Faithchick

Power in Prayer

Probably like many of you, I've felt helpless over the past 48 hours as I have viewed the horrific images of suffering, shock and death coming out of Haiti.

My kids and I were taking fresh-baked cookies out of the oven Thursday evening when Diane Sawyer's ABC News report filled our TV screen. We turned off the tube, joined hands, and said a prayer for those affected by the history-making earthquake.

Indeed, my natural response has been to pray each time the tragedy crosses my mind; and yet, from the safety of my warm and comfortable home, stocked with food and water, it doesn't seem like quite enough.

After deciding which relief organizations to support financially so that the thousands of suffering Haitians can promptly receive aid, I still want to do more. Especially after learning that the college friend of one of my young adult church members died in the quake, and a young member of my daughter's Girl Scout troop has relatives in Haiti.

However, I know that planes filled with eager supporters have been turned away for lack of runway space. I know that since I'm not a doctor, daily journalist, or trained disaster relief volunteer, my ability to provide tangible support is limited.

Acknowledging those limitations reminded me that what is within my reach to offer the Haitians is exactly what is needed - prayer and more prayer.

God is sending foot soldiers - the doctors, the medics, the military personnel - who have the right experience. They need my prayers - and yours - to give them wisdom, strength and energy to help however needed.

Through our donations, we're providing the food, water and medical support that everyone is praying for. Hopefully those who are acquainted with Haitian Americans or immigrants are also offering emotional support or other requested assistance.

God is even using his Haitian servants who are in the midst of the rubble. Diane Sawyer's Thursday evening report ended with scenes of destitute Haitians standing in the streets, praising God in a traditional Hallelujah hymn, despite the suffering they're enduring.

As hard as it is to "do nothing," I've realized that in uttering prayers, we're doing much more than "nothing." We're casting our bread upon the waters and trusting that God will direct our talents, treasures and other resources to and for the good of those in Haiti and for their distraught relatives here in the U.S.

So keep praying, and remain open to doing more as opportunities arise. There is power in our prayers. God's Word says so!

* Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Philippians 4: 6

* Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving. Colossians 4: 2

* Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. Psalm 4: 1(NKJV)

And it shall be that before they call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65: 24

Stacy Hawkins Adams is an author, speaker and freelance writer. Her sixth Christian fiction novel, Dreams That Won't Let Go, was recently released. Her first nonfiction book, Who Speaks to Your Heart? will be released in March 2010. She resides in Richmond, Va. with her family. www.StacyHawkinsAdams.com

Poor is the New Royalty

We've begun to treat the poor like royalty. They are revered, pampered, defended if challenged or spoke ill against.

Politicians and government leaders use "the poor" to advance their agendas, espousing compassion, all the while leaving them in squalor.

If one chooses not to vote for extended benefits to the poor, he or she is vilified and railed, accused of being evil and without compassion.

I was in college during the first Feed the World video. I was for it and glad to see celebrities using their platform and talent to focus on the hungry.

Yet, 25 years later those people groups and nations are still hungry. Hand outs to corrupt, large governments do not find it's way to the truly needy. If it does, the effects are short lived. It's like trying to stop a flood while putting a finger in one hole in the dam.

The world gasped when an earthquake devastated Haiti. We felt for the wounded and dead, but my friends, Haiti has been in pain and death for decades. They have more than 60% unemployment. The disenfranchised cried out, "Where is God?"

Now? Because they had an earthquake? Where was God in the midst of their poverty? When disease and hunger took the children? When political dissonant were tortured and killed.

We have a very narrow margin of the poor, of the needy, of how and when God should intervene. He should prevent earthquakes, but not the death of the unborn?

We can do nothing for the poor if we continue to hand them things. Instead, free up their countries to develop agriculture and industry. Free them up from old suspicions that keep them bound in medieval myth. Teach them to fish. Don't give them a fish. Tomorrow they'll be hungry again.

Above all, bring to the poor Jesus. We can build them houses, feed them meals, give them clothes but if we do not give them Jesus, they will be poor in this life and destroyed in the next.

Justice is needed! But only Jesus can bring true justice. Apart from Him, our work is wood, hay and stubble.

Let's not make the poor the new royalty -- elevating them for our own sense of moral justice and superiority. Let's bring them Jesus. Bring them life.

Best Selling and award winning author Rachel Hauck lives in central Florida with her husband. She is a graduate of the Ohio State University and has traveled internationally as a software trainer.

But, writing is her love, and she hopes to spread the fragrance of Jesus with her words.

Her current release Love Starts With Elle from Thomas Nelson is a 2009 RITA Finalist. Her book Sweet Caroline was American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year 2009. Her next release, "The Sweet By and By" with platinum selling country artist Sara Evans releases January 2010. Check out all of her books and musings on her web site at www.rachelhauck.com. 

these days are flying right by

    Just this last month, my two older sons have grown a 1/2 an inch and my youngest shot up an entire inch.  In a month.  28 days.  Soon their pants will look like knickers on them.  It seems I can't keep up with them.  We went through an entire loaf of bread at dinner last night.  I may have to start donating plasma to keep my children in food and pants.  But that isn't all.  Their birthdays are right around the corner.  This month Jack will turn 9 and Addison will turn 4.  Will turns 7 in May.  They are looking older, losing their baby round faces and are completely enamored of all things Star Wars.  Even Addie has lost his love for Thomas the Train and Elmo.  And I try to press down on the tops of their head with my palm to see if that can keep them from growing, changing...if it can stop them from getting big.  I tell Addison, "Don't get big."  I've already lost the fight with Jack and Will.  But Addie grins and hugs my leg and says, "Yes, Mom, I will get big."  And I know he is right.  So I have to make a concerted effort to be present in this time.  Before they get so tall that they can place their palms on my head.  I have to remember to place a hand on their warm backs and say a prayer and thank Jesus for these gifts of growing boys that he has placed in our care.  And then tell them one more time, "Don't get big."  Even if they don't listen.

Susanna Aughtmon is a freelance writer, married to church planter Scott, and mom to three sweet boys, 8 and under.  She likes to spend her free moments trying to resurrect plants in her garden, eating chocolate, reading fiction and checking the comments on her blog, Confessions of a Tired Supergirl.

Spinning! And not just my wheels...

Camy here! I just recently got into spinning yarn.

Yup! As in, sheep wool into yarn. With a drop spindle. I’m going waaaaaaaaay old school!

I’m not sure why I started spinning. Probably because a lot of knitters spin yarn, and they talk about spinning a lot on forum boards, on Ravelry, on podcasts. And I think I just figured, why not try it out?

I got a couple spindle recommendations and bought a lightweight, nice spindle as opposed to a “student” spindle, as well as some really nice merino wool roving, because if there’s one thing I learned from knitting, it’s that if you have nice tools when learning something new, the soft yarn (or wool) and good tools makes up for the frustration (slightly) of learning a new skill.

And then I learned to spin the same way I learned to knit—online! I watched all kinds of videos and played them over and over again. And then I just practiced.

It took me a while but I finally got the rhythm of the motions. I’m not entirely sure I’m doing it the right way, but most teachers say that whatever way works for you is okay.

One thing that has surprised me about learning to spin is that it’s extremely soothing and calming. Something about the motions of drafting is rather zen-like, and the tactile feel of the wool is very relaxing to me.

So while I had originally started spinning to just to try it out, it has given me a surprising and wonderful gift—a hobby that is extremely soothing, as well as being fun and challenging if I want it to be.

How about you? Have you had any hobbies like that, where it ended up being just a terrific thing you picked up for various reasons?

PS: I recently bought a spinning wheel cheap thanks to Craigslist! Now I get to learn how to spin on a wheel!

Camy Tang lives in San Jose, California. She previously worked in biology research, she is a staff worker for her church youth group, and she runs the Story Sensei critique service. Her humorous romance, Single Sashimi, and her romantic suspense, Deadly Intent, are both out now. She also gives away Christian fiction on her blog and her newsletter YahooGroup.

A Lesson With My Dog

Tonight I took my little dog for a walk -- she's a ten year old Schnauzer. We've only had her for 2 years, but she's my little buddy and follows me wherever and whenever she can.

Normally I walk her with a leash, but tonight, I carried her across the main road then set her down on the side road and started our walk. Leashless!

She trotted ahead, sniffing and looking for places to potty. As I walked behind, I kept my eyes and ears open for cars turning corners, for other dogs, for other people since my little dog loves to say "Hi."

When we walked far enough, I picked her up and turned her around, back toward home. She hesitated, but I called her to follow and walked ahead.

She jogged on my heels, detouring to the grass she'd already sniffed and watered, without complaint.

Again, as we approached the corner, I watched for cars, for glass, for burrs in the grass. As a van approached, I spoke to her, "Stop." Guess what? She did. I held onto her until the van passed, then let her go, heading toward home.

Our life in God is a lot like this outing with my dog, leashless. I knew I could trust her.  I knew she obeyed me. I knew she wanted to be with me. Yes, she loves adventure and detouring off on her own, but she knows to follow me.

I can let her roam free because she obeys my commands.

The more we keep our heart and mind on following Jesus, being wholehearted toward Him, the more we want to be with Him, the more we obey and listen, the more liberty He can give to us.

When He says to stop, we stop. When He says to come, we come. We have to believe He's watching out for us, keeping us from harm and danger.

The more we yield, the more He gives us liberty.

I'd like to be like my little dog -- so devoted to Jesus He can take me for a walk without a leash!

Best Selling and award winning author Rachel Hauck lives in central Florida with her husband. She is a graduate of the Ohio State Univerisity and has traveled internationally as a software trainer.

But, writing is her love, and she hopes to spread the fragrance of Jesus with her words.

Her current release Love Starts With Elle from Thomas Nelson is a 2009 RITA Finalist. Her book Sweet Caroline was American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year 2009. Her next release, "The Sweet By and By" with platinum selling country artist Sara Evans releases January 2010. Check out all of her books and musings on her web site at www.rachelhauck.com. 

Saving Money on Groceries

I have always been a bargain hunter, but tough times finacially has made me seek out the good deal even more. Food is probably one of the biggest expenses a family has. Here are a few of things I have learned about saving money on groceries. 

Play a game called "how many meals can I get out of this." One of the biggest expenses is meat, so I try to get meat choices that stretch beyond one meal. A roasted chicken usually provides two main meals for my family of five: the chicken just cut off the bone served with potatoes and a veggie and then chicken soup. I can usually get one or two one-person lunches off the same chicken a slice of chicken torn into small pieces makes a nice quesesdilla (did I spell that right) with a little melted cheese a tortilla and salsa. I have ham sitting in my frig right now that I should be able to get three family meals out of and maybe a couple of melted cheese sandwiches with ham. I think I paid twelve dollars for the ham. 

Recycle leftovers. Instead of letting food sit in the refrigerator hoping someone will eat it, find a way to remake leftovers. For example, I had some leftover sausage from a meal we call breakfast for dinner (pancakes and sausage). The next day, I crumbled the sausage up and put it one of those easy Bisquick pies with cheese, eggs and a little shredded carrot. I used the meat leftovers from tacos to make taco soup. Veggies that look like they are past it can often be thrown into a soup. Fruit that isn't moldy but is less than  beautiful to look at can be made into a smoothie with gogurt or cottage cheese. 

Go without for a while. All my kids have favorite snack items that they like for me to get for them when I do my grocery run. Instead of getting those extras every week, I have instituted a policy of alternating every other week, so they still get some of the things they like every week, just not all of them. I have done the same for myself. I love smoothies made with cottage cheese for breakfast. Instead of getting the stuff for that every week. I get smoothies one week and have oatmeal or some other staple on alternating weeks.            

Don't go out to dinner unless you can get a deal. We have a local publication that sends coupon in the mail that over a percent off purchase or a buy one, get one half off deal at local eateries. I use punch cards for a local mexican place. I have gotten a meal for four for as cheap as $15 with a full punch card. Some restaurant have a "kids eat free" or "kids eat for 99 cents" night. Also, forgive my shameless advertising but the five dollar foot long at Subway is a really good deal. The sandwiches are pretty healthy, hubby and kids can usually find something they like, and I have never been able to eat a whole footlong in one setting, so I have lunch for myself the next day. Finally, the real expense in eating out is in the drinks. Hubby and I always order water. Eating out for me has never been about how fancy it is, if I can have a night when I don't have meal plan or cook that is a treat.  

Pray and know that God provides. Also, celebrate when you see God's provision. I have found amazing sales at the grocery store. There is nothing wrong with saying a thank you prayer in the frozen food section. About a month ago, when I got my yearly exam, the mammagram place offered me a free coupon for two free meals with dessert because I had to wait so long for my exam. What a cool blessing.  

Because of message received in childhood, money and finances is one of those stronghold places where Satan knows I am vulnerable. I have asked God to help me not turn into a pouty baby because of the belt tightening (Don't get me wrong, I have had my moments) and to really let this be a time when I grow spiritually.  

Whoever thought you could grow closer to God by clipping coupons.

Sharon Dunn bargain hunts and writes romantic suspense. You can read more about her and her books at www.sharondunnbooks.com.     

  

Olympic Writers

I, like everyone else in

America

, have been watching the Olympics.  What those athletes do is awesome and I am struck by their dedication, diligence and persistence.  They are focused beyond what most of us could ever imagine and obviously they love what they do.

 

 It occurs to me that although it does nothing for one’s health or physical strength, writers need many of these same traits when working on their books.  I feel like I’ve been in my own Olympics the past two weeks, working twelve hours a day to finish a project. 

 

In order to write, an author needs drive, commitment, thoroughness and doggedness to make a career of it.  I’ll never make the kinds of sacrifices that these amazing athletes make but I certainly admire and respect the qualities that make them champions.

 

And now I’ll take a hard copy of my manuscript and dsome editing while I watch a little skiing and some snowboarding by the best in the world.

 

Judy Baer

The Power of Words

So if you haven't heard, I have a new book out.  It arrived February 1st and is called: Great cover, eh?  The tag line reads:  Your private conversations just went public.   Since it's the book's debut, I thought I'd hover over this subject this month, because I have found a tremendous passion for helping all of us understand how powerful words are.

Think about a conversation you had last night by phone, by e-mail, in your living room.   What if everyone could hear it?  That person you called a snob...would you be able to tell them to their face?  That kid you called a brat...what if he knew you said it?  Sometimes we use words very efficiently, and with purpose.  You may use the word snob and mean it and if she was in the room you'd say it to her face.

But I'm focusing more on the words we say that we think little about.  The twitter posts we type out by phone while waiting for the doctor.  The Facebook updates that we send out when we're in a bad mood and want everyone to know it.  What about the conversations we have in our own home, about people?  By e-mail, when we're mad at someone and want others to be mad to?

In this day and age, we use words so much yet have so little regard for them.  We have the ability to send our words around the world with one click of a button, but we don't think twice about what we're saying. 

Some of our deepest wounds we experience as human beings don't come from swords or car wrecks or falling out of a tree as a kid.  They come from words. If I asked you what hurt the most as a kid, you'd probably forget about the ten stitches you got from the playground, but could tell me word-for-word what your supposed best friend said about you behind a tree at recess one day.

Perhaps kids can be forgiven for the lack of control of their tongue, but what excuses do we adults have?  We know full well the power of the tongue.  In the Bible, it says the tongue has been set on fire by hell itself.   Words shape us. Words control us.  And I say that not only do the words we hear have power, but the very words we speak have power over us as well, even if no one else hears them. 

The question is, will it be good or bad?  What are your words spreading today?  Peace?  Comfort?  Joy?  Encouragement?   Or is someone be torn down by your words.  Is it you?

Lots to think about!  It's the theme of my new suspense novel, LISTEN, and I hope you'll check it out.  Also, follow me on Twitter, where I will be encouraging you in your daily word habits!

Think before you speak.  Change the world.

Rene
www.twitter.com/ReneGutteridge
www.renegutteridge.blogspot.com

Ecclesiastes

This book has always given me comfort.  I know most people turn to the Psalms in times of trouble.  Me?  I go to Ecclesiastes.  There's comfort for me in knowing sometimes, life stinks.  There's hope in knowing that life isn't fair.

"No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun.  Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning.  Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it." Ecc 8:17b

One of my best friends, and fellow blogger, Diann Hunt is in the hospital battling ovarian cancer. (Prayer coveted!)  This has really taken me down for an emotional beating because it's simply not fair.  Diann is the most upbeat person I know and it's been a rotten year for her.  She deserves to be out of this valley, and yet, it looms before her.  Before us -- as we stand with her.  

We are weary God, and it makes no human sense.  This is when we have to rely on Him -- and also when it can be the most difficult to do so.  I don't get it, but I take pleasure in the fact that Solomon says I never will.

www.KristinBillerbeck.com

Kristin is the author of more than 35 novels and novellas.  She lives in the Silicon Valley with her family.

Passion: When all else fails

Not to bore y'all with my tales of writing novels and deadline whoas, but for this week, I have nothing else for you.

Last Friday I submitted my latest novel, Dining With Joy, to my editors. I'd spent the last week writing 12 hours a day and from Wed to Fri, I edited/rewrote 407 pages in 48 hours.

Why? Passion. When all else fails, when there's no fuel in the tank, when the whys out number the answers, it's passion.

I love what I do. Writing novels is a life long dream but it's the hardest task I've ever undertaken. Worse, it doesn't get easier.

When I started my first job out of college, it was hard. I was a journalism major work in the a propriety hardware and software world. I  was clueless.

But as I was trained and exercised my knowledge, I became good at what I did. Tasks I dreaded became tasks I enjoyed, even excelled in.

Eventually, I became an expert on certain products, a go-to person.

But it wasn't my passion. In writing a novel, my limits and boundaries to get the job done are large and nearly limitless. In my corporate job, it was the opposite. Small and tight with limits.

I worked hard, no doubt, but there was the idea then the company owed me. Not so with writing a novel. I do it for myself. Because it's my passion.

The monetary rewards of my corporate job far outweigh the novel writing gig. But the soul satisfaction cannot compare.

Friday when I turned on the novel I was sure I'd never write another one. Today, I'm already alive with ideas and pondering what I might do next.

Passion: when all else fails.

Best Selling and award winning author Rachel Hauck lives in central Florida with her husband. She is a graduate of the Ohio State Univerisity and has traveled internationally as a software trainer.

But, writing is her love, and she hopes to spread the fragrance of Jesus with her words.

Her current release Love Starts With Elle from Thomas Nelson is a 2009 RITA Finalist. Her book Sweet Caroline was American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year 2009. Her next release, "The Sweet By and By" with platinum selling country artist Sara Evans releases January 2010. Check out all of her books and musings on her web site at www.rachelhauck.com. 

Bedtime discipline

Camy here! I’m seriously hurting in the bedtime discipline area.

Hurting as in, I totally suck and couldn’t make myself go to bed on time even if I had an all expenses paid shopping trip to a yarn store in the morning.

(And trust me, I could spend thousands of dollars on yarn. Thousands, I tell you!)

Ahem. Anyway, I’ve been trying to set my alarm for earlier so that maybe I’ll be tired and want to go to bed early.

Nope, not working.

Once in a while I’ll actually make it to bed on time, but I usually end up lying there staring at the ceiling and listening to my husband snore. (He’s kind of loud, if you ask me, but then again, he’s not as loud as my dad.)

But then the next night I’ll stay up late reading or working or playing Bejeweled Blitz. (I LOVE THAT GAME!)

See my problem? I really do suck, I think.

Anyway, I’m going to try to get to bed early tonight and hopefully keep it that way. Because staying up late is not good. I end up not getting enough sleep (but apparently I’m not tired enough to go to bed early! Sheesh!)

Any advice that doesn’t involve pharmaceuticals?

Camy Tang lives in San Jose, California. She previously worked in biology research, she is a staff worker for her church youth group, and she runs the Story Sensei critique service. Her humorous romance, Single Sashimi, and her romantic suspense, Deadly Intent, are both out now. She also gives away Christian fiction on her blog and her newsletter YahooGroup.