At the Father's Table (Available Sept. 19)

Does the world really need another Bible study book?

When my fellow leaders of the women's Bible study ministry of our church asked the question, we found the amount of information staggering. But we also found that today's offerings for teaching us how to study the Bible are often heavy, technical and just plain hard to read. We longed for something that was more nourishing. Profound, yet simple. Informative, yet enjoyable.

This is a back-to-the-basics course on developing habits that will help you know your Savior better after your time in his word. We have attempted to condense all the best suggestions currently available, including new trends in journaling and incorporating art into Bible study, all with the mindset of sitting at our Father's table. We want to learn how to enjoy the rich, nutritious, delicious food he is serving to those with willing, searching hearts.

It has been nearly a year since we first had the idea to create our own study guide instead of trying to find exactly what we were looking for. If we had known the amount of work that goes into a Bible study, we may have balked at the start. But we were fortunately ignorant, and took it one step at a time on a journey of learning how to communicate better, how to research, how to apply without losing the connection with God we longed to be the theme.

Our own women in our church study helped us immensely in getting this study from a rough, choppy attempt to the final version which will be available on Amazon September 19, 2016. We hope you will benefit from our adventure and take part in the feast God has provided for us. For truly, if we take the heart out of our Bible study time, we find only monotonous routine. But if we view God's word as a table full of good things to find and eat, we will not only find life, we will find everything our hearts desire.

More info coming soon.

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. –Mark 3:25 (NIV)

“We should take this nation back.”

“America was founded by Christians for Christians, and we have rights we won’t be denied.”

“I am not the problem. I refuse to take the blame for things my ancestors did.”

“Our nation cannot be divided against itself any longer. Which means everyone should be forced to live by biblical principles again. We cannot lose our heaven on earth.”

We’ve all heard at least one of these themes recently. The problem is—this isn’t what Jesus was saying in Mark 3:25. He was proving he wasn’t Satan, because Satan couldn’t drive himself out. That doesn’t really stake our Christian claim to the United States. Even more so, America was never heaven.

AMERICA WAS NEVER HEAVEN.

“A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become lawful in all the States, old as well as new — North as well as South.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln%27s_House_Divided_Speech. See footnotes for further study.)

Abraham Lincoln used Jesus’ words correctly. As a diagnosis of a problem, leading to the solution. But one thing he didn’t promise was that legislation could change hearts or heal wounds. He didn’t say that the war would be the end of the matter, even though the outcome abolished slavery. We still haven’t reached the end of the matter.

If further proof of lack of Christian claim to America is needed, let us look to the past. The first people who arrived here were not perfect, squeaky-clean, Bible believing, law-abiding citizens who lived comfortable, happy lives on America’s quiet, idyllic shore. They were travel-weary, nutrition-deprived rebels who came here hoping to escape their troubles. There is reason to believe they didn’t get along well. My own ancestor on the Mayflower, Christopher Martin, was not well-liked. He also died in that first year, along with half of the others.

Follow this rough start with a distrust and inability to cohabit this land with the natives. Continue along in history and relive the unrest preceding the Revolutionary War as we tried to shake ourselves from the overbearing reach of a monarchy across the ocean. And just as that conflict is settled and we are finally on our own, our nation turns inward to try to purge itself of the evils of slavery, and thousands more die gruesome deaths in the wake.

Americans are hearty. They bounce back. They live hard and pursue their passions. I’m not saying I’m not proud to be an American, and that I don’t believe the freedom we take for granted wasn’t worth the cost. But at the end of the day, it is an imperfect, man-made, fragile bubble of protection—this freedom we thought to be infinite. Man-made freedom always falls apart eventually.

Why is this? Why can we not continue indefinitely in our pursuit of our comforts and passions? Why can’t we have it all? Why can’t we expect our lives to be the ideal we desire? Quite simply, because we are people. And people are broken. They will not be fixed by legislation or laws or a firm talking-to. They can only be fixed by Jesus.

THEY CAN ONLY BE FIXED BY JESUS.

But what does that mean? Doesn’t it mean we should just expect everyone in America to act like Jesus? To get over their prejudices and conflicts and let go of the past and force them to be as righteous and perfect as Christ?

When did we start believe we could force people to be like Jesus, when we ourselves don’t even act like him much of the time? If living with HIS SPIRIT IN ME doesn’t make me perfect, how could I expect it to make perfect someone who doesn’t know him?

I say these things in the wake of a week full of tragedy. A week that reveals our nation has not completely healed of its wounds. It only takes an incident, be it accident or willful harm, to reveal the infection has not been driven out. Sometimes it’s easy to think the battle is over. Of course I don’t believe there is any difference between my soul and the soul of my dark-skinned friend. Of course I don’t still harbor those feelings of superiority my ancestors thought were normal, that made them think they could own another human being, that made them treat other people like animals.

But does it matter whether I think it or not? Are not my dark-skinned friends who face pressures and dangers I will never understand, allowed their feelings, their fears, their own processing of what has been done to their people in the past? Should I not, as Christ’s ambassador, love them without conditions? Should I not meet them wherever they are, in whatever emotional place they find themselves, and prove to them their fears are unfounded and their guarded stance is not necessary? Why am I so proud to believe I do not owe them anything? Considering the debt I owe my Savior, I should find it easy to humble myself low enough to repay the debt to those whose families and lineages have been damaged by mine.

It is not an uncomplicated, easy answer. It is not an answer that will not cost me anything. It is not an answer that leaves me without responsibility. And so it is unpopular. It is uncommon. But if those who claim to be inhabited by the very Spirit of Christ were truly interested in seeing God at work, they would be about his business. And the very nature of the business of Christ is ULTIMATE HUMILITY, UNBRIDLED SACRIFICE and UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

Dear Christian, remember this as you post things on your social media, as you interact with your friends and family, as you go to your Savior to seek his face and know his heart. Remember that this one life we are given has solid purpose that will matter for eternity, and live for the heart of Christ. Let us no longer pursue our own interests and comforts and stay within our net of safety. Let us not be spoiled princes and princesses out of place and time. Let us live with abandon through this breath, this blink of an eye, this short life we have been given—for the things that will matter forever.

Interview with the Justice Network

Whiter Than Snow deals with the problem of prostitution in brothels and saloons at the turn of the century, and what people were doing to try to eradicate the problems. Unfortunately, the ugly truth is that we still haven't washed clean this stain on our society. With the Whiter Than Snow release only a couple weeks away, I'm excited to introduce you to two real-life abolitionists. None of us like that there is child slavery and sex trafficking happening in our world as we speak, but often we don't know what to do. How can we possibly get involved or make any change to what's going on?

Tanya Dennis (tanyadennisbooks.com)

Susan Panzica (susanpanzica.com)

It is my great privilege to share with you this interview with the Justice Network, founded by Tanya Dennis and Susan Panzica and tirelessly dedicated to ending the problem of modern-day slavery and sex trafficking:

Miranda: At the turn of the century, with groups like the Anti-Saloon League and Carry Nation smashing saloons and picketing, it’s easy for us to look back and see they were going about their fight in the wrong way. We don’t want to cause more trouble or get in the way of God’s working. What are some ideas for people to start getting involved in their own communities that will truly benefit the people who are being harmed by human trafficking?

Tanya: This is a great question. Just as some of the characters in your book spread condemnation rather than hope, we can often cause harm when trying to help. These unintended consequences often come through lack of understanding. Many take action before seeking to understand the situation fully, before know the dangers, before thinking through the solutions and what happens next.

Justice Network's mission statement is "to educate, empower, and equip our friends and neighbors to become abolitionists." The first step toward helping is education. If we want to be effective in our efforts, we must understand what's really going on. We have a number of fabulous resources on our website — www.Justice-Network.org — from films and documentaries to books and websites.

I encourage people to search for like-minded organizations in their local areas, too. Find people who are doing something good and join them.

Miranda: We confess our hesitation can mirror Joshua’s when he was faced with the question of how far he was willing to go to help Kathleen. How do we answer to our fears about getting involved in the messy parts of other people’s lives?

Tanya: It is important to distinguish the source of our fears before listening to them or going against them.

Fear can be a good thing. God gave us fear as a means of protection. Human trafficking is a very dangerous business and fighting it can be war. Quite literally. Joshua was a law enforcement officer. He had authority that most of us do not possess. If you're not in law enforcement, be very careful. Do not engage until you have had proper and adequate training.

While some fear comes from God, some comes from a lack of faith. I think this is the heart of your question. Just as God gives us fear to avoid unwise circumstances leading to dangerous situations, He also gives us the strength to overcome unfounded fears. The safest place to be is always in the center of His hand and will. If He calls you to something — to a situation where you can serve, where you can help, where you can love — it is far safer to walk in that calling than to go against the will of our righteous God.

Love is messy. It's not safe, but it's always worth the risk.

I always find my strength solidified through Bible study. Consider those we meet through Scripture: Moses, Joshua, Esther, David, Deborah, Rahab, Ruth, Nehemiah, the Apostles ... Jesus Himself! I could list forever the people who have faced fears and overcome! Each and every one of these fought social injustices. They rallied against the norms of safe society to chase the will of God. And that will is to love Him and love others. We can't go wrong pursuing that.

Miranda: How can we teach our children to be abolitionists?

Tanya: When I started working against human trafficking, our children were 7 and 9, far too young to understand the extent or details of the issue. But they understood justice. They understood fairness and equality. And they understood human value. So I talked to them in those terms. I explained that God wants us to love others, no matter what their appearance, circumstance, or history. I explained what slavery is and explained that God wants us to do whatever we can to stop it and to help those caught in it. 

Most of us will not be involved in busts and rescues. We'll be involved in education and restoration. There are many, many ways to get involved in this and many ways you can involve your kids in it, too.

PRAY. Only God can change the hearts of people and only God can restore the lives of the broken. Prayer is our #1 weapon against injustice.

EDUCATE YOURSELF AND OTHERS. Read books on the topic and the solution. Talk about the issue. Raise awareness. Seek to inform.

SHOP FAIR TRADE. People often think human trafficking is just about sex trade. It's not. Huge portions of major industries run on the backs of slaves and child laborers. Coffee, chocolate, and fashion are the top three offenders. Buying fair trade ensures that the items we consume are not fueling slavery around the world. Learn more at www.fairtradeusa.org.

GIVE. Organizations cannot run without support. Seek out rescue and restoration initiatives in your area and see what they need. Gifts may be monetary, but they could also be clothing, food, educational tools, personal items, or just cards of encouragement. 

ACT. Justice Network started with prayer and then a film viewing to raise awareness. In two short years we had reached a national impact networking through educational events, training sessions, hospitality support, and restoration efforts. Seek out an organization or ministry in your area. If you can't find one, start one. Start small with what God has already placed within your reach and see where He leads.

Miranda: You mentioned fair trade. Some argue that supporting fair trade or boycotting companies who use child and/or slave labor takes jobs away from people who are surviving on them. Is this a misconception?

Tanya: Fair trade doesn't eliminate jobs at all! Rather it serves as an advocate, making sure workers are paid for the jobs they do. Families absolutely do need these jobs and fair trade is the only way to ensure that they can survive with them. Without fair trade, there are no consistent economic regulations or floors for prices. That means the one with the lowest prices (typically with the highest education and exposure) gets the money. This consistently leaves those already in poverty deeper in poverty, exploited by those who have resources. The poor keep getting poorer while the rich get richer.

Fairtrade isn’t about charity; it's about fairness. It is about rethinking the relationship between producers and consumers. Fair trade makes sure that, establishing mutual honesty and respect, producers can make a decent living within healthy working environments.

Miranda: Now tell us more specifically how we can pray for this movement.

Tanya: Pray for the safety of those on the front lines of rescue teams. Pray for peace and strength for their families. Pray for salvation of the victims. Pray for restoration and healing for the survivors. Pray for the pimps to know God. Pray for the Johns (those buying). Pray for the mothers so entrenched in poverty they see no choice but to sell their children. Pray that hearts will be changed and lives redeemed. Pray that governments will do all they can to protect life and to promote equality and justice. Pray that God will make Himself known in undeniable ways and that He be glorified through our efforts. Pray that those who fight will find rest in His perfection and that we will not grow weary in doing good. Pray that we will see an end to slavery in our lifetime.

Miranda: What can we do to support Justice Network?

Tanya:

1.  Follow us online. We're on facebook
     (https://www.facebook.com/JusticeNetwork/?fref=ts) 
     and twitter (https://twitter.com/NetworkJustice). 
     We have a monthly newsletter and a weekly blog. 

2.  Tell others about us and encourage them to follow as well.

3. Join our efforts. We have a number of events and  opportunities, both local and virtual.

4.  Donate.

Miranda: Are there other groups like yours we can support?

Tanya: YES! The largest international organizations include International Justice Mission (IJM) and A21, but smaller local groups are popping up all over the country. Check out our website for Network Partners.

Miranda: What does God say about helping those in slavery and trafficking?

Tanya: Oh, God says a LOT about social justice! The founders of Justice Network are currently writing a book on the subject. Be sure to follow us for release dates. In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite verses on the subject:

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8 (ESV)

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." – Isaiah 1:17 (ESV)

“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” – Proverbs 21:3 (ESV)

Whiter Than Snow - Coming May 1!

I can't describe how excited I am to share this story with you. This story began with the question "How far could God's love really reach into the darkness of our lives?" and the more practical "What could I do to help people know the Father wants them to come home?"

Kathleen's quest to know who she is leads her on a road that reveals her stubborn nature. She speaks to those of us who have gone too far, who have strayed far from home. We don't think there's a chance our Father will forgive us for the paths we chose and the sin we embraced. We can only fear his rightful judgment.

On the other hand, Joshua whispers to those of us who have known redemption and forgiveness. We find ourselves on a mission to protect ourselves from those who would hurt us with their messy lives. We are determined to arrange our lives to have perfect outcomes, forgetting this world is not our ultimate home.

Essentially, Joshua and Kathleen are the older and younger brother in the story of the Prodigal Son. Is there a way through these stubborn hearts to find answers for the needs of their souls? How far is God willing to go to get us to the place where we are able to see him lavishing his love and blessing on us?

Get ready to be encouraged, wherever you find yourself, by this inspirational historical romance, WHITER THAN SNOW, the sequel to WHERE WE BELONG and the second book in the series "Midwest Maidens." WHITER THAN SNOW is due out May 1 on Amazon for print and kindle.

Interview with Creative Madness Mama!

I'm glad to have met Christian book reviewer Margaret, also known as Creative Madness Mama. Though she's a busy mom, she loves Christian books enough that she puts time and effort into helping authors get the word out. I'm thankful and blessed to have "Where We Belong" featured today on her blog!

Check it out at creativemadnessmama.com

Five-Minute Peppermint Mocha (Optional sugar/dairy free)

Recently a Starbucks moved in to the parking lot of the Meijer where I get my groceries. Then my sister tells me you can get almost any drink decaf. Needless to say, I've had a few run-ins with temptation. And my new favorite thing in the world is a Peppermint Mocha.

After paying $5 for a tall (aka small) a few times, I decided it was time to try it on my own. And I was surprised how good the result was! Not to mention I made it without sugar or dairy, since I am sensitive to both. The flavor didn't suffer a bit, but you could make it with regular milk and sugar and I'm sure it would be just as good. So without further adieu, here is my recipe for a quick and easy peppermint mocha at home, sugar and dairy optional:

Ingredients you'll need:

6-8 oz regular or decaf coffee, brewed to your taste

2 tsp powdered cocoa

pinch of sea salt

dash of cinnamon

splash of vanilla (forgot vanilla in the picture)

5-6 tsp maple syrup (insert equivalent of any other sweetener)

1/8 to 1/4 cup unsweetened Silk cashew milk (or milk of your preference)

1/2 to 1 drop peppermint essential oil

All you need is your teaspoon to measure, and a large coffee mug. If you're especially daring, you can eyeball it. But I just use the teaspoon to measure and stir it. Put the cocoa in the coffee cup. Add the salt, cinnamon and vanilla. Throw in the maple syrup and give everything a good stir until you have the smooth consistency of chocolate syrup. 

This is the part you have to be careful with. You don't want more than 1 single drop of peppermint oil. If you don't want your peppermint taste to be anything more than a hint, you want a half drop, which you can get by putting a single drop in your teaspoon and using a paper towel to soak up some of it. Trust me, I've gotten a couple extra drops in there, and it was not as enjoyable. It was eye-opening, but not enjoyable so much.

Next add your milk to taste. Stir it up and then fill the rest of your cup with coffee. Give it one more stir.

It's as simple as that! If you're feeling naughty, add a touch of whipped cream and some shaved chocolate, and enjoy your much, much cheaper but delightful peppermint mocha!

Let me know what you think in the comments!

It's amazing to me how long an author can work on a story, get to know her characters, spend quiet but exhilarating moments with them until a story has been crafted . . . but still not know that story the way they come to know it when others join with the story and make it their own.

I don't know if there's a more artistic way to say it, but this new process of taking something that was private and making it something that belongs to the world has been both terrifying and one of the best experiences of my life. (Terrifying in that I've received threats promising to egg my house if the story did not end up the way the reader hoped!)

This book was released a month ago, but it needed a few tweaks. I can now say, with relative confidence, that it is free of typos, that the cover art is what we envisioned, and that I am ready to continue in the wonderful and amazing process of discovering the readers for whom God intended this story be written.

Check it out. You don't need to worry that it's one of "those" self-published books. You're dealing with a perfectionist who found a perfectionist editor, who spent plenty of time researching the art of publishing and with much time on her knees in preparation. If you like Christian historical romance, and if you like interesting protagonists that tend to fall in love with flawed, but equally interesting men, and if you like that love story to point to a deeper love story that every one of us is in the process of either avoiding or building with our Savior, then this book is for you. If you like twists and turns and not exactly knowing what might happen on the next page, this book is for you. If you like all of this with a reminder of the beauty of the Gospel, it's for you.

So check it out. And spread the word. And let me know what you think.

Find it here!