Wonderful Storybooks: March 2016

Under Bad Behavior

>> Thursday, March 31, 2016

Rocky, 1950

"If you see a fellow believer sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life..." (1 John 5:16 NLT)

In our family, the story's told that as a little tike, my brother, Rocky, was playing on the kitchen floor and suddenly jumped up and butted the oven door. Without a word, he returned to playing and then repeated the bizarre behavior. After the third oven head butt, Mother discovered that an open diaper pen was sticking the poor little fellow every time he sat down.

Got someone difficult in your life beloved? Pray. Respond with grace. Pain might just lurk under bad behavior.

This New Generation

>> Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Easter Egg Hunt

"Now that I am old and gray...Let me proclaim Your power to this new generation, Your mighty miracles to all who come after me." (Psalm 71:18 NLT)

We hid 33 eggs for Sunday morning's Easter egg hunt. When I asked our grands the significance of 33, our oldest grandboy answered, "That's how old Jesus was when He died on the cross."

Beloved, are you telling the story of Jesus to this new generation?

In the Arms of Love

>> Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Brian and Chelsea
3-26-16

"...encourage the young men to live wisely and...be an example to them..." (Titus 2:6-7 NLT)

Do you notice something unusual about this wedding party? Most of the happy groom's groomsmen are over 50.

A few years ago, when Brian moved to Ft. Meyers a little down in the dumps and far away from his family, the pastor and families of Relevance Community Church rallied around him. Jesus, through their deep love and godly examples, pulled a young man out of the pit of discouragement and set his heart on solid ground.

Beloved, look around you. Find the down-hearted and be God's arms of love and encouragement.

Together

>> Monday, March 28, 2016

Easter Sunrise Service
Sanibel Island

"Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning...an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled the stone away, and sat on it..."Don't be afraid!" he said... "[Jesus] isn't here! He is risen from the dead..." (Matt. 28:1-6 NLT)

Because of our dear friend's wedding on Saturday,

Easter Sunday, we were on Sanibel Island with kids and grands.

Because Jesus Christ hung on a cross on Friday and rose from the grave on Sunday, one day His family will be with Him forever in Paradise. Are you in His family?

Jesus said, "When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am." (John 14:3 NLT)

The LORD of Good Friday

>> Friday, March 25, 2016

Last night's sunset
Sanibel Island

Give thanks to the LORD,
for He is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Has the LORD redeemed you?
Then speak out!
Tell others He has redeemed
you from your enemies...

Some were fools;
they rebelled and suffered for their sins...
"LORD, help!" they cried in their trouble,
and He saved them from their distress.
He sent His Word and healed them,
snatching them from the door of death.
Let them praise the LORD
for His great love
and for the wonderful things
He has done for them...

Some went off to sea in ships,
plying the trade routes of the world.
They, too, observed the LORD's power in action,
His impressive works on the deep seas.
He spoke, and the winds rose,
stirring the waves...
"LORD, help!" they cried in their trouble,
and He saved them from their distress.
He calmed the storm to a whisper
and stilled the waves.
What a blessing was the stillness
as He brought them safely to harbor!
Let them praise the LORD for His great love
and for the wonderful things
He has done for them...

He rescues the poor from trouble
and increases their families
like flocks of sheep.
The godly will see these things and be glad
while the wicked are struck silent.
Those who are wise will take all this to heart;
they will see in our history
the faithful love of the LORD.
(Psalm 107 NLT)

Beloved, has Jesus redeemed you? Then speak out and tell others about the LORD of Good Friday! Praise Him for His great love and for the wonderful things He has done for you.

Sockless

>> Thursday, March 24, 2016

Sweet babygrand
Christmas 2015

"Your lovingkindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies." (Psalm 36:5 NASB)

Not by the tiniest smidgen of merit of my own, but on account of His great compassion and mercy, Jesus blessed my socks off this week - a new book release, the Readers' Favorite 5-star review I told you about, and yesterday, a clean bill of good health from my 2-year-post-cancer checkup.

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." (James 1:17) Thank You, Lord Jesus!

God is the Giver of all good things. Have you thanked Him today?

Cure for the Grumpies

>> Wednesday, March 23, 2016

My precious grandboy and his special friend

"The whole earth is filled with awe at Your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, You call forth songs of joy." (Psalm 65:8 NIV)

In anticipation of his uncle's engagement, my friend's grandson advised his uncle not to propose in the morning. "Sometimes people are grumpy in the morning," he said.

Got the morning grumpies, beloved? Start each day with Jesus and be joyful!

Nose to the Grindstone

>> Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Our grandkids at
"Make Your Own Ball Day"

"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." (Gal. 6:9 NLT)

A review of Wonderful Family Storybook's fiscal year caused me to contemplate giving up book writing, but today's Readers' Favorite 5-star review of A Chancellor Ferry Tale motivates me to keep my nose to the grindstone.

Are you discouraged, beloved? Don't give up. Keep your nose to the grindstone. In due time, a harvest of blessing will surely come.

(Readers' Favorite Review: Jill Glassco makes A Chancellor Ferry Tale into a classic story complete with lessons to learn. Each chapter has a review section that summarizes important lessons and relevant Biblical quotes from that chapter. It's cleverly told and the lessons are well learned even before the chapter summary appears. This is a charming children's story that teaches young children valuable lessons - a family keepsake and a treasure to read.
Review rating: 5-stars.
RF Reviewer: Emily-Jane Hills Orford, award-winning, Canadian author.)

Love in Action

>> Monday, March 21, 2016

Norman Hyde from
A Chancellor Ferry Tale

"But don't just listen to God's Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves." (James 1:22 NLT)

In my new children's book, A Chancellor Ferry Tale, a little praying mantis named Norman Hyde befriends a Shelby County farm family during the Great Depression of the U.S. of A. and learns that love in action speaks louder than words.

Beloved, love others today - in words and actions!

A Chancellor Ferry Tale, now available at Amazon.com.

Morning Glory

>> Friday, March 18, 2016

Morning Glory
(photo by my Rebecca)

"I will never forget this awful time...Yet I will dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning." (Lamentations 3:20-23)

Recently, I heard a young man lament, "I don't think God wants to help me."

I remember years ago as a young mom of three preschoolers in the midst of financial wipeout asking, "God where are you????" On that cloudy day, a ray of sunlight hit my face for a moment and then disappeared behind the clouds again. In my spirit I knew God answered, "Just at surely as the sun is in the sky, I'm right here. You just can't see me for trouble's clouds."

Got problems, beloved? Look past trouble's clouds to the Son of God - Jesus, the Light of the World. His mercies begin afresh each glorious morning.

Take Fifteen

>> Thursday, March 17, 2016

One of our precious grandboys
(dribbling the ball)

"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)

Superman and I, in our "old" age, have learned the valuable benefits of physical exercise. (I once asked my grandkids, "When I get old, will you take care of Memaw?" To which my granddaughter answered, "You are old!") Just fifteen minutes on the elliptical can lower blood sugar and blood pressure back to the normal range.

The Apostle Paul wisely advised young Timothy that physical training is good by spiritual exercise is eternally beneficial!

Want a stronger, healthier body, soul, and spirit, beloved? Take fifteen minutes of your 1,440-minute day to talk to Jesus and exercise!

Hand to Hand Combat

>> Wednesday, March 16, 2016

My 6th birthday, 1962
L-R - brother Rocky, friend Steve, brother Mark, and me

"Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith..." (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Because I was the only little girl in our neck of the woods, I tagged along with the boys and did what boys do - fist fights included. Brother Mark was my trainer and manager and even arranged a "match" between a boy 3 years my senior and me. He stopped the fight, however, when I punched the poor guy in the belly and made him cry.

You may be surprised to know that at almost 60, I'm still fighting! Not with fists, but on my knees against an invisible but very real enemy - the devil and his diabolical cohorts.

For a short while, the devil is alive and actively seeking someone to destroy. Resist him in Jesus' name, beloved, and fight for your family!

Lucy Tickles Sassy

>> Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Great oak and our neon grandson on
The Nut Trail

"In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for His own glory." (Isa. 61:3c)

When our three oldest grands were little tikes, they planted a red oak and named it Lucy Tickles Sassy. Their tender care and diligent watering, however, were sadly to no avail, because neighborhood deer soon devoured the fragile sapling.

Jesus said, "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Wanna be a great oak of righteousness, beloved? Abide in Jesus. Part from Him and the world, the devil, and your own flesh will devour you!

Healing Ointment

>> Monday, March 14, 2016

our sweet Ben
1987

"He sent out His Word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction." (Psalm 107:22 ESV)

See the "boo-boo" on little superman's left cheek? For our Ben as a kid, a hug and a kiss always served as healing ointment for his bumps and bruises.

A friend walking through a painful trial texted today: Scriptures have been like a healing ointment.

Is life giving you bumps and bruises, beloved? Apply God's Word. It's healing ointment.

Bring 'em Back

>> Friday, March 11, 2016

My brother, Mark, and me
Smoky Mountains, 1964

"My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about a forgiveness of many sins." (James 5:20 NLT)

Because I could be a bratty, temper-tantrum, fit-throwin' little kid, my older brother sat me down and said, "Jill, nobody's gonna want to play with you if you keep actin' like that." Thank you, Mark, for loving me enough to try to stop me.

Ecclesiastes 3:7 says, There's "a time to tear and a to time to mend; a time to be quiet and a time to speak." Lord Jesus, when it's time to be quiet, set a guard over our lips! When it's time to speak, give us loving words and turn the wanderer back to Yourself!

Uncommon Love

>> Thursday, March 10, 2016

My love and 90 strawberry plants

"[My beloved] is like a bouquet of sweet henna blossoms from the vineyard of Engedi." (Song of Solomon 1:14)

My love and I planted 90 strawberry plants yesterday. I'd follow that man to the ends of the earth. But truth be known, Phillip isn't my first love. (GASP) Nope, he's #2. Jesus is #1.

And how much does Jesus love me?

"Then some of them began to spit on Him, and they blindfolded Him and beat Him with their fists." (Mark 14:65)

"And they struck Him on the head with a reed stick, spit on Him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship...Then they led Him away and crucified Him." (Mark 15:19-20)

"The soldiers nailed Him to the cross." (Mark 15:24)

"Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed His last." (Mark 15:37

"Joseph of Arimathea bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus' body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of rock." (Mark 15:46)

"Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb." (Mark 16:2)

"When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe...The angel said, 'Don't be alarmed...Jesus of Nazareth is risen from the dead!" (Mark 16:5-6)

Jesus said, "I am going to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am." (John 14:2-3)

And that's how Jesus demonstrated His uncommon love for you, my friend. Make Him your first love.

Bubba Joe and the devil

>> Wednesday, March 9, 2016

"Bubba Joe"

"Stand up against everything the devil throws your way." (Eph. 6:11b)

Our Rebecca's little darlings scared her to death the other morning when she walked in the bathroom and discovered "Bubba Joe."

One of the devil's scare tactics is to orchestrate an illusion that something is terribly wrong when in fact everything's completely fine and dandy.

Next time you're scared to death, beloved, take a reality check. Ask Jesus if your problem is real or merely a deceptive appearance of trouble.

Sleep Like A Baby

>> Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Our newest , sweet babygrand

"Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! " (Psalm 32:1)

I've learned a secret for sweeter sleep - run a mile on the elliptical before going to bed. How does it work physiologically? Exercise burns up blood sugar. Lower blood sugar decreases hot flashes, which makes this old girl sleep like a baby.

Psalm 32 tells us that King David also learned a secret for sweeter sleep - burn up guilt by confessing sin. "When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night Your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Selah. Finally, I confessed my sins to You...and You forgave me! All my guilt is gone." (Psalm 32:3-5)

Wanna sleep like a baby, beloved? Confess your sins to God and receive His forgiveness. For "the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. "(1 John 1:7)

Focal Point

>> Monday, March 7, 2016

Our Dan, 2009
USMC Combat Training

"Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus..." (Heb. 3:1b-2a NLT)

In a message by Pastor Craig Groeschel, he said, "The mind does not understand what the body is capable of doing." To illustrate the point, he told the story of more than doubling his time of holding his breath under water by slowly exhaling a deep breath and focusing his eyes on an object floating in the water.

I tested his claim last night. By focusing my eyes on a mark on the wall and tuning my ears to praise music, I easily tripled my time on the elliptical.

Pastor Groeschel more importantly said, "There's more in you that God can use than your mind can understand. You can handle and produce more than you think you can."

Want to handle life better and produce abundantly more for God, beloved? Make Jesus Christ your focal point and keep your eyes on Him in every "pomp and circumstance."

(Hear Pastor Groeschel's message in full at: www.churchofthehighlands.com

Click media, click message archives, click Midweek Messages, click "Expand Your Capacity")

Alongside

>> Friday, March 4, 2016

L-R Cuba (my friend in life and ministry), my Rebecca, and me
Pine Bluff, AR 2000?

"[God] comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us." (2 Cor. 1:4 The Message)

In 1988, after a failed business in Louisiana, the Lord came alongside my family and got us back on our feet. A couple of years later, He called us to "Succoth" - a ministry in Arkansas, which provided temporary shelter for homeless families.

In hard times, beloved? Rest assured; the Lord walks alongside you. Been through hard times, beloved? Come alongside someone else in need.

Chased by Love

>> Thursday, March 3, 2016

Our Stephen and grandboy
Brown Co. State Park

"Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life." (Psalm 23:6a The Message)

One highlight of last weekend's visit with kids and grands was a game of chase around and around a playground in Brown Co. State Park - and yes, even Granddaddy and Memaw played.

Someone out there needs to hear and know that everyday God is pursuing you with His love. Yes you. No matter what you've thought, said, or done, Jesus will never stop chasing you, and that's the truth!

Feed My Sheep

>> Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Our grandboy and little lamb

Jesus said, "Then feed My sheep." (John 21:17b)

Last weekend, I met Heidi that lives on a farm in Indiana. She said, "It really humbles me that Jesus compared us to sheep. They're such dumb animals that can't take care of themselves and are always getting themselves into trouble."

On Jesus commanding Peter to feed His sheep, Oswald Chambers noted that Jesus has some extraordinarily peculiar sheep - unkempt and dirty, sometimes awkward or pushy, and some have gone astray. But it is impossible to exhaust God's love [for them], and it is impossible to exhaust my love [for unkempt, pushy, gone-astray people] if it flows from the Spirit of God within me. The love of God pays no attention to my prejudices caused by my natural individuality.1

Finding someone hard to love, beloved? Feed that "sheep" with God's love and truth through the Spirit of Jesus within you, and pay no attention to your petty prejudices.

1 MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. Oswald Chambers. 1935.

Presidents, Kings, and God

>> Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Our Daniels, 1986
(nephew left, son right)

Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. "Praise the name of God forever and ever, for He has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings." (Dan. 2:19,21)

In 1985, my sister-in-law and I were expecting babies the same week and had picked the same boy name. Thinking I'd beat her to the delivery room, I said, "Whoever has their baby first gets the name." Well, as it turned out, she won, and we ended up with two baby Daniels in the family.

On this super-Tuesday election day, I'm encouraged by another Daniel born into Jerusalem royalty around 620 B.C. and taken hostage as a teenager to Babylon. Although life drastically changed around him, Daniel of the Old Testament stood firmly anchored to the immovable God over him.

Beloved, vote! And whatever the outcome, stand firmly anchored to Jesus - the immovable God over all things!

Visit: Alabama Coalition of Christian Citizens Voting Guide 2016 at www.christiancitizens.org

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