Beth Green's Blog, page 3
April 15, 2017
Easter Prequel
Today...a dark day in her life. One that was filled with fear and confusion. I wonder what Mary was thinking as she undoubtedly heard people talking about the crucifixion? Maybe she heard someone make fun of him for not saving himself. Maybe she was too afraid to go out in public...maybe she was just too sad.
I'm thinking about her today and how difficult it must have been for her and all the disciples. They must have still feared for their own lives...
Only a few more hours remained until their fear would be replaced with rejoicing.
He must have watched his earthly mother, Mary, in her sadness. I can picture Him sending angels to surround her and minister to her, comforting her as she wept. It must have been tempting to whisper in her ear that tomorrow was coming...
I'm thinking about her today and how difficult it must have been for her and all the disciples. They must have still feared for their own lives...
Only a few more hours remained until their fear would be replaced with rejoicing.
He must have watched his earthly mother, Mary, in her sadness. I can picture Him sending angels to surround her and minister to her, comforting her as she wept. It must have been tempting to whisper in her ear that tomorrow was coming...
April 14, 2017
Her Good Friday
It was the worst day of her life. An indescribable nightmare as she watched her son being accused and then beaten…the crowds jeered at him as he was forced to carry his own cross through town. She watched as he struggled through his pain and exhaustion, stumbling along the way. She must have felt hopeless and afraid…and very alone. There was nothing she could do to help him as the soldiers took the nails…placed them on his palms and feet, and drove them through his skin, anchoring his body to the rough wooden cross. He screamed in agony as they lifted the heavy wooden beams and shoved the base into the hole with a jolt, sending fiery shots of pain throughout his body. She watched as he struggled to breathe because his body was stretched out, hanging by the nails that pulled at his flesh. Her heart must have been in unspeakable agony as she watched him struggle to expand the lungs again and again.
His mouth was dry in the hot sun and a soldier lifted a sponge with vinegar on it and cruelly mocked her son with a drink that would not quench his growing thirst. The crown of thorns that they had placed on his head dug into his skin and drips of blood slowly moved down and some of them mixed with his sweat and the dirt on his face. There was a sign above him that read “King of the Jews” that the soldiers had made in jest; but she knew in her heart that it was really true. The promise that had been made to her so long ago…she still believed.
Now, as she watched her son struggling with each breath, she heard him talking…saying to one man that hung beside him that he would be forgiven! The man was overcome with emotion and she hung her head and wept as well. The minutes slowly passed and her son soon began to weaken; but he didn’t die. He held on and then without warning, spoke some more. He looked up and asked the Father to forgive the men who had done this to him!
How can that be?
She was not so sure that they deserved it. Her heart ached at the compassion and love her son continued to show. Why didn’t they see it? Why didn’t they understand who he was and that he loved them so much.
Finally, as the day began to fade, he spoke one last time and she heard him say, ‘It is finished’ and something remarkable happened. There was an earthquake that caused her to fall flat on the ground. As the earth shook beneath her, she stole at look at her son one more time. He was limp and lifeless. When the shaking stopped, a soldier moved toward her son and stabbed his side to see if he was still alive; but he was not. Her son was now dead.
Good Friday was not so “Good” for her.
The rest of her day was spent waiting for his body as they lowered it to the ground. She wept and cried out to God, not knowing that her son would not be dead for long…not understanding what had just occurred…
His mouth was dry in the hot sun and a soldier lifted a sponge with vinegar on it and cruelly mocked her son with a drink that would not quench his growing thirst. The crown of thorns that they had placed on his head dug into his skin and drips of blood slowly moved down and some of them mixed with his sweat and the dirt on his face. There was a sign above him that read “King of the Jews” that the soldiers had made in jest; but she knew in her heart that it was really true. The promise that had been made to her so long ago…she still believed.
Now, as she watched her son struggling with each breath, she heard him talking…saying to one man that hung beside him that he would be forgiven! The man was overcome with emotion and she hung her head and wept as well. The minutes slowly passed and her son soon began to weaken; but he didn’t die. He held on and then without warning, spoke some more. He looked up and asked the Father to forgive the men who had done this to him!
How can that be?
She was not so sure that they deserved it. Her heart ached at the compassion and love her son continued to show. Why didn’t they see it? Why didn’t they understand who he was and that he loved them so much.
Finally, as the day began to fade, he spoke one last time and she heard him say, ‘It is finished’ and something remarkable happened. There was an earthquake that caused her to fall flat on the ground. As the earth shook beneath her, she stole at look at her son one more time. He was limp and lifeless. When the shaking stopped, a soldier moved toward her son and stabbed his side to see if he was still alive; but he was not. Her son was now dead.
Good Friday was not so “Good” for her.
The rest of her day was spent waiting for his body as they lowered it to the ground. She wept and cried out to God, not knowing that her son would not be dead for long…not understanding what had just occurred…
December 9, 2016
I Am Not Ashamed
Just wanted to post something a little late about December 7.
I know everyone probably realized that it was the anniversary of the attack at Pearl Harbor—especially since most of the media did stories about it.
As the child of a military father, I grew up living a life of moving frequently and being among other military families quite often. We lived on base at different times as well.
Although I have never seen war first hand and hope that I never do, I am very respectful of those who serve and have served. The closest I ever came to experiencing tragedy was as a child living on base...
It was well known that if you saw the generals' car and the chaplains' car following each other that they were going to deliver bad news to someone. I remember distinctly one afternoon several of my friends and I were playing in my yard when we all noticed the generals' car and the chaplains' car turn onto our road. You have to remember that our fathers were all gone much of the time on various missions, even in peaceful times. I breathed a small sigh relief because I knew that my dad was in town at the time; but there was still a possibility of an accident.
I will never forget standing there with my friends, each one of us watching in total silence as the cars moved slowly down the street. I remember feeling my heart pounding in my chest as I prayed that they would not stop at our house; but in my heart, I also knew that this would hurt us regardless of where they went, because the families on that base were very close.
It seemed like time stood still as the cars moved toward us. Each of us held our breath and continued to watch and pray. As the cars drew near, one woman walked out of the house next door to ours and she began to cry. I will never forget the look on her face when the cars passed our homes. It was a look of both relief and fear.
Just as we were beginning to realize that our families were safe, the cars stopped two doors down from where I lived and I heard something that sounded like an animal screeching. That was when I noticed the woman from that home dropping to her knees, crumpled in a ball in her yard while several other women from other homes ran to help her. My mom came outside and immediately assessed what had happened. She rushed over to the home and grabbed the small three year old boy in the yard, who was now crying hysterically as the general stepped out of his car and walked slowly toward the grieving woman.
No words were spoken for several seconds and I stood watching the scene unfold like something from a movie. Time continued to drag and I remember my mom carrying the young toddler into our home, where we kept him until late that night. Our friend, neighbor, co-worker, husband, and father was dead—killed in a strange accident over in England during a training exercise.
It was a dark and terrible week and I will never forget it as long as I live. My father served several tours in Vietnam. He saw things he didn’t speak of for years.
I will forever stand during the National Anthem. I will never disrespect the flag. I will never burn this emblem or dishonor anyone who served.
I understand that the Constitution gives us the right to do things like sit during an anthem or burn a flag. Because of that freedom, the people who feel the need to do such things are protected and allowed to do them.
As for me and my house, we will stand.
You can do as you wish.
God Bless America.
I know everyone probably realized that it was the anniversary of the attack at Pearl Harbor—especially since most of the media did stories about it.
As the child of a military father, I grew up living a life of moving frequently and being among other military families quite often. We lived on base at different times as well.
Although I have never seen war first hand and hope that I never do, I am very respectful of those who serve and have served. The closest I ever came to experiencing tragedy was as a child living on base...
It was well known that if you saw the generals' car and the chaplains' car following each other that they were going to deliver bad news to someone. I remember distinctly one afternoon several of my friends and I were playing in my yard when we all noticed the generals' car and the chaplains' car turn onto our road. You have to remember that our fathers were all gone much of the time on various missions, even in peaceful times. I breathed a small sigh relief because I knew that my dad was in town at the time; but there was still a possibility of an accident.
I will never forget standing there with my friends, each one of us watching in total silence as the cars moved slowly down the street. I remember feeling my heart pounding in my chest as I prayed that they would not stop at our house; but in my heart, I also knew that this would hurt us regardless of where they went, because the families on that base were very close.
It seemed like time stood still as the cars moved toward us. Each of us held our breath and continued to watch and pray. As the cars drew near, one woman walked out of the house next door to ours and she began to cry. I will never forget the look on her face when the cars passed our homes. It was a look of both relief and fear.
Just as we were beginning to realize that our families were safe, the cars stopped two doors down from where I lived and I heard something that sounded like an animal screeching. That was when I noticed the woman from that home dropping to her knees, crumpled in a ball in her yard while several other women from other homes ran to help her. My mom came outside and immediately assessed what had happened. She rushed over to the home and grabbed the small three year old boy in the yard, who was now crying hysterically as the general stepped out of his car and walked slowly toward the grieving woman.
No words were spoken for several seconds and I stood watching the scene unfold like something from a movie. Time continued to drag and I remember my mom carrying the young toddler into our home, where we kept him until late that night. Our friend, neighbor, co-worker, husband, and father was dead—killed in a strange accident over in England during a training exercise.
It was a dark and terrible week and I will never forget it as long as I live. My father served several tours in Vietnam. He saw things he didn’t speak of for years.
I will forever stand during the National Anthem. I will never disrespect the flag. I will never burn this emblem or dishonor anyone who served.
I understand that the Constitution gives us the right to do things like sit during an anthem or burn a flag. Because of that freedom, the people who feel the need to do such things are protected and allowed to do them.
As for me and my house, we will stand.
You can do as you wish.
God Bless America.
October 23, 2016
Free Giveaway Freebie Gift Card
New contest: Free Amazon Gift Card
Celebrating the release of Quiver on November 11
https://www.facebook.com/TheGreenAuth...
Celebrating the release of Quiver on November 11
https://www.facebook.com/TheGreenAuth...
October 19, 2016
What Do You Deserve?
Acts 4:12 (NIV)
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
I love this verse because it reaffirms that there is no other way but through Him. I am still amazed that I did nothing to deserve this. There is an older song that I still love and I'm posting the video below. One line from the song says,
"... I'll stop this pretending that I can deserve something that I already have."
Another line from the song says,
"Why are you still here with me when you've seen all I've done?"
Remember that it's yours whether you take it or not. God knows everything about us and yet he still gave his Son when none of us deserved it.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KOyNOzC...
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
I love this verse because it reaffirms that there is no other way but through Him. I am still amazed that I did nothing to deserve this. There is an older song that I still love and I'm posting the video below. One line from the song says,
"... I'll stop this pretending that I can deserve something that I already have."
Another line from the song says,
"Why are you still here with me when you've seen all I've done?"
Remember that it's yours whether you take it or not. God knows everything about us and yet he still gave his Son when none of us deserved it.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KOyNOzC...
What Do You Deserve?
Acts 4:12 (NIV)
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
I love this verse because it reaffirms that there is no other way but through Him. I am still amazed that I did nothing to deserve this. There is an older song that I still love and I'm posting the video below. One line from the song says,
"... I'll stop this pretending that I can deserve something that I already have."
Another line from the song says,
"Why are you still here with me when you've seen all I've done?"
Remember that it's yours whether you take it or not. God knows everything about us and yet he still gave his Son when none of us deserved it.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KOyNOzC...
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
I love this verse because it reaffirms that there is no other way but through Him. I am still amazed that I did nothing to deserve this. There is an older song that I still love and I'm posting the video below. One line from the song says,
"... I'll stop this pretending that I can deserve something that I already have."
Another line from the song says,
"Why are you still here with me when you've seen all I've done?"
Remember that it's yours whether you take it or not. God knows everything about us and yet he still gave his Son when none of us deserved it.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KOyNOzC...
October 17, 2016
Win FREE $20 Amazon Card
Win a $20 Amazon gift card! Like my author page and share the post below to enter.
Celebrate with me as I release the long-awaited sequel to the multi award-winning book (A Rose For Jonathan). The new book is called Quiver and will be released on November 11, 2016!
Pre-order the e-book now.
https://www.facebook.com/TheGreenAuth...
Celebrate with me as I release the long-awaited sequel to the multi award-winning book (A Rose For Jonathan). The new book is called Quiver and will be released on November 11, 2016!
Pre-order the e-book now.
https://www.facebook.com/TheGreenAuth...
October 2, 2016
Multiple Awards!
Three awards and counting!
A Rose For Jonathan has now been honored three times:
Winner of the New Apple Book Award for Independent Publishing (Religion category)
National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEA) Finalist
Readers' Favorite Book Award Contest Bronze Medalist (Religion category)
A Rose For Jonathan has now been honored three times:
Winner of the New Apple Book Award for Independent Publishing (Religion category)
National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEA) Finalist
Readers' Favorite Book Award Contest Bronze Medalist (Religion category)
September 23, 2016
Dressing For Today
How are you dressed today?
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
As I stand each morning before my closet and try to decide what to wear, many times I'm challenged and burdened with trying to find that perfect outfit for the day. I don't know if you're like me, but I go through several outfits before I decide what to wear. I usually check the weather forecast and balance that against what my activities for the day will be. A lot of thought usually goes into my choice.
As I read this verse today, it occurred to me that we should be working just as hard to spiritually clothe ourselves for the day. I wonder what our world look like if we truly clothed ourselves in compassion…kindness…humility…gentleness…and patience.
The world would most definitely notice…
Compassion: Do you like the feeling of compassion? Many do but some don’t. Maybe for you, compassion is more difficult. Is there someone in your life that could use some compassion?
Kindness: What about kindness? It’s easy to grant this to those we love; but what about to strangers? Those in need around you? Is there someone you know who is struggling and could use a kind word or act?
Humility: I think this is difficult for us all. Satan loves Pride. In my novels, I try to highlight that as much as possible. There is something so seductive about ourselves that it’s hard to deny ourselves for someone else. How can you display humility? Is there someone you need to forgive?
Gentleness: Are you too harsh with those you love? Sometimes I am. I want to be known to be more gentle. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Sometimes I expect or ask too much of those closest to me when they need more gentle responses.
Patience: I think I struggle here so much. In our day of instant everything, we have lost the art of waiting. Sometimes it might be the waitress who is having trouble handling the large number of tables when you’re in a hurry. Or the old man in front of you in traffic. It could be as simple as a slow internet connection that sends you over the edge.
Are you honoring God in all you do?
Take some time to review these attributes in your life and see if you are truly “clothed” in them every day.
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
As I stand each morning before my closet and try to decide what to wear, many times I'm challenged and burdened with trying to find that perfect outfit for the day. I don't know if you're like me, but I go through several outfits before I decide what to wear. I usually check the weather forecast and balance that against what my activities for the day will be. A lot of thought usually goes into my choice.
As I read this verse today, it occurred to me that we should be working just as hard to spiritually clothe ourselves for the day. I wonder what our world look like if we truly clothed ourselves in compassion…kindness…humility…gentleness…and patience.
The world would most definitely notice…
Compassion: Do you like the feeling of compassion? Many do but some don’t. Maybe for you, compassion is more difficult. Is there someone in your life that could use some compassion?
Kindness: What about kindness? It’s easy to grant this to those we love; but what about to strangers? Those in need around you? Is there someone you know who is struggling and could use a kind word or act?
Humility: I think this is difficult for us all. Satan loves Pride. In my novels, I try to highlight that as much as possible. There is something so seductive about ourselves that it’s hard to deny ourselves for someone else. How can you display humility? Is there someone you need to forgive?
Gentleness: Are you too harsh with those you love? Sometimes I am. I want to be known to be more gentle. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Sometimes I expect or ask too much of those closest to me when they need more gentle responses.
Patience: I think I struggle here so much. In our day of instant everything, we have lost the art of waiting. Sometimes it might be the waitress who is having trouble handling the large number of tables when you’re in a hurry. Or the old man in front of you in traffic. It could be as simple as a slow internet connection that sends you over the edge.
Are you honoring God in all you do?
Take some time to review these attributes in your life and see if you are truly “clothed” in them every day.
September 9, 2016
Smile More! DAILY CHALLENGE
Follow my challenges @The Green Author on FB. Here is the latest one. I started this to reduce the negativity in the world--just one small effort to help in some small way...join me!
Daily Challenge #2
Smile More!
Here are 12 facts about smiling:
1.) Forcing yourself to smile can boost your mood: Psychologists have found that even if you’re in bad mood, you can instantly lift your spirits by forcing yourself to smile.
2.) It boosts your immune system: Smiling really can improve your physical health, too. Your body is more relaxed when you smile, which contributes to good health and a stronger immune system.
3.) Smiles are contagious: It’s not just a saying: smiling really is contagious, scientists say. In a study conducted in Sweden, people had difficulty frowning when they looked at other subjects who were smiling, and their muscles twitched into smiles all on their own.
4.) Smiles Relieve Stress: Your body immediately releases endorphins when you smile, even when you force it. This sudden change in mood will help you feel better and release stress.
5.) It’s easier to smile than to frown: Scientists have discovered that your body has to work harder and use more muscles to frown than it does to smile.
6.) It’s a universal sign of happiness: While hand shakes, hugs, and bows all have varying meanings across cultures, smiling is known around the world and in all cultures as a sign of happiness and acceptance.
7.) Smiles use from 5 to 53 facial muscles: Just smiling can require your body to use up to 53 muscles, but some smiles only use 5 muscle movements.
8.) Babies are born with the ability to smile: Babies learn a lot of behaviors and sounds from watching the people around them, but scientists believe that all babies are born with the ability, since even blind babies smile.
9.) Smiling helps you get promoted: Smiles make a person seem more attractive, sociable and confident, and people who smile more are more likely to get a promotion.
10.) Smiles are the most easily recognizable facial expression: People can recognize smiles from up to 300 feet away, making it the most easily recognizable facial expression.
11.) Smiles are more attractive than makeup: A research study conducted by Orbit Complete discovered that 69% of people find women more attractive when they smile than when they are wearing makeup.
12.) Babies start smiling as newborns: Most doctors believe that real smiles occur when babies are awake at the age of four-to-six weeks, but babies start smiling in their sleep as soon as they’re born.
Adapted from PickTheBrain.com
Daily Challenge #2
Smile More!
Here are 12 facts about smiling:
1.) Forcing yourself to smile can boost your mood: Psychologists have found that even if you’re in bad mood, you can instantly lift your spirits by forcing yourself to smile.
2.) It boosts your immune system: Smiling really can improve your physical health, too. Your body is more relaxed when you smile, which contributes to good health and a stronger immune system.
3.) Smiles are contagious: It’s not just a saying: smiling really is contagious, scientists say. In a study conducted in Sweden, people had difficulty frowning when they looked at other subjects who were smiling, and their muscles twitched into smiles all on their own.
4.) Smiles Relieve Stress: Your body immediately releases endorphins when you smile, even when you force it. This sudden change in mood will help you feel better and release stress.
5.) It’s easier to smile than to frown: Scientists have discovered that your body has to work harder and use more muscles to frown than it does to smile.
6.) It’s a universal sign of happiness: While hand shakes, hugs, and bows all have varying meanings across cultures, smiling is known around the world and in all cultures as a sign of happiness and acceptance.
7.) Smiles use from 5 to 53 facial muscles: Just smiling can require your body to use up to 53 muscles, but some smiles only use 5 muscle movements.
8.) Babies are born with the ability to smile: Babies learn a lot of behaviors and sounds from watching the people around them, but scientists believe that all babies are born with the ability, since even blind babies smile.
9.) Smiling helps you get promoted: Smiles make a person seem more attractive, sociable and confident, and people who smile more are more likely to get a promotion.
10.) Smiles are the most easily recognizable facial expression: People can recognize smiles from up to 300 feet away, making it the most easily recognizable facial expression.
11.) Smiles are more attractive than makeup: A research study conducted by Orbit Complete discovered that 69% of people find women more attractive when they smile than when they are wearing makeup.
12.) Babies start smiling as newborns: Most doctors believe that real smiles occur when babies are awake at the age of four-to-six weeks, but babies start smiling in their sleep as soon as they’re born.
Adapted from PickTheBrain.com
