Through the Eyes of a Child

I enjoy Sarah Young's daily devotions in Jesus Calling. Although the scriptural references are short, I love digging further, checking out the context for each reference in an attempt to comprehend the magnitude of God's amazing promises.

A recent devotion reminded readers of God's merciful and unconditional love. Although our behavior and thoughts are far from perfect, and we may experience the abandonment or betrayal of loved ones, God promises He will never leave us or forsake us. Along with other references, Young cites a verse in Isaiah: "Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." (Isaiah 49:16  ESV)

I smiled as I reread that reference. It reminded me of a conversation I had with our precious granddaughter, Tesla, who was four years old at the time. It went pretty much like this:

Tesla: Gramma, do you know how much God loves us?

Me: I know He loves us lots. How much do you think He loves us?

Tesla (Spreading her little arms high and wide): God loves us to heaven and back!

Me: He does, doesn't He? And did you know that God loves us so much that he has our names written on the palms of His hands?

Tesla (Eyes wide with wonder): Wow!! God must have REALLY big hands, 'cuz He sure made a lot of people to love!

Spot on!

Lord, help me to see Your promises through the eyes of a child.

Fun and Fellowship with Writer Friends

One of the highlights of my year is the annual Southwest Christian Writers' Christmas/New Years get-together. Yesterday, about 15 members of SCWA enjoyed a great afternoon of fun and fellowhip at Farmington's Gateway Museum.

The event began with prayer and a fantastic welcome and encouragement from President Lin Harris. After that, we shared ideas, publishing trends, and current works-in-progress before diving into a delicious Mexican potluck/ buffet that included assemble-your-own burritos with chicken, beef, beans, rice, chips, and salsa.

Our traditional bean auction followed, with each member bidding portions (or all) of his/her bag of 50 pinto beans on wrapped gifts tagged with clues as to their contents. What fun!!

Do you like to write? Looking for a critique partner or a group to encourage you in your writing? Southwest Christian Writers (SCWA) might be just the group for you!

Southwest Christian Writers Picnic

About twenty members of SCWA (Southwest Christian Writers Association) gathered at the home of Lin and Jerry Harris last weekend. The beautiful weather presented opportunities for hiking, patio visits, and simply enjoying the the marvelous mountain scenery surrounding the Harris's home near Chimney Rock, CO.

I thoroughly renewing acquaintance with Lin -our group's president and gracious host - as well as her husband Jerry. Food was plentiful, as was fun and friendly conversation. After a year's absence from the company of fellow scribes (yours truly taught first-graders this past school year), I was delighted to once again join in stimulating conversations about the writer's journey.

Thanks to Lin and all the rest of the gang for a lovely afternoon in the mountains of my native state. I look forward to sharing more time with the wonderful folks in SCWA!

I'll Be Your Junie B.

Sometime during the summer of 2011, I began contemplating the possibility of juggling two careers.  I somehow thought I could wade about in the literary waters of publication while introducing bright young minds to their own world of literacy at the same time . I prayed about it and checked into vacancies with my former employer.

To make a long story short, I spent much of this past year immersed in a classroom of six-year-olds -- cute-as-a-kitten, bouncy-as-Tigger, ornery-as-Junie B. first graders. What an exhilariting experience!

I thoroughly enjoyed those months with 18 precious, bright-eyed youngsters. And yet, the desire to write gave me little rest. I did my best to satiate it: I wrote poetry and stories to share with the kids. They loved it, and wrote their own. Fun times. But it wasn't enough. The stories that bounced around in my head required time ... time that would cheat my students. And all the while, that unslaked yearning to put pen to paper remained...much like an ignored puppy playing with my shoestrings, darting back and forth between my feet, a doleful plea in its eyes that read, "I'll be your Junie B."

And so, when spring came, I sat down at my laptop and typed out a letter of resignation. Wednesday, May 30, 2012 concluded the "year of my return to education" after six years of retirement, as well as my 29th year of teaching young children. I'll never forget the experience . It was wonderful. But it also taught me to value the opportunity to write . I'm back!

Writing for Christ -- a Fruit-Bearing Privilege

I recently completed the final in a series of five articles on What Christ Says about Prayer, published during the month of June online at presidentialprayerteam.com. The old adage that we learn by doing certainly applied during that entire process. What a blessing it has been to prayerfully pore over the Scriptures, searching for every tidbit of information I could glean concerning our Savior's teachings on prayer and our relationship with Him. Not only did I learn much more than I'd expected, the experience renewed my prayer-life. I feel exceedingly privileged to serve a God who reigns on high, yet deigns to dwell in the hearts of His children!

Friend in Christ, if your prayer-life needs rejuvenating, accept this challenge: Search the gospels, noting Christ's actions and teaching. I guarantee you'll come away spiritually rejuvenated!

The Presidential Prayer Team has published its Prayer 101 articles weekly since February. They can be viewed at http://presidentialprayerteam.com/prayer101. The most recent article is posted on the main page, while past offerings can be accessed by clicking the desired title on the right side of the screen.

As a good friend likes to say, have a God-blessed day!  And enjoy your "prayer journey."