Seeing From God’s Perspective

It’s easy to become completely wrapped up in my own small sphere of family, work, and responsibilities. There are times this is necessary and not a bad thing. That is where I’ve been and perhaps because of this hyper-focus the following felt like a wake-up call.

The Story is Bigger Than Yourself.
“Your prayers play a critical role in the harvest of souls. Destiny is not about you, but rather a purpose God has positioned you for that is bigger than yourself. You are entering into and inheriting a six thousand year labor of prophets, martyrs, reformers, and missionaries who came before you.” Lance Wallnau

I’ve always believed I’m here in this place at this time for a purpose. I look around me and can see all kinds of reasons why God has me here now. But I’ve never thought in terms of ‘Destiny’ or a purpose bigger than anything I can imagine. (And I’m pretty good at imagining!)

I can trace my Christian heritage back four generations. But, have I considered the thousands of years that went before that? I should be looking back as well as forward. Going bigger and wider and trying to see from God’s perspective where the past, present, and future all exist at the same time. It’s mind-boggling and makes me feel small. Which is just the opposite of how I should feel.

So how do I reach for a Destiny I can’t see and an inheritance larger than my understanding? I go back to the first sentence in the quote. “Your prayers play a critical role in the harvest of souls.” I remain faithful in prayer and the seeking of His will.

Most days I’m focused on the next hour and the next necessary step. But there will be those precious days when I will remember to look up, and I will marvel that I am invited to be a part of God’s epic story.

 

 

 

Living #D-Strong

January is whizzing past and I still haven’t wished you a Happy New Year. I’ve been mulling over what to say that would be inspirational.

I just tossed out all my ideas because right now, in my hometown, there is a story—a life being lived—that is grander and more inspiring than any thing could I write.

If you have spent any time on social media or watching the news, you have heard of Dorian Murray. A bright 8 year old boy who began his fight with cancer four years ago. Early this month, just after the start of a new year, his mom and dad received the devastating news that cancer cells had shown up in his spinal fluid.

Dorian and his family made the decision there would be no more treatments. What time he had left, they would spend making memories.

A few days after that decision, he told his dad he wanted to be ‘famous on that bridge in China.’ The Great Wall of China. Since the travel would be too much for him, he adjusted his goal. Before going to heaven, he wanted to try to be as ‘famous as much as he could.’

Family and friends took to social media. What followed has been incredible.

His wish to be famous has gone global.

People have responded from all over the world and yes, from the Great Wall of China. Astronauts, celebrities, the famous, the not-so-famous, local businesses, faraway newspapers, first responders, military personnel, puppies and kittens have rallied ’round a little boy with a big, beautiful smile.

There are lessons for us in Dorian’s amazing story.

Dorian’s wish was simple, but BIG. He wanted to be famous. How about our dreams? Are they big? If not, why not? Let him be our inspiration to dream big!

His wish has given people all over the world the opportunity to connect with something bigger than themselves. Dorian reminds us that reaching out is a good thing. There are people who need our help, and there are people willing to help us.

And finally, whatever you choose to do this coming year, cover it with prayer. Dorian’s Facebook page is titled, Praying for Dorian. Before this young boy made this wish, family, friends and local churches were holding him up in prayer. Thousands continue to pray for ‘D’ and his family. Prayer can move a mountain—and create a global movement. Don’t under estimate your dream—or where it will lead—when you invite God to participate.

The following links are a place to start if you want to know more about Dorian Murray. Just enter his name into any search engine to see who is reaching out to this young hero.

CNN article

NBC News

The Westerly Sun (hometown newspaper)

Happy 2016 to you and yours!

Anita

 

“Your Son May Never Learn To Read.”

This week, on the Small Acts of Kindness blog, I shared a little about my son’s early struggle with autism and dyslexia. As you peek through the window into his world, I hope you find encouragement for your own faith walk. Click here to read, “The Gift of Reading”.

Blessings.

“He is not here. He has risen.”

Helping and loving family~
In the community—at work and church~
When I sit at my computer and write~
I serve a risen Savior!

“And if Christ had not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” 1 Corinthians 15:17

But my faith is not useless.
My life is not without meaning,
Nor is my writing an exercise of futility.

I serve a risen Savior!

He is ALIVE!

Hallelujah!

Wishing everyone a blessed Easter. May the Risen Christ shine bright in your heart.
Anita

My One Word 2015 – Quest

“My quest is to seek God more diligently – to know him better. I don’t know where this journey will lead. To change most assuredly, but what will that look like?” Journal entry dated January 4, 2015

After a year (2014) with the word RELEASE, I’m ready to be filled with more of God’s grace and presence.

“I am called by faith to do something new. My map for this journey is God’s Word. A lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105) God is my companion. He will never leave me nor forsake me. (Hebrew 13:5) Journal entry dated January 8, 2015

“Quest – to do the work only I can do as assigned by Father God.” Journal entry dated January 11, 2015

A feeling of urgency persists. Is it because I hit a milestone birthday a few months ago? Is it because I look at my elderly parents and see myself in twenty-five or thirty years. I must be about the work God has given me while I have my health and my memory.

This weekend I attended a writer’s retreat with my friends from Rhode Island Romance Writers. We created vision boards. Going into the workshop, I was sure my board would include some of my ‘wants’ such as a second bathroom for our home. But that isn’t what happened as I thumbed through magazines and cut out pictures and words.

Vision Board

The Rewards of Risk – Live Life Better – The Dream Chaser 
Phrases that fit well with my one word.

More time treasure hunting. Searching God’s word. Seeking His will. Isn’t that the greatest treasure of all?

My favorite part of the board is in the center:
The words – No Room For Boring
The picture – An automobile filled with Muppets! 

My quest will not be boring.

What is your word for this year? What are your expectations?

 

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Christmas Wrap up!

Took the tree down this past weekend and attended the last Christmas party of the season. Finally, the cookie crumbs have settled. Now that all the gifts have been opened, I can share pictures of several that I made.

Vintage clear glass buttons make this icicle sparkle!  The buttons are strung on light blue embroidery floss.

This hanging snowman’s hat is actually a rosy color. Made of cotton quilt batting, I sprayed stiffener on the back of it to give it a little more structure.

Here’s a close up:

The Victorian Santa was made for my son. He’s patiently waited years for me to make it for him. I presented him with the basic Santa on Christmas morning and let him go through my bins of trims to choose what Santa would hold. 

I love writing my stories, but creating these items reminded me how much I also enjoy the process and satisfaction of  creating with my hands. Looking forward to 2015, there will be time spent in my craft corner.

Available on Kindle, Nook and iBooks.

Have you signed up for my newsletter? Before writing INTO THE DEEP, I interviewed Jack ‘Preach’ Conroy. The January newsletter will have that interview. If you’d like to know a little more about the man, be sure and sign up here:

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Merry Christmas

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; 
he is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

Woodland Theme Fireplace Mantle – Christmas 2014

Imagine my surprise when I saw that I’d already posted a 2014 mantle–a YEAR ago–and no one called me on it. Does that mean I’m not the only one who’s confused about what year I’m in when one is drawing to a close and a new one is on the very near horizon?

Oh, good. I love being in the same boat with such nice people. For posterity – I corrected last year’s post.

This post is truly the mantle as it looks for Christmas 2014.

As usual, I shopped the house, the Christmas tubs and the craft bins to find what I needed. The ‘shopping trip’ included a foray through the gardening shelves in the basement to create this woodland scene. Squint, and the sparkly white garland kinda looks like snow!

The ‘fence’ is an old wood cow stanchion. It’s one of those pieces I love when I find a use for it, but want to get rid of the rest of the year. Thousands of these wood stanchions were burned when the government insisted commercial dairies use steel. I found this stanchion several years ago while yard sale hopping in the boonies of Rhode Island. There was no longer a family cow in the tiny barn so they were selling the stanchion. I snapped it up when ‘prim’ (primitive) was so popular.

 

As you can see, raccoon and bunny were allowed to come into the house proper. Regulars on the summer deck this will be their first Christmas celebration with the family. If they behave they may be invited back.

I couldn’t offend Mr. and Mrs. Mouse, so this year they left the Christmas bin and found a spot on the mantle. Don’t they look spiffy dressed in their Christmas outfits?  (My sister says I have a whole world in my head that no one knows about. Yes. Yes, I do!)

A tatty vintage cardinal looks on from the top fence rail…

… while a gorgeous male cardinal lands center stage in the wreath.

So there you have it. Christmas 2014 fireplace mantle.  I’m thinking it will be hard to say goodbye to.

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You won’t want to miss January’s edition. I’m sharing the interview I did with Jack ‘Preach’ Conroy before writing Book 2 of the SeaMount Series, INTO THE DEEP.  Here’s a sneak peek:
Q: What were you like in high school?
Jack: Justice was served with my fists. Everyone knew my father was the town drunk. I was the kid with the patched jeans.

Available on Kindle, Nook and iBooks.

Q: Who is your closest mundane friend?
Jack: I don’t have mundane friends.

Q: What’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?

Jack: A sunrise in a place I can’t reveal. I was glad to be alive to see the sun come up. It was beautiful and at the same time, a blessing from the Almighty.

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INTO THE DEEP ~ IS NOW AVAILABLE

The second book in the SeaMount Series is now available on:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble 
Apple iBooks

 

Each story I write strengthens my conviction that I do not write alone. After pouring hours of prayer into a story, asking that it not be mine, but His, why am I still surprised when it unfolds in an unexpected way? As I write and plan future stories, I’m discovering that like real life, each man of SeaMount has his own unique faith walk. My prayer is that God will use Jack and Lucinda’s story to encourage you to go deeper with your faith. Don’t be afraid to step ‘into the deep’. It is there that you will find your greatest blessings.

Thank you for being the most amazing readers! I love hearing from you. I’m only a tweet, email, or Facebook message away.

God bless you on your journey,

Anita

He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
Psalms 107:29-30

Goodbye, Summer.

Summer and early morning walks on the beach go hand in hand for me. As we say goodbye to summer, come with me for one last stroll along the Rhode Island coastline. We’re walking along a piece of coastline only a mile or two east of where the SeaMount series is set. Breathe deeply. There’s a tang of salt in the air.

 

A calm morning.

 

 

A flock of sandpipers and one piping plover.

 

Blue shell crab.

 

Piping plovers – their nesting areas are protected.

 

Slipper shells clinging to a stone.

 

Wedding cake sand sculpture. Was there a wedding on the beach last night?

 

Huge horseshoe crab. He’s dead.

…but this one is very much alive and carrying freeloading slipper shells…

 

A foggy morning. A train of waves coming ashore.

 

Seaweed on the beach after a storm.

 

‘Summer cottages’ against the morning sky.

 

The blue of the Atlantic Ocean meets the blue of the sky.

 

Slack tide. Where the water coming in from the ocean meets the water leaving the salt pond.

 

A beach rose with a visiting bumblebee.

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