Dressed in White

 Dressed in White

A tumult of majestic anthems

Swells and fills the air, 

Their sweet harmonic chorus rising

To the endless sky.

Trilling harps, angelic singing

Praises, adoration,

Glory, laud, and acclamations

To the King on high! 

A moment… a pause of expectation

A lonely trumpet sounds,

All faces turn with anticipation,

Ivory gates swing wide.

Whispered voices and breathless gasps

Of joy and delight

Greet the elegantly splendered bride

Adorned in white.

She lifts her modest, mist-veiled face

In wonder and in awe

To vaulted alabaster rafters,

Iridescent light.

Crowds of eager, reverent faces

Multitudes surround her,

Ten hundred thousand on each side,

Welcoming his bride.

She fingers her snowy garment,

Pure and spotless wool,

Its endless train like a crystal river,

Flowing deep and wide.

The cloud of exultant witnesses

Creates a path before her,

Revealing the gentle, tender compassion 

In her beloved’s eyes.

In humble shame she bows her head.

Unworthy and unwanted,

Yet he sought her and found her.

Her lowly heart cries.

She didn’t deserve such love and mercy.

How could he love her so?

Her wretched filth and sinfulness,

Blasphemy and lies.

He chose her, forgave her, and forgot her past.

Seeing only her soul,

He washed her and cleansed her,

And clothed her in white.

She humbly lifts her thankful face

To him who gave his all,

Past the hundred million guests, she glides

To his glorious light.

With compassion and with endless grace,

He stretches out his arm,

And offers her his nail-scarred hand,

And welcomes home his bride.

"The Trumpet Shall Sound"

This week contains Rosh Hashanah the Feast of Trumpets 

(Click Here)  

God set up seven feasts when the Israelites left Egypt, when Moses met with Him on Mount Sinai. Everything in the worship of God was a symbol of His dealings with mankind throughout time. Everything had a purpose.

In each of the four first feasts, God has performed a great act - His crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and giving of the Holy Spirit. The next feast to be fulfilled is the Feast of Trumpets - a time of introspection, a warning of judgement.

In the book of I Corinthians, God speaks of another trumpet - calling His children to heaven before the great tribulation that will come. Jesus will not come to earth, but snatch them away from the time of judgement on the world. Christians have been waiting for centuries for His return. We don't exactly when He will come, but we can see signs of it in the news and in the skies. Jesus is coming soon!

"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: 

for the trumpet shall sound, 
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, 

and we shall be changed." 

 "Listen for the Trumpet " by Ron Hamilton 

(song)     

 (I suggest just listening without watching the children's animation.) 

(Lyrics)

Are you ready? 

Are you listening for God's trumpet to call you home?

Seeking and Calling

It's been too quiet around my house. I needed something to talk to, to care for . . . I needed another cat. (Besides, the mice and squirrels were taking over the attic.) 

So, last May, I visited the animal shelter. They had lots of cats there. Some rubbed against the bars, looking for attention. Others meowed pitifully. One slept in a ball, in the corner of her cage. She looked like one I had owned years ago. I went to the desk to ask if I could see her and hold her, but someone else had asked first. I went home disappointed. I didn't want any of the others. I wanted her. 

Returning later, I saw that she was still there! When I held her, I felt the soft vibrations of a purr beneath her fluffy fur. I filled out the forms and paid the price and brought my new friend home, but  . . . 

she didn't know me,

she didn't want me,

she was afraid and ran from me.

For weeks, I filled her food dish and clean up her messes. I called her, but she wouldn't come. I lifted her out of her hiding spots and caressed her ears and neck. I talked to her, softly and gently, while she purred in my arms. I named her Fluffy - short for Fluffanutter. 

She enjoyed all the benefits of a home - food, shelter, attention - but she did not want me or trust me. Sometimes, she fought against me and scratched me. I waited and tried again the next day. 

Soon, she didn't run when I came near. Soon, she accepted treats from my hands. Soon, she came to me when she heard my voice. Soon, she slept on my lap - trusting, resting, free of fear. 

It reminds me of Jesus.

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you." 

(John 15:16)

We are stubborn and foolish.

"All we, like sheep, have gone astray." 

(Isaiah 53:6)

Jesus searches and calls us.

"For thus saith the Lord God; 

Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, 

and seek them out."

(Ezekiel 34:11)

"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, 

I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."

(Isaiah 43:1)

"I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, 

but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not."

(Jeremiah 7:13)

"I have loved thee with an everlasting love: 

therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

(Jeremiah 31:3)

I almost gave up on taming my cat. I almost took Fluffy back to the shelter. 

 God does not give up. We enjoy all His benefits, but we're not grateful for the One who provides them. We don't want Him or trust Him. We run from Him, but it doesn't do any good to hide. He seeks us and finds us. He calls us and draws us and loves us, until we rest in His arms. 

 "Submit yourselves therefore to God." 

(James 4:7)

If Jesus has been calling you, 
if you want to know more about Him
or how to get to heaven,
email me. I will pray with you. 

He Giveth Grace

Did you know?

My middle name is Grace. Also, my maternal grandmother was named Grace and so was my husband's maternal grandmother. So it seemed natural to name our daughter Grace, too. Little did I know that my son would marry a Grace. It gets a little confusing sometimes!

What does grace mean?

The baby books say that Grace means a gift from God. 

The Bible tells us that it is something that God gives us - something special that we don't deserve, a divine gift, unmerited favor. As I've grown as a Christian, I've learned that it is more than the gift of eternal life. It's more than special blessings. 

Grace is the strength,
                      the peace,
                             the wisdom,
                                   the power
to go through an experience that God has put in your life. It is letting Him work through you. It is letting Him take control. It is saying, "Lord, I need You." It is resting in His love and care. 

(Click Here for song "He Giveth More Grace")

"When I am weak, than I am strong."

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."

"His grace is sufficient for me."

"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares."

"Abide" 

"Peace Like a River"

Yesterday, family and friends gathered to remember the life of my father, John Beverly. The Gospel was plainly presented - tributes given to my father's godly testimony - memories shared of his life. 

(Audio Recording of Memorial Sevice)

But it didn't begin to tell of all my daddy was to me. 

I don't want to forget. 

I listened to my brothers and watched my sons play with their children. I saw my father. His songs, his stories, his mannerisms, his faith are still here . . . still alive in his children and grandchildren.

There is a loss - a sadness - but there is a peace.

We are covered with billows of blessings. Why should we fear? Why should we mourn? Our God is good and gives us more than we could ever ask for. His grace fills and comforts and sustains us.

Give a Teen a Barrel of Pickles

I remember how hard it was to be strong for the Lord as a teenager. I remember how hard it was to feel different from the crowd. I remember the emotions of puppy love and daydreams of the future. I remember the silly times with my friends. I remember the heartbreak of rejection. I also remember growing in my faith and bursting with the enthusiasm and joy of being a Christian.

The next book in the Country Store Collections is for teens, 

especially Christian teens who need encouragement, 

who need to know someone understands how they feel.

A BARREL OF PICKLES 

is available at

Amazon

Full Sail Books

or 

directly from me.
(Email Me)

Buy all three books for $15
Bag of Bubble Gum -for children,
Box of Christmas Candy - for whole family

( more yet to come)

Here is an excerpt from  A Barrel of Pickles - (based on a true experience)

BON COURAGE

 “Mr. Duffy, I can’t be in this concert. This song goes against my beliefs as a Christian.”

“But, its just music. You don’t have sing the words, just play the notes.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Duffy, but I can’t.”

He didn’t understand, and by the end of the week, others followed my lead and dropped band and choir. I didn’t go back, but I knew it wasn’t over.

(click here for full story)

Being Grateful

This morning, but I'm feeling very grateful. I look around me, and I see that God showers His love and blessings on me each day - no matter if I thank Him or not.

Sometimes, I don't feel "happy" - I'm not dancing around with Charlie Brown and Snoopy, instead I have a calm feeling of comfort and contentment. I have a joy that my God loves me and is taking good care of me. I can keep going and know that He will help me through whatever I may face this day.

Lord Jesus, thank you for being always there, for loving me and giving me what You know is best for me. Thank you for inner peace and strength. Amen

What Really Matters

As many of you know, I've been staying with my parents after my mother's heart surgery. It's been (and continues to be) a long road of recovery, with tiny baby steps each day.

Being at the hospital every day, I've learned some new values of life. I asked a volunteer, who was reading a newspaper, "What's going on in the world?"

He looked at me, with a sympathetic smile. "Nothing that you need to bother with. It doesn't matter. All that matters is that you are here with your loved one. What goes on beyond that doesn't matter right now."




I smiled.

Yes, the elections, world events, holidays, even the weather . . . they don't matter. What matters is the size of my faith. Am I keeping close to the God that is control of everything? Am I trusting Him moment by moment? Do I draw my strength from Him to endure the strain of this emotional stress?

I also learned that people matter. It only takes a smile or a greeting to lift another soul who is grieving, too. I began making a point of meeting the eye of those I saw in the hallways and waiting rooms.

I said "Hi" to the cleaning staff and the cafeteria workers. I talked of the weather with those who shared an elevator with me. I hugged those who cried in the waiting room. I patted the dogs of those I met on my morning walk.




Lord, I want to be drop of cool water, a breath of sweet fragrance, a sparkle of sunlight, or a gentle touch of love to those you send across my path. Let them see You in me. Amen

(photos of wall hanging at Gary's House-a refuge for those

whose loved ones are recovering from longterm illnesses)

Sleeping in Christ

Last night, at the viewing before Kayla's funeral, there was an open casket. I couldn't get over the fact that it looked like Kayla was just sleeping. Then I thought, "Yes, her spirit is with Jesus now, but her body is just sleeping-waiting for that day when Christ comes again."

I thought of Jesus when twice he said that a person was "sleeping" when they had died:
Lazarus (John 11:11-14)
"These things said he,...'Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.'

Then said his disciples, 'Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.' Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

Then said Jesus unto them plainly, 'Lazarus is dead.'

Then later, Jesus wept.
I think it was for those who grieved around Him. He had eternal life and hope, but they did not understand.



Jairus's daughter. (Luke 8:)
"And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:for he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
...While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, 'Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.'
And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, 'Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.'
And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, 'Maid, arise.'
And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat."

It also says in I Cornithians 15:51-52, "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."

We shall have new bodies, perfect and glorious.
What a great hope!

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? "

"Rejoice! I have found my ....paper."

I feel like the shepherd searching for his sheep, or more like the woman sweeping her whole house looking for her lost coin.

I had a request to re-send an article to a magazine, but the file on my computer had been lost. My heart sunk. It had been over three years since I wrote it. I could never rewrite it.

My mind flipped through all possible places a copy of it might be. Could it be on another computer? Did I send it to someone to proofread it? Would they still have it after three years? Did I print it?

Yes, I did print it! I remembered that it was in a folder in my teacher's desk. All the folders were in a box though and packed in the corner of an unused bedroom. I looked at the wall of boxes and stored furniture. Too tired, to tackle the daunting task, I turned to leave the room.

What's that? There was a bookbag on the floor near the door. There are folders in it. Could it be in there? Maybe...maybe... YES! I found it! I found it!

Why was this particular folder not in the boxes with the others? What made me put the bag there? Maybe someone else storing things in this room left it there.

God knew I would need this paper. He knew I would lose my files. He set it right where I could find it today...months...years after I packed up my school things.

Shamefully, I realized that I didn't stop to pray specifically for the Lord to help me find it. I knew my heart was crying out in frustration. But, He knew where it was. He showed me where to look. He answered my heart's cry.

I read in my regular Bible reading this morning,

Psalm 126:3
"The Lord hath done great things for us;
whereof we are glad."

With My Whole Heart

Recently, I've been feeling like my life has been all of ME and MY wants and dreams. I thought I was happy, but I felt something was missing. I knew my focus was in the wrong place. I was talking about me and thinking about me...not about what God has done for me, or what God wants me to do. Convicting verses popped out at me as I read the Bible, shaking their accusing fingers at me.

Revelation 3:15-19
"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot:
I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,
I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods,
and have need of nothing;
and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable,
and poor, and blind, and naked:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire,
that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed,
and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;
and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."

Romans 12:1

"I beseech you therefore brethren,
by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service."

Have I given my writing COMPLETELY to the Lord?
What if I never sell anything?
What if I never know if people like it or not?
Is it my writing or God's writing?

These thoughts pestered me like mosquitoes!

"Lord," I said, "I wanted to serve you. What do you want from me?"

I heard Him say, "I want ALL of you...ALL of your writing and ALL of your time and ALL of your thoughts."

With humble heart, I bow to His will. "Lord, take it. It's not worth anything without YOU. Use me, use my writing, use my time as You see fit."

This little song filled my heart:

Let the Lord have His way
In your life everyday;
There's no rest, there's no peace
Until the Lord has His way.
Place your life in His hand;
Rest secure in His plan.
Let the Lord,
Let the Lord have His way!

Not a week later, God blessed me with a wonderful blessing and assignment from Him. Connie Hodsdon Champeon, with Bibles International, wrote me and asked me to help her. She wanted me to write some Bible storybooks that would be translated into newly written languages, to be used a reading primers. It was as if God was waiting for my heart to be in the right attitude before He offered me the job. Even though there won't be any payment, and probably not even any recognition, I don't care. It is something God wants me to do with my HIS writing and time.

I will be continuing my blog and my involvement with FaithWriters and Christian Writers Forum, but only as a secondary priority. I have something more important to do!

Pray for me. Pray that I will write only what He wants me to write. Pray that I will keep my focus on the Lord, that I will "abide" in Him.

"Count Your Blessings"

“Count your blessings; name them one by one
Count your many blessing, see what God has done”

I love that song, and its message has lifted my spirits many times.

Children know how to thank God for their blessings. I smile just remembering some of the things my little ones thanked God for.

At school, for our Thanksgiving chapel time, we would go around the room as many times as we could, thanking the Lord for his blessings. It often sounded like this:

The Bible
My parents
My friends
Food
Recess
Computers
My eyes
Emails
Phones
Hotdogs
Music
My ears
My bed
Salvation
Heaven
My father’s job
Money
Airplanes
Water
Books
Being able to read
Trees
Kittens
Clocks
Grandparents
Snow
Rainbows
Warm house
Chocolate
Our church
Firemen
Dogs
School
Hospitals
Able to walk and run
Etc.

I Thes.5:18 “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Do we look for things to be thankful for in EVERYTHING, even in hard times? I like the story of Pollyanna. I think we ought to play the Glad Game everyday. It beats being gloomy and discouraged!

Lord, teach me to look for ways to thank you for everything, even when it's hard to see. Help me to trust your plan for my life and take all that I receive as a gift from You, knowing that You do all things well. Amen.

God's Ways of Talking

Have you heard God talk to you? I have.

There have been times in my life that I KNOW that I heard God speak directly to me.

Sometimes, it's through a person. A couple times it's been a small child that reminded me of a simple truth about Him. "I want to be in the boat with Jesus, too."
I've had an elderly person ask me a pointed question that caused me to evaluate my motives. "Are you trying to be perfect?"

Sometimes, I've felt God prompting me to visit someone or call them. At those times, it's almost like the pressure of His thumb is on me, and I can't do anything else...eat, sleep, etc... until I obey. Occasionally, I hear that the results of that call or visit, but sometimes I don't, but I feel content that I obeyed.

Sometimes, a phrase or a verse will pop in my head that comforts me or convicts me. "Yvonne, look at me.", "He's in his father's hands.", "Ask, and ye shall receive.", "Be content with such things as ye have."

Sometimes, like yesterday, my heart was battling a sin and I needed victory. I needed assurance. The pastor was speaking on a slightly different topic, and as usual, he sent us to several different passages to emphasize his point. As I was turning to one, I noticed another verse nearby that I had marked months or maybe years ago. (I really don't remember when or why.) The verses were words of God that were EXACTLY what I needed. What joy! What comfort!

God is real. Have you heard Him speak to you? Are you listening?

"Dear Vonnie" Santa, Tooth Fairy

Each Saturday, I will do my best to answer any questions you may throw at me. I don't pretend to be an expert, but I know it's not easy being a wife and mother. It can be frustrating and discouraging, yet very rewarding. I'd be glad to listen to you , pray for you, and share some of my thoughts with you.

So, ask me something... anything... **Contact Me**




Dear Vonnie,

As a Christian parent/grandparent, what is your take on Santa, the tooth fairy, etc…

Signed,
Wondering





“Make Believe” is a fun game. You can be anything, like a bear or cowboy. You can go anywhere, like Africa or the moon. You can pretend anything, like a tooth fairy or Santa.

A child’s world is full of imagination and there’s nothing wrong with that … as long as they know the difference between pretend and real, between imaginary and the truth.

Many a child has had an imaginary friend or pet, especially if they are an only child or like to play alone. A parent may even play along sometimes.

The danger comes when the child is allowed, or encouraged, to defend its authenticity … or even worse, when the parent tries to convince him that it is real, when he doubts or questions it. He should be reminded every once in awhile that it is just pretend. There should also be times and places when the pretend needs to be “left at the door”; such as church or a guest’s house.

By the time a youngster is five years old, they should know that the stories in the Bible are true, that Jesus did marvelous things that only God can do. They should realize that Superman and the Fairy Godmother are only pretend and cannot help them. In this age of television and movies, the line of fact and fiction becomes blurry.

Imagination that is allowed to control the household, or held to stubbornly, becomes a lie, and must be dealt with as such. An imaginary friend should never be able to take the blame for disobedience or be used for an excuse for laziness.

My kids knew that there wasn’t a real tooth fairy, but left their tooth under their pillow for a quarter. They knew it was me, and if things were hectic and I forgot, they might say, “Mama, you forgot my tooth, “ and I‘d answer, “Just take a quarter out of the money jar.”

As far as Santa Claus, they didn’t write him or sit on his knee. We watched the cartoons of "Frosty" and "Rudolph", but not ones like "Miracle on 34th Street" that proved Santa, until they were older. Christmas Eve was spent at church hearing Scripture and songs that honored the birth of Christ. They did hang stockings, but with the knowledge that we would fill them with snacks and gifts to keep them busy on Christmas morning.

Faith is believing in something that you can’t see. If a child finds that you have deceived him about the tooth fairy and Santa, why should they believe you about God? Be sure that they know the difference between pretend and real.

No Santa at eight, no Stork at ten, no God at twelve.