Crossroads

One of my Facebook friends posted the following quote on her page this morning:

"Not often, but every once in a while, God brings us to a major turning point--a great crossroads in our life. From that point on we either go toward a more slow, lazy, and useless Christian life, or we become more and more on fire, giving our utmost for His highest--our best for His glory!" Oswald Chambers

2011 was a crossroads year in my life. A major turning point. When 2011 began I had no idea I would be retired by the end of the year, or my book would be published. The first crossroad was to happen in 2014, and the second crossroad had been a forgotten dream that wouldn't take place.

I know these two crossroads came from God because my heart was calm and at rest as they unfolded. Astonishing, but believable.

Now, where will these two crossroads take me. It's kind of scary. Will I have to take a part-time job to make ends meet? Will our plans for an enjoyable retirement be changed? Do I have the courage to self promote my book? Will I survive book signings and events?

Will I become slow, lazy and useless for Christ? Or will I burn brightly for His glory? The passion God gave me for note writing is still strong. Just this morning I penned a note, and after writing it I asked God: "Where did those words come from?" "How do you do that God?"

I believe so strongly in this gift God has given me. How I long to awaken other's to this incredible ministry of encouraging through note writing . . . or encouraging through any avenue God gives you.

Yes, along the path there are crossroads. You've probably had a few already. Let it light your fire to whatever God has given you to do. Do it with all your might. Do it with a humble heart. Do it because you love Christ.

Crossroads. The dictionary put it this way: "a crucial point." Dare to take the high road. The only road. Christ's road.

Another Anniversary

Jerry and I were in the Christmas spirit as we celebrated our 26th anniversary at the Country Cupboard in Lewisburg, PA on the 14th. Good food, good shopping and good scenery! Good marriage too!

NOTEworthy Card Creations

Snaps from the notewriter are now for sale! As I continue to enhance my blog to coincide with the publishing of my book, I have created a new page for note cards. You won't find it professional in design, but you will find sincere effort to create something of value.

As I make my way through the ocean of "blogging," I know it will take awhile for me to learn all there is to know. My first steps are baby sets. As time passes I hope to improve the pages.

Creating note cards is just as important to me as writing encouraging notes. I get to share God's creation from my serendipity moments of picture taking for others to enjoy.

Take a moment to click on "NOTEworthy Card Creations" and enjoy your visit!

Biblical Alphabet

A friend sent the following in her Christmas card. I had not seen this before.

Biblical Alphabet

Although things are not perfect
B ecause of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life with His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts ot thee
Move out of Camp Complaining'
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To 'thank' is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xaulting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but ...
Zion waits in glory ... where none are ever sad! Unknown

Published!

I'd been working on my blog all afternoon to enhance it for the publishing of my book. I made some changes in design, but haven't tweaked it quite right yet. I took a breather and thought I'd check around some just to see if my book had been released anywhere yet. I was pleasantly surprised to find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as the Inspiring Voices website!

I'm still waiting for my first copy to arrive. But you can order it now! What a dream come true!

The Old Hymnal

In my church on Sunday mornings there is an old friend that now sits undisturbed, unused. The hymnal seems to have been passed over for a new age and new ideas.

Eyes now look at a screen up front where words are displayed, four lines at a time. To me, it's so bare. Once the words are sung, they disappear for another four lines of words, and so on through the song. You don't get to see an entire verse in its whole, or dwell on the words because they are soon forgotten.

There is one who still holds the hymnal in her hands and delights in singing by looking at the words and music. Me. So many hymns build the gospel story as they go through the verses. I get much satisfaction being able to see the entire hymn in front of me so that I can dwell on the words as I sing.


The words don't disappear in a blink of the eye. The story unfolds before me and the meaning understood. Seeing the musical notes with the words adds to my enjoyment of the entire hymn. I cherish the book that speaks of Jesus and tells His story for all to know.

I was given a very special hymnal during my career with the Baptist Convention. I was honored to work with a man of music, a master of song and story. Dee Solomon was a perfect example of a man filled with God's word and gifted with His music, and Dee did what he could so others may know the love of Christ.

Dee's hand was in the creation of "The Baptist Hymnal for Home & Family." When I learned of this I told him I was going to purchase a copy for a special remembrance of his work. To my surprise and delight, Dee presented me with a copy and wrote the following lovely words on the front page. Below is his note, followed with the words typed.



"In deep appreciation for your friendship and whose life is truly symphonic, influencing all with its soft moments, many themes that develops into beautiful melodies, varied rhythms to meet the demand of the day. Thank you for your encouragement and constant caring. May the words and music of this hymnal be the source of inspiration for life's journey."

He truly encouraged the encourager.

In the book "Amazing Grace ... Inspiring Hymn Stories" Kenneth W. Osbeck shares this thought about the hymnal: "The church hymnal, a most important heritage of the Christian church, is one of the finest collections of man's thoughts and feelings about God."

I also like these words from an unknown author: "Hymns breathe the praise of saints, The vision of the prophets, The prayers of the penitent and the spirit of the martyrs. They bring solace to the sad, Assurance to the perplexed, Faith to the doubter and comfort to the oppressed. They span the centuries of history and bridge the barriers of denominations. Study them to be pure in heart; Sing them to be joyful in spirit, Store them in the mind to possess a treasury of worship." I do that best with hymnal in hand.

Some may think it easier to provide the words on a screen for people to sing. But, I ask, does it capture the heart of those singing or are the words forgotten to read the next line.

For reasons unknown to me, I've always been a loner, not following the crowd, standing alone. I guess I still am. I may be the last person standing who holds a hymnal in her hands, but I will cherish the book, where faithful men and women of old told God's story through their life for Christ. The old hymnal is my friend.

Soaring with Eagles

The other week my friend Cindy and I went to Conowingo Dam up in Harford County. Cindy had been following the eagles on the web, and November is a good time to get some snaps. I like the snap above because of the entire scene. The fall color with the eagle flying was neat!

I'm thinking we may have seen 10 to 12 eagles at different times. What an experience! I've only been fortunate to see one, may two, eagles, both at Blackwater Refuge in Cambridge.

It was a beautiful fall day, temperature warm (5 degrees warmer would have been nice) and the eagles were providing us with opportunities to snap away!

I didn't expect any great snaps with my little camera. I was hoping for some good snaps that I could enjoy. There were 8 to 10 folks with those thousand dollars lenses, but I wasn't intimidated. One older fella was looking out for me, pointing out eagles in trees.


The snap above actually had three eagles roosting, but I only managed to get two in the picture. But I was indeed happy! The snap below, only one eagle was resting for awhile.


Yes, I was soaring with the eagles and it was an exuberant feeling! Just as it says in Isaiah 40:31: "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles ..." The snap below is the best close up I got!