[We] are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that comes through Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24 (NIV)
I looked around the courtroom from the witness stand, fully aware of the awesome presence of the judge, my counselor, and my mediator. I trembled with fear, understanding the consequence of this moment. Although I had hoped for plenty of witnesses to help me plead my case, I saw that the courtroom was empty. There was no one to help me. I was standing on my own.
As the counselor approached the witness stand, He smiled at me, knowing my fear and discomfort. Gently prodding me, He took my hand and reminded me of things I had done. In my mind, I could see my life, images of words I had said and people I had hurt. Pieces of time were caught in my memory as I saw a trail of broken hearts in the path I had taken. I never knew. I never stopped to look at the things I had done, thinking that my actions only affected me. Slowly the tears streamed down my face, and sorrow swept over me as I realized that I was guilty.
Suddenly, a loud voice filled the courtroom. “Are these accusations true?” the judge questioned.
I could not turn to face him. Shame washed over me as I hung my head and whispered, “Yes.” I knew that I had no defense. I could not talk my way out of this situation, but in my heart I knew I had to face the coming wrath. I took a deep breath and looked at my mediator. “I did these things, and I’m truly sorry. Some actions I knew were wrong, and I did them anyway. Some were just decisions made in haste, but if I had the opportunity I would do them differently. All I can do is plead for mercy.”
The comforter stayed beside me, holding my hand as the mediator approached the bench. I watched them converse for just a moment, knowing that my fate was sealed.
The gavel rang as the judge prepared to hand down the verdict. I held my breath, expectantly. “Not guilty.” The loud voice declared the judgment triumphantly.
My eyes grew wide as I stared at the judge then my helpers in turn. My voice squeaked, “How could this be?”
The mediator walked toward me with His arms open. “I nailed your sins to the cross long ago. You are set free. You have been given a new life.”
“What do I do now?”
He smiled at me and replied, “Live for Me.”
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Cartoons
Have you watched any cartoons lately? I'm not talking about the normal, slapstick comedy, but the dramatic cartoons with supernatural heroes.
At one time, our heroes were honest people who wanted the best for humanity like Superman. I saw a part of one today that made me think...
It seems as if the purpose is to blur the line between good and evil. The heroes were mutants with deep voices, forced to secrecy because of their dark powers. kind of scary.
At one time, our heroes were honest people who wanted the best for humanity like Superman. I saw a part of one today that made me think...
It seems as if the purpose is to blur the line between good and evil. The heroes were mutants with deep voices, forced to secrecy because of their dark powers. kind of scary.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
A New Word
Over the past few months I have started delving deeply into the bible. When I began, I was looking specifically for things I should do and not do. I wanted to find a formula for living that would guarantee a better life. I wanted rules that would guide me.
I have to admit that I am legalistic by nature. I like rules, making rules, and following rules. Rules create order, and I like order.
However, as I have studied, I have found some wonderful things that have to be shared. I have found such freedom from rules and in return, an indescribable peace. I hope that as I share the things that I have learned, whoever is reading this will benefit and find their own peace, inspired by the Word of God.
I have to admit that I am legalistic by nature. I like rules, making rules, and following rules. Rules create order, and I like order.
However, as I have studied, I have found some wonderful things that have to be shared. I have found such freedom from rules and in return, an indescribable peace. I hope that as I share the things that I have learned, whoever is reading this will benefit and find their own peace, inspired by the Word of God.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
4 Star Review!
January Reviews
larger image Tara's Forgotten Son
Author: Lana Mowdy
Wade Hampton Hamilton is the unsung hero in a classic American novel, A Spin off of “Gone with the Wind”. A child conceived at the start of civil anguish, he fights to defeat the ordeal of military, desertion, and near malnourishment. When his mother takes him to Tara, he discovers seclusion, but he is soon propelled into adulthood when he shelters his love Emily from her violent father. As he wrestles to keep her from neglect, he combats the forces of character in the uncultivated West, the trickery of a disdained female, and his passionate yearning to preserve his honor. Bearing the blemish of defeat and fabrication, he realizes his skill to be liberated from the embrace of his plagued history, his scheming mother, and the forces of injustice that toil alongside him. Still, he strives for tranquility, absolution, and the vigor to live.
Great Read!
ISBN: 1-60441-556-8
Reviewer: Tabitha
larger image Tara's Forgotten Son
Author: Lana Mowdy
Wade Hampton Hamilton is the unsung hero in a classic American novel, A Spin off of “Gone with the Wind”. A child conceived at the start of civil anguish, he fights to defeat the ordeal of military, desertion, and near malnourishment. When his mother takes him to Tara, he discovers seclusion, but he is soon propelled into adulthood when he shelters his love Emily from her violent father. As he wrestles to keep her from neglect, he combats the forces of character in the uncultivated West, the trickery of a disdained female, and his passionate yearning to preserve his honor. Bearing the blemish of defeat and fabrication, he realizes his skill to be liberated from the embrace of his plagued history, his scheming mother, and the forces of injustice that toil alongside him. Still, he strives for tranquility, absolution, and the vigor to live.
Great Read!
ISBN: 1-60441-556-8
Reviewer: Tabitha
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Retrieving Her Heart
Walking into his mother’s room, Johnny felt the cold silence as if the room itself knew that it would never feel the life of his mother again. His heart ached as he silently screamed for the walls to cry out with him, but they refuesed. He scanned the room, seeing that it looked exactly as it always had, perfectly neat and in order. Her brush and perfume bottles were arranged neatly on the dresser, and the bed was made with the quilt she had had sewn years earlier.
He had come to search for any tangible memory he could take with him for he knew he would never step foot in this room again. He couldn’t bear the memories of her loss for another moment. Suddenly, the chest at the foot of her bed caught his eye, and he knelt in front of it, slowly pulling open the lid. He was astonished to find that it was empty except for a stack of letters.
On top, one letter was lying open, and he reached down to get it. As he held the letter in his hand, he felt its frailty. He noticed that the paper was soft, for it had been held in his mother’s hands many times. It was beginning to yellow, and the ink was beginning to fade. Darkened circles blotted the paper where tears had streamed down her cheeks and landed on the paper leaving stains.
April 6, 1865
My Dearest Martha,
As I write this letter, I feel my heart becoming heavy with sorrow, my hands growing feeble, and my body losing its strength. I know that this will be my last letter to you for I have heard the final trumpet sound and the angels calling my name. My wounds are beyond healing. Though the atrocities I have witnessed cannot be described, the sorrow that I feel at this moment is more than I can bear for I will never see your face again nor will I feel the tiny fingers of my son wrapped tightly around my own. I am relieved by the knowledge that we will be together once again when we meet in the great beyond. Keep heart, my darling, knowing that we will not be parted for long. Remind little Johnny that I am watching him from above. Finally, remain devoted to our Cause. Although our sacrifices are immense, the lack of devotion to our greater welfare would be far more devastating.
Your loving husband,
John
Johnny wiped the tears from his eyes as he gently folded his father’s letter and placed it in his pocket. He had retrieved exactly what he needed to remember his mother. As he walked toward the door and turned the knob, he turned and surveyed the room one final time. Taking a deep breath, he turned and smiled. Not only did he find fond memories of the father he had never known, but he had found half of his mother’s heart, the half that had been taken to the battlefield.
He had come to search for any tangible memory he could take with him for he knew he would never step foot in this room again. He couldn’t bear the memories of her loss for another moment. Suddenly, the chest at the foot of her bed caught his eye, and he knelt in front of it, slowly pulling open the lid. He was astonished to find that it was empty except for a stack of letters.
On top, one letter was lying open, and he reached down to get it. As he held the letter in his hand, he felt its frailty. He noticed that the paper was soft, for it had been held in his mother’s hands many times. It was beginning to yellow, and the ink was beginning to fade. Darkened circles blotted the paper where tears had streamed down her cheeks and landed on the paper leaving stains.
April 6, 1865
My Dearest Martha,
As I write this letter, I feel my heart becoming heavy with sorrow, my hands growing feeble, and my body losing its strength. I know that this will be my last letter to you for I have heard the final trumpet sound and the angels calling my name. My wounds are beyond healing. Though the atrocities I have witnessed cannot be described, the sorrow that I feel at this moment is more than I can bear for I will never see your face again nor will I feel the tiny fingers of my son wrapped tightly around my own. I am relieved by the knowledge that we will be together once again when we meet in the great beyond. Keep heart, my darling, knowing that we will not be parted for long. Remind little Johnny that I am watching him from above. Finally, remain devoted to our Cause. Although our sacrifices are immense, the lack of devotion to our greater welfare would be far more devastating.
Your loving husband,
John
Johnny wiped the tears from his eyes as he gently folded his father’s letter and placed it in his pocket. He had retrieved exactly what he needed to remember his mother. As he walked toward the door and turned the knob, he turned and surveyed the room one final time. Taking a deep breath, he turned and smiled. Not only did he find fond memories of the father he had never known, but he had found half of his mother’s heart, the half that had been taken to the battlefield.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Book signing
My book signings on Saturday were awesome!
I learned a few things:
* Two signings in one day is tough
* Two hours is long enough
* Listening is more important than talking
* Smile and make eye contact
* Prepare answers ahead of time
* Five cups of coffee without taking a break
can become very uncomfortable!
I really had fun, and I am much more prepared for next time. I sold 20 books in one day, which is absolutely amazing! Thanks to everyone who was there!
I learned a few things:
* Two signings in one day is tough
* Two hours is long enough
* Listening is more important than talking
* Smile and make eye contact
* Prepare answers ahead of time
* Five cups of coffee without taking a break
can become very uncomfortable!
I really had fun, and I am much more prepared for next time. I sold 20 books in one day, which is absolutely amazing! Thanks to everyone who was there!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Devotions
I have added a new page to my blog called "Devotions." I have been thinking that I want to use the gift that God has given me for His glory. I hope that people are touched by my words. I hope to encourage, lift, and exhort people to reach on for the prize that lies ahead.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Book Signing!
My first book signing has been arranged!
Where: Hastings
Altus, OK
When: Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007
3:00- 6:00 p.m.
I hope to see you there!
Where: Hastings
Altus, OK
When: Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007
3:00- 6:00 p.m.
I hope to see you there!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Check back often!
Check back often for new information concerning book signings, reviews, and book availability.
Soon to come: excerpts, additional unpublished writing, and general musings. Special offers and contests will be added. I look forward to sharing my work, and I welcome feedback!
Soon to come: excerpts, additional unpublished writing, and general musings. Special offers and contests will be added. I look forward to sharing my work, and I welcome feedback!
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