A Princess of the Most High God!

Today I decided to get a little personal.

As many of you know, my daughter, Leslie, is developmentally delayed. A condition that will follow her the rest of her life unless, of course, God decides to heal her. Her reading is very limited, her vision is poor, she is susceptible to seizures, she needs help grooming, and she is unclear on some daily tasks as to their complete meaning.

For instance, I can tell her, “Lock the door, and do not open it for anyone while I run to the Post Office.” She will do what I say, but she might or might not understand why. Even though I have explained it to her numerous times.

This leads me to my origin for this blog. I am Facebook friends with Carol Kent. Her son is serving life in prison for fatally shooting his wife’s ex-husband.  I mentioned him in a previous blog, but today I felt I wanted to muse a little regarding my and Carol’s common ground as mothers.

Her son will not have an opportunity to experience a “normal” life. That’s where I find my thoughts at inopportune times throughout my day when thinking about Leslie. I have read that Carol, as well, allows herself to meander down that road from time to time when focusing on her son.

For different reasons we as mothers (Carol and I) must face all the life-limitations that our children have been dealt. I know with her son it was a choice. In an attempt to protect his new step-daughter, he killed the man that continued to abuse her. Leslie’s confines were decided as no choice of her own. Yet, still, their situations are similar when viewed through a mother’s eyes. He in actual mortar and bars prison – my Leslie in the prison of her mind and body.

Every mother wants the best for her child. Better than she had or will ever have. So when she finds that her child will not have the best life can offer, and there is nothing she can do to change that, depression, hopelessness and defeat rush at her like a tidal wave.

Mornings dawn and shock renders her motionless. The realization, that she is still trapped inside the nightmare of her child’s life limitations, brings more waves crashing down. She wants to go back to sleep and try again and again. Hoping beyond hope that she will eventually wake up and the storm will be over.

She prays and knocks at the gates of Heaven. She begs God to give her child a chance. She attempts to strike a deal. “I will never sin again, if you will just heal my child.” She pleads. “What did I do to cause my child to suffer in this way? Is there any chance to remedy my wrongful ways?”

I know many of you immediately think to respond with encouraging words. “It was nothing you did. God loves your child and has a plan for her life.” And, please know those words are appreciated, but still do not completely dispel the torturous thoughts of the mother.

She hears the words, “God must think your child is very special. She’s so innocent and sweet. You are truly blessed.” Yet, would any one of them trade places? Would they really want to worry about their child’s future - the one without them? In old age, absent the ones she depends on for her day to day livelihood? Left to strangers who may or may not take care of her. Knowing she must completely depend on these people she may or may not have chosen. No possibility of a joyous wedding day. No children.

So… What’s a girl to do?

Whew! (I said that for you)

She crawls up into the lap of Jesus and cries her eyes out. Then she wipes her eyes and blows her nose, and hugs him real tight. He tells her it will be okay, and hugs her back. He tells her to look at the beautiful flowers and listen to the melodious song of the birds. He tells her of all the ways He has protected and provided for her and her child.

Beautiful stories flow from the mouth of her Savior that encourage her and strengthen her. She finds that she is not of this world, but of a kingdom. A kingdom where angels sing, the streets are the purest gold, her purpose is clear and her daughter is whole. She sees her precious child running through a meadow, happy and free - reading and achieving, thinking and understanding – making friends and soaring with the eagles. Angels are revealed as protectors, warriors and teachers.

She wonders if her daughter has a very special gift after all? To possibly aid in the healing of others even if her own healing goes undone? But how?

Then she is told that her little Leslie is a very important princess of the Most High God!

Thus, the story of Katie Milady…

Please check back next time for an excerpt from The Secret Kingdom.

Love and Blessings, Laura K.

Synopsis!!

I’m working on my synopsis, and I’m pretty sure God did not invent the idea.  It was obviously thought up by a torture inducing, misanthrope-sadist.  You’re probably thinking what an extra savvy writer I must be because I used the word misanthrope. Well, think again. I had to look it up.  It means “hater of all people”.

As much as I love to write, the word synopsis has now been struck from my dictionary.  Seriously, I found the Webster’s on my bookshelf, searched for the word “synopsis”, took out my red marker, and X’ed it out! Whew, I need some Krispy Kreme donuts, and a Dr. Pepper.

I’ve been thinking about this (I’m stalling), and I have deduced from hours of research (like I said – I’m stalling) that it is an absolute, ineluctable requirement to send in a synopsis with your first three chapters.  Don’t be impressed with the word ineluctable either.  I looked it up when I was defacing my dictionary.

Okay, I’ve stalled long enough.  Since it’s pretty certain I’m not going to find an agent that will forgo the synopsis and just let me drone on and on about my fabulous book. In person. In my living room. I’ll go back to my desk, pull up my synopsis on my computer and… eat a donut.

All prayers are (and will always be) greatly appreciated!

Until next time, love and blessings!

On Sunday, May 1, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI gave personal effort in moving his predecessor, John Paul II, one step closer to sainthood in the form of a resounding Mass drawing more than a million people to Rome.

Benedict beatified John Paul II, proclaiming him “blessed” by openly venerating his life work.

If you are like me, you might need a definition for beatify. If so, I have included one at the end of the blog, as well as, an explanation of canonization.

During said ceremony Cardinals kissed the casket of the late Pope John Paul, II in St. Peter’s Basilica following his beatification. (Picture above)

Later, the reliquary containing the blood of Pope John Paul II was placed on a pedestal by Sister Marie Simon Pierre.  Sister Marie testified that she was cured of Parkinson’s disease after praying to John Paul II.

A picture of the reliquary is at left.

Cristiana Arru, a lawyer from Rome, said, “Anyone who was in the piazza when he spoke felt as though he was speaking directly to them.”

The pomp and circumstance around the event seemed displaced. To use an old adage taken from a Shakespearean play, it was a lot of “much ado about nothing”. 

As I researched Sunday’s Vatican soiree I could not help but think of Jesus. After all He is the only true intercessor (Romans 8:34). And if you want someone to speak directly to you, try having a little talk with Him.

My imagination began to run wild.  For those that know me this does not come as a surprise. I imagined all the celebratory goings on in Heaven when one becomes a Christian (a saint), acknowledges the blood sacrifice and accepts the free gift of salvation.

Celestial beings, prophets of old, sacrificial saints, and all manner of animals jumping and cheering, while clanking cymbals; tinkling, drumming and blowing on an assortment of shimmering, silver instruments. Large choirs of angels singing as one smooth voice, rising and falling in volume. The beautiful smiling face of Jesus. Wow!  What a sight!

Now that's much ado about something!

Until next time, love and blessings!

Beatify - A recognition accorded by the Catholic Church of a dead person’s entrance into Heaven and capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his or her name (intercession of saints). Beatification is the third of the four steps in the canonization process.  A person who is beatified is given the title “Blessed”.

Canonization - It is the act by which a Christian church declares a deceased person to be a saint, upon which declaration the person is included in the canon, or list, of recognized saints. Originally, individuals were recognized as saints without any formal process.Canonization, whether formal or informal, does not make someone a saint; it is only a declaration that the person is a saint and was a saint even before canonization.

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.