God’s Golden Splendor and Awesome Majesty
God’s golden splendor is on display for all to see when autumn dresses the trees in glorious color. With the changing of the seasons from summer to autumn, God reveals His awesome power through the times of the year set in motion during Creation.
God’s Golden Splendor and Awesome Majesty
2MefromHim Devotional
Out of the north he comes in golden splendor; God comes in awesome majesty. Job 37:22
God’s golden splendor is on display for all to see when autumn dresses the trees in glorious color. With the changing of the seasons from summer to autumn, God reveals His awesome power through the times of the year set in motion during Creation.
Out of the north he comes in golden splendor; God comes in awesome majesty. Job 37:22 #Godislove #autumn #provision Share on XGod’s Golden Splendor Displays His Dominion
A recent trip to enjoy the colorful displays of fall reminded me anew of God’s dominion at a time when our world seems to spin out of control. The continuing COVID pandemic, the approach of elections, and the violence perpetrated on our cities discourage us. But we are not abandoned by God.
No accident of happenstance could create the clock-like regularity with which the seasons change. In Job 28:31-33, God asks, “Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades? Can you loosen Orion’s belt? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs? Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth?”
No accident of happenstance could create the clock-like regularity with which the seasons change. #seasons #Godisgood #grace Share on XGod’s Golden Splendor Reminds Us to Seek Him
The prophets refer to the seasons in rebuking people for their lack of understanding and obedience. Jeremiah 8:7 says, “Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But my people do not know the requirements of the Lord.” And Daniel provides timely insight when he says, “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”
Creation Reveals the Power and Nature of God
The splendor of autumn should draw our eyes and hearts toward God who reveals Himself in His glorious creation. Romans 1:20 tells us, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
Look to the displays of God’s never-ceasing love and control and rejoice that we are not left alone in a world gone mad. Though God’s judgment will come, often by causing His people to suffer along with those who do not know Him for a time, the change of seasons reminds us that we are never abandoned.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Psalm 96:9
Look to the displays of God’s never-ceasing love and control and rejoice that we are not left alone... #love #provision #autumn Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, October 12, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (released May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
Finding Shelter and Rest in Troubled Times
Finding shelter and rest is a delightful concept in the insanity of 2020. The latest news offers little hope for change in the near future.
Finding Shelter and Rest in Troubled Times
A 2MefromHim Devotional
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
Finding shelter and rest is a delightful concept in the insanity of 2020. The latest news offers little hope for change in the near future. We remain threatened by a pandemic and buffeted by violent attacks on our society. Quarantine holds us captive in our homes and destroys our economy, wildfires threaten much of the West.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 #shelter #rest #help Share on XFinding Shelter and Rest When You Feel Uncertain
In Psalm 91, God is portrayed as a shelter, refuge, fortress, shield and rampart for those who dwell in Him. He banishes fear from terror, pestilence, and plagues. However, these things are promised to those who dwell in the Most High. In other words, God reserves His choicest blessings for His children.
For example, when my husband was a child, he and his family toured a large cave. Afraid in the black, unfamiliar place, he grabbed his mother’s skirt and walked through the cave holding on tight. However, when they reached the outlet of the cave, he discovered he held onto the skirt of a stranger. His calm and sense of protection evaporated. He didn’t have a relationship with the woman. Therefore, the stranger couldn’t offer the comfort of his own mother. God desires an intimate relationship with His children.
God desires an intimate relationship with His children. #Godislove #relationships #hope Share on XConditions for Receiving God’s Help
Those who desire protection from God are to love Him, acknowledge His name, and call on Him. It’s easy to say we believe. Most people call on God or use His name when frightened or grieved. The question is, do we dwell with God as a child dwells with and depends on a parent?
We prove the depth of our relationship with God by how we live. Those who desire to receive from Him must stay in close relationship to Him and keep His commandments. In the New Testament, John 15 tells the believer to “abide” or “remain” in Christ, the true vine, and God is the gardener. Don’t expect blessings if you don’t love and obey God.
The question is, do we dwell with God as a child dwells with and depends on a parent? #Jesus #help #rescue Share on XFinding Shelter and Rest Requires Relationship
Likewise, in Matthew 7:9-12 Jesus offers an illustration of the close relationship between God and His children: “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Though the world is a strange and often unfamiliar place in these days of COVID and social unrest, God offers peace, protection, and unfailing rest to those who live in an intimate relationship with Him.
What will you choose?
God offers peace, protection, and unfailing rest to those who live in an intimate relationship with Him. #peace #protection #rest Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, August 22, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (released May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
The Ground Cries Out at the Shame of Men’s Hatred
The ground cries out at the shame of men’s hatred for their brothers. Since Cain killed Abel, men turn away from their loving Creator. When men hate, bitter roots grow around and around their souls, cutting off the flow of God’s love.
The Ground Cries Out at the Shame of Men’s Hatred
2MefromHim Devotionals
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15
The ground cries out at the shame of men’s hatred for their brothers. Since Cain killed Abel, men turn away from their loving Creator. When men hate, bitter roots grow around and around their souls, cutting off the flow of God’s love.
Like stones thrown into a sea of blood, man’s animosity and anger spiral in ever-widening circles through the centuries, drowning out all hope. Pain will curse the hearts of men as long as the sin of Cain turns brother against brother in hatred.
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15 #devotional #anger #hate Share on XGod Weeps for His World
Cain’s jealousy raged when God accepted his brother Abel’s offering but rejected his. It was not a matter of Cain’s offering being inferior but his heart attitude. He brought “some fruits” while Abel brought the best, “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flocks.”
God warned Cain about his unbridled anger: “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:6) But Cain ignored God’s offer of hope and lured Abel into the field where he and attacked and killed him. And the blood of Abel cried out to God from the ground for justice.
Deuteronomy 29:18 says, “Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.” When man’s god becomes anything other than his Creator, it poisons his soul with hate.
When man’s god becomes anything other than his Creator, it poisons his soul with hate. #Godisgood #violence #worship Share on XThe Ground Cries Out for Mercy and Justice
How applicable to our day when bitter men demand what others have, rather than working to achieve the same for themselves. Above all, God’s message to Cain was for man to deal with his anger by doing what is right in the eyes of God. Hate is conquered when men submit to God and allow His love to overcome their anger.
Who understands better than God’s own Son, Jesus, the victim of an angry mob? As His enemies nailed Him to the Cross, He offered forgiveness to all who accept His sacrifice by faith through grace.
The ground cries out for mercy and justice. And Jesus beckons, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
Respond to hate with God’s love.
Hate is conquered when men submit to God and allow His love to overcome their anger. #inspiraton #hope #Godislove Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, June 26, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
My Times Are in Your Hands, Therefore I Trust
“My times are in your hands…” All week, these words played through my mind to the tune of an old hymn. Peace comes with the knowledge that God is in control.
My Times Are in Your Hands, Therefore I Trust
2MefromHim Devotional
My times are in your hands… Psalm 31:15
“My times are in your hands…” All week, these words played through my mind to the tune of an old hymn by William F. Lloyd. Then I discovered a sermon by Charles Spurgeon by the same title. Peace comes with the knowledge that God is in control.
My faith sustains me when the world is filled with turmoil. COVID-19 and social unrest have our world in chaos. Natural disasters, fires, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes rob struggling people of all they possess. Where does your hope reside?
My faith sustains me when the world is filled with turmoil. #faith #hope #anxiety Share on XOur Times Cry for Hope
Psalm 31 reveals David crying out to God, his rock, refuge, and fortress, words that produce the sense of safety, a firm foundation in times of fear and distress. Spurgeon says, “If our lives were not appointed of heaven, we should wish they were. If there were no overruling Providence, we would crave for one.” I long for Jesus’ return because of promised peace.
Psalm 139:16 tells us, “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” I face the unknown with courage because I understand that God has a plan and purpose. Moses prayer, recorded in Psalm 90 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” True wisdom offers hope.
When the downtrodden cry out for justice and disease or disaster threaten, I am comforted by my hope in God. In the words of Job 23:10, “He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” This time of testing for the entire world provides new opportunities to share the source of our hope with those around us. Moreover, as Christians, we can thrive despite our circumstances because we understand God is in control.
I face the unknown with courage because I understand that God has a plan and purpose. #courage #purpose #Godisincontrol Share on XMy Times Are in God’s Hands
Corrie Ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” I know peace because all my days rest in the hands of a loving God. Likewise, never have Jesus’ words in John 10:27-29 resounded with such promise. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” I am safe even when the world around me spins out of control.
Do you have the certainty that your life rests in God’s hands?
I am safe even when the world around me spins out of control. #safety #control #fear Share on XMy Times Are in Your Hands
My times are in Thy hand;
My God, I wish them there;
My life, my friends, my soul I leave
Entirely to Thy care.
My times are in Thy hand;
Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to Thee.
My times are in Thy hand;
Why should I doubt or fear?
My Father’s hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.
My times are in Thy hand,
Jesus, the crucified!
Those hands my cruel sins had pierced
Are now my guard and guide.
My times are in Thy hand,
I’ll always trust in Thee;
And, after death, at Thy right hand
I shall forever be.
Hymn by William F. Lloyd
© Devotional by Norma Gail Holtman, June 14, 2020
My times are in your hands… Psalm 31:15 #Godislove #trust #faith Share on XAbout the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
Christmas Stroll – Within Golden Bands Out-takes Part Three
The Christmas Stroll in Albuquerque’s Old Town, there’s nothing quite like it! Christmas in June, anyone? This scene, cut from Within Golden Bands is typical New Mexico romance, the kind that makes me fall in love all over again.
Fabulous Fridays
Out-Takes from Within Golden Bands – Part Three
Christmas in June, anyone? For anyone who knows New Mexico, Old Town Albuquerque at Christmas conjures up essences of piñon smoke, glowing luminarias highlighting adobe walls, and red chili wreaths. This scene, cut from Within Golden Bands is typical New Mexico romance, the kind that makes me fall in love all over again. Join in as Bonny and Kieran experience all the beauty and wonder of Christmas in love.
Out-Takes comprise some of my favorite scenes from Within Golden Bands. The decision to remove them from the book was painful but necessary to move the action forward. I allude to these scenes in other ways but for me, they will always be part of the story. I see, smell, taste, and hear what my characters experience and they share it with me each year as I enjoy our home town at Christmas with my husband.
Christmas in June, anyone? Out-takes from Norma Gail's new book, Within Golden Bands #amwriting #authorlife #RomSus Share on XChapter One – Scene Three – The Old Town Christmas Stroll
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Anticipation
The evening was warm for December, even for Albuquerque.
Kieran scrunched sideways in the backseat of Dan’s Suburban so Bonny could lean against him as they headed to the Old Town Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Stroll. “Forty-five degrees in December. My parents would never believe it.”
“We could sightsee more if I wasn’t sick all the time.” Bonny burrowed deeper into his arms, a sure sign it wasn’t a complaint. “After the baby is born, we should come back so I can show you everything when I feel better. You’ll love Old Town. The Christmas Stroll is every bit as beautiful as on Christmas Eve.”
“New Mexico is the best place in the world at Christmas.” Kari turned in the front seat to face them. “You’ve only gone a few places, in spite of little hiking and no horseback riding. Did you enjoy Santa Fe, Kieran?”
“It was fun. The Shed has great food, though Bonny wasn’t hungry. The drive up North 14 is spectacular, and Madrid is one of the more unique towns I’ve ever seen.”
Dan laughed. “I think eclectic is the word you’re looking for.”
Kari thumped him on the shoulder. “What did Dr. Carson say about your nausea and weight loss, Bonny?”
“He had a name for it, hyperemesis gravidarum, meaning I lose my lunch so much I’m losing weight. More medication. Ugh. Some women end up hospitalized. But hopefully, I’ll improve. I hate to spend most of our honeymoon sick. The doctor’s concerned about the scar tissue and wants an ultrasound when we get home to assess any danger. Kieran called and set it up for right after New Year’s.”
The streetlights caught the gleam in his wife’s eyes and her slight smile begged for a kiss. Kieran drew her closer, but if he waited until they were home, he could do it right. They passed the hospital where he had once prayed for her to regain consciousness and live to marry him. The months, while she healed and decided between him and Adam, were a nightmare. Now, it all seemed insignificant.
The Christmas Tree
A thrill of excitement and anticipation throbbed in his heart, palpable in her jittering knees, turning head, and obvious eagerness to share this special time with him.
“You’ll love this, Kieran. The Christmas tree, the luminarias, dinner at La Placita, and a stroll around the plaza. There’s nothing better. Hurry, Dan. We don’t want to be late.”
“From the sound of it, I’ll be lucky to get you on a plane back to Scotland.” Kieran placed a finger under Bonny’s chin, turned her head, and searched her eyes for a response. Did she regret the permanence of her move to Scotland?
“I’m ready. It’s wonderful to have you all to myself, but I can’t wait to tell your parents about the baby. Besides, I need to learn to be a sheep farmer’s wife before I have to juggle farm duties with motherhood.” The quick response eased his concern a little.
Dan pulled into a parking space and stopped. Kieran stepped out first, offered Bonny his hand, and tucked her arm through his. “Lead the way, Mrs. MacDonell.”
“Hmm, smell the pinon smoke.” Dan and Kari fell in behind them. “Have you explained luminarias, carrot-top?” Dan teased.
“I’m a married lady, Danny-boy. Haven’t I outgrown my childhood nickname. And yes, I did.”
“Explained them?” Kieran looked back, laughing. “This determined woman made them in Beauly last Christmas at my parents’ house. I shoveled snow for her to set them out.” With her head against his arm, his heart expanded in gratitude. He sniffed the air, pungent with a plethora of unfamiliar odors. “People, lights, luminarias, music. I see why your eyes light up when you talk about it.”
“Honey, there’s the Christmas tree.” Bonny pointed and tugged on his arm. “Come on.” As Bonny dragged him through the crowd, the tree burst into brilliance as white lights revealed red and white ornaments of giant proportions.
It’s more than two stories tall. How many trees do they use? Within Golden Bands Out-takes #NewMexico #Christfic #amreading Share on X“It’s huge.” Kieran tilted his head back. “They really are entire trees put together to form one big tree. It’s more than two stories tall. How many trees do they use?”
“A hundred and fifty,” Bonny said proudly.
Kari smiled when she and Dan walked up. “You can close your mouth now, Kieran. Did she describe it well?”
“Yes, but I couldn’t imagine it.” His eyes flitted from one unfamiliar sight to another. The warm, golden radiance of the luminarias trailed along sidewalks, rooftops, and porch rails. The flickering lights bestowed a simple beauty on the ancient adobe buildings. “I’m amazed how something as simple as hundreds of small paper sacks with sand in the bottom and candles inside can produce such beauty.”
Bonny’s snaps hadn’t done justice to San Felipe de Neri, the old Catholic Church across the crowded street, so different from the stone cathedrals of his homeland. For more than 300 years, its majestic simplicity of adobe and white-painted wood had graced the north side of the plaza. In spite of throngs of people in the narrow blocked-off streets, the atmosphere was serene. Christmas songs emanated from the bandstand with a distinctive beat played on simple instruments, guitars, violins, and trumpets. “Tell me again what they call the music.”
“Mariachi.” She tugged him behind her, closer to the tree. “Take our picture, Dan. We need to send photos to Kieran’s parents. Isn’t it beautiful, honey?”
Reminiscence and Revelations
He nodded, filled with memories of last year when they performed “Silent Night” in Gaelic on Christmas Eve in Scotland. The unfamiliar Spanish was every bit as beautiful. Like tree lights illuminated with the flick of a switch, the answer to a question long agonized over became clear. Bonny refused his proposal and sent him home to Scotland because she craved the familiarity of home while she healed. Now, they stood amidst sights, sounds, and aromas as common to her as they were curious to him. The rugged mountains where she lived, chili, adobe, and the rustic wooden spires of the church meant to her what sheep, heathered hills, castles, and glacier-carved lochs were to him. Home. Given time, she had chosen to leave it all—for him.
The rugged mountains where she lived, chili, adobe, and the rustic wooden spires of the church—Home. #NEWRELEASE #BYNR #Christfic Share on XHis throat tightened and he pulled her into his arms despite the crowds. “You left all you’ve ever known to marry me. For the first time, I fathom your sacrifice—why you had to be so certain.”
With a soft moan, her arms slid around his neck and pulled him down to where her sweet, warm lips melded with his. “I gained much more than I gave up. You are my home now.”
Kari and Dan returned from the other side of the tree. Ever-sensitive Kari touched Bonny’s shoulder. “Dan and I will go on to La Placita. It looks as if you need a moment alone.”
Bonny’s eyes glimmered as bright as the lights on the tree. “Kieran just had a revelation. We’re fine.”
Arm in arm they strolled through the plaza, past the wooden bandstand festooned with white lights and red bows, where a group of carolers had replaced the mariachis. The culture surrounding them was as strange to him as Hogmanay and haggis were to her. Was he brave enough to do what this incredible woman had done?
The emotions surging through him were not the pride of victory over Adam, but humility because she chose him. He drew her out of the crowd, into the circle of light under an old-fashioned lamppost, gazing into eyes made greener by the dark forest hue of her coat.
“Kieran?” Cold fingers caressed his cheek. He caught her hand and massaged it. “What does that little smile mean?”
The crowds disappeared and he knelt, grasping the hand where his grandmother’s ruby sparkled amid the diamonds of her wedding band. “I’m the happiest man on earth. I will cherish and protect the gift of your love, mo chridhe, and never take it for granted.”
Only four more days until they boarded a plane for Scotland. Bonny had called it home, and her worries about the baby appeared to have given way to excitement. He almost skipped across the street to the luminaria-festooned restaurant.
Out-takes from novels live on in the heart of the author and provide backstory #amwriting #backstory #NEWRELEASE Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
