Rollercoaster Pattern

Life is full of times when we feel encouraged.  Everything is going our way.  The world looks rosie and we understand all the 'top of the world' songs.  And then somethings happen.  The deal falls apart.  The relationship sours. The job plays out and bills pile up.  Our rosie world is gone and we feel like we are being stepped on by everyone.  The songs begin to irritate us--no one else has the right to be that happy.  And then something happens to encourage us.

This is a pattern of discouragements and encouragements.  There is even a name for the pattern.  It is called life.  Everyone goes through it.  Have you ever stopped to think why we have discouraging times?  If we didn't have these times, we would not appreciate the encouraging times as much.  We must go through the valley to see the view from the mountain top.  Times of discouragement teaches us patience and empathy. 

The times of discouragement also teaches us faith.  If we are growing spiritually, we should be able to remember the last time we went through an emotionally draining time.  Then we should remember how God brought us through it.  If we go through this time and time again, eventually we get to the point where we say, "I don't know how God is going bring me through this, but I know He is."  What we have learned in the past should help us trust God in the future.

Come On February 2, 2012

I am so looking forward to February 2, 2012.  Why? Because J.C. Penny has a big sale or a new concept on sales or something important happening that day.  More importantly, that loud, obnoxious, poorly written commercial will be over.  Do you know the one I'm talking about?  It is the one where one person after another is screaming "NOOOOO!" because they missed a sale or a coupon is required or they have some other problem with the sale.

I would like to know how much J.C. Penny Corporation paid for that commercial.  There are no great actors.  No brilliant sets.  Except for the woman who opens her mail box, all taping is done in a department store.  Think about it.  Set up a camera and some lights and ask someone to scream while you tape them.  This is art????  I don't think so.  It certainly isn't acting. 

Now I love commercials.  They are required to tell a story in 30 seconds or less--not easy.  My favorites are the Swiffer commercials where the dirt or grime is personified.  The elderly lady that is supposed to be a film "No one has taken a shine to me in a long time." is hilarious.  That is art and required some deep thinking to include words typically used for love and romance to describe something as ugly as dirt.  But every time the "NOOOO!" commercial comes on, I hit the mute button.  It insults my intelligence, hurts my ears, and invades my sanctity.  Surely a corporation that has withstood the test of time can air better commercials.

Safety First

I have been a people watcher my entire life.  I could sit and watch people all day.  I want to know what they are doing, why they are doing it, and what they were thinking when they did it.

My husband often reprimands me for watching true crimes depicted on television.  He says, "Why do you want to watch stuff like that?"  I watch because I am interested in people.  I want to know about the victim and the criminal.  As much as we would like to hate the perpetrator, he or she was still some one's child and a soul that Christ died to redeem. 

As I watch, I often hear one of the loved ones say "She was completely innocent" and I think well, not completely.  It is not uncommon to see that the victim did not use wisdom in making a decision that led up to the attack.  NOT ALWAYS, I know, but it does happen.  Yesterday I watched a show where a college coed was killed by a stranger.  She was coming home from work at 1:30 a.m. and called her boyfriend who asked her to stop and buy him some chocolate milk.  She stopped at a well lit store in a safe neighborhood.  The problem was that a man had been lurking around the store for over an hour.  He approached her inside the store and asked for a ride, which she refused.  He went outside and when she exited the store forced her into her car. 

Now I know she did nothing wrong.  Please let me make that clear.  However, after he had followed her around the store and asked for a ride several times, it would have been wiser for her to remain in the store until he left the premises.  The clerk could have called a police escort for her.  She could have called her boyfriend from her cell phone and talked to him on the way to her car.  This often deters perpetrators.  There is a new device about the size of cell phone and service offered by ADT.  With the push of one button, an operator will stay with you while you walk to your car and report to the police if needed. 

The key to safety is being proactive.  Be aware of your surroundings.  Don't assume everyone is trustworthy.  If you get the heeby jeebies when he looks at you, take precautions.  Because he looked at me?  No, because your instinct warned you.  Listen to it.  If you get a gut feeling that something is wrong, then take some action.  Maybe it is nothing, but what if it isn't.  Will you have time to take action later?  Be safe--not sorry.

Showcasing Journey to Fulfillment

Review of Triumph Through Trial, A Story of Renewal

Triumph Through Trials

So often the beauty of life surfaces among the thorns of pain. Triumph Through Trials walks the reader through the stages we face in relationships, chapters of life, and common episodes—so often, taken for granted and unappreciated. Until the day adversity rocks our senses and we’re forced to take a second look, wake up to the value and often, for the first time, see life through the eyes of love. Triumph Through Trials reminds us of God’s power to restore relationships rearrange priorities and rekindle dreams.—Janet Perez Eckles

Janet Perez Eckles

International speaker and #1 bestselling author

Simply Salsa reached #1, what is it about?

“It’s about your friend, your neighbor or your coworker who stays awake at night with worry, fear and insecurities.

Review of Night of the Cossack Study Guide

Night of the Cossack Lesson Plan

Ten day lesson plan based on the book Night of the Cossack. This lesson plan covers Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies plus discussion questions concerning Moral Dilemmas.

Being a homeschooling mother, I'm very picky as to what my children read and learn. I'm a traditional schooler, so this is my first experience with a unit study. I wasn't disappointed. Ms. Franklin put together an excellent resource for any teacher, whether homeschool, public, or private, that was thorough, in depth, educational, and fun. Utilizing online tools and references, as well as the traditional method - pencil and paper - this guide encompasses the whole spectrum that is suitable for upper middle grades and can be adjusted for high school students.

Mr. Blubaugh has written an excellent book in a easy to read voice that will capture your imagination, as well as your heart, while Ms. Franklin has incorporated a no less than excellent guide/teaching tool. These two authors make a most wonderful team that I would love to see more from.

Note - There are moral dilemmas dealt with in Mr. Blubaugh's book that may be a little uncomfortable for younger learners. These situations are dealt with in a tasteful and non-graphic manner. I highly recommend this study guide and Mr. Blubaugh's book for not only schooling purposes, but enjoyment as well.


Amanda Stephan~Christian Author
** Lonely Hearts ** a sweet Christian romance
**The Price of Trust ** Christian romantic suspense

Quiet Justice, Quiet Lesson

Marie parked in front of the sandwich shop.  It was late and she was tired.  Her plan was to buy sandwiches from dinner and take them home to the family.  As she exited her car, she saw a small child alone in the car parked next to hers. 

The child bounced happily over the seats, all the while watching someone in the restaurant.  Marie looked through the large windows and saw a man and woman watching the small child.  Marie entered the store and stood in line.  The couple walked up the window to order.  Marie looked at the child in the car.  He was crying now.  She could see his mouth moving as if he was calling for his parents.  The couple took turns looking at the child.  They could see him crying, but made no reaction. 

There were several customers between Marie and the couple.  She watched them, assuming they would go back to their car and crying child when they received their food.  Instead, they picked up the order and calmly walked to a table, sat down and began eating.  Marie looked outside and watched the child throw himself down on the back seat.  The look on his face was one of terror.  Marie felt her blood pressure rise as she watched the scene.

This makes me so mad.  When I get to the window I am going to demand the manager call the police.  She thought as she stood in line.

The couple repeatedly turned in the seat to watch the child who was no less hysterical.  They made no effort to console him.  It was obvious the child had been a holy terror and was being punished for inappropriate behavior.  I don’t care if he is.  That is not appropriate punishment for a small child.  Marie thought as her temper rose even higher.  Stay calm, Marie.  Don’t make a scene in front of this crowd.

A man standing at the front of the line received his food and quietly walked toward the dining room.  He was dressed in starched jeans, button down shirt and boots.  Marie watched him walk toward the couple.  She heard him say, “Hi, how are you doing?  Do you have a minute?”  She saw him quickly show the man something and slip it back into his pocket.  As he folded it, she noticed it was a police badge.

The police officer and the man walked outside and stood beside the car containing the screaming child.  He was now hitting the window and crying.  Marie saw the police officer point to the child and speak sternly to the father.  The man nodded his head and indicated his understanding.  Then the officer got into an unmarked car and drove away.  The father opened the door and the toddler fell into his arms.  The father hugged the child and talked for a while.  The child had the same expression on his face that the father had when the officer was talking to him.  

Marie looked around the restaurant at the other costumers.  It appeared that she was the only one to have witnessed the interaction.  Her heart melted with affection for the officer and shame at the way she would have handled the situation.  Today an officer quietly handled a situation and taught a father about love.

Feeling Good About Feeling Well

I have been absent from the scene for a while now.  I tried to blog when I could, but there were days that I just did not have the strength to type. 

It all began about two months ago when we sold our home of 35 years.  We were moving into a temporary home until my husband retires.  The plan was to move what we absolutely needed to the rent house and move the rest to storage close to our retirement home.  It was going great until my husband hurt his back.  Then  guess who had the privilege of doing more than her fair share.  You are right.  I did.  Of course it didn't take long for my back began reminding me of my age.  However, I don't have permanent back damage, so I took Advil and worked through it.

We moved into the rent house the day after Thanksgiving.  Still had a lot to do at the old house, but we were in the new house.  It seemed like every day I went to the old house and worked to move something or clean something.  We were scheduled to close the transaction on December 1.  That date was delayed by problems with the buyer's sale of his old house.  We were probably given five different dates before we finally closed on January 5 of this year. 

Meanwhile we had purchased two adjoining pieces of property from two different individuals with the anticipation of building our retirement home.  The delay of closing our old house delayed the closing of the properties. 

Finally, last Thursday we closed on the properties.  Now we can relax, right?  Wrong!  Friday I hurt my knee.  It was so swollen and painful, I seriously considered going to the emergency room.  I took something for the pain, iced my knee and suffered through.  I was unable to lie in the bed and spent three nights in the recliner.

Yesterday I saw the doctor, did an ultrasound and received prescriptions for swelling and pain.  This morning I am not pain free, but on the way.  I would say that today I am uncomfortable, but not in pain. That is a great feeling.  I will take uncomfortable any day.

Thank God for healing.

Review of Triumph Through Trial

Triumph Through Trial

Title: Triumph Through Trial, A Story of Renewal
Author: Theresa Franklin
ISBN # 978-1-936587-76-6 E-Book Edition
Review Date: January 3, 2012
Reviewed by CBM Christian Book Reviews
10.0 on a scale of 10.0 stars

“Triumph Through Trial, A Story of Renewal” by award winning Christian author Theresa Franklin is an endearing story of the Owens family who went from discord, contention and strife to a new life full of renewal and triumph. Romans 8:28 states (NIV), “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” We can rest assured that even though there are trials, tragedies and hardships in life, if we live our life according to God’s plans and purposes, He will work everything out in our life for good. Get ready to sit down, relax and enjoy this beautifully written book full of hope, encouragement and faith through the story of one family that overcame life’s adversities through oneness in Christ.

Author, Theresa Franklin does a wonderful job in administering to the heart of families and encouraging families to stick together in love through this fictional short story. We all know what our lives look from the outside. But when we examine our family life from the inside, more than we like to admit, one will find dysfunction in the home. When we come to a place of acknowledging our sins and confessing them to God, God can work on our behalf. The author asks these important questions and urges us all to spend, “…time in front of God’s mirror and try to see what those who know you best actually see? Are you a Christian? Have you accepted Christ as your savior?” In that, the author is asking, are you walking the walk and talking the talk? So many people profess to be Christians, but as Christians we should be exhibiting love, respect and service to our families in the home as well. If not, this book will lead the way to a new path of wholeness in Christ for families.

Driven by emotions, control, negativity, judgment and perfectionism, Cynthia is in complete denial of her behavior towards her family members. Severely affected, the husband is miserable, and her children avoid her as much as possible. Inevitably when there is dysfunction in the home, the author states, the stress can be measured in emotional and physical illnesses. Although the book is a fictional story, the author has described a very real and believable picture of how life is in our own families sometimes. The Owens family is torn from the inside out, due to stresses from the contention and discord caused by one family member suffering from deep emotional wounds caused from her own dysfunctional childhood.

This book is truly a blessing to families and the body of Christ. The author, through the use of scriptures and examples of family life, paints a wonderful picture of how life can be through the love and redemption of Jesus Christ. The author promotes family in this story of healing and encourages others, that “…love covereth a multitude of sins.” Families will find solace and comfort through this book. Theresa’s Franklin’s writing style flows smoothly making for an easy read, keeping the reader fully engaged. This book will minister to all families that are “less than perfect.” A highly recommend, encouraging read that will impact others for Christ. God can work in any situation, as the author illustrates, even the impossible ones.

Triumph Through Trial, A Story of Renewal By Author Theresa Franklin

Highly Recommended
10.0 on a scale of 10.0 stars
Book Review by CBM Christian Book Reviews

Song Worth Pondering

Sunday, in church the choir sang a song unfamiliar to most of the congregation.  I listened closely to the words.  The chorus said:

They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love.
They will know we are Christians by our love.

I thought about the truth of those words.  What would we show the world if we truly demonstrated love to each other?  How often have we seen two Christians fighting like cats and dogs?  Have you ever seen Christians be mortal enemies for years? 

The sermon was on Chapter 4 of Ephesians.  The pastor made several comments that allowed my mind to continue on the thought pattern above.  He said, "It's not about you.  It's not about me.  It's the kingdom of God."  Then he talked about Christians who are angered for petty reasons.  He said, "That is not kingdom building.  It is monument building.  We are building a monument to ourselves."  Whoa!!!  How often do we do that? 

I determined to try to do more kingdom building this year.  When someone angers me, I will try to examine my behavior and determine if it is kingdom building or monument building.   I challenge you to do the same.  Let's endeavor to build the kingdom of God this year.