting on the mouth-watering pancakes. Many had finishing and were leaving, while hundreds stood in line.

The line had moved so slowly, I thought that we would never get there, but we did. The thought crossed my mind that God has a set time for that Day - much like when
we set our own alarm clock to wake up in the morning.

The eternal time is set - we are just waiting for the alarm to ring. It seems at times, like that day will never get here - but it will, just as sure as our time came to eat pancakes.

Even though I could not imagine the horror of that hour, it did stir me to pray for lost humanity,and be thankful for what Jesus did for us at Calvary.

Father I pray, please sent harvesters into the harvest. Send me. I will go.

The Prodigal Father

2009-04-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

2009-04-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEW: with my friend Marty Norman , author of

“Generation G – Advice for Savvy Grandmothers Who Will Never Go Gray”

1. “Generation G” is a really fun book on grandmothers. What made you feel you needed to write it?www.amazon.com and in local bookstores. Check out her website
at www.martynorman.com, and her blogs at http://martynorman.blogspot.com, andhttp://savvygrandmothers.blogspot.com.

It was not so much that I felt a need to write “Generation G”, but rather I felt compelled. When I started, the book was just a series of essays for my grandchildren. No one was more surprised than I to discover that having a grandchild is just the best, truly a gift from God. Your heart is so full it just pours out. Mine poured out on paper. I wanted to couple that pure grandmother joy with thanksgiving to God for the miracle of the grandmother experience.

2. What do grandmothers’ today need to know that their grandmothers didn’t?

You know, when I think back, life was simpler in my grandmother’s day, slow and easy with more time for family, talking, and just being together. Life is so fast now. Carpools, cell phones, ipods, tv’s. Making time for grandchildren is more complicated than it used to be. I find that I need lots of patience for there are schedules to coordinate and issues to deal with that my grandparents just didn’t have – divorce, long-distance and step-grand parenting, financial issues. And technology – that’s another issue. It takes a lot of time to keep up in that arena.

3. What is “Generation G” and how did the book get that name?

Generation G is the title the publisher’s created. Actually it has grown on me. To me “Generation G” is a term for my generation - godly grandmothers who have the time and desire to pass on their legacy of faith to the next generation. The scripture tells us that generational healing will pass down to the third and fourth generation. In Roman numerals “G” is one thousand. Wouldn’t that be great if our godly heritage was passed down for a thousand years!

4. You write about “savvy Grandmothers”. Who and what is a savvy grandmother?

A savvy grandmother’s many things: seasoned, silver, sophisticated, wise, and hip. Willing to be involved, she listens with two ears and one heart and keeps her mouth shut most of the time. A savvy grandmother knows the difference between giving advice and making suggestions. She keeps a guard on her mouth practicing what she preaches. But above all, a savvy grandmother’s a godly woman, boldly sharing her faith and witness as she passes on a godly legacy to the next generation.

5. How did you come to be a writer?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to write. Even as a child I made up songs

and poems. “Lollipop On The Window Sill” was my first big hit. I even began a

novel when I was seven. The seed was planted. All it needed was sunshine, water,

and fertilizer. In the early years I wrote mainly for friends. In my adult years I

wrote for newsletters and in-house magazines. But it wasn’t until I got a monthly

assignment for in-house magazine that I got the bug. And I’ve been at it ever since.

6. What is your writing style?

I am a free-association sort of writer, though everyone has a different style. I get an

idea, maybe a couple of words or a title. Then I just sit down and let the writing flow.

Some people write in outline form but so far that doesn’t fit my personality. At some

point, I look up and see what I have. Usually there is a book or an article in there

somewhere.

7. What was the hardest part of writing “Generation G”?

For me, the writing of the book was not the hardest part. That just sort of flowed out

of me. But once I decided to make it into a book, I was overwhelmed! So much

paper, so many stories - how to organize? What to put first? Which stories have I

already used? Because of my free-flow style, I did not write the chapters in order.

Figuring out where they fit was a huge challenge. I am a big picture person. I finally

just had to lay it all on the floor so I could see the book in its entirety. Then I went

about the business of organizing sections and getting the flow of the book.

8. What are your favorite grandmother activities?

I love everything that has to do with grandchildren. If I had my druthers though, I love early mornings in bed, singing songs, telling stories – beginning the day in joy. I also love baking. I don’t even mind the mess on the floor, the flour, powdered sugar, and assorted candies that are everywhere. Picnics are big too. Most of all I love to pray with my grandchildren. When I look in their eyes, tell them I love them and how much God loves them, it doesn’t get any better than that!

9. What ministries are you involved in?’

Right now my main ministry is to exhort and encourage grandmothers to share their faith and tell their stories. I also involved in many prayer groups. I am also involved with an organization that is building community across racial and denominational lines through worship, prayer, and sharing. Missions is my call, and I have been on three mission trips. I am also heavily into disaster relief and orphan fund in Malawi, Central Africa. Currently I am feeling God’s nudge in a new direction and am seeking him in prayer in this regard.

10. Do you have other books in the works?

Actually I do. I have completed a number of children’s books but right now I am concentrating on my very first book which I believe to be my first fruits to the Lord. I am researching publishers and markets to determine my next step. I also am working on a book about the spiritual walk. It is always interesting to see the direction these things go. I don’t know what God has planned but I am on board and ready to roll when the time comes.

11. Do you have advice for other writers?

Yes - don’t give up. Whatever you do don’t give up. Writing is a passion, a way of

life. If you think you might be a writer, you are one. Writing can be a talent or a

learned craft. Writers come in all shapes and sizes, topics and themes range from

the whimsical to the sublime. There is no right or wrong in writing. Just write what

you know. The more you write the better you get. One of the hardest things about

being a writer is the rejection factor. So write for whoever will let you. Above

everything else, listen to your heart and trust your instincts.

12. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Absolutely. My prayer for the book has been that it will bless each one who reads it. I

pray that it will open up hearts to everyone’s own journey and inspire women to

generate ideas in how to make a difference in families. I pray that all grandmothers

will be inspired to boldly pass on faith to the children and grandchildren of the world.

With the state of the world, I am convinced that grandmother wisdom is needed. With

our energy, influence, and resources we can truly change the world for good. I believe

it is time for us to speak up. Grandmother power and being a power of one has great

potential.

Marty Norman is a wife, mother, and grandmother, who lives in Fort Worth, Texas .

She is the author of “Generation G – Advice for Savvy Grandmothers Who Will Never
Go Gray” found on

Seasons

2009-04-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

In memory of my sisters

Seasons : To everything there is a season, and a purpose under the heavens. A time to be born and a time to die. Ecclesiastes 3:1,2T (NKJV)

In 2008, we were four sisters and best friends, and now we are two. In August, I lost a sister, and three months later, another. The sense of loss I felt was beyond words. I miss them more than I can say.

The years went by so swiftly -- like a rushing stream, time flew out of our reach into eternity. Whatever, joy, love, divine appointments, or opportunities we did not cherish or embrace, they are now gone.

We get so many seasons in life and when they’re gone, all the crying, regrets, or repentance we feel, is of no help now.

Once the time, the moment, the opportunity has flown away in the wings of time, it will return no more.

Sometimes we learn to late; to love the season. Please, take my wise counsel.

In the springtime of your life: Lavish yourself in God’s showers of blessings. Endeavor to color your world with joy, and purity of heart, in the mist of every storm.

In the summer: Run in the strength of your youth. Give God your best. Do all you can to change the world for Christ, leaving your name written in the sands of time.

In the autumn: Embrace the pruning season, trust His wisdom and His love. Live life with such resilience for eternity sake, let go of the things that bind you. Cling loosely to life, and allow only the wind of his Spirit to move you were He will.

In the winter: Clothes yourself with His Word. Laugh aloud at old man winter. Use your toboggan of faith to ride the high and winding snowy slopes of life, without fear. Say to the gloomiest nights of the season, “You do not intimidate me.” The Lord is on my side!

We shall bloom again in the springtime of eternity. The only thing that will matter then is how we ran the race.

Father in Heaven, Here I am take me and mold me after your will.

Maturing in Christ:

12 tips on maintaining loving and godly relationships.

1. Be gentle, kind, and merciful.
2. Do not declare war, by raise your voice, and attacking with words.
3. Do not throw little hints, as if the other person were a mind reader.
4. Look at it from the other person’s point of view.
5. Avoid the silent treatment
6. Accept responsibility for your own actions.
7. Desire to solve the problem, not add fuel to it.
8. Be honest and transparent.
9. Do not use words to stab another person’s emotions.
10. Do not be critical or judgmental.
11. Do not talk behind their back.
12. Love sincerely.

Estaciones

2009-03-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

¡Abuelita, Enséñame Sabiduría!

Marzo 2009

Devocional en español En memoria de mis hermanas.

Estaciones.
Para todas las cosas hay sazón, y todo lo que se quiere debajo del cielo, tiene su tiempo. Tiempo de nacer, y tiempo de morir. Eclesiastés 3:1,2T (KJV)

En el año 2008, éramos cuarto hermanas y intimas amigas, y hoy somos solo dos.

En agosto murió una, y en diciembre otra. El dolor y vacio que sentí en mi alma, no tiene expresión. Las extraño tanto.

Nuestros años son contados. Se pasan como las aguas de una Corriente. Y vuelan como las aves afuera de nuestro alcance, para nuca volver jamás.

Cualquier gozó, amor, oportunidad, o citas divinas que no logramos, ya todo termino.

Te concejo amigo/amiga, confórmate y logra los años que Dios te da.

En la primavera de tu vida: generosamente regocíjate en las lluvias del Señor, y colorea tu mundo de gozó. Anda en Su santidad en el medio de las tempestades!

En el verano: corre en las fuerzas de tu juventud con gran animo, as gran desfuerzo par cambiar el mundo para Cristo. Deja tu nombre escrito en la arena.

En el otoño: Acaricia las podadas del Señor. Confía en Su sabiduría y Su amor. Con eternidad en tu alma vive tu vida. Suelta todo lo que te tiene atado.Y deja que solo el viento del Espíritu Santo, como un hoja suelta te mueva.

Y, en el invierno: cúbrete con Su palabra. Ríete a carcajadas del frio. Súbete a tu tobogán de fe, y vuela por los montes nevados, sin temor. Y por la noche dile a la oscuridad. Tú no me asustas - . Dios está contigo!

Y veras que, otra vez brotaras en la primavera de la eternidad. Y en aquel entonces lo único que importara, es como corriste la carrera. Simplemente, vamos pasando por aquí, no te quedes estancado.

Señor mi Dios, Toma mi vida, y hazme de nuevo, hace de mi un vaso nuevo.

Madurando en Cristo.

12 puntos para mantener relaciones llenas del amor de Cristo

1. Deja que tus acciones sean dulces, amables, y llenas de misericordia
2. No levantes tu voz, ni ataques con tus palabras, declarando guerra.
3. No tires habladas, ni tampoco insinúa algo; nadie puede leer tu mente.
4. Trata de ver la situación por el punto de vista de la otra persona.
5. No te agás del rogar, ni voltéales la cara.
6. Acepta responsabilidad por tus acciones.
7. Tu eres parte de la solución, trata de resolver la problema no hacer la peor.
8. Siempre hay que ser una persona honesta y trasparente.
9. No uses tus palabras como un cuchillo, para herir emociones.
10. No critiques, ni juzgas.
11. No seas hipócrita, no hables detrás de las espaldas.
12. Ama sinceramente.

Coming Soon!

2009-03-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

I just started my new blog, more to come later.