Today I spent a fabulous hour visiting with ten of my nieces and nephews on Skype. I love modern technology! I love spending time with these twelve children. They are a continual joy, challenge, and amazement to me. When home last month, my sister and I took three of them on a long awaited trip. It is supposed to occur when they are eight, but since Vonda was out of the country it was delayed. Finally the two nine-year olds and one ten-year-old enjoyed their “eight year old trip”. From what the older kids have said I think it is a highlight of their lives. What they don’t realize is that it’s an incredible blessing to me. I never fail to learn something valuable from them.

My nieces and nephews are all double cousins. They share the same grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles. They are almost like siblings, only they live in different houses. There is a similarity in their looks but my, those kids are all different people.

We initially noticed it when the first three were just babies. You would think that three girls, all from the same gene pool—twins born just five months after the first—would be similar. Not a chance! If there were three learning styles they each had a different one. Look alike? NOT. Through the years I have noticed that they all have very different personalities, dreams, goals, and abilities. They are each very much an individual.

The younger ones aren’t any different. You would think my brother’s five boys would be much alike. Oh, yes, there are similarities. But, amazingly each has his own gifts. Kind of reminds me of a snowflake. Each is unique, but beautiful. Oh wait, I’m talking boys here. Can’t call boys beautiful, can I? Sorry guys.

We were talking about this on our trip with the kids. “Imagine if all of the boy cousins were just like Andrew and all the girls like Kari. They are great, but wouldn’t that be boring,” I said?

The kids agreed and an interesting conversation ensued but I hope they understood the main point. God made us each different. He wanted a variety of people with a variety of abilities and dreams. That way He can accomplish so much more through us. We need to value our differences more and stop trying to be like everyone else.

Oh, I’m as guilty of this as anyone. I want to be “normal”, have the life everyone dreams of. But, what if the life God wants for me is different than the norm. Maybe it’s a SUPRA-normal life. How great would that be? I’m all for it!

Here’s a poem I found that reminds me of this truth. . .

Me

By Walter de la Mare

As long as I live

I shall always be

My Self—and no other,

Just me.

Like a tree

Like a willow or elder,

An aspen, a thorn,

Or a cypress forlorn.

Like a flower,

For its hour

A primrose, a pink,

Or a violet—

Sunned by the sun,

And with dewdrops wet.

Always just me.

The other day I read a passage from Psalms that caught my attention. It’s Psalm 96:9 where it says, “O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness:”

It stopped me right in my tracks. I’m not sure I interpreted it the way it is meant in the Hebrew but like my Daddy always said, “If the plain sense makes sense, seek no other sense.” So, what God said to Miriam that day was this. . .

God thinks holy living is beautiful.

Wow!

I’ve heard a lot of talk lately about the evil of too many rules. The label “legalistic” has been thrown around a lot. And, I’m sure sometimes rightly. Of course the danger is in swinging too far the other way where “everyone does right in his own eyes.”

So, what is the truth? Where should we land on this? How do we find balance? There are many passages in the Bible showing that legalism and rules are not good in and of themselves. But, obviously God wants us to live a holy life. He says it right out loud, “Be ye holy for I am holy.”

And here it was, right there in my Bible. God thinks holiness is beautiful and a form of worship.

So—my question—the one I asked myself was, “What does holiness look like to God?” Or, maybe even more specific to me, “What would the holiness God desires in my life look like?”

As I sorted through my head for the basis of the “rules” I had been taught as a child it seemed that they were all based in some part of God’s person. His love—be ye kind one to another, his holiness—don’t lie or cheat, you get the idea.

Then this morning on facebook I saw this status. “Right and wrong are determined by God, who is the original, the universal, the absolute standard for everything that is good and right. For example, lying is wrong because God is true. Stealing is wrong because God is just. Hatred is wrong because God is love.” (Josh McDowell devotional for teens.)

So, I determined that this year my New Year’s resolution is to find what Holiness looks like to God. My husband pointed out that God sent his son Jesus to earth to be our perfect example. So, basically it’s a “What would Jesus do” thing?

Maybe, but I think it is much more. I think it’s a “WHO is JESUS thing.”

That’s why my goal this year isn’t to be more honest, more self disciplined, more faithful, control my tongue better, or more rules oriented. My goal is to know God better. I want to know all there is to know about Him. Then I will see Him as He is, see myself as I am (yikes) and in the process I will be changed more into His likeness.

And, best of all, what God will see is an act of worship, the beautiful holiness He desires for my life.

Oh, there is still plenty to do. I still need to finish up a job in SC and we have an upcoming trip to Chicago and Rapid to prepare for. But. . . I think I’ll have some time now for writing and book selling.

One of the things that, of a necessity had to be put on the back burner was the marketing of the second Double Cousins Mystery. I hated it. I have felt sometimes like I wasn’t quite doing my part since it was released in July. But, the truth of the matter is I can only do so much. So, some things have been put on hold.

Now it’s time to try and start again. I was reminded of this today when I received an order for five books through my website. I’ll be getting them in the mail tomorrow.

Maybe you are looking for a great gift idea for a child in that 7-13 age range. Or even an adult. I had a retired man who told me he read both of my books and he loved them. Do you like to buy books? It’s the best gift you can give. Here’s a poem that tells you why. . .

WHO HATH A BOOK

Who hath a book

   Has friends at hand,

And gold and gear

   At his command;

And rich estates,

   If he but look,

Are held by him

   Who hath a book.

Who hath a book

   Has but to read

And he may be

   A king indeed;

His Kingdom is

   His inglenook;

All this is his

   Who hath a book.

                Wilbur D. Nesbit

In our house we have an L-shaped bookcase which Bruce built. We have it positioned in the room so there is a little “nook” where one can sit and read. I call it the “book nook.”

After reading this poem I had to look up the word inglenook. Imagine my delight when I realized that my “book nook” is really an “inglenook.”

My older sister used to scrunch clear down on the floor behind her bed so she could read un-noticed. She had discovered her inglenook. I believe some of her children have the same tendency. They have learned this truth. The child who has a quiet corner and a good book has the world.

Why not give the world to a child this Christmas?

www.doublecousins.net

I will be at Barnes and Noble on Harbison Blvd in Irmo, SC Saturday December 10 from 1 p.m.-3p.m. signing books.

I will be at Books a Million in the Concord Mills Mall, Charlotte, NC January 21st. Stay tuned for more information on that opportunity.

I guess it is just one of those days when I have to choose to smile, WIFLION—Whether I Feel Like It Or Not.

It reminded me of a poem I found in my new poetry book. (New to me—check out my other blog at miriamjonesbradley.wordpress.com)

TRY SMILING

When the weather suits you not,

Try Smiling.

When your coffee isn’t hot,

Try smiling.

When your neighbors don’t do right,

Or your relatives all fight,

Sure ‘tis hard, but then you might

Try smiling.

Doesn’t change the things, of course—

Just smiling.

But it cannot make them worse—

Just smiling.

And it seems to help your case,

Brightens up a gloomy place,

Then, it sort o’ rests your face—

Just smiling.

—-author unknown

I’m working on it. . .

I know, there’s something wrong with that, but it’s the way I am.

So imagine my delight yesterday when I went to my mailbox and there was an envelope personally addressed to me. A big envelope! I was so excited.

I hurried up the stairs, into my house and ripped open the end. I’m not patient enough to find a letter opener and do it neatly. No, I mutilate every envelope that comes into my possession.

Anyway, inside the envelope was a treasure. There was a check! But, that wasn’t the biggest treasure. The check was for a book which I mailed to a teacher. She read my first book to her class and now she is reading the second Double Cousins Mystery. The students wrote me letters.

That was the treasure.

Have I ever said how much I like mail? Have I said how much I like kids? And, just to be clear. . . have I said how much I like mail from children who have read my book and want to tell me about it?

Well, I do.

The most amazing thing for me is that these children remind me of myself when I was young. The excitement. The ability to relate to the characters in such a way that they become real to them. I admit it, I wanted to call Max and Carly and tell them all about the letters. I even wanted to email Slim! But wait, they are just figments of my imagination.

Anyway, I received suggestions of future book ideas involving England, the watches being stolen AGAIN, unicorns, Cam Jansen, a horse running, a missing snapping turtle, and my favorite—a robbery at the Fifth-Third Bank. My husband and I just had a conversation while driving the other day about how the Fifth-Third bank got its name. . .

The most un-surprising thing about the letters was that Slim is something of a hero. This was not my intention when I wrote the first book, but it became obvious with the first batch of letters I received from Miss Clark’s class in Pennsylvania way before my first book was ever published. Those kids are probably in high school now. . . hmmmm.

Slim was supposed to be a “one book character.” But, the readers didn’t agree. In the first batch of letters it was suggested that the books should be called “The Mysteries of Slim”. Well! So much for the author controlling the characters.

I couldn’t help but think yesterday, as I read those letters what a positive thing kind words can be. My day was busy and a little worrisome. However, as I stood in my living room laughing out loud with joy over the letters from my readers I realized again the truth of the verse Proverbs 25:25.

As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Proverbs 25:25

So, today my thirsty soul is satisfied due to a class of students in Chicago! Maybe you can share a good word with someone you meet today. You never know what kind of impact your kind word might have!

However, God created us to work. He put Adam and Eve in the garden so they could work. He gave them what they needed but expected them to be diligent.

It’s a learned character trait, not one that comes naturally.

There’s even a verse in Proverbs that says “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Proverbs 25:28.  That verse is talking about self-discipline—doing things whether we want to or not.

There is another verse I’ve known ever since I can remember that talks about having a good work ethic. It is this one:  Ecclesiastes 9:10a  “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. . . “

So, I try to be a diligent worker, even when I don’t like the task. I also try my best to always do things as well as I can. I don’t want to do a haphazard job because that goes against this verse and it isn’t pleasing to Jesus.

I’m having a bit of difficulty with this right now.

You may have noticed the last blog I posted was kind of a devotional like I said I was going to do. If you have Book 1 in the Double Cousins Mysteries you might have even noticed that it goes with the theme of the third chapter. So does this one, actually.

But I’m guessing you thought to yourself. . . where is Carly? Or Max? Or even Chad, Molly, or Dorie? I thought she was going to use those kids in her devotionals.

That certainly was my intent. However, that type of writing is much more complex and difficult for me. It is something I will have to practice a bit more and it will take time. And that is the problem.

You see, my husband and I are in transition right now. That means we are moving, packing, getting a house ready to sell, finishing my job and finding a new one, and Bruce is just starting his new job. Time is a premium. But I really am sad that I am not doing the task I started. I want to honor God. I believe I should do everything for His glory and as well as possible.

So, here is the bottom line. Max and Carly are going to have to wait. I will continue to work as I can on developing my abilities in that kind of writing and they will make their reappearance at the beginning of next year. Until then I’ll try my hand at these little devotional chats that are so much more my easy style of writing. You see, I know I can do these well. If the devotional chat blog entry goes with a chapter of the book I’ll include the chapter number. Thank you for your understanding. .  . and remember—do all your work with all your might!

But, the fact is that I need to do dishes or I’ll have a really messy kitchen and nothing to eat off of! I wouldn’t like that either. So, I do dishes. Sometimes I just dread it and I put it off. But, the truth of the matter is once I do the dishes I feel really great! I am glad I did it! It wasn’t as bad as I expected and the best part is that the kitchen is so nice and clean and neat.

It’s the same with exercise. I procrastinate, I go, I enjoy the walk, and I feel so great when I am done.

Why is that?

I believe it goes back to the principle in the Bible that teaches “Right feelings follow right actions.” Now it is true that sometimes we have to do something that we may never feel good about because it is right. But the basic truth is that we are happiest when we are doing right. There is even a verse about that. Actually there are a LOT of supportive verses. For instance Psalm 1 is a great passage. In that one and many others “blessed” means “happy.”

I tried to find one that said “right feelings follow right actions,” but alas that isn’t how God put it in the Bible. I just couldn’t think of a verse that hit the nail on the head. Oh, I knew they were there. . . I just couldn’t find it. So, I called my parents. I knew my Daddy could find a verse on that principle. After all, that’s where I learned to live a principle-based rather than a feelings-based life.

So here is the verse he came up with.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

So, now I guess I’d better go get busy and do some more of those unpleasant tasks that I’ve been avoiding! Then I can have thoughts established by God. How awesome is that?

The cool part for me was when I saw my friend and editor extraordinaire’s books there. Susan Marlow edited my first book for me and is an amazement and wonder. She writes the Andrea Carter mysteries and I was delighted to see her books on the shelf. When I commented about it to the manager of the store she informed me that Susan USED to come here since her daughter lived in Salisbury for a while. She has met my editor. I’m jealous.

Anyway, it was a great evening. This morning I went to the mall to check out the possibilities there and I found a Books A Million store and the manager seemed interested in arranging a book signing. Yay!

In addition, Bruce found notification yesterday of a wonderful review of my first book complete with a book give-away! So, if you want to check that out here is the link.  http://heartofthematteronline.com/double-cousins-and-the-mystery-of-the-missing-watch-a-giveaway/

Finally, children everywhere are back to school! This means that I will be trying to visit schools. Yay! This is my favorite activity related to my books. It also allows me to use the education degree I obtained while at Northland. (That was another opportunity in my life that was mostly a social event clothed in education). I have had contact with several teachers and am in hopes that I’ll be able to line up a couple of visits a month.

As I type this I am hearing a little voice in my head saying – nay shouting –  ARE YOU CRAZY???? How do you think you are going to do all of those things and get moved, a house ready to sell, a garden finished for the winter, and ready for a two-week visit from the parents and sister?????

I am going to do it one day at a time by the grace of God. I am going to take the opportunities as they arise and pray for the wisdom to avoid scheduling too much. I’ll  let you know how I do with that. Stay tuned.

 In everything give thanks: for the this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 I Thessalonians 5:18

 “What are we going to do, Carly?” Carly and Molly stood in the middle of the sidewalk and stared at the twenty dollar bill like it was a snake in the grass. “I know Mrs. Moore doesn’t have extra money.”

Carly shook her head. “I didn’t expect money for helping her clean her basement.”

 “Let’s give it back,” said Molly.

 “Good idea. I don’t think we should take it either.” Carly twirled and ran up to the house and tucked the money in between the screen and the front door. “She’ll find it there when she opens the door to get her paper this afternoon.”

Five minutes later the girls rushed through the kitchen door to find their mom pulling cookies from the oven. “How’s Mrs. Moore?”

Carly plopped down at the table and reached for a cookie. “She’s fine. She gave us twenty dollars.”

“But we gave it back,” Molly said. “We left it between her screen and the front door.”

“Oh girls. You shouldn’t have done that.” Mom sat down.

“Why?” Carly asked. “She doesn’t have to pay us. She already said thank-you.”

“We thought she probably doesn’t have much money anyway,” said Molly.

“Those things are true,” agreed Mom. “But, she knows what she can afford. Besides, it gives her an opportunity to thank you in the way she believes God wants her to.”

“I don’t get it.” Carly shook her head.

“Look at it this way,” Mom said. “Remember the verse that says ‘In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus, concerning you?’”

 “Sure, Mom.” Molly grabbed another cookie. “What does that have to do with us? Isn’t that talking about when bad things happen?”

“It does get used a lot in that situation, but it says everything, not just the bad things. I think you should be thankful that Mrs. Moore decided to say thank you with money. It’s a good thing all the way around. Mrs. Moore receives a blessing by saying thank you in this way, and you receive a blessing by getting an unexpected gift.”

Mom smiled at the girls. “I’m thankful for girls who aren’t selfish but I think it would be best if you accept her money.”

“You’re right, Mom. Let’s go get that money, Molly before Mrs. Moore finds it.”

“Hurry back.” Mom pointed to the table. “There are more cookies.”

Carly grinned. “I’m thankful for that, too.”

But, there is that challenge. How to get the word out to the most people. I like to talk but there is a limit to the number of people I can talk to in one day and the places I can be.

So, one tool is the internet and the blog world. Hence this blog. But, there are other blogs. There are such things as reviews.

For my first book WinePress arranged for some reviews to be done. One of those reviewers was Wayne Walker and he did a wonderful job. Most importantly, he GOT the book and he wrote an amazing review. So, when I was looking for reviewers this time I instantly thought of him and the others who had reviewed the first book.  The new review is up now on the web and here is the link!

Thank you, Mr. Walker!

Feel free to pass it on!

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolbookreview/786997/