Saturday, December 24, 2011

Letter From My Friend & Former Pastor

They're smooth!



I'm talking about the Freedom from Religion group! After reading the Ellwood City Ledger I see what they are after...bogus statement of "no god, no hell, no faith" on a banner to be placed "above" the Happy Holiday banner in front of the Ellwood City Municipal Bldg. The local resident who remains cowardly hidden in the shadows and supposedly filed a complaint through Freedom From Religion is being used!
Since Freedom from Religion know they do not have a legal leg to stand on, they appear to make lots of threats and noise to intimidate through fear tactics. Then they will "settle" for a banner in a prominent place to "preach" their No god atheistic mantra.
Smart, huh?    Well, it time PEOPLE wake up and be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves".
One more thing on the group Freedom from Religion. After spending about 2 hrs reviewing their site, I came to these conclusions:
The founder, ANNIE LAURIE GAYLOR, is a generational liberal, feminist, atheist with a long history of public forums. She married a former "Christian" pastor, (of 19 yrs!) DAN BARKER. He opened his mind to reading other materials than from Christian authors thereby renouncing his former "faith".  (Thought: If one really meets the Lord, how can that one "unmeet" the Lord?) They appear to be solidly "anti Christian" rather than anti other religions, i.e. Islam, Buddhism, New Age, Wiccan, etc.
at first I was disheartened to think that we as a community of faith and residents of Ellwood City would only come together like this through opposition and the threat of not being allowed to display the traditional Nativity Scene. Then I thought -  (wouldn't it be wonderful if every year we would have come together for the displaying of the Nativity Scene with the whole community of churches, businesses, schools, etc, and sing Christmas carols, drink hot chocolate, eat cookies – and maybe we could start a NEW TRADITION along these lines? ) 
but then I became aware of a few other insights.
Ellwood is like a family that can talk, fight, and disagree with each other but DON'T let someone from outside do it!  If anyone dares to do that  we will come together FOR each other and defend one another!   I guess I realize that when the proverbial chips are down, we will unitedly stand.  That is a good thing; especially in this day in which we live.
Another thought I had was that by supporting the Nativity Scene, as a community we have INVITED the Lord Jesus to come into our city in a public and possibly greater measure. We are in essence saying, "Lord, we want YOU to be recognized from Your birth to Your coming again. We want You to be established in our government. We want You to have a place among us."
I think He will accept our invitation and manifest Himself the way He desires.
Also, if the "churches" would hold a rally, organize an event in support of OUR faith, or any other "churchy service", probably no "non-believers" would come.  But since this Nativity Scene issue is a grassroots movement, it opens the door for many different people of various faiths or no faith, of different backgrounds and cultures to participate and STAND UP for the Lord!  How cool is that?
There is another name for our God...Jehovah Sneaky!  I think He is just  "sneaking" up on us to do things in our midst that we cannot even imagine!
These are exciting days in which to live and serve the Lord!
Keep your prayers and support ongoing and LETS determine to become that prayer through loving actions and deeds of kindness.
This has just been some rambling thoughts and impressions as I process the recent happenings surrounding the Nativity Scene.  Hope it was worth the reading!
God Bless and Shalom!
Cynthia
 
P.S. Don't forget to say, "MERRY CHRISTMAS" to everyone you meet this month!
 


Sunday, December 11, 2011

Gloria Biffert A Missionary Who Made Me Smile And a Note From Me

Gloria Bifert is a missionary to the Democratic Republic of Congo. What an amazing life she leads!  She gripped our emotions, when she spoke at our church, in every possible way, as she told us of a people who’s hospitality would put us to shame. What a generous people she serves and yet the Congo can be such a dangerous place also. Her life is filled with the important connections that will always matter….even in eternity.  Do check out her blog at gbincongo.blogspot.com This is a woman who’s passion burns for the salvation of friends she hasn’t met yet. May God bless and keep her and those He has her minister to now and forever! Amen
Just a note to tag along with my thoughts on Gloria…. Life has been so busy and full! Work, Pens, my novel, family, and Porschea our perfect puppy, along with Christmas preparations has put me on my tippy toes with to-do’s!  I’m sure it is the same for everyone this time of year. Sometimes the tinsel and trimmings and activities bulldoze us over till we are too exhausted to think. But we do need to stop and reflect about our great, almighty Savior. How blessed we are to do so.   How wonderful that church is actually on Christmas day this year!


I’m itching for more time to write and I plan on making use of the week off at Christmas time. A friend of mine, Becky McLafferty, and I are writing and exchanging manuscript pages as fast as our little fingers can type and ah re-type. Well, also as time allows! When you work full time, there is such a huge chunk of the day that you cannot possibly touch with writing time. Ideas are falling into my mind concerning the contemporary I’m currently writing. This book is about a child’s abduction.  Also ideas are brimming over for the next book in the series. I jot those ideas down before they escape my notice completely. Information is falling into place for a historical my sister is helping me research. I am fascinated with the late 1800’s, how about you? I will only jot down the ideas for the other stories as they pop into my head for now. I refuse to get into writing the other novels since I am determined to finish my contemporary first.  Those ACFW CD-Roms share such exquisite teachings and they have been the inspiration for many of the rewrites I’ve dived into this past year.


My daughter and I took our puppies to the dog park and they had a fantastic time. We had such a quiet night afterwards! The puppies dreamed away the night with visions of puppy toys to steal from one another and smaller dogs to chase. Of course they would not purposely dream about the two Irish Wolf Hounds that ran alongside them and were head and shoulders above the  rest of the crowd.  My 105 pound puppy looked dwarfed beside them. I have to admit I love the fur and the build on my Leonberger far better than the impressive Irish Wolf Hounds!  


Can you believe I misplaced my mouse? Goodness I’m having to write this and make corrections with just my mouse pad on the computer! I am almost frustrated!  Ho hum, well I wish you all a very exceptional and wonderful night. Maybe you will cozy up with a book or watch a favorite movie or pray. I wish you a restful and eventful night.


Blessings and joy! 

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Pens of Praise Devotion December 10, 2011


Pens of Praise Devotion December 10, 2011

©Susan Marlene Kinney

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.

Isaiah 9:6 – 7a

Coffee shops and stores are humming with activity during this time of the year. Traditions of gift giving surrounding us maybe sweet and memorable, but that sure isn’t what Christmas is about is it?  Who is this Jesus? How could He give up everything in Heaven and leave behind His father to be born of woman and tolerate the fickleness of man? He shared in our sufferings and laughed in the sunshine. He is intimately acquainted with our feelings, our physical weakness, and day-to-day challenges.

Though He is what Webster says:

WONDERFUL-wonder, marvelous, extraordinary, remarkable, awesome, wondrous, miraculous, prodigious, astonishing, amazing, astounding, phenomenal, unique, curious, strange.

COUNSELOR-one who counsels, an advisor. A faculty member as in a high school, who advises students on personal and academic problems…..a lawyer, an official at an embassy or legation…advocate, attorney

MIGHTY GOD- (mighty – characterized or showing might or power, by great size, great in amount, extent, degree ,or importance, exceptional) (God –Supreme Being, the creator and ruler of the universe)

…and well you get the general idea! Go ahead and thrill at His name, His greatness, and His extraordinary love and commitment to you! With every twinkling of Christmas tree lights, think of how His eye shines at the thought of you. Remember He thrills at counseling you to find your purpose. Jesus loves it when you share your journey with Him! He is ever the listening ear and the lover of your soul. He can be the astounding and phenomenal advocate of great importance in your life. If He isn’t just ask Him into your heart quick….and hold on for the thrill of your life! Share your experience with Him and others, be it with pen and paper or computer keys or tape recorder! Memoirs, journals, short stories, poems, non-fiction, cards, letters, and God-honoring fiction novels wait for your imagination and uniqueness.

Remember your choice to follow His lead is strictly quite up to you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND MAY YOU ENJOY A LIFE WITH JESUS!

AMEN




Pens of Praise Devotion December 10, 2011

Pens of Praise Devotion December 10, 2011

©Susan Marlene Kinney

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.

Isaiah 9:6 – 7a

Coffee shops and stores are humming with activity during this time of the year. Traditions of gift giving surrounding us maybe sweet and memorable, but that sure isn’t what Christmas is about is it?  Who is this Jesus? How could He give up everything in Heaven and leave behind His father to be born of woman and tolerate the fickleness of man? He shared in our sufferings and laughed in the sunshine. He is intimately acquainted with our feelings, our physical weakness, and day-to-day challenges.

Though He is what Webster says:

WONDERFUL-wonder, marvelous, extraordinary, remarkable, awesome, wondrous, miraculous, prodigious, astonishing, amazing, astounding, phenomenal, unique, curious, strange.

COUNSELOR-one who counsels, an advisor. A faculty member as in a high school, who advises students on personal and academic problems…..a lawyer, an official at an embassy or legation…advocate, attorney

MIGHTY GOD- (mighty – characterized or showing might or power, by great size, great in amount, extent, degree ,or importance, exceptional) (God –Supreme Being, the creator and ruler of the universe)

…and well you get the general idea! Go ahead and thrill at His name, His greatness, and His extraordinary love and commitment to you! With every twinkling of Christmas tree lights, think of how His eye shines at the thought of you. Remember He thrills at counseling you to find your purpose. Jesus loves it when you share your journey with Him! He is ever the listening ear and the lover of your soul. He can be the astounding and phenomenal advocate of great importance in your life. If He isn’t just ask Him into your heart quick….and hold on for the thrill of your life! Share your experience with Him and others, be it with pen and paper or computer keys or tape recorder! Memoirs, journals, short stories, poems, non-fiction, cards, letters, and God-honoring fiction novels wait for your imagination and uniqueness.

Remember your choice to follow His lead is strictly quite up to you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND MAY YOU ENJOY A LIFE WITH JESUS!

AMEN




Saturday, November 12, 2011

In the Nick of Time




Playing with Cliché’s and Praising the Lord at the Same Time

The Lord is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him He also will hear their cry and save them…Psalm 145:17 – 19   NKJV

By Susan Marlene Kinney

Pens of Praise Devotion 11/12/11



Believe it or not, Jesus our Lord and Savior came to earth to put His best foot forward on our behalf. His is a love, which makes my legs turn to Jell-O and my stomach clench. Though He died for all our sins years ago, His message is as new and true at this point in time. Godly truth speaks to me – not in one ear and out the other. Nor does it filter down from beyond the ozone layer.  His love and presence is as right as rain and my heart pounds when I sense His truth, which covers the bases of anyone’s need.  His love comes as easy as falling off a log. And when I sense Him near, a single tear trickles down my cheek. Though I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer and my brain doesn’t fire on all cylinders, He sticks like glue to my side. His love is not weak but it is tough as nails. I’m happy as a clam that He chose me to be a part of His family.

Sometimes I get a bee in my bonnet and I start licking my lips, biting my lips, and throwing my arms akimbo. But my Lord does not throw me away or reject me because I get an occasional bur in my saddle or I run around the bush too many times. He hits my repented sin over the rooftops so I don’t have to face the music alone.  Sometimes it’s a crying shame how I behave but His love is more than meets the eye.  I don’t have to feel like a fish out of water or as flat as a pancake or in a nut shell, the lesser of two evils.  Even though I put my foot in my mouth or even two feet in my mouth on more than one occasion I’ve never hear Him say, “I regret to inform you, as a matter of fact, you don’t belong anymore.” His patience is as fast as lightning and tickles me pink. I arch my eyebrows in amazement at His wondrous ways! If you don’t know Him, please invite Him in. I promise you such an invitation is not barking up the wrong tree. He will not get bent out of shape because of where you’ve been or who you thought you were. He will make things as new as lickety split. Remember Rome was not built in a day. Give yourself time to get to know Him, and like a dog with a bone you will hang on to His love. This is the one time I know that haste makes waste doesn’t apply.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Hummmm Just a Note!

Greetings All,

I have not forgotten you. I have been accomplishing...more writing....furniture refinishing....training the perfect puppy- Porschea amoung a mirrad of things. I still have had difficulty posting comment although I didn't try today. I wish you all His peace and grace and purpose-filled days!   I'll be back after this week I do believe!!

Untill then....Mega blessings and joy!
Sue

Pens of Praise Meeting On Saturday

Pens of Praise

Christian Writers Group

Next meeting…
Saturday, November 12, 2011   10:00 am – 12:00 pm

at
Faith Church

2201  42nd Street, Manitowoc, WI  54220

§  Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods

§  Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43

Are your fingers itching to write the great American novel or a devotion or poem?  Do you know where to begin? If you want to be His voice to many readers, or for just a few, step on over to Faith Church this coming Saturday. May powerfully pour from your pen to build others up and glorify our Lord!  What legacy do you want to leave? Come explore the plethora of writing opportunities and techniques. Share your talents and help others grow too as you learn from the various genres represented at Pens.

Our prompt this month is Clichés & More Clichés How to Write Without Them! If you want to write fresh and leave repetitive clichés behind come and work with us a while! Find a book you have around the house and bring it with you. See if you can find any tired clichés. We can all share our finds and see the value of improving our word choices.

Remember to visit one of our local shops and bring your coffee or cappuccino with you. Let us know if you’re attending so we can save a seat just for you.

If you have questions or concerns call Becky McLafferty at (920)758-9196 or       e-mail her at mclafferty@lakefield.net or call Susan Kinney at (920)242-3631 or   e-mail her at cal-suek@charter.net or susanmarlenekinney@gmail.com.  

We look forward to seeing you there!

May God bless you richly and always as you write for His glory!

Sue


Saturday, September 24, 2011

Wade House Civil War—21st Annual Weekend Event

My husband and I spent a wonderful day at Wisconsin’s largest Civil War Encampment and Battle re-enactment. This 21st annual Civil War event is located at Wade House in Greenbush this weekend.  Women in period clothing adorned with crocheted lace collars and beautifully braided hair or lovely bonnets strolled casually around the grounds. All ages were represented here and interest abounded with every generation. A President Lincoln actor did a fabulous job of expressing Lincoln’s opinion of how things stood nine months into the war.

My husband and I truly enjoyed the skirmish and the battle between the confederates and Yankees  The uniforms and battle activities made me feel as though time had stepped backwards and the struggle between two determined armies strived before my eyes. Cannons rumbled loud and clear across the small valley and through us as we stood amazed at the sights sounds and smells before us. 

Stores with unique gifts and period style clothing stood available. My husband found an awesome book for me that will assist me greatly with my next writing project., which is historical set in the mid 1860’s! The book is called Who Wore What? Women’s Wear 1861 – 1865 by Juanita Leisch.  I also found a book to help me with this same venture called Webb Garrison’s Civil War Dictionary by Webb Garrison Sr. with Cheryl Garrison. Both books have a wonderful assortment of illustrations and information I will be able to glean ideas and facts from. Well that is all for now, Porschea is demanding her walk. It is getting late here as my husband and I settle in for the night. After my attempt at tiring out our Leonberger puppy I will feast my eyes and mind upon my new book treasures! If you can make this event I’m sure you will not be disappointed! 


Sunday, September 11, 2011

Green Lake Christian Writers Conference - Fiction Writing Class


It has been slightly over two weeks since I attended this excellent writers conference. I was amazed by the Green Lake Conference Center as soon as I drove through those impressive gates! My heart thudded a different tempo as I enjoyed the ride deep into the property to find a stunning conference center. The service and friendliness of the workers astounded me. One lady remembered my name as I approached the desk. She acted like it was an easy feat to  accomplish, but I was aware of the number of customers roving around. I was awed!
I even asked for a change in the location of my room. I had originally picked an out-of-the-way smaller on-site room situation. I had done that  because I knew I would miss walking Porschea and thought I might need the exercise. My authors mind imagined the very worse as I drove the roads to arrive at my room later that night. It was an older building and I wanted a more modern experience this time around. I asked for a room situated in the same building as our classes and worship services. I was treated with the utmost respect and they never made me feel small for changing  my mind. There were many volunteers helping to keep the grounds beautiful. A couple of them attended our fiction writers class!
Cynthia Ruchti was our warm-hearted teacher at the conference. She is the author of They Almost Always Come Home Abingdon Press and A Door County Christmas, which is a four in one story collection by Barbour.  She also writes for The Heartbeat of the Home’s Backyard Friends magazine which is awesome too. I am reading They Almost Always Come Home right now and her writer’s voice is amazing!  I recommend this read to anyone!
Okay I drifted!  Let’s move on about the conference shall we? Well, Cynthia is an amazing teacher. Our group was diverse in topics and levels of experience. ( I for one am not published yet. There was at least one other person published.) Our class was small as you can see in the photo, yet our subjects and ages we were writing for were all extremely different. Cynthia showed us her amazing ability as she listened to our reads. She never messed with anyone’s writers voice. Her suggestions improved each one of our works-in-progress or what we call wips! Cynthia’s quick appreciation for our distinct styles gave us room to grow, as well as her ability to gently point out areas where we needed improvement. Not only did she provide us with a lot of useful information, but she accomplished this with her unique humor! We all applauded Cynthia’s efforts. Each one of us came away in awe of how useful this class was to our unique needs and interests. I will be ever grateful for following that nudge from the Lord to attend this conference. It is held each year in August and is quite affordable when compared to other conferences available. I haven’t done the math yet, but I image if I save a little money each week that I will have next years food, room and conference fees saved up and drawing interest before too long. This conference offers that one on one attention that I really needed at this stage of my writing adventure. I will tell you more about the other teachers from this conference later….stay tuned to find out about the benefits of attending their classes! I must add that there were writers who wished to be published and others who just desired to work on their skills for private enjoyment. Poets, short story writers, memoir writers, and fiction writers all benefited from the attention and expertise this conference offers each year. Want to join us next year??? I dare you….No I double dare you!!

The Dells and Afterwards




Mt. Olympus holds many wonderful memories for me! We always love to see our grandsons, but the added delight of observing their faces light-up as they took their turn on some enormously steep slide or jumped into the 9 ft. wave still brings a smile to my face. Our youngest daughter came and enjoyed the fun also! What a blend of personalities our family holds! I still cannot believe our oldest grandson, who is not that old, actually enjoyed the slide, which seemed like a straight drop off.  I still see him in my nightmares. Falling, falling, and falling some more. He ended up splashing us with a huge wave! I don’t’ think he will ever be afraid of a ride again. Now, is that a good thing or  not!! That second contraption, which looks like a too-large triangle was my dumb attempt to experience something new! My daughter rode that ride with me. Bless her heart. I, unlike my grandson, did not overcome my fear of heights or possible dropping.  If that seat hadn’t held me tight...Oh goodness, I arrived at Mt. Olympus a coward and left there the same!  I even ran into some people I recognized while on our way around the water park! Imagine that! How often does that ever happen? Every now and then a chilling breeze hints at the winter weather that will soon visit us, for too many months. Yes, winter is just around the corner. But these memories of family and the Dell's keep me warm and full of joy! I will hold onto a bit of summer in the middle of the worse Wisconsin chill for sure!
So much has been happening. Once we took our grandchildren back home we returned to our limping puppy. She leaped too many steps at the babysitters. (They are not called leaping Leo’s for nothing!) I must stress it was not the babysitters fault! It turned out she pulled her tendon and I had to not walk her for a week!! By the second day of meds and confinement she seriously appeared to have swallowed Tigger. We did our level best to stop her jumping, which was spurred on by her frustrated energy build up!! She was so very glad to begin her walking about town adventures with me once again! Since then we have lengthened our explorations and visited many interesting streets. Porschea’s nose is ever busy experiencing the sidewalk in a way that I can’t even imagine! And may I add, in a way I do not want to imagine! We have met so many people, dogs, and bugs along our various routes. Every day is a surprisingly fun memory and learning curve with our full of personality 70 ½ pound puppy!
Work has begun in full force and the days slip by before I can even sneeze it seems! Porschea is in her second round of classes and I am enjoying a wonderful Beth Moore Bible study called Believing God! I would recommend it if you want to live a victorious Christian life! I’ve not been good about doing all of my homework but I definitely want to catch up because her studies are wonderfully thought provoking and encourage me to live for excellence and not shirk the hard to deal with issues and irritations of life! Believing God – yes that is the right stand to take in every situation!  




Thursday, August 18, 2011

Comment Problems Still!


Hi all!

I am still unable to make comments on my blog and some other blogs also. I am not a technical lady and with my busy schedule I keep putting off looking for the solution for fixing this difficulty! Sorry that I can’t acknowledge your comments. You are all important to me. Since blogger.com had problems I’ve inherited this hindrance to my communication with you all! I can still look at your blogs and once in a while the comment I write is accepted – what joy!! I will be leaving for a Christian Writers conference soon! God is gracious !! He has made a way and granted me favor! I’m so excited and I’m full of joy – my cup runneth over. J I’m taking care of all those details one does before making an important trip! Food for my hubby, the dog, the cat, and the birds. Snack food for the hubby, the dog, the cat and the birds. The house is clean, laundry washed and a baby sitter for our huge puppy acquired! Whew, now it is time to pack for me!!

Have a wonderful day all!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Kalahari and Mt. Olympus at Wisconsin Dells


I can’t believe we are already half way through August! I have taken time off my blogging to vacation, visit family, and write more of my manuscript. It has been a fabulous summer and enjoyable one. I hope to accomplish more to do’s on my list though before school starts in the fall.

So this is what the Kinney’s has been up to. We took our grandsons and youngest daughter to Mt. Olympus, Wisconsin Dells for three nights and four days. We had a marvelous time! Last year my husband and I took the boys to Kalahari Water Park in the Dell’s. You may be wondering what I thought of both places. Okay, I’ll tell you. Twisting my arm is not necessary!  I love the atmosphere in Kalahari, it has a compact feel to it and there is a great restaurant for old people like me for fine dining! We were more worn out there in two days because we constantly walked up flights of steps ride the water slides – one after another till late in the evening. Somehow it is easy to lose ones sense of time there. Our first night we keep going on the water slides until we thought it would be around dinnertime. It was already 9:00pm!  I would definitely go there again. Now Mt. Olympus didn’t impress me with the décor as strongly. Kalahari definitely had atmosphere and I think the difference is because Mt. Olympus is larger in land area and has more to offer for dry and wet rides. There was a huge flood of people when we arrived. Through the week, people were zigzagged in the lobby line to sign in or receive service in some fashion.

I felt that personal service was better at Kalahari then Mt. Olympus also. When I asked for help at Kalahari they could tell me what I needed to know. But at Mt. Olympus the workers often didn’t have a clue as to how to direct me. For instance my wristband fell off during the second ride and several people we asked didn’t know what to tell me concerning where to replace it. Many had trouble speaking English but they were quite helpful for those from other nations looking for directions. The way it was spread out at Mt. Olympus was kinder to us oldsters and we lasted longer. Rooms at both places were wonderful. Although at Mt. Olympus when the house cleaners came, they didn’t make the beds on the bunks. They placed a clean sheet and blanket folded up on top of the bunk beds and each night I had to tuck them in for the boys. When I go on vacation I don’t want to be making beds each night! 

The rides were fun and the 9ft. wave pool exceptional!  I prefer the water slides and refuse to do the roller coasters so you will have to ask someone else about those! I recommend both places as a wonderful vacation spot! Water slides are a world all their own!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Graduation for Porschea!




Porschea completed her first puppy class with flying colors! All the dogs did so well in this obedience class and we are so grateful for our/their instructors. We all saw improvement but we all want....
more! 
 Porschea is signed up for the next round of classes in August!
I encourage everyone who owns a dog to attend obedience classes, once we are obedient to the signals and command we give the dogs can't help but follow
our lead!!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Porschea's Promise

Here are some long awaited photos of our Porschea. She has been growing and growing, as you can well see. And she has been playing in as much water as she can in her baby pool! Attending classes with the older puppies, because of her size, has been the high point of her week. So you can well imagine that her attendance has been wonderful –she has not missed even one class! She wouldn’t think of it. Her performance has caused me to be  ever so proud of her! It is amazing how much such a young dog can learn.



Zoe’s Word
All creation sings His praise!  Zoe is amazed at how the trees, squirrels, birds whom she talks to on a regular basis, and even the air she breathes shows forth the loving kindness of the Lord. Her surroundings comfort her heart as she ponders His mercy and grace.  She is so happy the puppy is nappping! Thank you God for all things! Okay even the puppy!!  Turn your head to see this beautiful photo of our sassy Zoe.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

What If & Prayer

 What If   &   Prayer
A note to Pens of Praise
What if we took 5 minutes each day to pray for one another?

What if we all choose to pray for one another to experience an excellent walk with our Lord?  What if we prayed for His Holy Spirit to guide our writing tasks, time, and abilities and anoint their outcomes? 

What if God was tickled at the results of our prayers and the efforts of our group?

What if lives were affected and changed…because we prayed…

because we wrote…

With His blessings!

I’m praying for you

Today

What if…..



Hi all,

Yes these were not just words which evaporated when my fingers were done smacking the keys. I prayed the following prayer for us all as a group this morning including those who have attended and those who desired to and as of yet have not made it. It took five minutes!!

May we, Pens of Praise Christian Writers, hear Gods truth with the right heart, attitude, and understanding so that we will communicate it clearly and accurately.  May family, friends, co-workers, etc. be respectful and allow us time to write. May interruptions be interrupted so that we will enjoy undivided creative writing sessions.  May the boulders of deception, lies of every degree, discouragement, and oppression be broken and dissolved because we were obedient to the urging in our hearts to write. May God place our written words in reach those bound or in need of encouragement, truth, or information.  May our focus on what He would place on our hearts to write be strong and true.  May all be done in His time with His anointing for His will to be accomplished.  For His Glory!!!!  Amen

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Knotty Problems and Imagination

Knotty Problems and Imagination

© Susan Marlene Kinney


Pens of Praise Christian Writers Group


July 9, 2011

To love Him with all your heart, and all your understanding and all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.  Mark 12:33

Knotty problems are all around us. They trip us up with those little irritations, temptations to ignore situations, or weightier matters of the heart and mind. This morning as I lay in bed I considered the pen and its link to knotty problems and imagination. I pictured a red, white, and blue pen lip-smacking with Liberty.


The pen can assist us in addressing knotty problems and stir our imagination to action or in other words finding a solution. The danger is we can put those beautiful words down on paper and think the job is done. We have written our piece, done our part. When you consider the risk, our founding fathers took when they grasped their liberty pens in hand and wrote their names upon documents, which were considered treasonous by England, you can imagine the commitment of these men to stand behind their pens. Their written evidence about the stand they took in life was irrevocable. When we take that stand for forgiveness, or justice, let us stand behind that liberating collection of penned words. Let’s not allow our words- beautiful as they may sound when read aloud- be just that.


Let us write with conviction- yes indeed.
And, allow those words that come to us and mark our papers with undeniable evidence about our stand, lead us to the place where solutions are met.  Apply the balm of forgiveness when it would be easier to stay offended or ignore a situation, or write or speak truth when it is not popular though, it is relevant.


LOVE


Love is the designer ink we have to use if we will write words which when written bring life and health to the situations surrounding us. I highly recommend love being the very filter our thoughts should be sifted through before those well-placed words find space on the pages.


Remember we are not just chasing a great looking placement of words. We are logging our imagination of the solutions, which hold the power to change lives by…


LOVE

Monday, July 4, 2011

Posting Problems - Shucks

Hi all,

I've tried to make a thank you comment several times and this is what I get...

Anonymous said...
Greetings ladies! I tried to place a comment here before and it didn't allow me! Thank you for your comments! The Most High is our all in all!! Bless you both...now let's see if this will post!!!
July 4, 2011 6:38 PM
So far it has been a wonderful summer, days are gaining in warmth and sunshine. Porschea isn't the piddling pup called runt!  Yeah she hasn't had an accident in a long while and she is absolutely not a runt! I'm being lazy on the 4th here but I promise I will place photos of Porschea in the baby pool and just hanging out!  Zoe is surviving all of Porscheas hopping and pouncing too!  Also I have my very own Royal Blue Train set!!  My husband is fast at work to design our track layout. I even have a sound card!! I'm making head way on my manuscript also.  I had a few things to change after I enter the Genesis contest and I love doing the rewrites! I've learned so much from the critiques I recieved for that contest. I like how those editors and agents that shared time to go over my work has imporved my writing. There is a time for every purpose under heaven.  Blessings and Joy to you all!!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Devotion for Pens

Devotion for Pens

June 11th   2011

©Susan Marlene Kinney



In the wee hours of the night or through the course of a brilliant sunny day, all opposition and smooth pathways shape us, sharpen us, and place an indelible mark upon our character. We are usually not strong enough to be sweet at the end of a difficult and exhausting experience - until we bow to eternal love. This mysterious love flows from our Eternal Father God and fills us to overflowing – if we but chose to allow this love to grace our thoughts and our spirit. Though He is the potter and we are the clay He has placed the responsibility to accept His divine presence upon our shoulders to allow love or oppose it.

The reason great characters leap off the pages of our favorite books is because we hear the distant call to come up higher. Those characters, bigger than life, situate before our mind a visual of higher choice when they realize the “truth” which has been smothered in the lie our character has believed and they turn in the power of the truth. Yes our characters back-story holds the key to why they believe the lie and have not lived up to their potential!

Fellow writers, come up higher. Sit before His divine presence and allow His love to grace and erase every offence, criticism, or unloving thought from the pages of your mind. Yes life hurts but look at how we grow no matter what or who challenges us – if we but chose to allow Father God’s love to wash our difficulty clean. Imagine the impact on a family member when you write that memoir, short story, or novel and have the example of your characters who grapple with overwhelming difficulties and triumph in the liberty His love provides. Mark your characters triumphs well with the black of your ink set on the glorious white of the page. Bring opposition after opposition to strengthen the character  of your characters and capture the imagination and desire of your readers to come up higher and listen to our

Heavenly Father who calls….

Monday, June 13, 2011

LaFonte Family Benefit with Lia Sophia


Hi all,
If you’re interested in this jewelry and helping the LeFonte family the changes I need to make are as follows:
Or you can place an order online….    www.liasophia.com/cgordon
Click on “Our Jewelry” on the top of the screen.
Ø Enter hostess name 
ü First name     Susan
                   ü Last name     Kinney 
§  Place your order!   My book party closes on Wednesday, June 22nd   tax rate is 5.0 %
Or ladies, those of you who live close by can stop in at my house and check out a catalogue and share a cup of tea !!  Above all keep praying for this family!! Thank you much! 
Enjoy a deliciously wonderful day!
Sue

Greetings All,

First of all I wish to say hi and hope all is well with every one of you!  A teacher I work with told me about a family who’s children suffer from FEVR a visual impairment condition which left untreated could cause blindness in both of their children.  I am not one who ever wanted to host a party again but for this family I am willing to step out of my comfort zone!  If there is something that you could purchase on their behalf I would appreciate the gesture.  Cris Gordon, the Lia Sophia sales lady is giving all of her profits from this and other parties toward their visual medical expenses. 

If you are in town here  or close enough to attend this is your e-mail invitation to come to my home and see my Leonberger puppy! Yes I’m shameless that way! But it would be great to see you all!!  J

Or you can place an order online….    www.liasophia.com/cgordon
Click on “Our Jewelry” on the top of the screen
Ø Enter hostess name 
ü First name     Susan
ü Last name      Kinney
§  Place your order!   My party closes on Saturday, June 18th   tax rate is 5.0 %
Take care and if you don’t need anything then please do pray for these children to keep their sight.  Thank you all have a great day!