Michele Chynoweth's Blog, page 18

Be thankful even though…

A friend of mine used to say at 12-step meetings, if you wrote down your problems on a piece of paper and everyone in the group threw their slip of paper out onto the table, you’d want to get your own slip back rather than take someone’s else’s. So true! This, of course, is the season for being grateful and my thank you prayers were going something like this on this fine morning: “God, even though some family members gets on my nerves, thank you that I have have family to celebrate with this Thanksgiving; even though it’s still hard driving 40 minutes back and forth and working 9 to 5 each day, thank you for a job that helps put food on the table; even though my dream of being a best-selling novelist isn’t paying off quite yet, thank you for giving me that dream and purpose; even though my kids aren’t all going to church or even believing in You right now, thank you for keeping them healthy, safe and in Your care; and even though I have arthritis in my knees and hips, thank you for my overall good health, for legs that walk, arms that hug, eyes that see, ears that hear.” I think even “even though” prayers are pleasing to God – and that despite our problems (which, if we look out around us, and especially at the people in the world at large, really aren’t that bad) we should thank God often and always for all of our blessings. And this consistent gratitude keeps us happy. We can even be thankful for blessings yet to be, which keeps our hopes alive.  Here is a beautiful “thank you” prayer from David (Psalm 128): “I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart…I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness…When I called, you answered me; you made me bold…Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me…The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever– do not abandon the works of your hands.” Happy Thanksgiving! 

Pray for Paris

My heart goes out to all of the families of those lost in Friday’s tragic shootings in Paris. But I have to say I am not surprised at the attack reportedly by Islamic State or ISIS backed terrorists. I have thought for a long time that there needs to be more action – on the part of the United States and the world – to attempt to wipe out the Islamic State terrorist regime before they grow too big…and I just hope we’re not doing too little too late. I have always felt a little cursed (although I should say blessed!) to be driven by these issues – usually ideas that form and then eerily end up coming true – when it comes to my writing; my first novel originally involved bio-warfare by Iraqi terrorists (it was never published because ironically the New York agency that was supposed to represent the work was affected by 9-11 ), my first published novel, The Faithful One, involves the protagonist’s daughter being trapped and abused in Syria (and then Syria became a very dangerous place, especially for women), and my upcoming novel being released early next year (although in the making for three years), The Runaway Prophet, entails an Islamic State mafia overtaking Las Vegas and planting a nuclear weapon under one of the casinos. It’s a modern-day story based on the Book of Jonah in the Bible and Las Vegas represents the new Nineveh. Unfortunately, while God spared the people of Nineveh when they repented in Jonah, the sinful city was eventually destroyed. Yes, it’s fiction and I have to admit when I wrote it I hoped it would remain as such…but now with the latest horror in Paris, I’m afraid this type of invasion very well could happen – if it’s not happening already. We need to keep praying and asking our leaders in government to step up and take more action – before it’s too late. We also need to stay hopeful that God has a plan – for us, for Paris, for the world – and remain steadfast in our faith in Him. As it says in Jonah, “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs…Salvation comes from the Lord.”

Are you ALL in?

Last night my husband and I were watching “Madame Secretary” on TV about ISIS and it just so happened we were talking at dinner about canned vegetables (you know, how fresh or frozen are better for you) and he said we should really stock up though in case of emergency, like if ISIS ever attacked or shut down our power or something, and it made me start thinking, what if I, like the many Christians dying over in the Middle East at the hand of this now-powerful terrorist group, were ever held at gunpoint and asked if I would die (or worse yet, be tortured) for my religion/faith/beliefs? I’d hope I’d say yes. So many times through the Bible people are either asked to (or willingly) go “all in” (like they say in Texas Hold ’em) – the Israelites grab whatever they can carry and follow Moses out of Egypt for 40 years through the desert; in yesterday’s Mass readings, the woman at the well gave all she had to eat to Elijah (1 Kings 17:10-16) and the woman at the temple gave all the money she had (Mark 12:41-44); and of course, Jesus’ apostles leave everything (including their families and friends) to follow Jesus. So, in our everyday “normal” lives (let’s hope it doesn’t come down to ISIS attacking us),  how can we go “all in” with God? I try to at least get on my knees and pray every morning…and should I forget to do that, read the Bible or another spiritual reading at some point in my day…and should I forget that, try to be a little bit kinder, more compassionate, forgiving, loving to those around me. I’m pretty sure life – and our spiritual life – is a journey and we need to just try to grow and improve one  day at a time. Starting today, Lord, let me go “all in” with my heart to serve you and others and to give my best efforts in all I do. Monday morning is a good time to start I guess! p.s. Just a word for my readers who keep asking…my new book, The Runaway Prophet, a modern-day novel based on the Book of Jonah, is being finalized with my publisher and is due to come out early next year; in it, the main character is asked to help save Las Vegas (the new Nineveh) from destruction by an ISIS mafia which has planted a nuclear bomb under one of the casinos. Of course, he tries NOT to go all in at first – but learns that to run from God’s call only brings more pain! I will keep you all posted!

Who wants to be a saint?

Now if I asked “Who wants to be a millionaire?” like they did on the hit TV series, I’m sure everyone would answer, “me, I do!” But what was your first thought when you read the question in my blog header? Was it “me, I do!” Or was it, “um, not me, really…I’m not qualified, it’s too hard, I’m too much of a sinner…” Yes, they are my immediate answers too. But I believe God calls us all to be saints, and what’s more, to answer that question with a resounding “ME, I DO!” Like anything you want to do or be in life, first you have to want it…and then work for it. If we all had the same drive to want to become saints that we do to become doctors, lawyers, authors, speakers, mothers, fathers…well, the world would probably be a better place. The problem is not that we aren’t qualified. Jesus even tells us “…whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these.” (John 14:12) He’s actually telling us we are qualified to do more than He did…to become disciples and even saints! We just have to want it…and then work for it. Yesterday on All Saints Day I thought about how neat it is that we have seen and known saints in our own lifetime. I actually saw St. John Paul II when he was our Pope visiting Baltimore. I also visited his tomb in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican during my trip to Italy this past summer. And of course Mother Theresa has been beatified and will most likely be canonized one day. Now, you say, they were extraordinary…but actually both of them admitted to struggling from time to time. And most saints, if you look them up, were far from perfect. They made mistakes. They were sinners too. But they kept trying to do God’s Will. And so must we. Is it egotistical to hope we can be saints one day? I think not. Actually, it’s quite humbling when you really think about it. You and I are called to be extraordinary…in little acts of faith, hope and love every day. Those days add up to lifetimes. I hope we can at least say we wanted to be saints and we did the best we could trying!

Riches in my own backyard

Yesterday my husband and I went on a hike in nearby Fair Hill, Maryland.  The scenery was stunning this time of year and there were so many neat things to see. We walked several miles of trails and saw trees of many colors reflected in a stream, a historic covered bridge, old stone buildings, magnificent trees in the middle of vast fields, and of course many beautiful horses (for those who don’t know, Fair Hill is horse country). As I hiked I thought to myself, I can’t believe I have lived in my current home for nearly 13 years and have never taken advantage of hiking these beautiful trails that are a short drive away. And then when I got home, I looked in my backyard and took a picture (seen here) and thought, I also have beauty in my own backyard!  So many times I’m guilty of wanting to be somewhere else – far, far away in exotic lands – and missing what’s right in front of me – or of wanting more (usually money)  instead of realizing how much I already have. Yesterday reminded me that I have many riches in my own backyard: a comfortable home, people who love me, sights to see and much to do with my time. King Solomon, one of the wisest people in the Bible, warned us not to seek more riches but to be grateful for what we have. (True, he was extremely rich, but ended up seeking more which eventually led to his downfall).  The Bible says “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.”  (Deuteronomy 8:10-14.) I know there’s much debate about whether or not God wants us to be rich. I don’t think He frowns on riches, just the pursuit of them beyond all else. All I know for sure is that He wants us to be grateful for what He has given us.  The Bible also says “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have. Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  (Hebrews 13:5a). I can also be guilty of trying to “find God” and feeling frustrated I cannot – when He is also right there in my own backyard – in the nature that surrounds me and in the Bible sitting right there on my table. Lord, let me be content with all of the riches You have given me, and with the knowledge that I can find you right here where I am.

 

To everything there is a season…

Wait a minute…it’s fall? Already? You might ask, ‘where have you  been, it started a month ago!’ But I’m one of those people who cling stubbornly to the last shreds of summer, hesitating as long as possible to acknowledge the season that soon gives way to winter. Give me one more time at the beach, in the sun, in the ocean…and then I feel sad as I finally, reluctantly put away my shorts and get out my sweaters and decorate with pumpkins (I know, some of you love this stuff).  I know I need to appreciate this season, no matter what it brings my way…and neither lament on seasons past nor fear what lies ahead, including winter, on the horizon. Right now I am in a season of “birthing” – I am birthing a new book and in ways it is a lot like having a baby! (hard work, painful but I know in the end, when I hold the finished product, I will feel joyful.) What season are you in? Maybe it is a time of grieving, loss, sadness. But that season will always give way to a new beginning if you stay open, alert and hopeful. Just like fall turns to winter, I know winter will also give way to spring – and summer again! So why not try to find some joy and happiness even in the tough times…it’s there if we stay in the moment,  not clinging to the past nor looking wistfully to the future but using all of our senses to appreciate the good today holds. And so I take a walk and see the vivid colors of the trees, hear the geese flying overhead, smell a wood fire, feel invigorated by the brisk air, and come home and bite into a tart juicy apple. Even the frost on the ground is new and beautiful. Everyone is probably familiar with the Bible passage by Saint Paul (made famous in the song by the Byrds, “Turn, Turn, Turn,” that says “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; a time to be born, a time to die…” (Ecclesaiste 3:1) But Paul goes on to ruminate on what’s it all for? what’s life all about?  “…What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor–it is the gift of God.” To rejoice and to do good. I can do that just for today…and leave the rest up to God.

Courage to discover

Happy Columbus Day! I was one of a few brave and crazy souls who went swimming in the ocean in Delaware this past warm October weekend. It was exhilarating (seventy degrees, cold enough to take my breath away at first, but then as I swam, refreshing and invigorating). The ocean never fails to bring me joy and bring me closer to God.  It can be scary too, when a series of huge waves keeps crashing,  or when you’re caught in an undertow  and feel like you can’t get back to shore. That’s when you just go with the flow, or ride the tide, as they say, until you get through it and get back safely. But what if I was always fearful of the big waves, undertow and cold and never felt the sheer joy of swimming in it? I would miss out. The same holds true I think for following your dreams. If I didn’t take the risk of “putting myself out there” on the page with my writing, I would never feel the joy of discovering I can create a good book,  connect with others, and most of all, find fulfillment in following God’s call. But it’s not easy. I get tired, distracted…it’s easier to lay in the sun and read then make the effort to jump in – to the ocean or making those final edits. Columbus said, “By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination.” And he also believed he needed God and needed to do His Will. He said, “I have cried out to the Lord for grace and mercy, and they have covered me completely” and “No one should fear to undertake any task in the name of our Saviour, if it is just and if the intention is purely for His holy service.”  Just like Columbus, the Israelites had to have courage and faith to reach the Promised Land. Moses told them “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid…for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”  (Dt 31:6-7) Today I will follow the advice of Columbus and Moses. I must not be afraid to take the risk of discovery, to stay focused on my goal, and have faith that God (through the gentle wind of the Holy Spirit) will help me get closer to reaching the next horizon. 

 

Give yourself a pat on the back!

I just finished my final edits on my newest novel, The Runaway Prophet, a modern-day story based on the Bible’s Book of Jonah, and submitted it to my publisher. You would think I’d look (or at least feel) like the girl in the picture here. But my exhilaration at having completed my book is tempered somewhat by the old “fears” of failure…and success. Of course, I know most fear is F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real). For example there are the “what if’s” – what if it doesn’t become a best-seller, what if it doesn’t “take off”…etc. And then I realize I really do believe in myself and my work – and this third novel will be and do even better with a new, bigger publisher and an agent who has stood behind me and fortunately, a husband and friends who support me every step of the way, for which I am supremely grateful. But then, what if it does take off…will I be able to sustain sales and success and rise to the increased challenges of becoming a national best-seller? (Of course, my answer is “yes!” But it still feels a bit overwhelming when I stop to think about all of the work it will take to get there!) I am reminded it all comes back to my faith that God will guide me along the way if I listen to Him, that everything will happen in His time, and that He didn’t put this dream in my heart without a reason. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” the apostle Paul tells us. (Romans 8:28), which happens to be my favorite Bible passage. So today, I will be grateful  and joyful – and pat myself on the back. After all, we are God’s hearts and hands here on earth. And since I can’t physically reach out and pat you on the back, go ahead…you deserve it.

Being part of something bigger than yourself

I, like many others, was fortunate (and adventurous) enough to see Pope Francis in Philadelphia on Sunday. Yes, there was a lot of excitement and hoopla, and yes, I got caught up in it. But I am overwhelmed still, the morning after, when I stop to think about the experience, or talk about it with others, because it was so much more than what I expected for reasons I never would have anticipated. First, there was the mere fact that we (and I believe the other million or so people) arrived in Philly, gathered for Mass, and then departed and arrived home again smoothly, safely and peacefully. As the Pope said in his homily, the gathering of so many faithful in the city was truly a “miracle.” (I have to mention this group of five college-age girls next to us who were so fun to watch because they were so excited – and I was humbled and proud of them when they knelt – on the concrete – during the Eucharistic prayer.) Second, to witness communion being distributed and received by so many  gathered was truly awe-inspiring. My husband and I  were originally disappointed because we didn’t make it through one of the checkpoints in time to get into the designated mass area, but then happy to get close enough to see the Pope ride by from a distance and stop at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul on the corner (and clap with the many out of sheer excitement he was so close!) Still, we were pretty sure we wouldn’t get communion being so far removed. And then…priests carrying yellow and white umbrellas (communion station designation umbrellas) started parading down the parkway toward us, stopping along the way, getting closer and closer…and to see and hear the people react (“I think we’re actually going to get the Eucharist!” the girls exclaimed) and then to hold out my hand and receive communion – consecrated by the Pope – literally made me weep with overwhelming joy and gratitude. Last (but not least), the Pope’s homily made me also cry – tears of humility when he said we must serve others in the little ways like Christ speaks of in the Gospel that was read: “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41 ) – and gratitude that by my side was my husband who so faithfully and humbly does this for me every day (he always makes the coffee, cleans, does laundry while I’m busy doing my writing, etc.)  And how being of service and talking kindly to each other within our  family is so important. I got home that evening and even though I was exhausted, I called my three children who live away from home to ask how they were doing and when I could see them next (and actually talked to two of them!). Thank you Pope Francis, and thank you God for reminding me to be of service, that our families are so important, that I am one among many yet together we are one body, and for making me proud to be Catholic and hopeful that the church is very much alive and well!

 

 

Bold AND Humble

Yes, we are going to see the Pope! (This, of course, is a photo of my husband Bill and I with a likeness of the Pope – taken at our church picnic!) People have been teasing us that we are absolutely crazy to venture into Philadelphia this coming weekend to see the Pope. I have always had a big streak of boldness in me which has helped me advance in my author career and do things like take advantage of the opportunity to do a book signing at the Barnes and Noble in downtown Philly right before the Pope says mass a few blocks away, where more than a million people will be congregated! But it has also hindered me when I have forgotten to be humble. Bill has always had a big streak of humility in him, which has helped him to be a kind, gentle, loving person of service to others. He is also one of the people telling me we are crazy to go to Philly this weekend and yet he is supportive enough to come along for the ride. But sometimes he is glad (after the fact) when I drag him along on adventures he may not otherwise experience. (our trip to Italy for example!) I guess that’s why we are perfect soulmates. It reminds me that each of us was made with a unique mixture of qualities that can be used to help one another, but we need to keep them in balance. So when we are amid the throngs, trying to get a seat on the train, and an elderly or handicapped person needs to board even though we’ve been waiting for hours, I will need to lean on my husband’s humility (and kindness). But hopefully, at the end of the day, he will be glad for taking the risk and being bold enough to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event. Saint Paul was a bold disciple, always speaking out. But he was also put in chains and needed to rely on others to carry his message when he was in prison.  He encouraged us to be bold and humble: “Therefore, brethren, having boldness…let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering…and let us consider one anther in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another.” (Hebrews 10:19-25) Praying for safe and joyful travels to the Pope and all who venture forth to see him….and for those who humbly serve one another each and every  day. Amen.