Come and Sit Awhile

Love is in the Air

2012-02-08T16:56:00.003-07:00

Today is the official launch day of ONE RED ROSE, an anthology published by Dancing With Bear Publishing. I wrote a story about Jim and me and I am pleased to say that it was accepted for this book.

We were married on Valentines Day 43 years ago and it's been a great ride to be sure.
I'm offering an autographed copy in a drawing to those who post a comment on this site or Facebook.

I'm happy to do this because I want to show everyone love and encouragement with a big smile from me. It's a special month for many and another chance to show you all, especially writers to never give up on your dreams.

I encourage you to keep writing because each time we do, we get better at our craft and God given purpose in life. If I can get published, you can. I have been blessed in several genres and places to get contracts for my work. But...there is still my dream of one day having one of my novels find their own new adoptive home. I've worked hard and had to have several transfusions along the way. Those puppies really do bleed you in the process but it's so gratifying to me to see and hold one when it's finished. Then it goes in the oven and bakes for awhile before I take it out and re-visit with strong edits.

I recommend a critique group (friends who care) and a good editor to help you spit-shine and polish. A good prayer and rinse under the waterfall will help too.

I don't have a lot to offer sometimes, keep writing and remember that you are loved always in Christ.

Hugs from Paulette.

Deeper in Christ

2012-01-13T11:44:00.003-07:00

Do you believe it?? 2012! Happy New Year to all of you.

I just finished reading a wonderful book by Marie McGaha. I do a lot of reading and reviews for a lot of you and I enjoy each and every one. This book stands out as a wonderful book for me to purchase for my grand daughter's graduation from High School.

It's title: When God Talks It's Time to Listen.

Aimee has been accepted into the University of Northern Colorado. We are so proud of her, but concerned too. It's a big campus, there will be a ton of information and ideas that she will have to deal with as she leaves her little comfort "nest". We want to supply her with the ammunition she needs to stay true to her beliefs. Not only does this book do that but helps answer so many false ideas and peoples opinions that we know will come up.

The author answers these age old questions that pop up under different guises every generation, with precise clear answers. I recommend it to all readers and yes, even you writers. It encourages a deeper walk with your best friend, Jesus, and it can be used as a devotional.

My prayer for all of you writers is that you take a deeper step into the pool of life giving waters and strengthen your relationship with your Lord this wonderful New Year. May you be blessed above and beyond your wildest dreams as you write for the King. And...write with all the Love and Joy in your heart for His Glory.

Love in Jesus and hugs from Jim and me.
Remember, my email is coloradopolly@yahoo.com and my new website is pauletteharris.com If you need anything, there are lots of ways to reach me for prayers or help.

Merry Christmas to All

2011-12-14T09:23:00.002-07:00

December 2011 already. Hard to believe.

This past year has been full and it's finally coming to an end. I have all my presents finished and ready to go.

As I wrap each one, I pray that the person receives it with joy.

It's a busy time for everyone and we have many sick ones in our midst. Many are out of jobs and need medical help. The prayer chains have been busy and we are kept on our toes in this area of our lives.

We also have had a lot of friends who became widows and it seems there is never enough time to help enough. Jim's Marion House Soup Kitchen fed over 600 people last Friday. I worked in the basement with incoming clothing, warm winter pieces that are much needed this time of year.

The weather has been cold and the falls are iced. We are by the fire of the Holy Spirit spreading our hands in praise and receiving His warmth and encouragement. He uses our friends and loved ones.

Won't you join us these year as we lift less fortunate up to Him for comfort?

I'll serve hot chocolate with peppermint, tea, or coffee...whatever helps comfort you. If you need prayer, email me at coloradopolly@yahoo.com.

I'm thinking of each of you special ones in my life and reminding my Father of you and your needs. He loves each of you so very much and so do I.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Resources

2011-09-13T13:56:00.003-06:00

Right after I had surgery, I found myself a brown recluse spider who loved me. As a result I've been down again. Slower recovery than I expected! No...I did not do this for attention!!! I was super full of energy and decided to do some weeding in my flower bed.

I want to take a moment today to let you know that God hasn't forgotten you and He will always be faithful to what you need as a called writer for Him.

One word He has taught me lately and that's humble. He began to remind me of all the people in my life that He has provided me to grow and stretch. Mostly people who listen to his call to love, hug, call, encourage, and love unconditionally.

Grace Bridges, Splashdown Publishing. Have you ever been to the top of a huge slide hovering over a swimming pool? Once you put your foot into that fast falling water, well, there is no return is there? That's this company, Grace has added another genre to her company. She is ever moving forward and her determination is such a good example of never giving up.

Linda Harris, editor extraordinaire. She always says, "You can do this, now do it!"

Tiffany Colter still growing and expanding her company, check her out, she's always willing to help and answer your questions.

Gretchen Ricker has a heart to help writers take the next step forward and is starting a new company, look to this for further information in the future. It will have a unique twist to it and I can't wait.

Congrats to Denise Holmes who is the new director of WFTJ. Words for the Journey. We will miss you Michelle. You've been a great inspirational leader. :) Thank you from many of us.

Tiffany Stuart, growing by leaps and bounds and ready to take on the speaker's world, you won't be sorry once you've listened to her. She has wisdom beyond her age. Encouragement to keep on keeping is her middle name. :)

Chris Richards, constantly seeking the Lord's face, ready and willing to support who ever needs it.

A new publishing company...DWB which stands for Dancing With Bear. Marie McGhea is the owner and refreshingly different.

Bobbie Shafer who is the ultimate encourager and I appreciate her care.

Jan Parrish, well what can I say about Jan. She's just always there for me.

Signing off for now with a lot of love and gratefulness in my heart for all of you.

Heart Help

2011-07-22T13:25:00.004-06:00

Perhaps it's time to take a look at our personal writing lives and examine everything about ourselves. Health is a major thing to consider. Remember the choice you make...makes you. :)

What's this got to do with writing? Well, if you aren't getting enough oxygen, your brain becomes fuzzy and you are fatigued most of the time.

I'm keeping this short today. I'm just out of surgery for a blocked artery in my heart.

PLEASE NOTE: Women's symptoms are different than men's. Here were mine for over thirty years. They started out one or two at a time until...it was almost too late. Let me clarify something; my heart or chest never once hurt. I've had several major surgeries and it was never caught.

Fatigue, shortness of breath, nothing in particular set off the symptoms. Sometimes I would be watching TV or in bed. Lots of mis-diagnoses happened over the years. About a year before blockage was finally discovered I experienced severe pain in between my shoulder blades. It was as if someone had hit me there with a two-by-four. Then my throat seemed to swell up and I couldn't breathe. The way a person with an asthma attack would describe what was happening. Then I got excruciating pain in my jaws, cheekbones, and running up my temples. The pain shot out through the top of my head and I was left with a bad headache. I never get headaches so this was new for me.

So, my precious female doctor caught it and today Praise the Lord, I'm still on earth for my 61st Birthday on August 1st. I'm still writing too, but for the moment I'm sitting by the falls and letting the spray cool me. Doc says no driving and must rest for about three weeks. That's hard for me to do. I love my family, gardening and writing. But now, I visualize finally being able to break 100 on the golf course.

Praying for all of you this fine day in the Lord Jesus. :)

Love, Paulette

ACFW 2011 Retreat in Colorado

2011-04-12T10:52:00.003-06:00

I've been way too long in posting. I had a slow recovery from the hernia surgery in January and it didn't succeed. Then, I took a bad fall. But I'm still here to cause trouble until Jesus calls me home.

This past weekend, I was blessed to be able to go to the ACFW 2011 Retreat in Colorado. The place was beautiful and only two exits from my home.

Cecil Murphy taught and we had a great time with some very serious thoughts and some "fun" things to do as well. He is author or more than 150 books. One of them being 90 DAYS IN HEAVEN and we studied out of KNOWING GOD KNOWING MYSELF.

Cecil challenged us to dig deeper with the Lord and allow ourselves to become more transparent.

He made some good points that I'd like to share with you. Come and sit under a pine tree with me, feel the light spring breeze and ponder these thoughts. Take what is yours, throw what doesn't apply into the breeze, and send it forward and upward. I'm praying for/with you.

1-What we do doesn't determine our value. What we are determines our value.

2-To find your author's voice you need to discover who you are.

3-Writing gives readers access to your private world. (That's a scary truth.)

4-There's nothing wrong with being who you are. (How refreshing is that?) :)

5-God uses both our strengths and weaknesses.

6-You are more important than what you do or don't do. (We all really need to hear this at times.)

Now, take up your cross, dust yourself and walk on the path that Jesus has called you as a unique individual for His purposes. He's with you every step of the way.

Help me Lord during those time when it's dark, take my hand and guide my steps in Jesus Name.

Amen.

Blessings and Happy New Year!

2010-12-29T12:51:00.006-07:00

Isn't this an awesome cross? Jim and I stopped in Groom,Texas which is near Amarillo,Texas to take pictures of the Stations of the Cross. They are life size and so realistic. That tiny speck at the foot of the cross is me. Jim had trouble getting the whole length of it in a picture. If you are ever near the place, it's worth every moment. You can see if from the freeway it's so huge. We found ourselves humbled with how the spirit spoke to our hearts. When you stand next to them, well it breaks your heart, the suffering that went on for each of us.

I wanted to wish each and every person who comes to this site many Blessings and Happiness in the New Year.

Work and write for the Lord, never give up. Jim thinks that I should keep a word that I've clung to in the past. I usually choose a new word to live during the New Year. That word again will be persevere in prayer, action and deed.

I will be facing surgery for a hernia the 11th of Jan. and I'm feeling that I need a lot of refreshment under the running water and prayer power. This will be the third time for this one place on my body and I'm frustrated to say the least! Prayer power is much appreciated by each of you.

I will post again soon.

Praying for each of you in the Lovely Name of Jesus Christ.

Love, Jim and Paulette Harris

What are You Thankful For??

2010-11-15T10:47:00.004-07:00

I'm thankful for all of you writers today. I've laughed with you and cried with some of you. I'm thankful for all your help and insights about what it takes to be a good writer for our King. It's nice to have support along the way.

I read something somewhere that hit home, if we were all completed in Christ then we wouldn't need to be here, but home in heaven with the Father.

I received a wonderful note from someone that thanked me for writing about Jennifer's Angel and that was published four years ago. There is a second print out for Faith Deployed which is awesome. Imagine that! God's timing is not ours so we must keep on going because we don't know who we will touch and encourage.

The one thing I learned from Tiffany Stuart, my blogging expert sister in Christ is to keep them short, so I'll sign off wishing each and every person who comes here.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones! :)

Promise given, promise kept on Finding Your Voice.

2010-08-31T12:03:00.003-06:00

Good Morning fellow writers, I have finally returned. I couldn't leave this subject behind of finding your writing voice.

In a huge word, PASSION! Yep! That's it. Write what you are passionate about and what you know, write in your voice, (the way you talk).

Your writing is a mirror of you. How you were raised, where you were raised, your beliefs and values? Write what you know about. What are your personal experiences in life? What is your life about? In other words, upbringing, experiences, languages, work, education, beliefs, family, social, economical, emotional, physical. Another good question for you to reflect upon. What part of the world were you born in? Are your parents missionaries,farmers, lawyers, doctors, etc? There are a multitude of facets about each unique life.

Writing is Rewriting.

At this point you may ask yourself...How do I know when I have found my writing voice?
The answer is: Your voice begins when you expect to be different.

Talking is writing. Elmore Leonard says it well. If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.
You actually don't get it, you've got it. Don't lose the talk when you write it down.

I've found several quotes that I'll share on this blog but for now I would recommend an older book. You can still find it on Amazon. It is one of the best books I have ever read on the subject. It is called If You Can Talk, You Can Write by Joel Saltzman. His website is http://www.shakethatbrain.com

The other thing I did to find more information on writing was on the internet on the subject of "voice in your writing". There are many many references there. I have found that some authors on this subject will speak to your needs more than others in explaining this complicated yet way simple subject.

I promised that I would include a couple of ah ha moments from fellow writers.

One writer mentions that she thought that she wrote women's fiction but kept second guessing herself. A facilitator of a group she belonged to listened for about a year, gave her a wry smile and said, "YOU write women's fiction." She has never doubted where she belongs since that comment. She wrote that in her case, she knew all along. It took someone to speak it out back to her!

Another writer wrote that it just seemed natural that each character's voice in her work flowed. However, her critique partners knew when she was using another voice and would nail her every time. They would tell her that the work wasn't her usual voice and then she knew it would be extreme edit time!

I think by these comments we can conclude that God will use several ways to show us our voice in the writing world. We can pray and ask Him to help us find it, which He will and it will be in a creative way in which we can best understand. Yea! He is faithful.

Keep practicing and researching my friends and write about what you research. If you want more information or clarification just ask.

May you be refreshed by this information and move forward on your unique path created for you by a Savior who loves you so much.

May you each find your unique voice and please let me know when you have found it! and what happened! I'm sure it will help others. I'm praying for you all. Now take a deep drink of fresh water and get er done! :)

A Wonderful Day

2010-07-28T10:06:00.002-06:00

Shoe Size

2010-04-24T16:00:00.002-06:00

I've decided after much research that one size doesn't fit all. That applies to writers as well.

I'm preparing a talk for a writing group. The concept of finding one's writing voice is exciting to me as an artist and so I sent out several requests on writing threads as to what my fellow writers think what an artists voice is.

I discovered with much amusement that one shoe doesn't fit everyone. I had answers and opinions from A-Z. That being said, I'm refining and re-directing many good thoughts that have come my way. I will include some Aha moments of some as well.

God is so good as he tunes our writing voices to reach the world, don't you think?

As I pray for all of you, won't you pray for me that I allow the Lord to get his message across and say what it is that he wants his writers to hear?

I will post more on this in the coming days.

Love you.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2010-04-11T14:04:00.003-06:00

I am motivated to start blogging again. It's been an amazing journey into 2010. So much happening around the Harris House that I got overwhelmed.

We spent time working on preparing my in-laws house to put on the market the 1st of April and when we returned from Texas, there were lots of demanding messages that needed to be answered.

The most exciting one though was one for our grand daughter Aimee. She was asked to perform at a military talent show and she sang two songs. That meant extra time and practice with rehearsals thrown in for good measure. We prayed, and she committed her talent to the Lord. She witnessed to me such faith in God's control of her life that I felt rather ashamed. You see, she is only 15 and I often wonder where her teenage head is, but this was so big to me. She missed by only a couple of points and still smiled, not a tear was shed, but my heart was broken for her. We were all tired and she did such a beautiful job of performing. But...she was happy, for the opportunity, the chance of two more years to do it, the offer to do more work for the person that invited her try out and lastly, all the cute cadets that came up to her after-wards with words of encouragement not to give up and that she was going far in her chosen career of music. She said, "It's not my time yet. God will do it for me when the time is right. I have to keep working!"

Well, did I learn? Yes! We have to keep on smiling fellow artisans. God knows the "perfect timing" for each of us.

I know you are tired and struggling with some of a ton of writing issues.

Spring is here, take a walk and smell the roses. It's okay to take a break during your writing day. As you move, you will receive some new inspiration or revelation. Allow the Spring Winds to brush through your hair and fill your nostrils with fresh new air and ideas. Take a butterfly net with you to catch what God has for you to move forward in the new year. Have a Happy Spring.

I would ask for prayer for Jim and me as he receives a pacemaker this Friday.

I have been asked to speak on "voice" in June and I will be posting on that subject the next post so please come and sit with me as we work together in Jesus.

Love,
Paulette

Loss of a Gift

2010-01-30T11:15:00.003-07:00

It is with great sorrow that I write about Maggie. She had to be put down last week. Her health experienced a sudden turn and she developed diabetes, the worst case the vet said that she encountered in awhile. Maggie started to suffer and we as a family were not prepared to give her shots twice weekly and blood tests often. That would be expensive and painful for Maggie.

She was given four weeks to live without the medication and two days after the vet diagnosed her, she went into a horrible seizure. Jennifer called her father in tears and asked for help to give this wonderful "gift" back to our Lord.

Most of you know what a wonder dog she is. Maggie has been a faithful friend and companion to my daughter and grandchildren for almost thirteen years and we all have been very sad to have to let her go. It does not seem that long ago that she survived the coyote attack. Almost a year to the day as I think back.

Why do I write this today? You may ask.

God gives us all the tools we need to write, including "special gifts" in our lives to help along the road. Friends, lovers, pets, mentors. I've seen that He does that for each of us in whatever our "purpose" is on earth. He wouldn't ask us to do something without help to accomplish what we were born for. We were born to praise Him in every aspect of our lives whether it is writing or some other form of creating for His glory. Today my friend I encourage you, no matter where you are in your God given purpose, to continue on in what you are doing and be prepared for your final curtain call in life. I'm praying and weeping for you all to enjoy today. Think of your gifts to move forward from God and know He's pleased with you as I am to be blessed to know you.

Love,
Paulette

Moving On

2010-01-12T13:39:00.002-07:00

Long time, no write! :)

I had a rough year in 2009, beginning of 2010, but continued to write because it pours out of me. I interviewed a gentleman who had a story to tell in Oct. He wanted me to ghostwrite, but I declined and with his permission, wrote a novel in memory of his mother. I finished on New Years Eve at a quarter to Twelve. It was fun and I love the story. It is with a sweet sister in my life as I write this.

I also lost some friends/relatives due to death and a couple of close calls as we ministered to others who were/are very ill.

I felt led to use the word TRUST for 2010. There were so many dishonest people in my life the past couple of years, that I needed to press in and get on track with the Lord about them. What he showed me was that "not confronting others sometimes when you are hurt is dishonest too." Whew that was rather shocking to know. Many times, I have "shrunk" back when I get taken advantage of or there are false beliefs running around. I hate arguing, it wastes time.

As I continue my walk, I actually did do just that a couple of times, it cleared the air and I can continue the relationships, only on a different level. A more mature level on both sides of the situation.

I'll tell you that it did clear my head of gnats that were constantly picking at me.

The scriptures are pretty clear about that when there are Christians involved, but when they aren't it becomes more difficult. I think I stumbled the hardest over those who claimed to be Christians and then acted exactly the opposite of the Word.
I believe the Word is my handbook for all areas of my life.

Doors opened up for my writing as I obeyed the Lord. This year, my word involves TRUST only in him. I must let others go that are not upbeat and encouraging me in my writing life. The others only tend to drag me down and their opinions throw me into confusion. It's like muddy water or gumbo that one gets stuck in. I only want refreshing spring waters cleansing me and when I drink, I want,desire the purity of the Lord of my life, he is the one who made me and knows what I need to grown and mature as a writer.

One thing I had to give up before I even got started was the marketing position of a company that I wrote about earlier. It wasn't easy. I loved what I was helping with, but it was a test, (I really believe) if I could give it up to the Lord. That's when other things began to break open for me as a writer.

I do pray that all of you who read this from time to time are moving forward and continuing to write, despite the hardware, hammers, nails, chisels, axes,that come bouncing down the road in front of you to cause you to stumble and give up.

Remember, it is always the darkest before the light comes. Keep writing my friends.

You know you can email me anytime that you like if you have questions or need help or prayer.

Your work is God inspired, don't let the enemy tell you different. If you are writing for Christ for His Glory, you may never know who will see it down the road, but God does and it will come out.

Now....breathe and receive a spritual hug.

In His Precious Love,
Paulette
comeandsitawhile.blogspot.com
www.pauletteharris.biz
coloradopolly@yahoo.com

New Group CMA

2009-11-17T14:51:00.001-07:00

Kelly Mortimer has started a wonderful group of committed serious writers. I've known her for the last three years and find her a sincere person who loves to reach out and help other writers. It is called CMA, Christian Media Association, check them out!

Got a question about writing? Kelly is the one to ask, she answers with the love of the Lord. She was named The Literary Agent of the Year for 2008 by ACFW. Her Agency is the Kelly Mortimer Literary Agency. She also owns a publishing company. She is committed to helping new writers.

Her authors are among the best and she represents many diverse ones.

I highly recommend Kelly as a person of integrity and knowledge.

Her groups are fun to be with and she is all around funny along with encouraging people to get up, dust off, and keep going.

Did I say don't quit? Yeah, we all encounter the enemy, but hey friends, we have won the battle and so let's take a deep breath and move forward into what the Lord has prepared for the coming year. Good, I know y'all heard me. (I learned that from deep south friends in Mississippi!) I'm saving some of this stuff for future writing.

We've had a ton of company since Oct. but it's slowing down, now almost a year later, Jim is out of work, house back on the market, etc. etc. Life in general. We aren't any worse or better off than our neighbors at this time in history. So....we keep praying and praising.

One last thing sweet friends, keep breathing and praising the Lord. I just took another friend up to Seven Falls, a precious French friend, Stephanie, that came from France to visit. She is our daughter's best friend and we totally love that girl. I was reminded of the beauty around me and like the falls, that still keeps falling, we will keep breathing until Jesus comes for us. Although the falls are beginning to freeze up, there is still plenty of wonderful fresh mountain air by the pond.

For now, I send Jesus hugs your way and love each of you that come here.

Paulette

Fred Warren's New Release from Splashdown

2009-11-17T14:18:00.002-07:00

With Fred Warren's permission to quote some of his work, I would like to announce a great new writer to the fold. He belongs to our lostgenre group and has finally published his first book! Yea! for Fred. We are all looking forward to meeting him this Friday, Nov. 21st at Panera's of Briargate in the Springs.

"This is how a writer dies. He's emptied of words, left a blank page that curls and chars in the flame, then blows away on the wind,never to be seen or heard again." A second thought...."Inspiration is all about surprise."

He wrote THE MUSE. I can't get my computer to actually change into italics for some reason, thus the caps for this title. Grace Bridges of Splashdown Publishing published it. You can purchase it most any place and from Amazon.

Fred has written a clever story that I highly recommend for all artisans whether they write or create other forms of art.

His main character, Stan is a writer who is stuck with writer's block (ew dirty word huh?) Stan and his critique group are challenged to help one another.
Like an autoimmune disease, they begin to turn inward destroying themselves. An evil muse whom they've recently invited into their group feeds on their creativity.

This was one of those fast fun reads that I couldn't put down until I was finished reading from cover to cover. I was indeed surprised and inspired and would recommend it for any person who loves to read and create.

Good luck Fred! I loved it.

Exciting News in the Publishing Industry

2009-10-14T19:40:00.002-06:00

Drum roll please as we announce a new publishing company. Owned by CEO Kristine Pratt, who has a ton of fun ideas....magazines for young and old and books too. She and her staff have plans to take a look at what you have.

Go on over to her site and take a look at what you might be able to send to her for consideration. www.writtenworldcommunications.com She has a little of everything to fit your publishing needs and help you make some of your dreams come true. The company is up and running now. Submissions are being accepted, so check what the submission requirements are for each piece.

This is an exciting time as I announce this for her. Oh, did I mention that I am the new marketing director? Yep, I am thrilled and have been in a couple of brainstorming meetings with her where we have some exciting plans for the future and how we can help you with your marketing skills. A little role playing perhaps or speaking skills polished? Remember? We all have to learn marketing skills so move through your fear, think positively and write, write, write! Then edit,edit and edit some more and then begins the fun...marketing! I know you can do it my friend and I'll pray with/for you and hand you a cup of refreshing spring water and you will hear "Well done faithful writer of the Word."

I love you and so does Jesus.
Paulette :)

Welcome Kim Woodhouse and Her Famly

2009-08-22T09:23:00.005-06:00

Today is the day that I start blogging again. As most of you know who come here, this is a place where I write to encourage other authors/speakers. I have a wonderful kick off too! The seventh person to comment will receive an autographed copy of WoodHouse Family Welcome Home!

I have a fine example to write about today and that is Kim Woodhouse, a strong wonderful writer/speaker.

She challenges us everyday by her kind and loving example of loving and trusting Jesus for her family's everyday needs. I thought perhaps that I would write what I put onto Amazon.com where you can find her wonderful book. The title is Woodhouse Family Welcome Home!
You can find many stories about Kim and her family life, they are the winners of an Extreme Makeover Home in Colorado. You can find her online at www.kimberleywoodhouse.com and she likes to twitter too! :) Twitter.com/kimwoodhouse.

Though EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES, the Woodhouse Family has come out on top and are still welcoming and smiling people full of joy and open arms to all who come into their lives. If you haven't read this book I would recommend it because it is full of overwhelming odds and wonderful pictures that show with love and courage that Jesus still reigns! They are literally an open book with their lives in this story.

Kim Woodhouse and her family welcome everyone who comes into their lives. I know, I am part of her writing group with ACFW and I have never been around a warmer family that embraces every person in their lives with a big W smile and arms that reach out to include others, no matter what their circumstances are at the moment.

This is a story of fears, hope, and grace with a huge dose of peace as they struggle through stages of looking for what is wrong with their daughter. They move from one place to another and see many doctors while Kayla goes through major tests before a diagnosis can be made. all the while, the family overcomes pain as they minister to others around them in faith believing that the answers will come. There isn't one part of their lives that isn't affected by the terrible rare physical problems that Kayla faces.
She can't feel pain doesn't sweat and needs to use equipment to keep her cool in an environment other than her home,kept at a comfortable (for her)60 degrees, give or take a couple of degrees that is! It all depends on how many people are in the home at a given time.

The story of the Woodhouse Family, who won the Extreme Makeover House for Colorado, is one of perseverance in a huge storm of circumstances. Every area of their lives has been attacked and full of adversity and I dare say, that only the Woodhouse Family could have survived.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone who want to read a real-life success story where the family beats overwhelming odds. Today Kayla and her brother Josh are swimming competitively and Kayla's goals are to be in the Olympics. She is good at it! I am proud to know the Woodhouse Family and the inspiration that they spread around them. Kayla is a brave precious child of God whose smile and steadfast endurance is a challenge to all to keep on going in Jesus. Is she free from her physical limitations? No, but you can see by all the wonderful pictures in this book that chronicle the events from the beginning to the present, that she is happy and doing what she loves although it seemed to be medically impossible a short time ago.

Their wonderful story oozes Extreme Joy as they share their lives with others.

You won't be sorry that you shared their amazing journey with them, come take a look.

In Christ
Paulette

All things completed in Christ

2009-03-06T10:03:00.002-07:00

We have come to the waters from all parts of the world to pause,reflect and relax in the Word of God. Jesus is here in our hearts to remind us that he helps us when we ask.

Philippians 4:13 for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.

This ends the study of Who I Am In Christ and we have learned that we are accepted, secure and significant. We know who we are and where we are going. We have been given purpose and the tools to hear and obey.

This past week, I have thrown myself into a whirlwind of activity concerning writing. I prayed to keep my priorities in order so that things will get completed and out at several publishers requests, that also included writing about Maggie and writing thank you cards to all the wonderful people involved in my writing. Their support has been overwhelming....one of those fall on your knees moments! NO....not like American Idol lately!

Last night Channel 13, a Colorado television station came to interview Maggie and the family. It turned out perfect and Maggie and Jake were sooo cute. Maggie's story has also been picked up by local newspapers and that is a good thing. Helps me learn and experience more marketing skills and also gets the word out to thousands of people how important it is to stay together when you are outside.

For those of you who don't know, Maggie, a little long haired beagle, was mauled badly by three coyotes. This happened in the middle of the day at the bottom step of the wooden deck at their home. I posted on previous blogs but thought if you missed them, that is a re-cap. I'll post her picture today too. It could have easily been our three year old,grand son, Jake. The vet said he would not have lived such a terrible ordeal.

Please feel free to comment. I am praying about where God wants this blog to go next. I am still learning about all the different things I can do. I enjoy others and so will continue to encourage writers and write of the waters.

Blessings to all,
Paulette Harris

Answers in Christ

2009-02-24T10:07:00.005-07:00

Ephesians 3:12 Now we can come fearlessly right into God's presence, assured of his glad welcome when we come with Christ and trust in him.

Have you ever been in a place where there was just too much noise? Sometimes, you can't hear yourself think or hear the voice of the master. I am thinking of the loud silence of the Grand Canyon or the rushing noise of Niagara Falls.

I just returned from a writer's conference, Christian Writers Guild at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Every year God provides me exactly the food and knowledge I need to take the next step forward. However, the place is so lovely,the studies so intense and the fellowship so awesome that I have to be careful not to get distracted and to press my spirit to "just listen" to his voice for me as an individual writer.

This year, I was aware of what I needed to do and so Jim and I prayed for several days before the conference that I would be protected from distraction and be able to hear and press in on what Jesus had to say to me. I am still picking myself up because the answer was so embracing and loving. I heard like I have never heard before. My call was clear and concise and I am encouraged to continue forward in the writing world.

I also believe I learned to respond to others better in their need to have some self-worth there. I was blessed to be one of the "older writers" and had many come to me for prayer and encouragement. That meant a lot to me. I want to be an encourager to those who are serious about writing for God. It is a huge responsibility and we need all the hugs we can get, verbal or otherwise.

I was also blessed to be complimented on my hard work and prayed for by several people. One in particular gave me a word of prophetic value and it was so personal that I know it was from God especially for me to embrace and walk into. He opened several doors that I didn't even know existed!

Now, if he does that for me, of course he will do it for you. He is alive and well, yesterday, today and tomorrow!

So, today press into Jesus and ask him what he wants from you and then accept the prayers of one who loves you and wants to see you succeed in your writing. Remember why you are doing it and for who. I am praying. If you want some specific prayer, email me at coloradopolly@yahoo.com. I am right over here by the well and dipping the cup of life into the deep clear and clean water. Do you need a drink this morning?

Love,
Paulette

Created in His Image

2009-02-17T10:57:00.005-07:00

Epehsians 2:10 It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that should spend these lives in helping others.

I just returned from the vet with Maggie. I have to take her in to see the vet every morning for dressing changes and meds. She is a little long haired snoopy dog and belongs to our daughter and grandchildren. Maggie has been with Jim and me almost six weeks because we are the re-hab hospital. It is quiet and we can care for her somewhat better. Also, we only have two steps in and out of the house, whereas the kids have steep staircases in the front and back of their house. Today I got a good report. Mags can go home in about a week and a half.

Maggie was badly torn all over her body by three coyotes the end of Jan. Every one loves Maggie and no one can believe she survived. Her vet said that she did because she loves with a huge heart and she is FLUFFY! That is a kind way of saying she is a little overweight. The coyotes also missed her jugular vein on the first bite.

I can't help but think as I write this post of what an example of servant hood this precious dog is. She took the place of our small built grandson who is three. The coyotes were hiding under the porch and Maggie didn't know what hit her. That could have so easily been Jake. They weigh about the same.

Maggie is sad here although she loves Jim and me, she wants to go home and be with her people. Especially Jake, who is sometimes too rough on her 12 year old body, Maggie just wags her tail and kisses him.

Why did I choose to write about Maggie today you might wonder? Well, it seems that she is a fine example of love from Jesus to each other. Maggie accepts each of us in her family exactly where we are at. She often places herself between her people and danger. I could give you a million examples during her 12 years on earth.

I learned that being a writer is being an artist in God's Kingdom. My heart prays for you fellow writers and your calling as artists. Be encouraged this day to ask God where and how you can serve one another to move forward in your calling. As God created us in his image, let us work to create good positive uplifting thoughts on paper to pass to the next generation. It is an exciting time we live in and there is much to write about.

My tears for Maggie's pain have turned to tears of joy as her vet tells me she is going to make it. It has been hard not knowing for such a long time and we are all relieved.

Father, I ask for all of us writers that we would become obedient to your direction. I ask that we would help one another to grow and become all that you have planned for us in our calling.

Thank you Father in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Amen

Heavenly Places

2009-02-05T12:10:00.003-07:00

Good Morning precious ones. Today we are beginning some work in Ephesians. We are still on the subject of being Significant in Christ and it's important for our being that we dwell on high and lofty thoughts. No, we are not being egotistical when we believe we are significant, after all, we are created in God's image so it makes sense that we should embrace who we are and live accordingly.

Ephesians 2:4,5, and 6 tells us how much we are loved by God.
Ephesians 2:4,5, 6 But God is so rich in mercy; he loved us so much that even though we were spiritually dead and doomed by our sins, he gave us back our lives again when he raised Christ from the dead__only by his undeserved favor have we ever been saved__and lifted up up from the grave into glory along with Christ, where we sit with him in the heavenly realms__all because of of what Christ Jesus did.

Wow! I had to chew on that, it seems so impossible to be loved that much. Yes, I read of grace and mercy. I know Jesus Christ died for me. But,spirit calls unto spirit and I know this lesson is much deeper. The meat must be chewed and swallowed, it is not enough to just know the words..."Jesus Christ died for me."

Today though I am led to just kneel and wait on the Lord. I am underneath the willow tree by the bank where a clear,clean stream of water is pouring from the pond filled by the waterfalls. It is a quiet spot where I can hear the water pouring from far above the cliffs down into the pond but the rushing noise is in the background and is as relaxing as a down comforter. My toes are curling and I am relaxed as I just spend time on my knees waiting on my master. I am wanting quiet reflection and peace in my spirit. I want to hear his voice and direction for the next steps of my writing.

There are so many well meaning voices that speak of wisdom,love and advice that I can get actually side-tracked away from the "Master's Voice." It will confirm what the others advise. So...I trustfully listen so I know which way to go. Everyone has good intentions, but there is only one way and I must hear from the Lord which way? There is only one writing path that I am supposed to be on. That is the one which is cut out with clutter cleared before me. It bids me to follow it to Jesus. It calls me to write what he clearly wants me to say to a hurting world. I am unique in Him. He created you and me to write for Him, but each path is unique for each of us. He doesn't want cookie cutter writing at this point in the writing world. So what he asks of you in your writing and publishing may not be the same. Yes, we may have similar circumstances,but some of our jobs is to pray and pick up each other, dust them off, throw them under the waterfall of life, hug them, wipe away dirty faces and tears or whatever God tells us to do to help get the work done.

I just had a funny thought, maybe I need to get dirty and dig post holes today. Don't know really, just on my knees praying for you as writers and myself that God would receive and bless the work he called us to do.

Have a great day in Jesus and remember....You are a Kings Kid!

Reconciliation

2009-01-26T12:37:00.003-07:00

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same any more. A new life has begun!
All these new things are from God who brought us back to himself through what Christ Jesus did. And God has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into his favor and be reconciled to him. For God was in Christ, restoring the world to himself, no longer counting men's sins against them but blotting them out. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. We are Christ's ambassadors. God is using us to speak to you: we beg you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, receive the love he offers you__be reconciled to God. For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then in exchange, he poured God's goodness into us.

What good news that is: We are free in Christ and significant. This has made us ministers of reconciliation for God. How often have we not spoken up because of fear, fear of rejection, fear of being wrong in our beliefs, fear of saying wrong, fear of speaking about God out of turn or thinking that we weren't called or it wasn't our gift or position to speak. Precious ones, that is a lie from our soul's enemy.

Let's put on our new ambassador clothing and start with a prayer every morning, that we could speak the truth and the truth would set others free. You remember how wonderful it was to meet Christ and get cleaned up? We want that for others too. Freedom in Christ. We want to see them enjoy our wonderful waters and share the love of Christ and yes, go to heaven as a family member. I have found a wonderful fellow author, her name is Ann Tatlock and her website is http://www.anntatlock.com/index.html Her passion in writing is all about the truth and love of Jesus. I pray that this week, you will be blessed under the falls of love and would be dripping onto others as they cry out for truth in such a mixed up world. Remember precious ones, Satan will always give a little truth in his big lies just to try to trip others up. We need to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.

Be blessed precious warriors.

Love,Paulette

God's Temple

2009-01-17T11:06:00.003-07:00

I Corinthians 3:16,17 Don't you realize that all of you together are the house of God, and that the Spirit of God lives among you in his house? If anyone defiles and spoils God's home, God will destroy him. For God's home is holy and clean, and you are that home.

The past year, my blogging has been about Who I Am in Christ. I have learned I am accepted and secure, now I am learning about how significant we all are in Christ.
Down by the falls, pond, stream and in the safety of the cleft of the rock there have been many lessons to drink from. I pray that each time we come to the Father for a drink of water and comfort, he would seal these precious nuggets in our spirits, that we may share with others. That we would be used satisfy their longing in pointing the way to a loving patient Father.

This week I had the privilege of praying for a precious sister in my family of Christians. She was being obedient and laying down a dream for a time of rest and waiting on the Lord for the next job. I placed her in the cleft after she stepped from the roaring falls so she could do just that. Sometimes, in being called away for rest, I like to think of this process of a "lone dove place". It's where we can look quietly from above and observe things below,basking in His peace and listening for his voice and direction. My friend was spent, it was time to re-group and spend time at her Father's feet. She yearns for a closer walk and to be able to produce more fruit in her life. Sometimes we get so busy doing the Lord's work that we forget to stop and go another direction, especially when we are successful at what we have been working so diligently on. But...God, in his amazing knowledge knows what we need and sometimes, that is rest and taking another direction for a season.

Taking care of our physical body isn't the only thing, we need to be willing to stop and care for our precious Church body too. That doesn't always mean we need to run out and take them dinner or give them a quick hug, although those things are important, we need to be willing to stop for a moment and listen to the Lord as he calls their name to our mind. An intercessory prayer is important as well for their well-being. I sense a word of urgency here as I lift her up to the Father. As He brings your name, I will do the same for you. Even if your name is only "Reader" right now. He surely knows who you are and what you need. Take care of your bodies dear ones, they are the only ones you have to use for the Lord's work. They need rest, food and comfort. Your physical body and your church body.

Paul says in I Corinthians 23 All are yours, and you belong to Christ, and Christ is God's.

Have a blessed day my friends in Christ.

Happy New Year 2009 Significant

2009-01-11T18:30:00.002-07:00

Finally today, I feel that I can catch up. It has been a rough but joyous time here at the Harris house since my last post.

John 15:16 reminds us...You didn't choose me! I chose you! I appointed you to go and produce lovely fruit always, so that no matter what you ask for from the Father, using my name, he will give it to you. I am going to take one more step and that is the next two scriptures which say, I demand that you love each other,for you get enough hate from the world! But then, it hated me before it hated you.

What a lesson because I feel like I failed but God is so faithful, he picked me up and challenged me to keep going.

It started with my mini-job and a new computer and a new Word 2007...two dangerous things to use on a mind that is computer compromised. Excited, we set up the new computer, loaded, etc. etc, you know all the terms. The next day, my new one blew up too. I lost a lot of information, emails, some submissions, some pieces of my writing and was struggling big-time with a simple 15 hour a week job. I wasn't producing very much fruit. On top of that, I had awful flu almost all of Nov. and then after a week of rest, I got it again. Two days ago it was better and I have come from the land of the dead. Jim is coming out of the woods with it tonight. Poor thing. The first week in the New Year, sob! I was let go. I felt terrible, my pride and everything else exploded but still....I was at total peace and as I felt led to finally go back to my blog site, there was a post from Rose, it was so sweet and I knew that I was still loved and forgiven despite myself.

There were quite of few tests from fellow believers who left me in a cloud of dust and this lesson seemed quite appropriate as I pick up pieces, lick my wounds and start again. It doesn't matter where or how I have been misunderstood, I have my marching orders and that is to keep on loving and producing fruit, especially members of my body in Christ. I can do this on the strength of my Lord and Savior, that is why in John 15:26 he sent me the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. I need them and they need me despite ourselves!

But wait! I forgot to tell you the best part of all...God is faithful to the call on our lives! Yep! I got work published for payment in 2008. What a wonderful gift from Jesus. Friends, I have written and published for years, but this was awesome because one story made it in Faith Deployed and one in Cup of Soup for the Catholic Soul. A story that I wrote three years ago and also a story that I did not send to them for consideration. Jesus took care of that! I don't know how, another wonderful miracle in our lives. Years ago he promised if I would do my part, he would take care of the rest.

May each of you have a Blessed and Happy New Year. I am praying in the cleft of the rock and seeking ways in which to bless you.

Love,
Paulette

We are part of Jesus Christ

2008-11-27T12:32:00.002-07:00

What do you know??? I asked myself as I got the wind knocked out of me the beginning of the month. On a Spiritual high from our good fortune, once again we were tested in our faith. I have the good fortune of having a "tiny" writing job, just what we needed this month to pay for a huge unknown tumor to be taken out of our precious family cat. To make matters worse, all three of our computers crashed. I have no idea why. We ordered a new one, because I love to write my novels, and free-lance and this job was one where I could work at home. We set it up and overnight, it crashed too. Needless to say,Jim went to Austin, Texas for Thanksgiving without me. The cat needs his stitches out in the morning and I am so far behind in my job, I will need another 15 hours to catch up with the learning curve involved.

But...despite that I got into Isaiah this morning and what good Thanksgiving food it was! Full of encouraging stuffing and meat I can digest. John 15:5 out of the Living Bible says,"Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in Him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can't do a thing." Oh how I long to use all six senses that I have to include Jesus in my being. He is my rock and salvation and all He asks of me is to remain in Him as I travel from day to day. He springs forth Springs of Living waters to quench my thirst and cool my burning soul. He is just and quick to forgive and....to help me forgive those who lack understanding. All my Lord asks of me is to go to Him for the help I need so desperately on a daily basis.

Take rest today my friends and enjoy Thanksgiving with your loved ones. That is my prayer for you as I sit beneath the trees and drink from the Vine of my soul. The juice is sweet and I am willing to share if you need some.

Protected

2008-10-26T12:40:00.002-06:00

l John 5:18 No one who has become part of God's family makes a practice of sinning, for Christ, God's Son, holds him securely and the devil cannot get his hands on him.

This week was one of those, fall on your knees in awesome wonder of God's power, week.

We returned from a wonderful wedding. My sister and new brother-in-law had a beautiful wedding in which all my family was able to attend. It was the first time in thirty years that we were able to all get together. The entire week was full of love and peace despite what could have been a difficult time. There are some of us who have different beliefs politically and religiously.

That being said, it was altogether full of Jesus.

When we returned home, we received a new garage door gift from precious brothers and sisters in the body and then....to really put the frosting on the cake, the mortgage company called with an offer.

They have allowed us to re-do our mortgage at a much lower rate for a thirty year fixed loan and we couldn't be happier. We thank everyone for their prayers over the past two years and can now say that we can afford to stay in our home.

We are so overwhelmed with God's care for His people. He is our provider and protector. Sometimes we think that God doesn't see or care. There seems to be no answers coming and we become discouraged, but Jim and I are here to testify that those beliefs are not true. It really is; in His perfect timing. We are grateful to God and His people today.

May the God of peace be with you all as we enter into the Holidays.

Love,
Jim and Paulette Harris

Not a spirit of fear but of POWER!

2008-10-14T13:43:00.002-06:00

2Timothy 1:7 For the Holy Spirit, God's gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.

I must admit there have been times when I have had to deal with fear of other people.
Fear of rejection, fear of being misunderstood, fear of saying or doing the wrong thing and then being corrected in front of my peers. Did you know that that is the number one fear of humans? Rejection from other people. The second biggest fear is the fear of death.

I have struggled with rejection for years and many times was tossing and turning all night about the things...woulda, coulda, shoulda, things that I could have said or done differently earlier in the day. But there is such a thing as "false guilt" and the enemy had me by my hair on that one. Thank goodness for Jesus who died for this weak spot in my emotions.

He says, Love others with His Love, fill yourselves up with the Word and His love. We can indeed love others with His love, even if we don't feel love towards them or don't feel love and acceptance coming from them. Our job is to cling to the vine of our Savior and produce fruit. We can't do it by ourselves. We need to go and be filled everyday so that the blessings can fall out of us upon others.

Give your fears precious ones to Jesus and press in to the mark of the high calling in your lives.

I was once encouraged by a precious friend in Jesus to actually step into the fear and embrace it with Jesus and move forward in what He called me to do. I did and guess what?? As I pressed, the fear evaporated. I was a conqueror in Jesus!

Let's come together this week and Praise him in the falling midst with arms upheld as King's Kids for His death on the cross bringing us the freedom to do our assigned work.

Have a great week in Jesus!

Love,
Paulette
www.pauletteharris.biz
comeandsitawhile.blogspot.com

Belong in Heaven

2008-10-06T12:50:00.003-06:00

Philippians 3:20 teaches that our homeland is in heaven, where our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ is; and we are looking forward to going home with Him.

Have you ever wondered if you would ever get home? Like Dorthy in The Wizard of Oz. She wandered along the yellow brick road and became very concerned that she would never make it. There seemed to be so many obstacles and mean spirited beings that kept at her in a naggy gnat sort of way. She became frantic and bought into a lie that she might be lost forever.

Jesus isn't like that, the Word tells us not to worry but to keep our eyes on our shepherd. He will guide us to our home. All we have to do is follow Him as He leads the way. He moves ahead and takes the stones our our path and if we stumble, He picks us up. He takes us where there is food and water, rest and comfort along the way.

Welcome to the waterfalls here. Wait, I believe I see him waiting there under the tree. He has oil with him. We invite you to come sit awhile with us as we listen to His direction and His voice encouraging us that he will take us to our home in heaven. WE are citizens there and our name plate is on the door of His mansion.

God Bless each of you on this fine autumn day.

Work in Me

2008-09-22T09:43:00.002-06:00

Philippians 1:6 says, And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.

The book of Philippians was written by Paul and Timothy to encourage pastors, deacons and all Christians in the city of Philippi.

It is full of blessings and prayers of praise.

I believe they meant it for writers like you as well. We don't have an easy task set before us, but God gives us the confidence to keep going in Philippians.

I can bear testimony to this because there hasn't been a time that God hasn't heard my heart's cry, whether it is in a writing project or the living through a situation that is sealed in my spirit to be written about.

Friday night was one just such experience. I took my fourteen year old grand daughter to a girl's conference about being Beautiful in God. It was wonderful to sit back and experience over a thousand girls/women begin to believe that they were called out, unique and beautiful in their creator's sight. The speaker was powerful and prayed up. She had a heart for these girls and gave a wonderful testimony of her young years of awkwardness that most boys and girls have to grow through. It was full of hope and confidence that things will get better and that God loves you no matter what.

God reached down and touched our Aimee right where she was. The prayer that her mother, grandfather and I had been praying was for her to hear the Lord in her spirit better and clearer. That is exactly what God did and we are all praising Him this morning for the powerful work He did in each person there. But...she is no exception, God does the same for us. He wants us to allow Him to build our confidence up in Him.

Aimee and I shared about what is our responsibility to such an awesome Father who cares for us. We came up with prayer, praise and reading of His Word for direction in our lives.

Today, as I write this I think of a walk in the Garden with God, His Garden, and it is raining raindrops of love. Not pelting, gently falling water drops full of goodness and healing. Drops of blessings and confidence in Him that all things work together to them that love Him.

Father, don't just sprinkle on us we pray, get us soaking wet in your care for us.
Thank you in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Set Your Sights

2008-09-15T14:34:00.004-06:00

This morning proved to be a humble one. Jim and I prayed hard, committing our home and blessings once again to the Lord. I must say in defense of many others, we are having a hard time making our house payments. There is the attitude that many of us have over purchased in the first place. Well, I reject that notion because our God is bigger than that. We bought a home well within our means and then Jim got sick, really sick and was forced on disability. He is only able to work a few hours a week. I am disabled as well and actually having a hard time finding any thing based on that. Both of us tire easily.

Now,I am not defending myself, it is just how things have turned out. We haven't been angry at God nor our brothers and sisters. We do feel compassion toward those though who are walking and experiencing this type of problem. We don't always get what we want and we don't set our sights on the rich treasures of this world,because we know where our blessings come from and that is a loving Father.

Colossians 3:1-4 Since you became alive again, so to speak, when Christ arouse from the dead, now set your sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven where he sits beside God in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts; don't spend your time worrying about things down here. You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does. Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God. And when Christ who is our real life comes back again, you will shine with him and share in all his glories.

Jim and I finished our prayer of praise and thanksgiving, reminding ourselves that our Best Friend was in control, that it was his house and if he wanted to put a new garage door on it, then so be it. We had not one extra penny to replace that door.
The weight of drifted snow last winter caused it to be unrepairable.
We had to release the situation to God; it was the only way we knew to handle our emotions and anxiety for the coming winter.

Two hours later, a group of Jim's brothers in Christ called to ask if they could buy and install a new one. It was humbling to accept the gift, but we had prayed though and asked God to help and not to let us miss a boat with rescuers that he might send.

I am so grateful, that I can't even cry tears of joy at their love for us. HIS LOVE
through others.

We are hidden with Christ in God and He is so faithful to answer at the hour of our greatest needs. We must remember to go to the cleft in the rock above the turbulent falls and get quiet and misted....refreshed and loved. Where is your cleft? Do you go there often above the noise and clamor of a busy judgmental world or do you struggle in the gumbo of life? Let me intercede for you this day as you look upward and into the light of love.

I have written of the cleft before, but how often I forget that I need that as much as any other part of my life here at the Springs of Living Water.

Established, Anointed, & Sealed by God

2008-09-01T19:53:00.002-06:00

Today,Jim left for a golf tourney in Arizona. He went with a very nice friend who loves him where he is in his illness and isn't afraid to take him to have fun. The nice thing is that he sees Jim as his fun-loving self with out the added bulk of oxygen tanks and tubes. I trust Jesus and our friend to care for Jim, no matter what happens, I know it is for everyone's best.

I truly believe that is how our Father sees us as writers. We are established in Him, anointed to do our work by Him, and He has sealed us in His Hand. A stamp of approval on us as we continue to pour out our life's experiences to a hurting world.

It is lonely and quiet tonight but my best friend is with me and my kitties are by my side as I write. It is a time for reflection as I send out yet more work for consideration and continue work on my latest WIP, And the Standards Bowed.

God wants us to enjoy our experiences and chalk them up for future work. Pick up your pen and splash around, laugh, live, learn.

By the way, the book I was a part of came! It is wonderful and I love the cover. It is the picture of a couple and the soldier's arms blend into the USA Flag as he wraps them around his loved one. The title is Faith Deployed and it is a collection of devotionals for military wives. Although I have published much, this is my favorite, I believe because it speaks to so many lonely people in the Body of Christ.
The author is Jocelyn Green and it will be available to the public in January 2009 through Moody Press.
And...if I can,then YOU can!

There is a quiet peace that flows through my home this evening,it is Labor Day and the sun has gone down. I smell the cool darkness and the end of summer barbecue.
The dogs are conversing with coyotes about some silly thing and I hear an occasional plane overhead as my computer hums a monotone note. Although it is not chilly, the coolness confirms that it is indeed fall around here; the Aspens are turning higher up and a slight breeze sends signals down the mountain.

Let no one argue with you my friend about your calling or purpose in life.
2 Corinthians 1:21:22 It is this God who has made you and me into faithful Christians and commissioned us apostles to preach the Good News. He has put his brand upon us__his mark of ownership__and given us his Holy Spirit in our hearts as guarantee that we belong to him, and as the first installment of all that he is going to give us.

Good news as I skip stones across still waters tonight.

Blessings my friends,
Paulette

Fountain of Youth

2008-08-28T09:53:00.008-06:00

I love controversial politics. I get involved in studying the issues and also, this year,the Olympics. Unbelievable! Do you want to know one of my favorite things about keeping up with all the news...the advertisements!

This week I was intrigued by the "Fountain of Youth" waterfall. It was actually an advertisement for computers, but it was the theme that I was caught up in.

The line of people coming to the waterfall consisted of older folks. The poor people were hobbling and crippled with weaknesses of all types. As they moved into a pool of water and walked through the falling water of a large waterfall, they fell from the weight of the falls and got up as....children! They were laughing and playing all the way from the falls to the front of the screen. The line continued to come through and I thought that it was a beautiful illustration of healing waters.

Well, then that led to another thought, the healing waters of Jesus. What could that be?? No doubt to me, that was the healing Word of God in our lives. The waterfall that He so often wants us to plunge into for comfort,faith,love, and healing.

Oh that the weight of Jesus's Love, would cause us to fall on our knees in repentant prayer and praise. He offered His hand and lifted us up as a....newborn child!

Each day is fresh and specially made for us. Let us not take our "riches" for granted; fresh food, water, roof over our heads, the list goes on and on.

My grand daughter did a great job of singing about "His Hands" extended though ours.

Take the hand of Jesus through mine and I will lift you out of the waterfalls to him.

Isiah 55 Say there! Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink__even if you have no money!
John 7:37,38 If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.
For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water shall flow from
the innermost being of anyone who believes in me.

My, my you look good and much younger today my friends.

Have a great day in Jesus!

Friends

2008-08-05T22:45:00.001-06:00

Encouragement

2008-07-23T13:24:00.002-06:00

Perhaps words of encouragement are overused or underrated. Too often we speak hastily and say what we think others want to hear in order to hurry the conversation along.
We live in a busy world, no doubt about that.

I love that I have email and am able to be on several threads with all types of people.
The honesty that comes from them is mind-boggling as people share their writer's hearts, the rejections and successes. And....the misunderstanding of well-meaning statements.

This week we lost a wonderful writer and the love that came though was sweet. I wonder if Kristy Dykes knew what so many of us thought of her and her life. Now she does of course, but I wonder how many took the time to tell her that she was loved and needed as a fellow traveler of the Word through her pen. At her request, her husband, Milton kept a daily log of the wonderful life that our sister had to share. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor last fall. Mel's time wasn't easy but he was faithful to her request.

I am reminded as I return from visiting a frail mother that life is so short and we must keep our priorities in order. Each time I return from Montana, I wonder if it was the last time to be able to hug mom. This year, all I was able to do was put both arms around her and hold her close. Her body is not able to handle any strong embrace or hug, just a gentle touch which she appreciated.

I have started a fifth novel, but after 4,000 words, needed to stop and see my mother, when I got back, I caught up on emails and details that parallel novel writing. That's when I found out about our fellow traveler, Kristy. I'm told her favorite scripture was Palm 94:19. It seems fitting that I share this part of her writing life with you dear ones.

When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.

My tears overflowed with gratefulness to a loving caring God who points the way toward home everyday. And....He provides some along the way that really care.

Today, I care about you and so does our Jesus. I am lifting you into His arms to comfort and direct you.

Blessings my friends,
Paulette

I am not seperated from the Love of God

2008-07-03T13:10:00.002-06:00

Today, I am playing catch up. I received several wonderful catch ups from writers that I love and it's fun to see where they are in their writing. We are all at different spots, some ahead of me and some behind in their experiences.

We all get attacked and our efforts get bogged down in the quicksand of life and fall into gumbo where there seems to be no way out. The enemy doesn't like what we are doing. We try to process what appears to be overwhelming odds that we could be successful writers. The enemy is constantly hurling lies at us as Christian Writers. The condemnation is tough as he gives us his best shot. He tries to cause us to live in guilt, self-rejection, condemnation,less than what we believe is our self-worth....worms in his sight. "Why did you ever pick up your pen in the first place? You have nothing to say and no one will care what you write. You can't help anyone because you can't help you."

I am so happy Jesus is here to argue our case.
Romans 8:31-39 tells us differently. We are not separated from the love of God and His bests interests for us.

How in the world can think I am a worm when I have a contradiction to the lies? I am free from any condemnation and I can't be separated from His love.

I can go to the cleft of the rock and hide there. He lifts me above the circumstances of life and places me inside where I can watch over the falls, pools, and streams. There is a fine mist of the Holy Spirit that surrounds me in this high protected place and while sitting here in the crack, I have cleaned my heart and the space around me. I've made room for you to join me if you wish. We can learn together what we need to do to write and publish successfully.

I wish you and your loves ones a wonderful Fourth of July as we remember our fallen soldiers and great Country! Go USA and oh, did I forget to mention the Bears!
Football season is just around the corner for Jim and that means me too!

May you all be encouraged to keep on with your writing. I'm praying for you.

Love,
Paulette

I am accepted and secure in Christ

2008-06-26T15:51:00.004-06:00

With acceptance comes security in the body of Christ.

This past month has been difficult, busy, and full of challenges. I have several deadlines approaching.
I have tried to get my deadlines completed, started my granddaughter with voice lessons, (yes she really is that good!). We are all very proud of our Aimee, July will be a tough month with a recital to attend and then the day before, she will be performing a musical, The Little Mermaid, which is her all time favorite story. We also have a stepson here and another granddaughter and stepson arriving to visit. We truly belong to the Brady Bunch. But....we wouldn't have it any other way.
Oh, did I mention another rejection from a publisher that I would dearly love to work with?
At least he was gracious and encouraged me to keep working on submitting this one. He liked it and I am grateful for the positive feedback.

Aimee and I spent some down time together, she had a rough time in Junior High. Thank goodness she is finished. She found several of her friends to be mean spirited and she began the rough lessons of learning discernment and going to God for help. The Word kept her.
It was a joy to walk with her and learn as well. We took some great pictures, which as soon as I figure it out....I will post some.

As we wandered around the Rocky Mountains exploring Helen Hunt Falls and watching her experience 7 Falls for the first time, we were both reminded that we are free in Jesus and free from condemnation. It doesn't matter what others say about us, just what Jesus thinks of us.
Romans 8:1-2 encourages us-So there is now no condemnation awaiting those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit__and this power is mine through Christ Jesus has freed me from the vicious circle of sin and death.

I have also found out that a precious sister is dealing with cancer and my others sister is afraid she is facing the same. What can I offer? My support and love of Jesus and His final answer the Word. Romans 8:28 tells us that God works in our behalf. I pray with them as often as I can and bring them to the foot of the throne and healing waters. I want them comfortable as possible in each stream,pool, or waterfall as I minister to them. And we know that what happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.

I have sat in the hot springs and become quiet and reflective. It is a good time, but lonely. I would rather be busy in Jesus but it is time for me to get out of the water and look into it for reflection. Am I reflecting the love of Jesus? Am I getting too busy? I need your supernatural help Father. Help me keep my priorities in order.

I am learning where I am going from where I have been. What an awesome journey we are on my friend. Come and look into the still pool with me...What do you see? It is less of us and more of Jesus?

Hugs,
Paulette

I am complete in Christ and I can enjoy direct acess in Grace

2008-05-27T14:17:00.003-06:00

Ugg! I thought that this would be a cinch, this blog thing, but did I get behind my schedule. Well, okay what I thought was my schedule. Turned out, it is God's schedule isn't it?
I nursed a very ill daughter, then the baby picked up a terrible bug from when I had them in ER for 12 hours. The teenagers got it as they were trying to graduate and oh my! All while Dad was out of town for two weeks. Oh yes, did I mention that they are getting ready to move and the owner of the place they are renting wanted to "show" his house to potential renters? Then of all things....the computer just up and died. I did sleep well each night when I got home, so much for exercise, I got mine.

Today is refreshing, things are back on track and I can post yea! I hope editors don't think that it is this way all the time. I am totally into meeting their deadlines.

Colossians 2:8-10 encourages believers to embrace their completeness in Christ.
Don't let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men's thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said. For in Christ, there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every other power.

That leads me to the next thought in Hebrews 4:14 through 16 we are free to come to the throne of His grace.
But Jesus the Son of God is our great High Priest who has gone to heaven itself to help us; therefore let us never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, since he had the same temptations we do, though he never once gave way to them and sinned. So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need.

What freedom we have. I praise God for that freedom for my fellow travelers and myself. I stand under the waterfall of life open to the filling of the Holy Spirit. I pray and praise as I am filled so that I can give. What a wonder and a miracle of his grace as I walk home. It is a pleasant thing to stop and be refreshed as often as I need it. All I need to do is ask. He is so ready to be my friend and so ready to listen as I cry "ABBA" on behalf of my fellow travelers. The road isn't easy, but he is willing to carry us.
Blessings to you today as you move on the road homeward; let me help you fill your flask of mountain spring water for the trip.

Redeemed and Forgiven

2008-05-13T09:19:00.003-06:00

Do you have a hard time forgiving yourself when you make a mistake or actually rebel in your decisions? It seems a constant battle with me. It is easy to forgive others but myself, well it seems so difficult because sometimes, I know better when I am wrong and I stuggle with that problem. Does that mean that I keep on doing the wrong thing? I hope not as I continue to work on not repeating offenses.

Colossions 1:13-14 tells us that we have been redeemed and fogiven of all our sins.
"He has delivered us from the power of darkeness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins."

The scriptures seem to cover even intended sins, if we are quick to acknowledge them and ask Jesus for forgiveness. Thank goodness that Jesus does this for us.

I have been reading in the John Maxwell Leadership Bible and it is the New King James Version. The footnote in this version points out that there is a Law of Respect: Jesus is Superior to everyone. Although Paul was a strong leader, he constantly declared his submission to the leadership of Christ. I could continue with this note, but you get the picture.

Colossions clearly teaches that we are reconciled by the blood of the Cross.

Today, I am taking a cloth and soap and scrubbing off some of those itchy irritating bug bites that I have worked on to heal. Nothing works to totally heal these wounds except Jesus and His healing touch. As I apply His blood and anointing oil to these tender spots in my life, I am healed, redeemed and forgiven.
His refreshing rinse under the falls feels so wonderful and I am accepting all He gives freely.

We are not bigger than His authority, if He forgives us....then we need to forgive ourselves too.

How about you? There are extra cloths, soap and His Word under the tree over there on the bank. Feel free to take what is freely given and that is LIFE and Good Fruit.

Go in the Peace of our Lord today my friend and know that I am praying for you as you read this love note from the Father.

I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child

2008-05-04T17:22:00.007-06:00

I am overwhelmed with a ton of work starting this week so I am posting late tonight.
We just got home from the movie. We watched Expelled with Ben Stein. If you haven't seen it already, Jim and I highly recommend it.

Now that we have seen it, the title of this blog seems even more appropriate. I am so glad that God chose me. I am adopted and feel secure in who I am. Several people in this documentary changed their minds from being a Christian to an atheist. I am sorry for them because they must not have had a clear meaning of what a Christian is or who their Father is.

Ephesians 1:3-8 tells us how blessed we are to be His adopted children.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will__to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the one he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding."

I have had a taste of what a loving Father has done for me this week. I have been experiencing a difficult time finding just the right "genre" to place my writing in. It is important to publishers, editors, and booksellers. I like to write similar to C.S. Lewis, Mark Andrew Olsen, Frank Perritti, and several other authors. However, I am unique and different in my own personal style.
At last, I have found the "genre" and I am very excited that God has shown me where to place my work and how to market it to fit my mission statement. I believe that I had a breakthrough last weekend with my special prayer warriors by my side. I pray that some of them did as well.
It is so simple that I don't know why I didn't catch it from the Lord before, but here it is.
I write in the Sprititual Warfare Genre. I know my writing is God inspired and if He wrote the work, it will go where He wants it to. I have heard of many different genre's that it could go into but each time, a person I respect, would share it wasn't quite what that genre was that I had chosen. So...back to God I would go.

Anyway, I am pressing on in prayer for Mara's Choice and for things to find their way in the future. That includes intercessory prayer for you dear reader.

Gentle reminder: It is no mistake that you are I are in this world at this time writing for our Lord. We are commissioned and adopted for this very purpose. So keep up the good fight for Jesus precious fellow warriors.

This evening as the sun sets in a spring sky, I am floating in the quiet pool below the falls. I see God's promises in his stars that are peeeping out and sparkling with splashing drops of water in the mist of the falls above me. Won't you join me in Praising our wonderful adoptive Father?

I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child

2008-05-04T17:22:00.000-06:00

I Belong

2008-04-29T11:00:00.000-06:00

This past weekend, I went to a retreat. It was with a group of my writing friends in ACFW.
The retreat was our first annual writer's retreat that we had been praying for to seek God's will for our writing lives. The vision I had been praying for for seven long years had come to pass. I think I was probably the most excited person there. It was refreshing to be among people who had the same thoughts. Some were so beat up by the world, that they had begun to doubt that God had even called them to be writers.

High in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, we spent time in a small cluster of wooden cabins and a medium size cabin that was our hub for meals and worship. It had a huge circular fireplace in the center of the room that everyone brought wood in for as we huddled around it because it was cold.

We re-committed our writing and lives to God and prayed for one another as we supported one another. We listened to our heart's cry to be understood and loved unconditionally.
It was a time to get on our knees and "LET GO AND LET GOD". As writers, we do all we can do and then give it to our Father to figure out where and how He wants our work to go.
We rejoiced at one another's successes and cried together with the rejections until the dross was burned up and we were clean and pure.

Kim Woodhouse did a great job with praise and worship.The team that presented was awesome and prayed up.

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it.

This was so real to me as I felt each other's pain and joy thoughout the weekend.
It snowed and the air was clean and pure. The very air we breathed became a spiritual experience.
I enjoyed the snow waterfall as I stood under the snowflakes and caught them on my tongue.
I shivered in delight at the mountain beauty around me. I learned to trust Him more this weekend.

Another sister shared that God had placed "snowsteps" before her. It was a beautiful illustration of God's leading.

We all left with a renewed mind and spirit. We had a peace that passes understanding.
What an awesome God we serve.

And....that's what families are for! Thank you Father in Jesus name for providing me a family that loves me the way that these brothers and sisters do.

Come and rinse the dirt off under the falls today but beware, there are probably snowflakes and ice crystals as the last of the dirt comes off. Jim and I call this process "squeaky clean". Today I am praying for each of you that you would hear from the Lord and give Him the controls of your writing life.

Love,
Paulette

Bought with a Price=Kings Kid

2008-04-21T14:47:00.000-06:00

Did you know that you are expensive? The world says we humans are pretty cheap to make, but according to God, we are expensive. We were bought with a high price. The death of another, purchased us for God.

I Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. The Bible explains clearly that Jesus accepted us and bought us so he could include us in his family and bring us to the Father. We now belong to God.

The idea of belonging intrigues me. How often have I observed other groups of people that work together. I belong to the "group" of God. A God Club, if you will. Membership is free, the only cost is a willing heart.

This morning was cold and windy as my husband and I launched on yet another trip to another retirement community. Some that we visit seem cold and hard, medical and sterile. Other places are warm and inviting with lots of club activities. This is a hard decision for us. Seems like we just did this for our parents last year and here we are progressing to this decision in our own health.

Jesus, thank you. I don't have the words to express my gratitude. It seems unbelievable that you would be willing to die for me so that I could belong to God.

I am sitting in the hot springs here now, resting my tired legs from walking on hard cement floors. The bubbles in the hot water bring refreshment to my body. I have several people soaking here today, but....there is room for one more. Would you like to join us, the membership in this club is free and the water is perfect?

United With the Lord and One with Him=Accepted

2008-04-14T09:35:00.000-06:00

The other day, I had to write an article. The subject had to do with uniting, unity, differences, etc. You name it, everything that came up did and it became confused as I took everyone's opinions into consideration. It seems that everyone had a different opinion and everyone was going his own way. Not one mentioned God or His Word. I realized I was out in the world and dealing with world opinion rather than our Father's viewpoint. I don't believe that my brothers and sisters were aware of the false ideas that enveloped them. I think perhaps we all get caught up in wrong ideas that sound right or seem to make good sense and we can get pretty dusty sometimes.

So...I went to my knees and my Anchor for His thoughts on how to clarify this subject and how to write about it. I wanted His final answer so that the article would be clear to all.

Ha! If you know me, you know I am wordy sometimes, well, okay a lot of the time. I have to chop, cut, slice and whatever else it takes to create a good piece.
Then, I have to throw in the humble part of the pie. I pray that it is not too tough but full of love and grace when I am finished.

You guessed, the Word is very clear. 1 Corinthians 6:17 was where the Lord took me. I read this.... But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

Well, that helped a lot because when I was willing to write what the Lord said according to His Word. Things began to flow. I found the scriptures to back up what He wanted me to write. It wasn't me, or even about me. It was what He wanted to say to His people.

Come and plop your feet down in the pool. I don't know about your sandals and feet, but mine got caught in the dirty muck and mire as I struggled to walk back to camp here. Sometimes, it is so nice to sink in a hot springs, but today, the cool fast moving stream out of the pool brings a lot of relief. I don't even want to pick my feet up out of the water. That quicksand is sticking like cement and scratchy. Feels so good to clean it off, especially between my toes! I can move over for you to sit too.
Here is an extra towel.

I am so glad we are united and one with Jesus. We are accepted by Him!

Blessings today.
Paulette

Justified

2008-04-08T10:20:00.000-06:00

Now of course, this never happens to anyone else right?? My computer blew up yesterday. I was so disappointed because I was eager to get on track to write a weekly blog post. With a lot of help from my husband and transferring "computer stuff" to his computer, I can do it this morning. I am praying to stay disciplined in this. I write every day and this post is refreshing to me. Do you as a writer, consider writing every day? It doesn't matter what, just keeps the juices flowing.
Like many of you, I carry around a pen and paper, or...write on a napkin or toilet paper when necessary. You never know when God will give you something, even if it is a title. If you are writing for Him, you will get inspiration I promise. To quote someone I respect: Jerry Jenkins believes that there is no such thing as writer's block. It is hard work and we need to be open 24/7 to God's work and pick up the pen and begin to write in faith.

This week all my studies point to what a friend we have in Jesus. He is our all in all isn't he?
Romans 5:1 tells us about peace and joy. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I have drunk deeply from the quiet peaceful pool of justification. May I offer you a cup my friend?
The water is cool, sweet, and fresh. You are justified by faith.

Father, may the fruits of peace and joy spill forth from my soul as I drink deeply and fully, receiving justification in Jesus Christ. Thank you Jesus for giving me the faith to receive this wonderful gift and the fruits being ripened in me. May I embrace them and share the overflowing wonder of them with the lost and weary.

Blessings,
Paulette

Accepted in Christ=disciple=friend

2008-04-01T09:44:00.000-06:00

In John 15:15, Jesus tells his servants...I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. I work for him, with him, beside him. We are working for the same goal and that is to point lost souls to their Savior. Do we labor together in love, my brothers and sisters? Or are we constantly bickering about which side of the throne we want to sit on? Proverbs tells us that a friend loves at all times.

You are a friend of Jesus Christ. He loves you at all times and accepts you. He invites you to be his disciple right now.

Lord, thank you for calling us to walk with you as a disciple and friend and thank you for the provisions along the way toward home.

Accepted In Christ

2008-03-28T19:55:00.000-06:00

Do I really understand what accepted in Christ means? Or how about secure in Christ? Am I significant.....?
We all wonder about our walk with Jesus and who we are. I will be pondering these subjects as I begin to share with all my brothers and sisters. I have already come to the conclusion that these are valid questions and they demand positive affirmative answers in Jesus. He has called you and me deep unto deep. Let's plunge off the high dive into the deep end. Let's drink deeply of His Word and wisdom as we meditate together.

John 1:12 Only a few would welcome and receive him. But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God.

I am God's child. YOU are God's child. Yippee! That water is refreshingly cold isn't it! :)

Father, I come to you for your answers and wisdom to walk according to your will. Please show us what your will is for us as we read in the coming weeks. We ask for refreshment and peace. Help us to slow down and listen to you today.
Thank you Father in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Working!!

2008-03-25T21:49:00.000-06:00

Hello,
Hopefully this is up and running. At last, I plunged into the blogging world. This is fun and it may even grow on me. If anyone reads this, give me some feedback please. I hope you like this site, I am open to suggestions. Have a great evening.
Paulette