The Baker's Dozen

   

    During the holiday seasons cookie recipes fly through cyber space and land in kitchens waiting to be mixed, baked, decorated and displayed. But only the kitchen-tested, most uniform, and perfectly baked will survive long enough to be presented to guests. The ones that are a little too brown around the edges or broken will be tossed or used to appease the appetites of those who could care less about the irregular appearance of the warm, tasty dough.
     Have you ever been in a church service on a day the congregation was “tested” for its compassion? You know the one. An unkempt man or woman enters and moves noticeably to the front pew as the congregation reacts. Some may stiffen with the awkwardness. Others may show downright indignation. More often than not, at least one tender soul will do exactly the right thing to welcome the person who is obviously in need of pastoral care and prayer and who, like the broken pastry, might otherwise be cast aside in favor of one more suitable.
     What about the more discreet differences. Perhaps the person standing next to me is more demonstrative in their worship than I. Or maybe I know the political bent of a fellow Bible Study class member, and I don’t feel it lines up correctly with scripture. A more timid or reserved attendee may come across as aloof or unfriendly, while someone with an outgoing personality who is ready to jump in and tackle any service project or need the church may have could intimidate a more laid-back approach to church life.
      Few of us would nestle comfortably into a “cookie cutter” form of Christianity. What would that look like anyway? Who would get to set the criteria for that batch of believers? Hopefully, not most of the original New Testament congregations:

“But to what shall I compare this generation? 

It is like children sitting in the market places, 

who call out to the other children, and say, 

’We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; 

we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’” 

(Matthew 11:16,17, NASB) 

     God’s personal messenger, John the Baptist, chosen to prepare the way for the Messiah, couldn’t even please them:

“For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’” 

(Matthew 11:18) 

     And how about those scruffy disciples? A reformed persecutor/murderer, tax collector, a doubter, even a spy-turned-betrayer (and his replacement) rounded out this Baker’s dozen. Not a great public offering from a worldly view.

“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 

'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, 

a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’” 

(Matthew 11:19, NASB) 

      Jesus didn’t fare any better than the others in the Pharisee’s eyes. It’s time for us to lose those cookie cutters and throw open the doors of our sanctuaries --- while we still can --- united and with the invitation that comes from the King of Kings. Thankfully, Jesus had His own standards for His church family imprinted on His nail-scarred, outstretched hands:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and humble in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls. 

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” 

(Matthew 11:28-30, NASB)

In Honor of My Mother

On April 19, 2013, my sweet mother, Goldie Opal (Anderson) McCall completed the family circle of her generation now residing in Heaven. What a glorious reunion that must have been, especially with her life-long sweetheart, our Dad. There are not enough superlatives to describe this amazing lady, but below is a previously posted tribute to the wonderful woman we called "Mom," "Grandma Goldie," and "Gogie."  

Bakin’ Bacon 

      I must disagree, at least somewhat, with the notion that “you can’t go home again.” Following my mother’s strokes, I lived under her roof, two or three days at a time, as my siblings and I rotated in 24/7 to care for her. Mother’s move to an assisted living facility came about six months later, and her special home setting was gone. 
      God gave us a precious time with Mother as she meticulously sorted through old Bibles, antique books, pictures, crochet patterns and other memorabilia and secured the things she wanted to keep with her. I found myself listening more closely to her advice and helpful household hints. I was blessed to have the 89-year-old hands of a master craftswoman patiently show me how to crochet and tat. 
     The simple housekeeping chores and putting three home-cooked meals on the table at regular intervals felt so natural in her home. The same activities in my home are sporadically wedged in among other priorities that are given much more importance than they deserve. 
     Mother’s gentle spirit filled each and every room, yet her dogged determination to work at regaining more mobility, inch by inch, was inspirational. She maintained her maternal presence as she accepted the major change that approached all too quickly. Her calm faith and resolve kept the emotions of each one of us intact. She set a very high standard of saying “good-bye” to a home she cherished and adapting to an entirely different lifestyle and surroundings. 
     Mother’s presence in her new home only added to the gracious atmosphere of the genteel residents who awaited her arrival. And, her recipe for cherry cream pie will someday join the delicacies introduced by new residents. 
     Have you ever baked bacon? It’s one of those wonderful helpful hints of Mother’s. Place the bacon strips in a loaf pan equipped with a drip pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Your house will smell wonderful and there are no greasy splatters. The bacon is tender and absolutely delicious. Believe me, the end results are worth the extra time. 

 “An excellent wife, who can find? 
For her worth is far above jewels. 

 Strength and dignity are her clothing, 
And she smiles at the future. 

She opens her mouth in wisdom, 
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 

 She looks well to the ways of her household,
 And does not eat the bread of idleness. 

Her children rise up and bless her; 
 Give her the product of her hands, 

And let her works praise her in the gates.” 

Proverbs 31:10, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 31 (NASB). 

 “Thank you, Lord, for blessing my life with the soft voice of this Christian woman I call “Mom.”

Treasures of the Heart

The heart has many treasures

That rest quietly within.

Not from earthly pleasures

But from joy that has no end.

The love of our Heavenly Father

Is expressed to us each day.

As we accept His eternal promise

Of the Life, the Truth and the Way.

Each day brings a different treasure

Sometimes in our greatest strife

But even in the face of sorrow

We rejoice in the gift of each life.

The treasures that await us in Heaven

Are being kept until our New Start

In the Kingdom filled with God’s glory

And eternal Treasures of the Heart.

Nancy K. Sullivan
12-30-95

A Home for Pheobe

    "A Home for Phoebe is an historical novel of an Indian woman and a young girl wandering the hills of the Hudson Valley during the mind 1800's. One flees prejudice, while the other yearns for a home. Through the friendship of a peddler, a blind granny, and blacksmith's family, they learn of forgiveness and faith."

Zeke the Peddler rides into A Softer Voice 

to introduce you to author 

Yvonne Beverly Blake:   

  

     Thanks for joinin' us today on the blog tour for A Home for Phoebe. Say “Howdy” to Yvonne Beverly Blake.  Without her, none of us would have much to say, if you get m’drift.

     This mother of eight young ‘uns writes from a heart that loves God. Her memories of livin’ in the country east of Albany, New York surely helped her paint the scenery and set the special stops in place for Phoebe, Maseppa, and Granny. I never woulda guessed she’d plop somebody like me right in the middle of her story, but here I am – Zeke, a peddler who jus’ happen to show up to rescue uh … well, never mind that. I sure don’t want to get carried away and tell you more than you wanna know before you get to read A Home for Phoebe.

     Miss Blake knows all about the Algonkin people and the way most folks lived in the early days of America, includin’ the hurtful prejudice so many people had to endure. An’ I guess bein’ a teacher and a mama makes it real natural like for her to write a book that kids and their mamas and daddys could all enjoy.

     Her love of writin’ poetry sure comes through in her story tellin’. She’ll take you right through the forest and have you breathin’ in all the sweet smells of the flowers and plants that God put there for healin’ people.

     Be sure to leave a comment below to let Miss Blake know you’d be proud to enter her contest for a free copy of A Home for Phoebe.

     I got Ol’ Sam hitched to my wagon so we’ll be movin’ along now. They’s folks along the way waitin’ for us to bring our gen’ral store on wheels. Giddy up, Sam. We’re runnin’ outa daylight.

  

LINK TO FULL SAIL BOOKS

http://fullsailbooks.com/a-home-for-phoebe-ebook-2-00-paperback-12-00/ 

LINK TO AMAZON

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Yvonne+Beverly+Blake 

LINK TO MY WEBSITE

http://www.yvonneblake.com  

LINK TO MY BLOG

http://mybackdoorministry.blogspot.com

LINK TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE

https://www.facebook.com/#!/YvonneBeverlyBlake
And on a personal note:
I just finished reading A Home for Phoebe and what an enjoyable journey to share with characters who feel like new family members. There are so many reasons to settle into
a world that we can only view through the eyes of ancestors or history books. Yvonne Beverly Blake weaves so much into her story of Phoebe and Maseppa. Her descriptions will transport you, educate you, and draw you into their lives and their individual quests. I can't wait to see what lies in their future in the sequel to A Home for Phoebe!  Nancy K. Sullivan

     

Stepping Stones to Glory

Three caves of destiny

A purpose for each one

Prepared in God’s own time

For the journey of His Son

The cave at Bethlehem

A manger carved from stone

Provided the Messiah

A bed to call His own.

The cave that had no door

Where His broken body lay

Beaten and all alone

Until the light of day

The cave inside a garden

Where prophecy was fulfilled

The stone was rolled away

An empty tomb revealed.

Carved and set in place

The caves would someday be

Landmarks of Jesus’ life

His Stepping Stones to Glory.    

©  2/16/08

Traditional Manger Site

Traditional House of Caiphus

Traditional Garden Tomb

Traditional Burial Site

Tangerine Morning by Rita Garcia

Tangerine Morning: Jezzica’s Story

Romance, mystery and family drama intertwine in the small town of Serenity Cove. 

The fictional town of Serenity Cove boasts of beautiful sunsets and roaring waves. Its characters are as varied as the stars that shine on its diamond crusted-sea. Shoreview Drive provides a scenic drive along the coast, although most residents simply call it the coastal road.

Serenity Cove is a contemporary town where people are still good neighbors and family and friends are an important part of everyday life. Where life is a step back in time, blending the best of both worlds. Even a town as wonderful as Serenity Cove has its villains...



Slip into paradise with Rita’s Inspirational Romance: Tangerine Morning, Jezzica's Story. Book Two of the Serenity Cove Series.




Jezzica Shaffer, a young widow, struggles in her relationship with Christ and with starting over. She moves to Serenity Cove and purchases the Sea Glass Bookshop on Main Street, in hopes of letting go of the past and moving forward with her life. 



Detective Zack Johnston, the first man her heart reacts to since her husband’s death, also represents a world that failed to bring her husband’s murderers to justice. The same criminals that now seek to harm Jezzica. 



Can Dr. Ellie Clarimonde help Jezzica find her way back to Christ and the freedom to love again?



“…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” ~Isaiah 40:31

Order your copy here and enjoy: 

http://www.ritagarcia.com

An Interview With Author Rita Garcia

I first met Dr. Rita Garcia at a Faithwriter's Conference about three years ago. Thanks to the blogging world and Facebook, Rita has become a very special friend. She's also one of my favorite authors. After reading Kaleidoscope Summer,the first of her Serenity Cove series, I was relieved that Tangerine Morning was readily available. Serenity Cove is a beautiful setting with characters who draw you into their lives and teach you much about the faith that Rita Garcia expresses through each of their life challenges. Her official interview follows:

Who is your biggest supporter?

My husband. My inspirational romance novels are so out of his preferred genre, but he reads each one. His love and encouragement really does keep me writing and pressing forward.

Your biggest critic?

It would be that little, and sometimes not-so-little—inner voice—that has me wanting to shred each novel. That same voice whispers doubts as I write the first page of a new novel. How will 250 words become 50,000 to 80,000 words? Then I get to the end and need to cut, tighten, and remove about 10,000 words.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

Oh, I hope so. I always want to be learning and growing as a writer; otherwise, my writing would stagnate. Sometimes it’s the most basic concepts that are easily overlooked—reminders are a good thing. So I not only enjoy, but find it a necessity, to search for and read books on writing.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

Does deep cleaning my house count? * smile * Seriously, by the time I finish polishing a novel I’m ready to kick back and relax. A night of music and dancing, preferably under the stars if it’s summer. Long lunches with friends, and lots of time with my children and grandchildren. And time on the shore—barefootin' in the sand has a way of refreshing my spirit and mind.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

As cliché as it may sound: God, family, and then writing. Properly aligned priorities are super-important, and can keep all the different facets of life working in harmony.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on the third novel of the Serenity Cove Series. Lavender Rain: Maggie’s Story. Maggie appears in Kaleidoscope Summer—the hero’s sister, and heroine’s best friend. Maggie also makes an appearance in the newly release, Tangerine Morning—Book two of the Serenity Cove novels. The most popular comment I receive from readers is, “I want to read Maggie’s story.” Lavender Rain: Maggie’s Story will be hot off the press May 2013!

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

There are many; but if I had to name just one, I would choose Lauraine Snelling. I have almost worn out the set of writing CDs that I purchased from her. First of all I really enjoy her books. And secondly, she is willing to share her writing journey, bumps, bruises and successes. Thank you, Lauraine. http://www.laurainesnelling.com

What is your favorite past-time?

Besides spending time with the man in my life, I enjoy creating cloth dolls. I made my first cloth doll when one of my daughters wanted a thirty-six inch Raggedy Ann doll. It was two days before her second birthday. I purchased a pattern and fabric then finished by adding the red yarn hair, the night before her big day. She loved her doll, and I fell in love with creating cloth dolls. The process of watching the dolls take on an almost life-like personality as the painted, or stitched facial features are added is truly magical. Even more precious is the beam in a child’s eyes as they hug their new softly stuffed friend.

Happy New Year, Friends ...

Photography by  http://midspix.wordpress.com/ 

"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,

Because he trusts in You.

Trust in the Lord forever,

For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock."

(Isaiah 26:3,4 NASB)

Wouldn’t it be nice to begin today with a fresh coat of paint covering over the undesirable events from 2012? To wake up to a portrait of smiling faces among the politicians – from both sides of the aisle that’s more like an abyss these days. To be engaged by co-workers, neighbors, relatives who may not agree with our stand on life-impacting issues but who respect our right to express and live out those convictions. To see careers blossoming after a long spell of unemployment. To see health in the eyes of loved ones who left suffering and weakness behind with 2012. To see innocence restored in the eyes of our school-aged children. 

But, January 1, 2013 is just a date signifying the beginning of a new calendar year. Challenges in our lives on December 31, 2012 are still challenges. Not insurmountable, but present. 

Thankfully, the Name above all Names was present today before we arrived at 12:01 AM. He’s the same today as He was yesterday and all the days past and present. The Alpha and Omega Who carried us through last year is just as loving, powerful and in control as we begin the next leg of our brief journey on planet earth.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything 

by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving 

let your requests be made known to God 

And the peace of God, 

which surpasses all comprehension, 

will guard your hearts and your minds 

in Christ Jesus.” 

(Philippians 4:6,7 NASB) 

We can choose to make this a very happy and new year.