The Price of Trust

I have posted my review of The Price of Trust by Amanda Stephan on The Book Mama.  Please check it out.  The link is on the right hand side of this page.

Tuesday's Twist-Hurricane Katrina

Most of the country watched this weekend as Hurricane Irene http://youtu.be/RIRodRRFu4s brought devastation to the east coast.  Did you know that it hit almost six years to the day of Hurricane Katrina?  Hurricane Irene made landfall on August 27, 2011.  Hurricane Katrina pounded the southern states on August 28, 2005.  It made valiant efforts to destroy Louisiana and Mississippi, taking approximately 1800 lives as a medal.  My husband traveled to Mississippi with our church group to help in clean up.  He said that what was once houses looked like toothpicks strewn across the land as far as one could see. 

Hurricane Katrina is the media's new Galveston Hurricane of 1900. http://youtu.be/oAU6KvmTbHM Before Hurricane Katrina, every hurricane was compared to Galveston's 1900.  Now every hurricane will be compared to Hurricane Katrina, and rightly so.  http://youtu.be/Duz-2v1Omvc  The hurricane affected more than the states it swept across.  Every school in southeast Texas was trying to determine how they could accommodate the evacuees.  Some were scrambling to hire new teachers, while some were trying to find buildings to house new classrooms.  The small district where I was an administrator was contacting local churches to borrow classrooms.  The Astrodome in Houston, Texas was filled with people who needed the necessities of life.  Churches across Texas were opening their doors to house and feed the people whose lives had been uprooted by no fault of their own.

Long after the hurricane died a slow death, we watched as the clean up started and listened to the controversy, blame game, and excuses.  Then there followed charges filed for abuse to the elderly.  The icing on the cake has to be the Congressional hearing where the Governor of La. told them, "We only lost 1100 people.  I think that is pretty good."  I'm still wondering which one of those 1100 people was a loved one of hers. 

As life changing as Hurricane Katrina was, some good came out of it's wake.  What good?  Prior to Hurricane Katrina, people in the southern states had become complacent about hurricane warnings.  We complained about the media hype and ignored warnings. After Hurricane Katrina, every warning is taken seriously.  People are more prepared for the season.  As I watched the news reports as preparation for Hurricane Irene was made, I noticed how seriously the warnings were heeded.  I wondered, Would they have been taken that seriously before Hurricane Katrina? 

New Blog

For a long time, I have wanted to start a blog dedicated to books that I review.  I finally stopped thinking about it and did it.  Please access my new blog called The Book Mama.  I am still working on the format, but have posted two reviews.  There is a link on the right side of the page to The Book Mama.

The First Day of School

Kelsey was excited. She had waited a long time for this day. It was the first day of school. She had gathered her school supplies at least a month ago. She had visited her new classroom several times. Once when she was going down the hallway toward the room, the principal told her to stop running. How could she explain to him that she was just so excited to be here? Her mom had made her a special lunch last night and put it in the refrigerator. Kelsey and her mom had gone shopping to pick out the perfect outfit for this day. Kelsey wanted a red one. Red like the pictures of old schoolhouses.

When Kelsey got out of bed, her legs felt wobbly. She knew she hadn't slept well, but who could blame her? She only had one first day of school. She dressed in her first-schoolday-dress. It was red with buttons down the front and a cute belt. It was a split skirt that looked like a dress when she stood still. She thought it was perfect for the first day. She would look nice and still be comfortable.

When she started down the hallway toward her classroom, remembering not to run, Kelsey could see that some of the classroom doors were already open. She entered her classroom. No one else was there. She looked at all the desks in straight rows. Many more students that Kelsey had expected.

Kelsey had been taught since early childhood to pray when she was scared. There had never been a time when she was more scared than right now. She sat down at one of the student desks and bowed her head. "Lord, I really need some help today. I am scared and I don't know if I can do this. I know I can't by myself. Please be with me today. Help me not to show how scared I am. Amen."

Kelsey looked up and saw a mother waiting beside the door holding the hand of a little girl. The mother smiled at her when she got close to them. She smiled back, even though she was scared. The mother held out her hand and said, "Hello, I'm Mrs. Wilson".

Kelsey used all the courage she had to shake her hand and say, "Hello, I'm Kelsey Adams."

"This is my daughter, April."

"Hello, April. How are you today?"

Kelsey could see that April's lip was quivering as she said, "I'm scared."

"So am I." Kelsey said. "Maybe if we hold hands we won't be so scared."

So Kelsey and April stood at the front of the room holding hands as more students were brought into the room by their parents. Each parent seemed to feel obligated to interoduce themselves to Kelsey. She tried not to show her fear, but there were a couple that made her feel like she was in trouble already. Some of the parents asked questions that Kelsey did't know how to answer. When she said, "I don't know", they always gave her a funny look. That certainly didn't help calm her fears. Finally all the parents had kissed their babies, said good-bye and left the room.

Now Kelsey and April stood at the front of the room holding hands. Neither of them felt better when they looked at all the students in the class. Finally, April decided to sit in the only empty desk in the room. Kelsey stood at the front--alone, with 44 eyes staring at her like they expected her to do something. What should she do? She was new here just like they were.

Finally, she thought, Kelsey, you have to do something. Tell them your name."Good morning, class. I'm Miss Adams, you teacher. Please raise your hand when I call your name so I can get to know you."

You Deserve It

You deserve it!  A phrase we use to justify something.  Think about the way we use it:

• A cars pulls out in front of you.  He deserved the accident.
• One child is picking on another and gets hit.  He deserved it.
• You treat yourself to something indulgent.  You deserve it.
• Someone receives a reward for an accomplishment.  He deserved it.
• Someone received a promotion or raise in pay.  He deserved it.

That phrase can be used to mean many different things.  It has been adopted by many business to justify selling you something you don't really need.  I pulled up to an appliance store today and saw a huge sign that read:  Get it today with credit.  You deserve it.  Immediately, I thought Yeah, but I don't deserve your 23% interest rate.

It all goes back to the Law of Behavior.  With every decision comes a consequences. We tend to think of consequence as a negative.  Actually consequences means: The direct result of an action, behavior, or decision.  The person decided to work hard and the consequence was a promotion or raise in salary.  One child decided to bully another and the consequence was that he got hit.  If we make better choices, we have better consequences.  Think about that the next time you think to yourself: You deserve it.

New Review on Journey to Fulfillment

Theresa Franklin turned childhood darkness, pain and hardship, to profound convictions, August 23, 2011

Janet P. Eckles
Inspirational Books

By

Inspirational Books (Orlando Fl) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Journey to Fulfillment (Perfect Paperback)

Theresa Franklin turned childhood darkness, pain and hardship, to profound convictions, insight and style of teaching that shine like diamonds in the rough terrain on which parents and teachers tread. Her writing sings with vivid description of moving episodes, life's patterns and desires. All too familiar to most. And her message resonates with power, so deep, all parents and teachers need to embrace. Journey to Fulfillment is truly a journey not just for educators, but for anyone trying to learn what brings true fulfillment. And those who need to see how joy fills our soul when we use our life and passion and dreams to impact others. The pages in Journey to Fulfillment bring such basic, yet profound insights as this: "... one student was in trouble for a year, one student was in trouble for probably the fourteenth time in two weeks. I stood over his desk and reprimanded him severely. As I listened to my voice and watched his little head hung low, I thought, Theresa, you have to change this. You cannot let this child leave the room feeling bad. I deliberately softened my voice and said, "Now, Daniel." Before I could finish the statement, without raising his head, he said, "I know, I know. You love me because I am me, not because of what I do or say. As long as I am me, you are going to love me. It is my behavior that you do not like. You love me but not my behavior."The lesson in Journey to Fulfillment: true fulfillment and satisfaction comes when we resolve to use our experiences, trials and triumph in our own life to turn another life around. Janet Perez Eckles, author of Amazon #1 bestselling, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God's Fiesta, Judson Press, 2011

Tuesday's Twist--Satan's Attack

What is Tuesday Twist?  It is when I write about something that I find ironic.  What is a twist?  It is when something is meant to go one way and turns completely around.

This Tuesday's Twist is about an attack that Satan attempted on the John 3:16 Marketing Network.  This is a group of Christian authors who have come together for the purpose of promoting books that bring honor and glory to God.  The founder of our group, Lorilyn, was attempting to send the group an email containing important information about future plans.  She wrote the email and lost it.  It simply disappeared into cyberspace.  She rewrote the email and lost it.  It too disappeared into cyberspace.  She sent us another email saying, "I don't know what is happening."  I knew what was happening and immediately replied to the group that Satan was attacking our group and prayer was needed.  I also felt that we needed a place for our group to write prayer requests, but admitted that I knew nothing about how to accomplish it.

Another member of the group, Jay, created a file on our yahoo group page for the entire group to access.  We can sign up to become prayer warriors.  Anyone in the group can upload prayer requests.  The prayer warriors can access the requests daily and spend some time in prayer on behalf of that person or need. Jay also created a file for updates to prayer requests.  I have had to ask for prayer from this group in the past and they always came through.  Now if I make a prayer request it will be saved in a file for everyone in the group to access.  Before, I had several emails asking for an update on my request.  Now I can post that update for the entire group to see.

Lorilyn has been shouldering most of the responsibility of this group.  As a result of Satan's attack, several members have stepped up and are now sharing responsibility.  Several others have created new ministries for the group. 

I am reminded of the story of Joseph.  Genesis 50:20 says: But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.  Satan meant to attack and hinder the ministry of John 3:16, but God meant it for good. 

School Starts Today--or Soon

In many areas of the country, school starts today.  Yesterday I had a conversation with a relative about the state of our country, world, and schools.  He asked me what was the biggest problem we have in schools today.  I have blogged about this before, but it bears repeating--especially at the beginning of school.

Our students are intelligent and capable of learning as much as any foreign student.  Our students go to school more hours a week than any foreign students.  Don't believe those myths about some countries going 6 days a week.  I have researched it by hours.  Students in America spend more hours in class than any other country.  Our teachers are more educated and more accountable than they have ever been. 

So if we have all this great stuff going for us, what is the problem?  The problem is low expectations.  Who has low expectations?  Parents.  I cannot tell you how many times I had a conference with a parent, or worse grandparent, who claimed the assignment was too difficult for their baby.  It happened when I was teaching 1st grade.  It happened when I was teaching 5th grade.  I happened when I was an administrator at the high school level.  Here is the scenario:

Teacher:  You have a research paper due in 6 weeks.  It will need to be 5 pages long with 5 references. One book reference, one magazine reference, and three Internet references.  We will go to the library during class so you can gather the information.

At Home:

Student (age optional):  Mom, that's too hard.  I won't have time to go to the football games if I have to write a research paper.  And besides the prom is coming up.  I want to go shopping with my friends.

Yes I know this is not the correct timeline, but I have heard excuses just this ridicules.

Parent:  Well that does seem like a lot.  Surely they won't ask that much in college.  I'll have a conference with the teacher.

Parent/teacher conference:

Parent:  I wanted to speak to you about this research paper.  Why do they have to do that?  That seems like a lot to me.

Teacher:  They will have to do a lot more in college.  If they write a thesis, it will need to be more than 40 pages.

Parent:  Well that is not until next year.  Don't you think that 5 pages is too much for a high school student?

As parents we always see our children as younger than they are and believe in our hearts that when they reach a certain milestone, they will be able to accomplish a particular task without struggling.  In truth, we all do things in baby steps.  Your baby did not get up a walk one day.  They took a few steps and fell down.  You sat on the couch and waited, because you knew he would get up and walk again.  And each time he fell and got up, he was stronger and took more steps.  Why can't we apply this principal to our child's education? 

What does that mean?  It means that we start with the end in mind.  If we expect our college student to write a 40 page thesis, then our high school student should be expected to write 20 pages, our middle school student to write 10 pages, and our upper elementary student to write 5 pages. 

What does that mean?  It means that yes, the student may have to miss a recreational activity to complete the assignment.

What kind of thinking is that?  It is the kind that has priorities right. 

What message does that send the student?  You don't enjoy the good things in life unless you work for them.

For those of you who are still reading this, thank you for not angrily clicking off before the end. Feel free to disagree with me.  The comment section will hold your words and my shoulders will hold your emotions.

No Walk in the Park

Michael sat in the car staring out at the city lights.  The park was dark, but the downtown Christmas lights could be seen even from here.  They seemed to be prettier when one sat in the dark.  He thought about the argument that he and his wife had just had.  It was more like Cynthia argued and he stated his opinion when he could, which was seldom.  Michael wondered if he had stayed in the marriage because he was strong or because he was too weak to leave.  When the kids had been younger, he had felt it his duty to maintain a home with two parents.  Now he was beginning to wonder if he had done his children a disservice by allowing them to grow up with contention.  He knew that every home had problems, but was it good for kids to live in that type of environment on a daily basis?

Michael was so consumed by his thoughts that he failed to notice that he wasn't alone in the park.

The street gang had been sitting on the picnic tables in the park discussing what to do that night.  It hadn’t been an especially good day for any of them.  As a whole, they were too poor to receive material possessions from family, too proud to accept hand outs from the shelter, and too self -centered to be a blessing to anyone else. 

“I’m bored.”

“What do you want to do?”

“I don’t know.  But I’m tired of just hanging out here.”

“Do you see what I see?”  One of them asked the others.

“Whew wee.  A rich guy all alone in the park on Christmas night.”

“Yeah, maybe he would like to share a little of that wealth with us.”

“Isn’t that what Christmas is for?  Giving to others?”

“I heard once that it is more blessed to give than receive.”

“Well, let’s go give this guy a blessing and allow him to give to us.”  The entire gang laughed.

“Let’s have some fun while he is receiving his blessing.”  Another laugh and still Michael heard nothing.

By the time Michael was jarred out of his deep thoughts; his car was surrounded with some of the most menacing characters he had ever seen.  One guy opened the door as another one pulled him out of the car. 

“I don’t want any trouble, guys.  What do you want?”

“Did you hear that?  He don’t want no trouble.”  The one that opened the door said.

“You being smart with us, old man?”

“No, I just don’t want anyone to get hurt.”  Michael tried to keep his cool.  He knew showing fear would only spur them on.

“Whew.  I’m scared.  How about you guys?”

“Oh, please don’t hurt me, Mr. old man.”  Another mocked.

“You rich, old man?”

“No, I’m not rich.  Do you want money?  Take it.  Take my wallet.”

“Oh we are going to take more than your wallet.”

“Yeah, that’s a really nice car you have.”

“Fine, take the car too.”  Michael said.

“Take my wallet.  Take my car.  Please let me go.”  The door opener mocked.

“You think that’s all we want, old man?”  The one that pulled him out of the car asked.

“What else do you want?”

“We’re bored.  We want to have some fun.”

Immediately, Michael knew the meaning of real fear.  He had barely had time to process it when the first blow came to his left rib cage.  Almost at the same time, he felt a blow to his right temple.  Then someone kicked him in the back of his right knee and he fell to the ground.  Things went from bad to worse.  The blows and kicks started coming from all sides.  He couldn’t even react to one before another came.  He could tell that he had at least one cracked rib and could feel the blood running down his face from his right temple.  He could see the faces standing over him, but the blows were coming so fast they seemed to be disconnected from the bodies.  He could feel his lips swelling.  He rolled over on his stomach to protect himself.  Then he felt several kicks to his kidneys.  The pain was so severe that Michael thought he was going to pass out.  Rolling again, he took more punches to the groin.  Several punches were thrown to his eyes.  Michael’s eyes swelled shut and he could no longer see anyone.  More punches and kicks were thrown to his body.  The last thing he felt before losing conscientiousness was a kick to the back of his head.

The gang members saw the lights of the police car as it rounded the curve.  One member alerted the others and all scattered in different directions like ants whose bed had been stirred with a stick. 

Officer Adams saw the gang scatter and started to give chase, but then he saw Michael lying on the ground like a sack of potatoes.  He called for an ambulance and backup.  Officer Adams wasn’t sure Michael was alive.  Placing his fingers on Michael’ wrist, he determined that Michael had a slight pulse. The officer leaned down close to Michael’s face and discovered that he was breathing slowly.    The ambulance arrived allowing Officer Adams to conduct a computer search of Michael’s license plate, which rendered his name and address.  

Officers Lemoine and Murray received the call for backup from the dispatcher.  They entered the park with lights and siren blaring.  They could see Officer Adams emergency lights still running.  The emergency medical responders were working feverishly on a man lying on the ground—at least they thought it was a man.   It didn’t take long for them to assess the scene and determine that the gang had accosted someone. 

They pulled up to where Officer Adams was standing.  “Another gang attack?”  Officer Lemoine asked.

“Yeah, I was patrolling when I saw and heard the raucous.”

“Is he going to make it?”

“It will be touch and go.  I think he needs more prayers than anything else.”

“What do you need from us?”

“We have got to catch these guys.  They scatter so fast and protect each other so much that it is hard to make an arrest.”

“We need to call in the gang force.  They are the experts on cases like this.”

“I want Rollins on this.  He’s the best.”

“I’ll clear it with the captain.  Meanwhile, we will drive through the park and see if there are any stragglers that couldn’t run far enough.”

“Question everyone you see.”

“We will, but there aren’t many people out on Christmas night.  Even Santa is at home.”

“Not funny, Matthew.  We have got to find this gang.  If this guy dies, I want a murder conviction put on someone.”

“Hey, lighten up guy.  We’ll get them.  Do you know this guy?”

“No, but I saw him serving food at the shelter today.  He does that every year.  From that and the way he is dressed, I can tell he is a good guy who was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”  Officer Adams answered.

“What do you think he was doing here?”

“I don’t know.”

“He could have been waiting on a drug connection.”  

“I don’t think so, but even if he was, he didn’t deserve this.  If we don’t get a handle on this, our park is not going to be safe for anyone.”

The EMTs started doing what they could to save Michael’s life. They checked to see if he was breathing.  Then they placed an oxygen mask over his mouth.  One responder rubbed his sternum to check his response level.  When Michael did not respond, they checked his vital signs.  His blood pressure was low and breathing without the oxygen was laborious.  They stopped the bleeding on his head, stabilized his head with a cervical collar and log rolled him onto a spine board.  When he was secured to the board, he was placed on the stretcher and placed into the ambulance. 

While one responder started an intravenous line with saline water in Michael’s arm, the other one called the hospital to report his status. 

“We have a middle aged male that has suffered multiple fractures and contusions due to a gang beating.  His breathing is shallow and blood pressure is low.  Swelling exists around the ears and eyes.”

“We’re losing him, Tom.” shouted the other responder.

“Blood pressure is dropping.  His estimated vital signs are at level eight. Request trauma room assistance.”  The other responder said into the phone before hanging up the receiver.

Both responders worked to stabilize Michael’s breathing and blood pressure.  More than once they thought he was dying in the ambulance.  Tom hated losing patients in the ambulance.  “Can’t you go any faster?”  He asked the driver, knowing that if that were possible Hank would already be going faster.

Finally, they pulled into the emergency room driveway.  They were met by a trauma team who took charge of Michael.  The ambulance team signed over the papers and left the hospital.

The trauma team rushed Michael into the trauma room that had been set up before he arrived.  They discovered that one lung had been punctured by a broken rib.  They re-inflated the lung making breathing easier.  With breathing stabilized, Michael was sent for a full body scan with the MRI technician which revealed that he had multiple broken ribs and swelling of the brain. 

Michael was sent to neurosurgery to be prepped for surgery.  Dr. Silva, the top neurosurgeon in the city was called in to do the surgery.  He took one look at Michael and began praying.  Lord, give me a clear head, wisdom, and steady hands.  Amen.

My New Answer to Solicitors

I received a phone call last week--and yes I am on the Do Not Call list.  This solicitor could call because he wasn't selling anything.  He was giving me a gift.  The call went like this:

Caller: We want to thank you for being such a good customer by sending you one round trip airline ticket to anywhere in the Continental United States.  We will be mailing it out to (Address) and it should arrive next week.  Now we would also like to give you 5 free magazines.  Which ones would you like?

Me:  I don't want any magazines.

Caller:  They are free.  The publishers are giving them away to promote the magazines.  If you don't want them, you could give them away.  Now would you like ABC or DEF magazine?

Me:  I don't want any magazines.

Caller:  Well what about your husband?  Does he have any hobbies?  We have plenty of magazines on hobbies.

This phone conversation continued with me repeating several times that I didn't want any magazines.

It ended with me ordering 5 free magazines just to get off the phone. 

Caller:  Now all we ask is that you help out with the shipping and handling because it is so expensive.  We ask that you pay $47.59 in handling for the free magazines.

Me:  I DON'T WANT THE MAGAZINES!

Caller:  Have a nice day. (click)

I never got the plane ticket. 

I have decided that the next time I get a call like this I am going to turn the tables.  You see, I live in an area of the country where alligators live in abundance.  The next time I get a call, it is going to go like this:

Caller:  We want to thank you for being such a good customer by sending you....

Me:  I want to thank you for being so nice.  So I am going to go out, capture an alligator and mail it to you.

Caller:  I don't want an alligator.

Me:  It is free.

Caller:  What would I do with an alligator?

Me:  It is some of the best meat you have ever eaten.  Where would you like it sent?

Caller:  I don't want the alligator.

Me:  I am sending it to you free.  All I ask is that you pay the shipping, handling and dry ice.  Now it will cost you $65.89.  How would you like to pay for it?

Caller:  I don't want the alligator.

Me:  It should arrive next week.

Caller:  I DON'T WANT AN ALLIGATOR.

Me:  Have a nice day. (Click)

The Bravest Woman I Know

The bravest woman I know is not the Bionic Woman.  If the bravest woman I know had a costume, it wouldn't be as sexy as the Bionic Woman's, but it would be just as meaningful.  Her costume would be white for her pure heart.  The heart area would be covered with pictures of children because of her determination to adopt children no matter what stumbling blocks

she had to face.  On the top of her gloves would be a picture of the globe because that is just about how far she went to adopt her children. 

The bravest woman I know is Lorilyn Roberts, author of Children of Dreams.  Lorilyn had gone through a heart wrenching divorce, but she was determined not to allow her marital status to squelch her desire to be a mother.  As I read the book where she chronicles her adventures on literally the other side of the globe to adopt these girls.  She prayed for years for the children that God wanted her to have. If memory serves me correctly, more than one adoption fell through.  At one point, she flew to a politically corrupt country to adopt one little girl, and left with a completely different child.  She fought for over a month to adopt the one she brought home, but many times she was sure she was going home with empty arms.

Some of the scenery and characters she described gave me the hibby jibbies.  Sometimes I found myself praying for her safety and then remember that she had been safely home for over 15 years.  Does God answer prayers before we ask?  The scariest time for her was when she discovered that she was in one country and her adoptive child was in another.  She had no assurance that she would ever see 'her' child again. 

Please take time to read Children of Dreams, by Lorilyn Roberts.  Your heart will be inspired and broken at the obstacles she encountered.  Lorilyn's biography includes:

Lorilyn grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and currently lives in Gainesville, Florida, with her two daughters, her dogs Sirius and Molly, and four cats. Lorilyn is a media professional and provides broadcast captioning for television. She makes time to pursue her passion for writing and will earn her Masters in Creative Writing from Perelandra College next year. Lorilyn has homeschooled her daughters for the past fifteen years. She has published three books, The Donkey and the King, Children of Dreams; and How to Launch a Christian Best Seller Book; is president of the Gainesville, Florida, Word Weavers Chapter; and the founder of the John 3:16 Marketing Network.

Lorilyn's personal website can be found at http://lorilynroberts.com and her blog is at http://lorilynroberts.blogspot.com. You can check out her Facebook fan page where she shares writing tips at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Lorilyn-Roberts-Fan-Page/144049365650301 Also be sure to follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/llwroberts. You can visit the blog of the John 3:16 Marketing Network at http://www.john316mn.blogspot.com.

Yes, It Really Happened

Today I am going to share some things that are almost too funny to be real, but they really happened. 

A Kindergarten teacher had a student in her class who did not live in the district.  Since the family was building a house in the district and had plans to move at Christmas, the teacher did not alert the administrators.  The parent had enrolled the child under the grandparents address.  After the Christmas break, another Kindergarten teacher asked the child, "Did you get moved over the holidays?"  The child answered, "No ma'am.  Mom still has to lie."

A blind student once asked me, "What color is a pinstriped suit?"

A First Grade teacher was having a conference with the parent of a struggling student.  The student had been instructed to take his little sister to the back of the room and play with toys during the conference.  After a while the mother said, "I don't know why he is not learning his math.  I help him every night."  The child immediately looked up and said, "No you don't.  You never help me.  I ask all the time, but you don't help me."

The district where I taught was supported mostly by rice farmers, so every year we taught units on rice.  One year the teacher across the hall invited a student's dad, who was a rice farmer, to speak to the class.  The dad brought treats made of rice for the students.  After he had completed his talk, the teacher said, "Well thank your wife for making the treats for us."  The dad replied, "No, I made those cookies."  The student stood up and said, "Yeah, and you and mama had a fight over those cookies, too."

An administrator at school acquired a terrible rash on her entire body.  Another administrator told her to take an oatmeal bath for the itching.  The following day, she came in and said, "I took an oatmeal bath, but it didn't help."  The advising administrator asked what procedure she had used.  She said, "Well, my husband cooked the oatmeal, then my kids brought it to me in the bathtub and I put it on my body."  After the entire office staff stopped laughing, they explained that she was not supposed to cook the oatmeal.

Although not school related, one of the funniest things I have ever heard is from an author friend.  He forgot his glasses at a booth in a restaurant.  When he returned to get them, there were three elderly ladies sitting in the booth.  They asked, "Are these your glasses?"  He replied, "Yes, now if I can just find my teeth I'll be alright."  He wrote about this ending with, "You should have seen them scramble out of the booth."

Mission Possible

Today I would like to introduce you to Deborah McCarragher, author of Mission Possible.  Deborah writes about an issue faced by many Christian spouses.  Her book is written from her heart and experience.

Deborah began her journey of creative writing soon after coming to know Jesus Christ as her personal Savior in 1989.  She uses her spiritual gifts of encouragement and teaching in her home church.  She is also a small business owner of over twenty years. Her primary goal is to share her personal testimony with others while bringing hope and practical help through her book. She and her husband have one married son serving in the US Military. They reside in north Florida. 

  Mission Possible is a unique book in the Christian marketplace.  It addresses a subject that is often overlooked and misunderstood.  It is a candid look at my struggles and quest to reach my husband for Christ.  I became a believer seven years into our marriage, and this book is my personal testimony.  It applies Scripture and biblical principles to everyday struggles encountered within a spiritually mismatched marriage.  Mission Possible won the 2010 Readers Favorite Gold Seal Award for best Christian Non-Fiction book, and was nominated for the Christian Small Publisher’s Assoc. Book of the Year Award in 2009.

Hello, Deborah.  I am so glad you could join us today.  Thank you for wanting to share your story with others for Christ.  Tell us a little about your background.

  I grew up in a Navy family and moved frequently as a child.  I married my first husband right out of high school.  That marriage ended in divorce four years later. I remarried in 1982 (to my current husband) and we’ve been married for 28 years.  Seven years into our marriage, I gave my life to Jesus as Lord and Savior.

What inspired you to write this influential book?

  I was involved with a local intercessory prayer group at the time, and was prompted by God during prayer to write down what He was conveying to me about my husband and his salvation.  It was quite literally written while inspired, and without much effort on my part.  I just typed on the computer as He led me to bible verses and topics to talk about.  I remember writing down the names of the (7) chapters during prayer time on a tablet - just looking at them afterwards in awe.  It was quite a moving experience. 

What primary advice do you have for women who are married to "non-believing" husbands?

  I think the most important advice is to have faith in Who God Is and His sovereignty.  We can't "pre-package" our spouse's conversion experience, and God will always do what will bring Him the "most glory".  We also have to remember that we don't wrestle against flesh and blood.  Our spouse (if unsaved) isn't governed by God's Spirit--so we have to release them from that accountability.  We must have faith that rests in God and not in our own understanding, or by sight! 

 What kinds of reactions has the book generated thus far?

  I have had great reaction to my little book.  Some women love it because it is not lengthy, and they can read it quickly - yet refer back to it over & over again.  One woman emailed me a testimony that she was nearly ready to leave her husband, but after reading the book, felt that God was leading her to give her marriage another try.  That was very humbling and gratifying for me.  I just want to help women see that there is an alternative to being miserable in an unequally yoked marriage.

What's the main message that you'd like readers to take away from it?

   I would love readers to discover that God has a plan for each marriage that is in spiritual disunity.  It involves us, but it is always done HIS WAY!  I want readers to know that it is a process that evolves over time, that we must not put God in a box, but give Him roomto move in our spouse's life.  They need to know that because we are not perfect and continue to sin, that satan will try to discourage and influence us (women) to believe that our "mision" is not possible--but with God, all things are possible!

Any final thoughts you'd like to share?

  Just that I know how difficult it is to be married to a spouse who doesn't share your love and devotion to the Lord Jesus.  I, like many of my readers, get frustrated and disillusioned, but I know God has perfect timing and our best interests at heart overall.  He wants our spouses to come to a saving knowledge of Him and embrace a future together that brings glory to Him. 

How can our readers learn more about you and contact you directly?

  They can visit my website at www.Godmissionpossible.com or email me at deb@alabasterboxpublishing.com  My paperback book is available on my website at www.Godmissionpossible.com .  I offer a reduced price and FREE Shipping. It is also available for order at any Christian bookstore, as well as through online stores such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  My ebook is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online ebook retailers.

I also maintain an inspirational Blog at www.Godmissionpossible.blogspot.com

Reviews

If you husband is unsaved, take heart. A man is most likely to be led to faith in Christ by their believing wife. The sacred Scriptures are not silent concerning your role as a believing wife with your unsaved husband. Deborah, has in Mission Possible , expounded scriptures to encourage women to believe God with a radical faith for the salvation of their spouse. She helps women fulfill their role in the marriage for the salvation of their mate. Give Mission Possible to any lady praying for the salvation of her husband 

In Jesus, Scott Yirka, Pastor/Teacher

Hibernia Baptist Church Green Cove Springs, FL

A brief outline of this book is best described by the author: "This book will serve to encourage your heart, strengthen your soul, and stretch your faith."  Mission Possible is

a detailed, Scripturally based boot-camp for the believing spouse on a new Godly mission - to be a testimony and a representative of Jesus to your husband. Deborah McCarragher's experience and energy presents the Word of God to edify and instruct on prayer, pitfalls

and priorities.

The book is set up to be used as a devotional or Bible study. It has a "Seek and Find" section with questions, discussion and additional Bible verses after each chapter. There

are also short clever remarks inserted into the chapters that can only be described as Pure Encouragement!  I highly recommend this paperback book for individual or women's group Bible studies. For those using an E-book, Mission Possible is very well formatted for the

E-book with easy chapter navigation.

L. Brandau, Book Reviewer

Mission Possible – Spiritual Covering

Author            Deborah McCarragher

Edition           Ebook

Extent             80 pages

ISBN                978-0-615-28585-6

Women, are you in an unequally-yoked marriage?  Are you tired of attending church alone? Do you yearn for a relationship with your husband that’s spiritually satisfying?  You can influence your home for Christ even within a spiritually mismatched marriage.

"Remember that ‘the battle is the Lord’s’ (I Samuel 17:47) and earnestly give the salvation of your mate to God in prayer.   Early on in your conversion it seems easier to be hopeful concerning your husband’s salvation.  You will need an added measure of faith as the years go by.”   (Excerpt from Chapter 1 – You’ve Embraced Christ – Now What?)

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to stand in the gap for your mate’s soul. This small book is a powerful tool for any woman who is married to a man who does not share her passion for Jesus. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.

“Mission Possible” was awarded the 2010 Gold Seal Best Book in the Christian Non-Fiction category on Readers Favorite. 

Everyone has at least ONE friend who needs this book! In Mission Possible you will:

-- Discover how to believe with radical faith for your spouse’s salvation.
-- Learn the secret to “staying the course” while you wait for your promise.
-- Find out why many women don’t like to share their “secret sorrow”.
-- Overcome your own fears and doubts about your husband’s future with God.
-- Join other women in the knowledge that God has a perfect plan of unity for you and your spouse.

“For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy…For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband whether you will save your wife?”   I Corinthians 7:14, 16

Ice Cream for Christ

Her husband had laughed when Beth had bought the old van at the beginning of the summer.  “What are you going to do with that old thing?”  He asked.

“I am going to use it as an ice cream truck.  I am going to put some coolers in it and drive around the neighborhood selling ice cream to children.”

“You spend most of the year teaching children.  Why on earth would you want to spend your summer off driving an ice cream truck and talking to children?”

“Because while I am selling them ice cream and talking to them, I can tell them about Christ.”

Beth had made an agreement with the local distributor to sell her the ice cream at wholesale prices.  That allowed her to sell it to the children at a discounted price.  She wasn’t doing this to make money.  She just wanted to pay her expenses and visit with the children about Christ.

Some of the art students at the high school had painted signs on magnetic boards for Beth to put on the side of the van.  The home economics teacher had sewn bible character costumes for her. The guys in the auto mechanics class had fashioned a speaker so that she could announce her coming with Christian music.  The students in the computer class had created brochures for to give out, telling her schedule and the list of bible stories she would be telling. 

The first morning, Beth loaded the ice cream bars in the coolers, placed the coolers in the van, and dressed in her Miss Bell Bible costume.  She was ready to go—or was she?  It was 10:00 a.m. and the temperature had already reached 99 degrees.  She wasn’t sure that her decision to dress in biblical attire was a wise one.  She was about to go out into temperature that would reach 100 before she returned, dressed in layers of clothes that covered virtually every part of her body.  Lord, if you want me to do this, I will need a sign today.  Please keep me cool.  Watch over my health and the safety of the children.  Please give me the words to say and help them understand Your love for them.  Amen.

Miss Bell Bible left the coolness of her house and began driving the route she had designed.  The air conditioner in the van worked fairly well, but would not be able to keep the air cool when she began opening the side door to distribute ice cream. 

As Beth began her route, the music announced her coming.  She had decided to play a familiar children’s song on the first day.  The Wheels on the Bus was sung by every child in day care, public school, or children’s church and therefore, perfect for her first day.  She turned the volume up so that it could be heard, but not blaring.  She did not want to be intrusive, just announced.

On the first street, no children came out.  She knew this was possible.  After all, ice cream trucks had been almost obsolete for years.  Children of today would have to be taught what it was.  By the time she rounded the corner onto the third street, children were beginning to come out of the houses to see what was playing that music.  When they saw the signs on the side of the van, their eyes lit up and Beth saw them turn and run back into the house.  She slowed the van, giving them time to get their coins.

When three children ran out of one of the houses, Beth stopped the van. 

“Good morning.”  Beth smiled at the children.

“You look funny.”  The little boy told her.

“I’m sure I do.  That is because I am wearing clothes that the women wore when Jesus lived on earth.  Have you ever heard of Jesus?”

“Yes.  Why do you want to dress like that?”

“I want to tell you a bible story.  I want you to remember it.  Here is a flyer to tell you when I am coming and which story I am going to tell you.  Would you do a favor for me and give some flyers to the other children in the neighborhood?”

“Okay.  I guess.  But I still don’t know why you want to dress that way.”

“Well maybe you will understand by the end of the summer.”  Miss Bell Bible laughed.

Beth continued her route and by the end of the day had sold 20 ice cream bars and passed out 75 flyers.  She went home tired, hot, and happy.

“How was your day?”  Her husband asked.

“Hot, hot, hot.”  Beth answered.

“Well maybe you should sell ice cream when it is not so hot—like December.”

“Very funny.  You could be one of the wise men, but you would be more of a wise guy.”

“Oh, Honey.  I’m just giving you a hard time.  Seriously, how was your day?”

“It was good.  It was a little slow, but that’s alright.  I concentrated on getting the word out to the children.”

“Good idea.  I’m sure it will be better tomorrow.”

The next morning Beth repeated her previous routine with one exception.  She played Jesus Loves Me to announce her arrival.  This time on the first street, several children were waiting for her.  She stopped the van, got out the cooler and sold 10 ice cream bars.  Then she told the story of Zacchaeus.  She kept the story short so the children would stay and listen.  By the end of the day she had sold 74 ice cream bars and told the story of Zacchaeus 8 times.  She was surprised that none of the children had left the van before she completed the story.  She had been prepared for some to get their ice cream and leave.  Instead, the children had been polite and quiet while she told the story.

“How was your day?  Can I retire yet?”  Her husband teased.

“No, you cannot.  Unless you want to take over the ice cream route.”

“I think I’ll keep working.”

Then Beth told him about how many children had heard the bible story that day. 

“I am proud of you, Beth.  It is a great idea.  I am sure that the Lord will use it to bring children to Christ.”

Each day throughout the summer, Beth gained customers.  She never had less than 75 after that second day.  On some days, she even had a few adults that would buy an ice cream and listen to the bible story.  The van ran five days a week for eight weeks.  By the time school started, Beth had told bible stories to over 3,000 children and adults. 

Financially, Beth barely broke even.  But spiritually, Beth was richer than she could ever imagine.