Give "Day 17" a read from Sue Badeau's soon to be released Devotional "Clean Heart,Renewed Joy"!

Day 17 – Wash Me!

Read Verse 2

“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin.”

Read also Jeremiah 2:22 “Although you wash yourself with soap and use an abundance of cleansing powder, the stain of your guilt is still before me," declares the Sovereign LORD” (NIV)

The most immediate thing that struck me when I reflected on these verses is that we need God to wash us—I need God to wash me. It is not enough to do it ourselves because even an “abundance of soap” is not enough to cleanse us from our sins when we try to do it ourselves.
These reflections on washing make me think of children who like to wash up in the kitchen sink, or take a bath. Sometimes they use “an abundance of soap.” Bubbles and suds everywhere! Sometimes they love the bath—laughing and squealing with delight as they play and splash in it. Sometimes they resist our efforts to wash them—proudly declaring that they can do it themselves.
Their washing is not totally in vain. They do get cleaner than they were before. The most obvious dirt sloughs off in the soapy water and by virtue of their efforts. They do not emerge from the bath as dirty as they went in.
This is like me with God, trying to “get myself clean” with my own efforts. With some prayer, reading the confession in church with others, trying to refrain from bad habits and sinful activities and turning towards more positive activities. It is not totally in vain. It is good to shake loose the “dirt” of laziness or anger, bitterness or judgment, mindlessness or wastefulness. I believe that just as we as parents or grandparents smile and are pleased with the efforts of our children to get themselves clean, so God too is able to smile at our efforts to cleanse ourselves.
And yet, it is not enough. It is not enough to let an infant or toddler “do it myself” or they will never be clean. In the realm of eternity, we are but babes or at best toddlers in God’s kingdom. It is not enough for us to try to clean ourselves, as the Jeremiah passage demonstrates; even when we use “an abundance of soap” the stain of our guilt is still before him.
When we move from playtime to serious cleaning time with an infant or small child, the laughter sometimes turns to tears. The child does not like it so much when we scrub the places where the dirt is really ground in. She doesn’t like us getting behind the ears.
We also have to get the places that are hard for the child to reach herself—the back and butt for example. This is no longer play but serious business and so important. The child may complain, yell, cry and squirm to get away, but the good parent will patiently and persistently continue to wash the child until the child is thoroughly clean.
Are you ready to join me in saying to God, “My playtime in the bath is over, come and wash me. Get behind my ears, get all the hard to reach places. Help me to not squirm away from Your washing. Rather give me the courage to allow You to get to all the hard places, the stained places, and the hidden places where the dirt and crud has accumulated. Wash away all of my iniquities and cleanse me thoroughly even though I may not like it!”
As we reflect and write in our journals today, let’s listen to “What Can Wash Away my Sin”. This version, sung by a child is particularly appropriate to go with our reflection today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLHMKKAJF-0
 

Grab an early glimpse of "The Outlaw Unchained - V5- The Posse"

The Outlaw Unchained – Volume 5 – The Posse

White curtains billowed inward as the afternoon cool breeze waifed over the two weathered hard looking men. Each one had a Spencer Repeating Rifle in front of them leaning up against the wall. They were finishing up placing all the .56-.56 shells they were going to need to complete the mission on the worn and beaten table that sat between them for fast loading, bullets tip up.
“Humpf,humpf ,humph” came the noise from over at the bed behind them. A man tied to the bed, one limb per each of the four posts, wearing a blindfold made of a sweaty bandana over his eyes continued to struggle with his restraints in a futile effort to free himself.
“Sir, if you are trying to extricate yourself from your restraints I can assure you that it is impossible. In fact the more you tug the tighter they will become. If you want to lose all circulation in your hands and feet, please thrash some more. We promised that no harm would come to you unless you resisted. I am close to considerin’ this resisting. Please stop.”
The thrashing subsided.
“Good now if you can remain quiet while we perform the task at hand I will remove my cohorts sock from your mouth. I know where his feet have been and the last time he bathed, let alone the last time he washed the socks. I had thought you would have passed out quite a while ago just from the stench. Your sense of smell must be dimmer than your brain pan friend.”
“Hey, I take umbrage to your comment about the time I bathed. I was in the tub before you.”
“Yes, but I also washed my close then. You did not. Remember?”
“Yes, now I do recollect. I stand corrected. Can we stop talkin’ and commence with the job at hand?”
“Yes we may. But first let’s a prayer for those about to be sent forth into judgment to the Almighty. In the name of the Father, Son and The Holy Spirit Amen.

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, harmony;
Where there is error, truth;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen”
With that the man to the left stood and faced the table, took a small flask from his left front flannel shirt breast pocket, screwed off the cap, closed his eyes and mumbled something in Latin, then shook the liquid from the flask all over the table and the bullets.
“Can we start shootin’ now? Wait back up. I still don’t understand why you sprinkle Holy Water all over the bullets before we commence a shootout. You have to let me in on that.”
“Another day, another time we will discuss it. Not in front of the uninitiated. Now, follow my lead, I will take out the first Border Ruffian. We go by rank from high too low as always.”
“I’m good then; the breeze will take the smoke into the room. They may not figure out where we are at for a little bit.”
“My God have mercy on their souls.” With that the he looked down through the sight at the bottom of the rifle barrel and fired the first shot. Instantly Chaos and Anarchy began to rear their ugly heads.

What do you think of the sample Devotional from Marcia Lee Laycock's soon to be released "Celebrate This Day"?

A Bad Day and the Day After
by Marcia Lee Laycock

My dog died yesterday. We got a call from the vet that someone had brought her there after she’d been hit by a car. She was still alive when we arrived and we had to decide whether or not to try and keep her that way. She was an old dog – somewhere between fifteen and eighteen, we think, and she was in pain, so we did what was merciful.
Then I got home to find an email from an editor saying he was rejecting a manuscript I’d sent him a few months ago. I was kind of numb as I read it. The words took a while to sink in.
I was expecting my dog to die soon. She was old a long time ago. I was pretty sure that manuscript would be rejected by that editor. It isn’t ready to be published.
But it was still a bad day. A day when things die always is.
But now that the day is over and I look back on it, I see there were some good things in that space of twenty-four hours. I was able to put my hand over my dog’s beating heart one more time and cry a little before having to go on with a day full of things that needed to be done. I was able to be thankful for the fifteen years that little ball of fur and bone was underfoot. I was able to be thankful for friends that make you feel better just by sitting across a table sipping tea; for days full of mundane things that are so beautiful in their rhythm that you hardly notice. And for that word, ‘hardly,’ because I did notice, just a bit; for the hope that gives me. And for editors whose rejections leave you still believing in the dreams you have for words strung across a page.
There are always things to be thankful for, even on a day when death becomes a reality. There is always hope for a new day, hope that the darkness won’t always seem impenetrable. There is always hope because our Redeemer lives.
It was a dark day when He died -literally, according to the scriptures - but Jesus didn’t stay wrapped in death. He rose and walked among his friends again, spoke to them, encouraged them, ate with them. He not only gave them hope for a new day, he gave them life forever after, life lived in the presence of God.
The Apostle John wrote that “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30,31).
We no longer live within the day on which death seemed victorious. We live in the day that came three days after. We call it Easter.

Coming Soon: Patti J. Smith-"Drama,Decisions,and Departures"! Read the first two chapters NOW!

What's next for characters of "The San Francisco Wedding Planner" series?

Patti J. Smith is the author of the next story set to release 2/26:"Drama,Decisions,and Departures".

Below is the first two chapters for you to sample.

Feel free to leave a comment or message us by using the "Contact Form" on the left sidebar!

Chapter 1
Heather’s stress built with every passing minute. The clients were anxious, and Indigo still had not arrived. This is not good for business. The Legolas ringtone blared again. “Indigo, we’ve been waiting for forty-five minutes. Are you on your way?”
“Sorry, Heather. I lost track of time. I’m ten minutes out.”
“Okay, I’ll make up some excuse. Just hurry.”
After the shoot, Indigo invited the clients to another location to take extra photos later on in the week, at no charge, to make up for his tardiness. As they drove away, he turned to Heather. “That’s going to cost me, but it’s the least I can do. Now what can I do to make it up to you?”
“You did enough Indigo. In fact, that was more than generous. Are you okay?”
He took a deep breath and exhaled. “Danielle set up a meeting with me and my dad this morning, and he didn’t show. Guess that says it all.”
Heather slapped her head. “I got so wrapped up in the shoot I forgot to tell you. Danielle called earlier. Your dad’s wife had a stroke. She’s at San Francisco General. That’s why he didn’t show, Indigo. Why don’t you call Danielle? She and your dad could probably use some support.”
He headed towards his car. “Okay, I’ll call her on my way back to the office.”
Heather looked at her watch and realized the lunch date with Jonathan was in five minutes. She grabbed her cell phone and sent a text to tell him she was running late but would be there.
###
Gloria paced nervously back and forth in her living room, holding her phone. I’ve got to do something. Heather is making a terrible mistake. She punched in a number and waited. Pick up, Skye. Please pick up.
A bubbly voice came through the receiver. “Hi, Gloria. How are you feeling?”
Gloria blurted, “Oh, Skye, it’s a mess. Heather thinks you and Bryan are having a fling, and she’s having lunch with Jonathan this afternoon. Bryan was going to propose.”
After a minute or two of silence, Skye burst out laughing. “Gloria, I know all about the proposal, and I was hugging Bryan after he told me. Your daughter just happens to have a wild imagination. She even sent my husband a text about what she saw. I tried calling her, but she’s not answering. I decided to wait for her to contact me or Bryan.”
Gloria huffed. “This isn’t funny, Skye.” She confessed to overhearing Heather’s conversation with Jonathan and their plans to meet. “What are we going to do? She needs to know how Bryan feels. She might go back to Jonathan, and I know he’s not the one for her.”
Skye stifled the chuckles. “Gloria, calm down. We need to stay out of it and let it play out. You know as well as I do, it takes a little time for her to mull things over. She’ll get in touch with Bryan or me when the time is right. Just give her a chance. I’m sorry, Gloria. Gotta run. A customer just came in.”
Before Gloria could reply, the phone went dead. She paced some more, and then looked up. God, please forgive me for what I’m about to do.

Chapter 2

Heather pulled into an underground parking lot near the Zuni Café. She turned off the engine and pulled down the visor mirror for a last-minute appearance check. It’s just lunch, not a date.
As she opened the door to the café, she glanced towards the long, copper-topped bar. Her heart fluttered. There he was, chatting with the bartender.
The minute their eyes met, he stood up and walked towards her with open arms. She fell into his embrace, and he whispered in her ear, “You’re as beautiful as ever.”
She pulled back, trying not to blush. “It’s good to see you too, Jonathan.”
They sat at a window table overlooking Market Street. A waiter delivered two glasses of La Crema Chardonnay. “I took the liberty of ordering. I hope you don’t mind. I remember how much you loved wine.” He raised his glass. “To us?”
Heather smiled and did her best to suppress old feelings that were beginning to surface. She touched her glass to his and casually asked, “Are you still at Northwest?”
He leaned back. “I turned in my resignation. That’s why I’m here. I was offered the Chief of OB/GYN at San Francisco General. I’m meeting with the board of directors to discuss changes they want implemented once I start. Plus, I need to find a place to live.”
Heather’s face paled. He and Bryan at the same hospital?
“Heather, are you okay?”
She took a healthy-sized gulp of wine. “I’m fine, Jonathan. It just took me by surprise. San Francisco General is one of the best.” Her cell phone vibrated in her pants pocket. She pulled it out, gave him an apologetic smile, and said, “Hi, Mom. I’ll call you right back.” She stood up. “Excuse me for a minute?” She walked out to the waiting area listening to the phone dial her mom’s number. “Hi, Mom, I’m at lunch right now. Is there something you need?”
“I’m sorry honey, but I used the step stool to reach the salad bowl from the top shelf and took a little spill. I might have twisted something.”
“Mom, did you call 9-1-1?”
“No, Heather, I just need you to come help. I’m still sitting on the kitchen floor and can’t get up.”
Heather sighed. “Okay, Mom. I’m on my way. Just stay calm. I’ll bring Jonathan with me. He can check you out.”
“No, don’t do that. I’m in my pajamas. I just need help to the couch and an ice pack. If I wanted a stranger in my house with me looking like this, I would have called the neighbors.”
“Alright, if that’s what you want. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
She walked back to the table and shook her head. “I’m so sorry, Jonathan. My mom took a little fall, and I need to help her. Can we possibly reschedule?”
He jumped up. “Do you want me to come with you?”
“Thanks. I already asked if she wanted you to check her out, but she thinks it’s just a sprain.” She chuckled. “And she never wants anyone to see her unless she’s all decked out. You remember her style, don’t you?”
Jonathan nodded. “Who could forget?” He kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll call you later.”
###
Gloria’s heart lurched with pangs of guilt. She’ll never forgive me for this, but someone has to do something. After she changed back into her pajamas, she set the accident scene in the kitchen and waited to hear Heather’s car before she positioned herself on the floor.

What do you think of Flora Reigada's Devotional from her soon to be released book "Where You Heart Meets God's"

The Jewel of a Giving Heart
"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14, NIV).

On that steamy summer day, the car trip was too long, the children too crowded in the back seat and our air-conditioner broken. Even the wind whipping in our open windows felt hot and stale. We were all in a foul mood by the time the car overheated.
Dan turned off the road into a large service area. It consisted of several bays, all empty but one, where a young woman stood beside her car with its hood up. She watched us as we drove through the lot and pulled in beside her. In retrospect, it seems strange that we would come so close. However, we seemed drawn to her.
When Dan got out of the car, he noticed that there was no mechanic or attendant in sight—only the woman who approached to inquire about our situation and needs.

The kindness on her face was unlike any I'd ever seen. It was more than an expression. It was a caring warmth at her very essence. She made me feel safe. Have you ever encountered anyone like that?
She gave Dan a container of antifreeze, exactly what we needed. Along with some water, he poured it into the radiator and off we went.

A few miles up the road, Dan gasped.
"Oh no! That woman who helped us looked like she was having car problems of her own, but we never asked her about them."
My mouth popped open. How could we have been so thoughtless?

Discussing what had happened, Dan and I realized that even our helper did not appear concerned about her plight. She was preoccupied only with ours. When we drove into the service area, she seemed to be expecting us. She was ready with what we needed. Then there was her otherworldly kindness. Could she have been an angel?

PEARL TO PONDER: Can you recall a kind stranger who helped you make it through a rough spot?

LOVE NUGGET: God sends angels to those He loves and God loves you.

What is a “Detective”?

What is a “detective”?
Here is one definition straight from the dictionary:

noun
1.a member of the police force or a private investigator whose function is to obtain information and evidence, as of offenses against the law.

adjective
2. of or relating to detection or detectives: a detective story.
3. serving to detect; detecting : various detective devices.

Does this definition contain an age requirement?

Does it specify gender?


“Detectives Incorporated” will not be boring, staid or average.

The story lines are unique, timely, and humorous.

The author team for this series will be announced next week.

The release date of the first story, the overall story line and cast of characters will shared as well.

We hope that we have piqued your interest a tad.

What do you think of "Day 4" of Sue Badeau's soon to be released Devotional "Clean Heart, Renewed Joy"?

Day 4 – Great Compassion
Read Verse 1(b),
According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.
God’s compassion is great enough for me, even when I feel totally unworthy. I am unworthy, but that is exactly the point—God’s love and compassion are great enough, even for me, even in my unworthiness.
The story found in Nehemiah chapter nine is particularly stunning regarding this point. I encourage you to read the entire chapter. Count the number of times you read the word “compassion” in this chapter. Over and over again, the people had been so disobedient and rebellious that God decides to hand them over to their enemies. And yet, over and over again he is moved “in his great compassion” to rescue his people from their enemies.
Each time, the people go immediately back to the ways of sin—verse twenty-eight “But as soon as they had rest, they did evil again before You;”
Like children! Any parent, teacher, auntie or coach knows the frustration of spending time teaching, reprimanding and lovingly disciplining a child only to see her return to the same behaviors moments later.
As a mom, these are the moments that make me pull my hair out. “How many times have I told you …” is a tired, trite but very real phrase on the lips of any adult who provides care and guidance for children.
As a foster and adoptive parent, I know that children will do more of this testing when they are uncertain if they can trust you. Again and again they will engage in actions and behaviors that they know are against your family rules and values. And again and again, out of love and compassion, you will discipline, teach and then wrap up the interaction by saying, “I still love you, I will always love you.”
As the child becomes more secure in the relationship, the frequency of the testing diminishes. The child begins to trust that nothing they can do is going to push you over the edge and cause you to “send them back.” They can rest in the assurance of your love and that is when their healing begins and hope blossoms.
How often am I like that insecure foster child? Testing, testing, testing God. Daring Him to turn away and “send me back” into the dark abyss. Yet, in God’s great compassion He forgives me, rescues me, and preserves my life.
Will you pray with me? “Lord help me today and always to remember that I can trust you and rest in the assurance of your great compassion for me. Help me to test you less and trust you more. Help me also to have and to show this great compassion towards each precious child you place in my life. ‘Remember not the sins of my youth, and my rebellious ways; according to your love, remember me, for you are good, O Lord.’ (Psalm 25:7) Amen.”

Take a few moments to reflect upon God’s great compassion and make some notes in your journal.

As you reflect, listen to this rendition of “God of Mercy and Compassion” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQV60w3DX00
 

It's About to Happen-The Finale of "The Outlaw Unchained"

The burning questions need to be answered:
-Will Sam finally "Unchain" himself?
-Will those that framed him finally meet Justice?
-Will Sam be reunited with his one true love?
-Will Sam even survive the entire ordeal?
These questions and many more will be answered in the Grand Finale to "The Outlaw Unchained"!

Will The One True God give them their heart’s desire? Find out next week in Marcia Lee Laycock's "The Ambassadors Book II-V2-A Plan Unfolding"

Prince Eghan’s heart is weighed down by the looming prophesy that foretells the destruction of his father’s kingdom. He throws himself into working on the house of prayer at Ulhrik’s side, until his father introduces him to a beautiful young woman. He has invited her to court for a specific reason – to win his son’s heart. Though Eghan is at first angry that his father has been arranging an alliance without his knowledge, he is attracted to Malora and begins to forget the urgency of the work he should be doing. He tries to overlook Malora’s mockery of his faith but can’t seem to be completely open and honest with her.

Eghan is thrilled when his Uncle Adlair arrives, but saddened again when he hears that Nara, the Alingan princess he had grown so close to, has become a queen and is happily occupied with rebuilding her own realm. Eghan chafes under Ulhrik’s warnings about Malora and is increasingly captivated by her charms even though dreams of Nara still haunt him.

Will the prophesy unfold as Ulhrik believes? Or is there time for Eghan to think of spending his life with a beautiful young woman? And which woman will it be? Will The One True God give them their heart’s desire? Or will He change the desire of their hearts?

Can you help Mark Venturini chose a cover for his new YA Fantasy series "Blood Tithe"?

Months have passed since dragons had torched parts of Chicago. With the portal finally locked between Eversong and Earth, life seems to be returning to normal on both worlds. Fat chance.

On Earth, Jason Snider and Kat Meyers thought eighth grade would be the toughest thing they’d face until faeries start stalking them. An ancient faerie war threatens to erupt again, one that only the Blood Tithe sacrifice can prevent. The Tithe requires special blood from a special human and Maurelle, the terrifying faerie king of the Winter Court, has found that one special person: Jason Snider.

On Eversong, destructive forces are unleashed that the Magi Order hasn’t faced in generations. The young elf Strum is drawn into a race to capture a mad mage bent on reopening the portal. Many fear the mage will succeed. Others secretly fear Strum will and summon the power of the storm to ensure that he fails.

Mark's "Whispers From Forbidden Earth" is available in Paperback and Ebook at many fine retailers.Here is the Amazon Kindle link:http://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Forbidden-Earth-Mark-Venturini-ebook/dp/B00FZVDIKI/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1423163525

What is going on in San Francisco? Drama, Decisions and Departures

Drama, Decisions and Departures

What is going on in San Francisco? Heather is smack dab in the middle of a romantic pickle that's bound to end badly and an announcement from Gloria renders everyone speechless.
Heather's love-life teeters on the brink of disaster brought on by misunderstanding and mistrust. It's further complicated by her mother's incessant meddling and the relocation of her business. Drama is unleashed not just on Heather, but Indigo and Raul as well. Twists and turns abound in Drama, Decisions and Departures.

Look for any and all of Patti J. Smith's titles on her Amazon Author Page:http://www.amazon.com/Patti-J.-Smith/e/B00FGT9ODY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_3

What do you think of the cover for Sue Badeau's soon to be released Devotional-"Clean Heart,Renewed Joy"

Clean Heart, Renewed Joy:
A Six-Week Journey Through Psalm 51

By Sue Badeau

Does Psalm 51 stir your soul? Do you long for the “clean heart” and “renewed joy” promised in these familiar verses? This Psalm contains a perfect and complete framework, divided into six themes, for the Christian walk of continual renewal, growth and purpose. The themes, reflected throughout the Psalm include:
(1) God’s Holiness
(2) Our Separation from God
(3) Thorough Cleansing
(4) Truth in the Inner Being
(5) Joy
(6) Purpose
This book is a perfect devotional for Lent or any other time you want to embark on a season of reflection and renewal. I invite you to walk with me for six weeks, reflecting upon and allowing God to work within you in each of these six areas. Begin expectantly and come away refreshed and re-invigorated with a renewed sense of joy and purpose!