OPPORTUNITY: DOING WHAT MY HANDS FIND TO DO

By Ada Brownell

We arrived a week after I gave my resignation to a daily newspaper in a mountain village of 7,000. That evening was my first shift as a general assignments reporter in a city of 100,000.

I'd never had a journalism course. I had no college degree. Two large notebooks full of published free lance articles opened this large newsroom to me.

"We need you to cover the weather," the editor told me, handing me a telephone number for the Weather Service.

So, I interviewed the weatherman and wrote a short report. The editor brought it back. A major snowstorm swirled our way and he wanted it covered well.

"Tell us what's coming from the north, and what's happening south, east and west."

"O.K.," my mouth said, but my head felt as if a mound of snow landed on it. How could I do that? I got lost when I went home for the lunch break. I'm directionally challenged. I had no idea where nearby communities were located.

I phoned the weatherman again and grilled him about all the points on the compass and what the cold fronts had packed to dump in our area. I survived and lived to learn, report, and write a decent story.

Before the mountain town job, I worked as a stringer for the newspaper in a tiny community near my hometown. When I started, I was given a handbook about how to recognize a good story, how to interview, how to write news and features. I almost memorized the book which told in a nutshell almost everything taught about news writing in the college classroom later when I earned my mass communications degree. Yet, I'd had few opportunities to cover important events.

But I was determined to learn. Despite success free lancing for Christian publications, when I made my first a big sale, I invested in correspondence course. “Writing for Christian Publications.”  Later I took a class in fiction writing. I hadn't planned to be a writer. It all started with submitting ideas for youth services as a teen, and then articles.

As a child, I memorized the advice of Solomon, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10).  Thus, when an idea came I felt might draw people to God, I put it on paper.  That's how a career grew from almost nothing but grace.

The task wasn't easy. As any writer, I received rejections. I had to quit the news business and take out 15 years to stay at home with our five children, and then find a way back into doing the only thing I knew how to do besides manual labor.  I wanted to help send our children to Christian colleges.

One discouraging day I opened the Bible and my eyes fell on this scripture, "Be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded" (2 Chronicles 15:7).

I've found those words to be true. I landed the needed job and worked until retirement. I'm still listening for the Lord's voice, working with my hands, and seeing results.

©Copyright Ada Brownell Jan. 1, 2014

  

WHEN MEMORY FADES BY RONDA kNUTH

NOTE FROM ADA BROWNELL: Today I feature another of my Sunday school students out of my class of teens in Lakewood, Colo. Most of those young people have served the Lord in the decades since then and some have gone into ministry. Today's guest is Ronda Hunter Knuth. Her healing testimony was one of those I featured in my book, Confessions of a Pentecostal. As a child her head was caught in a revolving door. She lost some of her physical abilities and the doctor believed she was slowly dying because of the head injury. But one day Ronda's mother knew God heard her prayers and her daughter would be OK, and in a short time Ronda was completely normal.

Years later, Ronda went through one of the most horrific emotional and spiritual challenges of  her life because of her first husband, but God was there.

Perhaps that's why she's able to reach Alzheimer's patients and others with dementia with her love. Old Age and losing the ability to think are stressful, too.

Ronda is a master storyteller. You'll enjoy the white-haired folks who walk, shuffle and dance on the pages of her book. Each has a history, had a loving family, successes, sorrows and triumphs. They smile, laugh, weep, and no matter what their age, have love left to give.

Summary: When Memory Fades 

Here are funny and moving accounts of the wonderful people whose lives have been affected by age and Alzheimer's disease. Sometimes at the close of day, when the lights have been dimmed, and the “good night, sleep tights” have all been said, I sit in the stillness and remember. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go; many I will never forget. Pinehurst Sunrise Senior Living is where I go to live out my love. This place, these people have changed my life. I have learned lessons by watching and listening. I’m surrounded by the best of the best, and a whole lot of memories are stored in my heart and mind. Oh, the wonderful stories I have to tell!

Bio 

When Ronda Knuth learned that she was to be the 2014 regional recipient of the "Joy in Service" award for the Assisted Living organization where she is employed she questioned, "How is it that I am being given an award for simply loving?" Ronda is passionate about seniors, and is especially drawn to those who contend daily with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias.

Ronda is a regular contributor to Network211.com's Global Christian Center web site and to TheWay.co.uk, a subscription-service daily devotional published in the United Kingdom. Her personal life story has been told in, "The Unmasking: Married to a Rapist" by author Kevin Flynn and in "The Triumph Book: Stories of Tragedy Turned into Triumph" by author Melanie Davis.

Born in the rural community of Ft. Morgan, Colorado, Ronda grew up in a home where she was taught to honor senior citizens. That training has served her well in her profession as a Terrace Club Day Program Life Enrichment Manager at Sunrise Senior Living at Pinehurst in Denver, Colorado. She is married (soon to be 30 years), and is the mother of four, mother-in-love of three, and grandmother of four.

Ronda has spoken at numerous area retreats, luncheons, civic and church groups. She has appeared on numerous radio and television programs, including, "The 700 Club," "Sally Jesse Raphael," "Phil Donahue," and "Inside Edition".

Personal web site: http://rondarestingplace.net
whenmemoryfades2014@gmail.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"When Memory Fades" by Ronda Knuth

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00J2GE9EG

Broken Pieces

By Ronda Knuth

Broken Pieces

You must be more careful, I scold myself through the tears, you almost missed that one. Pieces of the whole will never do; if He’s to put it back together again, He will need it all.

Bending low, I wrap trembling fingers around the missing sliver and swath it in an old, worn rag, then I tuck the tattered bundle carefully beneath my robe. This is for His eyes only. No one else must see.

I worry, perhaps He will not see me; will not care. If He does not restore my brokenness, all hope is gone. On bended knee I slip inside, and gingerly ease toward the light. It’s a busy place. There’s perfect order and calm, though couriers hustle and bustle careful to do His bidding.

I know He will be busy; He’s always on call – “Please do this . . . Will You help me here? . . . What should I do now? . . . Do You think that You could . . .?”

What if He doesn’t have time for me? I cautiously peek my head around the corner. Oh, how I love Him. What would my life be without Him? For just a moment I catch a glimpse, then the crowd closes and I lose sight of Him. I sigh and quietly bow my head. He IS too busy; I should have known.

A circle of greats surround him - a beloved president, an esteemed evangelist, a renowned speaker. They are movers and shakers, consulting Him on important business. They touch lives for eternity every day. I am so aware as I stand there that I am not them. I’m just me.

My face burns with shame. I shouldn’t have come. I’ve never saved a life, written a book, buried a martyred husband. Most days I’m just car-pooling to games, vacuuming carpets, doing the laundry.

I reach beneath my garment, and touch the old, worn rag. I have nothing to offer but my broken pieces. Perhaps another day I’ll try. Swiping at the hot tears trickling down my cheeks, I stifle a sob as I turn to leave. That’s when I hear it. His voice caressing my name.

I turn, and He is there. All of Heaven senses the urgency of the moment, and stills. He leans intently forward, and with quiet authority speaks, “Come to me, My child.”

I take first one step and then another. As I near, I feel the weight of His presence. He speaks, “Don’t be afraid,” and I bow in humble submission before Him.

“Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna, my Lord! Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might be unto You, my God, forever and ever.”

He whispers my name once more, and I lift my eyes to His. I read His love for me, holy and pure. He holds out His arms, and I run into His embrace. He folds me close, so close that I hear the cadence of the beating of His heart. It is beating for me.

“I have called your name,” He whispers, “You are mine.”

He knows me, and He loves me still. I weep deep sobs of sorrow and surrender. He pats my shaking shoulders, and gently rubs my back. Not once does He does scold or hurry me along. He does not blow out my flickering flame. He simply understands.

I could stay there forever safe in His embrace. He is my refuge, and His everlasting arms my support. My weeping spent, He holds my face in His hands and gently wipes my tears with His thumb. “Tell me, daughter, why do you weep?”

He knows, I know He knows, but He bids me tell Him still. I need to speak my pain. Then He inclines His ear toward me. “My heart is broken, Father.” I reach beneath my robe and give to Him the worn-out rag. He takes it from me with great care. "What have we here?"

Slowly He folds back the corners exposing the contents I’ve hidden there. I know that I can trust Him, still I tremble at the thought, What will He do now? Will it hurt for Him to heal? I know that He can do anything, but for just a moment I doubt. Maybe this one He can’t fix.

I feel vulnerable in His presence; unworthy of His care. I stutter an apology, "Perhaps I should not have bothered you with something so small."

"Small? Why if it matters to you, it matters to Me."

I hold my breath, waiting for His words. "You trusted me with your pain. You could have carried this and walked on alone, but you brought it instead to Me. You’ve given Me your heart. Thank you. What is it that you would you have Me do?"

"Lord." I whisper, "I want to be whole."

So, He lovingly wraps His fingers around the broken pieces of my heart, and tenderly fits them together.

"Here," He says, "Good as new. Better actually- for once your heart’s been broken it’s much better than before. Now it beats with compassion for those who hurt. It beats with confidence because it’s known My touch. It beats with courage because it knows it never walks alone. It beats with assurance knowing that even if it shatters, I can fix it again."

Then He puts it back in place. I whisper my thanks, and rise from my knees. I can face my day. He’s quieted me with His love. I am His, and He rejoices over me with singing. I’ve been with the Father and I'll never be the same again.

©rjk2014

"When Memory Fades" by Ronda Knuth

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00J2GE9EG

WHEN DO I CRY WOLF? By Steven R. Catt

Meet Restoration Evangelist Steven R. Catt, who was in my Sunday school class in Lakewood, Colo., as a teenager. What an honor when students you've touched are used mightily of the Lord. -- Ada Brownell

Steven R. Catt, Christian recording artist and author of the book “When Do I Cry Wolf?”, is now in his 35^th year of full time, traveling ministry.  Early on, he developed the reputation as one who was willing to step into difficult churches and boldly speak the word of God.  Steven quickly

became known as a “restoration preacher.”  His experience in dealing with these troubled churches has given him a wealth of wisdom on the subject .  Recently Steven was encouraged by four noted church leaders to write a book based on his teaching series entitled, “The footprints of Wolves.”  From this teaching, as well as real-life experiences, the book came into being.

The purpose of the book is to make pastors and their fellow church leaders aware of impending danger. “When Do I Cry Wolf?” is a valuable tool in identifying and uncovering the deceptive work of the enemy within the local church.  In the book, church leaders will find the answers to such questions as:   How can a pastor identify a wolf in sheep’s clothing?   What is the difference between a wolf and an angry sheep?   How can shepherds form a network of protection?  How can the wolf be uncovered and scripturally removed without destroying the church?  These questions and many more are answered in this book.

BUILDING A KINGDOM CULTURE

By Steven R. Catt

I was in Bisbe, Arizona, a few years ago when an aging crippled man walked up to me and placed his shaky hand on my shoulder. I turned to see a wrinkled-care worn face staring at a patch on my shoulder which read:  “I am proud to be a vet and a biker.”

 “Are you a vet?” I asked.

 “Yes.”

“Vietnam?”

“ Yes.”

  I took his hand and said: “Welcome home soldier.”

  He broke into tears and said: “You are the first person ever to welcome me home from Vietnam.”

 I held him while he cried. He had been denied the honor due for his service to this country.

In Mark 5, we see three life-changing miracles. First, the deliverance of the demonic man possessed by “Legion” which means “Many.”  The man lived among the tombs and the word said: “No man could control him.” 

When Jesus came on the scene in verse 8, He said,  “Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.  Suddenly, the man was in his right mind.

Then we see, a leader from the Synagogue  named Jairus, who stops Jesus and asks him to come heal his dying daughter. But before he can get there a woman with a issue of blood reaches out of the crowd and touches the hem of his garment, and immediately she is healed.

  Jesus cries out:  “Who touched me?”

 “Everyone is touching you,” the disciples said.

But Jesus answered, “This was different, someone touched me with faith.”  Then he looked at her. “Daughter, your faith has made you whole; go in peace, and be healed of this plague.”

By the time Jesus reaches Jairus daughter, she had died.

Ever get the feeling Jesus was somewhere else when he should have been with you?

Mark 5:41 Jesus finally arrives, takes the hand of the dead girl, and says to her, “Talitha cumi; which is to say, Young lady, arise…and straightway she stood up and walked;”

But in chapter six, everything is about to change.

Jesus is coming home to Nazareth, his home town, to the people who know him, only as the carpenter’s son.

 In Nazareth, the next Sabbath He began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were amazed. They asked, "Where did He get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?"

 Then they scoffed, "He's just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And His sisters live right here among us." They were deeply offended and refused to believe in Him.

He came to deliver the word and heal their sick,  but they mocked him and showed him no honor.

 Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family."

Ever have someone close to you dishonor you? Maybe a family member or a close friend? How did you feel? Worthless?  Of no value?

Remember that feeling because that’s how the other person feels when you take away their honor with your words.  “A twenty second statement can make someone’s day or break their heart. The choice is yours.”

What was the result of this belittling of Jesus? “Because of their unbelief, He could not do any miracles among them...except to place His hands on a few sick people and heal them” (Mark 6:5).

Here’s my question: If their lack of faith and dishonoring words towards Jesus could prevent him from doing great things in that city, is it possible we could hinder what God is wanting to do by failing to give honor where honor is due?

 I believe that one of the best ways to change the mindset of a community is by treating people with respect.

There are two basic reasons people withhold respect or honor from others.

·          “Familiarity.”  ( His own hometown ).

            “Oh…I know him!

            “Oh…that’s just Phil….he’s been here for years.”

            “Oh…that’s  just A.J…I went to school with  A.J.”

            “That’s just Emily…I’ve known her all my life.”

They said, “That’s just the carpenter’s son.”

The second reason people withhold honor is: 

They know your past.

Someone finds out what you did ten or twenty years ago.

People search your historical closet looking for skeletons

In an instant…your honor  is questioned today because of who you were yesterday!

  Let’s start restoring honor.

Show honor to the leadership watching over you. 

Heb 13:17 (NLT)  “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”

Show honor to the Elders…they were appointed!

Act 20:28  "So guard yourselves and God's people. Feed and shepherd God's flock—His church, purchased with His own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.”

Show honor to each other.

                        (Rom 12:10)  Be devoted to one another in love. “Devoted”  Dedicated…inseparable !

                         Honor one another above yourselves

                        Put their best interest ahead of yours.

                        Lose the  “It’s all about me attitude.”

Outside the church

                        Show honor to the lady serving your food.

                        Avoid dishonoring conversation: Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting                          them  with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp                                 arrow” (Proverbs 25:18).

David said this about approaching God:

“Who may worship in Your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter Your presence on Your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors  or speak evil of their friends” (Psalm 15:1-3).

Reckless words can hinder what God wants to do.

Let the transformation begin with us.  Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” (Colossians 4:6 NLT).

Remember:    “To change a person’s mind…you must first win their heart.”

EARTH DAY: IS GOD AN ENVIRONMENTALIST?

                   

By Ada Brownell

The need to care for the earth has awakened in America and now is taught from kindergarten through college. Along with that awakening comes resentment against Genesis 1:28 where God said to Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing.”

What is God’s and the Christian’s view?

The Bible not only speaks of dominion, but also of responsibility, respect and stewardship of nature. Dominion can be interpreted to mean “loving care, such as parental authority.”

      Christians often take the lead when it comes to preserving human life, especially the lives of the unborn, but are not noted for being tree and mouse lovers. But most understand we endanger ourselves when we endanger the ecosphere.

      Albert Schweitzer, a theologian/philosopher of the last century, said reverence for life is connected with the individual’s will to live.

      “If I am a thinking being, I must regard other life than my own with equal reverence,” Schweitzer said.”[1]

      The Bible teaches us to respect life. After all, our Heavenly Father—not Mother Nature—created all the ecosystems Himself in the beginning. He gave us guidance in Old Testament laws about how to care for the environment. However, just as nature has natural systems which need to stay in a state of equilibrium and disturbing one element could affect the whole earth, our beliefs about the environment also need balance.

      In Deuteronomy 15-20, we are warned not to worship nature. Making idols of any animal, bird, creature or fish is forbidden. “When you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them.” The Lord condemns such worship as an “abomination.”[2]

      Likewise in Isaiah 1:29, the prophet says “You will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted.”

In the beginning when God inspected His work, He said, “It is good.”

      Life, indeed, is precious and good. God shows us through His Word to respect it and all of His creation. No matter how we mourn over contamination of coastal waters, the destruction of wetlands, and the tragic loss of wildlife and jobs when there is an oil spill, I am not to elevate nature above God or people.

      But when we have a disaster, I can pray for speedy cleanup and restoration; for wisdom for those involved in the technical aspect of the cleanup; and for those whose lives and livelihoods are affected.

 Ada Brownell, a free lance writer and retired newspaper reporter, has written numerous stories on the environment and with Dennis Darrow received the 1994 Colorado Associated Press Editors and Reporters first-place environment award for a series that appeared in The Pueblo Chieftain. Her blog: http://www.inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com

---

[1] “The Ethics of Reverence for Life,” Albert Schweitzer, Christendom,  1936, 225-39

[2] Deuteronomy 17:2-4

HOW THE BIBLE VIEWS ECOLOGY

·         The land is to rest every seven years. “For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops.  But in the seventh year the land is to have a Sabbath of rest” (Leviticus 25:3-4).

·         Don’t cut down trees unnecessarily. “When you lay siege to a city for a long time, fighting against it to capture it, do not destroy its trees by putting an ax to them, because you can eat their fruit. Do not cut them down. Are the trees of the field men, that you should besiege them?” (Deuteronomy 20:19-20).

·         Be compassionate to animals. “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain” (Deuteronomy 25:4). “If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it” (Exodus 23:5). Jesus tells about the shepherd leaving his flock to find one lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7). “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal” (Proverbs 12:10).

·         Respect birds. “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it” (Matthew 10:29NLT). “If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young.  You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life” (Deuteronomy 22:6-7).

·         Respect the earth and its Creator. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Who stretched a measuring line across it? Who shut up the sea behind doors? Have you ever shown the dawn its place? The earth takes shape like clay under a seal. Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep? What is the way to the abode of light? Where does darkness reside? Have you entered the storehouses of the snow? What is the way to the place where the lightning is dispersed, or the place where the east winds are scattered?“ (Selected from Job 38).

·         Turning away from God affects the land. “Hear the word of the Lord, you Israelites; because the Lord has a charge to bring against you who live in the land. There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery. They break all bounds and bloodshed follows bloodshed. Because of this the land mourns, and all who live in it waste away, the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the fish of the sea are dying “ (Hosea 4:1-3).

·         God blesses the crops of the obedient.  “’Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’” says the Lord Almighty, “’and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit... all nations will call you blessed for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty” Malachi 3:6-12).

--Ada Brownell            

EASTER: IS IT POSSIBLE TO AVOID DEATH?

By Ada Brownell

EXCERPT FROM SWALLOWED BY LIFE:

MYSTERIES OF DEATH, RESURRECTION AND THE ETERNAL

Chapter One

An old gentleman leaned on his cane and peered into the cherry-red 1923 Model T Roadster. It glistened like a new car, but just a few years earlier had rested in decay almost forgotten.

          “This is just like the first car I ever had,” he said, a twinkle in his eyes.

          He and his son were examining four antique cars brought to a senior care center as part of the National Nursing Home Week celebration.

          The man, like the Model T, was almost an antique himself.

          Before the old car found redemption, from the front bumper down to the brown leather on the rumble seat, the old Ford stood waiting for one last trip—to the junkyard. Many vehicles like it have been retrieved from gullies, from behind the barn, and from buildings and junkyards, metal-consuming rust eating away at running boards, fenders, hoods, engines, and other vital parts.

           Rust is the reddish-orange coating of ferric hydroxide, the substance that causes oxidation of metal in the car’s body. When metal rusts, it breaks down until its elements disappear into the air and into the earth, leaving holes.

          Doctors tell us oxidation occurs in the human body, too, as we age and develop diseases. We aren’t eaten by rust, but oxidation causes cell damage, and that is why nutritionists recommend we consume foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries and green tea. In the human body, life-essential oxygen combusts and produces by-products referred to as oxygen free radicals, which cause aging.

          Oxidation is part of the second law of thermodynamics, a scientific term we seldom talk about but see all the time when there is a loss of electrons in an atom. Every barn you see with the roof caved in is an example of this law, which says in simple terms that everything eventually falls apart because energy becomes less organized with time.

          Our bodies do the same thing. As we age our sight grows dim, the ears less discerning of sounds. Our memory slows. Our muscles and joints don’t work as well. Our skin wrinkles. Our cardiovascular system becomes clogged or diseased. Our lungs and vocal cords exhibit wear and tear. The body’s defense weakens and diseases take up residence in us. Then, like an old automobile, one functioning organ goes, and then another, until the loss of a vital part is enough to kill.

Death for the human body is connected to the degradation of matter. Our mortal flesh isn’t designed to last forever. Unless taken by death prematurely, like the unrestored Model T covered in rust and with an engine that won’t run, the human body wears out or just quits.

As I explained before, I started studying about death and life after we lost our beautiful eldest daughter, Carolyn, to cancer in 1990. A born-again Christian who could quickly tell someone else what to believe, I found my faith challenged.

When I knew Carolyn was dying, over and over I prayed, tears streaming down my face, my insides feeling ripped out, “Where are you, God?”

My guts twisted with anger and doubt. Fear choked me as I wondered if what Jesus said about eternal life was really true.

I’d heard and read what the Bible has to say. It says at death we will immediately be with the Lord (Luke 23:43, Ecclesiastes 12:6–8) and at the resurrection, in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, our flesh will be changed into an immortal body with all-new parts that never age, get sick, or die—even if that flesh has already turned to dust.

Probably because of my experiences and what I learned on the medical beat at the newspaper, I decided to investigate if there is evidence we are more than a mere body.

I knew a journalist’s assignment sometimes goes beyond the obvious. Facts aren’t material objects that can be felt or seen. Through testimony and evidence, truth can be learned. Interviewing witnesses, experts, and victims and making visits to the scene help a reporter present facts to the public.

          Yet, when the story is all told, newspaper readers or television viewers react differently. Some believe what is reported; others do not. Some doubt the reliability of the reporter. Others assume the media conspires to deceive the public. A few believe the persons interviewed are liars.

          Those who believe take the plunge into faith. I took that plunge and believe Jesus when He said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:26).

          No matter what you believe about life after death, it takes faith. But there is evidence, and the eyewitnesses' testimony is recorded in the Bible. It's your decision.

©Copyright Ada Brownell 2012

SWALLOWED BY LIFE: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal

                                          By Ada Brownell

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06

Do you know evidence shows we’re more than a physical body? The author, a prolific religion writer and retired medical journalist, talks about the evidence; the wonder of life with all its electrical systems; the awesome truth about cell death and regeneration; mysteries surrounding the change from mortal to immortal; where we go when our body dies; resurrection; and a glimpse at what we will do in heaven. Questions and answers make this non-fiction inspirational book a great text for group study. It’s written for support groups, religion classes, people with chronic or terminal illness, individuals who fear death or are curious about it, the grieving, and those who give them counsel.

An excerpt from Swallowed by Life was featured in the June 2, 2013, “Reading for Spiritual Health” edition of The Pentecostal Evangel.

Where you can find Swallowed by Life:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/Jnc1rW

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/JnbKVL

Booksamillion.com http://ow.ly/cJmx8

And you can see reviews on GoodReads http://ow.ly/cJmMe

Christian Publishers Outlet also has the paperback

Ada Brownell bio

Ada Brownell has been writing for Christian publications since age 15 and spent much of her life as a daily newspaper reporter. She has a B.S. degree in Mass Communications and worked most of her career at The Pueblo Chieftain in Colo., where she spent the last seven years as a medical writer. After moving to Springfield, MO in her retirement, she continues to free lance for Christian publications and write non-fiction and fiction books. She is critique group leader of Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers.

She is author of Imagine the Future You, a Bible study; Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult, fiction released Jan. 15, 2013; Swallowed by Life: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal, Bible study released Dec. 6, 2011; and Confessions of a Pentecostal, published by the Assemblies of God’s Gospel Publishing House in 1978, out- of-print but released in 2012 for Kindle. All the books are available in paper or for Kindle.

      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/AdaBrownellWritingMinistries

     Twitter: @adellerella

     Blog: http://inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com Stick to Your Soul Encouragement

     Amazon Ada Brownell author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06

Depressed? Author Sharon Srock brings some sunshine for you

Your attitude determines your altitude

By Sharon Srock

Meet this unique author!
Author Sharon Srock went from science fiction to Christian fiction at slightly less than warp speed. Twenty five years ago, she cut her writer's teeth on Star Trek fiction. Today, she writes inspirational stories that focus on ordinary women using their faith to accomplish extraordinary things. Sharon lives in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma with her husband and three very large dogs. Her books include: The Women of Valley View: Callie and The Women of Valley View: Terri, both of which are currently available. The Women of Valley View: Pam will release 11 April 2014

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

This is one of the prettiest spots I ever visited. Mild temperatures, inviting water, sweet ocean breezes, and hammocks hung in strategic locations, temping a body to slow down and take it all in. In this idyllic spot, who

could fail to have a good day? Unfortunately most of us don’t have the luxury of spending many days in such lazy beauty. Real life will intrude.

Take a close look at the verse above. Do you see anywhere where it says:

This is the day which the Lord hath made;

“

And God is going to make good things happen to me today so I can be happy.”

“And God is going to give me the promotion, raise, vacation, relationship,  I want so I can have a good day.”

“God is going to make sure that (insert sports team or individual here) does well today, so I will have a smile on my face.”

“God is going to move me to a piece of beach front property so I’ll have something to rejoice about.”

I could type these examples all day and none of them would be true.

“…we will rejoice…” A choice, regardless of our personal circumstances, the actions of others, failure to get what we think we want, today we will make a conscious choice to rejoice in the special day the Lord made, or not.

Here are some tips on how to do that.

1.  Spend some time with the Father. It’s hard to rejoice in what He has made if we aren’t speaking to him.

2.  Sit down and make a list of five things that you have to be grateful for.

3.    Give yourself to something special today. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive.

4.  Stop somewhere and indulge in your favorite coffee or ice cream.

 5. Call a friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while and tell them you love them.

.      

6. Do something nice for someone else without them knowing about it.

     

7. Sit down for a meal with your family and tell each one why they are special to you.

Repeat after me…TODAY IS SPECIAL.

 Your attitude determines your altitude

Women of Valley View Novel:  PAM, by Sharon Srock

Pam’s divorce broke her heart. The cruelty of her ex-husband broke her spirit. A bottle of sleeping pills almost took her life. Four years later the scars of Alan Archer’s emotional abuse are beginning to fade under the love of her new husband. When Alan returns to Garfield, Pam must learn that buried secrets and carefully cultivated indifference do not equal forgiveness.

Alan Archer has returned to Garfield with a new wife and a terminal heart condition. His mission? To leave a Christian legacy for his children and to gain Pam’s forgiveness for the sins of his past.

Two hearts hang in the balance waiting for the delicate touch of God’s healing hands.

Other books in the Women of Valley View series:

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Connect with her at www.sharonsrock.com..

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Please visit her AMAZON page to find current info on her books: http://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Srock/e/B009OB2HSO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Free PDF: MEET THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW:

http://pelink.us/wovvbonus

Free Novella: FOR MERCIE’S SAKE

http://www.amazon.com/For-Mercies-Sake-Sharon-Srock-ebook/dp/B00I6MYBSG/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_d_3Author Sharon Srock went from science fiction to Christian fiction at slightly less than warp speed. Twenty five years ago, she cut her writer's teeth on Star Trek fiction. Today, she writes inspirational stories that focus on ordinary women using their faith to accomplish extraordinary things. Sharon lives in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma with her husband and three very large dogs. Her books include: The Women of Valley View: Callie and The Women of Valley View: Terri, both of which are currently available. The Women of Valley View: Pam will release 11 April 2014.

Recieve Sharon's newsletter

Connect with her at www.sharonsrock.com..

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SharonSrock#!/SharonSrock
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6448789.Sharon_Srock

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sharonlsrock/boards/

Please visit her AMAZON page to find current info on her books: http://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Srock/e/B009OB2HSO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Free PDF: MEET THE WOME OF VALLEY VIEW:

http://pelink.us/wovvbonus

Free Novella: FOR MERCIE’S SAKE

http://www.amazon.com/For-Mercies-Sake-Sharon-Srock-ebook/dp/B00I6MYBSG/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_d_3