Identity

Pens of Praise Prompt 2013

Susan Marlene Kinney

 

JESUS

I am the door. John 10:9 Jesus spoke these words because He knew His Identity. Forever and always He is our savior, brother, and friend. First and foremost, His is the Only Begotten Son of God. The list of His attributes would fill more than every book ever created. When I visualize Him as ‘The Door,’ I imagine His face radiant with love, extending the most important of invitations; the invitation to reside with Him forever. He stands beside an exquisite doorway, exotic wood gleams, showing off intricately carved holy visions, so fitting for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Yet, He beckons for us to share His wealth.

Treasure troves of perfectly flowing loving-kindness and trustworthy faithfulness abound for us just beyond the threshold. His presence is our all and all. We are complete in Him and Him alone. I remember the night I took His invitation seriously, when I realized who He was… His identity. Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life—my Savior. My heart nearly pounded out of my chest with emotions whirling strongly. This moment was so relevant to whom I would become. His powerful mercy took me by surprise and changed my identity in a flicker of a second. Now I’m His beloved, His friend, and a woman of value. Though I may not be anyone special in this world, because of Him I’ve become more than I’d hoped to be. I took that step onto His welcome mat decades ago and stepped through the entryway, my adoring arm looped through His. He gazes at me with the joy of who I will become and I found there is much to learn.  I’m growing day by day in knowledge about our relationship. He takes my breath away when I think of what He gave up to set me free from fear and insecurities and mistrust. Though I don’t fully walk in the liberty He provides, I’m releasing my grip on worthless bondage. I delight to see that He uses me to encourage or assist others, so that they can take His hand and follow His lead.

His pure and holy identity paid the price on Calvary’s tree so that I could have a fresh and clean identity. Everything good or pleasing I’ve done is because of Him. Always He encourages and leads me through valleys and mountaintop experiences, through waterfalls and spiritual droughts.

If you ask me who I am, I would have to say it depends on who’s viewpoint you see me from. Jesus delights in me and knows my future. He trusts in me though I’m imperfect and sometimes fearful. He calls me beautiful though some would think me old. He calls me sweet though some would think I’m difficult. My estimation of myself includes journeyer, sometimes scared, sometimes courageous, lover of the Lover of My Soul, imperfect but perfect in position and astonished by my Anchor and Bright Morning Star. I am His beloved believer and writer of precious truths and destinations He plots for our journey together. Who am I?

I am amazed.

 

PENS OF PRAISE

Christian Writers Group

Next meeting.

Saturday, August 10th  ~  10:00 am - 12:00 pm

at

Country Memories Farm Llc in Manitowoc

9225 Carstens Lake Rd Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54220-9140

§   Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43. Follow 42 south. Turn right onto Carstens Lake Road. Drive straight past Union Road and Country Memories Farm is on the left.

Our August meeting is about creating FB author pages and is taught by our very own Stephenie Hovland. Stephenie is a published author of devotions and children's books. She also teaches grade school classes and music. Come and discover how to set up your professional page. I think we can all agree that we need wisdom when deciding what information to include for such public communication. I for one am excited about this Saturday's meeting.

Our prompt for August is.

Identity

You are invited to bring a short five minute sample of you own work in progress if you so desire to share it in a safe 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 contact Becky McLafferty at mclafferty@lakefield.net or Susan Kinney at   susanmarlenekinney@gmail.com.

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

 

 

 

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!