Author, Wife, Busy Mom, A Woman after God's Heart.

Tag: writing (Page 1 of 5)

The Making of the Rekindler: An Author’s Explanation

The Making of The Rekindler is a short story about one man’s vision for a revival, a return to God in the backdrop of a one-world government and one-world religion. Due out December 23rd, 2023.

More info will be coming out for pre-orders.

For those who think writing is easy, it’s not. I’m often asked how the process is. Using this tale, I’ve put together a little video on how I made The Rekindler come to fruition. In a nutshell, there are many steps:

  1. Idea. This story was birthed in 2009. Resurrected in 2022, and then paused, and then resurrected again in 2023.
  2. Writing and writing, and typing. It took years. Lots of stop and go.
  3. Editing and rewriting.
  4. Beta readers review.
  5. Cover revision; revamping and design.
  6. Editorial reviews.
  7. Editing, editing, editing.
  8. Marketing fun with merchandise, cards, hats, and shirts.
  9. Proof receipts from POD platforms: Amazon KDP, Ingram Spark, Smashwords, and Draft2Digital.
  10. More promo and communication to the readers and fans.
  11. Release of publication: December 23rd., 2023.
  12. Prayer to bless all those who read this book.
  13. For readers to pass it on…

Click here to see the video.

Thank you to all who have supported me and my writings all these years. I’m grateful.

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

Catch the Story via Relatable Voice Podcast

Hello everyone,

I had an opportunity to participate in Lucia Matuonto’s Catch the Story via Relatable Voice Podcast. Catch the Story is where authors, speakers, and artists of all kinds get to share a story, a testimony, or anything inspirational and encouraging to audiences who love listening to podcasts. Another one of Lucia’s creative endeavors.

I wrote a little story called: “If the Roux isn’t good, then it’s the Pan!” Click here to listen to the podcast. After my story, you can listen to Linda Drattall’s tale.

For transcript readers out there, you can find the written prose below. Enjoy!

***

Wisdom often comes through experiences. Whether those experiences have been good or bad, it’s what you do with that learning which propels you for failure or success in your next life adventures.

I say all that to tell you this: Winter is coming. A season filled with hot drinks and soups. We can’t control the upcoming season, but we can prepare our attitude and the direction to go.

A good French chef will always be very particular about their Roux when making such dishes as mac and cheese, potato leek, beef stews, gravies, lasagnas, gumbos,  bechamel, Creole, and Cajun cuisines.

A Roux (pronounced roo). France is often regarded as the birthplace of the Roux. It’s deeply embedded in the country’s gastronomic identity. From the elegant boulevards of Paris and moving across the Atlantic to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, roux has woven its magic, becoming an integral part of many culinary traditions. Understanding “how to make a roux” is more than just mastering a recipe; it’s about appreciating its cultural significance.

Our lives are like a Roux. You need special ingredients to take care of yourself, mentally, spiritually, and physically.

However, life throws you curves and sometimes things don’t always turn out like you hoped. For me and I’ll digress a bit. I can cook a meal, no problem. I actually enjoy cooking for my family. When it comes to baking, eh forget about it. For one, I know I have a problem with following cooking instructions. I grew up in an Italian household where you taste everything, and your palette is the measuring tool. So, you either put less salt, more pepper, or add a pinch of something else. With baking, well, it’s all about the measuring and that’s not me. I applaud you bakers out there.

Anyhow, back to the Roux. I did some research and found that making Roux requires precise measurements. Each ingredient has to be perfect. You also have to have the right utensils and a good pan.

At its core, a roux is a simple combination of:

  • Fat: This can be butter (most common), oil, or even animal fats like lard or duck fat.
  • Flour: Typically all-purpose flour, but variations can be used based on dietary needs or desired outcomes. gluten-free, cake flour, etc.

What makes roux universally appealing is its ability to:

  • Enhance Flavor: Beyond just thickening, roux adds depth and richness to dishes.
  • Provide Consistency: It ensures that sauces, soups, and stews have the desired texture.
  • Serve as a Culinary Canvas: Roux is versatile, allowing chefs to infuse it with various flavors, adapting to the dish’s requirements.

Now I know why dishes are so yummy.

Steps To Making A Perfect Roux

  1. Select Your Flour: All-purpose flour.
  2. Select Your Fat: While butter is traditional, don’t shy away from experimenting with different oils or fats such as Lard, bacon grease, duck fat, Canola, vegetable, olive, sunflower, and more
  3. Equal Parts: A standard roux requires equal measurements of fat and flour. For instance, if you use 2 tablespoons of butter, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of flour.
  4. Heat Mechanism: In a skillet, or saucepan, heavy-bottomed pan, cast-iron skillet
  5. Darn good whisker utensil in Flour: Gradually add the flour, whisking continuously to prevent lumps because it is your best friend.
  6. Continuous Motion – Some muscle

 Close your eyes and pretend to make a Beef stew using 1lb of Beef Chuck Roast cut in cubes, and an assortment of delightful vegetables. We start with the Roux. Adding 4oz of butter and 6oz of all-purpose flour.

But then, wait. Something goes wrong! The roux is lumping. Oh no! That’s a cardinal sin, and suddenly the roux is ruined. Maybe you should have added duck fat instead and less flour? So, you change your ingredients and start again. Same result. Hmmm ….. what’s going on? Finally, after some whisking soul searching per se, it dawns on you. It’s not the ingredients. It’s the pan!

You see, there are people that have stuck themselves in your pan. Stuck like week-old, caked grease. No matter how many times you’ve changed the roux ingredients, it always gets ruined. You change your life, get in shape, quit smoking, move to another part of the country, get a new job, etc. Whatever, you’ve tried to do to cut ties, and change for the better, as in the roux ingredients, you’re mixing your NEW roux with a tainted pan.

Ouch, I know that’s rough; I get it. We have to learn to move away from toxic relationships. Like changing your outfits when the seasons call for a sweater instead of wearing a tank top. So, what do you do with this sticky and greasy situation? Get rid of your pan. Clean out your pantry.

Your roux should not be ruined by the pan you’re forced to use.

Happy cooking! Live joyously!

 

References

https://www.authentichospitalitygroup.com/recipes/how-to-make-a-roux/

https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7889455/how-to-make-a-roux/#:~:text=A%20roux%20%28pronounced%20roo%29%20is%20a,and%20can%20help%20improve%20the%20flavor%2C&text=A%20roux%20%28pronounced%20roo%29,help%20improve%20the%20flavor%2C&text=%28pronounced%20roo%29%20is%20a,and%20can%20help%20improve

 

I Can See Clearly – The Thanksgiving Thank You!

This is an encouragement to myself. A declaration of knowledge to the universe. I use “universe” loosely because it’s not to the universe, but to the One who created the universe, God.

This Thanksgiving and each and every day, I’m thankful for:

  • Discernment, learning that my circumstances are not a result of vibes and feelings, but understanding the things I can and cannot control.
  • Clearer vision, not so much an improved vision that I don’t need glasses, but seeing all the things around me and what’s happening in the world, and how God is showing me how he’s piecing everything together.
  • Compassion toward others. Kindness does matter. Our tongues have the power to make and break someone with our words. Using our words and time effectively.
  • Prayer time. Communication with the Lord. Getting in my secret place. Refining my relationship with Jesus. Inviting the Holy Spirit to dwell in me.
  • My kids. Seeing them grow. Seeing them experience life, and figuring things out for themselves. Doing my best to equip them with the right tools to live righteously.
  • My husband. My confidant, my friend, my lover. Our lives and marriage are far from perfect, but appreciating the gift of companionship and we weave through life’s challenges.
  • My writings. I’m no bestselling author, but I write what I unashamedly write because of God. He and He alone will always be my audience.
  • Overall health. Yes, the bones ache, and the mind gets foggy, but I am grateful for every pain and migraine. Uncomfortable as it may be, I know it’s a reminder to treat my body like a temple and keep it clean.
  • The people who have come into my life and those who have left. Through seasons of valleys and hills, I know Jesus has meant it for His good and glory, and not my own.
  • My own failures throughout the year to my loved ones and strangers. I’m sorry I didn’t come through when I should have. Please forgive me.
  • Lastly, I’m thankful for a merciful God who always takes me and intercedes for me when I am unable.

Turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans comes one day of the year. But being thankful should be an everyday practice.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

Photo by Wallace Chuck: https://www.pexels.com/photo/grayscale-photography-of-folded-eyeglasses-2097085/

Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA: https://www.pexels.com/photo/roasted-turkey-on-black-ceramic-plate-5702776/

 

Dear Younger Me

I’ve spent a good amount of my life doubting my decisions and often living in a hesitancy to failure. Now that I’m older, have much gray hair that I color every seven weeks, and have experienced things, I wish I had had someone tell it to me straight and be truthful. It is why I’ve taken a moment to accumulate nuggets of wisdom to pass along to my children, as if I was talking to my younger self because if tomorrow never comes, then I know I have spoken my truth today.

Dear Younger Me,

I know I can’t go back in time. But if I could have sent you a message, a note, spoken to you in a  dream, I’d tell you these words:

Practice makes progress, not perfect because when you practice something long enough, you are really making progress. Perfection is not a mass finality, but rather an individualized, personal goal.
Gentle words, gentle play.Thru calmness, comes clarity.The best conversations are with myself.Don’t put words in the air that don’t belong there.Pain always follows the wanting.Get in front of the problem.

Fight the problem, not the people.
There are simple answers to difficult questions.
Turn your fear into a friend, not a foe.The decisions you make today affect you five years from now.Limit distractions. Stay on course.Don’t live for anything; stand for something.If you don’t stand for anything, you’ll truly fall for everything.Friends are people of passage. Find your people.You can only grow where you plant good seeds.

Grow where you are planted. And if you get replanted over and over again, dig your roots, and keep growing.
Don’t be a troublemaker, be a truth seeker.I’m temporarily closed…. forever. (Love the oxymoron)
I need God to pour into me so I can push out the overflow to others.Some questions have no answers.Love is love, but love is better when you love in truth.Love is love when it is done in truth.It’s how you overcome; not how you succumb.You either die suffering or suffer in dying!Test everything. Discern all.Everything good that comes out of me is from God, Everything bad in me, is from me.Lord, direct me to move out of the way, so You can make a way.Some people don’t want to make peace with you, rather they want a piece of you.Forgiveness is really for you to let go.The hardest people to love and pray for are the ones who persecute you.Rather than scold or talk badly about a person, pray blessings over them.You can’t control the passing on of generational curses, but you can stop them from being activated in your family.Wisdom, revelation and knowledge of Him, Jesus Christ is far better than all the education of the world.Be friendly with everyone, doesn’t mean you have to be what they are.It’s okay to feel that you don’t belong. It means you are growing in maturity. Put away your childish behavior and grow up.Not everyone is going to like you.Don’t stress about fitting in when God made you to stand out. Be separate from the culture.You’ll always going to have people jealous of you.Your biggest enemies are usually the ones closest to you.Family is blood. You can’t change that. But toxic blood often resides within the family. Get it out! Cast it out of your life!
If you don’t love in truth, it isn’t love.Stop appeasing those who keep using you.If someone doesn’t like you, no matter what you do, it won’t change their dislike of you. It’s because they’re threatened by you.Friends and family don’t always want you to succeed.No one friend can be your everything. Have many different friends with different interests.

Dream.

Be a risk-taker, not a regret-maker.

Pay someone’s bill.

Dress up for no reason and go to the grocery store.

Wear lipstick just to go for a walk.

Rather than watch a movie, turn on the television and watch cartoons.

Dance in front of your mirror.

Sing!

Work. It will teach you responsibility.

Learn to manage your money.

Go out to dinner alone every once in a while.

Love yourself.

Love God and love people.

Read. Read everything.

Get into God’s Word. Really read the Bible. IT IS a blueprint for living this earthly life.

Fretting and worrying all the time is really overrated.

Really watch a sunrise and a sunset.

Sleeping enough does help.

And it’s true. Never grocery shop when you’re hungry.

Never make big decisions when you’ve been drinking, are tired, or hungry.

Be true to yourself because no one is going to do it for you.

 

To be continued…

NOTE: This blog post was inspired by the song, “Dear Younger Me” by MercyMe. Check out the video here.

 

 

A Jonah Spring

When I was a child attending catechism classes, now called Faith Formation, at my Catholic church, one of my favorite Bible stories was of Jonah and the Whale from the Book of Jonah. The Bible story of Jonah tells of a Hebrew prophet, hence Jonah, who is sent by God to warn the city of Nineveh of its wickedness and impending destruction. Instead of heeding his calling, Jonah flees by purchasing a ticket on a boat headed to Tarshish, which is the opposite direction of Nineveh. He is later thrown overboard and swallowed by a large sea creature and prays to God for mercy. Once released, Jonah obeys God’s command and preaches to the people of Nineveh, who repented and turned from their wicked ways, thus rescuing them from God’s wrath.

I’ve been in what I’m calling a “Jonah Spring”. I’m trying to cleanse my life of toxicity and harmful circumstances. We all know the ending of Jonah’s experience, but I was recently rereading the Book of Jonah, and certain verses struck a personal chord. You see, a lot has been going on in my family life, and inherited, overwhelming responsibilities which I prefer not to get into. In my reading, I learned something about myself through the scriptures (it’s amazing that way), that I believe might help others too.

Jonah Thrown into the Sea

             Jonah1:10-16

10 Then the men were exceedingly afraid, and said to him, “Why have you done this?” For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. 11 Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you that the sea may be calm for us?”—for the sea was growing more tempestuous.

12 And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.”

13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. 14 Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, “We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.” 15 So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. 16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and took vows.

Jonah knew he was the problem and caused God’s wrath, but the men on the boat didn’t want to throw him over at first—they felt guilty. So, they kept rowing, and the storm still raged on. Finally, when they cried out to the Lord and threw Jonah into the ocean, did the sea calm.

I realized through these scripture words, that if you want to change, you have to throw out “your Jonah”. That is, whatever is holding you back. Whatever has had a stronghold on you. If that Jonah has caused strife, disconnect, and pain, then it’s time to remove it from your life. And this is what I’m working on, being a better me, obeying the plans God has for me, and facing those awful situations head-on and casting them out into the abyss.

May you forge ahead in love, peace, and joy this Spring Season. Face those fears and get right!

Leave the Hating to Me – A Pioneer Perspective

My husband and I have been watching the 1883 series on Paramount +. The prequel of Yellowstone’s prosperous Dutton family. There is a 1923 show which continues from 1883, but we haven’t gotten that far yet.

In 1883, episode 6, there is an eye-opening scene between Tim McGraw who plays James Dutton, and his daughter, Elsa who is played by Isabel May. A tragedy has occurred that involved Elsa, and she took matters into her own hands so to speak. I won’t spoil it for you, but in their exchange, a life lesson occurs between a father and his daughter that can be a learning moment for us.

Elsa is angry and brewing with disdain and rage. Her father, James, tells her a story about his Civil War experience and subsequent killings he committed, which left him questioning the purpose of his life, as the wounded and the dead surrounded him. They realized together, they now shared a common bond of loss and hate. The father proceeds to counsel his child to not sit in the hate and give up, but rather use it for growth and development. Death was a certainty on their journey across the Plains, but they had to keep going for survival.

James Dutton ends his conversation with this one line: “Leave the hating to me”. Elsa’s teary-filled eyes follow her dad as he gallops away on his horse. James Dutton was insisting that his only daughter relinquish her wrath to her father who would protect her at all costs.

The same goes for God. In the Bible, in the Book of Jeremiah: Chapters 30:22 and 32:38, two scriptures repeat the same message:

“You shall be My people; and I will be Your God.”

And because of this, God demands that we turn away from our sins, hate, wrath, and humble ourselves and seek Him in everything. Just as it was written in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

James loves his daughter, Elsa, so much, he’d risk his life for her. In one episode he even tells a horse rancher, “You’ll never love her like I do.” It’s the same with God, He loves us so much, and He made us in His image, as stated in Genesis 1:27.

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them.”

I know what you’re thinking. This is all fine and dandy, so were loved, yes, but it doesn’t discount the fact that there will be troubles in our lives. Even Jesus said so in John 16:32-33.

“Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.  These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

In Mark 13:8, Jesus said…

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.”

Remember, there are devils in our midst who want to consume our thoughts and actions and take away all that is good within us. Jesus said in John 10:10.   

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.”

You might be thinking that’s great; I’m still wallowing, the devil is winning. What do I do? Read Psalm 13. It’s a great battle cry!

“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?  How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, Lest I sleep the sleep of death;

Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him”; Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.”

Yes, there’s a lot to be angry about in this world and to hate. In Ephesians 6:12, it talks about how evil is much bigger than we can ever imagine.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

How should we live every single day? We need to suit up and boot up and put on the Whole Armor of God as described in Ephesians 6: 10-18.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—”

Why do we need to do it at all? To protect ourselves when evil comes against us, knowing God will take vengeance for us as described in Romans 12:19.

“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.”

Until then…Live your life with purpose, servanthood, love, and gratitude, seeking the Kingdom of God first as it is written in Mathew 6:33.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

And leave the hating to God!

And Then Christ Came – A Christmas Testimony

www.chiaratalluto.com

He took my sin and shame away!

For many, many years the Israelites were told of a coming Messiah. God first mentioned it in Genesis 3:15 after Adam and Eve disobeyed Him. God predicted that four generations would pass before Jesus was born. In fact, some Bible scholars suggest there are more than 300 Old Testament prophetic Scriptures completed in the life of Jesus Christ.

There are a ton of references in the Old Testament. Here are just a few scriptures references below: More can be found here.

Genesis 3:15 – And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.

Isaiah 7:14 – Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Isaiah 9: 6For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 53 (A very lengthy chapter and description of the birth and death of Jesus. Click on the link.)

Galatians 4: 4-5 – To redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

Micah 5:2But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me, The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.

There has also been something called the “400 Years Silence”. “The 400 Years of Silence” is the name given to the period of time between the last of the Old Testament prophets and the arrival of Jesus in the New Testament. It began with Malachi’s prediction of Elijah’s return, circa 430 BC, and ended with its metaphorical fulfillment: the coming of John the Baptist circa 6—4 BC.

I believe the entire Bible is all about Jesus from beginning to end. However, I also believe specifically, The Old Testament is God’s testimony of His love toward our human race and His constant urging of His people to turn away from sin and back to Him. (2 Corinthians 7:14).

Why would He do that, you ask? Because from the beginning, He made man in His image, (Genesis 1:7), even though we are all sinners and frequently come short of the Glory of God, (Romans 3:23). And so… in order to help us understand how grand God’s love for us is, He had to send His only son, Jesus, to save us from sin. (John 3:16-17).

Yes, Jesus! King of Kings and Lord of Lord, (Revelations 19:16,  and 17:14) was, is, and always will be a King. There have been many babies born to be kings of their land, but only one king ever became a baby. The Old Testament scriptures lead to that revelation because the Israelites didn’t expect a baby, but a Mighty King. (Acts 1:6; Ezekiel 37: 24-25).

Wow, were they shocked? Hmm… God does have a sense of humor.

***

I love Christmas music. I start listening to it after Thanksgiving, as I like to give each holiday its respectful celebration. Some of my recent favorites are:

Somewhere in Your Silent Night – Casting Crowns

Mary Did You Know – Danny Gokey

Breath of Heaven – Amy Grant

And, this year,  Then Christ Came by MercyMe and Phil Wickham.

Raised Catholic, I never concerned myself with the Bible, the stories, the significance, God’s anointings and gifts to us, the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives, and how Prophesy is manifesting in the world today, right before our eyes. I’m not knocking Catholicism, but there is so much more to learn about Christianity.

You see, in June of 2006, I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. I didn’t think much of it then and how it would transform my life. Years later, I embarked on a reading journey of the Bible. It took me two years and almost two months, from January 2019 to February 2021, to read from Genesis to Revelations. It was quite an experience. So much history and happenings I hadn’t known. Exposed only to the Gospels, I felt now, my understanding of God was coming full circle. And still, I tread on. In August 2021, a phrase came to my mind; so I wrote this below and taped it to my Bible.

After that, I couldn’t go back. When the new year came in, January of 2022, I understood the next step in my new life. In July of 2022, I was baptized. Oh, and what a glorious declaration and dedication to Jesus it was. I was His! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Fast-forward to December 2022, and I hear Then Christ Came. Two of my favorite verses:

You are the one I prayed for! You are the one I was made for! Hallelujah!!

Jesus you gave me purpose.  Jesus you told me I’m worth it! Hallelujah!!

Just like the Israelites who hoped and prayed for a Messiah. I patiently prayed for Jesus to open my eyes to accepting Him into my heart. Hallelujah!! He changed everything. Jesus changed our history. Born of a Virgin, a Son named Immanuel, God with us. (Mathew 1:23)

He changed me from the inside out! Jesus said, I am in you, and you are in me. (John 15:7)

This is the reason for the season. Glory to glory in the highest and peace to its people on earth. I bring good tidings. A Savior, Christ the Lord, is born in the city of David. (Luke 2:8:20)

This Christmas, may you all learn to know about Jesus!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

 

 

References:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-most-unlikely-king

https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/when-a-king-became-a-baby-james-mercer-sermon-on-christmas-181130?page=1&wc=800

https://www.compellingtruth.org/400-years-of-silence.html

https://www.learnreligions.com/prophecies-of-jesus-fulfilled-700159

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/times-the-old-testament-predicts-jesus-birth-and-death.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/Old-Testament-Christ.html

https://seekinggodwithelaine.com/what-were-the-israelites-expecting-in-a-messiah/

Photo credit by Vinícius Vieira ft: https://www.pexels.com/photo/nativity-set-figurine-3355002/

 

Bloom, Baby Bloom!

Do you know what kind of flowering plant this is? I’m not a botanist or horticulturist, nor do I have a green thumb, but every year this flowering plant blooms for seven to ten days, and then it’s done.

It amazes me how this one plant spends three seasons of preparation only to bloom for such a short time. To think this plant’s purpose is to flourish and fragrant the air, and then to be taken up in the spring wind to pollinate other flowers.

It makes me think of us, humans. We all bloom at a different pace. Some take a lifetime to bloom, some never bloom, and others bloom right away.

Wherever you are in your blooming season, don’t rush. You are where you need to be. Nourish yourself; grow in knowledge, so that others can be blessed in your blooming season.

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