Beverly Varnado's Blog, page 8

Who's on the floor?

While still a newspaper editor in Chicago, author Lee Strobel sensed the Lordtelling him to invite an unbelieving work associate to Easter services onSunday. He went into the man’s office and extended the invitation, which wasrejected. Lee tried to witness to him about the evidence of the resurrectionand again, the man wouldn’t listen still holding to his atheistic beliefs.

“Lord, what was that all about?”he asked. He said it bothered him a long time.

Four years later, Lee had becomea pastor, and a man came up to him one Sunday and thanked him for his spiritualinfluence in his life. Lee didn’t understand who the guy was, so the manexplained.

Four years before the guy wasworking on the floor tile when Lee came in to invite his coworker to Easterservices. Lee never saw him. As Lee explained the evidence for theresurrection, the tile man’s heart began beating fast and he thought , “I needGod.” After Lee left, the tile man called his wife and said, “We’re going to church onSunday.” They went to the church to which Lee had invited the other guy,  and he, his wife, and his teenage son came tothe Lord.

When I heard this story, Ithought about times I sensed God leading me to do a particular thing, and itdidn’t turn out the way I thought it would. Sometimes a writing project doesn't have the impact I hoped it would, and I’ve felt as if I missed Godor that I did something wrong. In this story, Lee learned what God did in thatsituation with the guy he witnessed to, but sometimes we don’t, we obey andtrust the Lord is at work.

“. . . so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me emptybut will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it”(Isaiah 55:11). When we share the word of the Lord, we may trust as Isaiahwrites that God will accomplish his purpose.

Unseen folks in our sphere ofinfluence, those metaphoricallyon the floor, are listening to what we share about the Lord and His word. Theyare watching how we live out the truth of the gospel. The important thing isthat we’re obedient to what God places in our hearts. We leave the results tohim.

Ifyou haven’t seen the movie, The Case for Christ, it is a wonderful filmabout how Lee Strobel came to the Lord. I’ve had the privilege of havingclasses with Brian Bird who was co-producer and screenwriter on this scriptbased on Lee Strobel’s book. It is available on several streaming services.

Beverly Varnado's most recent book is In Search of the Painted Bunting, a middle grade historical from Elk Lake Publishing, #1 in new releases in its category. She is also the author of several small town romances from Anaiah Press including her latest, A Season for Everything. All are available at Amazon. To explore the web version of One Ringing Bell, please visit bev-oneringingbell.blogspot.comTo sign up for her newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/dHNdsX Beverly Varnado copyright 2023

When you're up a tree

We recently had another tree cutdown in our yard. We’ve had many trees removed, so the process is not foreignto me. However, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a human being more relaxed thanour fellow who did the job this time. He climbed the tree removing limbs as hewent, and then when he grew tired from using the chain saw, he’d pull out hiscell phone and  I don’t know, scroll social media or something all while dangling sixty feet in the air. I couldn’tbelieve how relaxed he was about the whole thing.

Apparently,  I was not the only one amazed by his behavioras one of my neighbors videoed the whole thing and showed it to her class atschool.

I told him later that he wasprobably the most prayed for guy in our city that day. I had followed the apostlePaul’s admonition to pray without ceasing the whole time he was up there.

But oh, what a lesson hisbehavior was.

I think of the times thatmetaphorically I was left hanging in some difficult and even scary circumstance,not knowing the outcome, and thinking the whole thing could go smashing to theground any second. If only I could consistently remember this guy and his calmattitude in the face of danger. I want my trust and faith to be so strong, I amnot rattled by being caught swinging from a limb.

The Message renders Philippians 4:6-7 this way, “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitionsand praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good,will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christdisplaces worry at the center of your life.”

Instead of concentrating on howfar the fall is, we can focus on the Lord and how strong his hold is. I’m sureyou’re like me and want Christ to displace the worries in your life, too.

I have a friend who used to sign offon all his emails with “In His grip.” And that’s the thing, we hold on to him,but more importantly He holds on to us, and his hold is unfailing.

So, let’s hand over what troubles us,turning our eyes to Jesus, alone, and know that we are indeed in his grip.

(Check out our guy hanging in the tree about halfway down in the pic above. May God bless him and protect him in all his jobs.)

 

Beverly Varnado's most recent book is In Search of the Painted Bunting, a middle grade historical from Elk Lake Publishing, #1 in new releases in its category. She is also the author of several small town romances from Anaiah Press including her latest, A Season for Everything. All are available at Amazon. To explore the web version of One Ringing Bell, please visit bev-oneringingbell.blogspot.comTo sign up for her newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/dHNdsX Beverly Varnado copyright 2023

When we face opposites

While having lunch with a friend this week,she shared about the recent juxtaposition of having had a concerning call backon a health issue and in the same week, learning about a forthcoming grandchild.The health concern was not minor and jarred her, and yet, here was also thiswonderful news which brought such delight.She expressed the challenge of holding such varied emotions in her heart at thesame time.

Later, a reading about David in a Bible studyI’ve been part of this spring illustrated this dilemma. In The God Who Sees by Kathie Lee Gifford and Joanne Moody, theywrite, “His Psalms, while often full of praise and joy, are also filled withanguish, sadness, and despair. David understood that he could feel both atonce. He could feel joy in the almighty God, but at the same time, he couldfeel overwhelmed by grief for his situation. Often, we think we can feel onlyone or the other . . . But, as evidenced by Psalm 13:1-6, this simply isn’ttrue. Praise and lament can coexist in our spirits.”

I’m sure we’ve all had times when we heldtwo opposite emotions in our hearts. I remember the thrill of receiving awriting award I never expected and the very next day learning of a seriousfamily situation—both of those within twenty-four hours. I suppose it’s not amatter if this will happen, but when it will, and how we will respond.

David gives us help here. After severalverses of lament, he writes, “But I will trust in your unfailing love, my heartrejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been goodto me” (Psalm 13:5-6). He makes his lament, and doesn’t skip over it, but he alsoopts to praise.

The same was true for my friend, she said,“At first the health issue threatened to overshadow the good news of my grandchild. But despite my circumstances (which the child was not aware of at the time), I chose to rejoicewith my family at this wonderful news.”

So, it comes down to trusting and praisingGod, as well as remembering all he has done for us even though we are also facinghardship. We don’t ignore our feelings or what we are going through, but asDavid did, we focus on the Lord and his goodness to us. It might even take aminute or two to get to that point, but still it’s our aim.

Making that choice with you, friend.

Beverly Varnado's most recent book is In Search of the Painted Bunting, a middle grade historical from Elk Lake Publishing, #1 in new releases in its category. She is also the author of several small town romances from Anaiah Press including her latest, A Season for Everything. All are available at Amazon. To explore the web version of One Ringing Bell, please visit bev-oneringingbell.blogspot.comTo sign up for her newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/dHNdsX Beverly Varnado copyright 2023

What you can hear at Easter

I stepped from the dining roomthis past Saturday and paused a moment to take in the sounds of my family gatheredthere who sometimes talk all at the same time—laughterand joy filled the house.

Atour outdoor sunrise service, Jerry asked us to pause a moment and listen to thebirdsong as the world woke on Easter morning. As our fellowship sang “He isLord” the music carried on the air to parts unknown to us, but maybe somelistening ear caught it and heard for the first time the news, “He has risenfrom the dead, and He is Lord.”

Later,our hearts thrilled at the affirmative answers as several responded to thequestion before every baptism, “Do you repent of your sin, turn to JesusChrist, and confess him as Your Lord and Savior?”

Butthe most memorable sound is one I have heard only in my imagination. It comesfrom this verse, “There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord camedown from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it”(Matthew 28:2).

Onthat first Easter, a heavenly being appeared after the shifting of tectonicplates along a fault line and moved the stone that sealed the tomb. I imaginethe shifting and scraping, as the heavy boulder vacated its resting spot. Andwith its movement, eternity for us shifted as well. That empty tomb validated themessage Jesus had spoken to them earlier while at the base of Mt. Hermon inCaesarea Philippi. Just as he said, He had been killed, but on the third day Hehad arisen. Because of that, he transcended death and secured new life, and aspot in heaven for all those who put their trust in Him.

Thatshifting stone is the reason for the joy that surrounded us this past Easterweekend. Beneath the laughter, the birdsong, the music, and the sweet yesses ofconfession as Jesus as Lord, I hear that stone being rolled away—the reason forour celebration.

Andif you do not have reason to celebrate today, know that his arms are wide opento you. Confess and repent of your sins. Ask him into your life, and you toomay experience the joy of Easter morning.

Heis risen indeed. 

Beverly Varnado's most recent book is In Search of the Painted Bunting, a middle grade historical from Elk Lake Publishing, #1 in new releases in its category. She is also the author of several small town romances from Anaiah Press including her latest, A Season for Everything. All are available at Amazon. To explore the web version of One Ringing Bell, please visit bev-oneringingbell.blogspot.comTo sign up for her newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/dHNdsX Beverly Varnado copyright 2023

What to cherish

The phrase “I’ll cherishthe old rugged cross” from the old gospel hymn has played on repeat in my brainthis past week. When I researched the writing of the song, it was with that exactphrase the songwriter, George Bennard, began. 

Bennard, a coalminer, came to know the Lord due to the ministry of the Salvation Army andlater became a Methodist evangelist whose ministry spanned the late nineteenthand early twentieth century. 

According to KennethW. Osbeck’s book of hymn stories, Amazing Grace, he began writing thesong after a difficult experience that “caused him to reflect seriously about thesignificance of the cross and what the apostle Paul meant . . . ” in Philippians3:10. “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participationin his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attainingto the resurrection from the dead.” 

As Bennard devotedhours to scripture and prayer, one day, he wrote, “I saw the Christ of thecross as if I were seeing John 3:16 leave the printed page, take form, and actout the meaning of redemption. The more I contemplated these truths the moreconvinced I became that the cross was far more than just a religious symbol butrather the very heart of the gospel.” 

From this he beganwriting a song, for which the melody came easily, but the only words he had accordingto several sources were “I’ll cherish the old rugged cross.” He persevered in completingthe lyrics which took many months to finish, but the song spread and eventuallycame to the notice of evangelist Billy Sunday who began using it in hisservices. 

Some find problemswith the song’s theology or claim the lyrics too sentimental, but despite thoseobjections, it has become according to Osbeck “one of the most widely publishedsongs either sacred, or secular, throughout America.” 

That pastor husbandof mine has often said, “You can’t go from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday withoutpassing by the cross.” I do not find it sentimental to cling to the cross and whatJesus did for me on Calvary. It is a powerful image that reminds me of what itcost Jesus for me to have eternal life. 

According toWebster, the word cherish means to “hold dear” or “keep or cultivate with careand affection.” This Holy week is a good time to hold dear all that Jesus hasdone for us and to allow that work to grow in our lives, so that we “cherishthe old rugged cross” not just this week but all the days of our lives. 

Carrie Underwood and “The Old Rugged Cross.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPiuD...

 

   var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-24260977-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();Beverly Varnado's most recent book is In Search of the Painted Bunting, a middle grade historical from Elk Lake Publishing, #1 in new releases in its category. She is also the author of several small town romances from Anaiah Press including her latest, A Season for Everything. All are available at Amazon. To explore the web version of One Ringing Bell, please visit bev-oneringingbell.blogspot.comTo sign up for her newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/dHNdsX Beverly Varnado copyright 2023

Ten verses for encouragement

The tulips at our State Botanical Gardensof Georgia are astonishing right now.  I’m sharing a few photos I captured along with tenverses God has used in my own life in recent times. I hope the beauty andencouraging verses will speak to your heart. Blessings.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek andyou will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asksreceives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will beopened (Matthew 7:7-8).

I am still confident of this; I will seethe goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13).

I will strengthen you and help you; I willuphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

I have made you and I will carry you; Iwill sustain you and I will rescue you (Isaiah 46:4).

People will dwell again in his shade; theywill flourish like the grain; they will blossom like the vine . . . (Hosea14:7).

For the bread of God is the bread thatcomes down from heaven and gives life to the world . . . I am the bread oflife. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me willnever be thirsty (John 6: 33,35).

The Lord will guide you always; he willsatisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. Youwill be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.(Isaiah 58:11).

You are the God who sees me . . . (Genesis16:13).

Then will the lame leap like a deer, andthe mute tongue shout for you. Water will gush forth in the wilderness andstreams in the desert. (Isaiah 35:6).

Forget the former things; do not dwell onthe past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceiveit? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah43:18-19). 

var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-24260977-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();Beverly Varnado's most recent book is In Search of the Painted Bunting, a middle grade historical from Elk Lake Publishing, #1 in new releases in its category. She is also the author of several small town romances from Anaiah Press including her latest, A Season for Everything. All are available at Amazon. To explore the web version of One Ringing Bell, please visit bev-oneringingbell.blogspot.comTo sign up for her newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/dHNdsX Beverly Varnado copyright 2023

When you just need to ask

“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Askfor what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in” (Matthew7:7).

Our cat Wilbur posed for the picture above, but one of our daughters has a pet cat who isvery friendly with her pet mouse, an unusual relationship. I don’t think theway they relate to each other is what Matthew is talking about in this verse.

He’s saying instead of playing games, hesitating,and avoiding, we need to go directly before God with our requests.

It’s interesting how often we will doeverything in our own strength to solve a problem and suffer the consequencesof doing so before we stop and ask God to help us.

Of course, our asking should be filteredthrough the line in the Lord’s prayer, “Your will be done on earth as it is inheaven” (Matthew 6:10). What the author Jan Karon calls “the prayer that neverfails,” which her character, Father Tim, often refers to. And of course, weneed to check our motivations for what we’re asking. Is a thirty-foot yachtreally in keeping with what the Lord has for us? Could be, but the answer to our request depends onHis purpose--not our desire alone, but our need.

Paul wrote to the Hebrews, “Let us thenapproach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercyand find grace to help us in our time of need.” When we approach the Lord, wego as His children. We go with confidence before the Lord knowing He hears our prayers.

And when the Lord replies, we need toreceive the answer and not resort again to our own devices if God’s responsedoesn’t look like what we imagined.

So, if you’re realizing you haven’t askedconcerning a situation you’re in, now would be a good time. Who knows what theLord may do?

Beverly Varnado's most recent book is In Search of the Painted Bunting, a middle grade historical from Elk Lake Publishing, #1 in new releases in its category. She is also the author of several small town romances from Anaiah Press including her latest, A Season for Everything. All are available at Amazon. To explore the web version of One Ringing Bell, please visit bev-oneringingbell.blogspot.comTo sign up for her newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/dHNdsX Beverly Varnado copyright 2023

Hidden Figures

Here at our house, we recently rewatched Hidden Figures,a movie which highlights the story of Black women who computed mathematical equationsthat helped put our American astronauts into space in the early 1960’s. Thesewomen’s names were not known or forgotten by most of us until the movie broughtthem to our attention. With this story fresh on my mind, my daily Bible readingtook me to the twentieth and twenty-first chapters of Acts.

I came across  Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Tychicus, Trophimus,and Timothy. Except for Timothy, these names are not household words, but theyhad been chosen to accompany Paul as delegates from the various churches to takemoney to the Jerusalem church—importantwork.

Then In chaptertwenty-one, with Paul still on his way to Jerusalem, we find this verse, “Someof the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home ofMnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the earlydisciples.” Mnason (correct spelling), provided lodging for Paul and hiscompanions just before they reached their destination. Luke, the writer ofActs, thought his contribution to the church significant enough that he notedhim as an “early disciple.” Yet, though I had read this verse many timesthrough the years, I did not remember his name.

Though severalof these names are mentioned other places in the New Testament, still, theyremain mostly “hidden figures.”

Jerry pastorsa church which started in the 1820’s probably as a brush arbor birthedout of the second great awakening. I’ve often thought of the “great cloud of witnesses”who have passed through the church in the two hundred years since its foundingbut who may only be remembered now by a weather worn monument in the cemetery.And yet, their faithfulness continues to help spread the gospel in this cornerof the world.

If there is amarquee in heaven, I wonder if on it we might see names we never knew on thisside, but whose lives were integral in what God wanted to do in the world. Thosewould be the ones who prayed behind closed doors, who labored in unseen jobswhich supported the church, who persevered despite criticism, and who did notseek recognition.

Though ourwork may not be footnoted in the annals of church history, our faithfulnessmatters. If you sometimes feel as if your work is unseen, God sees it. Hissmile is on you. From his perspective, you will never be a “hidden figure.”

“Therefore,since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw offeverything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us runwith perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, thepioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured thecross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”(Hebrews 12:1-2).

 

Beverly Varnado's most recent book is In Search of the Painted Bunting, a middle grade historical from Elk Lake Publishing, #1 in new releases in its category. She is also the author of several small town romances from Anaiah Press including her latest, A Season for Everything. All are available at Amazon. To explore the web version of One Ringing Bell, please visit bev-oneringingbell.blogspot.comTo sign up for her newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/dHNdsX Beverly Varnado copyright 2023

When things don't turn out the way you hoped

According to Mr.Webster, to disappoint means “to fail to satisfy the hope, desire, orexpectation of.”

We speak of timesof disappointment in sentences which begin with should have or could have.

I’ve founddisappointment to be one of the most finely honed weapons in the enemy’s arsenal.If we’re not watchful, disappointment can lead to a root of bitterness whichcan quickly take root in our lives and like cancer, eat away all that’s good.

Whendisappointment leaves us protesting, “I didn’t know it was going to turn outlike this,” we must make a choice not to embrace toxic thoughts by choosing toreplace those thoughts with God’s word.

I keep coming backto this quote, “Can it be that which seems to oppose the will of Godactually is used of Him to accomplish the will of God? That which seems evilonly seems so because of perspective, the way the eyes see the shadows. Abovethe clouds, light never stops shining.” —Ann Voskamp

Faith only beginsto flex its muscles in times when the darkness settles in around us. Faith is“our handle on what we can’t see” (Hebrews 11:5 Hebrews).

Even in times ofgreat disappointment, through faith, we choose to fix our eyes on Jesus.Whatever situation left our hopes, desires, and expectations wanting, we maytrust God will use it for our good and His glory.

“…those who hopein me will not be disappointed” (Isaiah 49:23).

“We continue toshout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know howtroubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turnforges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will donext. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged.Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything Godgenerously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!” (Romans 5:3-5 TheMessage).

“And hope does notdisappoint us…” (Romans 5:5). 

(I'm using a new theme on my blog. If you'd like to share, it's the little arrow on the bottom left. Thanks!)

var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-24260977-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();Beverly Varnado's most recent book is In Search of the Painted Bunting, a middle grade historical from Elk Lake Publishing, #1 in new releases in its category. She is also the author of several small town romances from Anaiah Press including her latest, A Season for Everything. All are available at Amazon. To explore the web version of One Ringing Bell, please visit bev-oneringingbell.blogspot.comTo sign up for her newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/dHNdsX Beverly Varnado copyright 2023

The lost sheep, a tax collector, and what might have happened

I pushed in closer to hear the teacher, Jesus.The gaze of the Pharisees burned on my back —those religious men who wouldn’t speakto me in the street and paraded around like kings in their fancy garments metingout their judgements. I didn’t speak their language, and they sure didn’t speakmine.

One of them said about Jesus, “This manwelcomes sinners and eats with them.” The shame washed over me as the words foundtheir mark—they thought little of people like me.

Though some called him Rabbi, Jesus seemeddifferent from the other religious people. He told stories and spoke in ways I couldunderstand. Wearing a simple garment, he didn’t set himself apart by the way hedressed.

But following him might be more difficultthan I imagined—he’d just told us a person has to give up everything to be hisdisciple.

My fingers tightened around my money bag. Allright I’d admit it, I’d taken a cut of the taxes. Did this Jesus know? A womanI'd met by the well said he could look right into a person’s heart.

The teacher lifted his hand as he spoke, “Supposeone of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.”

Before my tax collecting job, I worked asa shepherd for a while—too lonely and dirty for my taste. I knew I would have beenin big trouble had I lost one of the flock. I knew about being lost, too, me being an orphan from an early age, never had a home to speak of. I've traveled from place to place, doing various jobs, finally stopping here as a tax collector--only to be despised. 

“Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in theopen country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?”

All the shepherds I knew would have.

“Then he calls his friends and neighborstogether and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’”

Another sheep herder I knew once lost a sheep and was sure glad to find it in athicket, because he wouldn’t have to report it to his boss. 

Jesus shifted his gaze before he spokeagain. And now, he stared straight at me. I swallowed hard.

“I tell you that in the same way therewill be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than overninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

Those eyes. He could see. He knew what I’ddone. Not just taking the money, but all of it—the lies, the envy, the jealousy,and the bitterness that controlled me at times. And yet, love radiated fromhim, not condemnation, and it overwhelmed me with its power.

For a moment I stood unable to move, andthen, I broke away, slipping back through the crowd, as fast as my sandalswould carry me. The teacher continued to speak, words about a lost coinringing out over those gathered. My chest grew tight as I tried to hold myself together. I neededsomeplace private to do what I needed to do. I kept walking, almost running to getbeyond the crowd, and then I saw it, out of sight from everyone—an empty sheep pen, the perfect spot.

I was that sinner Jesus spoke about whoneeded to repent—the lost sheep—hated by most. I collapsed, my face to the ground, and cried out,“Oh God,  I have sinned against you andothers, too. Please forgive me.” My tears made tracks mingling with the dustand dirt on my face, and the sound of my sobs rose in the air. I threw  my money bag, my pride,my self-will, and my hatred of those who looked down on me in that same dust. Idecided somehow, and I didn’t know how, I’d try to make it right about what I’dtaken.

It didn’t matter anymore that the religiouspeople hated me, because this Jesus saw everything about me and yet His love, Hispresence changed everything.

From a distance, the words of Jesus echoed again, “I tellyou, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinnerwho repents.”

As if on cue, a shepherd with a flock of sheep arrived from the field to spend the night in the pen.

I couldn't help but think that like them, it was good to be under the shepherd's care.

(Luke 15:4-7 in quotes, the rest fiction, but maybe not.)

Beverly Varnado's most recent book is In Search of the Painted Bunting, a middle grade historical from Elk Lake Publishing, #1 in new releases in its category. She is also the author of several small town romances from Anaiah Press including her latest, A Season for Everything. All are available at Amazon. To explore the web version of One Ringing Bell, please visit bev-oneringingbell.blogspot.comTo sign up for her newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/dHNdsX Beverly Varnado copyright 2023