Book Giveaway & Guest Blogger, Wendy Reese

It's Wednesday! That means we have a book giveaway and a guest. Welcome Wendy Reese!

W.G. Reese (Wendy) is a Southern California Beach Native who now lives in the mountainous panhandle of North Idaho. 

A story teller since childhood, the wonders of God’s creative gifts have always inspired her imagination. As a lover of sci-fi/fantasy (a Trekkie and not ashamed of it)…her metaphoric writings resonate with the possibility of worlds beyond. Blessed with a loving family and friends that walk alongside, she holds no greater awe than the love of Jesus Christ. 

Where to find Wendy online:

http://www.amazon.com/Visitor-W-G-Reese/dp/1938708571

https://www.facebook.com/groups/963527873671518

The Days Ordained For Me

Yesterday, I bid farewell to my Hello Kitty slippers. They surely used up all nine lives, with holes front and back… (and yes, they’re available in adult sizes.) But it got me thinking. In Psalms 139:16 it says, “Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were written all the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.”

What does this mean? Our wonderful Father knows our days from beginning to end.

In the early seventies I became a newborn in the Lord. He was my God, but someone I didn’t know. I started church and after a few months of good Bible teaching and worship, I experienced the extraordinary love of Jesus. Hungry for more of His presence, I often entered the sanctuary during the midweek to play the baby grand and sing my heart out to Him. The pastor was kind enough to allow me to stay after hours so I locked up late at night. I experienced a wondrous time with God. On one particular evening after worshipping into the early a.m., I got into my car and drove down the quiet, dimly lit street. Ahead, the light was green so I drove on, but as I approached the intersection something unseen grabbed my foot and planted it on the break. A microsecond later, a large Cadillac sped by going about 60 mph.

Have you ever seen Back to the Future III where Marty is challenged by Flea to race? Marty revs his engine, but hits reverse to avoid what he knew would come: a fatal accident. He saves his and Jennifer’s lives. Huge relief. Of course they were acting… but I wasn’t. My life was spared and a brilliant light consumed my heart… like a blowtorch of God’s love, if you will. An angel sent? I think so.

Hebrews 1:14 says, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

Is God only in the sanctuary? Does His presence only abide when we try to cuddle with Him? He is forever present. “See, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands;” Is: 49:16a. Not to say that trials and dangers don’t come and like most I haven’t been rescued from everything that afflicts, but I know the One who either delivers within seconds or delivers in time by producing “perseverance; perseverance; character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3b-4.

Suffering is a part of this life: if you’re a believer or not. We live in a fallen world that seems to grow darker by the hour, but our citizenship in heaven is sure. And it begins within this temporal existence the moment we say yes to Jesus.

I often pondered why Jesus came to save us. He didn’t have to. He chose to. His love is beyond my understanding. One day during prayer I asked, “Why did you come for us?” That wonderful still small voice of the Holy Spirit replied, “I want you with me.” A warm sensation flooded my entire being. A couple of days later my eyes fell upon 1 Thessalonians 5:10 “He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.”

Many have learned early in their lives, that authorities cannot be trusted. I was in that number. When first getting to know Jesus, I often approached him as I did my earthly parents only to expect criticism, constant correction, and condemnation. It never came.

God has taught me that “Father” means; unconditional love, conviction when I need it, and endless compassion.

My earthly father left our home when I was five years old. I remember that day. As sunlight burned through the three-paned-glass front door of our house in California, he clutched a suitcase and slipped out – closing the door behind him. Not a good-bye or kiss for his three little girls. Even so, it was the first time that I felt true peace. My poor dad had an intolerable mental illness which often caused irrational behavior ending up in abuse. In the nineteen fifties, manic-depressants received electric shock or lithium to resolve the problem. But since his condition was never mentioned in our home, I assume he was never diagnosed. Looking back, I remember how frustrated he would get. To relieve his angst, he self-medicated with alcohol unto his death. Where was God? How did we, as a family, cope? Not very well until receiving the Lord.

After becoming a child of the Father over forty years ago, I look back in time and see Him wooing my dad. My dad’s parents were His, one of my sisters and I prayed for and witnessed to my dad in his later years. And within the final seconds before he took his last breath, he said “yes” to the One who loves him more than any other.

My dad and mom are now “with Him” as He has promised in His Word. One day I’ll join them; the redeemed within the glorious light of Jesus - casting off the fragile "body" of the temporal and putting on the wondrous form of the eternal, which will never wear out.

This is a beautiful story. Thank you, Wendy.

Wendy's New Book

The divine blessings of Sior transformed the world of Ariel Leun into a paradise where people enjoy long lives in the company of mystical creatures. Winn, a transplant from the dark world of Draugh, reigns as a beloved King with his trusted advisor Caelan at his side, until the death of his Queen sends him spiraling into despair. Banishing Caelan and neglectful of his duties, King Winn is unaware that an old enemy, Garthpha, plots to take the throne.

Rebelling against their father's retreat into seclusion, the heirs of Ariel Leun travel the passages of the Red Stone to Draugh where four warring Kings scheme to capture them, exploit their inner light, and deliver them to Garthpha as tribute. 

Can the children be rescued before their light is extinguished and evil takes the throne of Ariel Leun, plunging it into darkness?

A question from Wendy:

Do you believe that God's creativity expands to other sides of the universe?

I can't wait to hear the responses to this question.

Wendy is giving away a FREE copy of The Visitor. Leave a comment for a chance to win! Don't forget to include your email address so Wendy can contact you.

Last week's winner of Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard is Bonnie Roof. Congratulations!


Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie