Beth Green's Blog - Posts Tagged "faith"

I was sitting with a few friends the other day and I made a remark that stuck in my own head for several days.

Here is the setting: graduation of some of our children, discussions on aging parents, and so on. I jokingly stated:

Why do women have to battle the emotions of our children leaving home, aging parents, and menopause all at the same time?

Our poor husbands have to mop up tears for weeks.

Then I jokingly said:

"Why didn't God come as a woman? Maybe then he would have changed the timing on all of this."

We all laughed; but I was haunted by the idea that I might be on to something.

Why didn't he come as a woman? I know the obvious answer of the stigma of a woman in the old culture, etc.

But...we marvel at how he came as a baby...laid in a lowly manger...in a dirty barn...I mean why not make him a woman as well to really stack the odds against him in that culture? (Again, laughing here is encouraged)

There is no way to understand the ways of God; but I do know the ways of man in that century and there is no way anyone would have listened to her. That is a fairly well known fact of that culture at that time. There is more though.

I believe that God has represented himself as a male throughout time, calling himself "Father" (Numerous verses reference this; but try 1 Corinthians 8:6 as a start).

God has also made it clear that man is to be the spiritual leader of the home (1 Corinthians 11:3), therefore, God would have to come as a man.

OKAY! So the Biblical stuff points to a man, I get it. What I am saying is this: Of course Jesus (and God) can relate to all that we go through since God came in the form of man.

Can we all just breathe in and out and then laugh for a second when I say this:

I just think that a little PMS might have gone a long way to help us women to NOT have to pay for Eve's mistake forever.

This is where you smile and laugh...I just wanted to be a little funny. Please know that I do understand the big picture here.

For those of you who are confused...that was not my intent. Just laugh with me as I say it again:

Why didn't he just come here for a couple of months as a woman...preferably with aging parent and menopause (he didn't have children...but maybe when his nieces and nephews were moving away too).

It's okay.

Jesus is my life.

I love him.

He does understand me, even though I am a woman and even when I am a little hormonal.

I know we have all been there...we trust someone and they let us down. It is painful enough anytime; but for some reason, it hurts more if it is a fellow Christian.

My family has gone through some very tough times over the last few months. Financially, emotionally, and physically we have been challenged and stretched until we have almost broken at times. With the comfort of leaning on God, we have made it. I have to tell you, though, the betrayal by fellow believers has worn me down.

Within the past few years, I can name several incidents where my family has endured harsh and cruel treatment from fellow Christians. Ironically, some of the people who have treated us well have been non-believers. The actual details of these incidents really don't matter; but I can tell you that I was cut to the core with some of it and I had to keep reminding myself what we all know: Christian does not equal perfect. In fact, I believe that when someone gives their life to Christ, it is an acknowledgment from that person that they are a sinner and need the Grace of God to be forgiven. That knowledge is comforting; but let's be real: I was hurting and I didn't want to hear that.

One day while I was lamenting on some of the problems we were facing, I just curled up on my bed and had a heart to heart talk with God. I really think that He wants us to do that--he is our Heavenly Father. Why wouldn't He want us to come to Him (even in frustration).

Somewhere in that prayer/conversation that I was having, a peace washed over me and let me know that I was going to make it. I would love to tell you that everything was perfect after that; but it wasn't. It takes a daily effort to "seek ye first the kingdom of God" but remember the rest of the verse that says: "and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33. So what are "all these things?". Back a couple of verses this refers to what we will eat, what we will drink, how will we be clothed.

I began to seek God and not worry about any of the little problems. I decided to let Him worry about the other people that had wronged me and let me concentrate on Him. I know I should have quoted the verse about praying for my enemy, etc; but I will be honest with you: that took a few more weeks of seeking God.

So, my point here? To let you know that if it has not happened to you yet, it probably will. Someone you are close to in the church will hurt you or disappoint you. I wish that I could say that Christians are now perfect (only someday in Heaven will that be true). For now, we are just sinners saved by Grace. Be patient and keep seeking God. He will never disappoint you.

On the highest mountain
I will lift my heart to the sky
From the lowest valley
Hear my cry

Those words come from a song by Bebo Norman called Holy is your name.

I love to hike. In fact, my husband and I will take trips to specific trials that we read about or want to experience. We have tried to instill this love of hiking in our children and for the most part it has worked.

There is nothing quite like standing on the top of a mountain and looking out over what you just climbed; but also taking in the beauty all around that God has created for us to enjoy. I love to "lift my heart to the sky" when I'm up there and I often have a difficult time leaving.

Coming down the mountain is difficult sometimes and can be the most dangerous part. It's dangerous because you're tired and fatigued; and you're confident and in a a great place but you're only half way through your journey when you reach a summit. Hikers get in some serious trouble if they don't calculate the descent into their entire experience.

Sometimes I think coming down off a spiritual high can be the same thing: it's dangerous. We are confident and sure we are in a great place and so busy taking it all in that we may miss a step on the descent and tumble down instead of stepping carefully along the way. We are meant to have highs and lows. As much as I think I prefer the mountaintops, it's in the valleys that I find a deeper and richer experience and draw closer to God than I ever thought possible.

Your journey is unique to you. I could never pretend to understand anyone else's circumstances unless I've lived them. For now, I chose to trust Him that my valleys will never be too low for me and that my mountaintops will be full of joy; but that journey up and down the trail is where life happens most of the time. Enjoy each step and trust Him to help you see it through.

Thank you to all who got involved in the short lived contest to guess the name of the new novel. It's very exciting for me to get to the last few stages of a novel. I feel God's hand on my thoughts as I write and I sincerely pray that this book will bless you in some way.
I've had some questions about the new novel and I'm trying to be a little mysterious smile emoticon I really want to bring you into the book and take you on a journey. If I tell you too much, I'm afraid the journey won't be as exciting.

A Rose For Jonathan was inspired by two very special children that I worked with specifically but also by all the incredible kids I've had the privilege to work with through the years. In particular, as a pediatric PT, I am blessed beyond measure to be able to help these children and their families and I cannot imagine a better job in the world. As I wrote this novel, I really wanted to not only emphasize the importance of organ donation but also the power we have through prayer and scripture (and especially when combining them together).

This new novel, Quiver, is a continuation of the story but is not a true sequel in the sense that the story now shifts to follow Jonathan. All the old characters make appearances, of course. Who could leave out the Martin sisters or Mr. Roberts? They were just too much fun to not include them. This time, I wanted to emphasize some new things...more to come on that!

Keep checking back in here for updates and the cover reveal. Since the title was guessed so quickly, I've decided to move the do the cover reveal on Friday, April 15. Keep in mind that sometimes we have to make a quick change in the end; but right now everyone is very happy with it!

Please share this post and help me build excitement for the new book release. It's almost ready for Beta reader stage and the release date will be set soon.

Thank you all for your support!

Beth

Don't miss the new cover reveal for

QUIVER

The new novel and a sequel to A Rose For Jonathan.

Cover is revealed tonight at 8:00 PM on Facebook @ The Green Author.

What do you think angels do?

We know that they are not what we become when we die--they are another of God's creations. We know many things that they do: some help minister to us when we are in need, some are messengers, and some are warriors. These amazing creatures are found throughout the Bible and many people have claimed experiences directly with them even in today's world.

I want to invite you to experience them in my novel A Rose For Jonathan. The book was written to give you a visual of how important prayer is in our lives. Take a moment to sample it and see if it's for you.

I've spoken to women's groups and churches about the book as well as appeared on TV and on several radio shows. The book has received the New Apple Independent Award for Excellence in Independent Publishing in the Religion/Spirituality category and it has also been given the Reader's Favorite Five Star Seal.

Hang on tight...the sequel is moving through the editing process.

Quiver will be available this summer: date TBA.


Beth Green
The Green Author

A List For My Four Daughters

1.) You were wanted and prayed for even before your eyes saw their first light.

2.) When you were born, I thought my heart would burst with love; and yet I love you so much more every day.

3.) I count my blessings to be your mother and I hope you will always know that I'm your number one fan no matter what you do!

4.) Whether you feel it or not, you are beautiful to me in every way. I pray every day that you will find a Christian man who appreciates you, loves you, and treats you with the respect and love that you deserve.

5.) I pray for you...more than you can ever know.

6.) Keep people around you who will help you become what you desire to become. If you surround yourself with those with little ambition, then you will lose yours.

7.) No matter where you go or what you do, I will be thinking about you. You are in my thoughts almost all the time.

8.) As you grow away from me, I feel a sweet sadness that I cannot explain. You will have to wait until you become a mother to feel it yourself.

9.) I marvel at your accomplishments and I cry for you when you hurt; but I can never take the credit for the amazing person that you are--you did that!

10.) If I could make life easy for you, I probably would not. The lumps you get along the way will help you. Even so, I will hurt with you, pray for you, and never stop loving you for as long as I live.

Your Mom

Back by demand...the first chapter of A Rose for Jonathan. The sequel is in hard edits right now and is called Quiver. See why this novel has now won three awards...step into the story that has challenged many people to return to their knees...


A Rose For Jonathan


Chapter 1: The Beginning

Friday, May 10, 1974

The time for the first event was drawing near. There were three of them; and they landed silently on a hill above the town to wait for it to begin. Dusk began to settle over the area, turning the sky into a mixture of pinks and blues, as a few clouds drifted lazily across the sky. Each large angel was covered in a flowing white robe with gold stitching and their wings were tucked in behind them, glowing slightly in the expanding darkness. Meris, the leader, was a full eight feet tall with long dark hair and pale blue eyes; and he wore a sword that glistened in the final rays of the sinking sun, as the wind gently swayed it back and forth on his waist. A grim expression covered his face, as he looked over at the other two angels, Nardic and Galdon, who were also tall; but they were a full half foot shorter. Galdon stood directly beside Meris, his leader, and waited patiently for orders, while the younger angel, Nardic, paced back and forth. Meris shifted his weight and glanced up toward the sky, as he listened to the Father; and then he nodded in response to the orders that only he could hear. Stepping forward, he swiftly drew his sword and pointed it toward the town.

“It’s time, let’s go!” he bellowed, as he lifted off to go toward the place that had been chosen.

The other two lifted their wings with a whoosh and flew swiftly with Meris to the north end of the town, where several demonic creatures were already gathering in response to the angel’s presence. They had sensed the coming change but had no idea what it would be. One of the evil creatures screamed and ducked behind a tree, when he saw the large angels approaching; and the rest of the demons crouched low to the ground, covering their faces with their gray, scaly arms. Meris took his sword in both hands; and in a single motion, he sliced through the darkness surrounding the area, fully penetrating the entire region with a supernatural light. The demons scattered and screeched in response, while Meris held his wings open to allow the glow to fully engulf the place that they needed to protect. He gently moved his wings back and forth, sending an even brighter light radiating in all directions, fully disseminating any dimness that remained in the chosen area. The three angels stood guard for several minutes and then Galdon, the second in command, took his sword and rammed the blade into the earth, sending a loud Boom echoing throughout the region and simultaneously scattering any lingering demons well beyond the border of the light. Meris left these two powerful angels to return to the hill to watch. Only one human in the area felt their presence and saw the light, and she was only two years old. The little girl looked out her car window and squealed and pointed. Her mom was too preoccupied to notice and her sister looked over and saw nothing.

Several seconds passed and finally the moment arrived. A truck ran a red light and slammed into the van carrying the little girl and her family, obliterating the right side. Galdon held his wings taut and braced the impact to keep the others safe, while the younger angel, Nardic, held the perimeter of light in place. Only one person was to be taken...but not at this moment. Galdon looked up to the hill at Meris, who grimly nodded his approval and acknowledged that everything was all now in place. Several minutes passed and groups of people began to congregate, as paramedics rushed to help the victims. Over in the crowd that had gathered stood a tall angel, named Flint. He turned to glance over toward the nearby hill where he knew his leader, Meris, stood and they nodded to each other, indicating that it was now time for Flint to move. Flint shifted his gaze back over to scene of the wreck to find the man who had driven the truck and was now sitting on the curb with his head in his hands. A police officer was talking to him and had the man stand and touch his hands to his nose with his eyes closed. As Flint watched this man, his newest charge, a grim expression spread across his own face, knowing this was going to be an extremely difficult job. One more glance at Meris and Flint slowly moved to stand behind the man, completely invisible to all the people in the area.

Meris stood tall and firm on the hill with his large wings slightly open and they continued to glow gently in the moonlight. Nardic landed softly beside him and addressed his leader, "Everyone is waiting. Flint is with the man from the truck and Galdon has gone with the woman and little girl to the hospital, where reinforcements are already in place. The only one left down there is the young child that they are still working with in the van."  

Meris continued to stare off into the distance watching the accident scene and listening intently to Nardic’s message. His face never flinched, as his voice boomed out in response, "We need to move with them. I will take the young child myself, when the time comes."

Thirty-five years later...

Sunday, June 7, 2009

The entire church was full, along with the fellowship hall, the parking lot, and even the nearby warehouse, where television monitors had been placed to broadcast the pastor’s message to all who were waiting. The crowds had grown so quickly each week, that the only adjustment that could be made was to open more space and have four services each week, along with the quick technological fixes to help broadcast the message to all who had come. With the new donations pouring in, a building committee had been formed and ideas were being discussed and debated on how to handle the rapidly growing congregation.

Pastor John Miles (Pastor John as he was called by most everyone) sat in his seat by the pulpit and watched the choir sing a powerful rendition of an old song, Beulah Land. The power came from two sisters, Marian and Kathy Martin, who had plenty of wind but hadn’t hit a note correctly in years. It wasn’t for lack of trying, because they never missed a practice or a service, much to the sorrow of the congregation. Through the years, their made up harmonies had grown louder and more dysfunctional; but no one had had the nerve to tell them otherwise. When the choir director decided to increase the volume of the organ in response, the sisters saw this as their cue to push even harder to be heard. Within a few years of this ongoing battle, the volume of the song service had reached almost unbearable proportions. Finally, Pastor John had been forced to step in and have the organist reduce her volume and allow the sisters to belt out their off key songs as they saw fit. The congregation was so used to the way the songs now sounded, that one eight year old boy, while visiting another church with his friend, didn’t recognize the songs at all, when he heard them sung in tune. Fortunately, the Martin sisters had become more subdued through the years, as their age and ailments had piled up. The newer members of the congregation seemed unfazed by the two elderly ladies and their theatrics, as they gathered to hear the latest message from the well-known preacher.

Nardic and Galdon stood guarding the doorways of each of the two aisles in the small church. Nardic smiled and gently shook his head, as the two Martin sisters proudly belted out their dysfunctional melody. Galdon frowned and looked over at Nardic, who immediately straightened in response and tried to regain his composure, knowing Galdon disapproved of any humor during an assignment. As the choir began the last verse, Kathy Martin decided to start dancing in place, while Marian marched in a circle and joined in with some excessive arm movements that had nothing to do with the words from the song. Nardic stifled a laugh; and he exchanged a secret smile with the young preacher’s daughter, Rosie. Galdon cleared his throat and glared at Nardic, who simply looked at him and shrugged. How was he supposed to keep a straight face when those two women put on such a show?

The entire room, along with those in the atrium, fellowship hall, and nearby warehouse, both spiritual and human, watched as Pastor John stood and wiped his brow with a handkerchief for the third time, while he looked out at his congregation. Several were trying not to wince as Kathy Martin tried for another note that didn’t exist and Marian attempted to match it with another note an octave lower, causing one small child in the front row to hold her hands over her ears. Pastor John was sweating profusely under his robe; and he again wished that the building committee would make some decisions on when to break ground on the new sanctuary. The current one was wrought with problems, including an air conditioner unit that was in bad need of replacement; and with the swelling crowds, the body heat quickly overcame the ailing air conditioner, as it chugged along trying to keep up. When the song ended, Pastor John pushed up his glasses, turned to thank the choir, and then stepped up to the pulpit.

“I love the way that song ends! It blesses my heart.”

In the second row, Pastor John’s father, Roger Miles, leaned over to his wife, Terry, and whispered, “It blessed us all for that song to end!” She punched him in his ribs and shielded her mouth to hide her smile, then tried to focus on what their son, Pastor John, was saying.

“I would like to do something a little different today,” Pastor John said and waited for everyone to perk up. He watched as a small wave of movement rippled through his flock; and several people even slid forward on their seats. Anticipation was added to the air of excitement to create an almost palpable silence; and no one dared to even shift in their seats for fear of missing a single word due to a squeaky pew. With the crowd nearly holding its breath, waiting for the most recent news, Pastor John wiped his face again and straightened his glasses.

“My heart is full this morning. The last few days have been somewhat unusual for our family. So much has occurred that I only know to address you all with the facts and share what we have just now learned ourselves.”

Not one noise could be heard except the preacher’s voice. Several people would later report that mothers were practically sitting on their own children to keep them from making a sound, because something new had happened and no one wanted to miss a single word. Listening to her son, Terry sat at her husband’s side and glanced over at the church busy body, Clara Burton, who was poised to memorize every morsel of information. Clara needed a new crusade to find her purpose among the newer members. She had already placed herself on every committee she could and given herself an unofficial title as Ambassador to the growing crowds.

“All of you know my daughter, Rosie.”

Several people nodded; and Clara congratulated herself for already noting Rosie was not sitting with her mom today. There was a small ripple of response; and Pastor John looked down to try to catch his breath before he continued. He knew he had a lot yet to tell them and wanted to get it right.

“You are all familiar with something that I say every week. I always start my sermon by telling you that I am here because of a gift, yet few of you know the double meaning behind those words.” Pastor John paused and looked at his notes, more to gain control of his emotions than to see the words written before him.

“Most of you have probably assumed that I have been alluding to the gift of salvation, which is partially correct; but it is not the full meaning. There has been another gift, one that I was aware of but never had the curiosity or the courage to know more about it.” Pastor John looked over at his wife, Lindsey, and then at his parents, who never missed a service and then at Lindsey’s parents, who had only started to come over the last few weeks. He wiped the corner of his eyes and tried again to regain his composure.

“I think it’s important for you all to know that what I am about to tell you all is a story that is still difficult for even me to believe.” He looked back at Rosie, sitting on the seat behind him. She and her mother looked so much alike, almost like sisters. The meaning behind that thought hit him hard; and then he broke down slightly and had to take a moment to gather himself so that he could continue.

Several women began to cry, as they watched their beloved pastor struggle to tell them something that was incredibly painful. Lindsey mouthed ‘I love you’ and wiped the tears from her own eyes as well. Besides their parents, she and Rosie were the only ones that knew all the details of what Pastor John was about to say; and she began to silently pray for strength for everyone involved. Galdon and Nardic began to glow from the added prayer and both instinctively spread their wings in response. Galdon moved into place behind the preacher and placed a hand on him to give him added strength, although the glow in his wings was not as bright as it should have been.

In response, Pastor John stood up straight and gained some control over his emotions as he continued, “I spent some time yesterday reviewing all of this with my family and well...I’m not sure how to say this, so I think it’s important for me to start at the beginning. Bear with me as I try to put this all together for you to understand.” The angels in the room and outside guarding the perimeter held their wings open, glowing and daring any demon to come near.

Lindsey looked up at her husband and smiled, as her mind began to drift back and remember how they had first met and how this journey had begun that led them all to this day.

Character is defined as: the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.

It takes a lot to stand strong in a world that pulls you in so many directions. Integrity, honesty, and strength all form a person's character. To lead a family as the male or to just be a man takes an incredible amount of good character in order to resist all of the temptations of the world.

I was fortunate to be raised by a man with incredible character. Anyone who knows my dad knows of his honesty, his integrity, and his strength. His character is strong and forthright. I was raised under that umbrella and taught right from wrong. I was taught to work hard and to be honest. Through his example and the loving guiding hand of my mom, I was raised in an unbelievably loving household.

I know how lucky I am.

I know how rare that is these days. I also know that God has seen to it to bless me once again with a man as my husband with that same incredible character. Anyone who knows my husband knows of his honesty, his integrity, and his strength. He is also an amazing husband and father. Happy Father's Day to all out there. 

I challenge all men to live up to the character of the ultimate father. When I think of Father's Day I also think of God. I think of his never ending touch on my life and his guidance and love and strength.

When you think of God, you need to remember

His honesty,
His integrity,
and
His strength. 

He is the ultimate example of good  character. The Bible says that He is love. When looking for an example of the best character, look to Jesus.

You will never be lead wrong.

So happy to announce that A Rose For Jonathan has won another award! This makes the third award for this book and I am more than humbled. Thank you to all who have encouraged me along the way!

The sequel, Quiver, is getting close to a release date...stay tuned!