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

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.

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  42^nd 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

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 21^st 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! 

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!  

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!

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!