Feeling and Focus Devotion

Feeling and Focus Devotion

By Susan Marlene Kinney

July 13, 2013

 

He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts…I Corinthians 4:5 

Novels offer us a small foretaste of what will come for our eternity. Those ugly motives of the antagonist and those deep dark struggles of the protagonist simmer between the pages and draw our eyes. We wonder why.

Serial killers and entrepreneurs all have motive shoving them in the back, telling them to get moving…because they care. Or maybe they are pushing the envelope because they want to feel something. And readers want to know why. Why this struggle? Will the characters make it and how? Sometimes it is a matter of why would they want to? Searching, we are always searching for how to survive and succeed.

Proverbs 16:1-2 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue. All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord…And so here comes that huge conflict, that neck dangling, knee dropping event that has us hanging on by a thread to each page. What matters to our character snares our hearts because somewhere deep inside we have some degree of the same struggle…or we might in the future and we’d better be prepared….

Emotions stir and simmer at the very thought…

Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn. Isaiah 51:1 b   

Family histories, nationalities, political unrest, poverty, wealth all play a part in shaping and influencing the path our feet tread. But not always to the degree we might expect. And there’s always that niggling doubt about everything having to be thus or so. Somehow somewhere someone sticks their toe over the boundary and dares to defy that black barred cage of predictability.  They step out into uncertainty and become a hero or at least they will struggle and try. That is heroic in itself. We all want the courage to face and stave off our enemies and opposition…but if we put ourselves ‘out there’ will it be worth it? Will we be foolish or strong enough or too weak? What will those coming after us think? What tragedies in our past reduce us to quiver and quake and hide?

 Or grow?

My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the King; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalms 45:1

Greetings all! Yes, I know this photo has absolutely nothing to do with the announcement except it is where I will be writing the lesson for this meeting. My sister made the exquisite doily, which I draped over the computer screen. Just thought you might want to know that! There is a photo at the end of this announcement which does have something to do with us Pens of Praisers!

Go on...sneak a peek!!

PENS OF PRAISE

Christian Writers Group

Next meeting…

Saturday, July 13th  ~  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

§    

The teaching for July is called “Feelings and Focus” prepared by Susan Kinney. If you wish to share a short selection that inspired strong emotion I invite you to bring it with you.

Our prompt for July is…

 “A box of surprises.”

Also, you are invited to bring a short five minute sample of your own work in progress. We support a safe and friendly environment. This is not required to attend the meeting.

We may share a book report on a novel or a “how to” for writing!

 Warning you may end up loving to write!

Remember to visit a local shop or 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 let us know by leaving a comment.

We look forward to seeing you there! May God bless you richly and always as you write for His glory!

PENS OF PRAISE

 

Our very own Kathy has brought the goodies for so many of our meetings!! Thank you Kathy

we adore you and your goodies!!

Disney World Epcot - Experience and Advice

 

 

Have you visited a place where dreams come true? We did! My husband, youngest daughter, two grandsons and I flew to Florida for a trip we will never forget. We chose to visit Epcot first. We adults were amazed with the colorful and attractive sights of Canada, United Kingdom, France and Morocco. The countries’ vibrant shops and restaurants tucked in around the lake were an absolute delight to visit, at least for some of us. The boys were not “feeling it”. They wanted fast rides and water slides galore but instead got stuck with us oldsters, who were quite content with Kodak moments, listening to accents from sales people originally from those countries they represented, and walking slowly along as each area unfolded into the next.  We didn’t visit every country that first night. It had already been a long day and we didn’t want to tax our youthful charge’s patience!  

A Word of Advice: First impressions are so very hard to conquer if they are negative.  So, if you’re bringing your children or grandchildren, consider stopping in at the “fun” side of Epcot first. Even though our fourteen and nine year old companions did enjoy Spaceship Earth, Mission :SPACE, and other entertainment they continued to think negatively of Epcot. Epcot and the countries were synonymous! We weren’t able to visit The Sum of All Thrills or Test Track, which I’m sure would have made a great hit. June 16^th, our arrival day, was our daughter’s birthday as well as Father’s Day. We ate at Nine Dragons Restaurant. The atmosphere was nice and the service friendly. We were okay with the food. We did notice that most of the restaurants offered limited choices for their dinners.

On the whole it was very hot and humid. We oldsters were from Wisconsin where the temperature hadn’t popped out of the 60’s and our humidity hardly competed with those Florida numbers. We found it very helpful to use battery operated fans to help us tolerate the temperatures. Vanessa, our daughter, bought me a fan which became community property belonging to anyone who asked for it first! I found the heat to be a grace-tester, which unfortunately exposed many people who were not “passing the test” so to speak. Remember any vacation is supposed to foster great memories and funny moments shared in love. Prepare yourself to make kind and loving comments when your flesh would rather rail. Determine how you will win over negativity and grouchiness! You will be so glad you did. And so will everyone who would have otherwise had to listen to you. We did purchase a couple of fans with a squirt bottle attached. I believe they were around $17.00 or so. Also, rain slickers are more expensive there, but they do have the Disney Logo on it. You alone must decide what is most important. I heard someone complaining in the crowd about Wal-Mart’s rain-slickers were $3.00 when one of the Disney stores offered them for $8.00. Keep hydrated, drink water. Oh, water is $2.50 or $3.50 per bottle. My husband wanted to stay for thirteen days, which we did. Disney’s Hopper (better prices to get into all the parks.) is designed for a ten day trip. If I were to plan this again I would urge my husband to stay for the ten days and leave on the eleventh day instead of staying for thirteen. All in all the service was friendly, considerate, and provided abundantly. If you want to be well taken care of and spoiled – Disney is the trip for you….and it isn’t just for young kids. Us old kids had a great time too!

More bits and pieces about our Disney experience to come….in a few days or so!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Big Bang and Other New Starts

The Big Bang and Other New Starts

®Susan Marlene Kinney

Pens of Praise Devotion–June 8, 2013

Hebrews Chapter 1: 3 and 10

 

Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.  And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth and the heavens are the works of thy hands.

If anyone knows about new beginnings it is our Lord. Stretch that imagination of yours and consider the Big Bang. New beginnings that showered fireworks like none the world has ever witnessed since. Creation beat with a heart filled with purpose and a plan designed by the Masters hand. Why would God, who is so powerful and amazing, want to create life as we know it? The answer is relationship. The answer lies with the affectionate heart of the Almighty King who first loved us, delighted in us, and desires for us to have a future and hope. So it is with novel land.

Writing novels and poems provides opportunity for characters to thrive within their setting and plot. Authors pull all the strings, hopefully beginning with a hook. Multidimensional characters must peek out from the pages of our manuscripts looking for the desire of their hearts. But as it turns out that desire is not quite big enough. We, the authors of their fate, require a higher purpose to be fulfilled. We rock our character’s world with disasters, outside conflict, and inner conflict. Each disaster builds in power and cleverness all the while strengthening our character’s noble bearing and shaping his/her focus regarding what really matters. That is unless we are writing a tragedy and making a statement. Normally our characters will grow and overcome, conquering that bit of natural self which had inhibited their joy. Oh the tears we shed as our characters step off the pages of our wondrous tale, sporting a stronger character, which has been strengthened by a new epiphany, after they thwarted the efforts of a worthy antagonist of course.

To our Father, time has no measure. He knows the beginning and end. We authors should know this too. The beginning is the foundation, and setup for the whole novel. The attitude and word choice must lead our readers into the world we desire them to experience. What does the beginning require you may ask? Beginnings must hook the reader by introducing a well-rounded character who is interesting and has a perfectly good need or lack in their life to fill. Story has movement, pushing forward into uncomfortable places, which causes our characters to resist or challenge the obstacles that are laid out before him/her. There are lessons to be learned and an emotional ride to be experienced for the character and reader.

Isaiah 43:19

Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

There you go author, create a new thing, but don’t forget to start at the beginning. A beginning that is worthy of the happy ending you intend for your character to win. A beginning which moves the reader’s heart because they know just where your character has been. Curiosity about what will happen next is the spice that keeps those pages turning….

 

Lemon Meringue Cookie & Mother's Day Flowers

On Mother's day our youngest daughter created this beauty to celebrate my special day! Her dad, my hubby, asked her to bring dessert so she pulled this together right before it was time to come over.  She also brought gifts and a "girl" movie! Yeah!!  My hubby even watched the movie, Safe Harbor, with us. What a wonderful night. Vanessa isn't a mother but she touches the hearts of preschoolers each week. She also is a very special aunt to Alex and Donavin, my grandsons.

Because of her self-less giving and positive influence we bought her a plant! I'll have to get a photo of that at a later date. I'm sure you want to know about this meringue goodie. Well, here is Vanessa's recipe for your enjoyment!

Lemon Meringue Cookie  by Vanessa

1 C. butter

1 C. sugar

2 eggs

3C. flour

½ tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

6 oz. frozen lemonade (do not dilute)

 

Cream butter, salt, baking soda & sugar then add frozen lemonade slowly. Add flour and spread in 12”x18” pan. Bake at 400° degrees for 8 – 10 minutes until lightly tanned. Spread 2 cans lemon pie filling over cookie then meringue and bake at 350° for 10 minutes.

Meringue

egg whites

½ tsp. Cream of tarter

1 tsp. vanilla

12 TBS sugar

Beat egg whites, vanilla, and cream of tartar until foamy then gradually add sugar and beat until peaks form.

~~

Friday before this our oldest daughter, Jackie, and our grandsons bought me flowers and sent them to my workplace! What a delightful surprise! I felt so truely blessed! What a loving gesture and it started my weekend off quite nicely for sure. This kindness stirred up so many wonderful memories!

It all started with a knocking upon my wookroom door! 

 

The delivery man nearly didn't find me! Here is a close up of the beautiful flowers Jackie ordered. There are roses and daisy's amoung other flowers! Isn't this so incredibly beautiful!! 

 

 

My mom has been with the Lord for nearly three decades now. That is so hard to believe. The beauty of her example lives on with me. She was a lovely person and wonderful mom. I thought about her on Sunday as I'm prone to do so very often. I try to honor her with my choices and even with the memories I share about her.

 

Last but not least my hubby made my dinner! I think I will have to write about that recipe in the next blog post...it is a French number and quite delicious! Tune in next time fo the amazing dinner that my husband made for me!!

 

Wishing you tons of GREAT momories.....



 

ABIDE IN HIM

ABIDE IN HIM

By Susan Marlene Kinney

Pens of Praise Devotional May 11, 2013

Blessed is the man who trusts in you! Psalm 84:12

Does anything else really matter compared to the astonishing presence of our Lord? All the upsets, the judgments, the hurry and flurry we experience each day because of stressed out or broken individuals seem to influence our moods. Maybe even our choices.

So why do we permit the interruptions and demands to even hold precedence over our thoughts instead of allowing ourselves to enjoy His company?

King David said in the Psalms 84:10, “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Oh yes—at least that, but I truly want to be closer to his side. I want to experience Him. The joy of His fellowship and that holy twinkle in His eyes reflecting the sincere love He offers to His own.

 Oh to know when He is pleased or moved by compassion.

To hear the whisper of His voice or the roar of His command, which trump all competing sounds, that is the wonder my heart seeks. Father God’s words are His love song and he plays the perfect melody tuned to melt my heart.

Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

One does not arrive in this place where His whisper redirects decisions, alters negative thoughts into life-giving encouragement, or prevents disasters unless their attention belongs to the song that He sings. This costs something. The price is laying aside entertainment, busyness, or maybe a meal. Then one has to quiet their mind. We don’t have to perch on high craggy mountainsides. Nor do we have to hide in the deepest space we can find in a cave. We just need those quiet moments when we can abide in his presence, and worship Him in our hearts. To know Him is to trust Him. Will you spend some time and learn how to trust in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords today?

Blessed is the man who trusts in you! Psalms 84:12

 

 

 

Pens of Praise May Meeting Information

Pens of Praise

 

Christian Writers Group

Next meeting…

Saturday, May 11^th at 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§    

The lesson for May 11^th will be a continuation of our last “surprise teaching” from the 2012 Write To Publish Conference. We have discovered that listening to the sage wisdom of published, experienced writers is quite informative.

 

May’s prompt-  “________________ - the writer who inspired me and keeps me writing!”

*Fill in the blank with your inspirational author because you’re invited to share a writer’s story. One who overcame the challenges or hindrances that could have halted their writing career. This writer’s tenaciousness could very well have given you the courage to keep your ink flowing….

Keep in mind these teachings can sharpen and improve the skills needed for many genres. You are welcome to bring your latest work in progress for a five-minute reading, but this is not required to attend the meeting.

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.

For those who can attend the May meeting - we look forward to seeing you there! May God bless you richly and always as you write for His glory!

It’s Settled, Oh Yeah!

It’s Settled, Oh Yeah!

Pens of Praise April 12, 2013

By Susan Marlene Kinney

 

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessings and favor] Who has called you to His {own} eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make your what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely and strengthen, and settle you.  

1Peter 5:10 Amplified Bible

 

It seems that I keep running into the truth that God accomplishes such a huge work inside and around us. Much of his provision is beyond our notice. What is He planning today? What does our future look like to Him? We can be sure that he loves us enough to swiggel his hand into our situations to stir us up.

Picture this with me, a glass filled with clear as Chrystal water, until we pour in a package of Kool-Aide and begin to stir. The water clouds up with an uneven dose of the powdery mixture. What then? More stirring. This kind of agitation is necessary to blend the mixture and water. Only in this way is the flavor balanced and water made smooth again so that they can taste as though they were one.

 



 

Aren’t we like that glass of water? First, we’re real happy to be still, not looking for or wishing to be disturbed. Here comes the spoon of our situation. Our agitation. The waves of disruption start with the pouring of our own personal Kool-Aide. The agitation, which we will symbolize as a spoon, dips into what was our smooth clear concentration, making our life muddy with confusion. Everything seems to swirl around and within us. Oh no! Everything or at least significant relationships and situations in our world are changing!

Until the agitation does its work we usually don’t see the purpose of disruption. Once our Kool-Aid make us better tasting and smelling we find that we like our new flavor and color. Oh, when we draw a smile from Him or we pour out comfort to someone we care about or even a stranger that’s when we realize it was all good to experience what we did. We didn’t enjoy the swirling confusion and annoyances or pain but somehow they matter in the big scheme of things. The swirling, agitating, disturbance and even the pain make a little sense. Sometimes. But even when we don’t understand, as in when the pain is too gripping and raw, but we stay faithful to Him there is an even greater reward. The Lord is pure, faithful and undefiled.

When He offers me my personal Kool-Aide, I may cringe; try to make my own waves to escape. But, deep inside I know He has my personal best and the blessings of many others in mind. Yeah, bring that Kool-Aide and spoon on over here Lord. I hope you stir gently, but I really do want to taste and smell better.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessings and favor] Who has called you to His {own} eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make your what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely and strengthen, and settle you.

I want that – how about you? 

 

 

Oh Zoey! I turn my back and look who wants to benefit from my Kool-Aide!

 

 

 

June Gallogher

My precious friend, June! What a perfect name because your smile holds the warmth of a summer day! I’ve thought of you so often, but not called enough. It’s true I’ve allowed the urgent and busy to get the upper hand. But each time your face danced across my mind a smile plays upon my lips. The thought of you swells my heart with gratitude for we shared talks and laughter that time cannot erase. You graceful, spunky lady! You showered kindness upon all who came in contact with you. Your obliviousness to your own beauty made you all the more lovely to me.

We met at one of the first Pens of Praise meetings. Remember us few, eager, and excited writers, so thrilled to meet with those who understood the power that pen and paper held over us. Together we realized the need to communicate, comfort, and inspire. The passion of expression pumped through our veins, igniting ideas and hope.  Your warm and encouraging ways touched my heart and changed me forever. I am so grateful that I know you! Your unselfishly written poetry, shared to comfort grieving hearts unaccustomed to the temporary separation of a loved one, quickened the memory of joy filled and treasured moments.  Your ministry of comfort brought a balm of healing to those caught off balance by the realization that we are mortal after all.  How many fortunate people did you write your precious poetry for? Even if you knew the number of them, you have no way to measure the sweet comfort you’re willingness to serve provided. When I asked you to write one of your poems for my own daughter’s friend with very short notice, you put your hand and mind to the task to serve someone you'd never met. You never looked at what you could receive but only what you could offer. I wanted to write you a poem today, but I don’t have your knack. So I thought I would write you this note instead to share my admiration, love, and gratitude for your influence on my life.

I keep the creative, pizzazzy Valentine’s Day card you made me in my writer’s room. It rests in plain sight on my book shelf. This is my favorite room though it is small, so I only include the most important books and memorabilia on the shelves. You wrote a note of gratitude to me for organizing a great writers group and you blessed me! My darling friend, you were of more help and encouragement than you ever realized. (You gave a card like this to Becky too!) The poem you and your friend Mary Melberg had pasted inside went like this:

Love is like a flower,

So beautiful and true.

Today I’m sending Lots of love….

Especially for ….YOU!!

Happy Valentine’s Day.

I know that you’re not feeling up to a hug or a phone call my friend. But, I’m wishing you all the love and comfort and joy your sweet spirit can hold! I think of you more often then you know! As I think of you it is almost as rich as our telephone calls and our walk that summer day I visited you at your home. Thank you dear friend for your listening ear and words of encouragement, which were always laced with wisdom and kindness! Your love for family and friends and those in need always shines through like the sun kissed warmth of a summer day.

Oh how I do appreciate and love you June Gallogher…

Blessings to you and yours,

Susan Kinney J

 

 

A Time, Abide IN, Secrets of, Lessons From...

NOW YOU WOULD THINK THAT..A Time, Abide in, Secrets Of, Lessons From …would hold no special bond or tie. But to me they do.  I want to share with you the unique journey of discovery I’ve enjoyed recently. It stated when I began to read Chris L. Kincaid’s book called a time for every PURPOSE under heaven. Chris has a fun blog and she is devoted to sharing ideas, thoughts, and photos each week. I bring this up because her book has the same wonderful voice, as though she had all the time in the world with me as she shares her missionary tour to Africa. The warmth and reality of her struggles makes me feel as though I’m there too. The vivid imagery of the people and the challenges they face is not overshadowed by hopelessness. God is with them.

When I decided to make Andrew Murray’s book abide in CHRIST my daily devotion for this month I was pleased to find that he wrote from one of my favorite passages John 15:1 – 12.  Each day I read about abiding, resting and trusting God, so important when we endeavor to do anything for him or for his kingdom and for anyone in need. God knows what He is doing and when to do whatever needs done.  I was tickled to discover that Andrew Murray was also from Africa.

 Several days later I decided to start reading Secrets of The Vine by Bruce Wilkinson. I saw the tie between these three books when I read what he wrote about John 15:1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” The vinedresser works hard to provide and nurture those vines. Chris’s book showed me courage and devotion and love in action from generous people. People like you and me. All the while I’m recognizing that God is working a bigger work behind the scenes. He is available and attentive toward His people. His love and dedication is the bigger work. I’ve driven past vineyards before and appreciated the fruitful vines and exquisite fragrance, but I’ve never caught the vinedresser working. Though I never saw the work being done I admired the fruit from such efforts.

I’ve been passing over the book called Lessons from a Sheep Dog for two years. On Easter Sunday I was sick and so I stayed home from church. When I picked this book off the shelf it just felt right. This was the day to read it. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the author, Phillip Keller, was from Africa. He wrote a touching and very personal accounting about how God taught him spiritual truth through working with a sheep dog. Lass had been abused and started life in a home where her abilities were not appreciated or allowed. Mr. Keller demonstrated the care, love, and discipline of a shepherd, which so reflects God’s relationship with us. When I read that book I felt as though I had eaten a full meal. His down to earth and humble thoughts touched my heart.

Sometimes life gets pushy. Sometimes people expect something more or different than what we can give. Those are the right times to draw back and rest in Him. Wait on Him and find refuge in Him. All these different books have spoken to me that God is working harder for our good then we ever could.  He is there when I or you need a drink from His living waters. I suppose I just needed a bigger picture of what He has been accomplishing in the background, beyond my notice. It’s been nice to realize that though I pay attention to what I should be doing, or what others expect, or what is happening now…Father God is still working on being the master of my (our) situations, the tiller of the soil I (we) have the opportunity to grow and flourish in.

I invite you to take one or all of these books in hand and gain a BIGGER picture of our  FATHER GOD, I doubt you’ll be sorry that you did!