Davalynn Spencer's Blog, page 39
February 5, 2018
It’s the Little Pieces That Heat Up the Fire
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
My granddaughter helped me bring in firewood one evening, using a cloth shopping bag to carry her load.
“I can’t carry the big pieces like you,” she said.
“That’s okay,” I told her. “It’s the little pieces that heat up the fire.”
Those little pieces are often called scrap. Discards. Misfits. They don’t stack uniformly with the nicely split logs, matching up smooth ends until the woodpile looks like an artful design.
No, but they get a big fire going in my woodstove.
Sometimes we underestimate the power of insignificance.
How small do you suppose the two fish were that a Jewish mother packed for her little boy’s lunch the day Jesus used them to feed thousands?
Why is it that the little foxes spoil the grapes?
And how tiny is the spark that kindles a conflagration? Gossip, anyone? Hearsay?
God does not ignore the seemingly insignificant, and often chooses it to fulfill His purposes.
Imagine being loved by a creator who sees value in all of His creation—even in the castoffs and misfits.
And by the way, it’s the match that starts the fire in my woodstove. The very smallest wood piece of all.
Sometimes we underestimate the power of insignificance.
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It’s the little pieces that heat up the fire.
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An Improper Proposal
Upon her return, a fire crackled on the hearth and Blue lay as close as possible. The men stood with their backs to the warmth, feet bare of even their socks. A strange sight on a June evening, but not so foreign that it didn’t fit this surprising country with its heart-stopping beauty and sudden storms.
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(c) 2018 Davalynn Spencer, all rights reserved.
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January 29, 2018
Growing Up
Today I’ve asked busy mother and award-winning suspense author Theresa Lynn Hall to share some words of encouragement with us. You can find more information about Theresa and her latest book below.
~
My life has always been filled with kids—even before I had my own. I taught Sunday school, worked at a daycare, went on to become a teacher, and later a mom.
One thing you always hear kids say is “I can’t wait to be older!” My son asked me for a cellphone when he was only six years old. My reply was no, because he was ”only” six. He replied with, “Mom, you treat me like I’m four.” I knew right then I was not ready for the teen years.
My youngest son just turned eighteen and he reminded me that the world sees him as an adult now. My reply was, “Maybe so, but to your mom you’ll always be a baby.”
Kids always want to be grown. They have this illusion that adulthood is easy, fun, and full of freedom. I’m reminded of that saying about youth being wasted on the young. It fits. For most kids, life is easy because they have their parents to lean on. They have no idea what it means to be on their own. Then they group up and find out the truth—life is hard.
As I watch my kids growing up, I know they will have difficult times to go through. Life will knock them down and they’ll get hurt by people. As we all do.
But God doesn’t want us walking through this world without him. He wants to carry us when it gets too hard. He wants his word coursing through our veins. He wants to be our shelter in every storm. All we have to do is call out to him and he is there for us.
Dear God, when life gets hard, when things seem so unbearable that I can’t move on, strengthen me, give me wisdom, and remind me that all I need is you. I will praise you in my storms and take comfort in your shelter. Amen.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
~~~
Private Investigator, Braden McCoy wants nothing more than to finish out the week doing a little fishing from his boat. The ex-special ops vet enjoys his peaceful life and loves his new career. He’s learned to put his past behind him and enjoy his blessings. Until a mourning redhead walks into his office and changes his plans.
Lexi Ramos always knew her family was dysfunctional. Until the sudden death of her brother, she never knew exactly how much. Consumed with questions surrounding his accident, she seeks the help of a private investigator. What starts out as a murder investigation in Cozumel, quickly crosses borders and escalates into a race against time to save them both from Brazilian kidnappers, who somehow know more about her family secrets than she does. Lexi soon realizes that life comes with a price.
Ransom in Rio, winner of Oklahoma RWA IDA award for Inspirational Short Novel
~
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(c) 2018 Davalynn Spencer, all rights reserved.
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January 22, 2018
Testing Produces Endurance
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
Each morning, my radio comes on at 5:25, set to a Christian music station, and I catch the last five minutes of an inspirational program before the day’s music begins.
Sometimes I crawl out of bed immediately. Sometimes I lie there and listen to the worship. Depends on the day.
Regardless, the radio is programmed to stay on for an hour, a worshipful background to my morning routine. I don’t always “listen,” but it’s there, building me up rather than tearing me down.
One recent morning during those first five minutes when I wasn’t fully awake, the host quoted James 1:3, though I didn’t realize it at the time. I wasn’t paying close attention, but what he said sank down into my subconscious without my recognition of it until later.
Not long after, I was in front of the TV, working out with an exercise coach on Public Television. That morning, the routine was slow, and the coach said many people don’t understand how important a slow workout can be.
“Slow work produces endurance,” she said. “Endurance is long-term strength. Power is immediate strength,” as in a sudden burst.
A phrase from the radio host bobbed to the surface with brilliant clarity:
“…the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
The sudden “newness” of an old concept was startling.
But when the exercise coach said power strength comes from endurance strength, everything clicked into place.
My spiritual tendency is to want power over endurance, because endurance takes time to acquire.
That’s time, as in more than ten minutes. Long-term. Requiring perseverance. And usually that other word, waiting.
Has God ever encouraged us to slow down and wait?
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles.
They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Wow. That sounds like endurance to me.
~
An Improper Proposal
The Parker ranch stood as a solid example of hard labor and diligence and a family’s strength. Mae Ann was determined to do her part in continuing that heritage. This was her home now too, and with God’s help, her marriage could become beautiful and good as well. ~An Improper Proposal
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(c) 2018 Davalynn Spencer, all rights reserved.
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January 15, 2018
What Do You Say When God Asks You a Question?
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
One morning last week I was reading about Moses arguing with God at the burning bush. (Personality clue there for ole Mose.)
God gives him an assignment and Moses gives reasons why he can’t do it.
“Yes, you can,” God says.
“No, I can’t.”
And so it went.
Finally, God says, “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2)
I stopped right there, went back, and read it again.
God asks Moses a question with an obvious answer. And God knows everything, right? So why does He need to ask?
I immediately flashed back to a previous question God once asked.
“Where are you, Adam?” (Genesis 3:8-11)
Another query to a different man:
“What are you doing here, Elijah?” (I Kings 19:9)
And just one more:
“What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked the blind man. (Mark 10:51)
Clearly, a pattern.
I wonder if God uses this tactic to involve us in the conversation at a deeper level. Perhaps He wants our participation in processing our reasons, motives, and hesitancies. Are His questions a test of our faith, or does He simply know that sometimes we just don’t “get it”?
God knows. But He wants us to know, and often that requires a question.
Since our Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever, there’s a good possibility He’s still asking questions of His children.
Are we quiet enough to hear what He’s asking us?
~~~
She stirred the gravy in wide slow circles, listening for Pop’s voice. It came low and tense, and she stilled the spoon to concentrate on his words. ~Straight to My Heart
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(c) 2018 Davalynn Spencer, all rights reserved.
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January 8, 2018
5 Books I Read in 2017 and Recommend
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
I read a lot of books last year. It’s what I do besides write. I won’t share them all with you today, but I want to mention five that stood out and stayed with me. Four are fiction, one is a biography. They’re not all new releases. One is more than twenty years old and is not considered “inspirational,” but a good book is a good book.
If you choose to read these titles, I hope they entertain and bless you as much as they did me.
Fiction:
The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof (2016 Mason Jar Books)
I couldn’t let go of this inspirational historical romance. It moved my heart in unexpected ways, taking me to a world I never dreamed I would see. A tale of love and great sacrifice, trust and acceptance. To say it impacted my life would be an understatement.
Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin (2011 Bethany House)
This is the captivating story of a young woman from Illinois in 1936 who takes a box of books to a small coal town in eastern Kentucky – and ends up working for the Packhorse Library Project. Absolutely unforgettable characters supported by rich and unique vignettes of God’s grace.
The Bodacious Kid by Stan Lynde (1996 Cottonwood Publishing)
I read a half-dozen Lynde books this year—all because of this one, recommended by my cowgirl friend Lynne. This is a true “Western” similar to Louis L’Amour, but Lynde writes with a Montana-sized sense of humor. His character, Merlin Fanshaw, is addictive. Just sayin’.
A Lady in Defiance by Heather Blanton, Book 1 of the Romance in the Rockies series (2014, Rivulet Publishing)
Three sisters on their way to California settle in Defiance, Colorado, after meeting heartache, regret, and an obstinate saloon/brothel owner. This isn’t a peaches-and-cream sweet romance. It’s gritty. But it is Christian fiction and God shines all the brighter.
Nonfiction:
Mrs. Oswald Chambers by Michelle Ule (2017 Baker Books)
The subtitle to this book is: The Woman behind the World’s Bestselling Devotional, and that’s one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much. I love Oswald Chambers and have read My Utmost for His Highest countless times. This book offers readers a glimpse of the Chambers’ life from England to the Egyptian desert, how they raised their daughter, and the great love they had for God and for each other. It’s a compelling account that draws the reader into the life, labor, and love of a remarkable woman. Learn more about author Michelle Ule at her website.
Note:
Researchers say reading gives our brains a good workout. It improves concentration, memory function, and sleep and also helps reduce stress. (It helps authors too!)
Another Note:
I have included Amazon links to the books for simplicity’s sake, but please remember that books can be purchased from several different online retailers, in brick-and-mortar book stores, and via author websites. Happy reading! And may all that you read be uplifting.
~~~
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(c) 2018 Davalynn Spencer, all rights reserved.
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January 1, 2018
The New Year Rises
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
The New Year rises ahead of us like an imposing mountain range.
A few of us actually want to scale the high peaks. We’re unable to resist the compelling call of adventure and challenge.
Others don’t mind the winding roads that interlace the mountains, as long as the turns aren’t too sharp and they’re clear of snow. And the heater in our car works.
The rest of us pray for a helicopter.
In my experience, helicopters haven’t been the typical means of conquering life’s greatest challenges.
But God’s presence has.
The book of Proverbs tells us to trust the Lord with all our heart and not to depend on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5).
I’m grateful for this directive, because my understanding wouldn’t get me very far.
Sometimes the past causes me to fear the future.
But if I’m trusting the Creator of those seemingly insurmountable mountains, I’ll make it.
God assures us that if we are in a wilderness, He will make a way through.
If we are in a desert, He will carve a river there.
“Forget the former things,” He says. “Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Praise God, He goes with us as we face all the new things—including the New Year.
~~~
“Livvy—wait.”
She would rather die. Lifting her skirt with one hand, she gripped the bench seat with the other and climbed up the wheel spokes.
Whit ran to the horse and grabbed its bridle. “Livvy, that was nearly ten years ago. We were children. Can’t we start over?”
The only thing she wanted to start over was his foot. With a hard yank, she slapped the reins on the horse’s rump and nearly got her wish as the wagon lurched ahead.
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(c) 2018 Davalynn Spencer, all rights reserved.
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December 25, 2017
Rejoice!
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
Rejoice, whether you celebrate the western interpretation of Christmas or not.
Rejoice, for Christ – Messiah – the Word – our Savior became flesh and dwelt among man.
Rejoice with those who sing His praises!
The link below will take you to one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs. But I warn you, if you are looking for a quiet and timid rendition of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” this version is not for you. This modern version (by For King & Country) will open unseen portals and let you listen to what it might have sounded like when Heaven’s Armies sang to shepherds.
Merry Christmas, and …
~~~
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(c) 2017 Davalynn Spencer, all rights reserved.
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December 18, 2017
Forget Something This Year?
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
Last week I visited a local nursing home and overheard an elderly resident making his way out of the television room after a Christmas celebration.
“They forgot about Jesus,” he told a passing CNA. “It’s all Santa Claus.”
The white-haired fellow shuffled down the hallway toward his room, hands gripping the walker that preceded his shallow steps.
“Santa can’t forgive you your sins,” he said to anyone who would listen. “But Jesus can.”
The bent little man may have forgotten a lot of things, but he hadn’t forgetten about hope.
And at the end of the season—or the end of a life—isn’t that all that really matters?
~~~
Just inside the barn’s wide door, Ara paused by a new wooden manger filled with fresh hay as if awaiting a heavenly guest. Bending to breathe in the grassy perfume, she closed her eyes and marveled at the simple pleasure. A scuffling step said Buck was near.
“It’s an offering.” He stopped beside her and fluffed the hay with his large, rough hands. “He came to stockmen, you know. Like us. And His ma made His bed in a barn.”
Ara’s heart warmed at Buck’s uncharacteristic tenderness. “It’s a wonderful gift. Exactly what the Christ child would need.”
His thick brows rose with hope. “You really think so?”
“Of course. Warmth and shelter and love. The same things we all need. I’m sure He would have been most comfortable in this crib you’ve made.” ~ from The Snowbound Bride
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(c) 2017 Davalynn Spencer, all rights reserved.
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December 11, 2017
O Holy Night – Seriously?
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
I think the flagship song of religious Christmas celebration should be retitled: “O Horrifying Night.”
(Before you stop reading to write me a scathing email, think about it.)
The whole Nativity scenario is the perfect setup for stress: essential homelessness for a young expectant mother—no B&B’s in Bethlehem. Imminent delivery, less than clean or comforting surroundings, and strangers everywhere, some of them (aka shepherds) showing up to see the baby in the middle of the night.
Sounds pretty horrifying to me.
Okay, I admit I love the song, “O Holy Night” (listen here), and have played and sung it countless times, but it romanticizes a traumatic moment in human history, leaving out the pain, apprehension, and yes, the risk of birth.
And yet, God chose to share even this with us—basic entry into human life on earth.
It’s just like God to show up on the darkest nights in the hardest situations. When fear of the known or unknown wraps us in lightless terror, He comes with hope and comfort. He chooses the quietest moments, when uncertainty of security amplifies anxiety. When faith is at its lowest ebb or absent altogether.
Consider Abraham, Isaac, Jacob … the shepherds near Bethlehem. Each met God in fear or wonder at night.
And He’s still showing up.
Regardless of our personal situations this year, may we sense His presence in our darkest nights. Whether they be holy or horrifying, may we take comfort in the fact that He is here. *Emmanuel—God with us.
*Also rendered Immanuel
~~~
“Prospectors and speculators will tell you there is no gold in Cañon City. Show them otherwise. Let the trial in your life—whatever that trial may be—purify your faith to a burning, burnished gold, worthy of the King who was the Child, so that something more valuable than mined mountain ore will shine for Him here.” ~Caleb Hutton in Loving the Horseman
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December 4, 2017
Perplexing perfection
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
A parent of a young child told me last week that this year’s Christmas-tree decorating experience was the best ever.
Why? Because the parent discovered that the tree didn’t have to be perfect. At least not in anyone’s eyes but the child’s.
Ornaments were left where the youngster put them on the tree—completely unbalanced and all hanging about two feet from the floor. The parent took joy in the child taking joy.
It’s easy to lose one’s perspective of Christmas festivities. As adults, we want everything to look just right, sound just right, taste just right. But what kind of memories are we making for our children?
Sometimes those memories aren’t so good, and many of us bigger kids deal with our own painful issues this time of year. However, we can stop the cycle.
Jesus once made an interesting comment to a group of adults complaining about what children were chanting about him.
“Haven’t you read,” Jesus said, “‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?” (Matt.21:16 NKJV)
Imagine – the words of children reaching God’s idea of perfection. I’ll bet it had something to do with the heart.
I wish I’d been more like Jesus during the holidays when my children were young. I was a little too concerned about how the Christmas village display looked, and I kept a pretty tight rein on its layout rather than letting young minds and hands arrange it the way they wanted.
Participation trumps perfection every time.
Life is messy and disorganized.
So are kids.
So are celebrations—especially Christmas.
Let’s not allow our displeasure over unbalanced décor to spoil our children’s Christmas memories.
Instead, let the games of life begin! Full of imperfections—and praises—in all their childlike splendor.
~~~
The bell clanged and the Smith family poured through the mercantile door, bundled and stomping and laughing. The children’s eyes glittered like Christmas candles when they saw the stately spruce.
“Oh, Mama,” Emmy said. “It smells so pretty. Can we have a tree?” ~Loving the Horseman
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