Christian book is sure to please

Soon to be released NIGHT WITH A PERFECT STRANGER by David Gregory is the third book in his trilogy about Jesus appearing to character Nick Cominsky. Nick is a middle-aged man, married with two children and one on the way. He is on his way home from a visit with his parents that went sour when his father started drilling him about his career and comparing him to his more successful sister. Nick left in a huff at night instead of waiting until the next day when he was supposed to leave. He hasn't been on the road for too long when he runs out of gas. A stranger holding a gas can appears in front of him. After a closer look, Nick realizes it is the same man who came to visit him six years ago- Jesus. Jesus hops in and accompanies him on his trip back home.

Along the way they meet a man struggling with addiction. After a spiritual conversation over coffee and pie the man is transformed. They also visit a hospital where Jesus shows Nick a father rocking his premature baby. He tells Nick that God's love for us is much the same- unconditional, constant and forgiving.

As they near their destination Nick receives a call from his upset wife stating that she is spotting and on her way to the hospital. When Nick comes close to having a wreck and turns to Jesus, he is gone. Nick stops to help a woman whose car had gone off the road. It turns out to be his wife's spiritual advisor. He gives her a ride. They talk about God and spirituality. Nick is able to see the same thing Jesus was telling him in a new light: Jesus lives within us and we must listen to him and let him guide us through life. When Nick reaches the hospital he is led to Labor and Delivery. Jesus is waiting for him. Nick opens up his heart and lets him in, and together they walk through the doors to see what has happened.

What was Nick struggling with? What exactly does Jesus tell him? What kind of addiction does the other man struggle with, and what is their connection? Read the book and find out. You'll be glad you did.

Born, Within You

Be not afraid

for He will bring you peace
a heart filled with love and joy
within yourself an eternal manger

where He dwells

at times, appears as an angel
in the people you meet
a decree for life
pondered
tidings of goodness

haven’t you heard?

Be still, without haste
He whispers to you and me

rejoice.

Be not afraid-
where He dwells
haven't you heard?
Rejoice!

@laurie kolp

**Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays to all of you!

Prompt inspiration: The Sunday Whirl (heart, decree, afraid, heard, manger, shepherds, tidings, pondered, joy, angel, peace, haste)

A Protest for the Season

It’s the twinkling stars lighting up the tree
leaving those immobile in close proximity

the silence and the glory cradled gently to our heart
warming each sensation, joining relatives apart

the wonder of the season and each joyous song
that hushes retribution, forgives every wrong.

Let’s all join together with peace and love on earth
so our only protestation is of Jesus and His birth.

@laurie kolp

Prompt inspirations: 3WW (immobile, proximity, retribution) and Poetry Jam (occupy)

A Christmas Story to Share with Children

At Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. It is a festive season of joy and merriment typically associated with the image of Santa Claus bearing gifts for all.

What if there was a real connection between Jesus and Santa?

Mary's Son by Darryl Nyznyk does just that. It's as if God has sent Santa to do His will today like He sent Jesus to do the same so long ago. It is the delightful tale of two confused children - one a rich spoiled brat, the other a poor gang leader - and how they learn to love selflessly after Santa Claus takes them back to the first Christmas to witness the birth of Jesus. They discover God's encompassing love and return forever changed.

Mary's Son is an inspirational story reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas. I can see why it has received three Gold awards as Mom's Choice Awards: Inspirational/Motivational book. I can't wait to read it to my children this holiday season.

Day 22

PA prompt- Only one in the world

Jesus

*

Joy

Everlasting love

Solace, serenity

Undying

Spirit

*

@laurie kolp

*****************************************

NaPoWriMo prompt- Double dactyl poem

Eleanor Roosevelt: For the people, not above them

Higgledy, piggledy
Eleanor Roosevelt
National prodigy
Stubborn as well;

Objecting to debutantes’
Idiosyncrasies
Coming out socially;
Cup of tea hell.

@laurie kolp

A big surprise

I have some very exciting news. But before I tell you what it is, let me explain to you how it all came to be, which I believe was divinely inspired.

Katie was sick quite a bit in January and had to miss several of her dance classes. Apparently while she was absent, a note had gone home about a man from New York that was coming to her studio to speak to the girls and their mothers. I knew nothing about this event until the owner sent out an e-mail about it, reminding those who were going to dress nice and be on time. So I replied and asked her about what it was. She is very busy and did not answer right away. But when she did, I was busy with some deadlines and read the e-mail, then forgot about it.

The day before the man was to come, the secretary called me to tell me what an inspirational speaker he is, and how he talks about believing in yourself and that anything is possible. I decided it might be worth our time, so I asked Katie if she wanted to go and she did. We dressed up and arrived on time (7:00 p.m.).

Let me tell you something- this man, Peter Sklar, was wonderful! He is a Broadway producer and has discovered many stars, such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Reese Witherspoon. He spoke until almost 9:00 and then invited the girls who wanted to be interviewed to stay (moms had to leave the room). Katie REALLY wanted to stay. I knew it was a school night, so I called Pete. He said it would be okay- this is a rare occasion. Well, boy am I glad we did, because Katie was one of the girls who got chosen.

This is where my good news comes in- Katie was selected to attend a summer workshop in New York, where she will study voice, dance and acting. It will be for a week and she will stay in a dorm with the other girls. They have very strict regulations and teach them the benefits of eating healthy (for more energy, not just to be thin) and taking good care of yourself. She will have an adult "trainer" with her at all times.

The whole miracle of this is that we weren't even going to go to the lecture, and now we're going to New York in August. I will stay with my dear friend Jeni for the last part of the week and get to do some fun things, too.

We did not get home until 11:30 that night, and Katie was very tired when she got home from school, but it was so worth it. Thank you, Jesus!

Christmas magic

Merry Christmas! I am sitting in my new plush computer chair, drinking fresh ground coffee from Starbucks, and listening to the kids play happily with their new "stuff."
We are going over to my sister's house shortly for Christmas dinner, so I thought I'd share with you another beautiful cardinal card I received from a VERY SPECIAL friend, Jeni. The message on the front says:

"I heard a bird sing in the dark of December- A magical thing and sweet to remember."~Oliver Hereford

Isn't that so sweet? I absolutely love this card and will cherish it forever! More cardinal cards to come...and Happy Birthday, Jesus!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.~Isaiah 9:6