Book Review - The Unseen by T. L. Hines

Power suspense writer, T. L. Hines pushes the adrenaline pump at just the right intervals to create a gasp but not cardiac arrest with well-crafted words in his latest book, The Unseen. A must read if you like a thriller that is closer to life than the fiction it purports to be.

The Unseen is a web of deceit and exploitation; exposing plots within plots of possible espionage, intrigue, government cover-up, or could it simply be a matter of greed? Hines takes the reader on a ride through the underground tunnels of Washington DC, visiting the old parts of the city, into buildings that have no registered tenants yet security at the doors. Then, of course, there are the walls behind walls revealing even more mystery as the watcher suddenly becomes the watched.

When one of the watchers, Lucas, hears something unusual in his underground home, he comes face to face with someone obviously out of place with a strange request. Lucas only wanted to be helpful and quickly get this stranger out of his domain. The red flag that went off in Lucas' mind initially but was over ridden by the desire to be helpful and most of all to prove that he was the real creeper, not this come lately stranger.

The next day, however, Lucas finds he had experienced a home invasion, and it was not the rats that also occupied the underground hamlet. Lucas begins looking for the stranger from the night before. Dishwasher by profession, with a mind that understands security, electronics, and a deep thinker prefers the shadows where he feels safe. We don't get the whole story until the very end of the book. What an ending! Electrifying from the first word to the last. Closing the book, one sits and ponders—was that really fiction?

Beyond Cards and Letters

Inspired by an uncle who wrote a book "Today Is All You Have" was dying of cancer as he penned simple yet encouraging words. My uncle was a physician, dying, and yet wanted to continue to share what was important on his heart. Another book I had read some years earlier, The Right To Write truly liberated me with a new found freedom to express myself. Now the challenge was what to write and how to go about it.

My "project" started out writing a legacy for my grandkids. It is important to let them know the family and background that they might not ever know, to let them share in the stories, the ups and downs of what life was really like. I believe that is an inborn instinct in all of us. I was sixty before I got my first computer. Like Moses, it was never too late to start with something new. My hubby and family had decided that since I was always clunking away on an old typewriter and having to always be changing the messy ribbons that I deserved something a bit more modern. Imagine my delight when they bought me a computer!

Like anything new, it took a while to figure some of it out, but eventually I got the hang of it, and was so glad that others would give me the time and help to learn. Well, one thing led to another and I got on the Internet. I met a woman by the name of Pastor Gail who received prayer requests and people who just needed encouragement. At the time I was sending out cards that I made. We joined in the work for the Lord. I started answering emails for her, became a prayer warrior, and making some of the best friends you could meet in such a strange way.

One woman asked if I would write a letter to her sister. She had suffered a severe stroke, and was now dying of cancer. Most of her friends and previous co-workers ignored her. The sister asked that I send her sister a letter, so I did. I found through the glimpses of what she would share that she loved her cat. One of my hobbies is that of photography and then I make cards. Then of all things, God guided my hands to watercolor. These specialized cards were sent out to many people. For this dear woman, I started to clip out of magazines or ads every cat I could find and send them to her along with a note. I received a letter one day thanking me for sending her sister encouragement during those years of her dying. It had made a difference for both of them.

When Susan asked me to send her a story, all I could think about is how much I love people in general, not looking at who, what, or anything about them; they are human just as I am, created by the same God and with a purpose. I have illness and depressions just like everybody, but when I reach out to somebody else, it lessens the thoughts about what I am experiencing. I usually wear my heart on my shirtsleeve; I can cry and smile with whatever you're going through. My greatest desire is to see the Lord face-to-face, and to encourage those on the earth while we are all still here. How I demonstrate my love of Christ is remembering where I came from, those who inspired me to reach higher, to encourage others through the skills and gifts that God has given me.

I pray that you are encouraged today to try something new, and speak a word of kindness to others, especially those who are suffering and may have become part of the forgotten living.

Carol Ann

Living The Love

Today's social media is a fun place to meet people, as well as experience them in different ways depending upon the venue that you meet. Today's spotlight blogger, Karla Meachem, I have known through several sites, but didn't get to see the love and charm she has until we were both on Twitter.com
Karla tweeters, "Good Morning" to everyone, and then over the next several hours tweet these really wonderful links. They would be anything from a great site to find puzzles for children, or pages of activities, movies that are family oriented, or wonderful outreaches in her area. So I thought, of course, that she was a home school mom. Wow, so not the case! She tells me that she just loves her kids and wants to keep them busy with fun and inventive things--and--shares the goods with everybody. How cool is that!My friend is recovering from recent surgery so we did this 365 Love Award through an interview. Below are Karla's statements about life, family, and her incredible gift to the world. Don't forget to leave a comment so she can read them.
"I am a firm believer that everyone has their own mission field (children included) - in our homes, our workplace and our community. Every person that we come into contact with is an opportunity to share the love of Christ. Our life should be a testimony to the One we love.

First and foremost, I enjoy being a mom; my kids are my top priority; and I am privileged to be a sahm (stay at home mom). Now that both kids are in school, I am enjoying a much more active role within our community.I am also our church secretary, as well as part of a church planting team. I especially love the outreach events that we hold in our community and surrounding areas.This summer we planned an outdoor concert and bbq. We had games for the kids, as well as treats (bubbles, tattoos, and chalk to take home with them).

We just recently started an event entitled "breakTHROUGH!". We will hold these events every 2 weeks! We are encouraging those who are struggling with life to come out to find encouragement, support and direction.

And we are also encouraging those who know Jesus already, to come out to be equipped to go to the next level with God! Praise & worship, a message and prayer...drawing closer to the heart of Jesus.

Just tonight, our church team went out to a community about 30 minutes away. The community has a yearly Christmas Light Tour. Their entire town participates; they have even won awards. Our church team went out tonight and offered free hot chocolate to those touring the community.

Later on in December, we are going caroling and handing out scotch tape to each home. We desire to touch people's lives in a unique, but special way. These events also help us to get the word out about our new church and give us a chance to meet people and wish them Merry CHRISTmas! (encouraging them to 'stick with Jesus!')

And yes, the children are included in these events; and are encouraged to participate...right from setting up for service, cleaning up after service and in between. :) (We meet in a school)

Yes, I do encourage my kids to help others. My daughter, who is almost 10, has a servant's heart. She is very aware of those that need a hand, both at school and around our community. My son is only 5, but is encouraged to help as much as he can and is eager to help when asked.

Both my kids have needed to grow up to be more independent than other kids their age, because they have grown up living with a mom that deals with daily chronic pain. They are amazing kids! A real BIG blessing in my life! I'm excited to see what God has planned for their lives!

My heart's desire is for people, both young and old to live a victorious life in Christ - to be all that God has called them to be!"Living the Love,

Karla

*************************************************************************

Empowering Christian Women was started as a place to organize my businesses to include my Christian faith, but it quickly blossomed into a new vision and passion to encourage Christian women to reach their complete potential in Christ. ECW is a work in progress, but it has stolen my heart.

Now, Empowering Christian Women is an online ministry, a place to share resources that have impacted my daily walk with Christ. ECW is a daily part of my life, an extension of who I am...or rather, who God is transforming me to be!She is also a contributing author of the recently released e-book entitled Mirror, Mirror...on the Wall, which is available for purchase at http://10women10commandments.com.

Karla has a heart and a passion for Christ. She is a firm believer in keeping God first; as she knows the empowerment (freedom and liberty) available to everyone through Christ.

Karla lives in Saskatchewan, Canada with her husband and two children; she can be reached at

empowered_life@yahoo.ca

http://EmpoweringChristianWomen.com

http://ChristianToysForGirlsAndBoys.com

The Ultimate Holiday Party Plan

Grab your little black dress, reindeer tie and hostess gifts folks, it's Christmas party time!

I couldn't find any statistics on how many people actually attend – or even host – holiday parties, but feel like anecdotal evidence supports my belief that nearly everyone does either one or the other. Me? I tend to do both. My calendar is dotted with wine and cheese tastings and corporate bashes, Secret Santa lunches, private dinner parties, and family get-togethers for the next several weeks – and those are just the ones I'm invited to!

When it comes to hosting parties over the holidays, things can get a little sticky. After all, if I'm invited to Mary's shindig, I have to invite her to mine. If Wilsons serve a three-course meal, then I'm pretty much obligated to serve a four-course meal. And if Barbara and Phil invite a dozen, my guest list has to grow accordingly, too, right?

Wrong!

There's a better party plan out there. In fact, it's not just better it's amazing and a sure fire way to change your idea of holiday cheer!

Curious? Here it is:

The next party you throw, ditch the status quo and do something fresh, bold and biblical. Instead of inviting the same old same old, look outside your social circle for people you might not know – maybe the lady at the bakery who smiles shyly at you every morning, or the bus driver, the grocery clerk or the young kid at the dry cleaners.

Rather than just returning the favor by inviting Mary to your shindig, invite someone who never gets invited, like the homeless man you see from the window of your car every night, or the single parent down the street or the frail-looking elderly woman who lives across the hall from your mom at the nursing home.

And instead of stressing over whether to serve trendy tapas or more traditional appetizers, whether to go with the lamb or the pork, put your energy and passion into serving others and feeding their souls, not just their stomachs.

The party will be a smash – probably so great you'll want to start doing it on a regular basis! And the rewards…well the rewards come with a lifetime guarantee. Not from me, from God.
Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."(Luke 14:12-14 NIV)

It's almost become a cliché, but in giving we truly are able to bring back the "reason for the season". And in sharing the love of Christ in us, we are sincerely sharing the light of the world to people in darkness.

Merry Christmas and God bless you in 2009!

Ava Semerau

Thanks Ava for a great reminder for all year! Ava is one of my Twitter friends, and a delight to read her every day tweets from someplace on the other side of the world (LOL) Merry Christmas my friend, and safe journey!

Ava Semerau is a Christian author, American expat and award-winning journalist. Her latest book is titled And God Was Pleased: Biblical Principles for Creating Christian Success. To learn more about Ava, the book and how to please God more, visit her Web site at http://www.avasemerau.com/.

Doing God's Will

I first met Elizabeth and her female partner at a lunch for families with adopted Chinese children. Shortly thereafter in early 2006, Elizabeth started attending the classes I was teaching on writing Lifebooks. In the class, I share my writing for my daughter's Lifebook. Because of our beliefs, my daughter's Lifebook is full of references to God. I was surprised when she referred to God in her writings, based on her lifestyle. I was also surprised to find out she was a chaplain in the local university hospital and was teaching students to be chaplains. Then I learned that she attended a very liberal Baptist church that accepts and supports the homosexual lifestyle. She also shared that because of today's “tolerance” attitude of respecting all faiths, God is hardly ever talked about in her job as a chaplain.

As we moved into the scrapbook part of the Lifebook, Elizabeth started coming to my monthly work sessions. This offered me a chance to chat with her about once a month. In addition, since my husband and kids were usually around those days, Elizabeth was able to see how we interact as a family. As I got to know Elizabeth more, I came to like her and to enjoy her company, despite our differences in lifestyles.

Every year I host a scrapbook weekend were I take a bunch of ladies out of town to work on scrapbooks all weekend. Last year, in September 2007, Elizabeth expressed a desire to join us. I was a little surprised since almost all the other ladies were from my church. Although Elizabeth does not promote her lifestyle, she does not hide it either, so I prayed a lot for the weekend and God heard my prayer.

The weekend went well and Elizabeth seemed to fit in okay. On the way home, Elizabeth rode with me and another Christian friend. Our conversation turned to spiritual topics. Elizabeth shared with us how she was truly amazed at the love and acceptance that was shown to her that weekend. She was amazed because “Christians hate homosexuals” and usually show it. She said that although she hears people at her church talk about God, no one seems to talk about him as part of their lives. She said it was clear that God was part of our daily lives and she wanted that kind of relationship with God too. She then started sharing her life story with us – one filled with sexual abuse and the mistrust of males. Unfortunately we ran out of road before she could share how she ended up going to seminary or if she had ever made a personal decision to accept Christ. I continued to pray for Elizabeth. I visited with her at my scrapbook days every month, but because there were always other people around, our conversations never led to spiritual matters.

This past spring, Elizabeth came to a scrapbook day quite upset. She really disliked her job and had interviewed for new one in a town several hours away. She was upset because although the job was “perfect”, her partner was not willing to move away. She was also concerned that they would not find a church that supported their lifestyle, like the current one did. I told her I would pray for her decision.

Around that time, I was finishing up a study called Breaking Free by Beth Moore on overcoming strongholds. I felt God leading me to get a copy of the book for Elizabeth, which I did. I also became convicted that I needed to some how confront her about her homosexuality. So I started praying. Then I found out Elizabeth was moving; her partner had agreed after all. I was just sitting down to write an email about meeting her for lunch to give her the book, when I saw in my inbox an email from her – asking if we could get together for lunch before she moved. By this time, I was praying for Elizabeth frequently, as God had laid her on my heart.

We arranged a time and place and on the way there, I cried out to God – “Tell me what to say to her. Let me be led by the Holy Spirit. I am not a brave person. I avoid confrontation and I certainly don't tell others they are sinning. I can't do this on my own.” God's answer was: “Relax, I will handle it”. I was immediately filled with peace and confidence. Want to guess what happened?

Elizabeth brought up every topic that I wanted to discuss with her before I could mention them. I shared what God had done for me in my life. I shared how being obedient to God's Word had made and was making a difference in my life. One of the most amazing things she said to me was that although it was very clear to her that our theologies were different, she never felt judged by me. She was amazed that I could care so much for her spiritual condition. She commented on how she could see God in my life, my husband's life, and in our relationship with each other. She also said that if there had been more men like my husband in her life, and then perhaps things would have been different for her.

We talked a lot about Change that day. We talked about how sometimes the hardest part about change is admitting and accepting that we need to make a change. Then she asked if I would pray for her if she decided to pray about making changes in her life. Of course, I said I would be honored to pray for her. Although she did not explicitly say so, I believe the change she was talking about was her lifestyle.

That was 5 months ago. I still email her once in a while. The few times she has been in town, it has not worked out for us to get together. She is reading the book and has found it helpful. She now has a co-worker who is like-minded about God. I continue to pray earnestly for her whenever God brings her to mind. I pray she comes to know God on a deep and personal level and that she comes to understand what his Word says about her lifestyle. Perhaps my part in God's plan for Elizabeth is complete or perhaps he has more for me to do. Either way I am really glad that I obeyed his prompting and made a difference in her life. It is amazing how God can use our everyday activities. Other people are watching us. Some are even hungry for a relationship with God like the one we have. Is God that evident in your life? Can others see the hope in God that you have?

Beverly

A bit about Beverly:

Former career mom for 20 years, I have been a stay-at-home-mom for the last 6 years. I started homeschooling 3 years ago and currently homeschool my two youngest. My husband and I have been married 25 years and we have 3 children (ds 17, ds 11, dd 7). My two sons are biological and my daughter is adopted from China. I have been a Christian since age 11.
My purpose in life is to support and strength my husband, to raise our children, and to minister to others as God directs. I currently lead a small weekly Bible Study and participate in Christian Women Take Root.

Heart of God -- India

Susan asked me to share about the projects we’re involved in through Heart of God International Ministries or to pick my favorite projects to share on her blog. I’m honored to have the opportunity to share although it’s quite difficult to pick a “favorite project”.

Heart of God International Ministries is a growing family of ministry outreaches both internationally and domestically. However, one of my greatest passions is happening in India right now … the Heart of God School of Ministry.

Last January, we launched our first phase of a new School of Ministry under the leadership of our Pastor partner in India. Being a graduate of Bible College, he felt the call to impart what he learned to pastors who oversee churches he has planted throughout the region. Because these pastors are very poor and have no means to go to Bible College, Pastor felt the Spirit of God lead him to gather these pastors together each month for three days of intense training in the Word of God.

When we were visiting with them two years ago, the vision was birthed and planning began. Within a few short months, support was raised, the syllabus was put together, and we began to make ready for the first session.

Coming from long distances, sometimes on foot, twenty-eight men, called of God and anointed for service, gather for three days each month. We purchased blankets and pillows, school supplies such as paper, notebooks, and pens, etc. The pastors sleep on the concrete floor of a church, when they have a chance to sleep.

Not only do these men gather for learning, but they spend their time in prayer—praying for their villages, the people, the sponsors who help make the School of Ministry in India possible, and most importantly, to be used to win souls to the Kingdom of God.

Nearly every month the pastors are met with great opposition from typhoons, floods, threatening persecution, high winds, etc., to prevent them from attending classes. Yet, very few have actually been prevented from coming together to learn.

This next year, the Heart of God School of Ministry will be opening its doors to more men who are called as Christian leaders in the region. The goal is for those who have already been attending the first year to begin to mentor and train those who will be beginning classes next year. All attendees will be participating in monthly village outreach into remote areas where the Gospel has not yet been preached.

Good things are going on in India despite the persecution in the neighboring State of Orissa. God has protected these pastors. I can’t help but believe it’s because of their sacrificial lifestyles—they are truly willing to lay their lives down for the sake of the cross.

Pray for the Heart of God School of Ministry in India. Pray for its leaders, its growth, and its outreaches into areas that have never heard the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pray for God to raise up more sponsors so more pastors can be cared for as they work diligently doing the work of ministry as they respond to the call of God on their lives.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please visit the website at http://india.heartofgodinternational or email me at jan@heartofgodinternational.com

Power Beyond Measure

Woohooo made it through the 30-days of blogging. Now that I'm back into the swing of daily blogging, it is delightful to also be starting a new month of love and good cheer--December. This month, some of my friends have graciously agreed to blog their thoughts and lives about what it is like in ministry, living godly daily, how we can share the love of God through kind acts, and just loving each other. To celebrate all year, we are awaring 365 Love Awards to those who participate. If you want to join the share-care, email me at info@mudministries.org This is about loving people, sharing, and caring.

This poem illustrates the purity of love, the depth to which we each may rise and shine no matter what the status of life, or the chaos around us--love is a position of victory against inseemingly insurmountable odds. Be an odds maker, share your story, give someone hope.

Our Deepest Fear

by Marianne Williamson

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about your shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you.We are all meant to shine as children do.

We are all meant to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates
others."