Painting Walls…and the Blood of Christ

God doesn’t just wait for Sunday morning worship to inspire His kids, you know. Moments happen all the time, and many times those simple, every-day moments are as poignant as a worship chorus or hymn.

As some of you know, my family and I  bought a new house. It had A LOT of wallpaper. I’ve stripped about 6 rooms and still have 2 to go!

If you’ve ever had the adventure of removing wallpaper (note my sarcasm) then you probably know that the state of the sheetrock/walls after removing the paper might not be so good. In all honesty, these walls were in pretty rough condition in some spots.

Now….I know that with the right putty (joint compound), in the right places, with just the right amount of sanding, I can prime the walls. THEN….I can cover over the whole ugly mess with a coat or two of paint.

They’ll look as good as NEW!

What’s even better about Jesus? Well, we’re broken and scarred on the inside. It takes a complete pulling out of our sin, a puddying up of His grace, and with his love of his blood, he covers over all our brokenness to make us whole, beautiful, worth ‘showing off’ to the world.

We’re new creations! Masterpieces of love!

So, all of this working, stripping wallpaper, repairing walls, and painting takes a new meaning with the right perspective – a heavenly one!

Twas the Night Jesus Came

Twas the night Jesus came and all through the town,
Not a person would guess The Messiah came down.
The earth gave no warning to speak God’s intent
But this magical night I would never forget.

The streets were all busy with strangers from far;
No time to hear singing or see the bright star.
As my young friends and I kept our watch o’er the flock
We had no idea we’d soon get a shock.

When out of the darkness there rose such a light,
I sprang from the hilltop to gaze at the sight.
An angel came shining as bright as noon-day,
More fearsome and brilliant than I’ve words to say.

At first he said, softly, “There’s no need to fear.”
Which I found hard to do since this host first appeared,
But he said, “Be of Joy! I bring you great news!
Your Savior is born, there is no time to lose.”

“This babe wrapped in cloths has no crib for his bed,
But rests his sweet head in a feed-trough instead.”
And then other angels, more than I can know,
Rejoiced through the dark with their songs and their glow.

Like millions of stars dancing down to the earth,
They lifted their voices in praise of his birth-
Singing, “Glory to God.” Through the stillness of night
“and peace to all men,” then they flew out of sight.

It didn’t take long to break out of our shock.
We ran down the hill leaving our field and flock,
And found the sweet baby inside a damp cave,
But could this be Christ – the whole world to save?

The donkeys and horses had left a foul smell.
The straw was all muddy, the manger as well.
But everything was as the angel had said,
A babe wrapped in cloths in a crude manger bed.

Then I know – it was clear. Where else would he be?
The Teacher and Healer to make the blind see.
The Savior who’d carry the sins of us all,
Where else would show love than an old cattle stall?

This baby, The Christ, would clean up all our messes.
He’d take on our curses and give us His blessings.
So as I adored Him, God’s Son, the true Light,
God seemed to be whisp’ring to all a “good night”

copyright 2009 Pepper D. Basham

Light in This Present Darkness

http://www.wallpaper4god.com

I don’t know about you, but I don’t do too well when the power goes out at night. If I know there is a storm coming, I prepare, of course – but in those few moments in my life when a power outtage came out-of-the-blue?  Well, it wasn’t pretty.

I stumbled around trying to search for a candle, flashlight, lantern…something to provide some direction. Especially when we lived in rural Virginia. It was DARK! In the process, I’d hurt myself by crashing into things, knock stuff over, and unintentionally break important things to me. And then there are times when other people in the dark collide with you. Not pretty!

All because….

I couldn’t see.

If this week has taught us anything, it’s that we live in a very dark world. And there’s a whole lot of people stumbling around in it. Some hurt themselves by their own actions and choices, others end up wandering about and getting hurt among other dark places in the world, or breaking things that are important to them, and then there are those who live so far in the darkness, they collide with us and leave a mark. Scar. Ever-present pain.

What do we do when the lights are out?

We look for a light.

Thankfully, for the darkness in our hearts and in this world, we didn’t know where to look – so God provided One. One we celebrate this time of year. One who came into a world just as dark as this one and brought an eternal hope. He fulfilled a Promise God had given from the dawn of time.

A Rescuer.

You see, because our greatest need wasn’t a ‘wise teacher’ – even though Jesus was one.

Our greatest need wasn’t a good Guide – even though He fulfills that description too.

Our greatest need wasn’t a comforting prayer or a set of beatitudes, although Christ provided those.

Our greatest need was to be rescued from the dark.

So….

Jesus came.

And he PIERCED the darkness on a rescue mission to break through thousands of sin-stained years.

He did not leave us to stumble and die in the dark.

Isaiah 9:2

The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned.

Praise God for the hope of Jesus!

Hope for those carrying the wounds of dark choices.

Hope for those weeping from being lost. so long in the shadows.

Hope for those mourning from the pain left behind when the darkness breaks pieces of their lives.

 The Rescuer has come.

The Fingerprints of God

There’s nothing that’s quite so arresting as awareness of God around us. I mean really near. Not just the cursory acceptance of the verse “I am with you always”, but the raw knowledge that Someone has direct involvement in our lives.

It can be the evidence in God’s creation – the vast mountain landscapes or torrent seas.

It can be in God’s provision – the great and the small.

It can be in His people, from the touch of a mother’s hand, the laughter of children, or a newborn baby’s cry.

They all speak of God’s ‘touch’ in our lives.

We often think God is far off – up in His Heaven somewhere, but His Spirit is actively at work around us – providing hands and feet through people.

Kind words spoken, a hug of comfort, a phrase of encouragement, another shoulder to bear the burden, and understanding/listening ear.

He’s here. His body.

And it’s absolutely amazing when we step back and ‘see’ them.

God provided it for me in so many ways this week – from a ‘word in due season’ while meeting with Beth Vogt at BRMCWC to a chat with my 5 year old about faith. God was there. Right there- leaving his fingerprints all through my life.

And all through yours too.

Open your eyes and see the wonder of His love and know He is not far off.

He is near.

Giving UP just before the view

Our family is on vacation this week in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and we happened to visit a place called Chimney Rock yesterday. It’s one of the sites used in the filming of the movie Last of the Mohicans – a fantastic mountain with a rock-face that juts out over the valley below. Now there’s a hitch to this wonderful idea of going to this mountain – there is a monstrous number of steps to climb to get to the top of the mountain. I mean A LOT! Straight up! This picture does not do it justice. I think there were over 470 steps in all. Pretty impressive.

Well, we had a grand total of about 15 steps left and here is what my 6 year old shouts from in front of me:

“Mom, never ask me to do this again. This is horrible.”

And then he sat down. He was finished, it seemed. The climb was too hard and the reward didn’t come quicky enough.

15 steps away from a fantastic view and a chance to rest.

Anyone else been there?

Trials, heartache, or suffering comes. We keep taking steps forward – some of them more difficult than the others.

Pain, discouragement, or rejctions come. We keep taking steps forward.

And then….it’s too much. Too hard. “God I can’t do this.”

It’s usually just before he shows His glory.

Like the old quote by Thomas Fuller “It’s always darkest just before the dawn”.

When we’re at the end of our rope, that’s usually when God shows his glory the most. We don’t see it clearly until we look back on all those trials and steps to climb to get to this point, but once we can look back with clearer eyes, we see His handiwork all along. He fashioned each suffering moment or trial into a sculpting device to our hearts so that we are molded into children of the King.

Usually it takes going up all the steps of life to enjoy the view of His grace and provision.

With some added coaxing from our family, my six-year-old made it to the top of the steps and enjoyed the success of his perseverance. It is also true with us that God will send encouragers along the way to help us ‘see’ his work or make it to the end of the looong, hard journey.

Now may we trust in God’s love and strength enough to keep His point of view in mind – a Heavenly perspective

Once Upon a Time…

Okay – so I’m a sucker for fairytales. Just ask my mom. Growing up I practically lived in a little fairytale world. Gee, as an aspiring author, I kind of kept that mentality into adulthood.

So when the season finale of Once Upon a Time came on last night, I had to fight 5 kids (and the animated adventures of Spiderman) to get to see bits and pieces of it.

I’m not a diehard fan. It’s a fun way to pass the time – but as I watched last episode something popped to mind.

In last week’s episode we find out that August is Pinocchio. (MUCH cuter than the Disney version, btw), and he tries to convince Emma (the savior) about the curse of Storybrooke. I usually don’t put a lot of spiritual depth to these sort of things, but August makes a statement that I thought was interesting…and deeply spiritual.

Emma doesn’t believe August when he tell her about the magic of Storybrooke and the curse of the whole town. She doesn’t believe even when he SHOWS her that his body is turning back to wood.  When Henry (the little boy- and Emma’s son) confronts him, August says,

“She didn’t believe because she doesn’t want to believe.”

That statement struck me as SOOOOOO Biblical, and was just a reminder of why C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, and J.R.R. Tolkien used the venue of fantasy to teach Biblical truths.

Why doesn’t everyone believe in a love that is boundless and free – that was given to us as a way to be right with God? Why doesn’t everyone see the majesty of a Creator-God and the wonder of a Gracious-God?

Because they don’t want to. Their minds and hearts are blinded by the ‘but what about’s

I’m not saying that Once Upon a Time meant to show any Christian theme at all. It certainly portrays good vs evil and love conquering all (even death), but as a Christian, I thought it was interesting to see that simple connection.

What was one of your favorite fantasy-novels which shows spiritual truths?

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is probably one of the most known.

The Princess and the Goblin? or Lilith?

The Lord of the Rings?

Visiting Old Friends in the Bookstore

I’m a big fan of bookstores, and although I’m not against e-books, I think I’ll always find something comforting about holding a book in my hands, smelling the pages, touching the print…

yeah, I’m a geek – but I embraced that fact about myself a long time ago.

Anyway, I love walking into bookstores. I love the inevitable moment of discovery that accompanies bookstores. A new adventure hidden between two covers of a new book.

And ever since God’s brought me into the world of ACFW, I had an all new reason to love bookstores. I feel like I’m visiting old friends.

Shelves are lined with books by people I KNOW, people I’ve hugged, with whom I’ve laughed and prayed.

And then, I get to SHARE my excitement.

Today, a son and father stood beside of me trying to discover the perfect gifts for all the women in their lives. They looked (and sounded) utterly lost. So, I just HAD to help them, right?

It was the Christian thing to do

I spent the next ten minutes asking them questions about the ladies in their lives and guiding them to some WONDERFUL options. The dad said, “Oh man, I’m going to be scoring some big points with my wife” LOL.

I think they left with about 6 + books. The bookstore owner came up to me after they son and father left and said, “I was going to ask if they needed help, but then you offered. You did a much better job than I could’ve done. I just stood on the other side of the bookshelf and listened so I would know which books to recommend for somebody else” LOL

It’s sobering then for me to then consider how I should share my faith with the same joy and readiness. There are opportunities waiting in this giant ‘bookstore’ of a world. God strategically places people in my path and gives me opportunity to share the excitement of his love with them. Much more than ‘old friends’, He is a Father of such infinite love, it’s eternal.

And one of the best things about His love is that it’s free for us. Christ already paid for it with His life, so we dont’ even have to foot the bill. It’s amazing, wonderful, beautiful, and life-changing….

and is the greatest story ever written.

Knowing who loves you

I love it when God gives you one of those brief moments of clarity.

Of what it really feels like to be loved.

Most of the time we have to go through our days reminding ourselves of God’s truths in the Bible. Forcing our logic to overcome our feelings.

But occassionally we’ll have those moments where what we know meets a moment where we ‘get it’ – the glimpse of God’s amazing love through Christ. And in that moment, we feel his freedom.

We know it. We have faith in it – but because God loves us so well and so much, He will give us moments where His love becomes clear for just a moment – and it’s beautiful.

It’s the reminder that the trial is temporary. That the pain won’t last forever. That no matter how hard, how long, how difficult, how shaken, battered, or scarred – we are completely free in His love.

And it helps us see the bigger picture.

For just a moment.

But…thank the good Lord – that’s enough

Springs of Inspiration with Audra Harders

Sometimes, God brings people into your life and their is an instant connection. He did that when I met Audra Harders in 2010 at my first ACFW conference. From that first hug, I just fell in love with this wonderful lady. Her gentleness and encouragement calmed my nervousness, and she was quick to take me by the hands and pray with me. WOW! What a wonderful beginning!

I hope her notes today will be an inspiration to you – as they’ve been to me.

Here’s Audra:

This is an excerpt from my debut novel, Rocky Mountain Hero. Since arriving at the Circle D, Melanie (my heroine) has been battling the guilt of estrangement from her parents. It all comes to a head due to the kindness and love of complete strangers. She learns forgiveness starts with forgiving yourself.

 

The water appeared lower than the last time she’d been there. Rapids formed between the rocks out in the middle of the river leaving calm ponds along the edges. She tore off her shoes and socks and stuck her feet off the edge of the bank, the cold water splashing between her toes. She closed her eyes and listened to the rush of current. Lord, I’ve been away too long. Please forgive me. What am I supposed to do?

  Tipping her face to the sun, she relaxed beneath the warm rays. A soft breeze played with her hair. A light spray of water moistened her face.

What do I do, Lord?   

“Quiet and peaceful, isn’t it?”

Melanie jumped at the unexpected voice. Her eyelids popped open as she caught her balance. “What are you doing here?”

Gabe stood about ten feet away, his arms folded across his chest. “Remember our last conversation about not going anywhere by yourself?”

“I’ve been here before. I thought you couldn’t go off into uncharted territory.”

“If I hadn’t followed you, we wouldn’t have known you knew where you were.”

He kept a straight face. Her shoulders tensed as he continued to stare at her. She hadn’t meant to worry anyone.

The familiar dimple appeared. “Have to keep an eye out all the time.”

She relaxed. I’ll bet you do. She turned back to the river. “I just need time to think. To be alone.”

“Fine.”

She heard gravel crunch behind her then listened as he found a seat. She frowned. What part of wanting to be alone didn’t he understand? “I came here for quiet.”

“You won’t even know I’m here.”

She closed her eyes again. Lord? How can I pray with him here? I’d like to talk, just you and me? The echo of rushing water filled her ears. The breeze continued to flutter her hair across her face. Peace filled her heart.

In the gentle spray of river mist, she didn’t think one teardrop would appear too obvious. Maybe one tear from each eye. Why now? She’d had life all figured out. It wasn’t a bad life was it? Why was normal slipping through her fingers?

Two tears became a torrent. Gentle hands cupped her shoulders and turned her away from the river to a solid chest that smelled like summer sun. His solid support melted her resolve.

“They don’t even know he exists.” She hiccupped between sobs. “My parents have a grandson they don’t even know about.”

He rubbed her back making her sobs come harder. He shouldn’t nice to her. He wasn’t going to be so nice when she told him the whole story. Her arms encircled his waist.

“My folks wanted me to put him up for adoption.” The fights and accusations still rang through her head. The inconvenience, the gossip was all they’d worried about.

“Paul wanted me to get rid of him. When I said no, he dumped me. Just like that. Poof.” She squeezed Gabe tighter, the memory of the nastiness making her sick. “He never claimed Jason; swore he’d prove me lying if I ever tried to come after him.” She came up for air. “My girlfriend started dating him.” The humiliation and agony of that betrayal hurt her more than any heartache from Paul.

She smacked her forehead into Gabe’s chest. She gave him credit, he hung in there for the whole, unvarnished truth. She’d expected him to run long ago. “I want Jason to have what he’s found here: a home, family, love. Instead, all he has is me.”

His arms tightened around her. She pressed her ear into his chest, absorbing his strength. “Why can’t I be more like you? So strong, so patient, so. . .so confident. Gabe, I’m too scared to go back and make things right. I’m so weak.”

“Shhh. There’s nothing to be scared of.” His voice rumbled along with his strong, steady heartbeat. “Don’t bear such needless pain.”

Needless pain? She deserved every ounce of burden on her heart.

“Dear Heavenly Father.” His chin rested atop her head. “So much hurt and pain remain buried deep waiting for Your love and mercy to wash it away.”

Praying? He prayed for. . .her? A muscle twitched in her arm as she held on tighter.

“Dear Lord, only You see the cause, only You know the reason. Fill Your children with the realization of the salvation You bought for us with Your blood, ours for the taking if we just trust You.”

Fire ignited in the pit of her belly where only moments earlier a ball of ice sat. Her hands slid down along his warm, solid forearms. She squeezed his hands.

“Fill Melanie with Your peace and fill her with Your understanding. You are bigger than any trouble on this earth. Have mercy, oh Jesus.”

“Mercy,” she whispered. Standing beside rushing waters, her soul cried for cleansing. As her confession of sin, fear, doubts and everything else silently poured out of her, light and relief filled in. After crying her eyes out earlier, she didn’t think she had any tears left, but she did.

 

Pepper, you ask about frustrations in my writing life? When isn’t there one? Either I have my characters stuck in a situation I haven’t a clue how to get them out of, or they refuse to let me rescue them. LOL! Just like raising kids : )

But really, frustrations lay around every corner of the writing process. If I gave in to them, I’d probably still be writing “See Spot run” or something like that. My favorite verses for not only frustration and slumps, but for all the mysteries of life is from Proverbs:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

 If it’s important to me, I’ve got to let it go. Easy to say; difficult to do.

 Thanks for having me, Pep. You are always such a gracious and wonderful hostess. And a sweet, loving, fun person to boot. You make me smile : )

(She smiles because she knows I’m crazy)

Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful nugget, Audra – and for letting some new readers get a taste of your writing. Looking forward to more in the future

Blessings,

Springs of Inspiration with Myra Johnson

My apologies.

Since my family moved to a new house a week ago, I’ve had lots of trouble getting online. Unfortunately, it’s messed up my Springs of Inspiration schedule, but I’m hoping we can get back on track this week.

Myra Johnson was supposed to be my guest on Friday, so I want to share her response today. Jamie Carie should be here on Wednesday and Julie Lessman on Friday.

Let me just say that I got a ‘sneak peek’ into Myra’s WIP and I LOVE it!!!! She peaked my special interest – Autism. That’s all I’ll say unless she wants to bait you with more. It’s such a SWEET story!!!

So let’s see what Myra has to say about Inspiration!

 1. This excerpt is from my debut novel, One Imperfect Christmas. Thirteen-year-old Lissa has just confessed some very serious meddling to Natalie, her mother.  Natalie also has much to be forgiven for, and in this scene they finally reach a place of healing.

 Lissa joined her next to the library table, silently intertwining her fingers with her mother’s. Her gaze fell upon the ceramic baby Jesus, sleeping in the manger between the kneeling figures of Mary and Joseph. “I guess Jesus is the only kid in the universe who never goofed up and did something stupid.”

 “I bet Mary and Joseph would disagree.” Mom released a gentle laugh. “I can just imagine how worried they were the time they searched and searched for him, only to find him talking with the teachers in the temple.”

 Lissa’s stomach tightened. “Like you and Dad worried when I ran away and hid in Granddad’s barn?”

 “Exactly.” Mom fixed her with a sad-eyed stare and squeezed her hand. “I worried, yes, but more for selfish reasons, because I didn’t think I could handle one more problem. I was hurting so badly myself that I didn’t even try to understand the pain you were going through after your dad and I separated.”

 Lissa curled her tongue over her upper lip. “I didn’t try very hard to understand how you were feeling, either. You were so upset about Grandma, but I just wanted to find a way to get you and Dad back together. Mom, I . . . ” She drew in a shaky breath, afraid to meet her mother’s eyes. “I have to tell you something.”

 “Lissa, you know you can tell me anything, don’t you?” Mom gulped suddenly, her lips flattened into an embarrassed frown. “Okay, maybe you don’t know that. I haven’t been very easy to talk to for quite a while now.” She led Lissa to the chair and ottoman, where they sat facing each other. She clasped Lissa’s hands. “But I’m listening now. What is it, sweetie?”

 Taking courage from her mother’s reassurance, Lissa inhaled deeply and poured out the same story she’d confessed to her father two days ago. Only when she finished did she lift her eyes to meet her mother’s stunned gaze. “Are you mad? Will you ever forgive me?”

 Long moments of silence passed while Lissa tried to read the myriad expressions flitting across her mother’s face. Everything she’d expected was there—shock, disbelief, con- fusion, regret. Then, finally, understanding.

 Mom squeezed her hand. “Remember what Grandma told me the day she got so sick?”

 Lissa spoke softly as the remembered terror of that afternoon ripped a wider hole in her heart. “She said it wasn’t your fault. She told you to forgive and learn to love.”

 “It’s taken me until this morning for those words to sink in. Grandma never once blamed me for not being there to help her the day she had her stroke. But I wouldn’t listen to the truth—about what happened to her, about what forgiveness means, about how much you and your dad needed me.” Her voice became breathy. “About how much I needed your dad and you. I didn’t believe I deserved to be loved, so I pulled away from everyone I cared about most.”

 Lissa sniffled. “I kind of feel that way, too, after what I did to you.”

 “Then it’s time we both learned that’s not what families are all about.” With misty eyes Mom glanced toward the nativity scene. “God gave his most precious gift to us by creating a special family. I’m sure it was so Jesus could learn firsthand about loving and forgiving.” Her eyes twinkled. “Even when we really, really goof up.”

 “I think I get it.” A pleasant warmth spread under Lissa’s heart. “Family should mean we don’t ever have to wonder if we’re good enough or if we’re forgiven. Our family loves us no matter what.” 

2. One verse I find very encouraging is taken from Philippians 1:6.  “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This verse reminds me that God is in perfect control. Whatever He calls me to do, whether in my writing or in any other aspect of my life, I can trust God to provide the resources I need and to bring about the results He desires.

 Thanks so much, Myra! BEAUTIFUL reminder of God’s work in us. His Call. His Talents. Our Peseverance.

Love it!