A Courageous, Forthright, Heartrendingly Joyful Truth-teller Speaks!

As someone whose life has been focused on working in recovery, first within the medical system, and the last 26 years within LAMB Ministers (a work born of faith in the healing balm of God’s Word and prayer), I have never read anything so real, so riveting, so compelling as this small book. From the moment I began, I realized that author Rhonda Patton's goal in sharing her journey from fright to light, from house bound to breaking free, from agony to peace in Christ was written for only one purpose, which we read in James 5:16, "...The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective," which is her heart cry so simply said, and I paraphrase. "That you would not have to go through what she did."

I echo her concern and truly hope that no matter whether you think your troubles or you are of no account, reading this book can begin your person journey to freedom. http://amzn.to/1cuA1rm

 

About the Author

A Shreveport resident, mother, wife, and daughter, Rhonda Patton is a dear friend. She has a wonderful husband who illustrated the Ted and Raymond Series of children's books and co-wrote the Searching for the Unknown and Spirits of ChesterVille General Store. Beginning with the release of her first Ted and Raymond book "The Croak 500" in 2000, Rhonda continues to inspire kids to be their very best when things may go awry by showing them that life has bumps. 

In "5 Days Free from Depression, Anxiety and Panic Attacks", Rhonda Patton shows us another side of herself. Having read this slim volume in one hour, I can attest that this caring mom, who lives a life centered on Christ pulls no punches when she shares how she got stuck and how the prayer of believes freed her. If you are searching for answers this is the book for YOU because this mom, and author who writes to show kids a better way is now showing those who are trapped like she was that the only way is through Christ! 

My 5 Star Review of 'C' Through Marriage by Jim Hughes

Written in the latter stages of Pastor Jim Hughes' ministry and 40 years after he married his wife, this informative book was compiled from Jim's notes on things he observed and the life lessons he found in them.

A firm believer in order and common sense, Jim's book shows us how to get back to the basics that have worked for many generations of married couples. Backed by the Word of God, this book will bless those planning  to wed, those who are married, and couples who have been married for years. 

Within the pages we 'C' all the things that can go wrong in marriage, and how living a biblically based life helps us celebrate the challenges. I would put it on my 'must gift list' for any who wish to develop a loving biblical relationship.  http://amzn.to/1broUuF

A More Deeply Researched Fiction: The Luck of the Weissensteiners

Before I begin my 5 star review of this book, I must share that as a Jew, I not only read "The Diary of Anne Frank," but had the unique opportunity to hear Mr. Frank speak about those days, and buy this timeless classic from him while he was in Los Angles during the filming of this movie. I thought I had read and understood the pre-war effects on the Jews and the hidden, and sometimes not so hidden Anti-Semitisim. Yet within  the first few chapters, I realized that Christoph Fisher's historic fiction, "The Luck of the Weissensteiners" was more deeply researched than any other fiction, and there have been hundreds, that I have read on this time period.  

Until I read this book, I could not fathom, with Anti-Semitisim a prevailing reality, how Jews and non-Jews could ever wed, and the horror that ensued when a spouse chose to dissolve that union and everything tainted by it to survive. Within this touching story I found the answer and experienced a reality I hadn't since I read Anne Frank's book. 

Today we hear about atrocities throughout the world. Yet statesmen seem to want to perpetuate the myth that doing nothing is really doing something. While reading this heartbreaking story of love, fear, prejudice, and betrayal without the usual stereotypes predictable situations, I was reminded that this is what happens when good people turn their back.

This fiction was a wake-up call, for when a President and Congress look at the dollars and cents of intervention instead of the inhumanity of what is concurring, and I read a historical fiction shows us that today's issues become tomorrow's  history, a new standard for writers to aspire to has been achieved, all I can say is, "Well done, Christop Fisher!"  http://amzn.to/1cXQm7Q

About the Author

Christoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he is still resident today. ‘The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; 'Sebastian' in May 2013 and The Black Eagle Inn in October 2013. He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalization.

http://www.facebook.com/WriterChristophFischer?ref=hl

http://www.christophfischerbooks.com/

http://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590171.Christoph_Fischer

http://www.amazon.com/Christoph-Fischer/e/B00CLO9VMQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

The Height of Possibilities, the Breath of Fear, a Crucible of Becoming! My 5 Star Review!

Captivated by author, Julia Gousseva’s ability to paint pictures that materialized in my mind, images of Moscow Dreams will forever be part of my internal landscape. Nowhere before had, I read, "Sunshine squeezed in between buildings." As an author it had never occurred to me that a summer rain could come on so suddenly that one could see, "... raindrops racing each other other to the ground." This wordsmiths ability to write about the ordinary transcends the experience making this a thoroughly unique read!

Dr. Gousseva continued to demonstrate her mastery of historical fiction with layers of both generational personal and national history woven through the longing of 14 year old, Marina who lives though the fall of the Soviet Union and all that ensues. Juxtaposing what is known with what came before, and the unknown the author shows us the height of possibilities, the breath of fear, a crucible of becoming that each character and every person faces. It is said that for every fiction to succeed the tension must build. Moscow Dreams does this and much, much more! Those looking for an amazing read will be enthralled!

Author Julia Gousseva teaches a college creative writing class online. That she has a breath of knowledge many would love to acquire is a fact, yet she continues to hone her craft, which shows her dedication  to always learn more. 

On a personal note, as I read this thought provoking novel, I found myself thinking about the changes occurring here  that many are not in favor of. I remembered the Passover we celebrated in the spring of 1991 with a family of Russian Jews who, due to the fall of the Union of  Soviet Soviet Socialist  Republics (USSR) had finally been allowed to immigrate to America.  Speaking with them, I realized that what we took for granted, they had never done for fear of being discovered.  Due to this, it is with a happy heart that I say, "Thank you, Dr. Julia Gousseva for showing us that dreams can survive. And lastly, bless you for illuminating the human condition!"  http://amzn.to/1gJ7IJ6! 

A Historical Book Researched to the Nines! My 5* Review of Evelyn's Anxious Bench

Evelyn's Anxious Bench by Allison Kohn

For lovers of historic fiction researched to the nine's "Evelyn's Anxious Bench" takes the reader on a unique journey as the Jonathan Baker's family, used to being waited on hand and foot makes the difficult journey from Maryland through the Oregon Trail to finally arrive in the Willamette Valley without the assistance of those slaves who made life, according to Evelyn, "Bearable." Author, Allison Kohn has wisely set this tail in a primitive and demanding land, and juxtaposed what the sojourners are used to, with what they need to learn to survive. Upon this canvas, we discover that the lessons presented to this clan are the very ones we in the 21st century would be wise to learn from. "Can fiction teach us how to make our life better?" you might ask. My resounding answer is, "In this case absolutely!" Walk in the shoes of these erstwhile pioneers who press on because the head of the family insists they do and see what befalls them as they travel the Bear River. The passage is so well written that for a moment, I heard the roar and smelled the fragrant air.

For those armchair pioneers, for those who long to go but fear losing the comforts of home and hearth, a harrowing journey awaits replete with history, and the bonding together through loss of comfort to the building a new life and town in the west. You'll experience the hardships, feel the loss of loved ones, and experience the pain and suffering that were daily occurrences in the 1800's. And hopefully, you'll come away from this novel thanking God, or your lucky star that you live in this century rather than that one. I do believe once you've read the last word, you'll find yourself rejoicing in the journey, glad to be safely at home, yet well aware that the read has equipped you to continue here better equipped than you were before because this fiction is much more than that! Thank you, Allison Kohn for using this story to show us more than we ever expected. http://amzn.to/1jlhrqT

About the Author

For those who like to know about the author, I must share that Allison Kohn has no author page on Amazon. Having known the author for some time now, I can tell you that this is not an oversight on her part, but, I believe due to her desire for you enjoy the work of the avid researcher and gifted author whose attention to detail insures the reader of a fascinating trip into the historical past.

Lovers of historical fiction will enjoy the other Baker Saga Books: Day by Day, Angles, Eagles and Fire, and Deep Trouble, which complete this historical journey.   

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The Naomi Chronicles

Beginning Anew

By

Paula Rose Michelson
at http://bit.ly/I2b5M2

****

Naomi and Chaz know miracles really do happen for at a friend’s wedding they reaffirmed their love and are Beginning Anew! Yet there are consequences that the couple must face.

Will Chaz love and protect his wife?

Will Naomi learn to trust Chaz?

Find out in the first novel of Paula Rose Michelson’s four-book saga The Naomi Chronicles

****
This book will be released February 1^st 2014 with a blast.

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If you chose to review the book you will earn a second entry. 

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A Tender Affirming Must Read! My 5* review of “Sugar’s Dance” by Katie Mettner

Every so often I read a book that makes me think, "I wish I had written that!" As an author, always hoping to hone my craft and enjoy a good read, reading Katie Mettner's book brought me to tears, made me laugh, and affirmed that home, family, and love are gifts from God having more to do with heart-ties than family. So if you want to discover how to overcome and move on, if you need to set aside what hurt so you can heal and find the person who's your home, this story will do all that and much, much more! I've already downloaded the second book in this amazing series! Though I have other books to read, I'll start this one now cause I can't wait to find out what happens next to Sugar, Van and all the other people in Sugars life! http://amzn.to/1d4N9B7

Meet Katie Mettner

Katie Mettner grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and moved to the Northwoods where she now resides with her husband and three children. As a young adult Katie enjoyed ballroom dancing and like Sugar she didn’t let her physical limitations hold her back from what she loved. Katie writes The Sugar Series, Sugar’s Dance and Sugar’s Song, a Christian romance series. Her stories are a reflection of her love for family intricately woven with life experience. When the gales of November blow early you can find her at the computer with a cup of joe, listening to Michael Bublé and working on Sugar's Night.

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The Naomi Chronicles

Beginning Anew

by Paula Rose Michelson
at: http://bit.ly/I2b5M2

***

Naomi and Chaz know that miracles really do happen for at a friend’s wedding they reaffirmed their love and are Beginning Anew! Yet there are consequences that the couple must face. Will Chaz love and protect his wife? Will Naomi learn to trust Chaz? Find out in the first novel of Paula Rose Michelson’s four-book saga e Naomi Chronicles.

***

This book will be released February 1st 2014 with a blast.

Sign up to join the blast and for an entry on the Rafflecopter. If you choose to review the book you will earn a second entry.

My 5* Review of "En Garde" An E-Ticket Read/Ride Written in the Steampunk Tradition!

A valiant swordsmen sauntering forth to battle in the weapons bay that seems like something snatched from an English hamlet of Robin Hoods day melded with the highest-teck Star Trek Ship. A fair damsel, a healer, light sabers, names of great literary characters sprinkled throughout that makes one wonder if they’ve stepped into Alice in Wonderland or entered the fifth or maybe the sixth dimension. Words oddly chosen setting ones teeth on edge illustrate the juxtaposition of why illuminating the tension between what we know and don’t in this amazing melee where confusion grabs the reader and pulls them into this otherworldly tail.

Hamburger Fry (the authors name is itself a pseudonym) takes his reader on a quest and, like the Cyrano of old and the one we meet in this book, you’ll have to take the journey of overlapping realities, or is it really fiction, ‘Nay! I think Steampunk Science Fiction!’ to discover what is really real! http://amzn.to/ITlHOv

My 5* Review of Evelyn's Anxious Bench by Allison Kohn

For lovers of historic fiction researched to the nine's "Evelyn's Anxious Bench" takes the reader on a unique journey as the Jonathan Baker's family, used to being waited on hand and foot makes the difficult journey from Maryland through the Oregon Trail to finally arrive in the Willamette Valley without the assistance of those slaves who made life, according to Evelyn, "Bearable." Author, Allison Kohn has wisely set this tail in a primitive and demanding land, and juxtaposed what the sojourners are used to, with what they need to learn to survive. Upon this canvas, we discover that the lessons presented to this clan are the very ones we in the 21st century would be wise to learn from. "Can fiction teach us how to make our life better?" you might ask. My resounding answer is, "In this case absolutely!" Walk in the shoes of these erstwhile pioneers who press on because the head of the family insists they do and see what befalls them as they travel the Bear River. The passage is so well written that for a moment, I heard the roar and smelled the fragrant air.

For those armchair pioneers, for those who long to go but fear losing the comforts of home and hearth, a harrowing journey awaits replete with history, and the bonding together through loss of comfort to the building a new life and town in the west. You'll experience the hardships, feel the loss of loved ones, and experience the pain and suffering that were daily occurrences in the 1800's. And hopefully, you'll come away from this novel thanking God, or your lucky star that you live in this century rather than that one. I do believe once you've read the last word, you'll find yourself rejoicing in the journey, glad to be safely at home, yet well aware that the read has equipped you to continue here better equipped than you were before because this fiction is much more than that! Thank you, Allison Kohn for using this story to show us more than we ever expected. http://www.amazon.com/Evelyns-Anxious-Bench-Family-ebook/dp/B00C54UPKO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1379997071&sr=1-1&keywords=Evelyn%27s+anxious+bench

Release Blast Beginning Anew Sign Up Open Now

Sign up open for the release of…

The Naomi Chronicles

Beginning Anew

By

Paula Rose Michelson
at http://bit.ly/I2b5M2

****

Naomi and Chaz know miracles really do happen for at a friend’s wedding they reaffirmed their love and are Beginning Anew! Yet there are consequences that the couple must face.

Will Chaz love and protect his wife?

Will Naomi learn to trust Chaz?

Find out in the first novel of Paula Rose Michelson’s four-book saga The Naomi Chronicles

****
This book will be released February 1^st 2014 with a blast.

Sign up to join the blast and for an entry on the Rafflecopter. 

If you chose to review the book you will earn a second entry. 

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Written by a Child to Give Toys to Tots! by Paula Rose Micheson

My Review of Serenity's Heart 

Written when the author was 10 years old, Serenity's Heart will capture yours! Within the pages you will meet Serenity's parents who have a wish to make there your daughters dream come true. This small book gives us a glimpse into this child's and families life affirming values that create a loving reality for all. An endearing read, I loved it when Serenity stops what she is doing to talk to her reader!

Since it is unusual for a young child to write and have a book published, I did a little investigating and discovered that last year Kathy Jean cleaned houses so she'd be able to have money to buy toys for needy kids. This year, she's written this book, which she hopes you will buy so she can give many more toys next year than all the other years combined! http://amzn.to/1caC96Z

Meet Author Kathy-Jean Bagley 

Kathy-Jean Bagley (now twelve years old) was ten when she wrote her story about Serenity's Heart and how thrilled she would be to go to a talent show in New York City.  A competitive little girl with a huge imagination, Kathy-Jean is a homeschooled, curious child ready to take on anything that interests her.

Kathy-Jean is also very kind and tender-hearted and compassionate toward other people and their problems. All her young life she has been especially concerned about children that are under-privileged and has pledged a great portion of her little book sales toward them. She does chores and various tasks at times for family and neighbors to help them and to be able to help under-privileged. She's already filling up the Toys for Tot box.

My 5* Bravo, Joyce Mitchell Book Review! by Paula Rose Michelson

Bravo, Joyce Mitchell for this masterfully written thought provoking work, which I recommend to all! Using impressionable teenagers this drama is filled with passion, compassion, a heroine, a hero, and shows us the confusion many believers face about whether or not their salvation was really real. Through her fiction, the author shows us the paradox of the Christian faith as each teen grapples with the questions of doubt, fear and faith concerning this issue.

Neither preachy or teachy, the author sets the stage for us to choose to self-examine, pray, beseech, rejoice, praise, or...  http://amzn.to/IesP6R

About Author Joyce Mitchell

Joyce Mitchell has written several books for both children and adults. She is creative and unique in that she draws the reader into the scenes of each page, through her detailed descriptions of her books' settings. She has a goal of expressing the things that matter most in life and wants her books to be an inspiration to all, to enjoy to its fullest and to bring awareness of how important God should be in everyone's life.

As a Christian, she desires that all of her work would draw young and old to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. She lives with her husband in west central Georgia. She has two children and three grandchildren. She spends most of her time in writing children's books and enjoys working on projects for the underprivileged children.

Her debut novel, Unheard Cries: Rock Store Rebel won 5-stars from Readers Favorite. Also, Hope received 5-stars from Readers Favorite and several books received 4-stars.

Some of her works include: Rock Store Rebel, Smell of Resin, Petals from the Past, The Fishy Adventures of Gus, Toby and TooToo (1 - 4)., Booger Bottoms, Maggie Maypop, Harmon Hollow, TooToo Goes on a Field Trip, Dink and Daisy, Hope, Just Little Old Me, Selfish Little Bob, Selfish No More, Snowman's 'Noggin and Neck' Award and Thanks Lil Ren.

Sign up to join the February 1, 2014 Blast

Sign up open for the release of…

The Naomi Chronicles

Beginning Anew

By

Paula Rose Michelson

***

*** 

Naomi and Chaz know miracles really do happen

for at a friend’s wedding they reaffirmed

Their love and are Beginning Anew! Yet there are

consequences that the couple must face. Will Chaz

love and protect his wife? Will Naomi learn to trust Chaz?

Find out in the first novel of Paula Rose

Michelson’s four-book saga The Naomi Chronicles

 ***

This book will be released February 1^st 2014 with a blast.

Sign up to join the blast and for an entry on the Rafflecopter. 

If you chose to review the book you will earn a second entry. 

Sign up here: http://bit.ly/I2b5M2 

My 5 star review of Anessia's Quest by Karen Arnpriester

I would have given Karen Arniriester's first novel 7*******stars because she wrote about real life issues with sensitively, conviction, and love! Exposing our nations discarded children; institutionalized, chemically depended, victims of violence, and or abandonment, unloved, emotionally scared, this author shows us how kindness and knowing Christ can heal. Throughout the novel, I reached for Kleenex, which for me seemed odd, since I had interned and worked in the settings she wrote about.

I believe this book was not written so we could peer into the less fortunate lives, but so we could each, while reading this life affirming story, realize that God uses broken people who know Him to help others.

Throughout the story I found myself wondering who Anessia was and why her quest should matter to me. After reading about the difference one discarded child made....I discovered who Anessia was, and I praised God for in this novel the author shows us that each of us can become more that we every though or imagined if....

This is a MUST READ! People affirming? Yes! God affirming...Absolutely!

http://www.amazon.com/Anessias-Quest-Karen-Arnpriester-ebook/dp/B004MPRA52/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384835897&sr=8-1&keywords=anessia%27s+quest+kindle

Anessia's Quest YouTube Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUKRE_B9YFo Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1456504363/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

About The Author

Karen Arnpriester is a creative, passionate and adventuresome woman. She raised her two children, currently enjoys her seven grandchildren and is now adopting her two foster daughters, eight and sixteen. Her faith in God is strong and she believes that we are Christ’s hands, feet, arms and wallet. This has translated into her involvement in youth ministries, local women’s shelter, street ministry, the elderly, as well as many other outreaches over the years. Karen and her husband, Don, have opened their home on many occasions to single moms and their children, allowing them to get a fresh start. 

This author wants her writing to inspire, encourage and take the reader to a place where they can evaluate their beliefs and discover who God is in their life. When asked why she limits herself to Christian fiction, she simply explains that it is where her heart is. There is a lot of empty entertainment available and if she commits her precious time to writing, it needs to be of value and have God’s ultimate purpose in mind, bringing his children home to him. Karen welcomes God’s influence in her writing and prays that she is fulfilling His destiny for her life. 

Karen has written two Christian fiction novels. She is the owner of Karen's Koncepts, graphic design. She loves to assist new authors with covers, book layout and marketing tools, and has designed her own covers and her trailers. Please check out her websites:  www.anessiasquest.com and www.raidersvendetta.com to view trailers read reviews and download the first twelve chapters of each novel.

My Review of Stella's Plea by R.A. Giggie

A Great Emotionally Charged Ride! A hard to put down great read! R.A. Giggie has given us an intense personal journey of loss, isolation, faith, and restoration. This novel should be a movie. I suggest you set aside a day and read this book from beginning to end because it’s that good!

http://www.amazon.com/Stellas-Plea-R-A-Giggie-ebook/dp/B00ANURJJ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384701509&sr=8-1&keywords=Stella%27s+Plea

For the Vet’s Least We Forget!

Remembering that our vets need us to care about them everyday, when I saw Neil Bowers post the message and poem you're about to read on Facebook to commmeriate On November 11, 2013 my dear friend, Neil Bowers posted this on Facebook:

"On behalf of all of us who served or are serving in the military, let me say, “Thank You” for the outpouring of love and support today. Should you have an opportunity to help a vet in a practical way, please do it. Many returning vet’s are jobless or homeless. Around 16% of the homeless population in this country is veterans. And thanks to untreated or insufficiently treated PTSD among returning combat veterans, we are seeing suicide rated averaging 22 vets per day, one approximately every 65 minutes.

Invisible Wounds

by Neil Stirling Bowers

Some “déjà vu” or sight or sound

Has caused my heart to race;

My mouth is dry; I’m drenched in sweat,

In a crowded public place.

Thinks these eyes have seen, Dear Lord,

Give birth to nameless fears;

Grim scenes replay, sleep flees away

From eyes now filled with tears.

My friend with scars for all to see

Might have the simpler part;

Most folk, though kind, just can’t relate

To wounds upon the heart.

The things these eyes have seen, Dear Lord,

Man’s eyes weren’t mean to see,

So as you sooth the nations pain,

Dear Lord, remember me.

(Dedicated to a friend with combat-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Neil Stirling Bowers, © 2013"

Veterans Day by Paula Rose Michelson

This post appeared 11-11-13, but was deleted. I've reposited now and hope you'll read I after you read the new post which you'll find above this one. Thanks!!

Remembering all that has been done to keep us free, 

The blood that was shed to protect those who lived in other countries, 

The men and women who sacrificed all,

So we could remain true to the vision of our Founding Fathers call, 

I find myself saddened more than I thought I would ever be,

Because the America I knew,

Is slipping away from me.

I wonder how much longer we can go on,

When the politically correct agenda uses 'love speak' to undo all that was done,

We were the 'Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave,'

Where nothing was handed to anyone,

But opportunity 'that great equalizer' of everyone who came,

Gave each person a chance,

To respond to freedoms call,

To strive…to become.

Now we are told we must have 'Fairness' in our land,

Yet each person is different,

And it is our differences that made this nation 'Grand.'

Watch out for those who want you to be like everyone else.

For when people are all the same, no one matters,

Because sameness breeds contempt, 

People are interchangeable,

A great nation cannot long survive the mediocrity of sameness,

Where there is no personal drive to overcome,

To make a mark, to find the answers to questions others have not asked.

If you are reading this and it sounds like nonsense to you,

Hurry while there is still time for you to become the person you were meant to be,

Before you yield your life to someone else's ideal,

There is still time for you to discover what is really real,

And when you do please speak up because we need your voice,

For when many individuals who chose to find a way,

To come together in peace and accord things can be resolved, restored,

So on this Veterans Day,

Please join me as I pray that this 'Nation under God' find its way.

Amen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_WpxrmQ4M8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_WpxrmQ4M8

Praising God for Praise! by Paula Rose Michelson

All who write hope...dream, and if they are believers, pray that what they write will strike a cord in the readers heart. A cord that resonates with the harmony of the Gospels that show us who Messiah is, what He accomplished, thus drawing them closer to our Kinsman Redeemer. Today, that joy is mine! So I am posting Neil Bowers response to my previous post titled "Your Candle" and even as I am preparing to do so, my heart is rejoicing. Please, as you read what Neil wrote, think about the writers and authors whose work has blessed you, then do as Neil did, and leave them a note. 

"This poem is beautifully written, Paula. I especially liked the part about it perhaps taking a lifetime for Him to make us a vessel worthy to fill. It reminds me of 2nd Timothy 2:20-21, where the Apostle Paul reminds us: “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor  sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." A bucket is a vessel. A Ming vase is a vessel. Both may belong to the same master, and both may serve a purpose in his household. Both are useful, but one is clearly a vessel unto honor. Being used of our Master is reward enough in itself, but if I get to choose which sort of vessel I'll be, (and it sounds like we do,) I would like to be a “vessel unto honor." Not that the “honor" is like a status thing for us, but it would be nice to be someone God could use for a special purpose, and to have been specially prepared by Him for just that thing. A purpose special enough to justify our life, a worthy thing. But anything He has hand-picked for us, (He who knows us better than anyone else knows us,) will be better for us than anything we might pick for ourselves. Thank you, Paula. I like where this line of thinking is going, and I think I'll stay here a while. Thank you for the beauty of this reminder. And Mr. Goetz' song seems to go along in the same vein, too, sanctification sought for and desired out of love for the Master. Beautiful!"

As a special thank you to Neil Bowers, and for those of you who like Messianic music, today I have posted a song by Paul Wilbur, which I heard in my heart as I read Neil's words. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9P5q_xo2a0

Your Candle by Paula Rose Michelson

This poem was written in 1999 because I was the key speaker at a Women's Retreat which began on Friday night. Aware that I would share my testimony, I started by lighting the Shabbat candles and then recited the Jewish Shabbat prayer while lighting the Sabbath candles. Then looking at the ladies I called each of them to develop a personal closeness with Messiah (Jesus), so He could  create within each of them a wonderful refection of Himself that all would see. On this Friday Er of Shabbat as you read what I wrote, I pray that Messiah is continually calling you to reflect Him too.

Your Candle 

Each of us has a special spark inside,

That needs to be lit and share with pride.

Not pride in who we are or what we do,

But pride in our Messiah who made our life new.

For just as these candles were shaped by a mold,

God has designed us in a way that is wonderful to behold!

It may take a lifetime to learn to yield our will,

So that God can make us a vessel worthy to fill,

With the pure light of His radiance and grace,

As evidenced by Yeshua who chose to take our place.

He came into this world,

The true light for all to see,

He yielded His life upon that fateful tree.

So as we put the match to the candles wick,

Let us each recall,

That we are but a small reflection of the greatest light of all!

Since we are now in the holiday season and more so to honor the messiah, I have chosen a song sung by Marty Goetz, which fully reflects what my poem does. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsoY1dJdP5w

Blessings Abound When…by Paula Rose Michelson

 Since the Obamacare website appears to be having a bigger “Failure to Launch” than the movie by that name did, I felt that today would be a good time to reflect on what makes life a blessing.

It seems like all my life, and perhaps yours to, I’ve been looking for a blessing. Being Jewish, I’d like to assume that this is a unique Jewish trait—one that only a member of the twelve tribes can claim! However, thinking like that can get one into an awful state when it finally becomes crystal clear that the blessing is in the doing, not the waiting. I’ve had to remind myself of that reality of late. For, you see, given the blessing (?) of having my husband get ill and then be sort of forced to retire, and discovering that having him home all the time was an amazing err…well, sometimes less than wonderful experience, I found myself wanting to say, “This wasn’t supposed to happen to me!” I’m happy to say, I didn't do that because having a husband who loves to encourage me helped me become the me that I am. Now I'm able to do that for him! 

My I do sound Pollyannaish when writing about Ron because I know that God's in control of our lives. This tension  this pull between wanting to sound like the Pollyanna did this Christianizing  
everything verses owning our reality was summed up best by Rabbi Shaul (the Apostle Paul) who wrote in Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. Living by the Spirit sounds good, yet, how do we do that? How do we deny (subjugate) our wants, our perceived needs so that we, like Paul, recognize that blessings abound when…

Perhaps being ultraistic will work for some, others may look forward expectantly. I believe that the answer is found in 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we live by faith, not by sight. Applying my faith in the infallibility of God's Word which is always effective, I trust in the one who is my all in all, and trusted in Him!

Walking as a bond servant of Messiah is a choice for all are called, some answer that call, and from that number God continues to ask, if any one will serve Him today. In Joshua 24:15 we read “… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Today it might be a good idea for you to ask yourself, what do you value, and does your life reflect those values. What we think and do reflects who we are and who’s we are.

Baby Tears by Paula Rose Michelson

For every child that is unwanted a woman's heart may be crying for what you have rejected. Before you make a choice to end a life, think about those arms that hunger to hold what you carry within your body...then chose life!

Baby tears,

Baby tears,

I cried them silently,

All the long lonely years.

Whether my husband was by my side,

Or far away.

Whether I felt the forgiveness of God,

Or watched as other people’s children played.

Within my yearning heart,

Was a brokenness that could not be mended,

A need that seemed to large to be tended,

A sad story that never ended.

Mama’s tears,

Mama’s tears,

There is no son or daughter here to see,

All the sorrow I cried out,

While others took for granted,

That which was denied me.

Papa’s tears,

Papa’s tears,

For the children that never came,

As my life played out and my husband left,

Unable to face the pain,

Of condemnation and religious shame.

Barren years,

Facing fears,

Fears of recrimination, and more,

Then, when I gave up,

Gave up all,

Look what God had in store!

Baby girl,

A blessing of love,

Mine to tend,

Given from above,

Not from my womb

Or my husbands seed,

Yet mine at last,

Mine indeed!

Teenage girls,

Gods’ sweet pearls,

Reassurance of the rightness of things,

Part and parcel of the joy Messiah brings,

No time to fret over children never born,

Less time to morn over a lifetime of love scorned.

Artist child, meek and mild,

Timid in every way,

Could the blessing be mine,

At last,

Or,

Will you run away?

Daughter mine,

So sublime,

Gods unending favor,

For a woman like me,

To have a daughter,

Like thee,

One whose very presence I savor!

Messiah mine,

Thank You for my baby tears,

Thank You for Your favor!

Thank You for the child you gave,

After I learned to call you my Savor!