Whisker Willowkins

L-R me, cousin Vicki, Uncle Frank, and brother Mark (a.k.a. "Whisker Willowkins)
1968ish

"My life is worth nothing unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love." (Acts 20:24)

People have asked where the Willowkins family's name came from in my storybooks.  Truth be told, it came from a bratty little sister (me) calling her big brother Whisker Willowkins when adolescence planted a mustache across his upper lip. (Don't feel too sorry for him. He gave me a taste of my own medicine and called me Whisker Jillowkins.) 

Today, I'm submitting A Willowkins Christmas Story's manuscript and illustrations to Deep Sea Publishing in Herndon, VA. Father God, please use the work of my hands to tell others the Good News of Your wonderful grace, kindness, and love through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Beloved, have you told God's Good News lately?

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Final Answer

cover design by Ben Glassco

"People do the planning, but the end result is from the LORD." (Proverbs 16:1)

Playing games is a highlight of Glassco family get-togethers, and "Empires" is at the tip-top of the list of favorites. In that game, a question is asked, such as: "Which animal would you pick to ride on a carousel?" Every player records their answers, and then the fun begins - building the largest empire of captured opponents by guessing their answers.

One of the "Empires" questions at the beach during tropical storm Cindy was: "What title would you give Memaw's new Christmas book?" And after months and months of tossing titles to and fro, the final answer by family consensus is:

A Willowkins Christmas Story

And the point of this post is? Enjoy your family, beloved. Times passes oh so quickly!

Snippet from A Willowkins Christmas Story:

“This story’s really sad, Mamaw,” said Amanda Willowkins, baby Lee’s mommy.

“Yes, dear, it is sad, but it has a joyful ending. You’ll see. Sadness can be God’s pathway to happiness, you know, when people maintain the faith and courage to trust and follow Him,” said Mrs. Willowkins. “Well, as it turned out, Orpah said a tearful goodbye, but Ruth refused to leave her mother-in-law. ‘Wherever you go, I will go,’ she vowed. ‘Wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. And that’s my final answer!’ So over hill, over dale, the widows hit the dusty trail.”

Ben Willowkins leaned over and whispered to Dan, “I don’t think that part’s in the Bible.”

Dan snickered. “Yeah, that’s a World War I Army Caisson Song.”

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O Happy Day!

my dear friend, Mary, and me
Green Leaf Grill, Mentone, AL






"...a real friend sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)

I spent today in Fort Payne with my life-long friend. As preschoolers, we knew one another's homes so well that we could play riddle-ma-riddle-maria (a.k.a. I spy) over the telephone. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Mary.

Have you thanked God for your friends today?

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To the Rescue

Our Rebecca, Stephen, and the rebuilt sea turtle nest

"There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor. The eternal God is your refuge, and His everlasting arms are under you...He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword." (Deuteronomy 33:26-29)

When tropical storm Cindy crashed a sea turtle nest and scattered eggs along the seashore, it was Rebecca and Stephen to the rescue!

They buried the eggs in a bucket of sand until the sea turtle lady arrived to rebuild and secure the refuge.

Life troubles crashing down on you, beloved? Fear not! Almighty God rides across the heavens to help you. Jesus is your refuge and protective shield.

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Quietness in the Storm

the whole kit and caboodle Phillip Glassco family
on the seashore




"When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble?"
(Job 34:29a)

With old age has come a storm of headaches, hot flashes, and hypersensitivity to sugar. But at the beach last week, God, in His unmerited, undeserved grace, gave respite and quieted the old-gal unpleasantries - no matter how much key lime pie and M & M cookies I gobbled down. 

In an unpleasant storm, beloved? Look to Jesus - the Shepherd who leads you beside still waters and restores your soul.

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Run Along Home, Cindy, Cindy

Tropical Storm Cindy

"God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need Him. We stand...courageous in seastorm and earthquake before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains. (Psalm 46:1-3)

So what do you do on a beach vacation in a tropical storm?

Wrestle with Uncle Stephen...

Become a ventriloquist...

Ride a four wheeler...

Play a four-generation Skip-Bo game 

and....

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

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Sea Keeper

Our littlest baby grand at the seashore

"Then the LORD answered, 'Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you...Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?...Who kept the sea inside its boundaries as it burst from the womb, and as I clothed it with clouds and wrapped it in thick darkness? For I locked it behind barred gates, limiting its shores. I said, 'This far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves must stop.'"

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Watch Out

Our brave Stephen

"Stay alert! Watch out for your enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith." (1 Peter 5:8-9)

A couple of years ago, our favorite son-in-law discovered a "villian" in his kids' catch-and-release trap.

So our brave, Stephen, put on his armor and set the "enemy" to flight.

Last Sunday, grandboy #2 ran full speed into their trampoline and knocked a permanent, front tooth loose. Tuesday, grandboy #5 got pink eye. Yesterday, the computer system at Phillip's company shut down, I got a painful sting by a nasty wasp, and I couldn't access my blog to publish a post.

Argggg! Me thinks me smells a stinkin' devil sneakin' about me family! Sos I puts on me armor and prays to Almighty God and...the tooth is fine, the eye is healing, the system is back up and running, and the red, swollen hand is pink and skinnier.

Caught in a string of stinkin' calamities, beloved? Stay alert, watch out for that stinkin' devil, put God's armor on, and pray to Jesus, your Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days.

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The Bible Project

The Bible Project - Genesis Part 1

"For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6)

My kids and grands introduced me to The Bible Project a couple of months ago. Wow!!! The biblical wisdom and insight of Tim Mackie and Jonathan Collins - the project's writers and creative directors - totally blows this Alabama granny's wee little mind.

The Bible Project is a Portland based non-profit that utilizes short-form, fully animated videos to help people see the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus. And best of all, Genesis to Revelation in 5 to 10 minute videos are absolutely FREE!

Wanna know more about the Bible, beloved? Check out The Bible Project on YouTube or visit: www.thebibleproject.com

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Windows of Peace

Sunday's sunset
photo by our Ben

"So Jehoshaphat's kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side." (2 Chronicles 20:30)

At dusk on Sunday, our Ben captured a calm window under a stormy roof over the family farm.

This morning, while reading the book of Acts, I discovered a window of peace over God's church. Sandwiched between Greek-speaking Jews attempting to murder Saul for boldly preaching in Jesus' name and King Herod Agrippa attacking believers, killing James, the apostle and brother of John, with the sword, and throwing Peter into prison, the church enjoyed a season of peace and became stronger as believers lived in fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers (Acts 9:31).

During this God-given, peace-filled window, paralyzed Aeneas was healed, Dorcas was raised from the dead, the gospel and salvation came to the house of Cornelius, an Italian centurion, and for a whole year, Barnabas and Saul taught in Antioch where followers of Jesus Christ were first called Christians.

In times of persecution and times of peace, God's purposes will be accomplished through His faithful followers. Beloved, as the Apostle Paul commissioned Timothy, whether times are favorable or not, preach the word of God and encourage people with good teaching (2 Timothy 4:2).

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The Bible Lady

My friends, David and Tammy (in costume as "The Bible Lady")

"How can a young person stay pure? By obeying Your Word. I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You." (Psalm 119:9,11)



At a Vacation Bible School in Tennessee this week, my dear friend, a.k.a. The Bible Lady, is encouraging kids and adults to read God's rich, marvelous Word everyday.

When I'm happy or sad, afraid or discouraged, focused or need direction, I read and read and read the Bible until I hear Jesus' sweet, reassuring voice. God's Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path (Psalm 119:105). 

What about you, beloved? Have you read the Bible today?

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What Happens When....

 a

Our grandboy #3
back home from the store

"So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?" (Luke 11:13)

So what happens when a memaw sends a granddaddy and  a grandboy to the store for tomatoes? They come home with toy trucks, a huge beach ball, water balloons, bubble soap, and NO TOMATOES! 

In the gospel of Luke, after hearing Jesus pray, one of His disciples said, "Lord, teach us to pray!"

Jesus told them this story: "Suppose you went to a friend's house at midnight, wanting to borrow some bread, but the friend says, 'Don't bother me. The door's locked and my family and I are in bed.' For friendship's sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he'll get up and give you what you need. So I tell you, keep on asking God with shameless persistence and you will receive what you need. You fathers - if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly give the Holy Spirit to those who asks Him."

The first step in having your prayers answered, beloved, is relationship with Father God through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. When you ask for relationship, God gives you the Holy Spirit - your Counselor, Paraclete, Guide, and Friend.



New book update: While making the final polishes on the new book before submitting it to the publisher at the end of June, I changed the title - yes, again. And the latest, greatest title is:

Coosa River Christmas

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Have I Missed Anything

Our grandboy #2 (green shorts)
VBX a.k.a. Vacation Bible School

"Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain..." (Psalm 127:1)

This morning, I wrote:

"Lord, five years ago, You told me to write Grandmama's story as a children's book, spend time with you everyday, and do whatever You told me to do. You guided me to Deep Sea Publishing and instructed me to cast storybooks on the right side, feeding little lambs and bigger sheep. So, we've written six books; five are published and one will come out this fall. I've read to old and young, tall and small. Given books to students, nursing home residents, and even strangers. Sent chapter by chapter to prisons and to a shut-in. But, Lord, have I missed anything?

I then opened the Church of the Highlands app, clicked One Year Bible, and read today's devotion by Larry Stockstill:

"Solomon had a vision to build the most magnificent temple in history, and his success resulted from the blessing of the Lord. First, the Lord gave Solomon wisdom to achieve His purpose (1 Kings 5:12)

Second, Solomon achieved success because he followed the plan of the Lord (1 Kings 6:12).

Finally, Solomon succeeded because he persevered (1 Kings 6:38).

Though it may seem your work is moving at a crawl, keep doing what you know to do. Purpose, plan, and persevere, and the Lord will build your house." 

Yes, Lord. I will. 

Purpose, plan, and persevere, beloved!

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By Heart

Our 10-year-old grandgirl

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1)

Our grandgirl practiced and practiced and practiced until she confidently knew her spring recital piece by heart and no longer needed to see the sheet music.

Faith is living day after day after day with the Lord until you know Him by heart and stand strongly confident in the Maestro even when you can't see the music.

Jesus said,  "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me." (John 14:1)

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Sunshine

Our grandboy #3

"Sunshine is sweet; it is good to see the light of day. People ought to enjoy every day of their lives, no matter how long they live..." (Ecclesiastes 11:7-8)

The sun is shining;
The sky is blue.
The grandboys are coming,
And we're off to the zoo!

Have a great day with Jesus, beloved!

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Wall-to-wall Healing

Our grandboys (#5 foreground, #3 background)

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, 'Rulers and elders of our people...Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ...the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.'" (Acts 4:8-10)


Because our little bit has battled an ongoing throwing up problem across his 16-month life, his pediatrician is sending him to Children's Hospital in Vanderbilt tomorrow for wall-to-wall testing, and his family is sending up prayers to Jesus for wall-to-wall healing.

In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 8, when Jesus came to Peter's house, He found Peter's mother-in-law sick in bed with a high fever. But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Later that evening, sick and demon-possessed people crowded to Peter's house. Jesus cast at the evil spirits with a simple command and healed all the sick. These acts, according to Matthew, fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, "He took out sicknesses and removed our diseases." The Psalmist in Psalm 103 wrote, "He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases."

There is a Healer, beloved, and His name is Jesus. Many, many times He heals on earth, but in heaven, He heals wall-to-wall, every time, no exceptions, 100% guarantee.

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Faithful Priests

My favorite son-in-law

"I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when He comes to set up His Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For the time is coming [and may already be] when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you." (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

I worshipped at two churches yesterday. At my Church of the Highlands,  a wise, seasoned, retired pastor preached the true word of God. At the Vincent Revival Center, a passionate, young pastor preached the true word of God. This week, our son-in-law, a children's director at a church in the midwest, is leading VBX a.k.a Vacation Bible School. Thus pastors are on my heart and in my prayers today.

In the book of 2 Timothy, a letter from Paul to Timothy, the seasoned  apostle encouraged, instructed, and warned the young pastor of the difficulties and sufferings of ministry. A wise woman once told me, "A pastor is as good as his people pray him to be."

Beloved, please join me in fervently praying for pastors today - God's faithful priests over His enduring house.

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We Have a Lift Off

Brad Jones
"Waking Dreams"

"Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act." (Psalm 37:4-5)

T minus 11 seconds and counting - 10 - 9 - ignition sequence started - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 0. All engines running. Lift off! We have a lift off! Lift off on "Waking Dreams." Tower cleared. Brad Jones reporting the roll and pitch program, which puts "Waking Dreams" on a proper heading.

I'm as giddy as a schoolgirl on a merry-go-round and singing praises to Jesus like Kari Jobe over the thrilling, heart-stirring news that my friend Brad Jones' film "Waking Dreams" won Best Animated Short at the Philip K. Dick Film Festival in NYC this past weekend!!!!!!

Congratulations, Brad! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!! Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus!!!

CLICK to view Brad's film "Waking Dreams"

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Run

Our super fast, baseball-zealous grandboy





"Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!" (John 20:27b)

My journal today:

June 1, 2017 - "I love You, Lord! You are my God - gracious, powerful, patient, holy, highest, great. What will You speak to the world today? Please refresh my zeal."

Today's devotion by Larry Stockstill:

June 1 - "If you have lost your zeal, come back to the empty tomb today and look in. Then run to the waiting nations with your report. Remember what Jesus said when He appeared to His disciples following His resurrection: 'As the Father has sent Me, so I send you' (John 20:21)."

Be refreshed by His empty tomb, beloved. Then run tell the waiting nations, "Jesus is alive!"

"Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. 'Peace be with you," He said. Then He said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and look at My hands. Put your hand into the wound in My side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!'"

"'My Lord and my God!' Thomas exclaimed."

"Then Jesus told him, 'You believe because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing Me.'" (John 20:26-29)

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