What on Earth???

"What else do I have in heaven but you?  Since I have you, what else could I want on earth?"

Psalm 73:25

In this life, the Lord has given me so many good things: parents who love each other and love and support me, a faithful and God-fearing husband, four amazing children, a church family to learn and grow with, a home with land for the kids to run, a pool, a beautiful camper...  The list could go on and on.  I don't know why the Lord has blessed me the way that He has, but I'm not complaining.  What else could I want on earth? 

Most of all, God gave me the gift of life through His Son Jesus Christ.  I am thankful to have the assurance of knowing that someday I will stand before God.  I will meet my Savior face to face and thank Him for all He has done for me and through me.  What else do I have in heaven but Jesus?

Double Edged Sword

"For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

Hebrews 4:12

     Since I have started this crazy road to publishing my first book, people have asked me why I write.  This verse pretty much sums up my purpose for writing.  I want to use my stories and my characters to show that God's Word, the Bible, is 'alive and active' in the world today.

     My own love for Scripture started when I was a little girl.  I used to see my dad reading his Bible every day.  The fact that he set aside time to study God's Word showed me how important he thought it was.  I would often see my dad, highlighter in hand, underlining specific verses that spoke to him.  I remember the time this observation got me into some trouble.  My parents had bought me a children's Bible.  One night, when my dad opened it to read me a story, he noticed different colored crayon marks covering much of the text.  Of course my dad got more than a little upset.  Why was I scribbling all over my Bible?  When he questioned me about it, I explained that I was just trying to be like him.  His frustration dissolved, and if I'm not mistaken, he seemed to be flattered and impressed at the same time.  I guess that goes to show that you never know what habits your kids are picking up by watching you.

     Flash forward many (many) years and I am proud to say that I have moved on from my children's Bible.  I am also proud to say that my Bible is still getting colored in.  I highlight verses that speak to me, draw pictures in the margin, and generally mark it all up.  I will never forget the look on Pastor's face when I opened my Bible to Hebrews chapter 10 and he saw the blood drops I had drawn all over it to remind me of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.  Jesus paid it all, right?  Anyway, I'm glad that my Bible gets put to good use.  I hold it close in times of trial.  I seek its wisdom when I need guidance.  I pray the Psalms when I want to praise God for all He is and all He does in my life.

     I am happy to be sharing my thoughts about scripture with you.  I hope after reading my posts and reading my books that you, dear reader, will also be able to say with confidence that the Word of God is alive and active.