Davalynn Spencer's Blog, page 46
September 19, 2016
More Than the Beholder’s Eye
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
On freelance assignment for the local newspaper, I covered a craft show where several lapidarists displayed their work.
One man showed not only his finished products but rough stones as well—so rough, that had I hiked by them on a mountain path, I might have kicked them out of the way. I certainly would not have recognized them for their potential.
When I asked how he recognized a true gem among thousands of plain rocks, he gladly shared his secret: “You can’t tell what it is unless it’s broken.”
Ouch. The rockslide of spiritual application nearly crushed me.
He continued. “It’s got to be broken or be a rainy day.” When the sun hits the wet or broken rock just right, he said, that’s when he can see what it really is.
It’s way more than beauty in the eye of the beholder. For a lapidarist, more than observation is involved. He or she will cut, polish, and perhaps engrave the unappealing stone and transform it into a beautiful work of art.
Like God does with us. He knows what we can be, claims us in our raw and unattractive brokenness, and fashions us into living stones.
When we’re left broken in the pouring rain or merciless sun, we feel anything but beautiful. Yet the Master Artisan sees us for what we can be at the touch of His hand.
And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple.
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September 12, 2016
Still Connected?
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
Staying connected today has never been easier, thanks to technology.
And it’s never been harder.
There’s too much going on. In fact there’s so much going on – so much technological noise – that we can miss the more important connections in our lives.
Staying connected requires extra effort if we don’t want circumstances to pull us away from what we value.
Reconnecting takes even more effort. And sometimes, pride gets in our way.
The famous parent-child story in Luke 15:20 shows the effort made on both sides of a negative situation. Pride could have destroyed the relationship, but neither individual allowed that to happen. The son returned to his father; the father ran to his son.
Most of us have someone in our life we need to reconnect with. Our spouse, parents, children. Old friends. God.
Let’s make the effort. It’s so worth it.
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September 5, 2016
As the deer … so my soul.
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
I’m learning an important lesson from the deer that frequent my yard, a lesson I seem to be re-learning a lot lately.
“Wait and listen.”
The young bucks in this picture show exactly how it works: stop what you’re doing and tune in your senses.
I’m not very deer-like. Too often I fail to listen before I leap.
However, when I do listen, the most important things I hear are not auditory. They’re an impression. A whisper in my heart.
Pastor, author, and photographer Dr. Charles Stanley once said when asked if he’d ever heard God’s audible voice: “He speaks so loud quietly, that I don’t need any audible voice.”
I think Dr. Stanley is right.
Last week I received this wait-and-listen message at least three times in my everyday activities, and these impressions were underscored with scripture I’d learned long ago:
For the Lord is a faithful God.
Blessed are those who wait for his help …
Your own ears will hear him.
Right behind you a voice will say,
‘This is the way you should go”
(Isaiah 30:18, 21).
I want to be more deer-like.
As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God (Psalm 42:1 NLT).
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August 29, 2016
Remembering
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
Yesterday morning this double rainbow appeared in the western sky, an unusual occurrence. Typically, the bows form in the east following an afternoon or early evening shower. But just enough rain sprinkled from scattered clouds to bring the colorful bow to life.
Sometimes, all we need to do is remember. God told us He would remember his promise to us when He saw the rainbow.
When I send clouds over the earth,
the rainbow will appear in the clouds,
and I will remember my covenant
with you and with all living creatures.
Genesis 9:14, 15 NLT
Two major ingredients are required for a rainbow: water and light. Interesting, isn’t it, that we can find both of these necessary ingredients for our lives in Jesus.
Check out this link for a fun and scientific explanation of how rainbows form.
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August 15, 2016
Help — I’m being eaten alive!
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
The prophet Jeremiah said the person who trusted God would flourish like a tree whose leaves never withered. But he didn’t mention anything about being eaten alive.
In April I planted an aspen cluster in the back yard, watered it faithfully, and strategically placed rock and wire to discourage cats and deer.
Fresh tree in April
However, nothing stops grasshoppers.
The critters were worse this year than I’ve ever seen, and I finally returned to the nursery where I purchased the tree to pick up a bottle of super-duper bug spray. The hoppers were so bad in our area, the shop had sold out and the bug spray was on back-order for months out.
Denuded aspen tree in July
“Just keep watering your tree,” the clerk told me. “It will come back next year. It’s only being defoliated.”
Her comment gave me hope.
I kept watering, and by August, leaves were reappearing on my tree as if it were spring!
Aspen tree in August
Sometimes I feel defoliated—as if every fresh and living part of me is being devoured by the enemy. I can almost hear him chewing. The woman’s encouragement to “keep watering” was exactly what I needed for the tree and exactly what helps me survive emotionally and spiritually.
Jesus is the water of life, and as I fill up with Him each morning, He faithfully keeps me alive in all seasons of destruction.
Thank God for His faithfulness.
The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come so that they may have life…whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. (John 10:10, John 4:14)
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August 8, 2016
Spur One Another On
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
People are spurring each other on in the Olympic Games in Rio this week. Fellow athletes, family members, friends, and national fans are all cheering for their favorite competitors.
Imagine hearing a crowd shouting encouragement as you cross the finish line, hit the mark, or sink the winning shot. Imagine the adrenaline rush of knowing others are supporting you, praying for you, and pulling for you.
That’s what believers need—other believers spurring them on and encouraging them in their daily walk. Not gouging, ridiculing, or judging, but offering words of hope, letting them know someone’s in their corner.
As we cheer for our favorite athletes in this year’s Summer Olympics, let’s find someone at home who needs an extra boost in their daily walk.
A little encouragement could mean the difference between falling and finishing.
”And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds …” Hebrews 10:24
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August 1, 2016
Don’t Forget the Miracles
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
Most of us are familiar with the story of David and Goliath, but I think it has the wrong name. It should be called the story of King Saul and a shepherd boy. Goliath is a secondary character. The real action takes place in the hearts of Saul and David.
One did not really know God and didn’t remember His interventions in the past. He panicked at the big threat.
One did know God and recalled what He had done in other situations. He knew the power of God behind a little stone.
That made all the difference.
Goliath really wasn’t anything special. Sure, he was big, ugly, and mean, but so are the giants we face today: despair, fear, heartache, and many others.
When we remember the miracles, interventions, and blessings of God in our lives, that recollection creates a foundation of faith. Especially if we verbalize it like David did:
“The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear
will rescue me from this Philistine!”
I Samuel 17:37 (NLT)
If we need to, let’s write a list of all the times God has come to our rescue. Then the next time we face an intimidating giant, we can say with David,
“The Lord who rescued me from _____
will rescue me from _____.”
You fill in the blanks.
Read the entire story of King Saul, David (and Goliath) in I Samuel 17:1-58.
July 25, 2016
Are We There Yet?
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
Are we there yet?
Each of us has more than likely asked that question or heard it from the back seat of our car. It’s just so hard to be patient when the road is long.
The work, the race—the pressing on—isn’t easy. But when we want something badly enough, we give the pursuit all we’ve got.
God promised He’d never abandon us, but would always give us the strength we need. That means we’re not in this roundup alone.
I press on to reach the end of the race
and receive the heavenly prize
for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
July 16, 2016
Scavenger Hunt Stop No. 5
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
Today I’m participating in a 26-author scavenger hunt that gives you, the reader, a chance to win books and a fabulous grand prize. The action begins right now on the Christian Authors Network blog where you’ll find detailed explanation of how the hunt works.
You’re looking for twenty-six phrases from twenty-six author blogs that string together into one paragraph. When you connect them all, enter at the Christian Authors Network page linked above.
The scavenger hunt runs through July 17 through July 23.
My phrase is listed in one of the questions below. (Hint: I begin the sentence that has my phrase with the words, “My phrase …” I hope you’ll come along for the fun!
I’m interviewing multi-published novelist Winnie Griggs who writes about Small towns, big hearts, amazing grace.
Welcome, Winnie. I’m so pleased to host you on my blog today. How did you come by your brand or personal tagline of “Small towns, big hearts, amazing grace”?
I was about seven books into my publishing career before I started trying to craft a tag line. By that time I’d written for both the secular and Christian markets, single title and category, historical and contemporary, American set and even one set partly in England. So I sat down and tried to figure out just what these books, and books I could envision myself writing in the future, would have in common. I found that these all had small town settings and a strong emotional core. After that, the tagline just sort of crafted itself.
In your 16-year career as a published author, how many books have you written?
The book coming out in September will be my 20th full-length novel and I’ve also written two novellas.
As an author, why did you choose the romance genre?
Basically, because that’s my favorite genre to read. I’m a sucker for a happily-ever-after ending.
You are a regular contributor on the historical blog, “Petticoats and Pistols.” Do you have a favorite post you’ve shared there that swept you up in a research extravaganza?
LOL, I don’t know whether I call it a research extravaganza, but one of my favorite posts was based on a little tidbit I’d heard about the Mississippi River flowing backward at one point in its history. Having grown up in a small town on the Mississippi, I was fascinated by this and had to dig in and find out the truth of it. You can see that post here.
Most of your books are published with Love Inspired Historical, though I noticed one contemporary title on your author’s website book page. How did you settle on historical romance over contemporary? Or have you?
I feel my voice more naturally lends itself to American-set historicals. I’m also most inspired by stories set in a time where women had fewer choices than they do today. That being said, the story that was the basis for The Heart’s Song was one that came to me out of the blue and wouldn’t let go. I do have a few other contemporary stories in me that I hope to tackle someday, but there are some historicals that are tugging at me more urgently.
Though this question is similar to asking a parent who their favorite child is, I’ll risk it. Do you have a favorite story or character that you’ve worked with over the years?
My favorite is always the one I’m working on at the moment.
My phrase in the scavenger hunt is “who have.” Can you tell me, out of all your books, which are the characters who have touched your heart the most with their trials and triumphs?
The one character who comes to mind is the hero from my second published book, Something More, which is sadly out of print now. I wrote a prologue for this book that shows a defining moment from his childhood and I cry every time I read it still today.
Do any of your story plots draw from your personal life experiences?
Only so far as my own life experiences inform who I am as a writer.
If you could meet with and interview any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Jane Austen. I’d love to learn if she was as witty and insightful in person as she was as an author.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become an author?
Read often and widely. And write every day, even if it’s just for short spurts. Treat your writing like the skill it is, one that can only be honed and perfected with practice.
Thank you, Winnie. Where can readers connect with you in online social media?
My website is www.winniegriggs.com and my facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/WinnieGriggs.Author
Continue on the Scavenger hunt by visiting the next blog which is Winnie’s at: http://www.winniegriggs.com/blog/2017-07-CAN-Scavenger-Hunt/
Good luck readers, and thanks for participating! When you’ve collected all the phrases and are ready to enter the contest, click here to send in your entry: http://christianauthorsnetwork.com/newreleases/
More about Winnie:
Winnie Griggs is the multi-published, award-winning author of Historical (and occasionally contemporary) romances that focus on Small Towns, Big Hearts, Amazing Grace. She’s published twenty-two books since her debut in 2001 and is contracted to do two more in the next year. In 2013 the first book in her Texas Grooms series, Handpicked Husband, garnered a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award.
Winnie grew up in south Louisiana in an area her friends thought of as the back of beyond. She and her siblings spent many an hour exploring the overgrown land around her home, cutting jungle trails, building forts and frontier camps, and looking for pirate ships on the nearby bayou. Along the way, she began capturing those wonderful adventures in the pages of her notebooks. Nowadays, Winnie feels blessed to be able to share her stories with readers through her published books.
Winnie loves to hear from readers. You can contact her via her website or connect with her on Facebook.
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July 10, 2016
God is in the detail
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “The devil is in the details.”
That’s not how it read originally. Someone liked the alliteration of the letter D and changed the subject of the sentence to devil.
Isn’t that just how it goes?
But if you look around, a little more closely than usual, you’ll see that the original phrase was much more accurate.
God is in the detail.
Where do you see His fingerprint in your life?
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