Brenda B. Taylor's Blog, page 28
January 17, 2013
His Unfailing Presence
By Beth Taylor
But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it for the full price. I will not take what is yours and give it to the Lord. I will not present burnt offerings that have cost me nothing!” (1Chronicles 21:24)
Today I am taking a break from working on an inspirational historical fiction novel I plan to publish as an ebook. A resolution for the new year is to get two novels into the ebook market. This has been a journey and one I would never venture to take without the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Learning to write historical fiction is a journey within itself. So many factors and variables must be considered in plotting, characterization, point of view, grammar and punctuation to name a few. And then the story must be historically accurate, so extensive research is necessary.
I ask myself the same question each day. “Is all this worth the time and effort?” A still small voice answers deep within my spirit, “Yes. I have a message for you to tell. Your work is an offering to me and you should give me nothing that does not cost you something.”
What are you giving to the Lord? Is your offering costing you something? He commands we give Him our best without spot or blemish. I cannot do less than I am doing. I must give Him my all.
His Unfailing Presence (author unknown)
Another year I enter, its history unknown; Oh, how my feet would tremble to tread its paths alone! But I have heard God’s whisper. I know I shall be blest, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”
What will the New Year bring me? I may not, must not know. Will it be love and rapture, or loneliness and woe? Hush! Hush! I hear His whisper. I surely shall be blest. “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.”
December 17, 2012
Christmas
By Beth Taylor
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John1:14 NKJV
Christmas is a time when you should expect heaven’s entrance into your dusty, dirty world. Christmas is a time of miracles and the season should remind you that miracles really do happen, prayers are answered, and heaven is for real. Christmas is a time of love—a time to show God’s love to a dark world.
During the Christmas season the entire world turns its attention to Jesus. I heard a comment on the radio from an atheist who said religion needs to be taken out of Christmas. The radio host answered that without religion there would be no Christmas.
Amidst the presents, tinsel, and decorations, the underlying reason for Christmas shines forth—Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and His entry into human existence. No matter how one tries to deny the true meaning of the season, He shines through. Although the world tries to deny Him, it cannot at Christmas time. His name is engraved into the very fabric of the season. His love shines forth with a warmth and glow that makes the world a little better place to live. The hardest hearts are a little softer. The meanest people become a little kinder. The poor receive food and gifts through the generosity of those who have more. Songs of love and goodness fill the air.
Let Christmas begin whenever the merchants decide to start the season. They are usually the ones who bring out the decorations, merchandise, and Christmas music to set our minds on shopping. All of that is okay, because the world begins turning its attention to Jesus. Whether they believe in Him or not, they cannot deny His existence during this holy season that carries His name—CHRISTmas.
Merry Christmas. Love someone in His name today.
November 30, 2012
Foulis Castle
by Beth Taylor
“The land You have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!” Psalm 16:6 NLT
Foulis Castle
Foulis Castle Back View
Foulis Castle stands in the parish of Kiltearn, Ross and Cromarty, four miles north east of Dingwall on the old road to Evanton in the Scottish Highlands. The castle has been the seat of Clan Munro since the 11th century. The clan chief was given the castle and Foulis lands as a reward from the Earl of Ross for defeating Viking invaders.
The Gaelic name for Foulis is, Fo-glais, and it means a streamlet or burn. The Burn of Foulis flows close by. Plans of the original castle are long since lost, but the grounds still contain the site of an 11th century motte (manmade mound topped by a wooden palisade.)
Double Eagle Entrance to Foulis Castle
The present castle dates from the middle of the 18th century and contains within its attractive Georgian structure the remains of a much earlier and different defensive keep. Sir Harry Munro began building the present mansion after returning from the 1745 Jacobite Rising to find his ancient home destroyed by fire. He lost both his father, Colonel Sir Robert Munro, and uncle, Dr. Duncan Munro, at the Battle of Falkirk during the same uprising.
Courtyard of Foulis and Ancient Wall Arch
Sir Harry incorporated what he could of the old 16th century keep in the present structure. The courtyard is pierced by three arches. Its semi-octagonal tower dated 1754 hints at an earlier form of Scottish architecture. The range of 18th century domestic buildings of coach houses, laundry, bakehouse, stables and well, shows a strong continental influence.
The Castle Tower
The slightly later and more formal Georgian front features a double stair entrance leading to a doorway formed from a first floor window. A heraldic panel dating to 1777 hangs over the door. The short end elevations have full height angled bay windows.
George Munro, Highland Guide
Little has changed on the exterior since Foulis was first rebuilt in 1754. Internal alterations made by succeeding generations add to the character of the castle which is still occupied by the Munros of Foulis.
Courtyard at Foulis Castle
Ancient Courtyard Gate
A Gunloop in the Ancient Castle Keep
The oldest part of the castle is a section of the ancient keep. The stone walls are over five feet thick with gunloops. This gunloop has a bar across it with a small indention large enough to pass food through dug out of the wall. It may have been the castle’s gaol.
Stones with Ancient Carvings in the Old Keep
Gunloop in the Ancient Keep
