Friday, April 20, 2018

Lord of Order and Might



Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, “Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we, come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.  Exodus 1:8 - 10

Just to imagine the jealousy and evil intent of the Egyptian king, who thought Israel might become a problem, is mind boggling to me. His taskmasters sent to afflict Israel, burdened them with mortar, brick, and backbreaking work in the fields. Yet, Israel flourished and increased in numbers, tormenting Pharaoh and all Egypt anew with increasing fear. Dread of Israel motivated Pharaoh to fall to the lowest levels of all. He demanded that the Egyptians murder the Hebrew male babies by tossing them in the Nile—Egypt’s symbol of regeneration of life.

But, when Father God wants something done, the same will be accomplished. The rich history and scripture of Exodus makes that fact obvious. Pharaoh sensed that something dangerous and destructive to his kingdom and rule lingered on the horizon. Yet, for all of his selfish efforts he remained blind to that threat. He had no inkling of what was to come.

A three-month-old infant rested in an ark of bulrushes nestled among the reeds of the river Nile when Pharaoh’s daughter decided to adopted the Hebrew baby. The one Elohim destined to be Israel’s deliverer!  The reeds, how symbolic of Moses life. These plants are slow growing and are often found in infertile soil. Evergreen, but not flashy in appearance or color. One could say humble looking. The reeds have sets of three leaves situated three times along the stem and the fruit has three sections with many seeds.

The Moses of the Bible, is extremely humble. Though he’d been raised in Pharaoh’s royal household, privileged with training and favor, he later became a shepherd—an occupation looked down upon by Egyptians. Once Elohim sent Moses to deliver Israel from slavery, there were many Hebrews who didn’t have fertile soil in their hearts to accept the Lord’s blessings and rule. The reeds by the river Nile and the repetitive number of groups of three leaves symbolize the Trinity to me. The fruit of the reeds has three sections with many seeds—that equates to God’s multiplication, in my opinion. Old Testament Jews and New Testament Christians alike have been blessed by the seeds of truth and love provided by Elohim’s design for centuries.

Doesn’t it seem as though God’s own thumb print is present here for anyone to see? As though He chuckled as he prepared a way for Israel’s redemption! He alone is the Lord of order and might. Who can stand in His way? No one. Pharaoh proved clueless to God’s involvement all around him though he jealously watched, dreaded, and chose evil solutions. My daily longing is to be aware of Him and joyfully follow His lead. To be the planting of the Lord in any location. So, what about you, have you noticed what God is up to in your life lately? Just look around, but especially, look up and see.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Psalm 37:23

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Rescheduled Pens Meeting to This Thursday, April 19



PENS OF PRAISE

CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP

Let us know if your attending so we can save a seat just for you!

april 19, 2018

Thursday 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Faith Free Church

2201 42nd St.

Manitowoc, WI  54220

 

“GOALS AND ORGANIZATION – TIME IN A BIND”

This months teaching by Susan Marlene is a continuation from our previous class on developing goals by Susan Fink. Susan Marlene will lead your amazing journey to discover your possibilities with organization. This is the ‘other’ skill which can make or break your writing career or your beloved hobby. How would you like to enjoy more time creating and playing with written communication and storytelling? I sure want that! Come and be inspired!

Prompt: “One cozy character!”  What type of cozy murder mystery character would you wish to read about? Yes, you may write a blurb or scene for this prompt if you like. (Kathy you have a week to stir something up! I can’t wait to see your imagination emerge with this prompt!)

Non-fiction Writers: What non-fiction ‘how to do’ book would you like to write or see written? Scare something up that will charm your imagination and make an impact on your neighborhood.

Bring your WIP (work in progress) to share a five-minute read. We are a safe place to share and grow. 

Pens Novel Readers: Susan Marlene is putting together a group email for those who want to join in picking novels and discussion meetings. (We want to respect those who are too busy or who are uninterested in a reader’s group.)

Stop at a local coffee shop or bring your own coffee or soda and relax with us a while.

 

May the Lord bless your writing endeavors as you write for Him! Any concerns or questions feel free to contact susanmarlenekinney@gmail.com or rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com

 

Blessings!

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Canceling Pens of Praise Meeting for Monday, April 16


Due to inclement weather we are canceling the Pens of Praise meeting set for tomorrow night. I will email our writers and post on this WEB page and on my blog the updated information.

Take care and keep safe and warm!

Saturday, April 14, 2018

"Once Upon a Prince" Hallmark Movie -- Saturday, May 19


NEXT SHOWING Saturday, May 19th
 5:00 Eastern Time. 
  
Once Upon a Prince is a fun, entertaining, and clean Hallmark movie that I highly advise for anyone who enjoys a sweet romance! Rachel Hauck, a New York Times bestselling author, wrote the ROYAL WEDDING SERIES. Once Upon a Prince is the first novel of the four. Rachel is an exceptional novelist with a voice I love to follow, making her one of my favorite authors ever!
 
Here is the book that inspired the Hallmark movie!
 
 
 
This is the author behind the stories! Thank you Rachel Hauck for the time and excellence that you bring to story!
You are appreciated!
 
 
You can find Rachel at http://www.rachelhauck.com/.
 

Wednesday, April 11, 2018




Okay, I cheated by using my beloved Williamsburg photo for the idea of organization though cooking and kitchens have nothing to do with writing. Unless you are writing a cookbook! :)

PENS OF PRAISE

CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP

Let us know if your attending so we can save a seat just for you!

april 16, 2018

Monday 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Faith Free Church
2201 42nd St.
Manitowoc, WI  54220 

“GOALS AND ORGANIZATION – TIME IN A BIND”

This months teaching by Susan Marlene is a continuation from our previous class on developing goals by Susan Fink. Susan Marlene will lead your amazing journey to discover your possibilities with organization. This is the ‘other’ skill which can make or break your writing career or your beloved hobby. How would you like to enjoy more time creating and playing with written communication and storytelling? I sure want that! Come and be inspired!

Prompt: “One cozy character!”  What type of cozy murder mystery character would you wish to read about? Yes, you may write a blurb or scene for this prompt if you like. (Kathy you have a week to stir something up! I can’t wait to see your imagination emerge with this prompt!)
Non-fiction Writers: What non-fiction ‘how to do’ book would you like to write or see written? Scare something up that will charm your imagination and make an impact on your neighborhood.

Bring your WIP (work in progress) to share a five-minute read. We are a safe place to share and grow. 
Pens Novel Readers: Susan Marlene is putting together a group email for those who want to join in picking novels and discussion meetings. (We want to respect those who are too busy or who are uninterested in a reader’s group.)
Stop at a local coffee shop or bring your own coffee or soda and relax with us a while.

May the Lord bless your writing endeavors as you write for Him! Any concerns or questions feel free to contact susanmarlenekinney@gmail.com or rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com


Blessings!





Monday, April 9, 2018

WE BOUGHT A ZOO -MovieThoughts

 
 
I watched an excellent feel-good movie tonight. True, some of my favorite actors played the characters in this movie. When tragedy hits this family needs to make some unusual choices. Best of all this movie is  based on a true story. I'm still smiling from ear to ear! 
 
How encouraging to see families come together to try to win against great odds. How refreshing to have a clean, family oriented movie with a play-load of takeaway. There is everything from parent and child relationships, romantic interest and so much more. The lessons learned are valuable plus they leave one with the feeling of floating on air after the last scene dims.
 
This is a family movie of merit. Plus the real ZOO is an award winning zoo and one you can visit!