Beth Green's Blog, page 4
September 5, 2016
Is God Calling You
Is God calling you?
Is God calling you
Can you hear it above the noise
Of your over busy lives
And your loud and noisy toys
Are you listening for His voice
Are you searching through His Word
Is there and open spirit in your heart
To give and to serve
Is your day too full to remember
When you were last on your knees in prayer
Did you know that while you were busy
He was waiting there
Is your home so full of trinkets
That you forget all that you have
Did you ever consider once
That someone else might need them instead
Is God's voice getting smaller
Do you even hear Him at all
Did you know that even though you may not know it
He is waiting for you to call
Have you gone down the wrong path
And think you drifted way to far
Did you know that it doesn't matter to Him
He will meet you where you are
Don't wait a moment longer
Don't miss the blessings He has for you
He's already paid the price
For every sin you still might do
Give in to the smallest sound
Of God's love and his call
He is waiting, loving, watching
And His Son paid it all.
Is God calling you
Can you hear it above the noise
Of your over busy lives
And your loud and noisy toys
Are you listening for His voice
Are you searching through His Word
Is there and open spirit in your heart
To give and to serve
Is your day too full to remember
When you were last on your knees in prayer
Did you know that while you were busy
He was waiting there
Is your home so full of trinkets
That you forget all that you have
Did you ever consider once
That someone else might need them instead
Is God's voice getting smaller
Do you even hear Him at all
Did you know that even though you may not know it
He is waiting for you to call
Have you gone down the wrong path
And think you drifted way to far
Did you know that it doesn't matter to Him
He will meet you where you are
Don't wait a moment longer
Don't miss the blessings He has for you
He's already paid the price
For every sin you still might do
Give in to the smallest sound
Of God's love and his call
He is waiting, loving, watching
And His Son paid it all.
September 2, 2016
Award Winning Book---again!
So happy to announce that A Rose For Jonathan has won another award! This makes the third award for this book and I am more than humbled. Thank you to all who have encouraged me along the way!
The sequel, Quiver, is getting close to a release date...stay tuned!
The sequel, Quiver, is getting close to a release date...stay tuned!
June 27, 2016
Recipes and Menu For Eating Clean
I've had several requests for ideas and menus. Here is a sample of a week for us:
Menu for this week
Monday
Italian Eggplant Casserole
Spinach salad
Sliced Watermelon/Canteloupe
Chocolate spinach and kale smoothie (Need a VitaMix or other high speed blender—-food processor might work)
Italian Eggplant Casserole (adapted from A Girl Worth Saving)
Either Olive Oil or Coconut oil
One large eggplant (peel and set aside)
1/2 pound Chorizo or mild Italian sausage (remove casing).
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
15 oz Plus 8 oz tomato sauce
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
1tsp garlic salt
Shortcut: use a can of prepared spaghetti sauce in the place of the last three ingredients. Check the labels and get one with as little sugar as possible. There are a few organic ones out there as well.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease 8 x 10 casserole pan with the oil of your choice. Slice the eggplant into about 1/2 inch thick pieces. Line the casserole pan with the pieces—you will have extra. Set those aside for Eggplant fries later. In a frying pan (iron skillet if you have it) brown and drain the meat. In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning and garlic salt. Spoon about half the mixture over the egg plant and then sprinkle the meat evenly across. Top with half the cheese. Repeat with the rest of the sauce and then the cheese. Bake for about 50 minutes and check to see if bubbly and the cheese will brown slightly.
Spinach Salad
Bag Organic spinach
Feta Cheese
1/4 cup rough chopped Walnuts
2 rough chopped Dates
One handful of fresh spinach per person. Sprinkle Feta Cheese, chopped walnuts and dates on top.
Balsamic dressing
1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup Olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp Garlic salt
Put in a jar and shake. Serves about 4.
Chocolate Spinach Kale Smoothie
YOU NEED A HIGH SPEED BLENDER LIKE A VITAMIX
2 Tbsp Chia seeds
2 Tbsp Cocoa powder
6 packs of Truvia
One large handful of Spinach
One large handful of Kale
1/2 tsp Almond Butter
8 mini carrots
1 frozen banana
3/4 cup Almond Milk
Ice (about 2 cups)
Layer in order and gently process as the ingredients incorporate. Adjust thickness with ice and Almond Milk. You may like yours a little sweeter, just add a couple more packs of Truvia. This makes 4 cups approximately OR two mega glasses LOL.
Bonus for appetizer or just for fun!
Eggplant Fries
Cut the remaining eggplant pieces above into long strips. Cover a large cookie sheet with foil and spray with olive or coconut oil spray. Spread the eggplant fries across the sheet and spray them as well. Sprinkle with seasoned salt and bake at 400 for 6 minutes then turn over and cook another 8 minutes. For crispier fries, bake at 350 for up to 10 mins a side.
Tuesday
Deconstructed Beef Tacos
Strawberries/blueberries/raspberries
Smoothie again (we are addicts lol)
Deconstructed Beef Tacos
Olive oil or coconut oil spray
1 pound grass fed ground beef
1 tsp Sea Salt
1 Tbsp. Chili Powder.
1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder.
1/4 tsp. Onion Powder.
1/4 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes.
1/4 tsp. Dried Oregano.
1/2 tsp. Paprika.
1 1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin.
Shortcut: use a taco seasoning packet. Find one with the best ingredients and no preservatives.
3 Sweet Potatoes peeled and cubed
3 Roma Tomatoes deseeded and cubed
1 Avocado Chopped and tossed with lime juice to keep from browning
One Egg for every person (Fried)
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cover 2 cookie sheets with aluminum foil and spray with coconut oil or olive oil. Spread sweet potato cubes on cookie sheets and spray with oil. Lightly salt. Place in the oven for 10 mins and stir and repeat. Brown the meat and drain. Add seasonings and combine and simmer slow. Set aside.
To make the tacos:
Scoop some sweet potatoes into a bowl. Cover with a spoonful of meat. Add tomatoes and avocado and then place an egg on top. Enjoy!
Variations:
—Lose the egg and add a small dollop of sour cream—-not much, you won’t need it and you won’t miss the cheese!
—Add lettuce or chopped kale as well
—Add a few black beans. Again, not much. Beans are not something you want to eat a lot of at any time.
Wednesday
Weeknight Chicken
Roasted Carrots
You guessed it…another smoothie. Sometimes we get crazy and make other flavors; but we are seriously addicted.
Weeknight Chicken
Chicken Thighs (whatever number you need)
Onion Powder
Garlic Salt
Pepper
Cinnamon
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Spray lightly with either olive or coconut oil spray. Lay thighs on pan with skin side up. Sprinkle both sides with all spices listed in order. Cook for 25 mins and flip and repeat.
Roasted Carrots
One handful of carrots per person
Balsamic dressing from Monday night —- if you are out, just grab the balsamic vinegar and mix it with oil in a bowl at a 1 to 1 ratio and add a little garlic salt. It will be fine that way.
Cover another cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Spray lightly with olive or coconut oil. Spread out the carrots and drizzle the balsamic dressing. Place this tray in the oven after you flip your chicken and they will be ready at the same time as the chicken.
This week is strange because we have plans on Thursday night but I’m including a dish here we made last weekend.
Thursday
Zoodles and meat sauce
Roasted Broccoli
Sliced Peaches (or fruit you love)
Smoothies—how did you ever guess? LOL
One Zucchini per person
1 pd of grass fed ground beef
Tomato sauce of your choice (make your own like in the Monday night recipe)
So…zoodles are Zucchini noodles. You can use a spaghetti squash here instead. I’ll explain that another day.
You will need a spiral slicer OR you can just use a potato peeler and make strips. It won’t look as much like spaghetti but I promise they will be delicious.
I use zucchini and squash and both are great together. Anyway, wash and cut off ends. Make your noodles and place them on a paper towel. Sprinkle lightly with salt and put another paper towel on top. After about ten minutes, place the zoodles in a frying pan with a little olive oil. Sauce for about 5 minutes. Put them in a colander to drain. DO NOT RINSE. You need to get rid of water here.
Brown your meat and drain, add sauce and you are ready. It’s just like making spaghetti the old way—you’re just replacing that fat producing pasta.
Roasted Broccoli
About one handful of broccoli florets per person
Garlic salt
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cover cookie sheet blah blah blah (like above with foil and spray—see the pattern?) Spread out your broccoli and lightly spray and sprinkle with garlic salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes depending on how “done” you like it.
Friday
Baked Cod
Avocado salad
SMOOTHIES of course
Baked Cod
I do this a million different ways but here is an easy one
One large fillet for two people or a medium fillet per person.
Garlic Salt
Cumin
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Spray lightly with olive or coconut oil spray. Lay fillets on cookie sheet. Lightly spray and sprinkle with garlic salt and cumin. Bake for about 8 minutes or until fish flakes easily.
Twist: cover with spoonful of salsa instead and bake as above.
Avocado Salad
Chopped and deseeded tomatoes (there is no magic here but I generally add two roma tomatoes per avocado).
Cubed avocado lightly drizzled with lime juice
Fresh Cilantro
Lime juice
Olive Oil
Use leftover avocado and tomatoes from the taco night OR cut up some more. I mix the tomato and avocado and add lime juice and oil. Garnish with cilantro.
Saturday
LEFTOVERS and if there are none—we will be having Bacon and Eggs!
Menu for this week
Monday
Italian Eggplant Casserole
Spinach salad
Sliced Watermelon/Canteloupe
Chocolate spinach and kale smoothie (Need a VitaMix or other high speed blender—-food processor might work)
Italian Eggplant Casserole (adapted from A Girl Worth Saving)
Either Olive Oil or Coconut oil
One large eggplant (peel and set aside)
1/2 pound Chorizo or mild Italian sausage (remove casing).
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
15 oz Plus 8 oz tomato sauce
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
1tsp garlic salt
Shortcut: use a can of prepared spaghetti sauce in the place of the last three ingredients. Check the labels and get one with as little sugar as possible. There are a few organic ones out there as well.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease 8 x 10 casserole pan with the oil of your choice. Slice the eggplant into about 1/2 inch thick pieces. Line the casserole pan with the pieces—you will have extra. Set those aside for Eggplant fries later. In a frying pan (iron skillet if you have it) brown and drain the meat. In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning and garlic salt. Spoon about half the mixture over the egg plant and then sprinkle the meat evenly across. Top with half the cheese. Repeat with the rest of the sauce and then the cheese. Bake for about 50 minutes and check to see if bubbly and the cheese will brown slightly.
Spinach Salad
Bag Organic spinach
Feta Cheese
1/4 cup rough chopped Walnuts
2 rough chopped Dates
One handful of fresh spinach per person. Sprinkle Feta Cheese, chopped walnuts and dates on top.
Balsamic dressing
1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup Olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp Garlic salt
Put in a jar and shake. Serves about 4.
Chocolate Spinach Kale Smoothie
YOU NEED A HIGH SPEED BLENDER LIKE A VITAMIX
2 Tbsp Chia seeds
2 Tbsp Cocoa powder
6 packs of Truvia
One large handful of Spinach
One large handful of Kale
1/2 tsp Almond Butter
8 mini carrots
1 frozen banana
3/4 cup Almond Milk
Ice (about 2 cups)
Layer in order and gently process as the ingredients incorporate. Adjust thickness with ice and Almond Milk. You may like yours a little sweeter, just add a couple more packs of Truvia. This makes 4 cups approximately OR two mega glasses LOL.
Bonus for appetizer or just for fun!
Eggplant Fries
Cut the remaining eggplant pieces above into long strips. Cover a large cookie sheet with foil and spray with olive or coconut oil spray. Spread the eggplant fries across the sheet and spray them as well. Sprinkle with seasoned salt and bake at 400 for 6 minutes then turn over and cook another 8 minutes. For crispier fries, bake at 350 for up to 10 mins a side.
Tuesday
Deconstructed Beef Tacos
Strawberries/blueberries/raspberries
Smoothie again (we are addicts lol)
Deconstructed Beef Tacos
Olive oil or coconut oil spray
1 pound grass fed ground beef
1 tsp Sea Salt
1 Tbsp. Chili Powder.
1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder.
1/4 tsp. Onion Powder.
1/4 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes.
1/4 tsp. Dried Oregano.
1/2 tsp. Paprika.
1 1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin.
Shortcut: use a taco seasoning packet. Find one with the best ingredients and no preservatives.
3 Sweet Potatoes peeled and cubed
3 Roma Tomatoes deseeded and cubed
1 Avocado Chopped and tossed with lime juice to keep from browning
One Egg for every person (Fried)
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cover 2 cookie sheets with aluminum foil and spray with coconut oil or olive oil. Spread sweet potato cubes on cookie sheets and spray with oil. Lightly salt. Place in the oven for 10 mins and stir and repeat. Brown the meat and drain. Add seasonings and combine and simmer slow. Set aside.
To make the tacos:
Scoop some sweet potatoes into a bowl. Cover with a spoonful of meat. Add tomatoes and avocado and then place an egg on top. Enjoy!
Variations:
—Lose the egg and add a small dollop of sour cream—-not much, you won’t need it and you won’t miss the cheese!
—Add lettuce or chopped kale as well
—Add a few black beans. Again, not much. Beans are not something you want to eat a lot of at any time.
Wednesday
Weeknight Chicken
Roasted Carrots
You guessed it…another smoothie. Sometimes we get crazy and make other flavors; but we are seriously addicted.
Weeknight Chicken
Chicken Thighs (whatever number you need)
Onion Powder
Garlic Salt
Pepper
Cinnamon
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Spray lightly with either olive or coconut oil spray. Lay thighs on pan with skin side up. Sprinkle both sides with all spices listed in order. Cook for 25 mins and flip and repeat.
Roasted Carrots
One handful of carrots per person
Balsamic dressing from Monday night —- if you are out, just grab the balsamic vinegar and mix it with oil in a bowl at a 1 to 1 ratio and add a little garlic salt. It will be fine that way.
Cover another cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Spray lightly with olive or coconut oil. Spread out the carrots and drizzle the balsamic dressing. Place this tray in the oven after you flip your chicken and they will be ready at the same time as the chicken.
This week is strange because we have plans on Thursday night but I’m including a dish here we made last weekend.
Thursday
Zoodles and meat sauce
Roasted Broccoli
Sliced Peaches (or fruit you love)
Smoothies—how did you ever guess? LOL
One Zucchini per person
1 pd of grass fed ground beef
Tomato sauce of your choice (make your own like in the Monday night recipe)
So…zoodles are Zucchini noodles. You can use a spaghetti squash here instead. I’ll explain that another day.
You will need a spiral slicer OR you can just use a potato peeler and make strips. It won’t look as much like spaghetti but I promise they will be delicious.
I use zucchini and squash and both are great together. Anyway, wash and cut off ends. Make your noodles and place them on a paper towel. Sprinkle lightly with salt and put another paper towel on top. After about ten minutes, place the zoodles in a frying pan with a little olive oil. Sauce for about 5 minutes. Put them in a colander to drain. DO NOT RINSE. You need to get rid of water here.
Brown your meat and drain, add sauce and you are ready. It’s just like making spaghetti the old way—you’re just replacing that fat producing pasta.
Roasted Broccoli
About one handful of broccoli florets per person
Garlic salt
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cover cookie sheet blah blah blah (like above with foil and spray—see the pattern?) Spread out your broccoli and lightly spray and sprinkle with garlic salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes depending on how “done” you like it.
Friday
Baked Cod
Avocado salad
SMOOTHIES of course
Baked Cod
I do this a million different ways but here is an easy one
One large fillet for two people or a medium fillet per person.
Garlic Salt
Cumin
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Spray lightly with olive or coconut oil spray. Lay fillets on cookie sheet. Lightly spray and sprinkle with garlic salt and cumin. Bake for about 8 minutes or until fish flakes easily.
Twist: cover with spoonful of salsa instead and bake as above.
Avocado Salad
Chopped and deseeded tomatoes (there is no magic here but I generally add two roma tomatoes per avocado).
Cubed avocado lightly drizzled with lime juice
Fresh Cilantro
Lime juice
Olive Oil
Use leftover avocado and tomatoes from the taco night OR cut up some more. I mix the tomato and avocado and add lime juice and oil. Garnish with cilantro.
Saturday
LEFTOVERS and if there are none—we will be having Bacon and Eggs!
June 26, 2016
Eating Clean
As my husband and I close in on a year of pure clean eating, I can say that we have never felt better and our energy levels are incredible. We are grain, sugar, white potatoes, corn, and mostly dairy free and our health is at the best its ever been. We eat freely and more calories and our weight is at optimal levels. The reason we can eat so many more calories is that we never have the "crash" where we feel tired after eating so we are more active than ever.
Although not everyone can eat the way we do for a number of reasons and I can say that if you're happy where you are with your health and your weight, then more power to you! If not, consider the switch. We eat incredible foods--many of which are just created with simple substitutions in our old favorite recipes. As for bread, I eat it every day--but I eat my healthy grain free bread that I make myself. Don't roll your eyes and say you don't have time, it's a dump recipe with no kneading or rise time and the bread is completely made in 40 minutes (35 of which is in the oven).
Here are a few things that we eat--see if they sound familiar:
Hamburgers and fries
Pancakes and either bacon or sausage
Lasagne
Pizza
Fish tacos
Anything Mexican you can think of!
Of course, we are obsessed with our new food finds in the clean eating world:
Almond butter spinach smoothie
Wraps of all kinds
Incredible bars and bites
Reuban sandwiches (with homeade bread that's amazing)
Now that we've made it a year, I cannot imagine ever eating any of the things we did before. If you're concerned about dropping the wheat, let me say that it is the one thing that caused me the most health problems. I struggled with severe reflux and heartburn and now I have none. This is not unusual with this type of eating.
Anyway, a year is now behind us and I'm looking forward to many more. Food has never tasted so good!
Happy eating!
Although not everyone can eat the way we do for a number of reasons and I can say that if you're happy where you are with your health and your weight, then more power to you! If not, consider the switch. We eat incredible foods--many of which are just created with simple substitutions in our old favorite recipes. As for bread, I eat it every day--but I eat my healthy grain free bread that I make myself. Don't roll your eyes and say you don't have time, it's a dump recipe with no kneading or rise time and the bread is completely made in 40 minutes (35 of which is in the oven).
Here are a few things that we eat--see if they sound familiar:
Hamburgers and fries
Pancakes and either bacon or sausage
Lasagne
Pizza
Fish tacos
Anything Mexican you can think of!
Of course, we are obsessed with our new food finds in the clean eating world:
Almond butter spinach smoothie
Wraps of all kinds
Incredible bars and bites
Reuban sandwiches (with homeade bread that's amazing)
Now that we've made it a year, I cannot imagine ever eating any of the things we did before. If you're concerned about dropping the wheat, let me say that it is the one thing that caused me the most health problems. I struggled with severe reflux and heartburn and now I have none. This is not unusual with this type of eating.
Anyway, a year is now behind us and I'm looking forward to many more. Food has never tasted so good!
Happy eating!
June 20, 2016
A Father's Character
Character is defined as: the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
It takes a lot to stand strong in a world that pulls you in so many directions. Integrity, honesty, and strength all form a person's character. To lead a family as the male or to just be a man takes an incredible amount of good character in order to resist all of the temptations of the world.
I was fortunate to be raised by a man with incredible character. Anyone who knows my dad knows of his honesty, his integrity, and his strength. His character is strong and forthright. I was raised under that umbrella and taught right from wrong. I was taught to work hard and to be honest. Through his example and the loving guiding hand of my mom, I was raised in an unbelievably loving household.
I know how lucky I am.
I know how rare that is these days. I also know that God has seen to it to bless me once again with a man as my husband with that same incredible character. Anyone who knows my husband knows of his honesty, his integrity, and his strength. He is also an amazing husband and father. Happy Father's Day to all out there.
I challenge all men to live up to the character of the ultimate father. When I think of Father's Day I also think of God. I think of his never ending touch on my life and his guidance and love and strength.
When you think of God, you need to remember
His honesty,
His integrity,
and
His strength.
He is the ultimate example of good character. The Bible says that He is love. When looking for an example of the best character, look to Jesus.
You will never be lead wrong.
It takes a lot to stand strong in a world that pulls you in so many directions. Integrity, honesty, and strength all form a person's character. To lead a family as the male or to just be a man takes an incredible amount of good character in order to resist all of the temptations of the world.
I was fortunate to be raised by a man with incredible character. Anyone who knows my dad knows of his honesty, his integrity, and his strength. His character is strong and forthright. I was raised under that umbrella and taught right from wrong. I was taught to work hard and to be honest. Through his example and the loving guiding hand of my mom, I was raised in an unbelievably loving household.
I know how lucky I am.
I know how rare that is these days. I also know that God has seen to it to bless me once again with a man as my husband with that same incredible character. Anyone who knows my husband knows of his honesty, his integrity, and his strength. He is also an amazing husband and father. Happy Father's Day to all out there.
I challenge all men to live up to the character of the ultimate father. When I think of Father's Day I also think of God. I think of his never ending touch on my life and his guidance and love and strength.
When you think of God, you need to remember
His honesty,
His integrity,
and
His strength.
He is the ultimate example of good character. The Bible says that He is love. When looking for an example of the best character, look to Jesus.
You will never be lead wrong.
June 15, 2016
Winners of another giveaway!
Congratulations to Harriett and Staci for winning the autographed copies of The Club (a crime thriller). I wanted to give away a few of these in anticipation of the new release of Quiver, coming soon!
Enjoy the book!
Beth
Enjoy the book!
Beth
June 2, 2016
Goodreads Giveaway!
Congratulations to Judy, Angela, Nancy, Christina, and Thomas!
They are the lucky winners of the autographed copy of A Rose For Jonathan!
There is another chance to win an autographed copy of The Club still ongoing on Goodreads.
Enter for a chance to win!
They are the lucky winners of the autographed copy of A Rose For Jonathan!
There is another chance to win an autographed copy of The Club still ongoing on Goodreads.
Enter for a chance to win!
May 30, 2016
Memorial Day
Thank a veteran...or a family of one.
My father served 20 years in the Air Force. He missed seeing me walk and talk the first time but instilled in me a deep respect for our great country and its military. I will never fully appreciate what it was like for my mom as she told him goodbye over and over, never knowing if it was the last time she would ever see him again. My father always returned; and for that, I am grateful. Our family lived the military life together and I still look up at military airplanes passing over with awe. If you've never been a part of that life you cannot understand the sacrifices a family makes together.
I hope you will all take a moment to thank a veteran who still lives and recognize all those who gave their lives for you and I to live in freedom. I never take that freedom for granted and I pray we will never know what it's like to lose it.
My father served 20 years in the Air Force. He missed seeing me walk and talk the first time but instilled in me a deep respect for our great country and its military. I will never fully appreciate what it was like for my mom as she told him goodbye over and over, never knowing if it was the last time she would ever see him again. My father always returned; and for that, I am grateful. Our family lived the military life together and I still look up at military airplanes passing over with awe. If you've never been a part of that life you cannot understand the sacrifices a family makes together.
I hope you will all take a moment to thank a veteran who still lives and recognize all those who gave their lives for you and I to live in freedom. I never take that freedom for granted and I pray we will never know what it's like to lose it.
May 24, 2016
First Chapter: A Rose For Jonathan
Back by demand...the first chapter of A Rose for Jonathan. The sequel is in hard edits right now and is called Quiver. See why this novel has now won three awards...step into the story that has challenged many people to return to their knees...
A Rose For Jonathan
Chapter 1: The Beginning
Friday, May 10, 1974
The time for the first event was drawing near. There were three of them; and they landed silently on a hill above the town to wait for it to begin. Dusk began to settle over the area, turning the sky into a mixture of pinks and blues, as a few clouds drifted lazily across the sky. Each large angel was covered in a flowing white robe with gold stitching and their wings were tucked in behind them, glowing slightly in the expanding darkness. Meris, the leader, was a full eight feet tall with long dark hair and pale blue eyes; and he wore a sword that glistened in the final rays of the sinking sun, as the wind gently swayed it back and forth on his waist. A grim expression covered his face, as he looked over at the other two angels, Nardic and Galdon, who were also tall; but they were a full half foot shorter. Galdon stood directly beside Meris, his leader, and waited patiently for orders, while the younger angel, Nardic, paced back and forth. Meris shifted his weight and glanced up toward the sky, as he listened to the Father; and then he nodded in response to the orders that only he could hear. Stepping forward, he swiftly drew his sword and pointed it toward the town.
“It’s time, let’s go!” he bellowed, as he lifted off to go toward the place that had been chosen.
The other two lifted their wings with a whoosh and flew swiftly with Meris to the north end of the town, where several demonic creatures were already gathering in response to the angel’s presence. They had sensed the coming change but had no idea what it would be. One of the evil creatures screamed and ducked behind a tree, when he saw the large angels approaching; and the rest of the demons crouched low to the ground, covering their faces with their gray, scaly arms. Meris took his sword in both hands; and in a single motion, he sliced through the darkness surrounding the area, fully penetrating the entire region with a supernatural light. The demons scattered and screeched in response, while Meris held his wings open to allow the glow to fully engulf the place that they needed to protect. He gently moved his wings back and forth, sending an even brighter light radiating in all directions, fully disseminating any dimness that remained in the chosen area. The three angels stood guard for several minutes and then Galdon, the second in command, took his sword and rammed the blade into the earth, sending a loud Boom echoing throughout the region and simultaneously scattering any lingering demons well beyond the border of the light. Meris left these two powerful angels to return to the hill to watch. Only one human in the area felt their presence and saw the light, and she was only two years old. The little girl looked out her car window and squealed and pointed. Her mom was too preoccupied to notice and her sister looked over and saw nothing.
Several seconds passed and finally the moment arrived. A truck ran a red light and slammed into the van carrying the little girl and her family, obliterating the right side. Galdon held his wings taut and braced the impact to keep the others safe, while the younger angel, Nardic, held the perimeter of light in place. Only one person was to be taken...but not at this moment. Galdon looked up to the hill at Meris, who grimly nodded his approval and acknowledged that everything was all now in place. Several minutes passed and groups of people began to congregate, as paramedics rushed to help the victims. Over in the crowd that had gathered stood a tall angel, named Flint. He turned to glance over toward the nearby hill where he knew his leader, Meris, stood and they nodded to each other, indicating that it was now time for Flint to move. Flint shifted his gaze back over to scene of the wreck to find the man who had driven the truck and was now sitting on the curb with his head in his hands. A police officer was talking to him and had the man stand and touch his hands to his nose with his eyes closed. As Flint watched this man, his newest charge, a grim expression spread across his own face, knowing this was going to be an extremely difficult job. One more glance at Meris and Flint slowly moved to stand behind the man, completely invisible to all the people in the area.
Meris stood tall and firm on the hill with his large wings slightly open and they continued to glow gently in the moonlight. Nardic landed softly beside him and addressed his leader, "Everyone is waiting. Flint is with the man from the truck and Galdon has gone with the woman and little girl to the hospital, where reinforcements are already in place. The only one left down there is the young child that they are still working with in the van."
Meris continued to stare off into the distance watching the accident scene and listening intently to Nardic’s message. His face never flinched, as his voice boomed out in response, "We need to move with them. I will take the young child myself, when the time comes."
Thirty-five years later...
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The entire church was full, along with the fellowship hall, the parking lot, and even the nearby warehouse, where television monitors had been placed to broadcast the pastor’s message to all who were waiting. The crowds had grown so quickly each week, that the only adjustment that could be made was to open more space and have four services each week, along with the quick technological fixes to help broadcast the message to all who had come. With the new donations pouring in, a building committee had been formed and ideas were being discussed and debated on how to handle the rapidly growing congregation.
Pastor John Miles (Pastor John as he was called by most everyone) sat in his seat by the pulpit and watched the choir sing a powerful rendition of an old song, Beulah Land. The power came from two sisters, Marian and Kathy Martin, who had plenty of wind but hadn’t hit a note correctly in years. It wasn’t for lack of trying, because they never missed a practice or a service, much to the sorrow of the congregation. Through the years, their made up harmonies had grown louder and more dysfunctional; but no one had had the nerve to tell them otherwise. When the choir director decided to increase the volume of the organ in response, the sisters saw this as their cue to push even harder to be heard. Within a few years of this ongoing battle, the volume of the song service had reached almost unbearable proportions. Finally, Pastor John had been forced to step in and have the organist reduce her volume and allow the sisters to belt out their off key songs as they saw fit. The congregation was so used to the way the songs now sounded, that one eight year old boy, while visiting another church with his friend, didn’t recognize the songs at all, when he heard them sung in tune. Fortunately, the Martin sisters had become more subdued through the years, as their age and ailments had piled up. The newer members of the congregation seemed unfazed by the two elderly ladies and their theatrics, as they gathered to hear the latest message from the well-known preacher.
Nardic and Galdon stood guarding the doorways of each of the two aisles in the small church. Nardic smiled and gently shook his head, as the two Martin sisters proudly belted out their dysfunctional melody. Galdon frowned and looked over at Nardic, who immediately straightened in response and tried to regain his composure, knowing Galdon disapproved of any humor during an assignment. As the choir began the last verse, Kathy Martin decided to start dancing in place, while Marian marched in a circle and joined in with some excessive arm movements that had nothing to do with the words from the song. Nardic stifled a laugh; and he exchanged a secret smile with the young preacher’s daughter, Rosie. Galdon cleared his throat and glared at Nardic, who simply looked at him and shrugged. How was he supposed to keep a straight face when those two women put on such a show?
The entire room, along with those in the atrium, fellowship hall, and nearby warehouse, both spiritual and human, watched as Pastor John stood and wiped his brow with a handkerchief for the third time, while he looked out at his congregation. Several were trying not to wince as Kathy Martin tried for another note that didn’t exist and Marian attempted to match it with another note an octave lower, causing one small child in the front row to hold her hands over her ears. Pastor John was sweating profusely under his robe; and he again wished that the building committee would make some decisions on when to break ground on the new sanctuary. The current one was wrought with problems, including an air conditioner unit that was in bad need of replacement; and with the swelling crowds, the body heat quickly overcame the ailing air conditioner, as it chugged along trying to keep up. When the song ended, Pastor John pushed up his glasses, turned to thank the choir, and then stepped up to the pulpit.
“I love the way that song ends! It blesses my heart.”
In the second row, Pastor John’s father, Roger Miles, leaned over to his wife, Terry, and whispered, “It blessed us all for that song to end!” She punched him in his ribs and shielded her mouth to hide her smile, then tried to focus on what their son, Pastor John, was saying.
“I would like to do something a little different today,” Pastor John said and waited for everyone to perk up. He watched as a small wave of movement rippled through his flock; and several people even slid forward on their seats. Anticipation was added to the air of excitement to create an almost palpable silence; and no one dared to even shift in their seats for fear of missing a single word due to a squeaky pew. With the crowd nearly holding its breath, waiting for the most recent news, Pastor John wiped his face again and straightened his glasses.
“My heart is full this morning. The last few days have been somewhat unusual for our family. So much has occurred that I only know to address you all with the facts and share what we have just now learned ourselves.”
Not one noise could be heard except the preacher’s voice. Several people would later report that mothers were practically sitting on their own children to keep them from making a sound, because something new had happened and no one wanted to miss a single word. Listening to her son, Terry sat at her husband’s side and glanced over at the church busy body, Clara Burton, who was poised to memorize every morsel of information. Clara needed a new crusade to find her purpose among the newer members. She had already placed herself on every committee she could and given herself an unofficial title as Ambassador to the growing crowds.
“All of you know my daughter, Rosie.”
Several people nodded; and Clara congratulated herself for already noting Rosie was not sitting with her mom today. There was a small ripple of response; and Pastor John looked down to try to catch his breath before he continued. He knew he had a lot yet to tell them and wanted to get it right.
“You are all familiar with something that I say every week. I always start my sermon by telling you that I am here because of a gift, yet few of you know the double meaning behind those words.” Pastor John paused and looked at his notes, more to gain control of his emotions than to see the words written before him.
“Most of you have probably assumed that I have been alluding to the gift of salvation, which is partially correct; but it is not the full meaning. There has been another gift, one that I was aware of but never had the curiosity or the courage to know more about it.” Pastor John looked over at his wife, Lindsey, and then at his parents, who never missed a service and then at Lindsey’s parents, who had only started to come over the last few weeks. He wiped the corner of his eyes and tried again to regain his composure.
“I think it’s important for you all to know that what I am about to tell you all is a story that is still difficult for even me to believe.” He looked back at Rosie, sitting on the seat behind him. She and her mother looked so much alike, almost like sisters. The meaning behind that thought hit him hard; and then he broke down slightly and had to take a moment to gather himself so that he could continue.
Several women began to cry, as they watched their beloved pastor struggle to tell them something that was incredibly painful. Lindsey mouthed ‘I love you’ and wiped the tears from her own eyes as well. Besides their parents, she and Rosie were the only ones that knew all the details of what Pastor John was about to say; and she began to silently pray for strength for everyone involved. Galdon and Nardic began to glow from the added prayer and both instinctively spread their wings in response. Galdon moved into place behind the preacher and placed a hand on him to give him added strength, although the glow in his wings was not as bright as it should have been.
In response, Pastor John stood up straight and gained some control over his emotions as he continued, “I spent some time yesterday reviewing all of this with my family and well...I’m not sure how to say this, so I think it’s important for me to start at the beginning. Bear with me as I try to put this all together for you to understand.” The angels in the room and outside guarding the perimeter held their wings open, glowing and daring any demon to come near.
Lindsey looked up at her husband and smiled, as her mind began to drift back and remember how they had first met and how this journey had begun that led them all to this day.
A Rose For Jonathan
Chapter 1: The Beginning
Friday, May 10, 1974
The time for the first event was drawing near. There were three of them; and they landed silently on a hill above the town to wait for it to begin. Dusk began to settle over the area, turning the sky into a mixture of pinks and blues, as a few clouds drifted lazily across the sky. Each large angel was covered in a flowing white robe with gold stitching and their wings were tucked in behind them, glowing slightly in the expanding darkness. Meris, the leader, was a full eight feet tall with long dark hair and pale blue eyes; and he wore a sword that glistened in the final rays of the sinking sun, as the wind gently swayed it back and forth on his waist. A grim expression covered his face, as he looked over at the other two angels, Nardic and Galdon, who were also tall; but they were a full half foot shorter. Galdon stood directly beside Meris, his leader, and waited patiently for orders, while the younger angel, Nardic, paced back and forth. Meris shifted his weight and glanced up toward the sky, as he listened to the Father; and then he nodded in response to the orders that only he could hear. Stepping forward, he swiftly drew his sword and pointed it toward the town.
“It’s time, let’s go!” he bellowed, as he lifted off to go toward the place that had been chosen.
The other two lifted their wings with a whoosh and flew swiftly with Meris to the north end of the town, where several demonic creatures were already gathering in response to the angel’s presence. They had sensed the coming change but had no idea what it would be. One of the evil creatures screamed and ducked behind a tree, when he saw the large angels approaching; and the rest of the demons crouched low to the ground, covering their faces with their gray, scaly arms. Meris took his sword in both hands; and in a single motion, he sliced through the darkness surrounding the area, fully penetrating the entire region with a supernatural light. The demons scattered and screeched in response, while Meris held his wings open to allow the glow to fully engulf the place that they needed to protect. He gently moved his wings back and forth, sending an even brighter light radiating in all directions, fully disseminating any dimness that remained in the chosen area. The three angels stood guard for several minutes and then Galdon, the second in command, took his sword and rammed the blade into the earth, sending a loud Boom echoing throughout the region and simultaneously scattering any lingering demons well beyond the border of the light. Meris left these two powerful angels to return to the hill to watch. Only one human in the area felt their presence and saw the light, and she was only two years old. The little girl looked out her car window and squealed and pointed. Her mom was too preoccupied to notice and her sister looked over and saw nothing.
Several seconds passed and finally the moment arrived. A truck ran a red light and slammed into the van carrying the little girl and her family, obliterating the right side. Galdon held his wings taut and braced the impact to keep the others safe, while the younger angel, Nardic, held the perimeter of light in place. Only one person was to be taken...but not at this moment. Galdon looked up to the hill at Meris, who grimly nodded his approval and acknowledged that everything was all now in place. Several minutes passed and groups of people began to congregate, as paramedics rushed to help the victims. Over in the crowd that had gathered stood a tall angel, named Flint. He turned to glance over toward the nearby hill where he knew his leader, Meris, stood and they nodded to each other, indicating that it was now time for Flint to move. Flint shifted his gaze back over to scene of the wreck to find the man who had driven the truck and was now sitting on the curb with his head in his hands. A police officer was talking to him and had the man stand and touch his hands to his nose with his eyes closed. As Flint watched this man, his newest charge, a grim expression spread across his own face, knowing this was going to be an extremely difficult job. One more glance at Meris and Flint slowly moved to stand behind the man, completely invisible to all the people in the area.
Meris stood tall and firm on the hill with his large wings slightly open and they continued to glow gently in the moonlight. Nardic landed softly beside him and addressed his leader, "Everyone is waiting. Flint is with the man from the truck and Galdon has gone with the woman and little girl to the hospital, where reinforcements are already in place. The only one left down there is the young child that they are still working with in the van."
Meris continued to stare off into the distance watching the accident scene and listening intently to Nardic’s message. His face never flinched, as his voice boomed out in response, "We need to move with them. I will take the young child myself, when the time comes."
Thirty-five years later...
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The entire church was full, along with the fellowship hall, the parking lot, and even the nearby warehouse, where television monitors had been placed to broadcast the pastor’s message to all who were waiting. The crowds had grown so quickly each week, that the only adjustment that could be made was to open more space and have four services each week, along with the quick technological fixes to help broadcast the message to all who had come. With the new donations pouring in, a building committee had been formed and ideas were being discussed and debated on how to handle the rapidly growing congregation.
Pastor John Miles (Pastor John as he was called by most everyone) sat in his seat by the pulpit and watched the choir sing a powerful rendition of an old song, Beulah Land. The power came from two sisters, Marian and Kathy Martin, who had plenty of wind but hadn’t hit a note correctly in years. It wasn’t for lack of trying, because they never missed a practice or a service, much to the sorrow of the congregation. Through the years, their made up harmonies had grown louder and more dysfunctional; but no one had had the nerve to tell them otherwise. When the choir director decided to increase the volume of the organ in response, the sisters saw this as their cue to push even harder to be heard. Within a few years of this ongoing battle, the volume of the song service had reached almost unbearable proportions. Finally, Pastor John had been forced to step in and have the organist reduce her volume and allow the sisters to belt out their off key songs as they saw fit. The congregation was so used to the way the songs now sounded, that one eight year old boy, while visiting another church with his friend, didn’t recognize the songs at all, when he heard them sung in tune. Fortunately, the Martin sisters had become more subdued through the years, as their age and ailments had piled up. The newer members of the congregation seemed unfazed by the two elderly ladies and their theatrics, as they gathered to hear the latest message from the well-known preacher.
Nardic and Galdon stood guarding the doorways of each of the two aisles in the small church. Nardic smiled and gently shook his head, as the two Martin sisters proudly belted out their dysfunctional melody. Galdon frowned and looked over at Nardic, who immediately straightened in response and tried to regain his composure, knowing Galdon disapproved of any humor during an assignment. As the choir began the last verse, Kathy Martin decided to start dancing in place, while Marian marched in a circle and joined in with some excessive arm movements that had nothing to do with the words from the song. Nardic stifled a laugh; and he exchanged a secret smile with the young preacher’s daughter, Rosie. Galdon cleared his throat and glared at Nardic, who simply looked at him and shrugged. How was he supposed to keep a straight face when those two women put on such a show?
The entire room, along with those in the atrium, fellowship hall, and nearby warehouse, both spiritual and human, watched as Pastor John stood and wiped his brow with a handkerchief for the third time, while he looked out at his congregation. Several were trying not to wince as Kathy Martin tried for another note that didn’t exist and Marian attempted to match it with another note an octave lower, causing one small child in the front row to hold her hands over her ears. Pastor John was sweating profusely under his robe; and he again wished that the building committee would make some decisions on when to break ground on the new sanctuary. The current one was wrought with problems, including an air conditioner unit that was in bad need of replacement; and with the swelling crowds, the body heat quickly overcame the ailing air conditioner, as it chugged along trying to keep up. When the song ended, Pastor John pushed up his glasses, turned to thank the choir, and then stepped up to the pulpit.
“I love the way that song ends! It blesses my heart.”
In the second row, Pastor John’s father, Roger Miles, leaned over to his wife, Terry, and whispered, “It blessed us all for that song to end!” She punched him in his ribs and shielded her mouth to hide her smile, then tried to focus on what their son, Pastor John, was saying.
“I would like to do something a little different today,” Pastor John said and waited for everyone to perk up. He watched as a small wave of movement rippled through his flock; and several people even slid forward on their seats. Anticipation was added to the air of excitement to create an almost palpable silence; and no one dared to even shift in their seats for fear of missing a single word due to a squeaky pew. With the crowd nearly holding its breath, waiting for the most recent news, Pastor John wiped his face again and straightened his glasses.
“My heart is full this morning. The last few days have been somewhat unusual for our family. So much has occurred that I only know to address you all with the facts and share what we have just now learned ourselves.”
Not one noise could be heard except the preacher’s voice. Several people would later report that mothers were practically sitting on their own children to keep them from making a sound, because something new had happened and no one wanted to miss a single word. Listening to her son, Terry sat at her husband’s side and glanced over at the church busy body, Clara Burton, who was poised to memorize every morsel of information. Clara needed a new crusade to find her purpose among the newer members. She had already placed herself on every committee she could and given herself an unofficial title as Ambassador to the growing crowds.
“All of you know my daughter, Rosie.”
Several people nodded; and Clara congratulated herself for already noting Rosie was not sitting with her mom today. There was a small ripple of response; and Pastor John looked down to try to catch his breath before he continued. He knew he had a lot yet to tell them and wanted to get it right.
“You are all familiar with something that I say every week. I always start my sermon by telling you that I am here because of a gift, yet few of you know the double meaning behind those words.” Pastor John paused and looked at his notes, more to gain control of his emotions than to see the words written before him.
“Most of you have probably assumed that I have been alluding to the gift of salvation, which is partially correct; but it is not the full meaning. There has been another gift, one that I was aware of but never had the curiosity or the courage to know more about it.” Pastor John looked over at his wife, Lindsey, and then at his parents, who never missed a service and then at Lindsey’s parents, who had only started to come over the last few weeks. He wiped the corner of his eyes and tried again to regain his composure.
“I think it’s important for you all to know that what I am about to tell you all is a story that is still difficult for even me to believe.” He looked back at Rosie, sitting on the seat behind him. She and her mother looked so much alike, almost like sisters. The meaning behind that thought hit him hard; and then he broke down slightly and had to take a moment to gather himself so that he could continue.
Several women began to cry, as they watched their beloved pastor struggle to tell them something that was incredibly painful. Lindsey mouthed ‘I love you’ and wiped the tears from her own eyes as well. Besides their parents, she and Rosie were the only ones that knew all the details of what Pastor John was about to say; and she began to silently pray for strength for everyone involved. Galdon and Nardic began to glow from the added prayer and both instinctively spread their wings in response. Galdon moved into place behind the preacher and placed a hand on him to give him added strength, although the glow in his wings was not as bright as it should have been.
In response, Pastor John stood up straight and gained some control over his emotions as he continued, “I spent some time yesterday reviewing all of this with my family and well...I’m not sure how to say this, so I think it’s important for me to start at the beginning. Bear with me as I try to put this all together for you to understand.” The angels in the room and outside guarding the perimeter held their wings open, glowing and daring any demon to come near.
Lindsey looked up at her husband and smiled, as her mind began to drift back and remember how they had first met and how this journey had begun that led them all to this day.
May 22, 2016
I See You: Ballad of a Special Needs Parent
For those fighting the fight every day with special needs children.
I See You ❤️
I see you running your child to therapy when your friends are running their kids to Little League or ballet
I see you slipping out the of conversation when your friends are all chiming in about milestones and test grades.
I see you constantly juggling appointments and meetings.
I see you sitting at your computer for hours researching what your child needs.
I see you cringe when people whine about what feels like petty things.
I see you spread thin but still going the extra mile for your family.
I see you digging for depths of strength you never dreamed you had.
I see you showing appreciation to the teachers, therapists and medical professionals who serve your child with you.
I see you rising early in the morning to do it all again after another chaotic night.
I see you when you’re hanging on to the end of your rope for dear life.
I know you feel invisible, like nobody notices any of it. But I want you to know I notice you. I see you relentlessly pushing onward. I see you keep choosing to do everything in your power to give your child the best possible care at home, in school, at therapy and the doctor. What you’re doing matters. It’s worth it.
On those days when you wonder if you can do it another minute, I want you to know I see you. I want you to know you’re beautiful. I want you to know it’s worth it. I want you to know you aren’t alone. I want you to know love is what matters most, and you have that nailed.
And on those days when you have breakthroughs, those times when the hard work pays off and success is yours to cherish, I see you then too, and I am proud of you. Whichever day today is, you’re worthy, you’re good and I see you.
Author Unknown
I See You ❤️
I see you running your child to therapy when your friends are running their kids to Little League or ballet
I see you slipping out the of conversation when your friends are all chiming in about milestones and test grades.
I see you constantly juggling appointments and meetings.
I see you sitting at your computer for hours researching what your child needs.
I see you cringe when people whine about what feels like petty things.
I see you spread thin but still going the extra mile for your family.
I see you digging for depths of strength you never dreamed you had.
I see you showing appreciation to the teachers, therapists and medical professionals who serve your child with you.
I see you rising early in the morning to do it all again after another chaotic night.
I see you when you’re hanging on to the end of your rope for dear life.
I know you feel invisible, like nobody notices any of it. But I want you to know I notice you. I see you relentlessly pushing onward. I see you keep choosing to do everything in your power to give your child the best possible care at home, in school, at therapy and the doctor. What you’re doing matters. It’s worth it.
On those days when you wonder if you can do it another minute, I want you to know I see you. I want you to know you’re beautiful. I want you to know it’s worth it. I want you to know you aren’t alone. I want you to know love is what matters most, and you have that nailed.
And on those days when you have breakthroughs, those times when the hard work pays off and success is yours to cherish, I see you then too, and I am proud of you. Whichever day today is, you’re worthy, you’re good and I see you.
Author Unknown
