After I graduated from high school in Hong Kong, I had no desire to attend college. Read the rest of this entry »
God had a plan for me (revised from a post in September 2011)
May 16, 2012
27 Comments | 
Christian Living, Devotional, Short Stories, Testimonies | Tagged: Guidance, life-changing, Lord, plan, steps | 
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Posted by Dicky
Do you trust God?
April 20, 2012Rebekah in the Old Testament is a woman of faith. Her encounter with a stranger changed her life forever. Read the rest of this entry »
22 Comments | Christian Living, Devotional, Prayers, Testimonies | Tagged: calling, Leap of faith, trust | Permalink
Posted by Dicky
“Spiritual Gifts” by Cynthia Simmons
April 17, 2012Oftentimes, we wonder what our spiritual gifts are. Today, my friend Cynthia Simmons will talk to us about the spiritual gifts that God has given us.
Cynthia Simmons
Do you ever feel insignificant and wonder if anyone would notice if you disappeared? On the other hand do you struggle with thinking too highly of yourself? The followingverses in Romans teach us proper self esteem. “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith God has assigned. For as we have many members and the members do not have the same function.” Rom. 12: 3-4
Pride comes so easily to us, but so does poor self esteem. Neither extreme brings good mental health. So what’s the answer? In the next few verses the Apostle Paul launches into an explanation of spiritual gifts, and I believe that forms an excellent basis for a balanced view of ourselves.
Think about it. God gives every believer a gift. No one gets left out. Furthermore your gift may be mercy, but it will have a different slant than others in the church. You’ll be uniquely gifted to do a job no one else can do the way you can in the time and place you live. Even more than that, when you exercise your gift, you become a vital part of the whole church—a necessary cog in the workings of the machinery. Should you fail to use your gift, the church will lose the special ability to touch the world as God planned. Imagine your body deprived of an eye, or even the big toe. Doubtless you’d miss either one.
Let’s revisit the verse above. Paul taught each believer in Rome “…not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think…” In other words, he’s saying not to be proud. A prideful person would think of himself as the entire machine. Nothing would happen without him, and we all know that’s not true. That’s disobeying this verse—he’s not that important. But if a believer sees himself as a vital part of the machine, or the body of Christ, that’s healthy. He’s valuable and has something to offer. Paul continues Romans twelve this way, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…”
Do you battle with thoughts of insecurity? Discover and use your spiritual gift. Do you combat pride? View yourself as a member of God’s church with a vital role to play. The church needs us all, working together for God’s kingdom.
Cynthia’s Bio
Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over twenty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. Active in Christian Authors Guild (CAG), she conducts writing workshops and has served as president, vice president, and conference director. In December 2009 the membership granted her Life Time Membership for her numerous contributions to writers.
“Cindy” is fond of history and writes both historical fiction and nonfiction. Her writing appeared in CAG publications, NATHHAN NEWS, Chattanooga Regional Historical Magazine, Georgia Right to Life Newsletter, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Catholic Exchange, and Christian Devotions.us.
Her first book, Struggles and Triumphs, came out in 2008. While promoting her book, she had interviews on radio and TV across the nation and was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the year.
Struggles and Triumphs
She also conducts monthly podcasts called CAG Spotlight in which she interviews authors and VIPs in the writing industry. At present she is completing a twelve week Bible study using the stories in Struggles and Triumphs.
What’s wrong with our world? Shouldn’t a God who claims to be all powerful and flawless prevent suffering? How can we continue to believe when storms rage on in our lives? If you’ve ever had tough questions like these Struggles and Triumphs Study Guide is the book for you.
Author Cynthia L. Simmons will guide you toward answers with her unique and enlightening approach. Her twelve-week Bible study for ladies comes from stories of real women as told in Struggles and Triumphs: Women in History Who Overcame. As you study, you’ll come to understand God’s perspective on timeless issues that impact your life. The carefully chosen Scriptures combined with interesting historical information will challenge and encourage you.
Watch the trailer at: http://youtu.be/HOP9HY7xTXU
To purchase Cynthia’s book Struggles and Triumphs, please go to http://www.lulu.com/shop/cynthia-simmons/struggles-and-triumphs-workbook/paperback/product-20038687.html
4 Comments | Christian Living, Devotional, Family, Friends, Gospel | Tagged: Cynthia Simmons, spiritual gifts, Struggles and Triumphs | Permalink
Posted by Dicky
Julie-Allyson Ieron
March 16, 2012
Julie-Allyson Ieron
Dear friends,
I am so happy to introduce to you my Christian friend Julie-Allyson Ieron. Julie is an author, writing coach, editor, and conference speaker. Two of her e-books are doing the Amazon Prime free promo in the next few weeks.
Book summaries are:
Staying True in a World of Lies (free on Amazon Kindle March 17-18)
Updated Second Edition with Study Guide
Practical Models of Integrity for the Workplace and Beyond
Have you ever found yourself in a moral dilemma at work? Something seemingly insignificant that tested your resolve and challenged your integrity. Staying True in a World of Lies looks at integrity as the unification of thoughts, words, and actions. It is a timely, practical resource filled with stories of real people that will reinforce your commitment to Christlikeness—and energize you for the long haul. Then, rebuild your life around God’s character expectations using the bonus 12-session Bible study.
Praying Like Jesus (free on Amazon Kindle April 5-7, Easter week)
Updated Second Edition with Study Guide
Prayer is more—much more—than a laundry list of requests. It isn’t about getting the answers we want just when we want them. Actually, it isn’t about us, at all. Prayer is about relationship between Almighty God and you. Praying Like Jesus introduces you to prayer from a close-up perspective—that of God the Son. This dynamic study of 52 ways Jesus prayed for you will challenge your heart to come into contact with the Heart that beats to intercede for you. Savor one chapter at a time or one each week for a year. And dig in for yourself as you use the 9-session Bible study included in this updated eBook package.
Bio
Julie-Allyson Ieron (pronounced: I-RUN) is a perceptive journalist who investigates God’s truth and crafts her discoveries in ways that engage your mind and resonate with your heart. Her passion is to open God’s Word alongside you to equip you to apply its riches to your daily joys, questions, and challenges.
She recently celebrated 25 years as an author, writing coach, editor, and conference speaker. Her ministry-defining project released in 2010: The Julie-Allyson Ieron Bible Reference Collection on WORDsearch 9.0. It features 9 of Julie’s books linked with 75 Bible reference resources. Additionally, most of her books are available in MP3 audio and e-book formats, as well as print. Her book, The Overwhelmed Woman’s Guide to … Caring for Aging Parents is a featured resource for Focus on the Family, where she was a radio guest.
Julie is excited about her newest book: The God Interviews: Questions You Would Ask; Answers God Gives, scheduled to release from Leafwood Publishing in Autumn 2012.
Julie’s personal life is as dynamic as her writing. She is her dad’s medical advocate, and along with her mom Joy (who is quick to point out she’s not Julie’s aging parent!) daily administers his tests, meds, and shots. In more relaxed times, Julie and Joy play violin and organ duets for weddings and church services (sometimes for funerals, too). Julie plays violin in her church’s orchestra, dabbles in art for fun, and plays a killer game of Scrabble™.
Visit her website at www.joymediaservices.com or her devotional blog for caregivers: http://womencareforagingparents.blogspot.com.
6 Comments | Book Review, Christian Living, Devotional, Family, Friends, Gospel, Prayers, Short Stories, Testimonies | Permalink
Posted by Dicky
“The High-Ways of God” by Fay Lamb
March 3, 2012This post is written by Fay Lamb, the author of Because of Me.
Fay Lamb
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways
My ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens
are higher than the earth,
so are My ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9
I love my walks around North Carolina’s Lake Junaluska. As I stroll alongside the rose garden or hike the secluded trail, I spend time with the Lord, contemplating his path for me.
The prophet Isaiah wrote about the “high ways” of God, and I’ve wondered what those ways mean to me as I trod the paths God has for me. If God named his “high ways” what would they be?
Satisfaction Boulevard: Worldly satisfaction is often found in things we buy or produce, but God calls us to satisfaction in Him. “Ho, everyone one that thirsteth come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea come buy wine without food and price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” (Isaiah 55:1-2) When I am dissatisfied, I’m telling God what He has provided isn’t enough. When walking Satisfaction Boulevard, I see that everything He has given me is more than enough.
Security Circle: While my trek around the lake is a short one, I have to watch carefully for individuals who may intend me harm. So it is with my life. I must watch for everyone and everything that will pull me away from my journey with God. Isaiah 55: 3 says, “Incline your ear, and come unto me, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” When we walk with God, we are safe—He is an everlasting harbor.
The intersection of Surrender Trail and Salvation Lane: God’s mercies are immeasurable. He met me where I was so I could continue a journey free from the burdening sin I once carried. God handed that burden to His son. “Behold I have given Him [Jesus] for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55: 4, 6) Because Jesus sacrificed for me, I can approach God’s throne and ask Him to walk with me in the cool of the day.
Sanctity Court: In the North Carolina mountains, the picturesque setting changes from moment to moment, making it easy to understand that with God, each day is a new beginning. No matter what I’ve done, God is faithful to forgive me if I ask. Isaiah 55:7 declares, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” God calls me to bring my sins before him. Each confession draws me closer to Him, the walk a more enjoyable one, as I move toward the future in God’s abundant forgiveness.
Sharing Way: When I walk, I carry a camera to record the beauty of the lake, the plants, and the wildlife. I marvel that God spoke it all into existence. Isaiah 55:10-11 says, “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” God’s Word is powerful, a gift for the ages—a gift that God says will accomplish its purpose of announcing salvation to mankind—the Creator’s message to His creation.
Singing Street: Following God’s paths leads to joy. “For we shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you in signing and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” (Isaiah 55:12-13) I’ve never broken into song during my walks, but I’ve enjoyed the song of nature in the honking geese, the lapping waters, the rustling leaves, and my heart has been lifted in praise to the Maker of that chorus and for the “high ways” He has made for me.
BIO
Fay Lamb works as an acquisition/copyeditor for Pelican Book Group (White Rose Publishing and Harbourlight Books), offers her services as a freelance editor, and is an author of Christian romance and romantic suspense. Her emotionally charged stories remind the reader that God is always in the details. Because of Me, her debut romantic suspense novel is published by Treble Heart Books/Mountainview Publishing.
Fay has a passion for working with and encouraging fellow writers. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she co-moderates the large Scribes’ Critique Group and manages the smaller Scribes’ critique groups. For her efforts, she was the recipient of the ACFW Members Service Award in 2010.
In 2012, Fay was also elected to serve as secretary on ACFW’s Operating Board.
Fay and her husband, Marc, reside in Titusville, Florida, where multi-generations of their families have lived. The legacy continues with their two married sons and five grandchildren.
Fay’s debut novel: Because of Me:
Because of Me
Not your typical Christian fiction.
Michael’s fiancée, Issie Putnam, was brutally attacked and Michael was imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Now he’s home to set things right.
Two people stand in his way: Issie’s son, Cole, and a madman.
Can Michael learn to love the child Issie holds so close to her heart and protect him from the man who took everything from Michael so long ago?
Available through all fine book retailers, Amazon.com, and Mountainview Publishing (www.trebleheartbooks.com/MVLamb.html), a division of Treble Heart Books.
Purchase the book at:
http://www.amazon.com/Because-of-Me-ebook/dp/B00722KIME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327670357&sr=8-1
6 Comments | Christian Living, Devotional, Family, Friends, Gospel, Short Stories | Tagged: follow God, God's path, God's way, His ways are higher than our ways, Isaiah 55:8-9 | Permalink
Posted by Dicky
My Senses
February 22, 2012“Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.”
Psalm 115:1
In the craft of writing, I have learned that we writers should show the readers what the characters do, see, taste, smell, think, feel, hear, and touch. In this post, I want to tell you my senses. Read the rest of this entry »
8 Comments | Devotional, Family, Friends, Gospel | Tagged: do, emotion, feel, God, hear, see, smell, taste, think, touch | Permalink
Posted by Dicky
“Take Me In” by Jennifer Slattery
February 21, 2012Dear friends,
I met Jennifer on American Christian Fiction Writers (www.acfw.com). Please read her article ‘Take Me In‘. It is about how God takes us deeper in His will.
Thank you.
Dicky
Leave a Comment » | Christian Living, Devotional, Friends, Gospel, Testimonies | Tagged: deeper in His will, door, God's will, holy, open door, strength | Permalink
Posted by Dicky
“Leah: A Desperate Housewife” by Fay Lamb
February 15, 2012This post is written by Fay Lamb, the author of Because of Me.
Fay Lamb
“And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban,
What is this thou hast done unto me? Did not I serve with thee for Rachel?
Wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?”
Genesis 29:25
I’ve never watched the television show Desperate Housewives. Not one minute of it, but I’ve seen the commercials. That’s enough for me. I can’t imagine living in a neighborhood of catty, conniving women. I wouldn’t want to live there, and if I found myself surrounded by such woman, I’d do everything I could to move.
The concept of desperate housewives isn’t new. We have a glimpse of two desperate women wanting the attention of the same man when we read the life of Jacob and his marriages to Leah and Rachel.
What must it have been like for Leah? She couldn’t remove herself from the situation her father placed her into. Her father had given her in marriage to a man who had eyes only for her sister, a man who when he found he’d been tricked into the marriage, immediately set about to marry the woman he loved? And in some ways, Leah’s sister was as bad as the woman of Wisteria Lane.
Genesis 29:31 tells us that God saw that Leah was unloved—that Jacob had no feelings for her. His true affection belonged to Rachel. Leah could have resorted to conniving, as Rachel later did when she wanted Leah’s mandrakes. She also could have decided to make Jacob’s life miserable as Rachel had done when she demanded from Jacob things that were not his to give. “Give me children, or else I die,” she said. Instead, Leah quietly endured. This desperate housewife turned her attention to God.
And because God saw that Jacob loved Rachel and not Leah, He chose to bless Leah with children while Rachel was unable to bear children for a time. With each birth of her first four sons, Leah’s conversation with God showed the depth of her desperation:
Leah named her firstborn Reuben, which literally means, See, a son. Then she said, “Surely, the Lord hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.” Can’t you just imagine this woman’s broken heart crying out, “Lord, my husband doesn’t see me”?
When she gave birth to her second child, she said, “Because the Lord hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore give me this son also,” and she named this son Simeon, which means, Heard. In other words, Leah was saying, “Lord, my husband doesn’t hear me.”
Her third son, Leah named Levi, which means attached, and she said, “Now, this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons.” How sad it is to know that Leah was actually saying to the Lord, “Father, my husband’s heart is not joined with mine.”
And still in the face of Jacob’s lack of devotion, Leah continued to have faith in the Lord. When she conceived her fourth son, she named him Judah, which means Praise, and she declared, “Now will I praise the LORD. “
Leah may never have come to terms with the fact that her husband’s affections belonged to Rachel. In naming her younger sons it was clear she still longed for Jacob to love her, but Leah, a truly desperate housewife, gave her sorrows over to God, and God blessed Leah with children, and through the lineage of this quiet woman of prayer, the world received a blessing. . .Jesus Christ.
BIO
Fay Lamb works as an acquisition/copyeditor for Pelican Book Group (White Rose Publishing and Harbourlight Books), offers her services as a freelance editor, and is an author of Christian romance and romantic suspense. Her emotionally charged stories remind the reader that God is always in the details. Because of Me, her debut romantic suspense novel is published by Treble Heart Books/Mountainview Publishing.
Fay has a passion for working with and encouraging fellow writers. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she co-moderates the large Scribes’ Critique Group and manages the smaller Scribes’ critique groups. For her efforts, she was the recipient of the ACFW Members Service Award in 2010.
In 2012, Fay was also elected to serve as secretary on ACFW’s Operating Board.
Fay and her husband, Marc, reside in Titusville, Florida, where multi-generations of their families have lived. The legacy continues with their two married sons and five grandchildren.
Fay’s debut novel: Because of Me:
Because of Me
Not your typical Christian fiction.
Michael’s fiancée, Issie Putnam, was brutally attacked and Michael was imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Now he’s home to set things right.
Two people stand in his way: Issie’s son, Cole, and a madman.
Can Michael learn to love the child Issie holds so close to her heart and protect him from the man who took everything from Michael so long ago?
Available through all fine book retailers, Amazon.com, and Mountainview Publishing (www.trebleheartbooks.com/MVLamb.html), a division of Treble Heart Books.
Purchase the book at:
http://www.amazon.com/Because-of-Me-ebook/dp/B00722KIME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327670357&sr=8-1
22 Comments | Devotional, Friends, Short Stories | Tagged: Because of Me, Desperate Housewife, Fay Lamb, Genesis 29:25, Leah | Permalink
Posted by Dicky
“The Body of Christ” by Zeke Lam
February 11, 2012
subMission
This post is written by Zeke Lam, author of SUBMISSION. http://submissionministries.org/the-book/
What is the greatest challenge that the Church is facing today? Zeke Lam suggests that one word is the greatest challenge: submission, or the lack thereof. It is not external forces that nullify the testimony of a Christ-centered believer, but rather the failure to humbly submit to the voice of the Lord. This book will help you to live a surrendered life abiding in Christ.
Is the approval of God more important to you than the approval of man?
Is the presence of God evident in your life?
Do you fiercely protect your intimacy with Christ?
Do you desire to live a life of truth, free from the lies of the devil?
Is God’s divine character visible to those around you?
Learn how to submit your life wholeheartedly to the Lord so that you can dwell continually in the secret place—a place of intimacy, surrender and joy.
###
“The Body of Christ” by Zeke Lam
The body of Christ, also known as the Church, is the common expression given to those who have been transformed by the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. It represents power, authority, love, and a measure of unity that can only exist through Christ. In terms of importance, there is not an institution on the face of this earth that can be considered its equal. Why? It is an expression of the very character of our Savior, and He gave His life for her!
Paul spoke frequently about the body of Christ. He emphasized the importance of the Church operating as a true body. In other words, each member understanding that he/she is essential although possessing differing gifts, talents, and roles. I Corinthians 12: 12-26 paints a beautiful picture of the importance of a properly functioning body. Similar to the human body, it is made of many different members, all of which play a critical role in its overall success.
The human body is set up in such a way that each part, regardless of how glorious it is, remains essential to the overall unity of the whole. Unity is not a struggle when each member’s focus is not on themselves. Consider verse 25 of I Corinthians 12 in light of this statement. Paul writes: “so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.”
Division in the body of Christ is perhaps one of the most devastating plagues infecting the Church today. God creates each individual with a specific purpose and function through which He can be glorified. For some it is pastoring. For some it is missions. For some it is parenting. For some it is business. For some it is volunteering. While some callings and gifts appear from the eye of man as more glorious than others, God only sees one thing. Will we be obedient to the calling and purpose He has for our lives? Whether on a big stage or in a mountain jungle, what makes you and I an effective member of the body of Christ is our willingness to assume the role He ordained for us.
When we take our eyes off ourselves and place them on Christ, we can remain in a condition as a member of His body to do our part to see Him glorified. If you have received Him as your Savior, you are His beloved bride. He will cherish and love you like none other.
Consider this question as you and I think about the parts we play in His Kingdom work, and our faithfulness to it. “If you ceased to exist today, would the body miss you?”
Never forget how valuable you are to the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rank or title does not apply. The only thing that counts is obedience! If He created you to be an “ear”, and you spend your life as a “head”, then despite being one of the more crucial members, you have failed. An effective, Kingdom minded member is one who steadfastly obeys God’s purpose for his/her life.
Zeke Lam
ZEKE LAM is the founder of SUBMISSION Ministries—a ministry devoted to seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives fully surrendered to the risen Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led him through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of these experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys to a Christ-centered life. Zeke resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife, Kathleen, and a growing family of future world-changers. http://submissionministries.org
3 Comments | Devotional, Uncategorized | Tagged: approval of God, intimacy with Christ, life of truth, submission | Permalink
Posted by Dicky
Candle Lighter Award
January 11, 2012Today, I am so joyful to receive the Candle Lighter Award nomination from my dear friend Jeanne Webster.
Here is the link to her post so that you can read about this special award.
http://womenswindow.com/2012/01/11/candle-lighter-award-nominations/
Let us all light a candle and let it shine for the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Dicky
6 Comments | Christian Living, Devotional, Family, Friends, Gospel, Prayers, Testimonies | Tagged: award, candle, Jesus, light, Lord, shine | Permalink
Posted by Dicky
Dicky
