Quiet Moments With God - Use a Lamp

Have you ever found yourself in absolute darkness, but had to keep moving anyway? Many years ago, when my children were young, a man from our church had promised to pick up the kids at the top of our driveway and take them to an evening Bible study.

I'd forgotten that night until this morning while I was reading a familiar passage from Psalm 119. Verse 105 says, "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."

The kids ride was supposed to arrive around 6:00 AM, but it was winter and the sun had set long before we started up the driveway. We lived in the forest so if not for the yard light half way up the drive it would have been deeply dark. However when we passed the light its illumination decreased. With each step beyond the light, the world got darker and darker, until it was so pitch black that I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. I kept a tight hold on the kids' hands and we inched forward, feeling our way with our feet.

The lack of light was disconcerting, and I realized I'd been foolish not to bring a lantern or a flashlight. It's that way in life too. It's always wise to carry the light of God's Word with us wherever we go. Without it finding our way or seeing the truth is so much harder than it needs to be . . . sometimes as difficult as it was to see my hand on that pitch dark night years ago.

God's Word is a gift. He offers it to help us find our way. We don't have to venture out without His light, but whether we do or not is our choice. I wonder why we sometimes prefer to feel our way through a dark world when the light of the Lord can guide our every step.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

The Journey - Dear God

Lord, I sit here on my brand new deck sipping coffee and gazing at the amazing view you created and I'm reminded of a much younger me. I was lost and alone and you came to my rescue. 

All those years ago, Greg and I weren't living together, and we had an appointment with a judge who would decree we were no longer married. But you had another plan.

I was newly adopted into your family when I offered up a simple prayer. "Please restore my marriage,"  I prayed. "Create a Christian union between Greg and me, bless us with children and a Christian home. And, if it's all right with you, Lord, I'd love to live on land outside of town." 

God you fulfilled every request and more. I know it's not because I was deserving but because you love me and Greg, our children and our grandchildren. All those years ago you could see me sitting here today talking to you.

And now, here I am in this extraordinary place and I'm in awe at how you've given more than I ever hoped or dreamed for. 

Misty rain splashes through the forest canopy and mists cling to the hillsides like chiffon. The air is fragrant with the smell of cedar, fir and spring vegetation. My eyes savor the lush green of the forest and the rolling hills beyond and below. Cool moist air kisses my face and my ears are tickled by bird song, a bellowing cow in the distance and the sound rain drops make as they dance through the leaves.

Indescribable beauty surrounds me - a gift from you God to one so undeserving. Lord, I have no adequate words of gratitude. My thank you feels hollow in comparison to your gift.

May this place be used for your glory. May my eyes always see the splendor of your creation. May my heart forever rejoice in your love.

Praise be to you Lord God.

Bonnie

The Journey - Is God Good All The Time?

I've been waiting to write this post, uncertain what I would say. Even now as I begin, I can only express my awe at the wonder of God.

March 22nd I stood in the ER and said good-bye to my grandson, Ezra, as the staff prepared him to be life-flighted to a Portland hospital, four hours away. I prayed for God's healing and His peace. I prayed the doctors would be wise. I prayed he wouldn't suffer too much. And I prayed that I would see him again. 

I have walked through many storms and know that my will is not always the same as The Father's. Therefore I knew God would answer my prayer, but not necessarily in the way I wanted.

Ezra's injuries were mighty, but he is loved by a mightier God. "He shouldn't be alive," we heard from the EMT's on sight, the doctors who treated him in our local ER and Legacy Emanuel ER and from the surgeons who did their precision work on him. And yet, he is here sleeping in our home, very much alive. Ezra fought hard and after twelve days he took a very long ride home and walked from the car and into the house on his own steam.

Psalm 91:4 says, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." 

The Lord was and is with Ezra. During Sunday worship I envisioned God shielding Ezra's head with his hands, preventing it from being crushed as the side-by-side he was riding tipped and rolled, trapping Ezra beneath it. God is merciful.

I don't know why Ezra's life was spared, but I'm grateful. This grandma knows he's special, intelligent and full of fun. Although he has a lot of healing yet to do, is moving slowly right now and has at least one more surgery in front of him he will have more days for things like swimming and barbecues and spelling bees. 

When God answers prayer and I hear people say, "God is good," I sometimes wonder how that person would respond when a tragedy doesn't have a happy ending? Is God still good? 

Our Heavenly Father is always good. Ezra came so close to heaven it takes my breath away. His ordeal reminds me of the sorrow weighing heavy in so many homes in this world. I pray for all the unhappy endings - may you see the light of the Lord even in the midst of your sorrow. He is there too. 

Ezra's journey thus far.

Thanking God for His mercy.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

The Journey - To Face Book or Not to Facebook

God can use anyone or anything to reach out to His people. Even something like Facebook.

This has been one horrific week, but one of the bright spots has come from a surprising place - Facebook. Yep. Facebook. 

Eek! Don't shoot me yet! Read on. . .

I've been part of Facebook for several years and along the way I've heard a lot of criticism about the site. I've added some of my own. And it's true, when misused Facebook can be a destructive tool. But mostly I've loved the service. I have lots of family and friends who live far away and Facebook offers a great way to stay in touch. It also makes it easy for me to connect with readers and other writers.

This week I have been the recipient of one of the most beautiful gifts Facebook offers - Prayer - Support - Encouragement.

March 22nd, my grandson was in a serious ATV accident. When he was life-flighted to Portland I didn't know if I'd ever see him again - at least not until heaven.

I'm happy to say he's still with us. He's been through a lot and has a long way to go, but he's going to make it. When he came out of surgery one of the doctors told my daughter he didn't know why Ezra was still alive. 

I know why. God has a plan for his life and death wasn't part of it . . . not yet anyway. God saved him, and I know He heard all the prayers that were and are being said for Ezra. 

As people found out what was happening word got out and the news spread. A lot of that news traveled via Facebook. A friend set up a special page for him called Blessings for Ezra. It's a place to send encouraging notes and to get updates on his condition.

Through the hard days (and there are still lots more to come) people prayed. In part because of Facebook, people around the globe have prayed. They lifted up our family and they lifted Ezra up to God. Words of encouragement, scripture verses and prayers flew across the miles and into our hearts. We have received a tidal wave of emotional and spiritual support. 

I liked Facebook before, but now I love it. And I love all of you who cared enough to pray. And those who contacted us - Thank you. You have helped us stand up under this heavy burden.

I don't know about you, but I hope Facebook hangs around for a long time. 

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie 

Quiet Moments With God - Friends Forever

"Friends are friends forever, if the Lord is the Lord of them . . ." So goes the Michael W. Smith song. The first time I heard it I was at a MOPS meeting. It's been one of my favorites ever since. But, is it true?

Colossians 3:15 says, "Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace." 

We are to live together. Clearly, life is meant to be shared.

Too many of us miss the blessed gift of friendship. There are lots of reasons why, but none of them are good. Most of my life I've had special friends. Through the years, we've shared many great moments and had so much fun. We've done silly stuff and stood together through turbulent seas. Some of my friends I've had since grade school. Though I rarely see them these days my love for these long-time friends has not weakened. But distant friendships is not enough - not if we're supposed to share our lives as the Lord says we are.

Years ago at a home group meeting a question was posed. "How many of you spend time with a friend on a regular basis?" Not one person out of the group of eighteen or twenty people raised their hand, and that included me. The painful truth hit me between the eyes and I vowed to make a change. But the days slipped by and I forgot about that promise.

When I damaged my back further by lifting a thirty-five pound puppy I spent a week in the hospital and months trying to regain the strength and mobility to get back in motion. I'm still working on it. I was unable to join in the fun activities of my church and gradually my friends drifted away.

It's not really their fault. It's mine. Though I couldn't do what I used to do, I could have been more hospitable and invited friends in. But I didn't. There are lots of reasons, some of them valid, but in the end I lost something of great value. 

In recent days it seems that wherever I turn I'm reminded of the importance of friendship. It was made clear to me that rebuilding my friendships is up to me. And so, I've begun. And I've had some lovely encounters with dear friends. I plan to have more. 

Friendships are like spring flowers that add life and color after the chill of winter. They are like cooling raindrops on a parched summer day. We need one another. God has designed us to live together. Reach out, nourish your friendships, rebuild old ones and discover new ones. You won't be sorry.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - A Life Line

Have you ever felt like you were drowning - in responsibility, grief, physical or emotional pain? You are worn out, worn down, empty. How do you push on? Should you?

I am in that place.

I cry out to God. Tears are ever near, but I know He will hold me, uplift me. I know He has not brought me to this place without purpose. Once again I am reminded that He alone can save me and the ones I love.

Today, He led me to Psalm 91:1 - 4. "Those who live in the shelter of the Most high will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."

I close my eyes and breathe deeply of His presence. He is here . . . beside, before me. There is no place I can go from His presence. And though the days are difficult I do not travel through them alone. But . . . He asks one thing of me - hang onto the lifeline He provides and trust in His strength. 

Trust, now there's a word. This season in my life is one more opportunity to receive a deeper understanding of what it really means to trust in God. I praise Him above all things.  

Praise Him . . . always.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Interview!

Interviews are so much fun. Today I get to be a guest on Natalie Monk's blog!

If you'd like a chance to win a free book or find out what actors I'd choose to play Erik and Anna in a movie of The Journey of Eleven Moons make sure to stop by and say hello at - athttp://sweetsouthblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/bonnie-leon-interview.html?showComment=1392931189316#c4769836856474196905

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

The Journey - Greatest Gift

Last night, my family celebrated my birthday two days early. The grandkids' schedules are full of activities so yesterday was the only day we could all get together without them missing practice or being forced to make a choice between me and the team. I love that my grandchildren are learning that making a commitment and sticking to it is important.

My husband and I, our children and grandchildren and my mother gathered at a local pizza place in town. We shared laughter, lots of food and I got to open gifts. My mother watched, smiling the whole time. Her face radiated joy. Soon her eyes filled with tears and she said, "What did I do to deserve such a wonderful family?"

I was a bit taken back. I was the recipient of my family's love and I hadn't given it all that much thought. But my mother didn't miss it. All she could see was the love and beauty of being part of a family who cares for one another. Everyone there had done something to contribute to the celebration. Even my mother handed out coins so her great-grandchildren could play games in the arcade and then she had me take her to watch the game playing. 

Mom is so right. We are blessed. 

My family is not perfect. We've made all kinds of mistakes in our lives and there will be lots more. But, we love each other. And I know that no matter what we face we'll do it together. Love isn't about perfection and when I think about my family I'm reminded of the book of I Corinthians, chapter thirteen - the love chapter.

Nothing is of any value without love. It's pretty clear to me that I possess everything in this world that really matters because I'm surrounded by people who know how to love one another. They even love me.

True riches are given by the Lord and the greatest gift is love.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie 

Quiet Moments With God - Do you need a bit and bridle?

I think mules are so cute. But I'd rather not be compared to one.

This morning when I sat down and read my morning devotional, Jesus Calling, the words on the page nudged me. I went to the suggested scripture reading and that's when I found out more about mules.

Psalm 32:8-11 says this, "The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control. Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!"

Do any of you feel like a mule that needs a bit and bridle? I hate to admit it, but I do . . . too often. Did you notice the part that says mules are senseless? Sigh. I know when I read that, that God is referring to people like me who get stubborn and want their own way. 

There was a time when self discipline (God's discipline) was one of my strengths. Now, most days, I struggle to do what I know is best for me. I am truly grateful for God's mercy, but I understand that being merciful doesn't always release me from the consequences of my sin. God wants better for me - if only I would obey. His Word says He will advise me and watch over me, and that He doesn't want me to be like a senseless horse or mule. 

It goes on to say that disobedience brings sorrow. But adds that those who obey will be surrounded with His unfailing love. What a beautiful promise. I'm so thankful for His love.

My life is good, but it could be better, richer, sweeter. He offers each of us SO much . . . if only we will listen. 

God has a BEST for me. He has a BEST for you.

This morning, I pray for ears that will hear and a heart that submits to His tender guidance. And I pray that my brothers and sisters in Christ will not have to be bridled, but will find freedom and joy in obedience, knowing that Jesus is Lord of all.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie   

The Journey - Searching For Happiness

If you want to find happiness reach for the Son. 

It sounds easy, but is it?









Sometimes it seems the world has given up on hope. It's decided joy doesn't exist. Sorrow is all around us. The headlines shout out the latest suicide, drug overdose or heartbreak. When I'm out and about I see worry, hopelessness and sorrows of every kind. 

Why? We have everything . . . don't we?

We are rich materially, but it's not the richness that provides joy. Clearly wealth does not bring happiness. Even the wealthiest among us destroy their lives by choosing alcohol, drugs and ruinous living. 

We are a bankrupt society. Our souls are empty because the god of me has replaced the Great I Am. The god of me is a false god. We will never find happiness in ourselves.

The true God, the creator of all the heavens and the earth is the only one who can fill our hearts. Even in the midst of great crisis He is there. True happiness is found in a relationship with the Lord of Lords who loves us beyond reason and who will never forsake us.

This morning I went to the book of James and discovered treasure.

Chapter One, Verses 2 - 4 say, "When troubles come your way consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

This is not what the world teaches. Embrace troubles? How can you know joy when the days are dark? I have been mired in more than one dark pit in my lifetime. It is a terrible place to be. But each time, the Lord lifted me out of the pit and when I looked into His face I knew joy had not been lost.

I ask, "Do you know any other way to grow our faith? If we have nothing to believe for how will we learn to believe?"

Verses 6 - 8 say, "But when you ask him be sure your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind."  

There are dire consequences to being a wave tossed about in the sea. Verse 9 tells us that, "Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord."

Do you feel like a wave that is tossed about by the world's storms? A wave is unstable. And if our faith is being tossed hither and yon, can we expect to receive anything from the Lord?

What are we to do? Verse 12 gives the answer. "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

We can be happy, for the joy God offers is planted deeply in our spirits. It affects everything we do, everything we think. In the worst of times the joy of the Lord remains. 

I want to shout - "Trust Him! You are not forsaken. You are loved."

Happiness is right in front of us. To find it, all we have to do is to stop looking for it inside ourselves and look at the broader, deeper joy offered to us when we walk with the Lord.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - In the Middle of a Muddle

Sometimes our days seem to be filled with decisions. We have choices - what will I have for breakfast - which book should I read next - do I really want to watch American Idol? Of course having choices is better than not having choices. And the ones I've mentioned don't affect our lives much one way or the other, but there are decisions that are truly major and even life changing.

Just as no two people are the same, neither are the ways in which we make decisions. Take baking a cake, for instance. Some like to weigh and measure every ingredient while others simply toss in the elements and trust that the results will be good.

I live somewhere in the middle of those two options. Probably most of us do. However, I presently find myself befuddled. I've got a relatively big decision to make about a writing project, one I've invested hundreds of hours of my time. The results of all my hard work were not what my agent or I had expected and now I need to decide what to do about what we both feel is an amazing story. 

At this point, all I know to do is to talk to God about it. I think back to the day when I felt called to this project. I was certain it was the Lord's will for me, but like us all my heart and mind can be misled. No matter how I got here I am in a quandary.

Wrestling through this decision I found myself in the midst of 1 Corinthians, specifically verses 1:18 - 2:5. Powerful verses. 

Paul speaks about God's wisdom versus the wisdom of the world. Verse 20 says, "Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" And then in 2:4-5 he says, "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."

Wow. There he goes again. The apostle Paul always speaks right to my heart. 

But I still don't know what to do specifically about this project. I guess I'd better begin by resting in God's power not man's wisdom. And not my wisdom.

I do not have an answer to my dilemma, but I know who to listen to if I want to find the right direction. Certainly seeking wise counsel is a good thing, but ultimately I need to rest in the Lord - wait on Him to show me the way I should go.

While I wait, leaning on The One who knows the beginning and the end of all things I'm asking for your prayers.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

The Journey - Two Families - One Roof

While building our new home, Greg and I are living with our daughter and her family. There are seven of us, an eighth who visits occasionally and a baby on the way, all under one roof. We are using every bit of available space in the house, but we don't feel overly crowded. There are five bedrooms and three bathrooms, which help a lot. Greg and I live on one side of the house, which includes a laundry room, bath, family room and two bedrooms (one I use as an office). Sarah and her family are using three bedrooms, two baths and a living room. We share the kitchen and dining. And it's working well. Though I'll admit we are presently under a bit of duress. The flu has come to visit . . . for what I believe is the third time this winter. This time it's a stomach bug. Ugh. 

Throughout the years, my husband and I have invited friends and family to share our home. Most of the time we did so successfully. However, it doesn't just happen. You need a plan and you need to stick to it the best you can, modifying when necessary. Harmony is possible.

These days the number of people across our country who are sharing space is growing. Some decide to live in close quarters because of financial need. Children open their homes to aging parents. Parents welcome children just out of college while they transition into the working world. And there are folks who simply enjoy sharing their lives with others. No matter what the reason we need a plan if dual living is going to be a success.

I'm certain some of you have experienced this kind of living arrangement. And I'll bet more than one of you is yelling, "No! Don't do it!" 

And you'd be right. Sharing living space is not for everyone. Our personal attempts have not always been successful. The experience can be excruciating. 

So, if you find yourself needing to share a home with others what can you do to increase your chances of success?

Here are some tips I've picked up along the way.

• Know the people you plan to live with. If it is a room mate situation and you've met through an ad or a mutual friend, get together more than once and go through likes and dislikes, personality quirks and expectations. Get to know one another.
• Thoroughly discuss expectations. Examples are: Who pays what and when? How will upkeep of the house be maintained? How will you share the kitchen? And who cooks?
• A time frame should be discussed. How long do you expect to live together? 
• A trial run might be a good idea. You can set up a period of time, say one month, where you can try it out before making a final decision. You'll need an alternative plan just in case it's a no go.
• Be honest, but full of grace. People don't always see eye-to-eye and if our roomies are getting under our skin we need to speak up, especially if it's about something we agreed on and they aren't holding up their end of the bargain. However, grace is essential. Don't strike out with words or with anything else for that matter. Work out a resolution in love.
• If there are pronounced differences in living styles it's imperative to talk through the issues that could come up. If one is a neat-nik and the other is a casual housekeeper, how are you going to overcome the contrasts? You might decide it's not a good match - listen to your gut.
• Respect one another. 
• Set up scheduled meetings for communication. If we know there will be opportunity to voice questions or differences we're less likely to avoid addressing them and thus avoid blow ups. 
• Agree on guidelines for your meetings, keeping honesty and respect as key components of discussions. We once shared our three bedroom home with my sister and her four children. There were seven children and three adults in 1400 square feet. Living quarters were tight. Meetings were essential. The kids loved being part of solutions and couldn't wait to voice their opinions and suggestions. Family meetings were generally fun and constructive.
• Pray. If you are believers together, then make sure to pray together.

No single plan works for everyone. The challenge is to find what works for you. 

I look forward to moving into a new home and being just Greg and I again. But I'll miss the close relationship I share here with family. I love being part of my daughter's, her husband's and my grandchildrens' lives. It has been a special blessing. 

I'd love to hear about your experiences. Do you have more tips to add to the list? I hope you'll share. We can all use a little help.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - Feather Clipping

Darkness enveloped the forest while wind and rain whipped the land. I approached a shadowed building, lay my hand on a cold metal clasp and slowly opened the door. It creaked on aging hinges . . . 

Am I writing a thriller? Nah. Just visiting the chicken house after dark. 

Some of our chickens like to fly over the fence. We've provided a large space for them to range so they don't need more freedom. And sometimes outside the fence there are marauders who like to kill chickens. So in order to protect the vagabonds we sometimes need to clip their wings. The best time is after dark when they can easily be lifted off the perch.

My daughter, her husband and my grandson and I went to work. We were gentle and soft spoken, but some of the hens got stirred up anyway, acting like they were about to be murdered. One hen in particular, a big fat sassy gal with gorgeous black and blue feathers started cackling loudly and ruffling up her feathers while doing her best to get free. I talked gently and held her for a few moments, but she kept right on cackling her head off. We all started laughing, even though I felt kind of sorry for her. Obviously she believed we were about to put an end to her.

After we'd finished and I was back inside and reading I got to thinking about that hen and how little she trusted us. We were there to help protect her. The clipping is not painful and it will help keep her safely inside the pen and away from predators. We knew that, but she didn't.

Sometimes I'm kind of like that hen. I like my comfort zone and I want to stay in it. When something comes along and rocks my comfortable boat I don't like it. Or if God closes a door on me I can get to cackling about it, certain calamity is coming upon me.

I know I'm not the only one who gets disgruntled when things seem to go wrong. Would I be right to say there are a lot of us who do that? And if the truth were told, we'd be a lot happier and live more peaceful lives if we stopped squawking and ruffling our feathers over unexpected circumstances and learned to trust God's wise perspective instead.

Maybe we can remind one another that God's not about to do us in when all He intends to do is a little feather clipping.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - Being Me

I've been absent for a while and I've missed you all. The holidays swept in and overwhelmed me. To be absolutely frank I've been exhausted. Anyone else worn out? I'm pretty sure part of the reason I'm so tired is because I've been trying to fill someone else's shoes - a pair that doesn't fit me.

Christmas wasn't just about work. I had a lot of fun too. However, I took on too much responsibility, a habit I've gotten into in recent years. The Lord has been speaking to me about my need to just be me - it really is okay. 

I've been reading a book called Becoming Myself. It's thought provoking to say the least. And the portion I was reading today went right along with the devotion I read as well. And then a scripture verse told me the same thing. I've learned that when I hear something three times from three different sources I'd best pay attention.

The devotion I read was from Streams in the Desert. It included a poignant story about a king and his garden. The garden is withered and dying. When questioned, each plant had given up on life because they weren't just like another plant. The oak tree wanted to stand tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine tree was distraught because it couldn't bear fruit like the grapevine. And the geranium was fretting because it didn't have the fragrance of the lilac.

The king came upon a small violet. It was vibrant and alive and when the king asked why it wasn't disheartened like the rest of the garden the little flower responded, "I know I'm small, yet I thought if you wanted an oak or a pine or a peach tree or even a lilac you would have planted one. Since I knew you wanted a violet, I'm determined to be the best little violet I can be." 

I envision that little violet dressed in its vivid colors and wearing a big smile as it stands up straight and bright, being everything it can be for the king. The violet has found joy and contentment in being just what it was intended to be.

I want to be like that, but I struggle. I sometimes find myself longing to be like someone else. I'd love to be tall and willowy, bending easily in the wind. Instead, I'm more like an oak. I'm broad, heavy-limbed and weathered. My limbs don't bend easily because I've had to stand my ground and strain against life's storms. 

Can I be content as an oak?

I'm confident God knew what He was doing when He created me. I'm also certain that he intends for me to grow and mature and even change, but I need to embrace the core of who I am; only then can I fulfill His purposes for me. 

I'm on a journey, searching for clarity and hoping to discover who me is. I will likely find things I don't like as well as some nice surprises. In the end I pray I am able to throw aside unreal expectations, guilt over false failures and be thankful that God created me to be an oak. 

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

A Baby Changes Everything

It is Christmas Eve. Every year I take time on this holy night to reflect and remember why there is Christmas.

In the midst of the all the Christmas preparations and hubbub it's easy to lose sight of what this day is all about. Emmanuel has come. God is with us. HE IS WITH US! How do we get our minds and hearts around this unbelievable gift?

What kind of love gives everything? God gave His only Son. He offered Himself. He came in the form of an infant, placed His life in the hands of a man and a woman. And then, ultimately, He sacrificed His life for ours.

My word for this year is Love. How precious it is to bow before the Lord and remember all that He has done. I long to know Him more deeply, more intimately, and to love, obey, and worship Him. If only I could walk every step with Him in mind, grateful for every breath, every moment, every opportunity. I pray my heart will be filled with the kind of love He offers us.

This Christmas, remember Him and . . . Rejoice.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

CHRISTMAS SPECIALS

Revell is offering two of my books for FREE on Kindle!

Just in time for Christmas.

The Heart of Thornton Creek.

When proper Bostonian Rebecca Williams follows handsome Australian Daniel Thornton to his family's Queensland cattle station, she's in for a few surprises. Daniel's father, Bertram, not only controls the prosperous ranch, but everything and everybody for miles around--including his son.

Will Rebecca adjust to the bullying, or will Bertram drive the young couple apart?

To Love Anew

Hannah Talbot has no one. Forced to leave the only home she's ever known, she works for a cruel employer who brutally takes the one thing she has left—her dignity. Defiled and facing the compounded shame of pregnancy, Hannah prays for the child’s death. When an ensuing miscarriage crushes her beneath a burden of guilt and shame, Hannah is certain her sin is too great for even a benevolent God to forgive.

John Bradshaw was a successful businessman whose untamed spirit sometimes wanted more. When he is betrayed by those closest to him, he loses everything—his wife, his business, even his freedom.

Then John and Hannah's paths cross aboard a ghastly, nineteenth-century prison ship en route to Australia. Can they find a way to keep hope alive and learn to trust the encompassing love of a merciful God?

And don't forget my new release by Ashberry Lane Publishing now available on Kindle.

The Journey of Eleven Moons.

A successful walrus hunt means Anna and her beloved Kinauquak will soon be joined in marriage. But before they can seal their promise to one another, a tsunami wipes their tribe from the rugged shore—everyone except Anna and her little sister, Iya, who are left alone to face the Alaskan wilderness.

A stranger, a Civil War veteran with golden hair and blue eyes, wanders the untamed Aleutian Islands. He offers help, but can Anna trust him or his God? And if she doesn’t, how will she and Iya survive?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Journey - In Touch With Community

My grandson Ezra is part of his school band. He's in the sixth grade, but this is his first year. He plays the trumpet and is doing really well. Grandpa and I are proud of his efforts. He's quite dedicated. 

A couple of months ago he announced that there was going to be a Christmas concert on December 18th. He's talked about it a lot, which means it's important to him.

Last night was the big night. Glide Elementary, Junior High and High School bands performed and so did the High School choir. I have to be honest - I wasn't excited about attending. I just wanted to stay home and rest. A book launch, Christmas shopping, extra shopping for my mom and house building have kept me busy. I'm tired. But I couldn't miss - this concert mattered too much to Ezra. So, my husband and I trudged out to the car and drove down to the school gym, and were not feeling exactly enthusiastic. I'm glad we didn't give in to our weariness, though, because the concert was exactly what we needed.

The performance was the highlight of my month. By the buzz of kids and parents I don't think we were the only ones who felt that way.

The fifth and sixth grade bands have a good deal to learn, but they put on a fine performance as did the junior high band. When the high school group started warming up, it was clear we were in for a treat. Wow! What a difference a few years and a good teacher make. They were really good! I was immediately uplifted and filled with the warmth of the Christmas season. To top off the evening there were toe tapping performances by the high school choir and some outstanding solos.

Last night wasn't just about being entertained. It was about being part of our community.

While listening, my heart and mind were filled with memories of years past. I watched Gale Graham, the band and choir teacher, raise his baton and lead the performers through the music selections. Almost immediately, I felt like part of a family. Back in the mid 1980's my own children began their musical journeys under Gale's leadership. Seeing him guide this new batch of kids warmed my heart. Ezra's already made it clear he thinks Mr. Graham is the best and he's hoping Gale will remain until he graduates from high school.

It was good to see and chat with friends and neighbors. Hugs, laughter, pats on the back and sharing tidbits from our lives reminded me how blessed I am to be part of this community. And it got me wondering about how I could do more to connect. Since my children have grown up I'm not involved like I once was, but I want to be. So, here are a few ideas I've had. Maybe you can add to them.

• Keep in touch with local groups via Facebook.
• Take part in activities.
• Volunteer at the food bank. 
• Offer to help at the school. 
• Attend school programs.
• Show up and cheer on our athletes at sporting events.

I'm sure there are lots of other ways to be involved. I'm definitely going to give it more thought. How about you? Our communities matter. There is so much opportunity to reach out to one another, to help or just be a friend. Let's see what each of us can do to be part of our community family.

I'd love to hear from you and learn more about what's happening in your town.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - Be Where He Is

The glow of candles seem to exhale quietness - peace - pondering. All things I've been too busy to do recently. 

November 15th my book, The Journey of Eleven Moons, released. Each time a new book launches I'm reminded of the enormity of work involved. It's fun, but always extremely time consuming. And I'm often faced with responsibilities that require me to dig down and find courage.

There's more than just the book release going on. There is a house to build with all the decisions and work that's required. My husband and I embrace and abhor the process.

And there is Christmas, which is fast approaching. I've been busier than usual this year because of family circumstances.

I skipped my devotion time this morning, just as I've done the last week. Finding myself longing for time with the Lord, I sat down tonight intent on Him. Oh how I've missed Him. I opened one of my favorite devotionals, Jesus Calling. As is often the case, God sent an arrow of conviction straight into my heart.

I love the entire devotion, but I will share only a little with you. "Let Me lead you step by step through this day. If your primary focus is on Me, you can walk along perilous paths without being afraid."

And then I went to a scripture from John 12:26. "Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me."

When I get too busy or distracted it is easy to feel lost. All my energy has been geared up for "the launch" of my book. I've been focused. Working hard. Staying busy. And . . . leaving God behind. 

The Lord says, "my servants must be where I am."  

How can I be where He is when my thoughts are on everything but Him? 

It's not just the book launch that has steered me off course. The busyness of the season has acted as a thief, robbing me of vision. It can lead us all astray where we forget to be where He is. It is destructive and surprising, especially at this time of year, which has been set aside to remind us of our precious Lord and His entrance into the world.

Enjoy the beauty and fun of Christmas but remember that without Christ there is no Christmas, there's only mas . . . and what is that?

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

THE JOURNEY OF ELEVEN MOONS GIVEAWAY WINNER!

What a great response to The Journey of Eleven Moons Giveaway. Thanks to everyone who entered and made this extra fun. I wish you all could win, but there can only be one winner. 

And that person is . . .

Laura Fay!

Congratulations!

THE JOURNEY OF ELEVEN MOONS - A Taste of the Adventure

Alaskan Territory
1868


Anna's hands stopped their rhythmic work of basket weaving and lay still in her lap as she gazed out at the frigid Bering Sea. Kinauquak had gone with the men, and this time he would be allowed to make a kill. Unable to concentrate, she looked around the circle of women.

     Alulak met her gaze.
     Under the old woman's scrutiny, Anna lowered her eyes.
     Alulak laughed and her eyes became half-moons, nearly disappearing into the folds of wrinkled, brown skin toughened from years of cold and wind. With a toothless grin, she boasted. "My grandson Kinauquak will return with a great walrus. Of this I am certain." Eyes bright with anticipation, she said, "Tonight we will feast."
     The other Aleut women grinned and nodded, hands never ceasing to weave the unyielding Aleutian grasses. Each occasionally looked up from her work to scan the empty sea. As always, they waited, anxious for the  men's return, not knowing if her loved one had perished or would come back a successful hunter.
     Yet this hunt was special. Custom dictated that when Kinauquak made his first kill, he would be counted among the men and ready to take a wife. Anna and Kinauquak hade been promised to each other while still children. Once they had played together, but that time was past. Now, as was customary and acceptable, they loved each other as adults.
     Still, Anna could not dwell in Kinauquak's hunt. Not until he came for her. Anna looked at her mother, Luba. "The men will come soon?"


The Journey of Eleven Moons is now available at http://www.amazon.com, http://www.barnesandnoble.com, http://smashwords.com, http://www.ashberrylane.com, and other online book distributors. 

If your local book store does not have a copy on hand, ask them to order one.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!