tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2810739426491940062024-03-05T16:42:32.293+00:00Valley of ShadowsYvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-65647018959117645482011-03-29T10:08:00.004+00:002011-03-29T10:29:01.499+00:00Meditation, source unknown.If you never felt pain, then how would you know I am a Healer? If you never had to pray, how would you know that I am a Deliverer? If you never had a trial, how could you call yourself an overcomer? If you never felt sadness, how would you know I am a Comforter? If you never made a mistake, how would you know that I am a forgiver? If you knew all, how would you know that I will answer your questions? If you never were in trouble, how would you know that I will come to your rescue? If you never were broken, then how would you know that I can make you whole? If you never had a problem, then how would you know that I can solve them? If you never had any suffering, then how would you know what I went through? If you never went through fire, then how would you become pure? If I gave you all things, how would you appreciate them? If I never corrected you, how would you know that I love you? If you had all power, then how would you learn to depend on me? If your life was perfect, then what would you need me for? Love, Jesus.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-26115001138586586082011-03-20T14:07:00.002+00:002011-03-20T15:02:30.704+00:00The Rest of GodA few years ago God gave me a short message, it was. "You will bow before me, you will bow in my presence."<br />For so long, I have have struggled to understand what He was trying to tell me.<br />However, now, I think I have a better understanding. Basically, it is to do with patience, humility and resting in Him.<br /><br />Psalm 95 has given me some understanding. Verse 6:7 'O come let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before our maker. For He is our God and we are the people of His pasture. And the sheep of his hand.'<br />Worship is dear to my heart. For thirteen years I was privileged to lead worship in church. But since our building was sold and our church congregation scattered abroad, so to speak, I have felt lost, wondering in a wilderness.<br />Raising my voice to sing is hard. I feel stifled and bound. The freedom I once had is gone.<br /><br />Sometimes I struggle to worship at all, but this psalm exhorts us to do just that. To realize who God is and what He has done. To worship in spirit and in truth. Worship through the pain and sadness.<br />To humble myself and bow in His Divine and glorious presence.<br />In verse 11 there is a warning, not to be like those who test God, they will not enter His rest.<br /><br />We had a word from God just before we heard our building was sold. He said. 'Rest,' among other things.<br />Resting is hard to do when you are used to having a ministry and working with God.<br />It is even harder for my husband. I know he is struggling.<br />In the church we have been attending for a few months now, we were given a word from an elder. God told us through him, that we will not be staying there.<br />It has unsettled us. We are praying God will lead us out of this wilderness soon, and show us where He wants us to be and what He wants us to do.<br />In one way it's a blessing to know He has a work for us, it's not over. In fact from the word we received, it's only just begun.<br /><br />One of my favourite authors F.B.Meyer explains psalm 95 this way. He says, this psalm is deeply woven into the life of the church, because of the worshipful strain which pervades it.<br />The works of God in creation are specially enumerated as incentives to praise.The sea, the hills, the deep places of earth have often inspired the minstrel, but how much more the devout soul.<br /><br />There is a sabbath of the heart, when the will is yielded to Gods will, and the heart is cleansed from it's wayward whims. When the very peace of the Divine nature, settles down on the heart.<br />That experience is an entrance into Gods rest. It remains unexhausted for all the people of God.<br />Let us not miss it through default of faith!<br /><br />I pray God, my hubby and I will attain God's rest, and have the opportunity to glorify Him.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-66599287498434615802011-02-28T21:37:00.002+00:002011-02-28T21:48:15.901+00:00With God, all obstacles serve His purpose. We all have mountains in our lives. Problems great and small that seem insurmountable, hindering our progress.<br /><br />That job we hate, the personal problem we can't seem to overcome. Relationship problems, all seemingly unconquerable.<br /><br />Not so, God can remove all and any of our problems, but, He can also make us what He wants us to be through them. Sometimes He puts the mountain there. However, we know, God will never fail to keep His promises.<br />He understands the way we take, and when we come to the foot of the mountain, we shall find the way.<br /><br /><strong>The meaning of trial is not only to test worthiness, but to increase it. As the oak is not only tested by the storms, but toughened by them. So the mountains in our lives test and toughen us</strong>.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-1552236551617228592011-02-28T21:21:00.002+00:002011-02-28T21:35:08.917+00:00<strong>Trees</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Trees are beautiful, and so diverse. From them we receive oxygen, shelter, wood for homes, furnishings and so much more.<br />Some grow quickly, some more slowly. There are those which are shallow rooted and others with deep roots, equal to the size of their topmost branches. What is below, shadows what can be seen above.<br /><br />There is a Chinese tree, that comes from a very small seed. When planted, for four years all that can be seen is a tiny sprig and bud.<br />However, in the fifth year, it suddenly grows eighty feet.<br />In those four years, it has been putting down an incredible root system, strong enough to support its amazing growth.<br /><br />We too must be patient and make sure we are firmly planted in the word of God. The seed of life.<br /><br />The trees with the deepest roots and the most flexible trunks are those which survive the storms of life.<br /><br /><strong>Patience is maturity</strong>.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-81965711369134596752011-02-28T21:07:00.002+00:002011-02-28T21:19:45.924+00:00A magnificent young eagle stood on the edge of his nest, stretching and flapping his mighty wings. He gazed into the cloudless blue sky and then launched out onto the warm thermal.<br />His parents followed, and as his confidence and expertise grew, the three of them soared together, enjoying the freedom their wings gave them.<br /><br />The sky is the eagles home, and the heavenly heights their domain. They are safe, not flying too low, always keeping that skyward look' Created to soar above the winds and storms<br /><br />We too must keep our eyes heavenward.<br />Keep our faith and hope strong in Jesus. He is the one who enables us to soar above the storms and trials of this life.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Soar like the eagle.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Keep looking skyward.</strong>Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-5517256307487321362011-01-23T14:09:00.002+00:002011-01-23T16:21:22.057+00:00'Valley of Shadows' surveySome of my writing friends have put together a survey of their latest book. I thought, "what a brilliant idea." So decided to have a go. They chose to leave out certain questions, I may well do the same, but anyway here goes.<br /><br /><strong>Valley of Shadows</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>1</strong>] What's your word count? <span style="color:#cc0000;">70,645</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>2</strong>] How long until you finish?</span><span style="color:#cc0000;"> How long is a piece of string. Seriously though, I am finished, bar the editing process.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>3</strong>] If finished, how long did it take you? <span style="color:#cc0000;">I guess in all, around three years</span>.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>4</strong>] Do you have an outline?</span><span style="color:#cc0000;"> Not as such. I generally have a good idea of the story, where it's going, and how it will end. I do make a list of characters with their with their distinguishing features. Mind you, that often changes as the stories progresses. But on the whole, I like to write like a mad thing, and follow my imagination.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>6</strong>] How many words do you write a day? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">I suppose, a thousand, maybe more.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>7</strong>] What was your greatest word count for one day? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">About 5,000. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>9</strong>] What inspired you to write? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">You will think this strange, and it's certainly sad. But it was the death of my sister. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>10</strong>] Does your novel have a theme song?</span><span style="color:#cc0000;"> Not really, but if it did, it would be 'The Lord's my Shepherd.' </span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>12</strong>] Which character is most like you? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">I guess there is some of me in Cyella.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>13</strong>] Which character would you most likely be friends with? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">That would have to be Mary.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>15</strong>] Who is your favourite character? <span style="color:#cc0000;">Sunrise</span>. </span><br /><br /><strong>16</strong>] Have your characters done something completely unexpected? <span style="color:#cc0000;">Not really, everything they experience is unexpected.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>17</strong>] Have you based any of your novel on personal experience? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">My whole novel was born out of the tragic death of my younger sister.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>18</strong>] What is the best line? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">The wide path panders to mankind's incessant desire to reach their destination as quickly as possible. no matter the consequences.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>28</strong>] Summarize your novel in under fifteen words.</span><span style="color:#cc0000;"> What Cyella faced in the valley, messed with her mind.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>29</strong>] Do you love all your characters? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">Goodness, no! some of them are awful.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>32</strong>] Describe your main character in three words. </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">Plucky, Strong Willed, Sensitive.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>35</strong>] How many romantic relationships take place in your novel? <span style="color:#cc0000;">Two</span>.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>36</strong>] Are there any explosions? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">No</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>45</strong>] Who has pets in the novel, and what are they? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">The Mistress, and Remstiss the Necromancer both have black cats.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>46</strong>] Are there Angels, demons, or any religious references? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">No Angel, but yes, to the other two.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>51</strong>] Is there humour? <span style="color:#cc0000;">A little, yes</span>.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>52</strong>] Is there tragedy? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">Yes, I'm afraid so.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>57</strong>] Has your novel provided insight about your life?</span><span style="color:#cc0000;"> In some ways I guess it has. Probably because I buried my grief over the death of my sister within its pages. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>59</strong>] Has your novel inspired anyone? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">From what I have heard, yes.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>68</strong>] How would you react if your novel was erased entirely? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">You don't want to know, and nor do I! But, such an horrendous idea is not likely, as it is backed up all over the place.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>71</strong>] What advice would you give a fellow writer?</span><span style="color:#cc0000;"> Stay committed. Make it as good as is humanly possible. And don't allow rejections to put you off. Stay confident, and keep believing in yourself.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>72</strong>] Describe the ending in three words. <span style="color:#cc0000;">Romantic, Positive, Victorious</span>.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>75</strong>] Was it worth it? </span><span style="color:#cc0000;">You bet it was!!</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span>Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-31464123003750338332011-01-03T14:31:00.003+00:002011-01-03T14:51:16.570+00:00Editing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVFEp8XqN74jCiFsgpbIctXo80bauphbGA9sLQ2LzT71E6FVeZN5itmVK_qDu9nu70Yoy4z4ey6LTKY6MtHMD2aGiKaIODbM7oUzsmampgJ4HCEsb4p98KZNvw6uN_upYrkuOTbQ59D93/s1600/Book+Cover.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 205px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557972209145156610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVFEp8XqN74jCiFsgpbIctXo80bauphbGA9sLQ2LzT71E6FVeZN5itmVK_qDu9nu70Yoy4z4ey6LTKY6MtHMD2aGiKaIODbM7oUzsmampgJ4HCEsb4p98KZNvw6uN_upYrkuOTbQ59D93/s320/Book+Cover.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Well, the finish post is in sight. My part of the editing process is done. Pretty much anyway. My next move is to send the manuscript to my editor. Once I have followed her corrections that's it, I begin my hunt for a publisher, and that's when the fun begins. I am joking, it's about as much fun as chasing a Greyhound round the race track!</div><br /><div>But with God, all things are possible. So, I keep hope and anticipation alive.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have been busy putting together my proposal, I was dreading it, but thanks to a great book by Terry Burns "A Writers Survival Guide To Getting published." It turned out to be easier than I had anticipated, in fact I quite enjoyed it.</div><br /><div></div>Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-72095710147864186972010-10-15T19:37:00.004+00:002010-10-15T19:55:30.077+00:00Devon Holiday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO3Xi0L63URUO9MTNLVSf3RnR0aKI-jI0lP2Juw0-dCffBO53OWvJHcnPTDD0QnvOyQiZX634m4svWCNFizxASL_FLbVqSYXtAGjB4Kbx3f_catmz0f0NLvOqYY_4swzTYXN1MKMZnYYd/s1600/Hols+Devon+004.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528363592315264306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO3Xi0L63URUO9MTNLVSf3RnR0aKI-jI0lP2Juw0-dCffBO53OWvJHcnPTDD0QnvOyQiZX634m4svWCNFizxASL_FLbVqSYXtAGjB4Kbx3f_catmz0f0NLvOqYY_4swzTYXN1MKMZnYYd/s320/Hols+Devon+004.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5xZ1iz5ud6usAU7vu6_jSINICSzhWNFDaLmf6BuaUg-i8KM-8rIiOdHow5LXuBWFrUD6BCMZYnNjF-zjl4XpUjPCwX1VDShzsn1xgRroUXPW4HJBa2nKqZAgUEJkpBSy6udC_PWt7iqw/s1600/Hols+Devon+013.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528363346729748322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5xZ1iz5ud6usAU7vu6_jSINICSzhWNFDaLmf6BuaUg-i8KM-8rIiOdHow5LXuBWFrUD6BCMZYnNjF-zjl4XpUjPCwX1VDShzsn1xgRroUXPW4HJBa2nKqZAgUEJkpBSy6udC_PWt7iqw/s320/Hols+Devon+013.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Our weeks holiday in Devon was lovely. We were blessed with gorgeous weather, with warm sunshine most days. Branscombe is such a pretty village, very quaint and oldie worldie, most of the houses are thatched.</div><br /><br /><div>We have spent many happy holidays in this village, using the holiday house as a base to visit the surrounding coast and countryside.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>This time we had some friends staying with us, and we all got on extremely well and enjoyed a brill time together.</div><br /><br /><div>It was a holiday complemented by good friends, good food, and wonderful surroundings. Can't be bad.</div></div>Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-55857628722343107792010-10-14T12:31:00.000+00:002010-10-14T12:31:01.968+00:00I'm quite pleased, my editing is going reasonably well. Okay, I have to send the manuscript to my editor for a final check, but God willing she should find things greatly improved.<br />Slowly, but surly, I am learning.<br /> English was never one of my better subjects at school. I have all the imagination in the world, but getting it down on paper, so to speak; In a way which is intelligent and readable, is something else entirely. I confess, where grammar is concerned, I am a little dyslexic. So, whether I will ever find myself in a position, where I can safely trust my own editing, is rather doubtful. Sadly, my work may always need some sort of check, as I want it to be as good as it can be, for God, for me, and for my readers.<br /><br />However, I do have a grip. It seems to me, that publishers and even editors are becoming very pedantic. What ever happened to reading a novel and simply enjoying it. These days a submitted novel has to be word perfect before it even gets a look in. No longer do publishers read a submitted manuscript and think, 'I like this, warts and all, it has potential.'<br />In all honesty, why employ editors if they are not going to edit. Publishers could save a lot of money by firing them and leave it the author, which in all honesty they do anyway. The whole thing seems crazy to me.<br />For example J.K. Rowling's first book apparently was not perfect. But the agent saw it's potential, and what potential!! He took a risk and it payed off.<br />Lets face it, like most things in life, there is no such thing as a perfect book. I have read many books by well known authors and found glaring mistakes that have been missed. I heard on the news recently, that a well known author with one of the larger publishing houses, had to have his books withdrawn due to glaring mistakes, oops!! how expensive is that, money and reputation wise. Again what were the editors doing, not a good job obviously.<br />Imagine, this author's embarrassment, while doing a public reading he had to stop and apologise to his listeners because of all the mistakes he found in his own work. Poor man, it must have been awful.<br /><br />Sadly, these days I sit down to read a book and find myself noticing the mistakes in the text. Again I say, what happened to reading a good book and merely enjoying it. Let's face it, half the time our amazing brains ignore the mistakes anyway. Hence the problem that they slip through the net. But does the average reader really care? I don't think so. If they enjoy the book that's all that matters to them. That's what my readers tell me anyway.<br /><br />I am self published, after struggling to find an agent/publisher and coping with the innumerable rejection letters. However, due to a publisher interest in my second published book, I have tentatively put my toe in the water once again. I totally agreed with her that my book needed work in the grammar department, hence all this editing. But even though she was the one who approached me, I'm still not sure if it's the way I want to go.<br />Like all of us authors I love to write, and enjoy the freedom and lack of pressure that goes with self publishing. Also, I do believe it will be the major way to go in days to come, with all the new technology available.<br />Not only that, I'm no longer a youngster and don't feel I can afford the long drawn out process attached to main-stream publishing. I have many books buzzing around in my head, all demanding to be birthed, while there is time.<br /> I want to live each day God has given me to the full and achieve all I can for His glory and praise.<br />That said, I firmly believe my work must be its very best, before it's held in a readers hands.<br />So, here we ago again, edit, edit, edit. :)Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-29695853446524169812010-09-23T22:21:00.004+00:002010-09-23T22:34:28.269+00:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2SRIh_UwU5__hqeqRZqkkbs1i_2Ek9AlVSxQy94lDVz7MngzjaYRc_rw2HCVxwzxv4pvtnlkGRor76SFPREXWtYOgOaIHrb40jgXlqix5jiDFhM4AAiX8_X-QxUTeZMOtft7lSG1bKue/s1600/Anniversary+003.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520240875914096898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2SRIh_UwU5__hqeqRZqkkbs1i_2Ek9AlVSxQy94lDVz7MngzjaYRc_rw2HCVxwzxv4pvtnlkGRor76SFPREXWtYOgOaIHrb40jgXlqix5jiDFhM4AAiX8_X-QxUTeZMOtft7lSG1bKue/s320/Anniversary+003.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocwA3FWH3GEkRbaauFa5LI4tflKpZTU2GftAocthpKkv5op7hcvnbRekPO0obR_lOJpa4frpUpIbuJYT36MDk50jjR4HxrsngeCp1SFZdm7fjozfuLtWC-YzrToyOqyvoPEHAexjo1Yxp/s1600/Anniversary+005.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520240374866704962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocwA3FWH3GEkRbaauFa5LI4tflKpZTU2GftAocthpKkv5op7hcvnbRekPO0obR_lOJpa4frpUpIbuJYT36MDk50jjR4HxrsngeCp1SFZdm7fjozfuLtWC-YzrToyOqyvoPEHAexjo1Yxp/s320/Anniversary+005.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>My hubby and I had a brill weekend in the New Forest. Hubby's brother and wife were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. The Hotel was amazing, the building was old, but full of character. The extensive grounds were beautiful and flowed to the waters edge, we could clearly see the Isle of White.</div><br /><br /><div>It was good to meet every one, and in the evening and the food was delicious. It was a long journey to get there, but well worth it. I'm so glad we were able to go and celebrate with them.</div></div>Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-49283993355009960522010-09-11T14:13:00.003+00:002010-09-11T14:21:32.014+00:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlfwenyZ9rGdvydCAqv7RlGhda_nHGGz9WvYhKrGNLg-0Tgau3OXF53xdqDx-J_QkOfx6RbrTNXNSDlmn0sJItx4Iev3DMHFlkEcIE2jrF0SQ1qYUAxOyCefmlIlsYgltkwrNlixtcqJt/s1600/Dougle+006.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515660780980138754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlfwenyZ9rGdvydCAqv7RlGhda_nHGGz9WvYhKrGNLg-0Tgau3OXF53xdqDx-J_QkOfx6RbrTNXNSDlmn0sJItx4Iev3DMHFlkEcIE2jrF0SQ1qYUAxOyCefmlIlsYgltkwrNlixtcqJt/s320/Dougle+006.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzshixLyGc0XnXWPjaJBAR4x07nPyJWsmx6RxnwRXT031qC0x9kNFPOOiKqxm4G3OXldEyNPLOBbwLMZ0GN5hK8xEqgE3KUPvak-6kqAEodGmZdZ1CXh8I9AJkVXUSIgqdlytzYqxicamv/s1600/Dougle+002.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515659295956057378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzshixLyGc0XnXWPjaJBAR4x07nPyJWsmx6RxnwRXT031qC0x9kNFPOOiKqxm4G3OXldEyNPLOBbwLMZ0GN5hK8xEqgE3KUPvak-6kqAEodGmZdZ1CXh8I9AJkVXUSIgqdlytzYqxicamv/s320/Dougle+002.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Hubby and I had a brill day with my cousin. She has acquired an adorable new puppy, called Dougle. </div><br /><div>He's a real little character and as bright as a button.</div></div>Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-2917157155061874362010-04-14T13:15:00.002+00:002010-04-14T13:41:01.656+00:00I am saddened at the way our beautiful country Great Britain is being handed over to Europe and other dark forces. The country my grandfather and great grandfather fought and died for. And it is being done without a squeak of protest from its indigenous people. It's as if we are all in some sort of induced trance, being led like sheep to the slaughter. Like Gods precious people the Jews in the last war, herded like dumb defenceless cattle to their deaths.<br /><br />The Trojan horse in standing in the heart of this great nation. In time the evil in its belly will be disgorged to take this nation over and it will done without a shot being fired, through the corrupt political system, using the councils and government.<br /><br />Islam will succeed where Hitler failed.<br /><br />Is it Gods will. Is it judgement on a nation which has turned away from its Christian heritage and roots? Yes maybe it is. But I believe the God I serve is also loving and merciful and if we who are Christian pray for our nation. Then I believe God will hear and save us.<br />The time is coming and is nearly here, when Christians need to stand up for their faith and be counted.<br />I have nothing against Muslims, I know many just want to get on with their lives. But I do struggle with their beliefs. And as a woman I am right to be concerned, all woman should be concerned.<br /><br />However, if there is one good thing to come out of all this religious and political upheaval, it is that I am seeking to move ever close to my beloved Abba Father, wherein I will find my peace and safety. Praise His Holy Name.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-71541811204969826442010-03-21T11:58:00.002+00:002010-03-21T12:42:44.063+00:00The Making Of A Prophet.Prophecy is a subject close to my heart. Many times during my Christian walk I have been privileged to hear from God. At times what He said was for my own personal growth. Whereas on other occasions His words were to be shared for the edification of the church.<br />Do I have a prophetic gifting? Yes I humbly believe I do.<br /><br />So when I received this paperwork on 'The Making Of A Prophet' written by T . Austin-Sparks<br />I decided it was well worth sharing. What he says is so true and it is something I have felt strongly about for some time.<br /><br />Part 1<br /><br />Prophetic ministry is not something you can take up. It is something that you are. No academy can make you a prophet.<br />Samuel instituted the school of the prophets.....But there is a great deal of difference between those academic prophets and the living anointed prophets.<br />The academic prophets became members of a profession and swiftly degenerated into something unworthy. All the false prophets came from schools of prophets and were accepted publicly on that ground. They had been to college and were accepted. But they were false prophets. Going to a religious college does not of itself make you a prophet of God.<br /><br />My point is this- the identity of the vessel with its ministry is the very heart of Divine thought.<br />A man is called to represent the thoughts of God, to represent them in what he is, not in something that he takes up as a form or line of ministry, not in something that he does.<br />The vessel itself is the ministry and you cannot divide between the two.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-49860861788654336742010-02-15T14:14:00.002+00:002010-02-15T15:06:01.279+00:00A Tragic VisionOnce a week my mother and I would pray together. During one of these prayer times God gave me a powerful vision.<br />If you have ever watched something like a royal wedding you will know there is always a commentator who explains what is happening, who every one is, what they are wearing and so on.<br />Well this is what it was like for me, I was the commentator speaking out the vision as it happened and it was not easy as I was overcome with Godly sorrow. I had to try and explain what I was seeing through my tears, it was so hard.<br />My mother was was as distressed as myself. Afterwards she told me that as I was speaking she could see and feel as I did.<br />This is what I saw and I really believe it is a vision for the days we are in now, it has never left<br />me.<br /><br /><br />I was at the back of a huge glorious cathedral with a fair sized congregation sitting in the pews, their eyes glued to the front of the church.<br />At the alter there were three priests dressed in sumptuous clothes with mitres on their heads, waving incense around. However, like the congregation I only saw their backs.<br />On the right hand side of the building was a small wooden door. It opened and a man dressed in sack cloth entered. Instantly I knew it was Jesus.<br />Slowly He began to walk up and down every pew, tearfully calling each person to follow Him, it broke my heart as I watched. Most ignored Him their faces frozen, their eyes glued to the front of the church, their only interest the three priests ministering at the alter.<br />By the time Jesus had walked up and down all the pews, He was at the back of the church with just a handful of people who had followed Him.<br />I watched as He walked slowly down the centre isle followed by the few who had responded to His call. He turned right towards the small door He had entered through. As His hand reached out to open it, instantly His appearance changed. Gone the humble sack cloth. Now He was glorious and awesome, shinning with holy splendour. By this time I was struggling to keep going, I was in bits as I tried to explain what I was seeing.<br />Jesus left the building followed by His little flock and the door closed.<br /><br />I then looked to the front of the church, the three priests turned around and faced the remaining congregation, and to my horror, it really did shock me, all three priests where skeletons.<br />I then found myself looking down on the church from the outside and I could see it was not a glorious building at all, but a ruin, It had no roof, the windows were broken, and everyone in it was dead.<br />It is a vision that will never leave me, and I feel it is a warning to us all. God is calling His true followers out, calling them to follow Him. The Christian walk is not about religiosity, tradition and ceremony. It is about Love, Truth and the Lordship of Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him.<br />The Bible speaks of remnants, let us all pray that as we seek Him and stay close to Him, we will be a part of that remnant.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-13397698406776524672010-01-16T15:51:00.002+00:002010-01-16T16:24:14.828+00:00Christmas snow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiuwxp8lWqd0-tTeIe55KURP4Fli0SPe7BpV9vaFqS-kTWjnaSCEs3QVSbU_Y7vr3NZCpm7bHjUSFixRx-qqN7DpDF-uYXoRmSbT6UKoZAA-acrnLvAEj_xTIH1DqvAmILaWKM3ezpFzS/s1600-h/snowy+day.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427366530031979138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiuwxp8lWqd0-tTeIe55KURP4Fli0SPe7BpV9vaFqS-kTWjnaSCEs3QVSbU_Y7vr3NZCpm7bHjUSFixRx-qqN7DpDF-uYXoRmSbT6UKoZAA-acrnLvAEj_xTIH1DqvAmILaWKM3ezpFzS/s320/snowy+day.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I can't remember the last time we had snow over Christmas, and it was serious snow too. We have had light smatterings over the years but nothing this heavy. </div><div>Every where looked so pretty. Our barren and rather dull garden, was transformed into a winter wonderland. </div><div>Granted it is a bind trying to get about, but still I like it. </div><div>I found the birds very amusing too. Our little feathered friends are brighter than we realise.</div><div>The bird bath was frozen solid so they had no water to drink, but that didn't bother them. They tucked into the food I put out, and washed it down with a mouthful of snow, bright or what?</div><div>It lasted nearly two weeks, but now it's gone washed away by the rain. </div><div>At least now we can get around without skidding all over the road, I suppose that's a positive.</div><div> </div><div>Maybe it will return, who knows? it's cold enough. At least I have my photos to remind me. </div><div>Due to the white stuff, Christmas 2009 will not be easily forgotten. Not least for the traffic chaos it caused. </div><div>Why does Britain come to a standstill when a little snow falls ? Ah well, at least we give the country's used to heavy snow fall a good laugh. </div><div> </div><div> </div>Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-46962304945936026012009-11-30T11:09:00.003+00:002009-11-30T14:47:18.983+00:00PatienceJust lately God is showing me that though I have improved, I still suffer from a severe lack of patience. He has reminded me of the vision I had when I was a young Christian, which I will share. However first I need to remind myself and any who read, this just how important patience is to our spiritual lives and walk with God.<br /><br />The word Patience biblicaly means=Endurance, Consistency, Forbearance, Long Suffering.<br />Patience is that calm and unruffled temper with which the good man bears the evils of life from what ever source they come.<br />It manifests itself in a sweet submission to the providential appointments of God, and fortitude in the presence of the duties and conflicts of life.<br />God of patience means that God is the author of patience in His servants Rom 15:5.<br /><br />Patience is one of Gods many attributes and as such it should be something I strive for also, and believe me I do. I am His servant and made in His image, so I should reflect Him in my life. But as I said earlier, patience in its fullness has been sadly lacking in my life. Even as a child I was always way ahead of myself. If it didn't happen yesterday I wanted to know why, and there would be tantrums and tears. But when I became an adult that lack of Patience and impetuosity threw me into periods of frustrated anger and depression.<br />Okay, I am far more patient than I used to be, nevertheless it is an ongoing battle and one I sadly lose more often than I win.<br />Patience is of paramount importance to God, and we need to desire it, as we desire Him. He knows that without it we will rush into things, that are not His will or desire for our lives, and so find ourselves in all sorts of trouble. Whereas if we had waited patiently, and trusted Him, we would find ourselves in the place of rest, which is His plan and purpose for our lives.<br />I dread to think how often in my Christian life I have preempted God and because of that damaged and hindered my walk with Him. Our lives are short on this earth, and if we are going to fulfill the plan and purpose He has for us, then we need to be patient, trust Him and allow Him to lead us, knowing that His way is perfect and He will give us clear direction.<br />If we wait patiently before Him and allow Him the opportunity to speak into our lives, we will find the fulfillment we all seek.<br />I am so grateful that in my life, He has been a God of patience and mercy.<br /><br />In Nov 1981 I became a christian and it was the most wonderful day of my life.<br />All questioning and searching was over and I was madly in love. For the first time in my life that word love had real meaning. Everything was perfect, and all I wanted to do, was go to be with the one who had changed my sorry and sad existence, so amazingly. I would cry and pester God constantly, my impatience knew no bounds. I had an expression I used, and believe me I meant it. "My bags are packed and I want to go home," how selfish and in a way arrogant.<br />But you have to understand, my life before meeting Jesus had been an unhappy mess. So when I realised He was alive, all I wanted to do, I guess like every other Christian before me, was to opt out of this world and go to be with the one I loved. And being young in my faith and naive, I could not understand why He ignored my request.<br />But I am not one who gives up easily, and even though I have had to remain here to grow spiritually and do the work God has planned for me. I believe that my constant pestering allowed me a vision that I have never forgotten. It was a spiritual and not a physical vision, but it was powerful, and enabled me to understand what God is trying to do in my life, and why going to heaven was not an option at that time.<br />As with all Gods children I will go when my work on this earth is finished, and only God knows when that will be.<br /><br />This is the vision as I remember it. I had been a christian just a few months and was attending the morning service at church. During the meeting I was overcome by the presence of God and helped to the front of the church where I knelt alone at the alter rail.<br />God was heavy upon me and I leaned my arms on the rail, my eyes tightly closed. I had no idea what was going on I just knew I should wait. In front of me slightly to the left was a raised pulpit of dark wood, as I knelt there a glorious form appeared to come out of it. At first what I saw spiritually was a bright light out of which came the shape of a man, it was Jesus.<br />He stood in front of the pulpit, He was amazingly tall, He held His arms out slightly to the side, his palms towards me.<br />He was enveloped in a golden light and yet I saw Him quite clearly. He was dressed in a white gown with a pale blue gown over it, the garments shimmered. He was glorious the light coming from Him was so bright that in His presence it became harder and harder to breath. I reached for Him quite sure I was going to die and go with Him.<br />He was looking at me with such love, and at the time I was convinced that I saw His face, but I didn't, only spirit to spirit.<br />His love radiated over me like waves, each wave stronger than the last, it was the most wonderful and intense feeling, but so powerful my body was struggling to cope. And I became convinced He had come to fetch me.<br />Nothing else existed it was as though I was in another world, the silence was almost tangible and yet the church was still going on around me.<br />As I knelt there in His wonderful presence He spoke, just one word, but that word was soaked in His love. Rather like coating a nasty tasting pill with honey, so that the child will take it, and that word was, "PATIENCE"<br />Once the word had left His mouth He disappeared, much to my distress. But the joy and privilege of being in His presence has never left me. Even though in a way I suppose He was rebuking me, while trying to help me understand just how important Patience is.<br />I am still trying to get to grips with it, some times succeeding, some times not.<br />But one thing I do know I serve an Awesome, Merciful and Gracious God, and He has promised, He will never leave me, or forsake me. And I love Him.<br />I will finish with one of my favorite scriptures. Isiah 40:31, 'They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary they shall walk and not faint.'<br />Teach me Lord I pray to be patient and wait. That I may find your good and perfect will for my life, and that you would be glorified.<br />AmenYvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-46357086133475823582009-11-27T21:57:00.003+00:002009-11-27T22:31:52.837+00:00I Did It. 50,000 words in a month.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Tv4QhFeCDMW6BwItRI-LPlWMN8Bi1aPj0dhcdVLqPkB5-MCDvZK1Ew41t9oeWWjt-FO1y42hj7HpccSMm7xdu70qKMbUy8OdrhD60hzMH01UmlBLSwlm8t5QM82O3xs36dMI-gAK21Cx/s1600/nano_09_winner.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 120px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408906360515452418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Tv4QhFeCDMW6BwItRI-LPlWMN8Bi1aPj0dhcdVLqPkB5-MCDvZK1Ew41t9oeWWjt-FO1y42hj7HpccSMm7xdu70qKMbUy8OdrhD60hzMH01UmlBLSwlm8t5QM82O3xs36dMI-gAK21Cx/s320/nano_09_winner.png" /></a><br /><div>Taking part in Nanowrimo has been the most amazing experience. The sense of freedom was liberating, not having to worry about spelling and grammar, but just letting the story flow was an incredible experience. I enjoyed it so much I think I may choose to continue to write this way. </div><div>Having achieved the 50,000 words I shall continue with the novel and when it is finished, tidy it up and edit, edit, edit. </div><div>To be a winner is wonderful, a real confidence boost. That's not to say I found it easy, there was an element of pressure that I found tiring, but at the same time it drove me on. I was surprised at how much I wanted to win.</div><div> </div><div>I am well aware that having a definite story line was a huge advantage, at least I had some idea where I was headed. I know without it I would have struggled, and dare I say I might even have given up, but I didn't and I am so glad. </div><div>Now I can look forward to the day my Nano novel 'The Crystal Rose' is completed and published.</div><div> </div><div> </div>Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-6546137267577358362009-10-27T22:05:00.002+00:002009-10-27T22:58:18.184+00:00To be reviewed, or not to be reviewed. That is the question.Why would someone ask people to submit their books for a free review, and then not give each book the time it deserves.<br />If the person is not going to give their full attention to a book why bother in the first place? Or if they find themselves inundated with books from authors keen to have our work reviewed. Why not just get in touch with the authors and explain that there are a lot of books to read, and so it will take longer than expected.<br />I would rather that, than read a review of my book that is at worst inept and at best moderately encouraging.<br />To me it was blatantly obvious that the reviewer did not read the book properly. In fact they admitted at the time, they were trying to read and review two books at the same time. Personally I don't think that was fare to either the books or the authors. We invest a lot of time and love into our writing.<br /><br />Am I annoyed? you bet I am. I honestly don't expect everyone who reads my books to like them. But I do hope they will actually read and review them fairly.<br />Is this reviewer saying that they are right and that every other readers positive review is wrong, I don't think so.<br /><br />One conciliation I suppose, is that all reviews whether good or bad, can be helpful. Because in many cases people will buy the book just to see if they agree with the bad review. I know myself if a new film is slated by the critiques I will go and see it anyway. And more often than not I love it, and I find most of my friends are much the same.<br /><br />Those who review aren't always right, after all it is just their personal opinion. And thank goodness they don't always have the last word.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-25825309876934826202009-10-05T21:25:00.002+00:002009-10-05T21:45:58.321+00:00Kindness and TrustSometimes people we meet can be so kind. I have already mentioned our holiday visit to the exquisite village of Boughten-on the-Water. As we walked around enjoying ourselves, we came across a small christian bookshop. So we went in and had a look around.<br /><br />I have had some book marks made, to promote my new book 'Valley of Shadows.' I try to make sure I always have some on me to give away. So I went to the lady who ran the shop and offered her a couple, she was delighted and very interested. We had a long chat, I told her about my books and she asked me to send her a copy of them both.<br />She will read them and then have some from me to sell and promote them for me.<br /><br />As we were talking she told me about a writer she felt I would like and gave me a copy of the book. I offered to pay for it but she insisted I take it, trusting that I would send my books to her, which I most certainly will.<br /> I was quite overcome by her kindness and trust, it's the sort of experience that restores ones faith in human nature. I don't believe in coincidences, this was a Divine appointment and a day I shall not forget and who knows what may come it?Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-64134586939402456322009-10-05T21:05:00.004+00:002009-10-05T21:23:52.351+00:00Model Village<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCa3FNUihkyFHZn3nxyc-UMJvuBMDzHVLK-kl3cZ1lFsXj0n9eDzaekxLjZbOqd00j7wsHFEk9PRnQwVW8HBqFHZDQ6CMS1rO_3Me9-jTDOrkP72B_CNT9gURd12VsSihSKeBBzsVyra9H/s1600-h/book+signing+009.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389229466326760130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCa3FNUihkyFHZn3nxyc-UMJvuBMDzHVLK-kl3cZ1lFsXj0n9eDzaekxLjZbOqd00j7wsHFEk9PRnQwVW8HBqFHZDQ6CMS1rO_3Me9-jTDOrkP72B_CNT9gURd12VsSihSKeBBzsVyra9H/s320/book+signing+009.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_7Fl4fzNZeUqxmd-2ReNaGCOgL8iUzKp03XJ1Q5dszvcGjlhRvwp6aMA8IInkwxq4I9IAun43nPYH5-ISYdW9XJYOCpqIaCQCXUzgjHH-7wWqUQtpzmltPcChRMGwR2LoitopxMa4ePK/s1600-h/book+signing+008.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389228846414359154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_7Fl4fzNZeUqxmd-2ReNaGCOgL8iUzKp03XJ1Q5dszvcGjlhRvwp6aMA8IInkwxq4I9IAun43nPYH5-ISYdW9XJYOCpqIaCQCXUzgjHH-7wWqUQtpzmltPcChRMGwR2LoitopxMa4ePK/s320/book+signing+008.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>While we were on holiday we visited a very pretty village called Boughten-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire.</div><br /><br /><div>They have a model village which is a replica of the real place, it was very good. I love model villages, I like to imagine there are tiny people living in the houses and perhaps coming out at night when all the visitors have gone. Okay so I have a vivid imagination ! </div><br /><br /><div>Anyway here are some photos in case any one is interested.</div></div>Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-83944853103225720032009-10-05T19:41:00.003+00:002009-10-05T20:11:37.361+00:00Write a book in a month !!I think November is going to be a very challenging month, perhaps daunting would be a better word. I have committed myself to try and write a novel of fifty thousands words before the month rushes to its end, Help !!<br />But I have to say I am quite excited and feel reasonably optimistic. And at least I will not be alone, as I think the whole world is doing it as well, have we all gone mad?<br /><br />However I look upon it as an opportunity to discipline myself and write the sequel to my first novel 'Through a Glass Darkly,' it is something I have wanted to do for a while. The thought of meeting up again with the hero of my book Stagman, spurs me on.<br />So at the moment I am busy with plots and characters in readiness to start writing. My only concern is the need I have to do corrections and changes as I write. I am going to find it a struggle just to go for it and ignore all the mistakes. But I think it will be good for me, as I have never written with spontaneity and abandon before. But like every one else in Nov this is what I shall have to do.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-11799821797159308532009-08-14T17:44:00.000+00:002009-08-14T17:44:47.844+00:00Some months ago I read a book on worship by the author Tomy Tiny. The book was based on the story of Esther. It had a profound effect on me. It was beautiful and well written.<br />I was so inspired by it, I put together this short piece, which I shared with my worship team at church.<br />Some of it, is information borrowed from the book, and some of it my own thoughts.<br />Esther is a small book consisting of ten chapters, but those chapters are steeped in worship.<br />And worship is very close to my heart, I love to sing for the Lord, and hopefully bless Him.<br /><br /><br />Esther was a beautiful young Jewish woman, who found herself in the court of the great king of Persia, along with other young women from all over the province.<br />She was forcibly removed from the home of her beloved uncle Mordecai, and taken to the palace, where she would be prepared for possible life as the queen of Persia.<br />She could have sulked, and been uncooperative, but Esther was a wise and sensible girl, she was also very humble, and soon found favour with the king’s top Eunuch Hegai who was chief custodian of the woman.<br />She decided in her heart to do what ever it took to please the king, and to do that she needed to know as much as possible about his likes and dislikes. And the best person to guide her in this was Hegai.<br />He knew the king's taste better than anyone, what colours he liked, his favourite perfumes, every thing. So wisely Esther decided to avail herself of Hegai’s knowledge, for she desired one thing, and one thing only, and that was to please the king.<br /> <br />Are we like Esther, is it our hearts desire to please our God and King?<br />Esther was a pheasant girl with a passion for the king. This passion transformed her into a princess.<br />Most of us know that as Christians we have royal rank.<br />But can the world see any difference in us, compared to those who make no claim to know God? Lets face it, in many cases we are the only Jesus the world will ever see. Can He be seen in our lives?<br />Esther was the vehicle God used to rescue His people the Jews from total annihilation. She was young and probably thought what can I do?<br />And maybe she also thought why should I worry, as the kings queen I am safe and protected here in this great palace, and no one knows that I am Jewish.<br />Okay we may all think how selfish, but would any of us have reacted differently in her situation?<br />Like all of us she probably thought if I keep a low profile then no one will find out and I will be safe, even though the rest of my people may perish.<br />As Christians the time may come when we will have to stand up for our faith. And as a consequence be forced to say like Esther, “If I perish, I perish.”<br />She realized that she would not escape, and that her only safety lay in obedience to God and to her uncle. She was willing to risk her life by going into the king’s presence unannounced, to save her people and herself from annihilation.<br /><br />Evil has always feared the Esther story. Even Hitler and the Nazi concentration camp commanders feared the power of the book of Esther. In fact it was banned from their death camps. One writer wrote.<br />Anti Semites have always hated the book, and the Nazis forbade its reading in the crematoria, and concentration camps.<br />In the dark days before their deaths, Jewish inmates of Auschwitz, Dachau, and Treblinka, wrote the book from memory and read it in secret on Purim.<br />Both they and their brutal foes understood its message.<br />Then and now it represents the service of God, and devotion to His cause. It is not just a record of deliverance, but a prophecy of future salvation.”<br />Satan still wants to exterminate from the globe every child of God. But he will fail as did Haman.<br />Esther’s story is prophecy of future gloom to Satan's plans.<br /><br />Esther became queen, one night with the king changed her whole life.<br />If we want intimacy with Divinity, then our dirty garments must be cleansed by the blood of Christ.( That is an unsaved person.)<br />We who are the bride of Christ, and cleansed by His blood, can enter the throne room of the king, knowing that we will be accepted by Him, because of the cleansing blood of His Son Jesus our saviour. We no longer wear filthy rags, now we are clean. We are to God as a sweet smelling savour; we wear His favourite perfume, so to speak, the sweet smell of Jesus. The perfume of redemption and righteousness.<br />As Christians we should be to Christ a sweet smelling fragrance. Sometimes worship releases its sweetest fragrance when offered to God from the fires and trials of adversity.<br />Even thirty seconds in the manifest presence of God can change your future.<br /><br />I know myself some Sundays I may come to church feeling low, or tired. But once I have the opportunity to worship Father, I begin to experience release. And when I leave to go home, my spirit feels light, and the burden is lifted, and I am strengthened to face another week.<br />Esther had a blind date with destiny, and so do we. Sometimes we just need a lengthy soaking in the Holy anointing oil, to prepare us for our divine appointment.<br />We have a destiny altering date with the King. But we need to seek His heart not His hands, or the splendour of His kingdom.<br />We must worship Him from our hearts, in spirit and in truth.<br />To sing our love songs to Him that He would be blessed and glorified. He cannot resist true worship, as we enter His throne room in praise and worship, so to speak, He puts out His sceptre, and we are accepted in to His divine presence.<br />Eph Ch 1 v 6 He has made us accepted in the beloved, His beloved is Jesus.<br /><br />I love F.B Meyer’s commentary on this scripture. “The source of all we are and have and hope to be. The stream of salvation, flows to us through our Lord. And the end to which all things are moving is the summing up of all in Christ. As He was the Alpha, so He will be the omega.<br />The sealing of the Holy Spirit is of incalculable advantage, because it means that we are stamped with the likeness of Christ, and so we are kept inviolate, which basically means.<br />We are intact, pure, stainless, unbroken, unhurt, unpolluted, untouched, virgin, and last but not least, whole. Even among all the ups and downs of life.”<br />I find that incredibly comforting, and encouraging. He keeps us we are sealed forever. And nothing will ever change the way God feels about us.<br />The word revoke, means, so many things but here are just a few.<br />Cancel, disclaim, negate, recant, take back, and withdraw.<br />It is just not possible for God to do any of these. We are sealed through Jesus, and our names are written in the Lambs book of Life.<br />Has He not said, He will never leave us, nor forsake us. And has He not also said, God is not a man that He should lie. Num Ch 23 v 19<br /><br />Jesus on the cross took the role of Esther, (symbolically).<br />He willingly gave Himself to the cruel king called death.<br />And allowed His body to be laid on the bed of death in another mans tomb.<br />He fully surrendered His virgin flesh, and spotless soul to death on a cross. In order to free us from its ultimate control forever.<br /> <br /> <br />Esther was an incredibly beautiful young woman,<br />But her beauty was not just her outward appearance.<br />She entered the kings presence, resolved to love him and to serve him, her one desire was to please him, and she did, and he loved her, and chose her as his queen.<br />We are chosen for potential, but kept because of passion.<br />Last Sunday we sang that lovely song you are my passion, the love of my life.<br />Our God and Father feels that way about us, so let us reciprocate His great love. And never be slow to tell Him how much we love Him, and what He means to us. I know that our voices raised in love and adoration really blesses Him.<br />Let’s make the most of the freedom we have to openly worship Him, for the day may soon come when we cannot.<br />We cannot worship what we dethrone. The jealousy of human nature tends to tear down, but worship builds up.<br />Praise takes us into His courts, but worship transports us into the Holy of Holies, the sacred dwelling place of Gods glory.<br />We humble ourselves before Him, simply because of who He is. Worship is not dependent on what He has done or will do.<br />This is unconditional love for our Father in heaven. And this place cannot be entered unless we are clean, in our hearts and minds with pure motives.<br />Again we must worship Him in spirit and in truth, loving the giver more than the gifts.<br /><br />The Greek word for worship is Proskuneo, it literally means to kiss like a dog, licking his master’s hand.<br />Or to fawn or crouch, to prostrate oneself in homage, ( to reverence, to adore, worship.)<br />Ones dignity is not preserved in this posture, but the king’s majesty is presented.<br />When Queen Esther entered the kings chamber on behalf of her people, and he held the sceptre out to her. She would have prostrated herself humbly before him, in worship and gratitude. She had found favour in his eyes, and thus she and her people were saved.<br />And we are now able to enter the king’s chamber through the blood of Jesus. We are loved and accepted, what greater reason could we need to raise our voices in extravagant praise and worship, to our beloved God and King.<br />Praise be to His Holy name.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-3753244138457549052009-07-28T19:13:00.004+00:002009-07-28T20:26:22.959+00:00Let Go And Let God.Is it just me? or do others struggle to understand some of the very important aspects of spiritual truth.<br /><br />For years I seem to have struggled with the Biblical teaching that tells us to surrender all that we are and have to God. Try as I might I just could not seem to get it, I wanted to, don't get me wrong, but I just had no idea how to do it.<br /><br />I remember reading a book called 'Hinds Feet on High Places' It was very good and was written in such a way that it appealed to my vivid imagination. Oh how I wished that I could lay myself on the alter of sacrifice, like the main protagonist and rise up a changed person.<br />A person no longer in control of their life, because that life had truly been handed over to God.<br />But sadly I still didn't get it, and some years later God moved me to read the same book again, but to no avail .<br />How long suffering and patient our Heavenly Father is.<br /><br />Believe it or not, it is only in these past few days that I am beginning to get the revelation of how to go about it, and I have to say it is truly liberating.<br /><br />It all came about because of my book 'Valley of Shadows' I have invested an awful lot in it, and I guess was holding onto it very tightly in deed, as the reason for writing it has made it very precious to me.<br /><br />If I believe that my gifting and imagination have come from God, which I do. Then I have to accept that God has had a major input in my writing, as He most certainly did with my painting.<br />After all He is the one who inspires and give us the ability to do whatever it is we are doing. I admit that without Him I would never have an original idea, whether for my writing or my painting. He has always been my undeniable inspiration.<br /><br />So it goes without saying, He has a right to be part of what happens to anything I may have created. Whatever it may be, book, painting, song, it all belongs to Him.<br />He is the inspiration, without Him we have nothing. God is the original source of all things, all we do as His creation, is copy Him, as a child copies what their father does. He has done it all, as the scripture says"there is nothing new under the sun" God did it all first.<br /><br />But I digress, back to my question, how to surrender everything to Him?<br /><br />One evening when our prayer meeting finished, a friend told me she felt God was saying , lay down down 'Valley of Shadows' and give it to Him. And she saw a picture of me taking the book to the foot of the cross and leaving it there.<br /><br />She could see I wanted to do it but was struggling as to how. So she suggested I take it upstairs to one of our rooms that has a cross on the wall, with a small shelf beneath it. She suggested I put the book there and leave it with God, Trusting Him to do all that was needed.<br />I did what she suggested and suddenly the penny dropped and low and behold I understood.<br />I got the revelation, it was wonderful.<br /><br />Okay that doesn't mean I am not tempted sometimes to take it back. But each time I am in that room and see the book on the shelf, it helps me, I remember who the book really belongs to, and that it is His responsibility, not mine.<br /><br />That doesn't mean I don't have a part to play. I have a responsibility to do my bit to promote it, and then God does His. Like a team, and what a team, when we allow God to have His rightful place in our lives. Right at the centre and in full control it takes all the pressure away from us. Then and only then will we truly fulfill His plan and purpose for our lives.<br /><br />We have to let go and let God. Then stand back and watch Him work on our behalf. After all He has invested as much in what we have created, as we have.<br />What a mighty God we serve.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-65687661752905353872009-07-25T14:37:00.000+00:002009-07-25T14:37:51.852+00:00Victimizing The Little GuysIt appears that 'Gardner's' who are the main book suppliers here in the UK, have issues with self published authors.<br />They are refusing to supply small quantities of books for writers book signings. The manager of my local Waterstones Book Store is really angry, and so am I, it's just not on.<br /><br />I did not willing choose to be self published, any more than thousands of other writers. We were forced into it. I spent five or more years struggling to find an agent/ publisher, but without success. It was always the same old replies, 'your work is good, but we are not taking on any new writers at this time' ect, ect. <br />Why can't they just be honest. What they really mean is that I, and the thousands like me, are unknown, we are not famous, or celebrities. and they don't want to take a risk.<br /><br />At least those who are good writers in the self published community write their own books. Unlike most celebs who use ghost writers. I mean how pathetic is that? At least I and others like me write our own books, which believe me, takes imagination, time and skill.<br /><br />Let's face it, many well known authors started of by self publishing. For example, Tolkien, Beatrix Potter, C.S.Lewis, and many more.<br /><br />I am a creative person, with a desire to write, and just because some high powered main stream publisher doesn't think I<br />am a good risk, is not going to stop me, it's their problem and their loss.<br /><br />I don't have the time to hang around waiting in the hope that someone will believe in my work and take me on. I have stories to share and no longer a huge amount of time to do it in.<br />So no matter how difficult the established publishing world try to make it, this writer is not stopping, I will get my work out there, come hell or high water. So do your worst 'Gardner's' and all others like you, we who have been forced to self publish are here to stay.Yvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281073942649194006.post-28655770102877399342009-07-13T15:20:00.002+00:002009-07-13T16:22:00.292+00:00Stand Aside, Your Too Old.Life is never simple and straight forward. In some country's like Korea, the old are respected and even revered, sadly not so here in the UK.<br /><br />When your young, people are quick to say for example, "You won't achieve much in any chosen field, especially writing, until you are older and have some life experience behind you."<br /><br />So the years go by, you become older and have amassed a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience, only to be told, "Sorry your too old, youth is what it's all about."<br /><br /><br />When I was about twelve, there was a crisis in the family and we went to live with my aunt and uncle in Kent, until the situation at home was sorted out.<br />I have always had a vivid imagination and loved to read and write stories. Fantasy has always been a favorite of mine.<br /><br />I remember shutting myself away in the attic with paper and pencils, determined to try and write a story. I persisted for nearly a week, only coming downstairs for food.<br />My aunt said nothing, she left me to carry on, just calling me for meals.<br /><br />However eventually I began to realize that what I was trying to write was just no good, and this writing business was not as easy as I thought.<br />And so in a fit of frustration, I tore up all the paper and stomped downstairs in tears, my aunt did her best to comfort me, and I will always remember what she said.<br /><br />"Don't try to write a novel at your age. Perfect your English and spelling at school, and practice writing short stories. Then when your older, and if you still want to write, you will have your life experiences to draw on. Then is the time to start writing novels."<br />Those were true words and stuck with me.<br />My aunt was a very good writer, having had a number of plays and short stories published.<br /><br />I am older now, and certainly have a wealth of life experiences to draw on. But guess what, no one wants to know. I am too old and should stand aside for the young.<br />Oh don't get me wrong, I'm all for encouraging the youngsters, but does that mean I should just lie down and die, because I happen to be in my early sixties?<br /><br /> Does my age mean I no longer have any imagination? That the talents I had when I was young are no longer present in my life? I don't think so. My body may be older, but my mind is as active as any young person. <br />The inner child encapsulated in this body is as vibrant and full of life as it ever was.<br />Am I going to lie down and die? not on your life. While there is breath in my body, I will continue to be creative. In fact I might even create a little havoc. LOLYvonnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09311040785495914654noreply@blogger.com0