Praising God in Uncertain Times

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  We are living in uncertain times. A global pandemic is not something we are used to coping with. When life changes quickly it often causes anxiety and fear. But the one constant we have is that our Almighty God never changes. Knowing and believing that God is greater than our circumstance gives us hope and peace. In Psalm 150:2 the psalmist writes, Praise Him because He is greater than anything else. That means God is greater than our worries and fears. He is greater than our circumstances. And He is greater than a global pandemic. One of the best…

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Untethered

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­­­­ Therefore, do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil (Romans 14:16). Upon my recent retirement from a demanding leadership position, I found myself nearly paralyzed with fear. So many “I never thought I’d…” statements danced chaotically through my mind, robbing me of peace. Unbidden, my long-since-settled divorce reared its ugly head, reminding me of all of the losses I’ve incurred. My ideal picture of retirement had always included a husband, a family, and grandbabies. The real picture of my solitary leap into the golden years stood in sharp contrast before me, filling…

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Living Beyond Our Comfort Zone

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  Life is marked by change. Eighteen months ago, my husband and I purged our earthly belongings and moved aboard a sailboat. This was no midlife crisis. We did it because God said “go.” Transitioning from house to boat was my husband’s dream come true. He grew up in a waterfront home and drove a speedboat when he was six years old. He later built a small sailboat and then owned a 27-foot Catalina. As for me—well, I grew up on the Alberta prairies. The first time I rowed a boat, I did it backwards. I don’t even like cold…

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God Can’t Use Frozen Feet

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My friend locked her gaze on me. “What are you afraid of, Sarah?” Those words threw me for a loop. For years I’d written novels. For years I’d received rejection letters. I’d just told my friend about my tortuous road to publication when she slammed me with that question. Afraid? I wasn’t afraid. Oh yes, I was. I was afraid of another rejection. I was afraid I’d get published and disappoint my publisher and readers. I was afraid I’d misheard God’s voice and was on the wrong road altogether. The world is a scary place. Current events, illness, and family…

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A Strong Dose of Charity

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  Excerpt from Christmas Charity by Susan G Mathis “I heard you were newlyweds from Canada. From Wolfe Island? It’s a mighty lot to adjust to, that’s for sure. But how’s you doing, dearie?” Susan bit her lip and studied Mabel. Could she trust her, this stranger? Susan needed to talk with someone, especially since her mama wasn’t here. “It’s … all so sudden. Patrick is a good and kind man, but …” She looked toward the door and sighed. “I’m sure I’ll adjust … with time.” Mabel took Susan’s hand in her tiny, wrinkled ones. “Change ain’t easy, I’ll…

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Strength for the Modern Victorian Woman

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 Here’s what the Savior has to say to you today. “Beloved, come to me, you who work so hard that you’re weary. Your responsibility and needs wear you down. However, it doesn’t cost a single cent to gain a hearing with me. You can pour out your troubles to me anytime. Tell me of your fears and sadness. My love for you is free of charge, unconditional, and everlasting.” Today’s Bible Reading: Isaiah 50:1; Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 13:8 Thoughts of Monday morning carry with them negative connotations. Why? We know Monday is coming all weekend and yet we’re so bummed…

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Lessons from Birdsong

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  “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26). This morning I awoke to the sweet sound of birdsong. The feathered creatures seemed to be singing their praise for a new day, for sunshine just breaking through the darkness, for an ample food supply. I wonder…am I as grateful for these and a multitude of other blessings? The cheery chorus reminded me these little ones diligently pursue their sole responsibility—being the best winged-creatures…

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When Life’s too Much

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  “Your mother is dying.” My mind understood the doctor’s words, but my heart refused to believe them. Only a few days prior, my ninety-four-year-old mother had taken a day trip to Reno with my husband. How could she be dying? Why now, God? This was supposed to be the weekend I would put the final touches on my novel before sending it to my agent. Too many circumstances in the past six months had kept me from diligently writing. Moving in with my mom after her stroke. Readying our house for sale. Packing the things of my own I…

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New Language Translations and Speaking Engagements From Your CAN Authors!

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Your CAN authors are out and about in their communities–is there one coming to a town near you? And don’t miss a special book for your Korean or Portugese friends! ********** Cindi McMenamin’s book, 10 Secrets to Becoming a Worry-Free Mom (which released from Harvest House Publishers in 2016) is now available in print and e-book in two other languages — Portuguese and Korean.                 ********** Davalynn Spencer will be the guest speaker January 12th for Canon City, Colorado’s 130th Annual Chamber of Commerce banquet, “Western Night Under the Stars,” featuring her latest…

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Along Came A Writer on BlogTalk Radio and iTunes

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CAN members Linda Kozar, Lena Nelson Dooley, and Angela Breidenbach host shows on the Along Came A Writer Network. Along Came A Writer Network  2017/2016 Chat Noir Mystery and Suspense, with host Linda Kozar on the Along Came A Writer Network August—Nancy Mehl September—Anita Higman, McMullen October—Testimony: Growing Up Haunted November—Linda Davis December—Patricia Bradley February—Danny Mehl March—Rachael O. Phillips April—Sharon K. Connell April—Brandilyn Collins The Lena Nelson Dooley Show, with host Lena Nelson Dooley on the Along Came A Writer Network September—Kathy Ide October—Marji Laine November—Varina Denman December—A SPECIAL Christmas Interview January— Lynn Gentry February—Angela Breidenbach March— Michelle Stimpson April—Patsy…

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