My Favorite FALL Memory

By Susan Marlene Kinney

Pens of Praise – November 17, 2014

One crisp, fall evening I strapped on my boots and stepped into a decision that would define my life forever! It all started when I was determined that I could convince a friend that he was wrong and I was right. But first, I had to visit his church – to be fair- and get on with winning our on-going, yet good natured argument.

Icy air chilled my face as I admired the radiant orange, yellow, and red tones painting oak and maple leaves, which lined the side streets as we headed to our destination. Descending temperatures did nothing to lessen the sweetness of that memorable Sunday night in November of 1979.

My newly acquired friend, Joe, had shared a lot about being ‘born again’ and I shared a lot about religion and knowing the ‘right’ information. Soon we came to the decision that I should visit his church before further discussion continued. We entered Wildwood Chapel and my heart began to race. For such a large church it was quite friendly and full for an evening meeting. The music stirred and my heart soared with worship like I’d never experienced. It was lively, focused, and uplifting to be there among so many who were not ashamed to show their love for the King of Kings. And the preaching was with authority and applicable for daily living. Once the pastor started to pray discomfort exploded inside me and my heart thudded an uncomfortable beat. He offered an alter call and many people moved to the front near the podium. This was also a new experience for me. I’d never been a part of anything so freely worshipful and amazing.

But it was when he said there was one more girl whom the Lord was calling to Himself that my heart began pounding so hard that I expected everyone around me to hear it’s treacherous beating. It was hard to admit that I was wrong and that Joe was right, but I decided to put my head down and move past him toward the front. I was prayed for in the most wonderful and personal way. It was then that I asked Jesus into my heart. The most wonderful sense of belonging filled me and overflowed. That sensation of daughterhood has continued to flourish and deepen over the years. Even during  times when I ‘ve felt so undeserving and common. And times I’ve felt like a disappointment to others. He has always been faithful to fill me with His presence as He guides my path. What a wonderful exchange took place that November evening, so long ago, when I’d accepted His free gift of love, which replaced my unworthy works and a blurry desire to be good enough. It was a FALL I’ve thought of ever after. A FALL I will never forget or regret. 

PENS OF PRAISE

Christian Writers Group

Next meeting will be…

Monday, November 17, 2014   6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

at

Faith Church

2201  42^nd Street, Manitowoc, WI  54220

                            Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods, not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43

Anyone wanting to contribute to the Holy Tales Project you can email your stories and or poems to Susan Kinney at susanmarlenekinney@gmail.com

Warning you may end up loving to write!

Visit a local shop and bring your coffee or cappuccino with you.

We will provide a “surprise teaching” – okay I’ve not decided what to teach yet! LOL! We can also peruse the value of writing conferences and even revisit anything we taught this past year. And we can talk about writing contests. Come and see what we will discuss…it may just surprise us all! 

PROMPT – Write about your favorite FALL memory. Use Fall’s amazing colors and scents…this can be about a person, an achievement you accomplished, or lesson learned from the Almighty…whatever you wish to share.

You may also share a five minute reading of your work in progress.

If you have questions or concerns contact Becky McLafferty  or  Susan Kinney.

Let us know if you’re attending, so we can save a seat just for you.

We look forward to seeing you there! May God bless you richly and always as you write for His glory!

Becky McLafferty sent this wonderful announcement via email to our Pens of Praise Writers/Readers group. You also are invited to join in the fun with this very clever read. Let me know how you enjoyed Carol Cox's novel -- if you do join our reading adventure. I hope that you do! 

COME AND JOIN THE PENS OF PRAISE FICTION GROUP!! At last night's meeting, we decided on a humorous story for our next "read and review"...LOVE IN DISGUISE by Carol Cox. Here is the cover and short synopsis...Please feel free to join us, even if you haven't done so in the past. We will announce our next meeting, to discuss this book, in about a month...Let us know if you are reading the book...we will make sure the meeting is scheduled on a evening when all readers can attend!! :) 

Thank you for once again hosting our group at your beautiful home, Kathy Leist!! Your pumpkin cream cheese bars are marvelous!! 

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I want to include:

The blurb on the back cover of this BethanyHouse novel reads:

Can she solve the crime before they uncover HER TRUE IDENTITY?

Jobless and down to her last dime, Ellie Moore hears about a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and believes it's the perfect chance to put her acting skills and costumes to use.  Reluctantly, the agency agrees to give her one assignment, one chance to prove herself. Disguised as Lavinia Steward, a middle-aged widow, Ellie travels to Arizona to begin her investigation. When the need arises, she also transforms into the dazzling Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk. 

Mine owner Steven Pierce is going to lose his business if he can't figure out who's stealing his silver shipments. In his wildest dreams, he never expected to receive help from a gray-haired widow...or to fall in love with her beautiful niece. 

Then the thieves come after Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn't safe no matter which character she plays! Should she give up and reveal her true identity? What will Steven do when he realizes the woman he's falling in love with doesn't really exist?

Set in 1880's Arizona, Love in Disguise blends romance, humor, and mystery for a can't-put-down read.