A Tempest Most Foul!

Thou Dost Protest Too Much

Thou dost protest too much is an old saying that suggests when someone goes to great lengths to deny their involvement or interest in a certain subject, they are actually guilty of the aforementioned.

Amazing how the media consortium goes to great lengths to keep the name of Jesus out of movies, books, newspapers… yet if they can conjure up a great story centered around searching or discovering an artifact related to Jesus they are convinced it will be the next big phenomenon.

A popular news item at present is a nail covered in bone displayed alongside two additional nails at Tel Aviv University.  The film The Nail of the Cross by veteran investigator Simcha Jacobovici suggests that these nails, discovered in a 2,000-year-old tomb in Jerusalem, were used to crucify Jesus. Jacobovici is being accused of using these alleged “fake” nails for cheesy monetary gain.

The Shroud of Turin, a linen cloth that appears to bear the resemblance of Christ with markings consistent to the crucifixion, is kept in the royal chapel of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin, northern Italy.  People from every dialect and religion travel miles in hopes of laying a hand on or simply viewing the cloth for physical healing and/or financial success.

We saw it with Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Indiana deduces that the Nazis are searching for Tanis, because it is the location of the Ark of the Covenant (the biblical chest built by the Israelites to contain the fragments of the Ten Commandments). If the Nazis acquire it, they believe their armies will be invincible.

Then again with Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade. The Holy Grail (a plate or cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper) is the hot item in this adventure. Even though the movie distorts the true story using Celtic Myth and Christian Lore, it is still thought of as something highly valuable because of its connection to Jesus.

Many other similar events show and tell the obvious.

So, what is my point? It is my belief that every human being longs for Jesus whether they realize it or not. The name of Jesus is alive and full of power even when thou dost protest too much.

Until next time, love and blessings

Laura K.

Christians Celebrate Palm Sunday in Jerusalem

Thinking about Palm Sunday, I decided to do a little research by surfing the internet. I found the picture at left. Titled - Christians celebrating Palm Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. For some reason this got me thinking, and a scene came into my heart. So, today I thought I would try my hand at just jotting down that scene and posting it here.

On the Way to Worship

“So, Master, what do you think?” The short, wiry man took quick, clipped steps.

“Josiah, my brother, I do not believe you can handle my thoughts.”

“But, look. Do you not see the sacrilege?” He scanned their surroundings with his outstretched arm.

He laughed heartily. “Sacrilege. I believe this requires a stronger word.”

Josiah picked up his pace to fall alongside his master’s smooth, long stride. “But, l…look, that man – he still scoffs at those that believe in your second coming.” He pointed farther ahead. “And, him, he worships false gods and plots to kill your followers.”

He smiled. It was a generous smile, set in wisdom. “I knew all this would come to pass before I wept over Jerusalem. Such blasphemies do not surprise me.”

“So why did you come here today? Is there one you wish to condemn? I know many men, if there is one, I can find him.”

“I did not come to condemn man; I came seeking those who will join me in the New Jerusalem.”

“Yes, yes.” Twisting his hands as one might conjure up spirits; Josiah lifted first one shoulder and then the other. “But, do you not want to set your chosen apart? In safety.”

“Why would I want to do that? Who then would go into the fields?”

“But look, my Lord, they are killing innocent babies. We must destroy them.”

“I love them. I must beckon them, come follow me.”

“Oil, a much needed resource, is being horded by those that plot against us. They want to kill us!”

“Rest safely. I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in My name.”

The horn of the taxi pierced Josiah’s ear and he jumped away from the encroaching bumper. “See, Master, so much hate. No consideration for their fellow man.”

He reached and tousled his hair. “I order My angels to protect you wherever you go.”

At last they entered the elaborate cathedral. Hundreds stood waving palm and olive branches. Josiah held the donkey as Jesus mounted. The fragrant incense washed over them.

His garments, white as snow, glowing, giving notice to the deep scars in his hands and feet, billowed over the sides of the donkey.

Two muscular heavenly beings walked on either side of them adorned in the same light.

Josiah lowered his voice. “I do not understand my King. Why did you come here today?”

“I am here to inhabit the praise and worship of My people.”

As they drew closer to the worshipers, heaven opened wide revealing a choir of angels who joined in their song of praise. “Hosanna to the King of Kings, whose blood sacrifice, has saved us all! Praise and glory to His name forever and ever!”

Love and Blessings, Laura K.

I Never Promised You a Rose Garden

At left, a man and two boys walk on a street covered with rose petals spread by wholesale dealers to dry in the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan.

When I found this picture, I couldn't help but think about Heaven. When we all get to Heaven, I expect wonders so amazing words could never capture such extravagance. Yet, I think God has put imagination in our hearts, so when I see beautiful things, my mind just automatically goes into what if mode. Streets of gold, flower petal streets, flowers that sway in the wind and sing. I just get so excited thinking about what Heaven might me like!

God is a good God and He wants us to have the desires of our hearts.  Of course, we know that He expects obedience, sacrifice and above all love (unselfishness). But I also believe that He delights in us.

As I sat pondering an old song came to mind. I'm sure at least some of you remember the song, I Never Promised You a Rose Garden. Our lives will not be without trouble, is the age-old moral to that song.

To be quite honest, as a child, I thought very little about the true meaning of some of its lyrics: You better look before you leap, still waters run deep, and there won't always be someone there to pull you out.

Wow.  As an adult, I am so glad that those lyrics are not the final word.

In John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD; he is their strength in the time of trouble.  Psalm 37:39

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Psalm 50:15

I'm sure God knows that we will not always look before we leap.  After all, He created us!  You see, He loves us! Even though we may not always do the right thing, God is always there to pull us out!

Maybe we are not promised a rose garden.  But take heart, our Father has overcome the world!

And I will glorify Him all the days of my life!

Love and Blessings, Laura K.

Hey, Do You Remember the Story of Esther?

Can you guess what the picture at left has to do with Esther?

If you're like me you answered, "Uh, no."

Apparently Hassidic Jews celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim in this way. This picture was taken straight from one such party.

For those of you who do not know what the Purim Holiday represents, I will tell you. It is a celebration of the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia. Yep, you know me; I have a definition of genocide for you - the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group.

The book of Esther tells us that King Ahasuerus' Grand Vizier, Haman, plots to completely wipe out the entire Jewish population in Persia.

Esther approaches King Ahasuerus and requests of him to save her people from a self-centered mad man.

As the story goes, the King is enraged to learn that the man Esther speaks of is his, so called, right-hand-man, Haman. He then orders that Haman be hanged from the gallows prepared for Esther's uncle, Mordecai.

This being ironic, because Haman had been the one to order that the gallows be constructed after Mordecai had refused to bow down to him. (Esther 1 - 9)

How often has God saved us from total destruction? Well, personally speaking, "many a time!"

I can't deny that I am known to kick up my heels to the beat of a praise song, but only while alone in my family room.

In such tumultuous times wouldn't a big ol' party in celebration of all the wonderful things God has done for us, not to mention all the figurative train wrecks he has prevented, be very appropriate?

I, for one, would be the first to arrive and the last to leave. Um... although, I think I would forgo the table dance.

Until next time, love and blessings, Laura K.

Castles...

Castle… a retreat safe against intrusion or invasion.  Hmm, when I looked up castle in the dictionary, I found the aforementioned definition.  There were two others, but I found this one to be the most interesting.  I use castles quite a bit in my book for different reasons.  I will not go into all those just now, but I have decided to share a scene in my book that takes place in one of these strongholds.  I hope you enjoy it.

“Welcome, my friend.” The voice of Almighty God lay smooth on the atmosphere, majestic yet hushed.

“Your Majesty.” Aiteo became aware of his wide unchecked grin. Clearing his throat, he pulled his lips together. He many times expressed his joy with such abandon before his master, but they were there to discuss a royal princess of the King, and he wanted to show his sincerity, and level-headedness for the task.

            He, like all the other assigned protectors, always saw the face of God. Yet, at this moment, he had been honored with a private meeting with the Almighty.

The angel breathed in the scent of olive wood and myrrh and thought about the majesty of his Lord – inescapably capturing, encompassed with great knowledge and wisdom. His white hair, like lightening and fire at war with one another, billowed around His all-knowing eyes that reflected every tiny morsel of existence’s history, and His mouth, when open, spoke endless truth and love.

Instead of the majestic throne room, they sat within a grand castle, an original model for the ones on earth. He allowed a slight chuckle to escape his lips as he thought of man’s arrogance in believing they had initiated the ideas.

            “What do you find so fascinating, Aiteo?” the Almighty inquired.

            Of course the great being knew his Master would already be aware of his thoughts. After all, he reads minds. He was being humored. “Just thinking of your man, my King.”

            “Oh?”

            “It is extraordinary how he actually believes he is wise in and of himself. Very few realize how mindless they would be without Your inspiration. And, well, I find that fascinating.”      

“Yes, man entertains me with his meditations. But today we are here to discuss one who has a mind set for my work. She is after my heart, Aiteo, and I can use her for my great purpose. As you know, my eyes go to and fro throughout the earth searching for a faithful servant.”

“This one reminds me of David.” Aiteo gazed out the window at the comings and goings of the saints. “Are you saying Katie’s heart is pure toward you in this way?”

“Ah, yes, and just as you saw David become a great king, you will see Katie Mylady become a great princess.”

“Her life is so hard, Master.” Aiteo’s strong confidence began to wobble.

God smiled. “Her day is coming. You know the process too well, my friend.”

Aiteo realized he was more than personally involved in this one. “Tornado, earthquake… tsunami?” He hoped her trial would not be too great.

“On a scale of tornado to tsunami, huh?” God seemed to be enjoying this. He handed the heavenly being his assignment.

After scanning the eternal plan Aiteo jerked his head up and then back to the plan. “How will You do this, my King?”

“Just be patient my trusted servant and watch My will unfold.

His mind began to race at the possibilities. “I will not fail You, my King. Thousands will move under my command to assist your royal princess.” He rose and bowed low with due respect.

Where is Your Prince Charming?

Just wanted to talk a bit about a little-known topic -- Kate and William’s upcoming royal wedding. Yes, I do jest.

Girls everywhere are looking to add a title to their names, and are very disappointed that William will now be off the market.

With hunky royals all over the world in palaces from Sweden to Brunei, airline tickets are selling like hotcakes to those who seek their own fairy tale ending. I’m thinking United Airlines’ jingle “It’s time to fly” might take on a completely different connotation.

There’s a How to Date a Prince blog, www.howtodateaprince.com, devoted to “Miss Prince Hunter”  where you’ll find questions like “Is HRH (His Royal Highness) into you?” and “Prince or pauper? How to tell if you are dating a prince.”

As a result, Prince Harry is being hunted like game. His favorite hangouts are staked out by hundreds of wanna-be princesses.

I don’t know about you, but I smell a reality show.

Whew, all this hullabaloo makes me want to say, “Hello! The Prince of all princes is available. His name is Jesus and, he wants to hold your heart, and make all your dreams come true. Talk about your fairy tale endings.

Revelation 9:11 Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. And the one sitting on the horse was named Faithful and True.

Girl, I have goose bumps on my goose bumps!

So, listen up all you future princesses. Faithful and True will come riding on a white horse to rescue you. He will then whisk you away on his noble steed to your royal castle where you’ll live happily ever after.

If you’re not a princess yet, you must call on the name of Prince Jesus!

Only believe…

Mark 16:16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved.

Until next time, Love and Blessings!

A Dandelion and a Pig's Ear

This is a picture of a dandelion covered with dew.

Most of us relate the dandelion to feelings of scorn. Their daisy-like blooms quickly turn into a hideous fountainhead that requires only the slightest breeze to send seeds floating in pursuit of a spot in our otherwise manicured lawns.  They are known to create deep, strong root systems that take every garden tool in the shed to extract!  Yet, here they exude an incomparable beauty. Challenging the old adage, you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.

With that said, I want to share with you something that caught my eye this morning while perusing the internet:

Los Angeles, best-selling author, James Frey, has stirred the publishing world again. He announced Monday that he would sell his new “religious” novel via an art gallery. The title - The Final Testament of the Holy Bible.

Nope, not done yet.

It tells the story of a second coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah to millions of Christians, but just plain Ben Jones to family and friends. Ben, whose real name is Zion Avrohom, is a hard-drinking man who lives in a dirty apartment in The Bronx, New York. He smokes dope and has relations with women and men.

Are you sitting again after falling in the floor? Good, then I’ll continue. My first reaction was grabbing my chest as I gasped for air. Then, I started thinking…

Why is Hollywood, along with the media in general, so interested in Jesus? And, why are they so determined to deface Him? Because He is real. Satan tells them that He poses a real threat to their “life as they know it”.

So how do we turn this pig into silk?

We pray! We post about it, offering the truth. If we as Christians did not have some sort of darkness to shine the light on, we wouldn’t have a ministry. So I choose to embrace this with determined vigor and spin some silk!

Job 12:22 He floods the darkness with light, he brings light to the deepest gloom.

 Love and Blessings, Laura K.

Making a Turnout – My Peno Gemizo Elio Stage!

Today I feel the need to share with you some of my musings. Over the last year I have experienced what I now refer to as my “Peno Gemizo Elio” stage. “What on earth are you talking about?” you might ask. Well, before I answer that question, I would like to muse just a bit more. And along the way you may figure it out for yourself.

Life for me has been a roller coaster ride. I know that is a worn out, trampled on metaphor, but it just fits. In the truest sense, I have had numerous hills, valleys, and sharp curves. When you have a child with special needs, the norm is nonexistent.

Just as I was settling in to the childhood stage of a developmentally delayed daughter like a warm, cozy cup of spiced tea, I suddenly found that adulthood had arrived and it was time to rethink, recharge, and make a turnout (a mechanical installation enabling railway trains to be guided from one track to another at a railway junction).

I must say that I have handled this poorly still uncertain of the correct way to negotiate the tracks so to speak.

So, what is a girl to do?

I have latched on to Jesus like a bird in a hurricane!

Most days I have no idea what I am doing, or what I should do. Yet, I know Jesus, and He knows what to do. Just knowing He is there somehow makes sense of it all.

Psalm 18:1- … I love you, LORD; you are my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.
Psalm 18:28 LORD, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness.


So, what does Peno Gemizo Elio mean? To receive into the soul what serves to refresh, strengthen, nourish. Fill yourself with God. (New Testament Greek)

“Woooh! Wooooh! I’m making a turnout.

Love and Blessings, Laura K.

Run and Win!

This picture is taken from what some call the “Toughest Race on Earth" - a grueling six-day, 150 mile trek across the Sahara desert.

Even though the most skilled runners found that they could only run downhill for short periods of time, they were glad they came.  The amazing setting was well worth the effort.

This picture and my S.S. lesson this week got me thinking about “tough races”.  I have found that our time here on earth seems to make the most sense when compared to a race.  Of course, I’m not the first one to make this comparison.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul said, “Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win.”

Think about that – You must win.  God wants us to win.  He never intended for us to run our race and lose.  I love that! And, it is my personal belief that if we set out to win, we will notice the amazing setting, and it will be well worth our effort.

So let’s suit up today in our running attire, and set out to win.

Love and Blessings, Laura K.

Heaven is for Real

As most of the world can imagine, Christians love to think about Heaven.  Especially during these present days filled with crime, destruction, national disasters, and just down right times of fear, we find ourselves looking upward and saying, “I’m ready God. I’m ready for those streets of gold, those pearly gates, to see my missing loved ones.”

But it seems that a little thing called the New York Times Bestseller List is proof positive that many Americans - Christian and non-Christian – are very interested in Heaven.

The following link attests to my lofty thinking:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42191453/ns/today-today_people/

Have you ever had a dream about Heaven?  If so, please share a comment of that experience below.

Until next time!

Love and Blessings, Laura K.