Beth Green's Blog - Posts Tagged "jesus"

Such a beautiful day to celebrate and rejoice! Here is something amazing that happened to us yesterday. We were down walking by the lake and admiring the sunset with all the amazing colors and how low the lake is right now. We knew a bald eagle had a nest nearby and out of nowhere, the eagle came across and attacked a hawk, then circled around us several times, hunting fish in the water and stretching its wings. I wish my phone could have captured it better; but we just stared at that beautiful creature as it soared above us. It reminded me of that Tim McGraw song Live Life Like You're Dying. Yesterday, we were able to just enjoy the majesty of God's creations in that lake and that beautiful bird. I hope you all have had a blessed day today and found a way to rejoice and reflect. Happy Easter and may the Lord bless you always.

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.

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

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!

Is God calling you?

Is God calling you
Can you hear it above the noise
Of your over busy lives
And your loud and noisy toys

Are you listening for His voice
Are you searching through His Word
Is there and open spirit in your heart
To give and to serve

Is your day too full to remember
When you were last on your knees in prayer
Did you know that while you were busy
He was waiting there

Is your home so full of trinkets
That you forget all that you have
Did you ever consider once
That someone else might need them instead

Is God's voice getting smaller
Do you even hear Him at all
Did you know that even though you may not know it
He is waiting for you to call

Have you gone down the wrong path
And think you drifted way to far
Did you know that it doesn't matter to Him
He will meet you where you are

Don't wait a moment longer
Don't miss the blessings He has for you
He's already paid the price
For every sin you still might do

Give in to the smallest sound
Of God's love and his call
He is waiting, loving, watching
And His Son paid it all.

How are you dressed today?

Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

As I stand each morning before my closet and try to decide what to wear, many times I'm challenged and burdened with trying to find that perfect outfit for the day. I don't know if you're like me, but I go through several outfits before I decide what to wear. I usually check the weather forecast and balance that against what my activities for the day will be. A lot of thought usually goes into my choice.

As I read this verse today, it occurred to me that we should be working just as hard to spiritually clothe ourselves for the day. I wonder what our world look like if we truly clothed ourselves in compassion…kindness…humility…gentleness…and patience.

The world would most definitely notice…

Compassion: Do you like the feeling of compassion? Many do but some don’t. Maybe for you, compassion is more difficult. Is there someone in your life that could use some compassion?

Kindness: What about kindness? It’s easy to grant this to those we love; but what about to strangers? Those in need around you? Is there someone you know who is struggling and could use a kind word or act?

Humility: I think this is difficult for us all. Satan loves Pride. In my novels, I try to highlight that as much as possible. There is something so seductive about ourselves that it’s hard to deny ourselves for someone else. How can you display humility? Is there someone you need to forgive?

Gentleness: Are you too harsh with those you love? Sometimes I am. I want to be known to be more gentle. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Sometimes I expect or ask too much of those closest to me when they need more gentle responses.

Patience: I think I struggle here so much. In our day of instant everything, we have lost the art of waiting. Sometimes it might be the waitress who is having trouble handling the large number of tables when you’re in a hurry. Or the old man in front of you in traffic. It could be as simple as a slow internet connection that sends you over the edge.

Are you honoring God in all you do?

Take some time to review these attributes in your life and see if you are truly “clothed” in them every day.

Three awards and counting!

A Rose For Jonathan has now been honored three times:

Winner of the New Apple Book Award for Independent Publishing (Religion category)

National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEA) Finalist

Readers' Favorite Book Award Contest Bronze Medalist (Religion category)

Just wanted to post something a little late about December 7.

I know everyone probably realized that it was the anniversary of the attack at Pearl Harbor—especially since most of the media did stories about it.
As the child of a military father, I grew up living a life of moving frequently and being among other military families quite often. We lived on base at different times as well.

Although I have never seen war first hand and hope that I never do, I am very respectful of those who serve and have served. The closest I ever came to experiencing tragedy was as a child living on base...

It was well known that if you saw the generals' car and the chaplains' car following each other that they were going to deliver bad news to someone. I remember distinctly one afternoon several of my friends and I were playing in my yard when we all noticed the generals' car and the chaplains' car turn onto our road. You have to remember that our fathers were all gone much of the time on various missions, even in peaceful times. I breathed a small sigh relief because I knew that my dad was in town at the time; but there was still a possibility of an accident.

I will never forget standing there with my friends, each one of us watching in total silence as the cars moved slowly down the street. I remember feeling my heart pounding in my chest as I prayed that they would not stop at our house; but in my heart, I also knew that this would hurt us regardless of where they went, because the families on that base were very close.

It seemed like time stood still as the cars moved toward us. Each of us held our breath and continued to watch and pray. As the cars drew near, one woman walked out of the house next door to ours and she began to cry. I will never forget the look on her face when the cars passed our homes. It was a look of both relief and fear.

Just as we were beginning to realize that our families were safe, the cars stopped two doors down from where I lived and I heard something that sounded like an animal screeching. That was when I noticed the woman from that home dropping to her knees, crumpled in a ball in her yard while several other women from other homes ran to help her. My mom came outside and immediately assessed what had happened. She rushed over to the home and grabbed the small three year old boy in the yard, who was now crying hysterically as the general stepped out of his car and walked slowly toward the grieving woman.

No words were spoken for several seconds and I stood watching the scene unfold like something from a movie. Time continued to drag and I remember my mom carrying the young toddler into our home, where we kept him until late that night. Our friend, neighbor, co-worker, husband, and father was dead—killed in a strange accident over in England during a training exercise.

It was a dark and terrible week and I will never forget it as long as I live. My father served several tours in Vietnam. He saw things he didn’t speak of for years.

I will forever stand during the National Anthem. I will never disrespect the flag. I will never burn this emblem or dishonor anyone who served.

I understand that the Constitution gives us the right to do things like sit during an anthem or burn a flag. Because of that freedom, the people who feel the need to do such things are protected and allowed to do them.

As for me and my house, we will stand.

You can do as you wish.

God Bless America.