Love in the Highlands

Are you "JOYfull"?

2009-06-02T23:20:00.001-04:00

Hi Again,
It has been quite a while since I’ve updated my blog. Sorry about that. I have been quite sick with this virus or whatever it is that I had and am still getting over.

Well, lots has happened. Too much to mention all of it. But just today I had a chance to speak with my Marketing Rep from Tate publishing. My release date is exactly two week away (from this writing) – June 16th. It’s getting exciting. My press release will be out by then and hopefully we’ll be on the road to some book signings.

I’ve got a few in the works that we’re praying about locally in Roanoke, VA. I also have one already that I’ve planned myself at a homeschool book sale in 3 ½ weeks.

Well, enough of the small talk. What I would like to talk about right now is what are you doing to serve the Lord? It is so easy for us to go about our world, day in and day out, doing the same old, same old.

We like to make excuses for our lack of ministering. The list is long… I’m overwhelmed… I don’t know how to do a bible study… I’m not good with people… I have my family to worry about… I’m not a strong enough Christian…

The list goes on and on… The plain truth is that if God is calling you to minister, then He will provide whatever you need to complete it. And don’t think He’s not calling you. The question is not “IF” He is calling but “WHAT” is He calling you to do?

I, like so many others, am so incredibly busy with all my duties as a woman. I home school four children, try to keep the house clean, cook for and take care of my wonderful husband. I am trying to market my book while writing a second one. I teach Sunday school, coach soccer, a leader in AWANA and help my husband teach the children in Jr. Church and on Wednesday nights as well as go away for a week to be a counselor at camp this summer. And NOW I’ve been asked to lead and organize our Vacation Bible School, which is just in 2 months. That’s getting directors, helpers, crafts, outreach, activities, etc, etc. But GOD asked (no matter what His face looked like at the time I was handed the box of themed books). He will allow me the grace to get through it all.

Phew!! What else do I have time for? BUT I do!! God is burdening me to teach the ladies or have a Bible study with them. I also have an overwhelming desire to organize, set up and lead a ladies’ conference at our church- opened to all the ladies of the valley. Does that sound crazy? Well, it probably is but it’s what I feel led to do. Will God help me – yes, if it’s His will. How can I really know if it is His will in my life? Well, I’ll tell you…

The first bullet on my checklist is - what is God telling me? If I am communing with Him in prayer and bible study, He speaks to me. It is that still small voice, not an audible one. (1 Kings 19:12 “And after the earthquake a fire; [but] the LORD [was] not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. “) Sometimes it’s just a tightening of my heart when the thought comes to my brain. I believe that is the Holy Spirit at work. The same voice that tells you NOT to do something is the voice that tells you to DO something in particular for Him.

Next on my ever-present checklist is what does my husband think? Oooh. That’s crossing the line isn’t it? What does he know? What does he have to do with MY decisions? Oh, just EVERYTHING!! He is my leader and God speaks through him. His job, that he is very good at, is protecting me. He can tell when I am about burnt out or getting there. He is good at looking from the outside and seeing what my need is. My husband observes my mood “rollercosters” (they’re not even gentle enough to be labeled “swings”). He can tell when his sweet wife has disappeared and the crazed woman has taken over her body. His first question when I’m struggling is "How is your walk with God?" Huh!!! How dare he?? Who does he think he is? Well, he’s the head of me and he cares for me. He is a gift from God.

So, when I was burdened by these Godly desires to minister to the ladies of my church, I spoke with him about it (after I made sure my walk with the Lord was on course because I knew what he would surely ask me first of all).

I really expected him to tell me to slow down and that I was already doing too much. Well, did he blow me out of the water with his response! He told me that if God was leading me, I needed to do it. He told me when I am miserable, it is because I am not ministering to others. WHAT!?!

Doesn’t he know that when I am miserable it is because I am a tired, worn out Mom? But hold on. He is absolutely right. It is so easy to get introspective to the point that all we worry about is ME. Not the hurting people around us or the heavenly Father that desires to use us. But what are my problems, how can MY life get better? That is not the recipe for Spiritual joy.

When I was a Sunday school teacher of 1st through 3rd graders, I remember teaching them the simple yet powerful acronym J-O-Y. What does it stand for?
J – Jesus
O – Others
Y – Yourself
That needs to be the order of our priorities if we want to have complete JOY – lasting real JOY. Jesus first – serve HIM. Others next – minister to their needs (that is ALL others – even the unlovely and unlovable.) Then that leaves little ol’ me. You know, by the time you follow this formula, when you get to the ME part, you’ve really forgotten what your problems were to begin with. It’s funny how God’s ways are sooo much higher than our ways. Amazing really wouldn’t you say?

The last on this maniacal checklist would be our last major authority. The Pastor. This one is obvious but so often neglected and even disdained. Oh, they’re fine if they agree with your plans but oh, boy watch out if they speak contrary to our desires and plans. What do THEY know anyway? They can’t know the intricacies of our lives and our days. How can they know what God has planned for us? Simple. They watch for our souls – as the Word of God tells us in the New Testament.

In fact, my Pastor is coming by tomorrow afternoon so that we might discuss these burdens that God has given me and that my husband has approved. Now we will find out in what way God wants to use them. Pastor is my shepherd and I trust what he says. This may not be the time for any or all of my burdens or we may find even different ways to minister while still placating these burdens. What God wants is my desire to follow Him.

So, that leads me again to my main theme… what are you doing to minister? Are you continually making excuses not to? You WILL be asked to leave your comfort zone but you know what, God will still be there with you and oh, the relationship will be so incredibly sweet!

Step out on faith, volunteer to do something you never would do. Pray about it first and then ask some Godly advice from wise counselors, including your husband and Pastor. You will not believe all you can do through Jesus. And, like all of us, you must start somewhere. Ministry is not exclusively for Pastors, missionaries and their wives and families.

Closing thought… my husband was a computer engineer and now owns a carpet cleaning business with his brothers. He teaches children, teens, writes Christian music and preaches. He also witnesses to people at his jobs and actually leads them to a saving knowledge of Christ. So many times, I have been asked if he was a preacher or pastor. Although, I’m convinced that he should be or someday will be, it is a sad commentary on Christendom. Only pastors and missionaries are called to be a light and a witness? You can throw ministry in their. Does my husband have to be a preacher, or Godly or even saved for me to minister in some mighty way.? The answer is absolutely not. That is another detour on our walk with the Lord. Another clever excuse NOT to do God’s will for our lives. We can’t live out of God’s will though, because then that means the enemy wins and we live a failed, useless christian life.

So, what kind of life will you live. One of victory or one of spiritual obscurity? God will not force His children to love and serve Him. That is what Free-will is for.

Stop and smell the little roses

2009-05-22T22:34:00.001-04:00

Hey Folks,
It’s Friday night. I am so very ill and I really wasn’t going to write anything on the blog but I just wanted to say a few things before they’re gone from my mind.

I sadly missed my children’s soccer games tonight. I have not slept in two nights and am run down with every gland in my body swollen. Thanks to my herbalist Aunt, I’m taking Echinacea and Goldenseal tincture in my tea. It’s helping some but my neck is the true culprit. All that to say… I need prayer.

But missing the games and not being able to spend the evening with my family made me truly sad. I was just sending a quick e-mail to my Aunt who is visiting out in Massachusetts from California her one-year-old grandson. My cousin’s wife is expecting their second child in June and she will be there to help. It is so exciting for her and what a blessing I KNOW she’ll be to Kerri Ann. My mother-in-law (bless her heart) always came out for the first week each of my children were born to help me. I could NOT have done it without her. I was so immature the first time that I didn’t realize what a help she was. But trust me by babies 2, 3 and 4, I was praising the Lord for her servant’s heart. I would nurse them in the middle of the night and then she would just rock them until they went to sleep.

I can assure you, this tired Mom was asleep in a split second and never had the time, energy or wherewithal to ask how long the little ones took to drop back off.

Boy do I miss those days. I know it sounds crazy but I really do. My Mom and I were talking about it on my youngest 8th birthday back in April. I cried as Grace and I were walking out of WalMart hand and hand. I saw a mom with a baby in one of those little baby huggers, carrying him, and I just lost it.

Now those of you who know me know that I am not the baby, ooey gooey type. But boy no one told my tear ducts. My mom told me that I would feel like this someday. Of course, she also knew that I wouldn’t listen to her because she never listened to those wisened women that warned her she would feel the same way when my brother and I grew older.

Everything is cyclical. I guess wishing away motherhood is as well. It is unfortunate. For those Mom’s who enjoy every moment and don’t care about the mess and think – someday I won’t have all this laundry or have to stop arguments or discipline or say no a thousand times… good for you. That is wonderful. I am really glad that you are enjoying life now.

For the rest of us Moms, who have wished away potting training, stair-climbing, making your own breakfast (aka cereal and milk). For those who are so thrilled when their preteen baby-sits her siblings for the first time and you can go out for a coffee with husband without calling someone or paying someone. For those of us Moms who want them to say their first word only to wonder if they’ll ever stop talking or making those wacky little boy blaster noises, I feel your pain.
I have finally realized, however, that I will never again hold a little baby in my arms that actually was once part of me. I will never have that little toddler (or 4), who can be in a room full of people but will choose me every time just because my name is Mommy. I will never feel that little heartbeat against my own and realize that all her sustenance at this moment comes from my body. It is a sad time. One I wish I had stopped to enjoy while I was in it.

But!!!! Time goes on. We cannot look back but if I can just make one mom slow down and see what they have while they have it – that would be a blessing. Plus, I still have my 4 at home and TRUST me – I am doing my best to enjoy them and build our family identity. They are at such a great age.

It is also funny, if Abbey follows my path of getting married at 21 and having her first baby at almost 23 years old – I could be a GRANDMA in 10 years. Crazy huh? Boy am I looking forward to that! I am just beginning to understand the delight of grandparents.

Well, I guess the thought for today is stop and smell the roses – or the diaper or the yogurt or apple slice or whatever it is that is wafting up to your nostrils right now. I know I am.

Motherhood is a blessing. It is something to be savored. I am now listening to all the Moms that have told me that along the way.

And with that I will say adieu and go sit with my little blessings on the couch and watch this movie about a horse.

“My Greatest blessings, call me Mom.”

Highland code of hospitality

2009-05-17T23:46:00.003-04:00

Hi again.
Well, it’s Sunday night. Weekends always wipe me out. How about you?

Church is always a blessing but let’s face it, God created a day of rest. For us in the church age, that day is Sunday. What a great day to just lay down and rest. To just do nothing but veg out.

My family had a lovely dinner at our friends house this afternoon right after church. With a short nap sandwiched in between that and church at 6pm.

I’ve been reading about highland hospitality and being at the Shanks' home today reminded me of that. There was a Highland code regarding hospitality. You welcomed any strangers or clansmen into your home or castle if they sought a meal, lodging or help. That extended to any clanmen, even enemies. Hard but true.

The greatest disgrace and lack of honor came by either turning away a needy visitor or breaking that bond and trust of a host. The ultimate form of trust breaking was by betraying him or injuring he or someone within the walls of his keep.

I’ve been reading of the ultimate example of this in the 17th century involving the Campbells of Glenlyon and Breadalbane - amongst numerous other co-conspirators and the MacDonalds of Glencoe. The MacDonalds were late in signing the fealty, swearing allegiance to King William instead of King James II following the failed Jacobite rebellion that ultimately ended in the disposing of James II and the ascension of King William and Queen Mary.

The cheiftain, Alasdair MacDonald, waited until the last moment to set about his journey to sign the oath to William. He was turned away by the governor who would not admininster it. He was sent to Inveraray to go before the sheriff of argyll, Sir Colin Campbell. After arriving late, due to weather and being detained by the Earl of Argyll's troop, he found his way to Inveraray only to find Sir Colin gone on New Year's holiday.

Upon Sir Colin's arrival, MacDonald's belated oath was reluctantly accepted in the name of all MacDonalds. Many Campbells who had been blotting and scheming were not pleased.

A month and a half later, the Campbells of Glenlyon along with Breadalbane soldiers came to the Chieftain MacDonald and asked for the highland hospitality code. The ever honorable, MacDonalds obliged, albeit vary warily, and the Campbell troops remained for about 10 or so days in the Glencoe area owned by the MacDonalds.

Completely unawares, they suddenly attached the chieftain and his wife as well as those in his castle. They then proceeded to attack and kill other innocent MacDonalds in the various castle keeps surrounding Glencoe – some owned by the chieftain’s sons. The sons, however, survived to carry on the MacDonald Laird’s bloodline. Further Campbell troops, unfortunately, came down from the North and attacked yet more Lairds and castles in their destructive, insanely deplorable path.

It was total carnage. Around 40 innocent men were attacked mercilessly. In addition, another 40 women and children died from exposure after fleeing for their lives in the bitter cold winter ensconced highlands of Glencoe, once their homes were burned to the ground. The Campbells had completely betrayed the highland code, all in the name of a late signed fealty oath. Truly it was to avenge the years of warring between the two prideful, battling clans. This was their chance and they even had to carefully hidden approval of the king.

What a dishonor to hospitality this back-stabbing scheme ended up becoming.

All that to say, what a blessing true hospitality is. Pure, unadulterated hospitality. The feeling of being wanted. Knowing that your host and/or hostess, completely desires your presence. That they have gone to great lengths to ensure your comfort and even prepared your favorite foods.

That is the kind of hospitality we experienced today at our friends' home. The essence of the Highland hospitality code.

How are you in regards to hospitality? Do you make guests feel completely wanted? Completely at ease? Do you continue to putter around, too busy to talk or have fun? Do you enjoy finishing up dinner at the expense of your guests? Have things all ready when your guests arrive or like my dear friend, invite your female guest into your kitchen to talk or even help if she so chooses. Don’t leave them hanging on the living room staring at the walls – or worse, each other.

And by all means, ask them if they’d like a beverage. Something to hold in their hands.

Well, I hope we all can learn how to and how NOT to be hospitable. The greatest example of this I’ve ever seen in a person, is my mentor Mom, Lee-Ann Ross. What a Christian testimony. I’ll delve into that one someday.

Have a great week! Don’t forget to talk with God EVERY day. We CANnot make it without him. Have you read His love letter (the Bible) to you -today?

Book Talk

2009-05-12T14:56:00.003-04:00

Hi again,
It's been a while. Life has gone on in its everyday, harried way. Isn't it fun being a parent?

Tonight I am doing my first Book Event. It is a Book Talk/Book Signing at my local library. I'm quite nervous about what to say but the Lord will be with me. I really don't plan to sell many books it's just a tiny library but who knows.

I consider it practice for the ones coming up when my book is released officially next month that my Marketing Rep will be setting up. This event is free and I can only learn from it.

I'm bringing a scottish tartan plaid that we bought on our trip to Scotland 5 years ago. I also have a new digital photo frame that my sweety bought me for Mom's Day. I have some Scotland pics on there as well. And have about 50 snapshots from the trip in a small photo album.

I also have 2 bowls of candy!! Yum!

Well, I hope it all goes well. Ta-Ta for now.

Ladies' Tea

2009-05-02T15:34:00.002-04:00

I had such a wonderful time at a ladies' tea today. It was called a festival of tables. 13 or 14 tables were set up and decorated by different women. The women had themselves and up to 7 more ladies seated with them. We then voted on the tables in 4 categories... most creative, most elegant, most unique and most colorful. It was great fun! We also had special music and special speakers. AND of course, FOOD!!

What a blessing these ladies were. It was all about adversity and how God's grace pulled them through. Praise God for his Grace! The ladies shared about various tribulations in their lives. We had four speakers who shared trials from ministry opportunities that drastically changed and therefore rocked their world, major illnesses in children, smaller trials that seem so enormous when we go through it - because let's face it, they are, and much more. We always wonder how we could possibly make it through the things that these saints of God have. God never changes, however. He is available and willing to help all of us, if we but ask.

One of the speakers, my friend, Rachel, found out her 2 year old had cancer behind his left eye (only in January). In a matter of a month, he had his eye removed. How did she make it through with three other children to care for and home school? She shared in her testimony today... 5 months before, God was preparing her. How? Her devotions and bible study. He was showing her that she could and should trust Him. She was filing away all these lessons and scripture. Her relationship was growing such that when the time of trials came, she was equipped. Rachel's obedience to God in her devotions was the key to making it through this trial. They are still working their way out of course. Levi now has a prosthectic eyes that looks just like his other beautiful blue one. Unless we've been through it, we'll never know what their family has been through and is still going through. But the same grace that helped this dear family succeed is the same grace that is at all believers' hands. Hands that are folded in prayer. Hands that are used to turn the feathery thin pages of a worn Bible that contains the Words of Life. The Words we have to commune with our Lord. Our words of prayer are our response to those timeless ones of God.

Their testimonies, and especially that of Rachel, encouraged and convicted me. I need to make sure my devotions are not just to check if off my list. Not just to say, ok God, I've read my Bible today. That does not equip you or grow your faith. Only true devotion does.

How is your devotional life? How is your prayer life? Studying to teach Sunday School, AWANA or your children is great. But how is YOUR personal time with the Lord? That is what truly counts.

Have a blessed, Christ-filled day

Another day, unfortunately, not in Scotland :-)

2009-05-01T00:07:00.003-04:00

Hey Folks! Thanks for stopping by my blog. You would think that a Mom that stays home all day and schools the kids would have more time to keep up - wouldn't you? Boy that is just not true!
Between all the "Moms" and housework, and then there's good ole Homeschool Soccer! Though it takes a lot of my time to mother and coach to soccer kids boy is it wonderful. It helps to have an great Asst. Coach, Dee. What a blessing this Sister-in-Christ is to me.

Well, I'm trying to get some free blocks of time to keep plugging away at Highland Vow (Book #2 in the Chronicles). I'm always doing more research on Scotland in the late 18th century. I think it is so important to pass history along with the fun and adventure. I'm going to try to give some weekly tidbits about Scotland. I think it's fun to learn about history, especially in a place you've never been. I would love to go back to visit. It's another dream of mine. Once was not enough!!

One last note. For all you inspiring writers.... Remember this rule of thumb....

WRITE HOT and EDIT COLD

That is so important. DO NOT worry about grammar or punctuation when you're on a roll. Go back after the "frenzy" is over and figure all that out. Many times I even make a mental note that I've used that verb or adjective too much. I go back with dicitonary.com and thesaurus.com (my absolute favorite websites) up on my laptop and change a bunch. The important thing for me and you is to get it on paper (or the computer) and THEN the edits, little fixes, and touch ups will happen. Just reread a lot.

That's all from here for today. I hope you have a blessed day. Remember to commune with God today and each day. Prayer and Bible reading. There is no hope outside of Jesus Christ.

Just a thought for today

2009-04-16T10:19:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone. This post has nothing to do with writing and everything to do with our relationship with the Lord.

Let's remember to take time out to talk to Him (prayer) and here back from Him (reading the Bible). Without communication a marriage or any relationship dies. Without communication with God the same happens.

We will just whither on the vine. Nothing will matter. We'll become lethargic and yes, even feel depressed. We will be right where the Enemy wants us.

But remember... when you get to the point that God is all you have - then God is all you need!

Have a blessed day.

2009-04-14T14:53:00.003-04:00

Guestbook

2009-04-14T14:16:00.001-04:00

My new blog

2009-04-14T12:17:00.000-04:00

Hi there! I'm new to this so please have patience. I hoping this blogging stuff will evolve for me. I've seen so many well-done websites and blogs, I'm hoping to catch up quick.

I am also dabbling with a website www.aprilsanders.webs.com
And I can be found on facebook. profile.to/aprilsanders
I must admit, it is hard to keep up with all these different forms of media and spend time with my kiddos. But I'm trying.

As I get more time, I will be blogging about what I'm learning right now in the world of publishing and writing. I am definitely getting an education.

Let me know your thoughts.