David L. Winters's Blog, page 3

Taking God to Work in Difficult Circumstances

Ken Matos provides a great example of Taking God to Work in trying times. Like the other people highlighted in our book, Ken's story reveals God's miraculous provision regardless of the circumstances. A successful Chief Financial Officer, Ken suddenly found himself job hunting just months after coming to a new company. Like many life events, this one popped up when least expected. With a wife and family to feed, life left no option but to roll with the punches and accept the next reasonable opportunity that presented itself. Surprisingly, a job offer came not from his home state of New Jersey or even nearby New York, but all the way down in Washington, DC. Feeling it was the best option at the time, he accepted the job and set out learning his new duties. Working for the federal government promised more stability, but also a bit of a learning curve. His duties and work environment changed overnight. Ken and his wife decided that he would live in DC four nights each week and commute home by train on the weekends. This could have put a strain on their relationship, but both of them trusted the Lord and depended on Him. With children in school, this living arrangement also seemed like the best thing for the family.Although others might have gone into a shell and focused solely on work, Ken began to see God's calling on his life in and around work. Ken used his opportunities to the maximum, eventually founding a successful men's ministry called Kingdom Men. Check out the book Taking God to Work to learn more about Ken's story.Just like Ken, you may find yourself in an unusual season at work. Whether difficult projects or troublesome co-worker behavior, you might be tempted to wonder, "Where is God in all of this?" Pastor Steve Reynolds and I wrote Taking God to Work: The Keys to Ultimate Success for people just like you. The Bible has timeless treasure to be gleaned when we need it most. Learn how to use your natural drive and passion for God's glory by better understanding His plan for work. Find new motivation and joy on the job each day.Pick up your copy today at https://www.takinggodtowork.com/shop

People Behind Taking God to Work

All kinds of people are Taking God to Work. Featured in our book are thirteen profiles of ordinary Christians doing amazing things each day.Johnny Curtis, shown here with his lovely wife, runs a tree service company. With his brother, they implement God's plan for work by caring for their employees and customers.Their game plan includes prayer for their employees to start each workday and treating their customers as they would want to be treated. The hallmarks of their service include excellence in maintaining and removing trees, diligence in cleaning up and manning up if something goes wrong. Intentional About GodIf you are like me, there were periods in life when I didn't think much about God while at work. I tried to live my live according to His principles, but honestly, I didn't give Him a lot of space at my job. Work was work and church was church.One of the hindering factors for me included a false understanding of faith and work. I assumed that my focus at work should be quietly doing my job and hoping someday, somehow a co-worker would ask me about my faith. Then, I would swoop in with the plan of salvation. What I later realized is that everything we do at work is intended to reflect God's glory. Our work itself is God's way of taking care of people and the world. We are ambassadors for God in our daily lives by loving people through our work.By intentionally focusing on God at work, we begin to involve Him in everyday situations. Minor miracles start to happen as we allow God's presence to seep into our workplace, our relationships and the goods and services we provide. God's Love is TransformationalAs we begin our days with prayer and worship, we stake a claim on our workplace for the Lord. Inviting Him to infuse your attitudes, your projects and your care for customers will bring new levels of success. Not just temporal, earthly success in accomplishing your mission at work, but more lasting success of introducing others to God's love. Spiritual transformation happens for us and our workplace.The book, Taking God to Work, spends a significant number of pages focusing on real strategies to transform your co-workers, boss and colleagues. By helping them move on from unproductive behaviors, you can change the DNA of your organization or company. Christians are meant to be salt and light at work. Sometimes, we don't know how to be the seasoning that God intended. Pastor Steve Reynolds and I prayerfully included some tactical and strategic steps you can take to change yourself and others with God's help.Love is the only answer to the mixed up place our world has become. Christians owe it to those around us to bring God's love into our work. We have so richly experienced God's transforming power, it's time to spread that love to others.Examples of God at WorkOur book includes stories from top-producing realtors, a hair salon owner, a security manager and many others. Each person found a turning point. They heard God's call and responded by including Him more at their job or business. Pick up a copy of Taking God to Work for yourself or a friend. We strongly believe God will use this book to make readers more productive and effective each day. Click the book cover to learn more or buy the book now at 20% off.

Guest Interview: Janet McHenry

I am so excited to have Janet McHenry as my guest today. Her latest book: The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus: What Jesus Prayed and How It Will Change Your Life Today (Bethany House) can be purchased wherever fine books are sold or at Amazon by clicking on the image below. Janet McHenry is a nationally-known speaker and best-selling author of 23 books—six of those on prayer, including the best-selling PrayerWalk and her newest book, The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus. Featured on radio and in magazines such as Health and Family Circle for her prayerwalking, she and her rancher husband Craig live in the Sierra Valley, where they raised four children and enjoy kayaking on nearby lakes.DW: Thanks for joining us. You are one of the most inspirational Christian authors I know. You reminded me, through your writing, of the power of prayer walking in my neighborhood. I love praying for the people in the various houses and our neighborhood in general. Tell our readers what state you currently call home and any other places that have special significance in your past.JM: I live in the remote, rural northeastern part of California in the Sierra Valley, which is about an hour north of Lake Tahoe and 40 minutes from Reno. I was raised until age 13 in Hudson in upstate New York until we moved to the Southwest for my mom’s health. I thought Hudson, population 13,000, was small until I moved to the town where I live, Loyalton, which has about 800 folks on a good day. Our entire county doesn’t have a single stoplight. We do stop for cattle, though.DW: So glad you stay out of the way of cattle. They can be a bit large and hard on a car bumper. What genre or genres do you like to write?JM: My favorite genre is nonfiction—both to read and to write—specifically in the area of prayer. However, I have written a long list of other kinds of books: children’s board books, first chapter books, girls’ mysteries, gift books, Bible studies, and a cozy mystery for adults.DW: Yes. You have enjoyed an amazing career to date and much more to come. Tell us about your most recent book and the message(s) behind it?JM: The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus is the culmination of nearly 20 years of study on Jesus' prayer life. When I started prayerwalking in 1998, I became fascinated with the idea that the Creator of the universe would want to hear from me and speak to me. As I began reading through the Bible each year, I’d mark all the references to prayer with a circled P—particularly focusing on the gospels. Then I began taking notes about everything Jesus taught about prayer, what he did about prayer, and his prayers themselves. The overall message is that Jesus had to be with his Father. Instead of having pockets of time for prayers, I now have a praying lifestyle and am thrilled to share his prayer life and teachings now with others.DW: Your commitment to spreading the good news about prayer is one of the big messages of your writing. I hope my friends will get your book and see all the ways you talk about the relationship that inspired. What authors do you like to read?JW: I’ll read anything on prayer by the brilliant Jennifer Kennedy Dean, who wrote an amazingly foundational book on prayer called Live a Praying Life and who just happened to write the foreword for my book. In fiction I’ll read anything by Cynthia Ruchti or Jan Karon—wonderful writers in my preferred genre, contemporary.DW: Good choices. Cynthia is one of my favorites and will be a future guest here on my blog soon. Other than the Bible, which we all can agree is a must-read, what books affected your life and how did they make an impact?JW: As a former high school English teacher, I believe the two most important novels to read are To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (but don’t read her other book—it’s terrible) and Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton. Both are lyrical and key for understanding others of different backgrounds. Another couple literature classics are John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath (if only for his brilliant narrative form) and Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities (because of the powerful story about sacrifice).I am grateful to many writers on prayer and have many shelves of their books. One that is often overlooked is Prayer by O. Hallesby; it is short but profound for the concept of prayer as an offering. I’ve been inspired by Mark Batterson’s books on prayer, too—the first of those, The Circle Maker. He essentially teaches that prayer is key to bringing heavenly power to earth. For my book PrayerStreaming, which is about praying without ceasing, I read dozens of classic works on prayer and am grateful for the works of Brother Lawrence, Charles Spurgeon, Andrew Murray, and many others. I got a glimpse of how it is possible to dwell 24/7 with God.DW: No arguing with those choices, except Cry, the Beloved Country. I haven’t read it yet, so let’s argue. Not really. I just need to catch up. I’m a big Brother Lawrence fan as well. Tell us about a memorable reader or fan. Perhaps a story about a personal encounter or some kind of email or message you received.JW: Gosh, whenever I speak somewhere, it always astounds me that people will come up to me and say they read PrayerWalk and that it changed their life. I have kept in touch with one particular gal in the Midwest who started prayerwalking for her community and got others to join with her as well. That kind of thing has happened all over the country. I find it completely remarkable how that book resonated with others with just a simple concept: pray for what you see.DW: Nice! Do you have any unique writing habits or rituals that you go through before sitting down at the computer?JM: Haha! I was thinking just yesterday that I should do a series of Facebook videos about my ADHD tendencies and how they interrupt my writing stream. Because I’m on the West Coast, I answer emails, social media, and messages first thing—because my publishers are on the East Coast, as are many of the media connections. Then I do my daily reading in my Bible. I read through it each year and journal-write the scriptures in a Bible that I will give to the next grandkid (we have 10 so far)—so I start my day by doing that. I post a daily “Prayerwalking in the Bible” meme based on my reading and do other posts on social media. That usually takes up my full morning, so I don’t get to actual writing until the afternoon. Well, “writing” is a loose term here. That includes doing laundry, packaging up books for the mail, starting the dish washer, moving the sprinkler, running to the post office, mowing the lawn, sweeping the sidewalks and patio, and surfing and shopping online (there are LOTS of birthdays in our big family). There are way too many distractions at home, but actually I tend to turn in books early.DW: Love the idea about passing your Bibles to your grandchildren. Great idea. Apart from writing, what hobbies or past-times do you enjoy?JM: I love to have people in my home—either for a simple glass of iced tea, a meal, or an overnight. We have lots of room now that the kids are nesting elsewhere. I like a good walk but I love a hike in a new place. The Sierra Valley is the largest alpine valley in North America, and the mountains that surround it cradle dozens of natural lakes, where Craig and I love to go kayaking. We’ve also been able to start traveling now and love seeing new places, with recent trips to Alaska, the national parks in the Southwest, and Hawaii.DW: Great to hear about your hospitality ministry. I will be out dropping by with ten of my closest friends to check out your bunkhouse real soon. If you have bacon, we will be just fine. Do you have a life motto or Bible verse that guides you?JM: My two life verses tie to the power of prayer:“With man this is impossible, but all things are possible with God.” –Matthew 19:26“I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” –Philippians 4:13DW: Excellent. Tell us about what’s next for you? Any appearances, forthcoming releases, etc.?JM: I’m currently working on a Bible study called Strength Training, which will be published by First Place 4 Health next year. Each of the ten weeks focuses on a person from the Bible who demonstrated a certain kind of strength. This is my second Bible study for First Place, which is a Christian organization that helps people find physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The first book was called Training for Success—a Bible study on the characteristics of Christ.I love speaking and am very excited that Craig and I will be touring Israel this fall, where I’ll speak on prayer in the places where Jesus prayed. I can’t wait to stand in the places where my Lord lived, spoke, and prayed.DW: Where can people learn more about you and your writing?JW: Find me at www.janetmchenry.com and follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JanetMcHenryAuthor/DW: Janet, we love First Place 4 Health. My co-author of Taking God to Work is good friends with Carole Lewis, long-time First Place 4 Health leader. Well, it has been a great pleasure having you visit. God bless you in all of your endeavors for Him.Readers, thanks so much for joining us for this interview. It’s now less than one week until Taking God to Work is released. Check out our pre-sale at Amazon and most other on-line stores. Learn more at our website: www.takinggodtowork.com.Click the cover image to read more on Amazon.

The Story Behind Taking God to Work

Many months ago, God began stirring an idea in the hearts of Pastor Steve Reynolds and me. Separately at first, we felt the nudging of God's Spirit. People spend almost one-third of our lives at our jobs. Yet, many of us put a wall between our faith and the work we do.God wants each of us to understand that our work is His plan for taking care of the world. He intends for every person to play an active role in caring for others and our planet by doing our jobs as unto Him.Does God Want to Help You at Work?I used to think that church was church and work was work. If I kept my witness together, perhaps a co-worker might eventually ask me about my faith. Then, I could heroically lead them down the Romans Road to God's plan of salvation. This did not happen too often. Okay, it never happened.Now, I realize that work is meant to be so much more. Every day, we are called to love others through our work. Each customer we serve is God's creation. They depend on us to be at our best to meet their needs within the context of our jobs. As God intends, this mindset has the potential to elevate every job to the level of worship. As we create computer code, mow lawns or sell new cars, we have the potential to improve the lives of those who use our goods and services.As Pastor Steve crafted the sermons which underpin Taking God to Work, we both began to see that God was doing a bigger work than just encouraging the congregation of Capital Baptist Church. Many of us began yielding our work lives over to Jesus on a whole new level. We reaped new heights of job satisfaction and effectiveness. A BookJust as we saw great benefits within our friends at Capital Baptist, we trust that God plans to do great things through you as you yield more and more of your work life to Him.Our prayer is that you will read Taking God to Work: Keys to Lasting Success and find a fresh miracle happening within your work life. Let Him care for others through your work.Click the imageto buy the book

Interview with Ronie Kendig

Welcome Ronie Kendig. We first met at a conference in Northern Virginia. She teaches a mean workshop. Her latest book is Thirst for Steel from the Tox Series. On with the interview.DLW: Ronie, thanks for joining us. Tell our readers what state you currently call home and any other places that have special significance in your past.RK: My family and I just moved to New Jersey from gorgeous Northern Virginia. This Texas gal (20+ years) is having a hard time adjusting. But . . . fugeddaboutit, :-DDLW: I’m sure New Jersey will spur on your creative juices. What genre or genres do you like to write?RK: I love writing suspense novels as well as speculative novels. Both feed my muse and, on very good sales cycles, my family.DLW: You are a great writer. The pages turn themselves when I read your books. What authors do you like to read?RK: My go-to authors include David Baldacci, James Rollins, Brandon Sanderson, Marisa Meyer, and several others.DLW: Very interesting mix. Other than the Bible, which we all can agree is a must-read, what books affected your life and how did they make an impact?RK: Two books pop to mind immediately: Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis and Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby. The former helped me see the lies that tend to tear me down and get me off-track with God. The latter did the same thing, but laden with Scripture and God’s truth.DLW: Loved Screwtape Letters also. Tell us about a memorable reader or fan. Perhaps a story about a personal encounter or some kind of email or message you received.RK: In my early days, I was part of a multi-author signing in Texas. While we were there, things were slow, but this gentleman kept passing my table. Then his wife tugged him over and said he needed to check out my books. He was resistant, but I could tell there was more going on than just my novels. For the next hour, he stood there and talked and cried—something that embarrassed him immensely—about his experiences in Viet Nam. THAT is why I’m writing—to open dialogue about our military heroes. It was humbling and awe-inspiring.DLW: Great story. Working for many years in Navy, I definitely understand what you are saying. Do you have any unique writing habits or rituals that you go through before sitting down at the computer?RK: Unique writing habits or rituals…you mean besides intense procrastination that includes cleaning the house, purging closets, organizing the pantry, pulling weeds. I mean, not that I do any of that . . . Before I start writing, however, I always do an intensive study of my character and their background. I do need a clean office or my mind won’t settle into the story.DLW: Nice. Apart from writing, what hobbies or pastimes do you enjoy?RK: Several – I believe sending cards is a lost art, so I hand-craft cards and send them out. I also love to crochet and knit, as well as decorate my home. All of those feed my muse and give me time away from the keyboard. I hope to get back into taekwondo this summer—my husband and I are both 2nd degree black belts, and I really miss the physicality of martial arts.DLW: I will remember to be very polite next time we meet at a writer’s conference. Do you have a life motto or Bible verse that guides you?RK: My life verse is Exodus 14:14 and had become a very good source of grounding for me in life. Helps me remember that I don’t have to defend myself or fight for this or that. Doing my best each day is the only requirement—the rest is up to Him.DLW: Tell us about what’s next for you? Any appearances, forthcoming releases, etc.?RK: My twentieth novel, Thirst of Steel, just released. I’ve signed a contract for a new series and have turned in the first book on that—more details coming soon. I’m also under obligation with another publisher for another speculative series, this one a space opera. And I have a couple of Top Secret projects, so there is plenty coming for Rapid-Fire Readers!Check out Thirst of Steel on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2mOHCfsDLW: Thirst of Steel is amazing. I’m loving that book and plan to get a review up on Amazon and Goodreads very soon. Hope my readers will pick up a copy and see what they have been missing.DLW: Ronie, thanks so much for joining me. You are amazing and I look forward to the Space Opera. I’m picturing Captain Kirk and Spock belting out a duet. Best wishes for your books and your life in Jersey.I love these interviews with some of my favorite authors. Hope you are liking them too. Pre-sales have begun for my next release with Steve Reynolds, Taking God to Work. Check it out on our website by clicking the image below.

Interview with James Rubart

As a blogger, I sometimes wonder what people want to read in warm weather months. Heavy topics and hot temperatures don't seem to go together. What sounded right to me? A series of interviews with authors that I love. Today, I am excited to welcome bestselling and award-winning Christian fiction author James L. Rubart. Beyond being an amazing writer, he is a stellar human being and a marketing whiz. One of the first luminaries that I met when beginning my author journey, Jim encouraged me to get going, find my niche and unleash myself on God's world. So, it is with great pleasure, I present author James Rubart.Latest book: The Man He Never WasWebsites: jamesLrubart.comnovelmarketing.comrubartwritingacademy.comBio: James L. Rubart is 28 years old but lives trapped in an older man’s body. He's the best-selling, Christy BOOK of the YEAR, CAROL, INSPY and RT Book Reviews award winning author of nine novels, co-host of The Novel Marketing podcast, and co-founder of the Rubart Writing Academy.DLW: Thanks for joining us. Tell our readers what state you currently call home and any other places that have special significance in your past.JLR: Thanks for having me, David. I lived in the Seattle area all my life till three years ago when my wife and I moved to eastern Washington state. I grew up camping with my family up and down the Oregon coast and still have great affection for that area.DLW: Very interesting. My family were great campers too. Perhaps the outdoors feeds the author gene in some of us. For our audience, what genre or genres do you like to write?JLR: My agent and publisher tell me I’ve invented my own genre which is a bit of a challenge to define! But let’s try: I write contemporary stories with fantastical elements sprinkled in, a bit of suspense, some psychological underpinnings along with a splash of romance. DLW: A powerful combination. Tell us about your most recent book and the message(s) behind it?JLR: The Man He Never Was is my latest novel and it looks at the dark side of our souls. I was inspired by a sermon I heard that talked about how the novella Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was influenced by Romans Chapter 7. I attempted to write a modern reimagining, but with a Christian twist thrown in. DLW: Like the other books of yours that I've read, the Man He Never Was really spoke to me. I found myself asking questions similar to those the main character faced. What authors do you like to read?JLR: C.S. Lewis, Ted Dekker, Karen Hancock, Harlan Coben ... and so many others.DLW: Other than the Bible, which we all can agree is a must-read, what books affected your life and how did they make an impact?JLR: The book(s) that had the biggest impact on my life were The Chronicles of Narnia. They inspired me to become an author, have shaped my theology, drawn me to God in a way no other books have, and I still re-read them even as an adult. I’ve been reading The Last Battle to my wife this summer.DLW: Definitely, CS Lewis left a footprint on many of us. Tell us about a memorable reader or fan. Perhaps a story about a personal encounter or some kind of email or message you received.JLR: I got an email from a gentleman who said my novel was part of his journey away from suicide. I was stunned. If he were the only person who ever read one of my novels, it would have all been worth it.DLW: That must have been amazing. I doubt that readers understand the impact and encouragement they can bring with a few words or a short email to an author. So powerful. Do you have any unique writing habits or rituals that you go through before sitting down at the computer?JLR: I typically go through a complex set of exercises called, “Mind Blowing Ways to Procrastinate.” They have never failed to work. When I do finally sit down I have one strange quirk. When I’m writing a first draft, I have to have a bag of jumbo sunflower seeds next to me.DLW: As a bird owner, the sunflower seeds might be problematic for me. Apart from writing, what hobbies or past-times do you enjoy?JLR: Playing guitar. Sleight of hand. Kayaking with my wife. Playing golf. Water skiing. Hiking. Dirt bike riding. Taking photos. I don’t get bored too easily!DLW: You are an active guy indeed. Do you have a life motto or Bible verse that guides you?JLR: I have many, but I’ll choose just one for this moment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” Do that, and everything else falls into place.DLW: Jim, I love your Novel Marketing Podcast. It has taught me a bunch about promoting the messages God places on my mind. Tell us about what’s next for you? Any appearances, forthcoming releases, etc.?JLR: My next novel, The Pages of Her Life, releases in January. It’s the first time my main protagonist has been female, so I’m excited about it. Also, I’m working on a series of stories with Susan May Warren and her son, David about a time traveling detective who solves cold cases by going into the past.DLW: Jim, that all sounds very interesting. I can't wait to read your next book. Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for your encouragement to Christian writers.JLR: Thanks much for having me, David!

Christmas in July

My ebook Five Christmas Plays: With Joy Inside will be free on Amazon July 16-19. Check it out.

Close Friends

Growing up, we meet all kinds of people. Some make us smile as we pass them in a hallway and others come to our house for games of tag, Star Trek phaser fights or baking cookies with our moms. By high school, we think some of these friends will be around for a lifetime. We can't imagine life without them.College and romantic relationships crowd out some of those friendships, even though we planned to always keep in touch. Those who begin families find their time full of little league games or trips to amusement parks. Before long, those precious friendships of the past seem all but a forgotten memory.Then, Came Our 50sThen, you reach your late fifties. Suddenly, you begin to wonder "what ever happened to old what's his name?"Last year, my forty-year high school reunion became a fascinating time of re-connecting with many familiar faces of the past. Since then, I've seen and heard so much about the lives of long-lost friends. Brandy moved to Las Vegas, raised a beautiful family and continued in her relationship with Jesus. Through Facebook, I enjoyed seeing her children reach several exciting milestones and marveled at her ability to keep looking young.Some years ago, Connie survived a horrific back injury and fought through the pain to reclaim an active outdoor life in Colorado. How wonderful to see her and her husband riding bikes and enjoying physically challenging recreation.One of the truly good guys from high school, Mark lost his wife unexpectedly. Yet, he continues to get the most out of life and contemplates a major move next year.BonniePerhaps, Bonnie became one of the most interesting classmates since our graduation. She continues to practice her faith amid life's many challenges. Over the past year, I've prayed with her through some health challenges. She makes me smile when I see her faith-filled responses to life's curve balls.Now, she faces another mountain and could use our prayers, even though she remains full of faith and courage.Closer Than a BrotherReconnecting with all these people reminds me that there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Jesus is there for those of us who call His name. Regardless the life challenges, He watches over us and keeps us. All we need to do is invite Him into our lives, confess our sins and accept His free gift of forgiveness. These small steps begin an epic journey that has the power to transform us for the better. If you haven't, won't you make this step today?

Graduating From Life with Honors

May and June are the big graduation months across the United States. Those of us with even medium-sized families attend a fair share of commencement ceremonies in a lifetime. But what about our graduation from life?Unless Christ returns in the air and takes us all home beforehand, every one of us will eventually pass from this life into the next. For us, this event may resemble a graduation day.One thing we know for sure, any life that includes seeing our Lord Jesus face-to-face will be a promotion to this life. "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known" (1 Corinthians 13:12).I don't know about you, but I enjoyed many aspects of high school. By putting a lot of time and energy into trying new things, high school became a time where I learned about academic subjects and about myself. Even with an adventurous spirit, there are many opportunities that I didn't maximize.Maximize Our Time on EarthSo, how do we make the most of our time on Earth? "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it" (1 Corinthians 9:24).I want to run my race in a way that pleases an audience of one (or maybe two.) When it comes down to it, what God thinks about how I spend my time matters more than anything else. I've recently begun to seek Him in a new way, intentionally asking Him to show me the right ways to spend my most important resource. Time is our most precious resource.No Stress, Just PurposeThis blog isn't meant to stress anyone out. We don't have to run around, always in a hurry to get from activity to activity. But we gain so much value from understanding our purpose. It allows us to focus on high priority activities. As a Christian, my priorities include spending time with God and reading His Word, checking on family and praying for them, maximizing my ministry opportunities to give back to others and developing relationships that make me better.Enjoying the journey of life brings daily joy. Knowing that our time in this amusement park of life will someday end allows us to focus on the outcomes that we hope for ourselves and our loved ones.Speaking of GraduationsSpeaking of graduations, do you have a recent graduate who needs to get off to a great start in life. My author friend, Janet McHenry edited a book of advice from recent graduates to recent graduates. It is written in a clear, friendly tone that speaks to the heart. It's called 50 Life Lessons for Grads. Check it out on Amazon by clicking the image of the book below.

God Heals Broken Minds

Dashing into 7-11 this morning, I grabbed a coffee for a friend and headed to the diet soda dispenser for myself. A familiar homeless lady stood at the machine, teaching so many object lessons with her very existence.Everyone in our urban/suburb town knows Nora. She always wears a toboggan hat, even in today's 80-degree weather. The plastic tag is still hanging from the top of the yellow knit hat. Although obviously a female, several whiskers protrude from her chin and many wrinkles surround her eyes. Even in the dead of summer, she appears overdressed wearing many layers. Although some homeless people can seem off-putting at times, she is quiet but friendly to any who engage her.A Minor CrisisI quickly discern she is having trouble retrieving a lid from the dispenser. In her left arm and hand, she clutches the free Senior Beacon Newspaper, a spiral-bound notebook and other items. She is trying fruitlessly to use her right hand to free a lid from the tightly packed sleeve of lids. Partially out of kindness and partially trying to get her need met so I can get my Diet Pepsi, I ask if I can help."Oh, certainly," she said sweetly."Let me put that on for you," I said after retrieving the lid."Thank you." She looked up at me with just a hint of hope in her eyes.Inner BrokennessMy brief interaction with Nora nearly brought me to tears because her obvious brokenness is on display for everyone to see. I often wonder what combination of choices and life circumstances brought her to this place of wandering the streets, perhaps in the throes of mental illness?People in our town have done much to accommodate Nora's mental issues. One man lets her park her shopping cart in his garage. Another buys her breakfast at 7-11. She always tries to retrieve change from her pocket, but the clerk tells her "No, it's taken care of." Others get her out of the cold in the worst part of Winter.Although Nora's life dysfunction is obvious, how many of us walk around nearly as broken inside as Nora? Are we more than a couple of months away from losing a job and plunging into financial chaos? Could some family tragedy quickly lead us to a dark, broken mental place?Jesus Makes the DifferenceThe difference for Christians is Jesus. Our caring Shepherd wants to watch over us and save us from evil, catastrophe and ourselves. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Oh how I pray that Nora can find this salvation.Though we are sometimes driven to the brink by life's circumstances, we trust in One who is able to deliver us regardless of the situation. As we contemplate Memorial Day and the sacrifices of others, let's not forget the sacrifice Jesus made to permanently save us from our sins. His blood covers all of our wrong choices and His mercy is everlasting.