tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39694800752396541602024-03-05T09:23:14.074-08:00Is He Calling You?This site will explore the ways in which God may call us and what those callings might be. I will chronicle my experiences and those of others who share theirs with me. My goal is to give you hope in an oftentimes hopeless world by relating the victories God gives us in our daily lives. Whatever you may be facing, there is always hope, if you just look for it. Mark 10:49b "Have courage! Get up; He's calling for you."Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-63184823648069575252013-02-20T06:57:00.001-08:002013-02-20T07:28:21.890-08:00Wings Of Glass Just Released!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepcTMapPEQ_rrxvDop2XjuleJcVhNSrFGWS3wCYMYcbEhRW8zG6pDi_nbfXIjQZtwZn_oDCCctHB__z-wPjROv2MbbkUGz2JfOrSzhFR-RsH9z8mc9Q1stswiQP3ly20RKoijo79ENJWR/s1600/ginacolortilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepcTMapPEQ_rrxvDop2XjuleJcVhNSrFGWS3wCYMYcbEhRW8zG6pDi_nbfXIjQZtwZn_oDCCctHB__z-wPjROv2MbbkUGz2JfOrSzhFR-RsH9z8mc9Q1stswiQP3ly20RKoijo79ENJWR/s320/ginacolortilt.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7c7c7c; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Gina Holmes</strong> is the founder of <a href="http://www.novelrocket.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3d6e6f; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Novel Rocket</a> and a PR professional. Her bestselling novels Crossing Oceans and Dry as Rain were both Christy finalists and won various literary awards. Her latest novel, Wings of Glass, released February 2013 and has earned a starred review from Library Journal, a Romantic Times Top Pick and a Southern Indie Bookseller's Okra Pick. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her family in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose. To learn more about her, visit <a href="http://www.ginaholmes.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3d6e6f; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">www.ginaholmes.com</a>.</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Your 3<sup>rd</sup>
novel, Wings of Glass, has just released. Tell us a little about it.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I think this is my favorite book so far. Wings of Glass
tells the story of Penny Taylor, a young wife who feels trapped and alone in a
physically and emotionally abusive marriage. Besides her low self-esteem, she
feels her Christian faith doesn’t allow for divorce. It’s not until she meets
two women—one a southern socialite and the other a Sudanese cleaning woman—that
her eyes are opened to the truth of her situation and she begins her journey to
healing and redemption.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What made you take on
the tough subject of domestic abuse?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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As a little girl, I watched my mother being physically
abused by her husband and then later, two of my sisters enter abusive
relationship after abusive relationship and I thought that would never be me. .
. until the day my boyfriend hit me for the first time and I began to make
excuses for him. I know the mindset of someone who gets into and stays in an
abusive relationship, because I’ve been there myself. It’s taken me years, and
a lot of reading, praying, and talking to get to the heart of what brought me
and kept me in toxic relationships and I want to pass on some of what I learned
that helped me find boundaries and recovery from a codependent mindset and most
of all healing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wings-Glass-Gina-Holmes/dp/1414366418/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&%3Bie=UTF8&%3Bqid=1361292356&%3Bsr=1-1&%3Bkeywords=wings+of+glass"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZoh7Y4w7mum51UQ4TlGiJ0TqvQ9dY9OBHY983uSXBn1a_-GH9-FDliWRst5bdY9N_-12wYgMcX8jwbjNPwO1i_uM12JPXQ9VzwYrGkyKQ2qH8xSCaeIP1qNSR-1aibL0la91cEOUs6HA/s320/WingsOfGlass_3D-1.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What do you hope
readers take away from this book?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s my hope and prayer that those who are in abusive
relationships will begin to see that the problem lies with them as much as with
the abuser. That’s something I railed against when friends suggested it. I
wasn’t the one with the problem! I was no doormat who enabled abuse or
addiction… or was I? <o:p></o:p></div>
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I also hope that those who have never understood the mindset
of victims would better comprehend the intricacies of codependency and be
better able to minister to these women and men. And of course I’d love it if
young women would read this before they ever enter their first romantic
relationship to have their eyes open to how abuse almost always progresses and
be able to see the red flags early. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Which of the
characters in the novel is most like you and why?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Each of the characters has a little of me in them or vice
versa. I think years ago I was more like Penny, though tougher in many regards,
at least I thought so. I’d like to think now I’m a little more Callie Mae.
Because I’ve lived through what I have and have found healing, I can see in
others the path that will lead to healing and the one that will lead to
destruction. The difficult part once you’ve found healing is remembering that
you can’t do it for others. You can offer advice, but you can’t make anyone
take it. Each person has to learn in their own time, in their own way. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Who is your favorite
character?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I absolutely love Fatimah. She had such a great sense of
humor and didn’t care what anyone thought except those who really mattered. She
was really quite self-actualized. She was so much fun to write and I actually
find myself missing her presence.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What’s your favorite
and least favorite part about being a writer?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Favorite:</b> making
my own schedule. I love when I’m feeling bad one day knowing that I don’t have
to punch a clock. I can just take the day off and then work harder the next. Of
course, there’s a lot of other things I love about writing, like allowing
others to consider another point of view that may be far different from their
own.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Least favorite: There’s a joke that when you work for
yourself you at least get to pick which eighteen hours of the day you want.
That’s true. Working from home means I’m always at work. I work from about 7:30
am until about eight at night most days. Under deadline, it’s worse. Truly
understanding how much the success of a book rides on the shoulders of the
author is a blessing and a curse. Because I get that no one is more invested in
the success of my books than me, I put in a LOT of time on the
publicity/marketing end of things. It’s tiring but an investment that I think
pays off in the long run. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You had written four
novels before your debut, Crossing Oceans was published. Do you think those
books will ever get dusted off and reworked?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Never say never, but I doubt it. I had considered reworking
some but having gone back and re-read them, I realized they weren’t published
for good reason. They just didn’t work. Now, there is one story I’m resurrecting
characters from for a story I should be writing next, but the plotline is
completely different. I started out writing suspensel but as my reading tastes
changed, so did my writing tastes. I don’t see myself doing suspense again any
time soon. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You’re known for your
quirky characters, what inspires you to write these types into each book?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Honestly, I’m a pretty quirky person. The older I get, the
more I embrace those quirks. I think everyone is quirky really. As a student of
human nature, I pick up on those and like to exaggerate them in my fiction. I
also like to surround myself with quirky people. My husband is quirky, my kids
are quirky and so are my friends. Often in life, especially when we’re young,
we hate about ourselves what makes us different, when really those are the
things we should be embracing. Different is interesting. Different is
beautiful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If you could write
anything and genre, marketing and reader expectations didn’t matter, what would
you write? </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Speaking of quirky… I read a book a few years back that was
so different that it made me want to try something like that. The book was a
big-time bestseller, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jonathan Strange and
Mr Norrell</i>. What turned me on about that book were the characters. They
were quirky to an extreme. In contemporary women’s fiction, I can get away with
a certain amount of quirk. but I’m always having to play it down because it’s
so over the top. In a fantasy, you can be as over the top as you dare. I’d love
to play around with something like that one day and just let my freak flag fly!
Will I? Probably not unless I use a penname. I realize readers have certain
expectations and I wouldn’t want anyone to feel mislead. We’ll see. There’s
lots in life I want to do but since I only get a hundred or so years (if I’m
lucky), time won’t allow for every rabbit hole. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What advice would you
have for writers hoping to follow in your footsteps?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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My advice would be not to follow too closely in anyone’s
footsteps. Yes, there is a certain path all writers find themselves on. There
are certain things that we must all do like learning to write well, figuring
out platform, going to writers conferences to meet the gatekeepers and figure
out the way things have to be formatted and submitted and all that sort of
thing. But it’s okay to veer off the path too and forge your own. There are
those who have self-published who have found great success. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There are those who have written about subjects that they
were told no one wanted to read about and found success. It’s smart to figure
out what others have done before you to make them successful, but alter the
formula to suit your needs and passions. It’s okay to be different, in fact, I
think great success and maybe even happiness depends upon it. And by all means,
read Novel Rocket.com and leave comments. It helps not only encourage those
authors who have taken the time out of their day to teach us, but it also
connects you to the writing community. Community is important. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the best-selling author of <i>Crossing Oceans</i> comes a heartrending yet uplifting story of friendship and redemption. On the cusp of adulthood, eighteen-year-old Penny Carson is swept off her feet by a handsome farmhand with a confident swagger. Though Trent Taylor seems like Prince Charming and offers an escape from her one-stop-sign town, Penny's happily-ever-after lasts no longer than their breakneck courtship. Before the ink even dries on their marriage certificate, he hits her for the first time. It isn't the last, yet the bruises that can't be seen are the most painful of all.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />When Trent is injured in a welding accident and his paycheck stops, he has no choice but to finally allow Penny to take a job cleaning houses. Here she meets two women from very different worlds who will teach her to live and laugh again, and lend her their backbones just long enough for her to find her own.</span><br />
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Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-34128182536233512482012-10-23T06:17:00.000-07:002012-10-23T06:21:46.159-07:00Meet Eddie Jones and His Dead Man's HandToday, I want to welcome Eddie Jones. He is great story teller and a great guy. Eddie's new book, <i>Dead Man's Hand</i>, hits the bookshelves and cyber-shelves today.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhha4-7t8kmEe9-CYpIEmfPNG3jQ9kQ5hKvoB7_pn9GKPMl8t8lJZBbSUZSQiKDRPR5DD9pJ7gPo15-6cGRAucOAFqDzN4hABQ9f0pUblgwig1WI2jJP1LrXYlVmBdllxgRX2FOuN-eg4s/s1600/eddie-jones-500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhha4-7t8kmEe9-CYpIEmfPNG3jQ9kQ5hKvoB7_pn9GKPMl8t8lJZBbSUZSQiKDRPR5DD9pJ7gPo15-6cGRAucOAFqDzN4hABQ9f0pUblgwig1WI2jJP1LrXYlVmBdllxgRX2FOuN-eg4s/s200/eddie-jones-500.jpg" width="166" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Eddie Jones is the author of eleven books and over 100 articles. He also
serves as Acquisition Editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the
Carolinas. He is a three-time winner of the Delaware Christian Writers'
Conference, and his YA novel, <i>The Curse of Captain LaFoote</i>, won the 2012
Moonbeam Children's Book Award and 2011 Selah Award in Young Adult Fiction. He
is also a writing instructor and cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries.
His He Said, She Said devotional column appears on ChristianDevotions.US. His
humorous romantic suspense, Bahama Breeze remains a "blessed seller."
When he's not writing or teaching at writers' conferences, Eddie can be found
surfing in Costa Rica or some other tropical locale</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">.</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<b>Tell us about your
upcoming release, Dead Man's Hand, with Zondervan.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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First, it’s a fun, fast read aimed for middle school boys,
but we’re also getting nice reviews on Goodreads from teachers and mothers. But
my aim is to give boys a book they can enjoy, one that taps into today’s
fascination with the occult. This is the first book in the Caden Chronicles
series and each story involves one element of the supernatural. Book one
explores the concept of ghosts, spirits and what happens to our souls when we
die. </div>
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<b>Zonderkidz is a
Christian publisher, so the paranormal aspect is surprising. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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I added the paranormal aspect because I want parents and
youth to struggle with eternal questions. We’ve created such a culture of
blood-letting through books and movies involving vampires, zombies and survival
contests, that the reality of death doesn’t carry the sting it once did. In
high school my youngest son lost several friends to driving accidents. When
another friend recently died, we asked how he felt and he replied, “I’m numb to
it.” I fear that’s what we’re doing with our youth: desensitizing them to the
horrors of death. In <i>Dead Man’s Hand,</i>
Nick and his family discuss spirits and ghosts and the afterlife because I
think it’s important for teens to wrestle with these questions before they’re tossed
from a car and found dead on a slab of wet pavement.</div>
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<b>You've spent the last
few years dedicating yourself to helping others get published. Tell us a little
about your publishing company and what motivated you to take on such a huge
endeavor.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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We started the publishing arm to
publish devotional compilations for Christian Devotions Ministries. We wanted
to give some of our devotional writers their own byline in print. Part of our mission
is to launch new careers for first time authors. We wanted to create a
publishing house for writers who were happy selling from 2,000, to 5,000 copies
of their devotional book. There is a big jump from unpublished author to
“three-book contract” author and we wanted to serve as a stepping-stone for
those writers. </div>
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My problem is I hate telling people
no, especially when they have a solid project. When it comes time to reject a
manuscript, it pains me because I’ve been and continue to be on the other end
of rejection. I will delay saying no as long as I can in order to rework the
e-mail. I try to give authors good advice for how they can improve their
writing. The problem is, if I’m too nice, then they keep coming back and asking
to resubmit the same project. My advice to those authors is, improve your
writing and send me something new.</div>
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We currently have forty authors
under contract, have published over thirty books and distribute around four
thousand dollars a month in royalty checks. We pay our authors monthly, not
quarterly, because we want them to feel like writing is a real job. In fact, I
teach a class on how, if an author will write five books a year, they can make
over twenty-five thousand dollars. And these aren’t large books. Most are under
thirty thousand words. The goal is to have five books that sell 125 copies,
(print and ebook combined). a month.</div>
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I get jazzed when one of our books
launches or sells well. I know what it feels like to see your book growing legs
and garnering positive reviews so I get excited for our authors. Sometimes I
think that’s how God feels when we’re doing the thing He’s called us to do.
When we’re in our zone, doing the thing we love, we feel His joy. That’s what
is great about working for God: sometimes you get paid for playing. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> </div>
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But the only reason I’m able to
publish books and write full time is because four years ago I told God I’d work
for Him full time. I figure if I was working for God I’d never be out of work.
I may not make a lot of money, but he says there’s plenty of work and not
enough labors so to me, that meant job security. I took a blank sheet of paper
and signed it one day during my devotions and said, ‘Okay, God, I’ll do
whatever it is you ask me to do, because I’m tired of working for other people.
I want to work for You.’ Making up stories for boys, writing devotions,
creating humorous romantic novels for adults, I get to do all this plus make
dreams come true for other authors <i>all</i>
because I agreed to work for God full time. </div>
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<b>You're passionate
about getting boys interested in books. Why do you feel it's so important to
get boys reading fiction at an early age?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I fear we’re on the verge of losing the male reader. I don’t
mean men and boys won’t learn to read: they will. But the percentage of males
who read for leisure continues to shrink and this could be devastating for our
country. We can’t lose half our population and expect America to compete on a
global level. Reading forces the mind to create. With video the scene and
characters are received passively by the brain. There is very little
interaction; it’s all virtual stimulation, which is different from creation.
When you read, you add your furniture to the scene, dress the characters, add
elements not mentioned by the author. This is why readers so often complain,
“the movie was nothing like the book.” It’s not, because the book is your book.
The author crafted the outline of the set but each reader brings their emotions
and expectations to that book, changing it forever. </div>
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In general, boys would rather get their information and
entertainment visually. This is one reason books have such a tough time competing
for male readers. It can take weeks to read a book, even one as short as Dead
Man’s Hand. Meantime, that same story can be shown as a movie in under two
hours. So in one sense the allure of visual gratification is robbing future
generations of our ability to solve problems. I believe Americans only possess
one true gift, creativity, and it’s a gift from God. Other nations build things
cheaper and with fewer flaws. They work longer hours for less pay. But the
thing that has always set America apart is our Yankee ingenuity. We have always
been able to solve our way out of problems. That comes directly from our
ability to create solutions to problems we didn't anticipate. If we lose male
readers and fail to develop the creative connections necessary for the brain to
conceive of alternatives, then we will lose our position as the world’s
leader. </div>
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<b>What advice would you
offer parents to get their children interested in reading at a young age? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Watch for clues. If your child shows any interest in
reading, reward the activity with trips to book fairs. I remember in grade
school how excited I got when we were allowed to order books. All we had to do
was check a box, (or so I thought), and wham! A few weeks later boxes of books
showed up and the teacher began dealing them to the students. I didn't learn
until later my parents had mailed the school money for those books. I still
have most of them. </div>
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But not all children like reading and you can create an
anti-reading environment if you push too hard. An alternative for boys are
comic books, graphic novels, or simply cartoon books. I read a lot of Charlie
Brown cartoon books and still remember the plot: Lucy has the football. Charlie
wants to kick the ball. Lucy promises she will hold the ball in place but at
the last moment… We know this story because it’s repeated, not in a novel, but
in a cartoon.</div>
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<b>Okay, we're going to
be really nosey now, you've been married a long time. Tell us a little about
your family, how you and your wife met and your family.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I met my wife at a stoplight in West Palm Beach, Florida.
She was in the backseat of the car behind us. The driver honked and I crawled
out the passenger window, a brown Pinto. The door didn't work so it looked like
I was a NASCAR driver getting out on pit road. The car behind us was full of girls
from Meredith College. They asked where I went to college and I told them I
went to Meredith, too. "It's a girl's school, you dork," one of them
said. I told them I was taking Old Testament that semester, can’t remember the
professor’s name, now, and one of the girls yelled, "Hey! You're in my
class!” I explained we’d been surfing all day and didn't have a place to stay
and needed to hose off and asked if we could borrow their showers. They led us
back to their hotel, my buddy and I washed off and left. Driving home a week
later we came upon the same car in the slow lane of I-95. The girls were afraid
we’d fall asleep driving home, my buddy couldn't drive at night, so they agreed
to put one girl in the car to keep us company. She’d get in, tell her life
story and at the end of the hour, another would get in the car. Our last
passenger was this cute girl wearing a funny Gilligan hat. She never said a
word, not for the whole hour. We put her out, the girls drove off and I finally
got home, exhausted. The next week I invited that shy girl to a Warren Zevon
concert. Four years later, I married her.</div>
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<b>You've freelanced
writing newspaper columns for the last few decades on boating. Do you have an
interesting boating story you can share?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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All my boating stories are interesting. I collected the
columns into two books, <i>Hard Aground</i>
and <i>Hard Aground… Again</i>. The column
began in the late eighties when an editor read a couple of essays I'd written
about trying to sail a boat with my wife. He seemed genuinely amused someone of
my limited boating experience would think a woman of my wife's refined nature
would enjoy peeing in a bucket in the cockpit of small sailboat. He informed me
that I had correctly spelled the minimum number of words to meet his editorial
standards and since someone on the staff had mistakenly sold one ad too many
for the next issue, the publication was in need of some copy to balance out
that page. I didn't know this at the time. I thought he was genuinely impressed
with my writing abilities. I've been told I still suffer from this
delusion."</div>
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The editor told me the column needed a catchy name. I
purchased a few sailing publications and knew all boating columnist were
subject matter experts. The only thing I was an expert on was running off the
boat ramp, running aground on clearly marked shoals and running into the dock.
I decided I would become an expert on making the best of tough times. When you
run aground in a boat—in life—you have two choices. You can cuss and complain
or you can grab a good book, kick back and wait for the tide to float you off.
It's all a matter of perspective and pennies and I'm cheap so I usually wait
for the tide.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tell us about your
ministry, Christian Devotions. How it got started, what you all are up to these
days and what your plans are for the future.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cindy Sproles and I started the ministry years ago to help
authors publish their devotions. We’d go to writers’ conferences and on the
last day find all these writers in tears because no one wanted their work. I
had a web business and knew how to build web sites so I put up a home page and
invited contributing writers. We figured we could at least give new writers a
byline, even if it was only on the web. Cindy had been writing devotions every
day for two years, partly because of something Alton Gansky said at a Blue
Ridge Conference and partly as a commitment to God. The odd thing was, Cindy and
I didn’t know each other at that first conference but we both wrote down Al’s
words. It was like God spoke to each of us separately to work together. Weeks
after that conference I was under my willow tree doing my devotion when I heard
God whisper: ChristianDevotions.com. I meant to register the domain but by the
time I got to my upstairs office, I forgot. A few weeks later God spoke again.
Once more, I forgot. A few more weeks passed and this time I wrote it down in
my journal and marched upstairs only to find that ChristianDevotions.com was
taken. I registered ChristianDevotions.US, instead. The dot com domain is worth
over ten thousand dollars, now. Procrastination has a price.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For months Cindy and I were the only writers on the site,
then slowly God grew the readership. Now we have thousands of readers, a ton of
subscribers who get the devotions daily in their email and Kindle subscribers
who receive the daily devotion on their Kindle eReader (99 cents a month). We
have a teen’s ministry, iBeGat.com, kid’s web site, DevoKids.com and last year
we purchased InspireAFire.com. That’s our mission-oriented web site. We have a radio
ministry, prayer team, finances ministry and of course the book publishing. We
didn’t set out with a marketing plan to do what we’re doing. We simply
responded to a need in the marketplace, walked the mountain with God and asked
how we could help. Find a need and fill it.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What's one thing you
wish I wouldn't ask you and pretend I asked you that question? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How I became a writer. I started my sophomore year of high
school when I told my English teacher I wanted to write for Cat Talk, Millbrook
High School’s newspaper. Mrs. Hough said, “Eddie, you can't spell and you’re a
terrible grammarian.” But I wrote a couple of articles, and she seemed to like
the way I could put words together, so I won a spot on staff. My senior year
Mrs. Pollard begged me not to major in English. In fact, she was shocked I
would even consider going to college because I’d never be accepted. She was
right. NC State rejected my application. A few days later I made an appointment
with the admissions office. The day of my interview I wore a pair of red and
white checkered polyester pants my mom made me, white shirt and a red tie.
State admitted me into Industrial Arts, which I thought would be pretty cool
since I though Industrial Arts meant I’d get to paint buildings. I flunked
English 101 twice before passing with a D. I graduated from N.C. State four
years later with a degree in English/Journalism and four years of writing
experience for the Technician. I’m still a lousy proof-editor but I learned
long ago storytelling trumps grammar. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>You're writing for
children right now with Zondervan. Besides the upcoming Cadence Chronicles
Series, what are your dreams for your writing future?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each day I walk around my yard reciting the Lord’s Prayer.
This is my conversational time with God. Part of that prayer time is me putting
on the armor of God. When I’m about halfway fitted out I say, “Lord place
across my chest your breastplate of righteousness that my thoughts may be pure,
honorable and good and my dreams secure: my dreams of sailing around the Caribbean,
writing a best selling novel and surfing reef breaks.” Beyond that I don’t have
any grand writing goals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Do you have any
advice for aspiring authors?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Write devotions, don’t focus on the praise, book sales and
reviews. Forget about trying to find an agent and editor. Once you’re
successful, they’ll find you. Explore the wounds in your life and minister to
others through your writing. If God allowed you to be hurt, you can speak to
that with authority. The rest of us cannot. Ask yourself where your passions
lie. I love surfing. If I could do anything, be anywhere, I’d be in a hut on a
beach surfing a point break alone. I love playing and hate work. This is
reflected in the types of books I write. I love pulling for the underdog, this
comes out in the ministry God gave me. Only you can write the stories God
dropped in your lap and if you do not, they will die.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where can we find out
more about you? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please come find me on <a href="http://www.eddiejones.org/">www.Eddiejones.org</a>
</div>
<br />Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-25568161511886372162012-08-11T06:00:00.000-07:002012-08-11T15:40:20.072-07:00Dealing With The Stuff<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
by Bruce Brady</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like
those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these
evil days. Ephesians 5:15-16</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those of us who are business minded will read these verses
and focus on seizing every income producing opportunity. And there’s nothing
wrong with that, if we keep our focus on God. However, many of us will ignore
the spiritual opportunities and only see the promised earthly rewards.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tSsNfGLzSiPN9OSHXlcmVDxzmwFcoYPxBMKT_jJ9WOxk-5yhtEYq7sv372VGwW6-lsF9ACgGxMHWGgICr1meuuwoqGNgP1vYuWqlP8fXcC0vDRohrAa97lKsX78_YvTYDeNUMJVq3XI/s1600/MP900321195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tSsNfGLzSiPN9OSHXlcmVDxzmwFcoYPxBMKT_jJ9WOxk-5yhtEYq7sv372VGwW6-lsF9ACgGxMHWGgICr1meuuwoqGNgP1vYuWqlP8fXcC0vDRohrAa97lKsX78_YvTYDeNUMJVq3XI/s320/MP900321195.JPG" width="227" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I’m not going to tell you that everything on earth is
evil. In fact, things are neutral, neither good nor evil. Things are just
things. They’re only evil if we allow them to steal our focus. To me, the
greatest danger of things is in the accumulation of them. The more we own, the
more time we have to spend maintaining them. They are great robbers of time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love stories that teach or make me feel good and gadgets that
make life easier. I’ve accumulated a lot of books, DVDs and various “time-saving”
widgets. Now I’m faced with what to do with my things.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve spent countless hours working to get them, accumulating
them, using them, cleaning them, storing them, rearranging them. Once again I
find myself planning the best way to store and organize them, and deciding what
to keep and what to give away. Wondering if I really need them, the Spirit gave
me a glimpse of how much more time I’ll spend on these things in the future.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then the Holy Spirit showed me the real problem. Every
minute I spend in thought and action with regards to my things, I’m robbing
myself of time with God. Time that could be so much more valuable to me. That’s
when I realized that the time spent on the maintenance of things is one of
Satan’s greatest tools. The Devil loves it when I’m focused on my “stuff.” And
he uses this tool with great subtlety.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiel9WjmJmEcQ8iIIUD1DA1_tW5_mZOWIiqrBXblaQ8dAtAWHxd9lGEqoe-WrDasf1IK0o1wFhJlEi29BfGg-_rHb-yLVeq4tZShBSWKn4e0tGtgyo4SXEYtO2qB9Ma86PXSJSrZ9iInKY/s1600/MP900439276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiel9WjmJmEcQ8iIIUD1DA1_tW5_mZOWIiqrBXblaQ8dAtAWHxd9lGEqoe-WrDasf1IK0o1wFhJlEi29BfGg-_rHb-yLVeq4tZShBSWKn4e0tGtgyo4SXEYtO2qB9Ma86PXSJSrZ9iInKY/s320/MP900439276.JPG" width="320" /></a>So, I’ve decided a major cleaning out is in order. I know it’ll
take more of my time but I’ll realize a great time savings in the future, time
I can spend with my Creator. And time spent with our Creator is always time
well spent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you find yourself dealing with a lot of stuff, physical
or emotional, it’s time for a “deep cleaning.” Give away anything you haven’t
used in a while and give all your mental stuff to God who’ll deal with it much
more efficiently. Then, you can seize the opportunity to spend time with the Lord and enjoy the peace and comfort that comes with
relaxing in His love.</div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-63267154548372084772012-07-22T08:57:00.001-07:002012-07-22T08:57:51.916-07:00A CALL TO VICTORY<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
by Bruce Brady</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGgVyX8QHjSgKzQWqUf4skkS8Fsb2m6tvT_N5or-I2FiqLYoACbOxunVti2Lv2UaT7gQrvzFV71Vjgc9C-Pw76rbH8XCIt6TQKxe6qWFcaFnR4SOb9VJdi5-W3poYj5oggeaxBTkSP58/s1600/MP900386108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGgVyX8QHjSgKzQWqUf4skkS8Fsb2m6tvT_N5or-I2FiqLYoACbOxunVti2Lv2UaT7gQrvzFV71Vjgc9C-Pw76rbH8XCIt6TQKxe6qWFcaFnR4SOb9VJdi5-W3poYj5oggeaxBTkSP58/s200/MP900386108.JPG" width="133" /></a><span class="text">See, God
has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord
God</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="text">is my strength and my song; he has given me
victory.” Isaiah 12:2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">I’m
currently struggling with a ministry calling that is meeting a lot of
resistance. While I know the source of resistance is Satan, it is presenting
itself through members of my church. Talk about a tough challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">The human
response would be to lash out at these people with righteous indignation, but
God has thankfully kept me from doing so. Instead, He’s given me a spiritual
understanding of the situation and the assurance that it will all work out. He’s
also constantly reminding me that this ministry is not mine but His.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">To make
things worse, the people who are resisting me are my brothers and sisters in
Christ whom I deeply love and respect. This tries my patience because I don’t
understand what is causing the roadblocks. But that’s the point. I don’t
understand because I’m not supposed to understand, at least not now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ9sN8GU1Nli04Jor2r9Bnu3cJSAjELCdehwzAO01Y-uf8Wapr9svo2fessIiZ6SDgTCNwLrxvwtS6Vv4S_hpfw3LsUlrzU7qFTTrGTtGeoQm4K1lS98KrJaPdb1kebLjA71wuYg0GbI/s1600/MP900424372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ9sN8GU1Nli04Jor2r9Bnu3cJSAjELCdehwzAO01Y-uf8Wapr9svo2fessIiZ6SDgTCNwLrxvwtS6Vv4S_hpfw3LsUlrzU7qFTTrGTtGeoQm4K1lS98KrJaPdb1kebLjA71wuYg0GbI/s200/MP900424372.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="text">What I do
know for sure is that God will work His purpose in this situation. I’m certain
the call to this ministry is from Him, so I know He will make it all come
together with His perfect timing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Whenever we set out to follow God’s lead, there’s no need to be afraid. Every
time He sends us to do His work, our victory is assured. There may be many obstacles
and victory may not present itself as we expect, but be assured His purpose will
always be accomplished. He never promised us easy, just victory.</span></span>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-76437198381206095642012-06-09T06:58:00.000-07:002012-06-09T06:58:03.627-07:00R-E-S-P-E-C-T<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn1UODQM13ofRiV5WjHkhLScsSUIs3YjvpanyJODEIGID3YiaXEjh46so01vF9y6gRDcdhqId_rP66KaKVqmhis9MK2i9Bq8wpfXISVrC5WkBhFQvrccHd1KwDazdvrph8bAWcixgWMw/s1600/6110896426_4a29851c01__(snowlepard).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn1UODQM13ofRiV5WjHkhLScsSUIs3YjvpanyJODEIGID3YiaXEjh46so01vF9y6gRDcdhqId_rP66KaKVqmhis9MK2i9Bq8wpfXISVrC5WkBhFQvrccHd1KwDazdvrph8bAWcixgWMw/s200/6110896426_4a29851c01__(snowlepard).jpg" width="143" /></a>by Bruce Brady<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lately I’ve witnessed a lot of people behaving as if they
were entitled to special treatment. They display this perceived entitlement by
treating others as inferior people and talking down to them. It amazes me that many
of us have come to believe the best way to get respect from others is to demand
it. Yet, our human nature causes us to resent and even lash out at those who demand
anything from us. So how can we justify mistreating others to get what we want?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_DV_aZ8SQivLpnq0TBaNF-bKNCZYsTxdlk0yMz3TmhRZH8Q825Wr8iUSmZdy4udFg6RkXu9P1pFF6suUUTk4Qj-kt0nocTDxNhnytD06RkQDH8wtuXEI5uwi-wQDGU8EvObmCzuTClI/s1600/2441948180_1b31c152c2__(russelljsmith).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_DV_aZ8SQivLpnq0TBaNF-bKNCZYsTxdlk0yMz3TmhRZH8Q825Wr8iUSmZdy4udFg6RkXu9P1pFF6suUUTk4Qj-kt0nocTDxNhnytD06RkQDH8wtuXEI5uwi-wQDGU8EvObmCzuTClI/s200/2441948180_1b31c152c2__(russelljsmith).jpg" width="200" /></a>In Matthew 5:7, Jesus says, “God blesses those who are
merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” There is no mention of God rewarding
those who insist on having things their way. We’re foolish if we expect others to love us
when we our actions display disrespect and contempt for them. God very clearly
teaches that to get what we want; we must first give others the love and
respect they want. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyzvuk2XAyHPG8lAegRvu9YYxchyphenhyphenjqc-amdl9LjOkvGFu0KzLIZP39wN5SlhNSkBNQWUNsR6AlkdgdjCtGSlsAYnzJOBK2GoHyXGXOVGfCFRKisXlW7QXQ_zQB5khekjpJuCACUXmWyM/s1600/6923492694_8629c681a3_n__(p_d_t).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyzvuk2XAyHPG8lAegRvu9YYxchyphenhyphenjqc-amdl9LjOkvGFu0KzLIZP39wN5SlhNSkBNQWUNsR6AlkdgdjCtGSlsAYnzJOBK2GoHyXGXOVGfCFRKisXlW7QXQ_zQB5khekjpJuCACUXmWyM/s200/6923492694_8629c681a3_n__(p_d_t).jpg" width="200" /></a>Our call is not to half-heartedly follow Christ in order to
obtain our selfish desires, it’s to truly serve others as a way of
demonstrating our total commitment to living the life Jesus lays out for us. We
are to display the merciful love of Christ toward everyone. It’s okay to hate
poor behavior and misguided beliefs, but we must love all people as Jesus does.
Rather than condemn, He lovingly corrects our sinful actions, and instructs us
to interact with others in this same manner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrW9M4SjHDYbby7vwR_B12vqtAvdbLlZc6oz-gLSwPn-eXS8D9kezxHfzSy4Mui1gAG2G5JZMwDBJyVYA_OIgeoQmQUknvQhbs_2GxJQMq5hSXXoI2glfrxztTdtRpN5wBIrDch1zPHs/s1600/4047290997_fd8cdc51e7__(Alex+E.+Proimos).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrW9M4SjHDYbby7vwR_B12vqtAvdbLlZc6oz-gLSwPn-eXS8D9kezxHfzSy4Mui1gAG2G5JZMwDBJyVYA_OIgeoQmQUknvQhbs_2GxJQMq5hSXXoI2glfrxztTdtRpN5wBIrDch1zPHs/s200/4047290997_fd8cdc51e7__(Alex+E.+Proimos).jpg" width="200" /></a>Throughout our day, we will encounter people who are behaving
poorly. When we do, let’s remember that God loves them as much as He loves us
and respond with love and kindness. Doing so will not only disarm them; it will
also please our Father.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Amazingly, the self-help gurus tell us the key to success and the best
way to get what we want is to help others get what they want. I wonder where
they got that idea?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="woj"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="woj"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-62319060256656184882012-05-12T07:45:00.001-07:002012-05-12T07:45:24.117-07:00A Note To Mom<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
by Bruce Brady</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmOvlnH7TfpvOSyevtxB6hlDP9SV7sCTPXtkbJBd_TpBFywTngt5j2rPOoKAouBNRvbGqOTl0GPg3Ghy6tFXaSIKbZlZKuY7YEL67EJkiOLCYdwhMMuqu5AuAHZiingA7oMlVcht-25g/s1600/MP900430468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmOvlnH7TfpvOSyevtxB6hlDP9SV7sCTPXtkbJBd_TpBFywTngt5j2rPOoKAouBNRvbGqOTl0GPg3Ghy6tFXaSIKbZlZKuY7YEL67EJkiOLCYdwhMMuqu5AuAHZiingA7oMlVcht-25g/s320/MP900430468.JPG" width="320" /></a>Tomorrow is Mother’s Day; a time when we all stop to
remember mom. But do I really honor her as commanded in Exodus 20:12 and
Ephesians 6:3? Sadly, I’ve often only honored her the way most of the world “honors”
their mothers, with material gifts and a quick phone call.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, God has placed a burden on my heart, for which I’m
thankful because I need to reflect on all she’s done for me. Yes there have been
those times when she acted selfishly, she’s human after all. But most of the
time she sacrificed her desires and her time for my sister, my brother and me. And
I don’t thank her enough. Even when I’m helping her, I get bogged down in the
task and forget to let my actions show how much I love and appreciate her. So, I’m
determined to change that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovdzoO2MV5IRhBM61Lyl5Pt8PDMZhs1kth2sRT1M9mQj-Za9BuJ2xBIFfI0XN0XXGrp1qeKh-LwbjoPE1eF9dEDm6N_2mfFlSHQLxGrAc86_CiEhDhkqYfFTkpOfUubOtzHK5ZGSt5lQ/s1600/MP900442922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovdzoO2MV5IRhBM61Lyl5Pt8PDMZhs1kth2sRT1M9mQj-Za9BuJ2xBIFfI0XN0XXGrp1qeKh-LwbjoPE1eF9dEDm6N_2mfFlSHQLxGrAc86_CiEhDhkqYfFTkpOfUubOtzHK5ZGSt5lQ/s320/MP900442922.JPG" width="240" /></a>Mom, I love you, more than I’ve ever expressed with words
and actions. I appreciate all you did and the sacrifices you made to raise me.
I’m sorry for those times when I dishonored you through my mistakes, and my half-hearted
compliance with your requests. I regret the many times I disappointed you, and treated
you with disrespect. Forgive me for all the times I’m sure I hurt you by acting
selfishly.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I love you, mom. I would not be here, writing this note and
pursuing a writing career if not for your encouragement and guidance. Left to
my own devices, I’d probably be dead. I know you did the best you knew how. It
wasn’t easy raising three children on your own, especially three very
independent children. I appreciate all the times you comforted me when my heart
was broken. I’m grateful for your efforts to ensure I had a happy and prosperous
life. I understand you did what you did because you wanted a better life for me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrvF-BIx1PyGTVDA8x1Bu4ZU38devCRGfbXMiaP2H3WWytgUQ3u1Kjim8XkYs9Awvhgdvt1SqQXQwCIx9kjI9R_J1UQ4ckUJlkkyNUgb5MTE_qvmIideXiFZcU6q89nBdp28BP11PCas/s1600/MP900185174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrvF-BIx1PyGTVDA8x1Bu4ZU38devCRGfbXMiaP2H3WWytgUQ3u1Kjim8XkYs9Awvhgdvt1SqQXQwCIx9kjI9R_J1UQ4ckUJlkkyNUgb5MTE_qvmIideXiFZcU6q89nBdp28BP11PCas/s320/MP900185174.JPG" width="320" /></a>I also admire how, as a young woman suffering the pain of a
broken marriage, you packed up a newborn baby and two very young children, moved
us 1500 miles to a place where you only knew your brother and his family, and
started a new life for us. Thankfully you instilled that same courage and
tenacity in me. I’m thankful you never made choices that put us in harm’s way. I
appreciate that you worked a second and sometimes third job to make sure we always
had food, a safe home and clothing. I’m grateful that you sacrificed to allow
us to pursue our educational and extracurricular interests. And I’m thankful
that you devoted yourself to spending as much time as you could with us.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Mom, you’re a wonderful woman. And though I can’t be there,
I want you to know that, in spirit, I’m with you this Mother’s Day weekend, admiring
the amazing woman you are. I hope you can feel my arms embracing you as I say. “I
love you, mom, more than words can express.”</div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-72521150751550265202012-05-05T05:00:00.000-07:002012-05-05T08:11:37.971-07:00Life Calling<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdE1oIv4AAEwEOEXsvOvcriFpsat9ZaHyHEg7Aw3ThHFLaCV1pJnXVK1ZcMRxEXETK2c7fO8ZfaF1dy9SS3MEu3Q67TnLaUsEN2KXOZ0BQWwdRowmoVUQZVOHTKZBJhsiNdfwpQe6K68/s1600/MP900401408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdE1oIv4AAEwEOEXsvOvcriFpsat9ZaHyHEg7Aw3ThHFLaCV1pJnXVK1ZcMRxEXETK2c7fO8ZfaF1dy9SS3MEu3Q67TnLaUsEN2KXOZ0BQWwdRowmoVUQZVOHTKZBJhsiNdfwpQe6K68/s320/MP900401408.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A spiritual gift is given to
each of us so we can help each other (1 Corinthians 12:7). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God has taught
me many things over the past several weeks. Because He has demanded my full
attention, I’ve been very frustrated. Frustrated because He has not allowed me
to write anything except a few quick blurbs on Facebook. I pleaded with Him,
but He made it clear that I would not write again until I understood what He
was teaching, including being patient and God-centered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like many
of you, I want to do what I want to do when I want. And I can almost guarantee
this attitude will lead to long lessons in humility and waiting on the Lord.
Fortunately, our Father won’t allow us to follow our own desires with peace and
joy. He’ll fill us with a growing discomfort until we focus on Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The above
verse has been important in my educational journey. I’ve learned that some
would have us believe our spiritual gifts are only for the benefit of other
believers. However, the Lord taught me that our gifts are for the benefit of all,
unbelievers and believers. Our calling is to be and make disciples, students
and mentors, of all people. Teaching the Truth of the Gospel and Christian
living is essential to everyone, not just believers. It’s the departure from
Biblical Truths that has our country and our world in such turmoil today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s
crucial that we teach everyone the ways of the Lord. It’s imperative that we
remember we do most of our teaching through our actions, not just our words. We
can’t live like unbelievers and “preach” the Word of God. Others don’t care
what we have to say until they see that we are truly different, at peace with
ourselves and life. We’re given our spiritual gifts to live an exemplary life
that will cause others to long for what we have. We’re called to live in such a
way that everyone will clearly see what a joy it is to follow Jesus.<o:p></o:p><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxQ5dWArFJf0gcsdsl9Rgp88Acl6nDzAjfdLC0xMUR6cdPNaHHhvclB65O4HEj_H4wPAAu5wFtZq2RUYLIkKveIkvsOkgbfo8X4QYK8BNlooxzcLy4akY5hOAGQmj-oRmbEAqZPhmQWI/s1600/MP900149018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxQ5dWArFJf0gcsdsl9Rgp88Acl6nDzAjfdLC0xMUR6cdPNaHHhvclB65O4HEj_H4wPAAu5wFtZq2RUYLIkKveIkvsOkgbfo8X4QYK8BNlooxzcLy4akY5hOAGQmj-oRmbEAqZPhmQWI/s320/MP900149018.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you (1 Timothy 4:15-16).</div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-57726432322123838822012-03-31T05:50:00.000-07:002012-05-03T08:39:54.524-07:00Are You Following Your Call Or Yielding To Push?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70JCLAetbP40Mg3ud6kGF8rfqAKr8MTUJxcPb0mQ9F-qR_klEDpAY9J15VQqx3f83iHMmKk26RmLY-c7aH7fDDn_sgAqfhRuwMMxI0x6JhCXy5EHpSsU_o-6aia5ezpFO8HmGVU1QNn0/s1600/MP900178687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70JCLAetbP40Mg3ud6kGF8rfqAKr8MTUJxcPb0mQ9F-qR_klEDpAY9J15VQqx3f83iHMmKk26RmLY-c7aH7fDDn_sgAqfhRuwMMxI0x6JhCXy5EHpSsU_o-6aia5ezpFO8HmGVU1QNn0/s320/MP900178687.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In examining my life, I realized that I made many decisions
based on the influence of others. It was clear they pushed me so they could
live vicariously through me. Some just wanted to control me. Others challenged
me for their own amusement. Very few were concerned with my best interest.
By yielding to the pressure of others, I made a lot of bad choices.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, I did learn from my past. I learned we are all here
for a reason. Each of us has a unique, specific, God-given purpose for our life
on earth, a calling. Our specific
calling will create a deep hunger within us. This hunger will never be appeased
by money, fame, sex, family, possessions, popularity, or anything the world has
to offer. It’s a hunger that can only be satisfied by following God’s calling. And
until we discover and pursue our calling, we’ll never be happy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHMFyHLZGPLdfp4zTIBwuuHZzToStXJU5kgAeKrFpaXmgqj4pJbwWTkC2JprZV9rDoiTl57ko-wV1eKLn6Cd5t9AcQx-oGhgRTmMqLCYuOBPsHBxS37GjSFkJWBbV8dM3rHyMzB9IAdo/s1600/MP900177898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHMFyHLZGPLdfp4zTIBwuuHZzToStXJU5kgAeKrFpaXmgqj4pJbwWTkC2JprZV9rDoiTl57ko-wV1eKLn6Cd5t9AcQx-oGhgRTmMqLCYuOBPsHBxS37GjSFkJWBbV8dM3rHyMzB9IAdo/s200/MP900177898.JPG" width="133" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While watching the movie “October Baby,” I realized what I
must do to satisfy the hunger within me. I must reach out to others through my
words. I must tell everyone there is a God, and He loves them, just as they
are. I must do my best to explain that each of us is important to the one who
created us and He wants us to love and respect all people as He does. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eWQ7dlW7swIEhCtZ4dYYC5v81WNc3VLXiOINCGTlb8UroEA9qbr9Rpn0zLKvL04AfbG3TSnOYKu_G-Kg8PV1Nz1mtm8R-I9ju0O211OAUOk1y7z-cQBIwUyxX6XphRZP_YUdSQdHabE/s1600/MP900423780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eWQ7dlW7swIEhCtZ4dYYC5v81WNc3VLXiOINCGTlb8UroEA9qbr9Rpn0zLKvL04AfbG3TSnOYKu_G-Kg8PV1Nz1mtm8R-I9ju0O211OAUOk1y7z-cQBIwUyxX6XphRZP_YUdSQdHabE/s200/MP900423780.JPG" width="200" /></a>Through His Son, Jesus, God told us that His greatest desire
is for us to love Him and each other. He wants us to put the needs of others above
our own. He wants us to serve others as His ambassadors, loving and caring for
them. Yes, this is a sacrificial love. But He will reward us for all our
selfless efforts. And if we’re truly sharing God’s love, we won’t care about
personal gain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">If your chosen life-path isn’t satisfying your hunger, your empty
feeling, ask God to give you direction. It’s okay if you don’t know Him. When
we earnestly seek Him, He will respond. His response may not come immediately
or even overnight, but it will come, as long as you keep seeking it. Understand
that God first wants a relationship with you. He wants to be your trusted friend. And when
you trust Him, He will show you the way.</span> And don’t be
surprised if He takes you in a new direction.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MNTO82FY7jgpgInPR1hnkAkprPDC5g1J-8_cmjmqNAJA92bxQ5S1DPdrPkviwWp_mOUKTajuLtFFSsqSRUcVjQ8dK-E7GyGxgx-3oJHcRldm35utRaKbBeHw9teCTEAeJ8Schmwz1Nc/s1600/MP900178595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MNTO82FY7jgpgInPR1hnkAkprPDC5g1J-8_cmjmqNAJA92bxQ5S1DPdrPkviwWp_mOUKTajuLtFFSsqSRUcVjQ8dK-E7GyGxgx-3oJHcRldm35utRaKbBeHw9teCTEAeJ8Schmwz1Nc/s320/MP900178595.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-63420765546090696772012-03-17T04:24:00.003-07:002012-03-17T04:24:48.488-07:00The Power Of Words<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my daily devotional reading, I came across a line that
resonated deep in my soul. It reminded readers that God created language to be
powerfully used for good but sin made our tongues a potential force for evil. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all need to choose our words carefully. This is
especially true for writers because our words generally affect more people. Whether
prompted by the Holy Spirit or the Devil, we write because we must. When we
write for ourselves, the Enemy can easily influence us to express a world view
that rewards and encourages selfishness. We know this ends in destruction but our
humanity naturally attracts us to worldly fame, fortune and power.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFRY30_Bje_RtkhXXuLzg8dlj17EGIbVwqqNp2Ss8t1SGY_p8u_nQjYmNnYoVq356M2fW5EKJqt8T4XjVyPewCj_SRgJ2BSbihc4__aa_xrmXuV6gO9e7srA4whRjVCeCDVN45l_ycgI/s1600/MP900439339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFRY30_Bje_RtkhXXuLzg8dlj17EGIbVwqqNp2Ss8t1SGY_p8u_nQjYmNnYoVq356M2fW5EKJqt8T4XjVyPewCj_SRgJ2BSbihc4__aa_xrmXuV6gO9e7srA4whRjVCeCDVN45l_ycgI/s320/MP900439339.JPG" width="320" /></a>As a teacher and defender of children, my greatest fear is
that I will mislead them with my words. God has promised a stricter judgment
for teachers because they have a greater influence on people than others. As
writers, we are teachers. Our words have a profound influence on our readers,
so we must choose our words very carefully. Those of us who are believers have
a responsibility to write the words God gives us. In doing this, we can rest
assured that our influence will be beneficial to our readers.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those of you who deny the existence of God, your future
is bleak. Whether you like it or not, when we die, we’ll all have to account
for our choices in life, including our choice of words. This is not good news
for those who write to gain personally by influencing others to pursue their
selfish desires. You’re leading others down a path of destruction and you’ll
have to answer for that.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlxXA68DhXwo4bmf19T3QJ3dIPBAO3v6rVrCol4XkEjS7ucR9uD03odANSDMBRbaRwYdrPJA3UgX7kBqDEChCs663K7hYGqu85zWAC71iGoL0zLRvhyqgP62BX74SNDYMTyRqPzxSS8I/s1600/MP900309615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlxXA68DhXwo4bmf19T3QJ3dIPBAO3v6rVrCol4XkEjS7ucR9uD03odANSDMBRbaRwYdrPJA3UgX7kBqDEChCs663K7hYGqu85zWAC71iGoL0zLRvhyqgP62BX74SNDYMTyRqPzxSS8I/s320/MP900309615.JPG" width="320" /></a>For all of us, we need to recognize that our words do
influence others, for better or worse, and take that responsibility seriously.
As the Scripture says, “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and
love—and the greatest of these is love.” Our words need to express the love of
Christ for all people. We need to encourage them to experience the inexplicable
joy that accompanies following God’s lead. We need to show them through our
actions, and our words, that there is nothing more wonderful or fulfilling than
the love of God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it says in John 15:13, there is no greater expression of
love than laying down your own life for a friend. While this does mean we must
be willing to die to save the life of a friend, it also means we must be
willing to share our failures and mistakes with others so they can learn from
them. This means we must write the truth, whether fiction or non-fiction, not
just to entertain but also to teach.</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The childhood defense of “sticks and stones will break my
bones but words will never hurt me” is wrong. Most often, hurtful words will
inflict greater and longer lasting damage than any physical attack. Let’s
choose our words carefully. Let’s build one another up and express the love of
Christ with each one.</div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-60399270704361111042012-03-03T11:47:00.001-08:002012-03-03T11:47:44.205-08:00My Day In Court<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
by Bruce Brady</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0rKBM1_gJcHcy-DII7uvnDmUPlGF4u9YhV9g13zAUHk9S0PAf9jaDInbebMuJ7yQiIyM7ghIXkHk4qN1BaDbz1RcWGYJpFHVSYe_aGVU9Rq-kwkHGJ4ejkSZGlBPJ3u8MaB8yWW7ln4/s1600/11862349-advocacy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0rKBM1_gJcHcy-DII7uvnDmUPlGF4u9YhV9g13zAUHk9S0PAf9jaDInbebMuJ7yQiIyM7ghIXkHk4qN1BaDbz1RcWGYJpFHVSYe_aGVU9Rq-kwkHGJ4ejkSZGlBPJ3u8MaB8yWW7ln4/s320/11862349-advocacy.jpg" width="320" /></a>I spent the day in Family Court yesterday. I wasn’t on
trial. I was just observing. My wife and I are training to be Guardians ad
Litem, advocates for children in court. It was hearing day and in the span of
three hours, the judge heard and ruled on 16 cases, with another 12 to 16 to be
heard after lunch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As if working the drive-up window at a fast food restaurant,
I watched one group of attorneys and defendants rush out while another group rushed
in every 15 minutes. Expecting to see drawn, saddened, remorseful faces, I was
disappointed to see most defendants were upset as if to say, “How dare you drag
me away from my important life to sit here and listen to you tell me what I’m
going to do!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the attorneys pleaded their cases and the judge decided
what actions to take next, there was little to no mention of the children. My
mind wandered to thoughts of how I might feel if I were yanked from the only
home life I knew and shuttled off to some relative or to people I didn’t know
at all. How would I deal with the uncertainty of never knowing if my parents
would hug me or slug me? And I can’t even imagine the horror of being sexually
molested by your father or a boyfriend numerous times before reaching the age
of ten. Yet, these were the lives of the children who’d been removed from their
homes by the state. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The official focus of the hearings was to decide the best
courses of action to take with the abusive or neglectful parents, family members,
boyfriends or girlfriends. It seemed little attention was paid to the fate of
the children. They were seldom mentioned. And when they were, it was only to briefly
describe the type of abuse or neglect they suffered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVM9QLmDIMaAML3BKN3SPovrodsOzDL7CzjlwWbCE1k1VCLnu0hCLwNHKzNYVJsmXCs5ABmyEhOWOxl_vUZ8_aI0MPRdiMEarIqWaVIoOXJRH_xLDbgla_QWwgHZUXsCwT3s4w2NPXVT4/s1600/MP900316862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVM9QLmDIMaAML3BKN3SPovrodsOzDL7CzjlwWbCE1k1VCLnu0hCLwNHKzNYVJsmXCs5ABmyEhOWOxl_vUZ8_aI0MPRdiMEarIqWaVIoOXJRH_xLDbgla_QWwgHZUXsCwT3s4w2NPXVT4/s320/MP900316862.JPG" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clearly, the children had no voice in court other than the
Guardians ad Litem. And the Guardians are the only ones who don’t operate under
the governmental pressure to get the cases closed and the children placed in
the most cost-effective situations for the state. The Guardians, who are
volunteers, are solely concerned with the best interest of the children and
answer only to the judges.</div>
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Thankfully, most judges value the assessments of the
Guardians and will adjust treatment and placement plans accordingly. So the
Guardians do play an important role in the lives of the children and in helping
the judges do what is best for them.</div>
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I learned many things by attending court. There’s a lot of
selfishness out there. Most of us blame others or our circumstances for our bad
behavior. And some people vent their frustrations by abusing children. Currently
my county has less than 200 Guardians to handle over 1,000 children, and Guardians
are limited to two cases at a time. If you have a heart for defenseless
children, I encourage you to consider becoming a volunteer advocate in your county.</div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-31791365369509262592012-01-30T08:30:00.000-08:002012-01-28T08:43:48.514-08:00Show the Way<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONQ2XV1VhiaFEBGCv8Cf4JRP2p63NTNBjbJHfyRBnQ7VTOFOV0-N49Ibt3DQOpzO-cN1i-fCS1D5PF0GONdd1R4fagpB2K-qijx13bwSYHbPDxFhJvliecJNfMUaQ81f2fmOb3IY8UUs/s1600/MP900426633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONQ2XV1VhiaFEBGCv8Cf4JRP2p63NTNBjbJHfyRBnQ7VTOFOV0-N49Ibt3DQOpzO-cN1i-fCS1D5PF0GONdd1R4fagpB2K-qijx13bwSYHbPDxFhJvliecJNfMUaQ81f2fmOb3IY8UUs/s200/MP900426633.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">God never calls us to continue living like we did before. He always calls us to live an exemplary life, one that will display His love, mercy and grace. He calls us to not only follow Him but to show others how to follow Him through our words and actions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">We can’t follow Him and be “Closet Christians.” We are fooling ourselves if we think we can act like Jesus on Sunday and then go back to pleasing ourselves and the world on Monday. Those of us who live that way will, in the end, hear God say, “depart, I do not know you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpneEKRx_y_oeTaW_dgRMvJsSTzsbdghFMQ_IiGXDdI9ytrN_hbwxyzBEDn0pDsN9eunFSP2HkzqZr5GdR4T5pPn_mhQ4XDmZBZCd75bKlHwZkY_aKSjw2RzXV7bIg8mGrJ00ACxbLDSM/s1600/MP900422309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpneEKRx_y_oeTaW_dgRMvJsSTzsbdghFMQ_IiGXDdI9ytrN_hbwxyzBEDn0pDsN9eunFSP2HkzqZr5GdR4T5pPn_mhQ4XDmZBZCd75bKlHwZkY_aKSjw2RzXV7bIg8mGrJ00ACxbLDSM/s200/MP900422309.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Live as God wants us to live. Love everyone as Jesus loves us. This doesn’t mean we must like what they do; it means we must separate the person from the action. We must recognize that everyone is created by God, so we must love them and help them to see the error of their ways with gentleness and compassion. We must also extend to them the same mercy Jesus extends to us. We can’t take revenge on those who hurt us, physically or emotionally, and expect God to show us mercy when we hurt others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, God graciously adopts us into His family when we accept His gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus and commit ourselves to following His lead. His grace overlooks our mistakes and considers them erased. So part of following His lead is extending this same grace to our fellow human beings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">All people are created by God and made in His image. He does not make some good and some bad. We choose how to live our lives and must deal with consequences. And His word tells us what those consequences will be, so we shouldn’t be surprised when our selfish actions result in less than perfect outcomes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSa4B1lG2oFsOSD0c0qZnC6BZ56mNGE9sOk32-VUoWAt_kXDlT-6yXWRv9Ph0N6IU9gKylJ0EDuiZm9d2nDZVpmfeiA-mhi0glFo__gMn4QkonHyAE_fOnjrkfeYFaPuvSUQ8orvJALlg/s1600/MP900432897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSa4B1lG2oFsOSD0c0qZnC6BZ56mNGE9sOk32-VUoWAt_kXDlT-6yXWRv9Ph0N6IU9gKylJ0EDuiZm9d2nDZVpmfeiA-mhi0glFo__gMn4QkonHyAE_fOnjrkfeYFaPuvSUQ8orvJALlg/s200/MP900432897.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Let’s take up our crosses, go into the world and be shining examples of the wonderful life that comes from truly following Christ. Then, we can be real friends to others, and, in the end, we can hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”</span></div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-62892853810416911412012-01-25T07:49:00.000-08:002012-01-25T07:49:42.471-08:00True Happiness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQA26VSMMkcCdlqtui-8zwta5qQyEP3WRnomzlQhS_gQcjQsp6u1EfKORxhZoOkgveZ1RBfB8mqxK9tEiHwdSrPDlyijIjEThGbT0vVd3i3TZpSUukNmR_Frv5GUNliEWbwI2I_WLa7E/s1600/MP900444514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQA26VSMMkcCdlqtui-8zwta5qQyEP3WRnomzlQhS_gQcjQsp6u1EfKORxhZoOkgveZ1RBfB8mqxK9tEiHwdSrPDlyijIjEThGbT0vVd3i3TZpSUukNmR_Frv5GUNliEWbwI2I_WLa7E/s200/MP900444514.JPG" width="133" /></a>by Bruce Brady<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
In Luke 6:45 (NLT), God tells us, "A good person produces good deeds from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil deeds from an evil heart. Whatever is in your heart determines what you say." This tells us that our actions and words reveal who we really are. And that we best relate to others by being open and honest.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
As a writer, I know people can tell if I'm being honest by the words I use. They know if my statements are coming from my heart or from a world view that says, "Tell them what they want to hear, then you'll gain wealth and popularity." However, doing anything just for the sake or earthly rewards will never provide true joy and peace. The only sure way to happiness is to follow the heart God gives us, without regard for material rewards.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
It's true that some evil people will experience worldly success. But they will not truly be happy because they have to spend their lives worrying about how to keep what they have from others. And, in the end, they will be placed in a box, dropped into a hole and covered with dirt. All their stuff will be left behind to be divided up by the very people whom they spent their lives trying to keep it from. So what have they really accomplished?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCKNOQMY0-UsTw6wyFGam1leYiI88O_183f5-LRk8cakCzIaftiiealdAcbLsjvAX_Tr8sk_mhAkmImCq00lC1IN4As7KD8briVNPiUPb2WgnhVD8cKfR1YoYi7CWu3fe3rSwtKkM3sw/s1600/MP900443982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCKNOQMY0-UsTw6wyFGam1leYiI88O_183f5-LRk8cakCzIaftiiealdAcbLsjvAX_Tr8sk_mhAkmImCq00lC1IN4As7KD8briVNPiUPb2WgnhVD8cKfR1YoYi7CWu3fe3rSwtKkM3sw/s320/MP900443982.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>For true happiness, follow God's lead and be true to the heart He gives you. It's your choice. Lovingly share His message to you with the world. Serve Him by serving others in a way that will enrich their lives. Then you will know the joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. And you will have true riches.</div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-60461343596573508982012-01-23T11:36:00.000-08:002012-01-23T12:01:53.498-08:00Oh, That Face!<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qOw-Wz3qILIVuoJK-vz4KsKUKXY2J5tipiAqfalUbEMsSkqjnw5YufMZAr9cbl4qu0cWUvcU7y4dviOs_YLQCm3BUiEOh8VP-fA_9TqKL8cLpmIDphWB2yFwL7N0FZhyphenhyphenOdb7kESFUDc/s1600/MP900426512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qOw-Wz3qILIVuoJK-vz4KsKUKXY2J5tipiAqfalUbEMsSkqjnw5YufMZAr9cbl4qu0cWUvcU7y4dviOs_YLQCm3BUiEOh8VP-fA_9TqKL8cLpmIDphWB2yFwL7N0FZhyphenhyphenOdb7kESFUDc/s200/MP900426512.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
by Bruce Brady<br />
<br />
Most everyone knows a face that lights up a room. It’s a face you long to see, as often as possible.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am blessed to know such a face. Whenever I see it, my heart leaps in my chest and I smile, inside and out. I awake every morning wanting to see that face. The vision of that face is the perfect start to my day. It inspires me to do much of all I do. It has affected me like this since I first saw it over 30 years ago.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One of my greatest goals in life is to keep a smile on that face. When it smiles, it takes my breath away and all is right with the world. To see it smile makes whatever I’m doing worth the effort, no matter the task, and it eases my cares.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWC30WCEE88KcMDQezMvTqnv9ud7lEWpfcDWdfYdDW7d_unR4klgE_akTqEmvR7TzWIMMEZd-AKcr7nNx-Iqb1JtuxLlsyHdI7Tne-L4s_YzGTSZrWwasyBu8HvZT7CLRjAqJfiHVPM2s/s1600/MP900438752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWC30WCEE88KcMDQezMvTqnv9ud7lEWpfcDWdfYdDW7d_unR4klgE_akTqEmvR7TzWIMMEZd-AKcr7nNx-Iqb1JtuxLlsyHdI7Tne-L4s_YzGTSZrWwasyBu8HvZT7CLRjAqJfiHVPM2s/s320/MP900438752.JPG" width="320" /></a>The face I speak of is the face of my lover, my wife. She is still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known or seen. She is, and always will be, my earthly reason for living. In fact, it is her face that led me to God.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Should you ever find yourself having a rough time, do whatever it takes to put a smile on your lover’s face. I believe you’ll find this will make your day go much better. You can’t have a bad day when you turn your attention to serving others. And that is one of our greatest callings on earth.</div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-14036886229863561072012-01-06T09:09:00.000-08:002012-01-06T09:09:29.629-08:00Frantic is Fantastic!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9CkCPuXYtn_VmEfZtCxuUQTT8-arngyksPIdvz9UUXSB6BEsw1HSqQnS5IEkQav-QZHQHr5Dp88l5kzMGRUbIKupTXTS8xpYaZi935TkCZch8NWapN2mZO0r5NjCZGnALxa5GPaZOUM/s1600/Mike+Dellosso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9CkCPuXYtn_VmEfZtCxuUQTT8-arngyksPIdvz9UUXSB6BEsw1HSqQnS5IEkQav-QZHQHr5Dp88l5kzMGRUbIKupTXTS8xpYaZi935TkCZch8NWapN2mZO0r5NjCZGnALxa5GPaZOUM/s200/Mike+Dellosso.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Today I'm highlighting a man, husband, father and author who is following his calling. Mike is a cancer survivor who helps others as a Physical Therapist. When he's not working, he and his wife, Jen, are busy loving and raising four beautiful daughters. So, he has little time to devote to writing. Yet, he is obedient to his calling and does his writing very early in the morning to ensure he doesn't neglect his family.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is to say, if you claim there's too many other things to do or you don't have time to pursue your calling, the truth is you just aren't prioritizing your calling, or you're stalling due to fear. I spent a fair amount of time with Mike at last year's Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and I can state with great certainty, he is just human. So, if he can do it, you and I can do it. The following is my brief review of his latest book:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSwPuDKHPAwwyN7xjmIRz0BQnjApvNGozb7aIHZ8dqJaLBeKO1Xa55WsngcasqRkk-AkWNf68DW2zgqv8CwvyeQrgvUfKEi04RfXVQafydk9iFSsV_LTvWe6K9qDdjthb71CclMs8s-E/s1600/Frantic+Cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSwPuDKHPAwwyN7xjmIRz0BQnjApvNGozb7aIHZ8dqJaLBeKO1Xa55WsngcasqRkk-AkWNf68DW2zgqv8CwvyeQrgvUfKEi04RfXVQafydk9iFSsV_LTvWe6K9qDdjthb71CclMs8s-E/s320/Frantic+Cover.JPG" width="212" /></a><b>All the clichés fit this one; page-turner, edge-of-your-seat suspense, action/adventure thriller. But the real gem of this book is relationships. Yes, the characters and their relationships are endearing and believable. But you don’t just read this story, you live it. I couldn’t and didn’t put this book down. This is Mr. Dellosso’s best work yet.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Marny is a simple guy with a simple life until the beauty of a sad, mysterious girl draws him into an adventure that will change his life, and yours, forever. Mike Dellosso’s masterfully crafted story touches all the emotions. And it shows the true power of faith. If you’ve ever doubted that even the most hopeless situation can end well, you need to read this book.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Frantic is due to release early February.</div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-89366501816229637772012-01-02T09:57:00.000-08:002012-01-02T09:57:38.568-08:00Have An Affair!<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9tUWXWp6m0dtNcjxkZ9axWrIPr-54BQErb8TeXo7vLpqK3IvLHUIddtu1HqmPw2KDkccmKwVHqTUVc9NfjLTc8CAehMjt7pb9QMrh6auXC1s3VoLY9EHICTxoGr3lMYdOsbqC4ru8BM/s1600/MP900386292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9tUWXWp6m0dtNcjxkZ9axWrIPr-54BQErb8TeXo7vLpqK3IvLHUIddtu1HqmPw2KDkccmKwVHqTUVc9NfjLTc8CAehMjt7pb9QMrh6auXC1s3VoLY9EHICTxoGr3lMYdOsbqC4ru8BM/s320/MP900386292.JPG" width="320" /></a>Ever have one of those days when you find yourself wondering why you got married? You know the kind of day I mean—a day, week or month when you and your spouse seem to be at odds about everything.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">These dry spells happen in all marriages. They happen when we allow life’s stresses or our selfish natures to consume our attention. If we continue down these paths, our marriages will deteriorate to the point where find ourselves living as two strangers under the same roof. I’ve seen it happen in countless marriages, including my own. This happened to my wife and me because we were certain all was well with our relationship – we took each other for granted.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAwQH6JeYmhZQJupHY4lxMzEsCGjdt3hyphenhyphenhJpGxCQBE1n5riikbZPiE6kwITuDQSyqZsf_IgsD8v4Fz7StwPwisAGoEG3Vp2Z_AdF_-us2f9cXqZVgIMfpKwJHCsiq42rLb9HQevv9EJM/s1600/MP900427849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAwQH6JeYmhZQJupHY4lxMzEsCGjdt3hyphenhyphenhJpGxCQBE1n5riikbZPiE6kwITuDQSyqZsf_IgsD8v4Fz7StwPwisAGoEG3Vp2Z_AdF_-us2f9cXqZVgIMfpKwJHCsiq42rLb9HQevv9EJM/s320/MP900427849.JPG" width="320" /></a>The truth is that a good marriage is one of God’s strongest forces. He tells us He is present where two are gathered in His name (Matthew 18:20). He also tells to keep anything from separating us because we are no longer two but one (Matthew 19:5-6). Satan knows these truths and will do whatever he can to destroy marriages. But his attacks are usually subtle. He uses our selfishness and worldly pleasures to lull us into ignoring our spiritual bonds with one another. And, like it or not, we’re human and easily drawn to anything that provides self-satisfaction. We can even be self-serving in our “godly” activities.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Assuming our marriages will last forever, we turn our focus to the niceties of life. Having checked off marriage on our “To Do” list, we succumb to worldly pressures and pursue worldly pleasures. Keeping up with all the latest and greatest for ourselves or even our children steals our focus. Our income, status, family activities and other “stuff” take priority over our relationships with God and our spouse.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So how do we keep the love fire burning? Have an affair! Not with someone else, with your spouse. And be sure to include the Lord.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFb7VO4C85fV07_AX9xrWaA648mZRfSwmR9JBOYFyGKAqrFgnaZPDH1WSfeN_r8TVYWkFvus_p4mbtCdmSsken_kcgD26RDaJY2FeXtdIsZWXJMXWvjHc8HxA9_5CB20ezTq2usll6TU/s1600/MP900438444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFb7VO4C85fV07_AX9xrWaA648mZRfSwmR9JBOYFyGKAqrFgnaZPDH1WSfeN_r8TVYWkFvus_p4mbtCdmSsken_kcgD26RDaJY2FeXtdIsZWXJMXWvjHc8HxA9_5CB20ezTq2usll6TU/s320/MP900438444.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I finally got over myself and listened to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, I arranged a 3-day surprise getaway. However, unlike our usual “getaways,” it didn’t involve our kids or grandkids – just the two of us. And it wasn’t anything elaborate, just a 2-night stay in a small town hotel, close to home. The only planned activity was a free, 30-minute drive through a small town that covers its buildings and homes with Christmas lights (my wife loves Christmas). The most important activity was simply finding spending time together. We simply listened to the Lord, looked at each other through His eyes and fell in love all over again, after 30 years of marriage.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Indescribable joy will fill you when you allow the Lord to take charge of your marriage. He will show us perfections where we see faults. He shows us how much more rewarding it is to serve others than ourselves. Seeing your spouse through God’s eyes will result in a deeper love for your spouse, and Him. It was an experienced that brought me to my emotional knees.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyNH4suYCIy3TCiuo2pzVOxpl3N28zgIwq29OyaZiZZNIycIGc58rDIPB7q8wmMvZbdP-d8ODtrZcG8Swo0pXmXwPzCvnamiHgwf4SHCN2wPvehTyeVXxLlsDp-sikDYdTfFQmEdXFLs/s1600/MP900402650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyNH4suYCIy3TCiuo2pzVOxpl3N28zgIwq29OyaZiZZNIycIGc58rDIPB7q8wmMvZbdP-d8ODtrZcG8Swo0pXmXwPzCvnamiHgwf4SHCN2wPvehTyeVXxLlsDp-sikDYdTfFQmEdXFLs/s320/MP900402650.JPG" width="255" /></a>So stop focusing on what’s wrong with your spouse. Give control of your relationship to the Lord. Let Him constantly remind you of why your marriage is so important. He’ll give you a new perspective and an action plan that will bless your marriage with renewed passion, joy and excitement.</div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-67913614762773744542011-10-21T05:26:00.000-07:002011-10-21T06:34:20.529-07:00Defenders For Children<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 6.0pt; mso-outline-level: 6;"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.5pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 2.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 6.0pt; mso-outline-level: 6;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">By Bruce Brady</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatT59Fg1khfkeKYUk9IaOWjjluV5LEKDckX0sMIrysRwKOJmCHw_iMz-J1fPyxGXeCJ16xLq9nVLOnKenWVm3JiZBTNa0T1CpfLaOr8PudV8lR-Ida8zPbPxMRBs_EEkdKxcY-0e4vlo/s1600/MP900407141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatT59Fg1khfkeKYUk9IaOWjjluV5LEKDckX0sMIrysRwKOJmCHw_iMz-J1fPyxGXeCJ16xLq9nVLOnKenWVm3JiZBTNa0T1CpfLaOr8PudV8lR-Ida8zPbPxMRBs_EEkdKxcY-0e4vlo/s200/MP900407141.JPG" width="200" /></a>We have a local organization called “Defenders for Children” that is fighting to end child abuse in the Greenville, SC area and beyond. I’ve joined this group because I believe children are God’s most precious gift to us and we need to protect them. This can only be accomplished by each of us doing whatever we can to prevent their being harmed, and helping abusers to deal with their issues in a healthy way. Take a look at your community and see what you can do to help put an end to the death of children at the hands of angry and misguided parents and other adults.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIo10XIOZEPpTMQADoGt2tXBx_Tr-KNoUn2lmLtjC8l7zcw23MPjW5RR28AYeB8q_co20Otc-qycAlPDfUTvrCwSGk-irkKvYk6EuQu4NlaHgGjGCMauHLBK9q77l9wVH1VPWinlfPc0/s1600/MP900308945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIo10XIOZEPpTMQADoGt2tXBx_Tr-KNoUn2lmLtjC8l7zcw23MPjW5RR28AYeB8q_co20Otc-qycAlPDfUTvrCwSGk-irkKvYk6EuQu4NlaHgGjGCMauHLBK9q77l9wVH1VPWinlfPc0/s200/MP900308945.JPG" width="133" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">As Christians, it’s our collective responsibility to help raise all children. Not just those who are born into our families or are members of our church, but all children. We are called to live lives that set Godly examples for all children to follow. Pray that God will show us how to do our part and that we’ll be obedient to His call. Let’s live our lives as if everything we do is teaching children how to live, because they’re watching.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">God bless the children and God bless you. Please watch this BBC News video and share your comments with me and all your friends.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1WzE8S7Yhqo2T7yEWc283Ixp1p1JBCrT2H2coHGo0iUu9jc9rJlq8izRHdHNQPMojDCnRFkAps9wGsC_q_IZ6j1z369FuBcd7b1LKCgquvk1V2Nebaro5v2rcQavYfrSk817X4ShPh4/s1600/MP900427635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1WzE8S7Yhqo2T7yEWc283Ixp1p1JBCrT2H2coHGo0iUu9jc9rJlq8izRHdHNQPMojDCnRFkAps9wGsC_q_IZ6j1z369FuBcd7b1LKCgquvk1V2Nebaro5v2rcQavYfrSk817X4ShPh4/s200/MP900427635.JPG" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 6.0pt; vertical-align: top;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15288865" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3b5998; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">America's child death shame</span></b></a><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 6.0pt; vertical-align: top;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.bbc.co.uk</span></a><span style="background: white; color: grey; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">The BBC investigates the scale of child abuse in the US.</div><br />
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</div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-37133027763328039072011-10-12T07:38:00.000-07:002011-10-12T07:42:42.606-07:00Unforeseen Paths<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
by Bruce Brady</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEoriszvV6NHLhC-vlFx2j8ie8Qwygaghvt1Qj-etPcSLrUqEw16OsEkJRbzDUhtt7Mn-Xp0P7rNXgeKBcdBNWZEjL06LW90wSeb55QiNYKU7laQ3QtS5zqnMs7amhl5x2AAnt15E_pI/s1600/MP900145005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEoriszvV6NHLhC-vlFx2j8ie8Qwygaghvt1Qj-etPcSLrUqEw16OsEkJRbzDUhtt7Mn-Xp0P7rNXgeKBcdBNWZEjL06LW90wSeb55QiNYKU7laQ3QtS5zqnMs7amhl5x2AAnt15E_pI/s320/MP900145005.JPG" width="320" /></a>After three months of no response, I assumed the idea was dead.
Less than two weeks ago, I was completely surprised when I received a request
for the article I’d pitched five months earlier. This request came from an
editor I didn’t know; who received my proposal from the woman I originally
pitched. Even more astonishing is the fact that this editor couldn’t us my
article in her publication. She wanted it to pass on to another editor at a
different publication; an editor who isn’t accepting unsolicited articles.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my soul-searching since attending a writer’s conference
last May, I realized I’m most interested in writing fiction. I truly believed
that God was calling me to write a novel. After not hearing back on my article proposal,
I took that as a sign of confirmation. So I laid aside any thoughts of writing nonfiction
and began work on my novel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Confusion was mixed with elation when I received the
request. This editor was offering an opportunity that I’ve been told by many
never happens. This wonderful editor was taking a big chance on an unknown
writer. With nothing to go on but my written proposal, she is risking her
professional reputation by promoting my article to a colleague. In worldly
terms, she and the first editor have nothing to gain and stand to lose a great
deal of credibility if the third editor doesn’t like my work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpM17xCTWSYz7VwgWwIRKyOyR4qrIAtOexnpLLU2Fe4aE5g2KEAL3u7j0AFPVsLDr4xOh4ogOMd5rwRRnkrY5vZ2tCAcfx-Be3IRyzjYNj-e_PV_2u01DqIsWpyO3Llw0ENxyXkPzIag/s1600/MP900442226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpM17xCTWSYz7VwgWwIRKyOyR4qrIAtOexnpLLU2Fe4aE5g2KEAL3u7j0AFPVsLDr4xOh4ogOMd5rwRRnkrY5vZ2tCAcfx-Be3IRyzjYNj-e_PV_2u01DqIsWpyO3Llw0ENxyXkPzIag/s320/MP900442226.JPG" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether or not my article is accepted isn’t the issue. The
real issue here is the fact that both of these women are answering their calls
and doing a great job of it. God told them to give someone a chance and their
making every effort to turn that chance into success. They’re not only answering
their calls, they’re going the extra mile by going way beyond the boundaries of
their job responsibilities. But they understand for whom they really work. I
pray that I will be just as obedient in answering my call. I’m sure God is
proud of them, and I will never forget them.</div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-11595917659357335702011-09-15T04:18:00.000-07:002011-09-15T04:18:12.246-07:00My Back And I Are Back<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
by Bruce Brady</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaRK5zXnCBGN2rSGoYxCzdU8GYnEc5tLvcA2JVNUrN3cjpGQo8KFUTnP-FkxDGFuj-8pBySdhHVl_JM9oA8X-kzt03_MKPsXfCQTVrZt61ZEaFp7Nq27h1OAb-uCTNTyJBwmJLcrN7Ew/s1600/MP900409781%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaRK5zXnCBGN2rSGoYxCzdU8GYnEc5tLvcA2JVNUrN3cjpGQo8KFUTnP-FkxDGFuj-8pBySdhHVl_JM9oA8X-kzt03_MKPsXfCQTVrZt61ZEaFp7Nq27h1OAb-uCTNTyJBwmJLcrN7Ew/s200/MP900409781%255B1%255D.jpg" width="132" /></a>The more I pushed myself, the more trouble my back gave me.
My plan was to ignore the pain and press on. After all, I had a thousand things
to do and only I could do them. So I scheduled several sessions with the Chiropractor
and filled the rest of my calendar with “Honey-dos.” However, my back had other
plans. And my adjustments and activities just made it worse.</div>
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I decided to just give my back a rest while I rested in God.
Naturally, that did more good than any treatments I’ve had. Except for the
occasional pang, my back is completely normal. As for me, I’m not sure I’ve
ever been.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In all this, God re-taught me a valuable lesson. I knew it
already but lost sight of it in my self-sufficiency. He reminded me that He can
do all things, not me. I can do all things, but only through Christ who
strengthens me. The key here is He, not I, provides the strength.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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So why the back injury? I really needed to slow down and
refocus on Him. I had slipped into my all too familiar mode of “Bruce
Almighty.” I needed to be sat down. I often do. I was raised to be
self-sufficient. My mantra was, “If you want something done right, do it
yourself.” Paul had his thorn in the side, this is one of mine. Yes, I need
several to keep me in line.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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God uses many things to get my attention, this time He chose
physical aliment. I could have become bitter but knew it was for my own good. Even
in tough times, He is still God and I still love Him. No the pain wasn’t
pleasant. It was excruciating at times. Had it been tolerable, I would have
ignored it, and Him. One of the most valuable things God teaches us is who we
are.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuLDjJesDoQ-gsuHU9NJ3ivniW-ZUJl0j2Ky5c0UzSUCock-KxsvTFYLrhAKqBSHxmZ7P8za98wtUr8I-Tt5IXSao4GgPNWgP2UT1Jo-KcxFVpTFhsJsWMEoYTEw8Wpu01VDtCBbgIy0/s1600/MP900438739%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuLDjJesDoQ-gsuHU9NJ3ivniW-ZUJl0j2Ky5c0UzSUCock-KxsvTFYLrhAKqBSHxmZ7P8za98wtUr8I-Tt5IXSao4GgPNWgP2UT1Jo-KcxFVpTFhsJsWMEoYTEw8Wpu01VDtCBbgIy0/s320/MP900438739%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a>If you find yourself hurting, ill or troubled, don’t ask,
“Why me?” Instead, ask God to show you why? Sometimes the answer is just that we
over did it or we just caught the latest illness going around. But sometimes He
is trying to get our attention to keep us from traveling the wrong road…one
that would do us much more harm than good.</div>
Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-67389608071004405822011-07-28T05:16:00.000-07:002011-07-28T05:17:54.201-07:00House on Fire? Go Visit a Friend.<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">by Bruce Brady</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP1SH77jOG6RVqeihvZK73FaHNLfWnqC-vul73UI5I-NaXpxSsNEkAhox-9XEcYYQMTFT_Uw73VEF5g8NC82cRlLSOOjVbkE8xhIJRrqEhk0w8InAlYFef86AyCOWc_AgB83fy3qPbYk/s1600/MP900178945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP1SH77jOG6RVqeihvZK73FaHNLfWnqC-vul73UI5I-NaXpxSsNEkAhox-9XEcYYQMTFT_Uw73VEF5g8NC82cRlLSOOjVbkE8xhIJRrqEhk0w8InAlYFef86AyCOWc_AgB83fy3qPbYk/s320/MP900178945.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Matthew 6:33 tells us,”<b><sup> </sup></b>But seek first the kingdom of God<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and His righteousness,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and all these things will be provided for you.” Does this mean we needn’t worry about earthly matters? Yes. It doesn’t mean we don’t have to deal with them, it simply means we shouldn’t be anxious about them.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">However, we often spend our time fretting over the things of the world. If we measure the amount of time we spend with our Lord as compared to the time we spend on daily tasks and concerns, we will discover God gets little, if any, of our daily time. I’ve often heard it said, “If you want to know what your priorities are, look at your check register.” The implication is that the things we spend the most money on are the things that are most important to us. While I may not completely agree with this analogy, I do think it applies to our “time-allotment” checkbook.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA1eTF2JJVFGBhLJOzrACX0IHn-nKs2aO8pThJZylLncq2js6fKe39C48uPtXXAwa-O4OzZDcstN4wpI23930hh4oR5Cd856jsFwHgHKZhIrrdniQO75lLslaruCSzPM_TJM8ZGDx6vc/s1600/MP900422224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA1eTF2JJVFGBhLJOzrACX0IHn-nKs2aO8pThJZylLncq2js6fKe39C48uPtXXAwa-O4OzZDcstN4wpI23930hh4oR5Cd856jsFwHgHKZhIrrdniQO75lLslaruCSzPM_TJM8ZGDx6vc/s320/MP900422224.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I know that I spend more time with God than I ever have but I spend very little time with Him when compared to what I do with the rest of my time. And I’m not always faithful about my “Time with God” schedule. While I try to start each day with the Lord, I frequently allow circumstances to dictate how I spend my time. I forget the message of Matthew 6:33.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I selected the title for this post because this contrast indicates how God often works in my life. If the world is demanding my attention for something that seems urgent, God usually counters by leading me to do something that seems completely unrelated to the urgent matter. Frequently, following Him doesn’t make sense to me at the time. However, after a while, He shows me how my following Him was the correct response to the situation because it put my attention on the important instead of the urgent.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dnnRJCNHBqIZxkwLQkAX8CquGvCfQe-_8UXwv90L1Ua5CP4ei-n7-dYzBeJhRgOo0yGq-IatVtUX8Qm5Qlgz0b1DJqzLi-iUyCXx8Pd-ews7MN4AZtPiqjMnVksZZus2e5463mSdeQw/s1600/MP900430532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dnnRJCNHBqIZxkwLQkAX8CquGvCfQe-_8UXwv90L1Ua5CP4ei-n7-dYzBeJhRgOo0yGq-IatVtUX8Qm5Qlgz0b1DJqzLi-iUyCXx8Pd-ews7MN4AZtPiqjMnVksZZus2e5463mSdeQw/s320/MP900430532.JPG" width="257" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">The message this Scripture verse has for me and all of us is simple. When we focus our attention on God, especially in times of worldly urgency, He will honor our faithfulness by providing the ideal solution to the urgent matter. Despite my natural human tendency to control every circumstance of my life (and often those of the people around me), His solutions are always better than anything I conceive. His love for us will never put us in true jeopardy. Remembering this will help us turn to Him at all times.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So when your house is on fire and you hear that still, small voice telling you to go visit a neighbor or friend, do it. Even if your house burns to the ground and you lose all your earthly possessions, you’ll gain so much more. Of course it will be painful for a time but He is faithful and will not let you suffer beyond what is beneficial to you. And, imagine how profound an impact your faithful obedience will have on your neighbor or friend, particularly when God restores you to better off than you were before.</span>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-77510280995684783382011-07-19T10:06:00.000-07:002011-07-19T10:06:54.862-07:00We Rarely Have All the Answers Up Front<div class="MsoNormal">by Bruce Brady</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaqujXycKHw7NY18Pdm1nma_C92-MwIUZrg-8kOaxJsSj_ltReRHcX1XwS9KRHQ26fW2lkSZqWIr596kN_sseP98wCHSAsBOO23Cupx_naT3cVr7ABYpEPJGPxPVkekUXEsI81_mDBko/s1600/MP900442224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaqujXycKHw7NY18Pdm1nma_C92-MwIUZrg-8kOaxJsSj_ltReRHcX1XwS9KRHQ26fW2lkSZqWIr596kN_sseP98wCHSAsBOO23Cupx_naT3cVr7ABYpEPJGPxPVkekUXEsI81_mDBko/s320/MP900442224.JPG" width="320" /></a>Just when I thought I wouldn’t do anything with our church’s drama ministry until Christmas, God lead me to turn an old joke into an introduction for this past Sunday’s sermon. It was a relatively simple assignment, or so I thought. It was a short, 3-minute script that could be easily memorized and performed by four adults. And the senior pastor said it could be worked into the schedule.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, the pastor said that particular Sunday included “Children’s Time;” a time when all the children come down and sit on the stage steps to hear a story. So, he asked if I could have children play the parts instead of adults. Ignoring the fact that many children were gone on vacation, and that I’d never directed a children’s stage production, I said yes. After all, if God wanted me to cast and direct a children’s production, He would take care of the details.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Naturally, God came through. I had four parts, He gave me five kids. Oh boy! I had an understudy. But I only had time for five rehearsals and none of these kids had ever acted before. In addition, Satan tried to make me panic because two of the kids were going on vacation and would miss three rehearsals. I almost gave in. Yet, I knew the Lord had things covered. So I put my faith in Him and asked the parents to help their kids memorize their lines.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATK92y4jBpWH-N1_nZKmc0gF1ZIQFS26MeCJhz-Q1U-9-htSUm4-OMhbKgR0IzrepzRttB0I1ydj6lWmTHaQmZ8tWkUjOhiofGiMv3Z_bPubFvpKxD0kno21tRTn2GUNhZD43npwl-_s/s1600/MP900387533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATK92y4jBpWH-N1_nZKmc0gF1ZIQFS26MeCJhz-Q1U-9-htSUm4-OMhbKgR0IzrepzRttB0I1ydj6lWmTHaQmZ8tWkUjOhiofGiMv3Z_bPubFvpKxD0kno21tRTn2GUNhZD43npwl-_s/s320/MP900387533.JPG" width="228" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This was my third production in less than a year. It was the third time I casted the parts without an audition and no regard for experience. It was the third time I encouraged criticism of my script from the actors, their parents and the church staff. It was the third time I relied completely on the Lord for the results, and was not disappointed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Through God’s grace, we had three flawless performances and He filled me with a greater love for my little troupe of 10-12 year olds. It was a joy working with and getting to know them better. I know there will be more children’s productions in my future and look forward to them. It’s also a joy to know that God will always provide the perfect people to fill every part, and He will work through them to ensure His message reaches His intended audience.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If God is calling you to do something you’ve never done, listen. Don’t rob yourself of the joy that accompanies answering His call. Remember that no matter how hopeless things might seem at times, He will accomplish His will through you, despite the obstacles. So, follow His lead. Know that He will provide all the answers when they are needed, not before. And enjoy the ride.</div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-23640040814507428092011-07-06T06:10:00.000-07:002011-07-06T06:10:05.760-07:00The Ramblings of a Wayward Writer<div class="MsoNormal">(This is the same post as on "Reality Writing." I did this because I was told to.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">By Bruce Brady</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUe52haNBE9BOmh0tNai4M0NSaOXFs8VQX-5czfI4JbNNmjqcWo-THLgMfyM8YyYwKxW8qedFogT4X8guzqzhOoZwEws7eKzc4Gy6dNpXkPZnIAeupIoNPQwDf68XoiJCDlBjRvFBTrg/s1600/MP900321197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUe52haNBE9BOmh0tNai4M0NSaOXFs8VQX-5czfI4JbNNmjqcWo-THLgMfyM8YyYwKxW8qedFogT4X8guzqzhOoZwEws7eKzc4Gy6dNpXkPZnIAeupIoNPQwDf68XoiJCDlBjRvFBTrg/s320/MP900321197.JPG" width="228" /></a>I sit here, happy that I can sit for more than a couple of minutes, listening to hear what God has to say to me. I must constantly remind myself that it is difficult to hear Him in this noisy world because He speaks softly. In fact, He speaks so softly that I must make an effort to rid my mind of all external and internal noise in order to hear Him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been 29 long days since I injured my hip on a mission trip. And, with one exception, today is the first day I’ve been able to sit down at my computer long enough to write more than a couple of words. It feels good to write again. Yet, I’ve been beating myself up because I haven’t written anything for a month. But today I heard God and He told me that my self-degradation is one of the most effective tools Satan has in his arsenal. It has been an effective tool since the fall.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We all fear some things in life. However, when we take a hard look at the root cause of our fears, it usually turns out to be the fear of rejection. Deep inside our hearts we know that any failure in our life will be criticized by others, and that potential criticism causes us great emotional agony.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have recently realized that contrary to what I previously thought, I’ve been suffering that very fear. My inability to sit long enough to write has caused me to fear rejection by my mentors, Edie and Pam. I know that they will love me no matter what I may or may not do, but I’ve still been afraid of disappointing them. They have poured their hearts and souls into helping me succeed as a writer and I’ve repaid them with nothing for several weeks now. And while my hip injury may be a viable excuse, it isn’t a good one. After all, Jesus went through a lot more suffering than I’m experiencing and still pressed on. Paul did also. So, I have no excuse.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Instead of giving in to my pain and discomfort, I should have used the brain God gave me to devise a way of writing without the need for sitting. After all, it is God who gives me the words and He can do that no matter what position I’m in. So I’m recommitting myself to the pursuit of serving Him through the written word, remembering Philippians 3:13-14 which says,”…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Should you find yourself struggling in your quest to reach your goal, forget what is behind and press on. Don’t let the world get in the way of your calling; your purpose for living. Remember we are all created by a loving God who wants us to do well and experience the good things of life. Those who would criticize you are those who are also floundering and want you to be their savior. Of course, you can’t save them but with God’s help you can show them the right path to salvation. And you can do this with the words He gives you.</div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-57017385307957901932011-06-01T12:26:00.000-07:002011-06-01T12:32:33.460-07:00Are Friendships A Calling?<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnpXgcXINyHW7hWMLx5R-t34GhMI2w5Hhe_qK-YSfF6vFU_PSkFpBg11P5AxP-uK4zmX3CGm1Sc5UE2-U-t-3HrbtODNRNxMH2yvfHIIQayNdLTwuxIBIZf_c8gdbtHiAfn3cRV6xsbM/s1600/MP900438688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnpXgcXINyHW7hWMLx5R-t34GhMI2w5Hhe_qK-YSfF6vFU_PSkFpBg11P5AxP-uK4zmX3CGm1Sc5UE2-U-t-3HrbtODNRNxMH2yvfHIIQayNdLTwuxIBIZf_c8gdbtHiAfn3cRV6xsbM/s320/MP900438688.JPG" width="212" /></a>I realize it’s been a while since I’ve posted and for that I’m truly sorry. Between “honey-dos,” a writers’ conference and illness, I neglected my blog. So please accept my apology.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve spent some time during the past few days sending out “Thank You” e-mails. I realize hand-written notes would be better but I don’t have the recipients’ street addresses. I was expressing my appreciation to a lot of people who contributed to the very uplifting experience I had at the conference. These wonderful people inspired me to pursue my passion for writing with an even greater conviction and I wanted to let them know how much I value them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Writing these notes, I realized just how important it is for all of us to express our love and caring for others. Usually we go through life assuming others know how we feel about them, but they often don’t. And if they do, they still like to hear (or read) about how much they are appreciated; how much they are loved. For true love is a deep caring about the wellbeing of another. It is the love God displayed when He allowed His Son to die in our stead so that we may walk with Him now and forever.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The need to be loved is very strong in all of us. This is the way God created us. And if we were created to love and be loved then it makes sense that we are all called to love one another. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment is, He told us that first and foremost we are to love God completely. But He also told us that the second most important commandment is to love everyone as much as we love ourselves, and that this commandment is just as important as the first. In other words, loving others is the most important calling in life, and one we all share.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Although we all share this same calling, we will each have a unique way of expressing this calling. God did not create us to be robots. There are people in the world who can best be reached by me and there are others who can best be reached by you. So if I don’t answer my calling, then someone else will have to fill in for me; someone who will not relate as well to those others as I would. Thus neglecting my calling will result in a less than optimal outcome in the lives of others. And it could result in others being eternally lost because I didn’t express God’s love for them as I should have.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The bottom line is this. If you are certain of your calling, don’t ignore it. Realize that just because it’s your calling doesn’t mean it will be easy. None of us grow form doing what is easy. Our calling will include challenges and the more important the calling, the more difficult the challenges will be. Just remember, the more difficult the challenges, them greater will be our growth in character.</span>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-67622953159476477842011-04-22T15:41:00.000-07:002011-04-22T15:47:57.521-07:00The Rich Life<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLteLX0vTKxm8AVN0LZkNX6bOWl4poMcqiKh8npG1aBxVfUnJWAL6Cnn4QLILw53OSxr6NHEYqVTzWnn4pWhnZANsIrOp8AK4MMyPzsZbO7aXgNMaPLeS2Ozyl9aeIfRJDGzdiyU7aN7M/s1600/MP900289379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLteLX0vTKxm8AVN0LZkNX6bOWl4poMcqiKh8npG1aBxVfUnJWAL6Cnn4QLILw53OSxr6NHEYqVTzWnn4pWhnZANsIrOp8AK4MMyPzsZbO7aXgNMaPLeS2Ozyl9aeIfRJDGzdiyU7aN7M/s320/MP900289379.JPG" width="211" /></a>Well, the Easter Pageant is over and all went well, according to overwhelming amount of feedback we Well, the Easter Pageant is over and all went well, according to overwhelming amount of feedback we received from audience members. I must admit, I enjoyed every tiring minute of the whole process. There were long days and nights, many rehearsals without the entire cast in attendance and many rewrites of the script. Yet God put it all together and we had three wonderful performances. I can praise the performances because it was God, not I, who made them happen.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It seems when we give control to God everything turns out as it should. Of course, like all of us, I have a problem with giving up control. It’s not that I don’t trust Him it’s just that I have this inherent desire to see things work out the way I envision them. Perhaps this comes from years of corporate training geared to manipulate the outcome. Perhaps it’s just human nature, which refuses to allow anyone or anything take control. But, when you think about it, it may just be the fear that overtakes each of us when we realize there are so many things in life that are completely out of our control; things that can have profound effects on our lives. No matter the reason, we all desperately want to control our own destiny while knowing, deep inside, that we can’t.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKDrkYov7xjB0DGF3Wz6O4J9WiadapszU9IBY0yzJt9Qxiknl3v-LTtsBu9rtReON-EHU7m7rtKrwYKcJEA3q-NpJKjI2jN9k1FjPRByTP3F_Y39mMDjsuhiFf0qOKGZwaRgz902vG1Y/s1600/MP900414034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKDrkYov7xjB0DGF3Wz6O4J9WiadapszU9IBY0yzJt9Qxiknl3v-LTtsBu9rtReON-EHU7m7rtKrwYKcJEA3q-NpJKjI2jN9k1FjPRByTP3F_Y39mMDjsuhiFf0qOKGZwaRgz902vG1Y/s200/MP900414034.JPG" width="120" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The scariest part of God’s calling for any of us is the fact that we must give up control. God knows this and it’s an important part of His calling. He understands our resistance knows we will experience tremendous personal growth when we let Him lead. After all, He created each and every one of us. He wants us to rely on Him so He can bless us with a life that far exceeds what our limited minds can conceive.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">So I ask you to learn from my experiences. Don’t fight the one who knew you before you were born. We all have a deep yearning to know the reason for our existence. Don’t suppress it. If you truly seek the answer, He will respond. Don’t take my word for it. Expectantly ask God to prove His existence to you and He will in a unique way that will leave no doubt He is real and loves you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWYAAuGHdGStzKFtlIwJAUFGcCjCg4Z8_mQCtfgZqydwXb7elowQ_QKCfnQlaUoPA12IG5-0xGJePEpYBZRJU_6sdwUJgJkWkUvXLND6B90qR3dHo0E4ZoZVf6t2S7Y8Gt-S5xdnbOEY/s1600/MP900422720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWYAAuGHdGStzKFtlIwJAUFGcCjCg4Z8_mQCtfgZqydwXb7elowQ_QKCfnQlaUoPA12IG5-0xGJePEpYBZRJU_6sdwUJgJkWkUvXLND6B90qR3dHo0E4ZoZVf6t2S7Y8Gt-S5xdnbOEY/s320/MP900422720.JPG" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>I spent over 40 years of my life, many of those years as a believer, ignoring His call and living with a thirst for meaning because of it. Don’t make this same mistake. Don’t live your life trying to bury your emptiness. Listen for His voice; a voice that will call you to a life of serving others and caring about them that will richly reward you. Listen to Him and enjoy the unique life you were created to live.Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-52470880497345927142011-04-08T03:54:00.000-07:002011-04-22T15:43:02.488-07:00Excuses, Excuses.<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGBK2FRLnlMWNKWXU92txx4tAaD2W1IzWz7k5rP4LkGcfskcliktt3XAjinPFrL_CM0tpZ8O_R37TqtUUITbqF7z6Js54ZvSjon1_5dNtsxCNIOzKu8Z8jgtpaCN1IZXKGGH7muJcO_A/s1600/MP900422409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGBK2FRLnlMWNKWXU92txx4tAaD2W1IzWz7k5rP4LkGcfskcliktt3XAjinPFrL_CM0tpZ8O_R37TqtUUITbqF7z6Js54ZvSjon1_5dNtsxCNIOzKu8Z8jgtpaCN1IZXKGGH7muJcO_A/s320/MP900422409.JPG" width="320" /></a>Over the past few weeks I have served on jury duty, been swamped with drama ministry activities, helped my friend frame, enclose and roof my deck, prepare and submit our income taxes, and a few other things. Some were callings; some were just the stuff we all face in everyday life. All have taught me a valuable lesson. I have used my callings and duties to ignore the one calling that promises to pay the bills and bless me with a great sense of satisfaction, my freelance writing. Not only have I allowed other activities to keep me from my greatest love, I have disappointed my mentors and editors in the process; an act for which I am truly remorseful.</div><br />
We all allow ourselves to be distracted from time to time. Often, our distractions are actually good deeds. However, these distractions aren’t an excuse to ignore the important. Writing is my calling. I may someday be a great writer or I may not, but I know I’m supposed to write. And, there are people and organizations that depend, in part, on my writing. When I don’t write, and do those things that get it sold, I cause those who depend on me to suffer. Not doing what I’m called to do has a profound effect on many others. Most importantly, when I excuse myself from doing what I must, what I love, I do not contribute to family finances and that hurts the one I love the most, my wife.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5hGyHb9KGNKnvWgBP6HBWumYaoENTk9XbUb1U7UACne-9XaGRymTBg-w9OtazmU4Ks9yqATiDhqHhlvDxTSd4YsapQgp12s-ml9tLBooVOOoXx68RCHCvwxu9AKli84mCDUKX3KyuR8/s1600/MP900427604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5hGyHb9KGNKnvWgBP6HBWumYaoENTk9XbUb1U7UACne-9XaGRymTBg-w9OtazmU4Ks9yqATiDhqHhlvDxTSd4YsapQgp12s-ml9tLBooVOOoXx68RCHCvwxu9AKli84mCDUKX3KyuR8/s200/MP900427604.JPG" width="200" /></a>Now human nature dictates that I beat myself up and spend more time not writing while I wallow in self-pity. We all have those moments when we allow our lack of action to lead to more inaction. Often this results in our giving up. But, I will not do that this time. I’ll rely on the Lord to give me the strength to press on, to run the good race. I’ll do what He has called me to do. I will not let Him or myself down. I’ll swallow my pride, make the proper apologies and get back to fulfilling my calling.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DVQLgmDCui9l7fs9VTYvgbyTTrijC8D66dCfuZ4CMribD1yH11CvZe6fkCRb8ewYOSt1TyhuCvZAw19Cxo1eLWDmhdlkRS1EyJUnbu_cjySigP62Lgb2sXoXKynQzLoYczg0mMSPhqI/s1600/MP900433028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DVQLgmDCui9l7fs9VTYvgbyTTrijC8D66dCfuZ4CMribD1yH11CvZe6fkCRb8ewYOSt1TyhuCvZAw19Cxo1eLWDmhdlkRS1EyJUnbu_cjySigP62Lgb2sXoXKynQzLoYczg0mMSPhqI/s320/MP900433028.JPG" width="240" /></a>If you find yourself facing a similar situation, don’t give up and don’t give in. Whatever you allowed to distract you, forgive yourself and move on with greater resolve. Remember that there is nothing you can do that God won’t forgive, so afford yourself that same forgiveness. If you’ve hurt loved ones in the process, ask their forgiveness and renew your commitment to those relationships. They may need time to forgive you so give it to them. While you’re waiting, get back to doing what you were called to do. Get back to serving God in the way He created you to.</div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3969480075239654160.post-46638454814431129992011-03-23T07:41:00.000-07:002011-03-23T07:41:02.297-07:00When He Calls, He Provides.<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU35N2W2SRvt1CuB1NyXKIGHEy70mV8gGc_WMZK9CIBnJUaxgs6T0zjVvQUgzcJW0-DktiHYs5VTXfBOXk1p_xQmOvweKsFg7qYHtzfl3h430otjtWiK-PzXheM8TDOloIuFfiwP0sUUs/s1600/MP900227506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU35N2W2SRvt1CuB1NyXKIGHEy70mV8gGc_WMZK9CIBnJUaxgs6T0zjVvQUgzcJW0-DktiHYs5VTXfBOXk1p_xQmOvweKsFg7qYHtzfl3h430otjtWiK-PzXheM8TDOloIuFfiwP0sUUs/s200/MP900227506.JPG" width="135" /></a>Today is the first day of rehearsal for my church’s Easter Pageant. I didn’t think it would happen. I didn’t think so because I couldn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">see</i> it happening. Just last Thursday, I held a meeting for all cast members and only 8 people showed up; I expected about 20. The other 20 or so parts hadn’t been cast yet. Not for a lack of trying but because our Pageant takes place during Spring Break for our schools. Between the fear of public speaking and Spring Break plans, my casting efforts were met with stiff resistance. I struggled for 3 weeks just to get the 20 cast members I thought I had and our church has between 4,000 and 5,000 members. So you understand my frustration.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, another week has gone by and I have all the characters cast with extras I may have to write into the script because I don’t want to discourage anyone. The Music Minister and a couple of members who teach Bible Study classes worked their networks and the additional parts were filled in 4 days. All I did was follow up with a phone call and informational e-mail afterward. It was a wonderful thing to witness. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bWYR2KZ_9SwJqpr0RhdMeUmuwESY9-dEnT5DcQF5IS6ZMf0j6LMPdtiSoZ3HgAt97Wcl2PNCwdaORGSeIe2Jhaq64nnGyZrmhQSi0asIQM46vIN01Gl4FQmLGcmLW0efDaKP6pczE6A/s1600/MP900433040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bWYR2KZ_9SwJqpr0RhdMeUmuwESY9-dEnT5DcQF5IS6ZMf0j6LMPdtiSoZ3HgAt97Wcl2PNCwdaORGSeIe2Jhaq64nnGyZrmhQSi0asIQM46vIN01Gl4FQmLGcmLW0efDaKP6pczE6A/s320/MP900433040.JPG" width="320" /></a>Most importantly, I was taught another lesson by my loving Father. He reminded me that when He calls us to do something for Him, He provides all our needs. I recalled all the times in His Word when He tells us to keep our focus on Him and He will take care of the rest. In Proverbs 3: 5-6 He tells us that when we don’t rely on our own understanding but think about Him in every situation, He will show us the way to go and what to do. The problem is that it is not natural for us to give control to someone else. Our very nature wants to be in charge of our life. But when we do give Him control, it always works out better than we can do on our own, and in perfect timing. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Remember, God is our Father and He wants bless us with good things. So, if we’ll give Him our concerns, hopes and plans, He will show us the best way to handle them.</span></div>Bruce Brady - Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17215977053225614116noreply@blogger.com0