Holly Michael's Writing Straight

~ Connecting and Inspiring Along Life's Crooked Lines by Author Holly Michael

Holly Michael's Writing Straight

Tag Archives: Kansas City

Looking Back…Looking Forward – Amazing Life

16 Monday Mar 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in Betsy Byrne, Books, Christianity, Crooked Lines, Diabetes, Family, First and Goal, Football, Jake Byrne, Nick Byrne, tsunami 2004

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

Author, Author Jake Byrne, Betsy Byrne, Bishop Leo Michael, Crooked Lines, Dallas, Dreams, Emma Erickson, First and Goal, First and Goal What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up, future, God, God's Plan For You, Harvest House, Holly Michael, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Jake Byrne, Kansas City, Leo Michael, NFL, Nick Byrne, Novel, plans, Psalm 16:3, Psalm 31, Psalm 37:4-6, St James Anglican, tsunami 2004, type 1, type 1 diabetes, Type One Diabetes, Type Won, www.typewon.net

Hi Friends,

If you visited my blog about two years ago, you might have read the post about my son Jake, a type one diabetic entering into the NFL draft. At the same time, I was working toward my dream of becoming a novelist. (NFL Aspirations and novelists dreams: Follow the Fairytales as they come true.)

I’m reposting the text of the blog below and then giving an update because I’m simply amazed at how you can make life plans…then hope, dream, and pray, and then look back and smile, knowing that even if everything didn’t go exactly as planned, it went the way it was supposed to go. Life is amazing!

Here’s the blog post, then below that, an update and reflection:

I don’t remember the dream, only the worried face that popped into it. Jake. My four-year-old. Why was his face in my dream? Minutes later, a tap on my shoulder woke me.

“Had a bad dream, Mom,” Jake said.

I lifted the covers, pulled Jake close, and kissed the top of his head, amazed at this strange connection that allowed my son’s fears to travel from his dreams into mine.

Mom’s have connections like that with their children. Sometimes a prickle of worry regarding one of my kids will flash in my mind like a sudden rainstorm pocking up a calm lake. I stop, drop, and pray. Most times, I discover those feelings were on the mark, and my child needed prayers in that moment.

photoaJake had dreams of becoming an NFL player. What little boy doesn’t? Then as a sophomore in high school, he was diagnosed with type one diabetes. Jake refused to accept it as an obstacle. He wanted to play football on a college scholarship. He pushed himself hard: extra workouts, more discipline, never missing a practice. Jake gave his diabetes and his football dreams to God.

“Maybe God want’s me to have diabetes for a greater purpose,” Jake often expressed.

For the last last four years I’ve watched Jake start as a tight end for the Wisconsin Badgers. (Jake Byrne #82) Now, Jake has an agent and a good shot at the NFL.

Like my son, I proclaimed lofty dreams when I was a child. I wanted to be a novelist. I held onto that goal, learning and improving my writing skills in spite of rejection letters and self-doubt obstacles along my path toward publication. Now, an agent is reading my novel.

Jake and I aren’t sitting back, biting our nails as we wait for our dreams to happen. I’m working on my second book, blogging, and preparing to become a novelist. Jake’s preparing for the NFL draft.

If a boy with type I diabetes can work hard and become an NFL player, then his mom can be a novelist. Lofty goals? Fairytales? NFL player and Novelist. Sometimes we just know what we want and with God’s blessing, hard work, a little God-given talent, and support from others, it can happen.

Mother and child connections. Funny we’re both, at the same time, standing at the cusp of our dreams becoming reality, ready to wake up and be the people we were meant to be.

AND NOW, two years later, here are the updates:

20130925-153506.jpgJake: Type 1 diabetic since the age of fourteen, has since been proactive combating the disease and mentoring diabetic youth. After playing four years for the University of Wisconsin as a tight end, he went on to compete in the NFL. Originally an undrafted free agent who signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2012, he has also been a Houston Texan, Kansas City Chief, and San Diego Charger. And he got engaged at Christmas to a lovely, wonderful girl. I welcome Emma Erickson into the family with a great big hug and lots of love!

IMG_9471

Jake is moving forward with new goals and plans: Marriage plans and starting a foundation TYPE WON to help and encourage diabetic youth. He just moved to Dallas and is starting a new job with a PR/Marketing Firm.

hollyHolly: Indie published one novel, Crooked Lines, and have two more to be released this year. Also, after following up from a mission trip after the 2004 Tsunami, indie published a non-fiction book: Tsunami 2004: Still Wading through Waves of Hope.

As a hybrid author-traditional and indie published, I now write write fiction and nonfiction, on a slightly different path than I imagined two years ago. But loving my writing life (fiction and nonfiction) and looking forward to my 2015 book releases and 2016, too!

photo (79)Together: Our “mother-son connections” have brought us a book contract with Harvest House Publishers, due for a release date Early August: First and Goal – What football taught me about never giving up. We are so excited about this devotional and very grateful to Kim Moore, Senior Editor, who had faith in this project and who has been a joy to work with.

The rest of the family is doing great. My husband, Bishop Leo Michael, continues his work as an anglican pastor/bishop. (St. James Anglican Church, Kansas City)

Youngest son, Nick, plays football for the Ragin’ Cajuns at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. (Jake, above, supporting his team and wearing one of his shirts – holding our book contact).

1908477_10203058282048200_7841013063728876238_nAnd daughter Betsy is studying for her Masters and working as a teaching assistant at the University of Louisiana – Lafayette.  All three cuties to the left. Ahh…as a mom, I love that these three are best friends.

Reflection: Looking back, I’m amazed at how far we all have come since that post, two years ago. There have been rough moments. Ups and downs. Times when we didn’t know what was next. Jake was cut and picked up, again and again…even brought back to the same team again. I’ve had my own moments of doubt and worry. But, through our moments of uncertainty, we commit our plans to the Lord. Looking back, we can see God’s Hand has been in our lives in amazing ways. He is good. He is faithful. Always.

god__s_direction___facebook_cover_by_attractivelynerdly-d5nv3a7

During moments of doubt and insecurity, pray. Ask the Creator to show us the way. We are His creation and He knows us best and what is best for us.

Looking back or forward, Psalms 31 says it all:

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.

Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.

Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.

Into your hands I commit my spirit;
deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.

Who wouldn’t want to be led by a Greater Power, the Creator and Source of Life and Love. Looking forward, here’s some advice from Psalms 37:4-6:

Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.

Simple but profound bit of wisdom. We can never go wrong by committing our life and plans to God.

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Psalms 16:3

I may not blog too much in the next few months as I’m in the middle of several writing projects, including a few non-fiction book proposals and finishing three novels…committing it all to the LORD. Will see where He leads us all next. I’m not sure of anything, but only that life is an amazing and wonderful ride with Jesus at the wheel.

Would love if you’d click over and “like” Jake’s TYPE WON Facebook page. While there, would you please subscribe to his mailing list by clicking on the “subscribe” link.

Thanks a bunch!

Looking back, how has your life changed in the last two years? Hopefully, even through the rough times, you’ve moved forward on the path toward your plans, hopes, and dreams. Hopefully, you’ve seen the hand of God in your life. Need direction? Got worries? Let me know. I’d be happy to pray for you.

10999505_10155288525850635_6476870574761653437_nOh, and one more bit of news from me. My novel, CROOKED LINES, is on sale for .99 CENTS this week.

 

 

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

MARANATHA! FIRST ANNUAL BOOKFEST IN KANSAS CITY

15 Friday Aug 2014

Posted by Holly Michael in Books

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Book Festival, Christian books, Christian Fiction, Christian Nonfiction, Clean Reads, Kansas City, Maranatha BookFest

Christian Authors and Readers, please go to this site and forward and tweet to your friends. Authors: If you can’t attend, consider donating books for free reviews. Readers: Please check out the site and tweet and share on Facebook.  It’ll be a great event!

MARANATHA! FIRST ANNUAL BOOKFEST IN KANSAS CITY.

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Video

Baptism: Praise God from whom all blessings flow…

29 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Christianity, Holy Catholic Church - Anglican Rite, Inspiration, Photography

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Baptism, Bishop Leo Michael, Casper, Church of the Holy Family, Faith, family, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Jesus, Kansas City, One Lord One Baptism, Rev. Bill Brummett, Savior, St. James Anglican Church, traditional faith, Wyoming

This short clip is so completely adorable! Sweet! Beautiful photos!! Great job at putting it together, Bishop Leo Michael! Love it!

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Doing the right things according to God and if not….

29 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Christianity, Holy Catholic Church - Anglican Rite, Inspiration

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

1 corinthians 10, 1 corinthians 10:1-13, Bishop Leo Michael, doing what is right according to God, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Homily, Kansas City, Ninth Sunday After Trinity, Sermon, St. James Anglican Church

At St. James, this Ninth Sunday after Trinity. Bishop Leo Michael’s sermon on 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. Warnings from the past. Doing what is right by God and what if we don’t… Thought provoking.

 

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Video

There is Wideness in God’s Mercy…

15 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in To His Glory

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Bishop Leo Michael, HCCAR, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Kansas City, Neena Hartshorn, St. James Anglican Church, There's A Wideness in God's Mercy

Lovely song, sung by church member, Neena Hartshorn. The beautiful scenery was video my husband shot in Estes Park, Colorado. He put the song with the video. Very nice. Moving lyrics, too.

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

St. Patrick’s Breastplate

17 Sunday Mar 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Christianity

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

1940 Hymnal, Anglicanism, Bishop Leo Michael, Blog, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Holy Mass, Hymn #268, I bind unto myself, Kansas City, Kansas City Missouri, Saint, Saint Patrick, Saint Patrick's Breastplate, St Patrick, St. James Anglican Church, St. Patricks' Breastplate

This Gaelic poem is attributed to St. Patrick. Sang in our church, St. James Anglican Church, Kansas City, Missouri. (from the 1940 Hymnal)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMvQUClBtvo&sns=em

Saint_Patrick_(window)

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Climbing and Reaching New Heights

21 Monday Jan 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Blank Pages, Books, Crooked Lines, Family, Football, Inspiration, Jake Byrne

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

Bishop Leo Michael, Blank Pages, Blog, Boulder, Boulder Colorado, Charleston, Charleston South Carolina, Colorado, football, Holly Michael, Houston Texans, Jake Byrne, Kansas City, Laura Gilbert, Leo Michael, Mark Gilbert, NFL, Nick Byrne, Novels, photography, scenes in novels, South Carolina, University of Louisiana-Lafeyette, Writing, writing goals, www.writingstraight.com

Caught up in the busyness of all that encompasses my life, I haven’t blogged much lately. Ministry situations keep my husband (Bishop Leo Michael) and I busy, writing has kept me occupied, but sometimes we grab fun time, too, especially when family and friends visit. Had a great time over the holidays with the kids. (all back in college now.)

Note to self: Don’t take your adult children to toy stores.

ph

In his off-season with the Houston Texans, Jake (left) will finish his classes at the University of Wisconsin and graduate this spring. Congratulations on signing for next season, Jake! And congratulations to Nick (right) on his football scholarship to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. (He began this semester). Betsy is back in the US and has returned to college, too.

Speaking of family visits, last week my brother Mark and my lovely sister-in-law Laura, visited from Wisconsin. We had a blast showing them around Kansas City.

Ate barbecue at the famous Arthur Bryants

arthur

Visited the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Could spend days there! Below Mark and Laura playing outside the museum:marklaurie

Also visited the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, where we crossed over a glass bridge with 9000 poppies underneath, each one representing 1000 lives lost in WWI. (Total of nine million).

poppywalk1

topofkc

After wandering around the museum, we climbed steps to the top of Liberty Memorial Tower, where we took in a lovely view of Kansas City.

Now, I’m settling into some serious writing. Like climbing the stairs to the top of that tower to find spectacular views, writing takes focus and forcing myself, each day, to take the next step toward writing goals, which I’ve set high for 2013. (below my photo from Boulder, Colorado).

bouldersteps

Now, I’m doing rewrites on two novels, while working toward a solid first draft of my latest novel, Blank Pages. This new novel takes the main character, Anna, from a low place in the low country of Charleston, South Carolina to lofty Boulder, Colorado.

Blank Pages begins with Anna taking this photograph, lying on a Charleston boardwalk near her home:

piersc1

I love that my photos from places I visited during ministry tips last year became inspiration for this year’s novel!

Back to the novel:

An address found behind photos in a locket, dropped on the church floor by a dying man, leads Anna to Boulder (photos by me): boulderblog1

boulderblog3

boulderblogboulderhughThe novel, Blank Pages, is a difficult journey of discovery and self-awareness. It’s about relationships and finding out the truth about family, friends, and new loves.

Hoping by spring, all of us will have climbed a little higher toward our 2013 goals and can stand on the mountaintop and breathe in success. Now, back to Anna and chapter three.

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Christmas Challenge: Romans, Day 16 – Last Chapter! – MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

24 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by Holly Michael in 16 Chapters to Christmas, Christianity

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

And God, And God our source of peace will soon crush satan under your feet, Anglican, Anglicanism, Anglo-Catholic, Anglo-Catholicism, Bishop Leo Michael, Blog, Christmas, Christmas Challenge, Deacon Alfred Sturges, God, Greetings, HCCAR, Holly Michael, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Kansas City, Last Chapter of Romans, O Holy Night, our source of peace, reflection, Romans, Romans 16, Saint James Anglican Church, Saint Paul, Savior, St. James Anglican Church, St. Paul, St. Paul's letters, www.writingstraight.com

I’m a bit sad that this is the last chapter of Romans, but pretty excited about Christmas! Thank you Deacon Alfred Sturges for presenting this Christmas Challenge. I have enjoyed reading and contemplating on each chapter of Paul to the Romans and I can truly say that it has prepared my heart for Christmas. Incredible wisdom. Merry Christmas to all and thank you for following. In honor of St. Paul, here’s a stained glass window (St. Paul) from our church, St. Jame’s Anglican, where my husband serves as bishop and rector, followed by the last chapter and a short reflection:stpauls

Romans 16

Good News Translation (GNT)

Personal Greetings

16 I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who serves the church at Cenchreae. 2 Receive her in the Lord’s name, as God’s people should, and give her any help she may need from you; for she herself has been a good friend to many people and also to me.

3 I send greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in the service of Christ Jesus; 4 they risked their lives for me. I am grateful to them—not only I, but all the Gentile churches as well.5 Greetings also to the church that meets in their house.

Greetings to my dear friend Epaenetus, who was the first in the province of Asia to believe in Christ.6 Greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for you. 7 Greetings also to Andronicus and Junia, fellow Jews who were in prison with me; they are well known among the apostles, and they became Christians before I did.

8 My greetings to Ampliatus, my dear friend in the fellowship of the Lord. 9 Greetings also to Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ’s service, and to Stachys, my dear friend. 10 Greetings to Apelles, whose loyalty to Christ has been proved. Greetings to those who belong to the family of Aristobulus.11 Greetings to Herodion, a fellow Jew, and to the Christians in the family of Narcissus.

12 My greetings to Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who work in the Lord’s service, and to my dear friend Persis, who has done so much work for the Lord. 13 I send greetings to Rufus, that outstanding worker in the Lord’s service, and to his mother, who has always treated me like a son. 14 My greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and all the other Christians with them. 15 Greetings to Philologus and Julia, to Nereus and his sister, to Olympas and to all of God’s people who are with them.

16 Greet one another with the kiss of peace. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.

stpaull

Final Instructions

17 I urge you, my friends: watch out for those who cause divisions and upset people’s faith and go against the teaching which you have received. Keep away from them! 18 For those who do such things are not serving Christ our Lord, but their own appetites. By their fine words and flattering speech they deceive innocent people. 19 Everyone has heard of your loyalty to the gospel, and for this reason I am happy about you. I want you to be wise about what is good, but innocent in what is evil. 20 And God, our source of peace, will soon crush Satan under your feet.

romans16

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you his greetings; and so do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, fellow Jews.

22 I, Tertius, the writer of this letter, send you Christian greetings.

23 My host Gaius, in whose house the church meets, sends you his greetings; Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. 24 

Concluding Prayer of Praise

25 Let us give glory to God! He is able to make you stand firm in your faith, according to the Good News I preach about Jesus Christ and according to the revelation of the secret truth which was hidden for long ages in the past. 26 Now, however, that truth has been brought out into the open through the writings of the prophets; and by the command of the eternal God it is made known to all nations, so that all may believe and obey.

paulwriting

27 To the only God, who alone is all-wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever! Amen.

romans16.25

What more can be said, but the last line: To the only God, who is all-wise, be glory through Jesus Christ, forever! Amen! Alleluia! Merry Christmas and God bless us, everyone!

But wait, there’s more! Here’s a lovely Christmas song for you, my favorite! O Holy, Night. Merry Christmas to you and yours from Bishop Leo and Holly Michael, and Jake, Betsy and Nick!

 

 

 

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Christmas Challenge: Romans, Day 15

23 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by Holly Michael in 16 Chapters to Christmas, Christianity

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Accept one another then just as Christ accepted you in order to bring praise to God., Anglican Church, Anglicanism, Anglo-Catholic, Anglo-Catholicism, Bishop Leo Michael, Blog, Christmas, Christmas Challenge, HCCAR, Holly Michael, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Kansas City, Merry Christmas, Paul, Paul visits Rome, Pauls letters to the Romans, Romans 15, St. James Anglican Church, Stained glass

Almost finished with Romans. Thanks for coming along on this Christmas Challenge, journeying into Paul’s letters to the Romans. Christmas eve is tomorrow and I can’t wait until the Christmas Midnight Mass! And Lessons and Carols in our Anglican tradition.

Here’s one of our beautiful stained glass windows at our cathedral, St. James Anglican Church (Holy Catholic Church, Anglican Rite) in Kansas City, where my husband serves as Bishop and rector (consider this my Christmas card to all of you wonderful blog followers.) Merry Christmas and God Bless you!

stainedglasswindow

 

Romans 15

 

New International Version (NIV)

15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

friendupliftthesoul

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

romans 15.5.6

7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Romans 15.78 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing the praises of your name.”

10 Again, it says, 

“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”

 

11 And again, 

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; 

let all the peoples extol him.”

 

12 And again, Isaiah says, 

“The Root of Jesse will spring up, 

one who will arise to rule over the nations;

in him the Gentiles will hope.”

 

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

romansmc

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. 15 Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Romans15_16

17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.

18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. 21 Rather, as it is written:

“Those who were not told about him will see,
and those who have not heard will understand.”

22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.

Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome

23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain.

illyricum-01I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, 32 so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

 

romans 32What a beautiful chapter. Paul encourages Christians to uphold and love one another, so that we may all glorify God the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Then he speaks of his confidence in the gentiles, and of his upcoming journeys, asking for prayers. You can really feel the voice of Paul in this, and the love he has for followers of Christ.

Merry Christmas to all! May we uphold one another in love and prayers as we journey on this earth until we reach our permanent home in Heaven. Glory to God in the Highest! And Peace to His People on Earth!

 

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Christmas Challenge: Romans, Day 1

09 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by Holly Michael in 16 Chapters to Christmas, Christianity

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

1928 Book of Common Prayer, Alfred Sturges, Anglicanism, Anglo-Catholicism, Bible, Bishop Leo Michael, Blog, Challenge, Collect, Colorado, Confessions, Deacon Alfred Sturges, DHTGP, Diocese of Holy Trinity and Great Plains, Epistle, God, Greeley, HCCAR, Holly Michael, Holy BIble, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Jesus Christ, Kansas City, Missouri, Romans, Romans Chapter 1, Scripture, St. Augustine, St. Gabriels' Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, St. James Anglican Church, St. Paul, St. Paul's Letters to the Romans, Sunday, Traditional Anglican, Traditional Episcopal, www.writingstraight.com

Who doesn’t love a beautiful, heart wrenching, story, rich with poetic imagery, deep emotion, love, and even a happy ending? I was enraptured by one such reflection today during the sermon at Holy Mass; The words of St. Augustine, regarding his conversion, from The Confessions of St. Augustine.

confess

This powerful, heartfelt reflection concluded with a child leading the way. As a writer, lover of The Word, and of words, I was enraptured by St. Augustine’s own account of his conversion. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too.

After posting the word’s of St. Augustine below, I’ll explain the challenge from one of our Deacons, Deacon Alfred Sturges. I’m hoping you’ll join me in the challenge, after reading St. Augustine’s words:

I came to Carthage, where a caldron of unholy loves was seething and bubbling all around me. I was not in love as yet, but I was in love with love; and, from a hidden hunger, I hated myself for not feeling more intensely a sense of hunger. I was looking for something to love, for I was in love with loving, and I hated security and a smooth way, free from snares. Within me I had a dearth of that inner food which is thyself, my God–although that dearth caused me no hunger. And I remained without any appetite for incorruptible food–not because I was already filled with it, but because the emptier I became the more I loathed it. Because of this my soul was unhealthy; and, full of sores, it exuded itself forth, itching to be scratched by scraping on the things of the senses. Yet, had these things no soul, they would certainly not inspire our love. To love and to be loved was sweet to me, and all the more when I gained the enjoyment of the body of the person I loved. Thus I polluted the spring of friendship with the filth of concupiscence and I dimmed its luster with the slime of lust. Yet, foul and unclean as I was, I still craved, in excessive vanity, to be thought elegant and urbane. And I did fall precipitately into the love I was longing for. My God, my mercy, with how much bitterness didst thou, out of thy infinite goodness, flavor that sweetness for me! For I was not only beloved but also I secretly reached the climax of enjoyment; and yet I was joyfully bound with troublesome tics, so that I could be scourged with the burning iron rods of jealousy, suspicion, fear, anger, and strife.  From: Augustine, Account of His Own Conversion.

augustine-of-hippo

Continuing with Augustine’s confession and how a child’s chant changed everything…

… 28. Now when deep reflection had drawn up out of the secret depths of my soul all my misery and had heaped it up before the sight of my heart, there arose a mighty storm, accompanied by a mighty rain of tears. That I might give way fully to my tears and lamentations, I stole away from Alypius, for it seemed to me that solitude was more appropriate for the business of weeping. I went far enough away that I could feel that even his presence was no restraint upon me. This was the way I felt at the time, and he realized it. I suppose I had said something before I started up and he noticed that the sound of my voice was choked with weeping. And so he stayed alone, where we had been sitting together, greatly astonished. I flung myself down under a fig tree — how I know not — and gave free course to my tears. The streams of my eyes gushed out an acceptable sacrifice to thee. And, not indeed in these words, but to this effect, I cried to thee: “And thou, O Lord, how long? How long, O Lord? Wilt thou be angry forever? Oh, remember not against us our former iniquities.”[259] For I felt that I was still enthralled by them. I sent up these sorrowful cries: “How long, how long? Tomorrow and tomorrow? Why not now? Why not this very hour make an end to my uncleanness?” 29. I was saying these things and weeping in the most bitter contrition of my heart, when suddenly I heard the voice of a boy or a girl I know not which — coming from the neighboring house, chanting over and over again, “Pick it up, read it; pick it up, read it.”

[260] Immediately I ceased weeping and began most earnestly to think whether it was usual for children in some kind of game to sing such a song, but I could not remember ever having heard the like. So, damming the torrent of my tears, I got to my feet, for I could not but think that this was a divine command to open the Bible and read the first passage I should light upon. … So I quickly returned to the bench where Alypius was sitting, for there I had put down the apostle’s book when I had left there. I snatched it up, opened it, and in silence read the paragraph on which my eyes first fell: “Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying, but put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof.”[263] I wanted to read no further, nor did I need to. For instantly, as the sentence ended, there was infused in my heart something like the light of full certainty and all the gloom of doubt vanished away.[264]. From: St. Augustine’s Confessions

During the sermon at St. James Anglican Church today, Bishop Leo Michael explained that St. Augustine read the words from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans and converted. Prior to St. Augustine’s conversion it’s said that he practiced, “loose living, which included parties, entertainment, and worldly ambitions.”

And now the CHALLENGE: challenge

Bishop Michael also spoke about taking up a challenge given by Deacon Alfred Sturges to his congregation at our church, St. Gabriel’s Holy Catholic Church, Anglican Rite in Greeley, Colorado. The challenge is to read the book of Romans. (One chapter a day for 16 days, now to Christmas.) I accepted the challenge and am going to push myself further by posting each chapter, each day, on my blog, until Christmas, along with my very short reflection. So, you’re welcome to join me in this challenge and journey. I pray the Lord converts all of our hearts, as He converted St. Augustine’s heart.

Now, today being the second Sunday in Advent and Holy Scripture Sunday, I’ll post THE COLLECT (a short prayer, assigned to a particular day or season, offered by the priest, to the Lord, on the behalf of the people): Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 

And now, here’s the first chapter of Romans, from the KJV Bible:

biblePaul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

word_challenge_faqAnd now my short short reflection. (Disclaimer: I’m not the theologian in the family. That’d be my husband, Bishop Leo Michael).

In this chapter, I “hear” the love Paul has for Jesus Christ, and for the Romans, but he gives a warning to those who supposedly “know” God, but don’t glorify God, and are not thankful to God. He says God basically says, “I’m done with you people.” Then God gives people up to their sinful practices. The big message in this for me is that if we don’t stay thankful, humble, and continue to worship God, he leaves us alone to our devices. For me, I am nothing without God. All the good in me comes from God. I can’t write my books, I can’t have healthy relationships, I basically can’t function without the Spirit of God guiding me. It’s a sobering message that this could all be taken away, if I don’t follow Christ as He commands. What do you take from the first chapter of Romans? See you tomorrow!

Share this:

  • Email
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts

Scan to purchase Crooked Lines

QR Code
Get your e-book signed by Holly Michael

Pages

  • About
  • CROOKED LINES, A NOVEL by Holly Michael
  • SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER. WHY NOT?

Holly Michael

Top Posts & Pages

  • Battling with a Porn Star
  • NYT Best Selling Author Don Piper is coming to speak to us! "90 Minutes in Heaven" is an Amazing Story!

Categories

  • 16 Chapters to Christmas
  • A to Z Challenge
  • Advent
  • Award
  • Best Web Sites for Writers
  • Betsy Byrne
  • Blank Pages
  • Book Marketing
  • Books
  • Christianity
  • Christmas
  • Crooked Lines
  • Diabetes
  • Family
  • First and Goal
  • Football
  • Guest Author
  • Guest Blogger
  • Guest Blogging
  • Holly Michael's New Releases
  • Holy Catholic Church – Anglican Rite
  • India
  • India's Crown
  • Inspiration
  • Jake Byrne
  • Journeys: In Writing and Life
  • kim moore
  • Kyani
  • Monday's Connections
  • Nick Byrne
  • Photography
  • Prayer Request
  • Prayers Needed
  • Social Media Information
  • To His Glory
  • Travel
  • tsunami 2004
  • type 1 diabetes
  • type one
  • type one diabetes
  • type won
  • Weekly Book Review
  • Writing

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 4,557 other followers

Facebook Author Page

Facebook Author Page

Subscribe

RSS Feed RSS - Posts

RSS Feed RSS - Comments

Facebook

Holly Michael

Create Your Badge

Holly Michael

  • Hi, neighbor 👋! Want to learn more about the latest market trends 📈, real estate developments 🏡, and lifestyle ins… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 10 months ago
  • Hi, neighbor 👋! Want to learn more about the latest market trends 📈, real estate developments 🏡, and lifestyle ins… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 10 months ago
  • Hi, neighbor 👋! Want to learn more about the latest market trends 📈, real estate developments 🏡, and lifestyle ins… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 10 months ago
  • facebook.com/story.php?stor… 1 year ago
  • Cant believe it’s been this long...In 2004, Leo Michael and I were in South India immediately following the tsunami… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 1 year ago
Follow @hollymichael


Get Follow Me Buttons

Me

Holly Michael

Holly Michael

Done this: Regular freelance ghostwriter and online editor for Guideposts for Teens/Sweet 16 Magazine, creator/editor of a magazine for Wal-Mart Corp., journalist, newspaper features writer, published in a variety of national magazines and local newspapers, script writing/editing for corporations. Doing this now: author of fiction and nonfiction, blogger, and editor of Koinonia Magazine. I’m the wife of Rt. Rev. Leo Michael, an Anglican Bishop in the Holy Catholic Church-Anglican Rite. Mom to three great kids: Nick (#81 Rajin Cajuns), Betsy (Super cute professor) and Jake (T1D & NFL player) Also, enjoy my travels extensively across the United States and internationally.

View Full Profile →

Reviews from Goodreads.com

Goodreads

Blogroll

  • Discuss
  • Get Inspired
  • Get Polling
  • Get Support
  • Kristen Lamb's Blog
  • Learn WordPress.com
  • Rasana Atreya
  • Rich Maffeo
  • The Bookshelf Muse
  • WordPress Planet
  • WordPress.com News
January 2021
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  
« Dec    

Blog Stats

  • 73,399 hits

ACFW


American Christian Fiction Writers

Contact by email

hjmichael at sbcglobal dot net

Pinterest

Follow Me on Pinterest

Autographed Copy of First and Goal By Jake Byrne

https://en.support.wordpress.com/paypal/

NaNoWriMo 2012 Winner!

Kreativ Blogger Award

V B Award

versatileblogger11
ChristianBloggers.spruz.com Badge, This badge may be displayed on the blogs and websites that are listed in our directory.
Inspired Reads
NetworkedBlogs
Blog:
Holly Michael writing straight
Topics:
Novelist, Editor, Author
 
Follow my blog

MY COMMUNITY



Blogs I Follow

Blog at WordPress.com.

Redwood's Medical Edge

Medical Fact for your Fiction

The Kingdom

Here Be Dragons, Here Be Dreams

Truth in Fiction

Meet the story behind the story

Prayerlogue

Prayers, Devotionals, Meditations, Bible Studies

ultimatemindsettoday

A great WordPress.com site

Attila Ovari

It's a Girl Thing.

I over-analyze. But hopefully it's endearing.

Making Time For Me

Mom and Wife just Trying to Make Time for Herself in this Crazy Life

Our Day's Encounter

Just another WordPress.com site

CopyGhosting

Copywriting, ghostwriting, editing, proofreading, script doctoring, digital marketing, crowdfunding, training & mentoring services

Josh Prather

God. Life. Family.

Kimberly Mungle

Learning and Development Professional

The Relentless Pursuit

One pilgrim's quest for authentic faith and some reflections on the journey.

The Deepest Love

Pastor Mak

A Pastor's Ponderings and Such

Servant Leader Life

Walking with Jesus, Leading like Jesus

Prayerfully Yours

Thoughts on Prayer

A Sacred Conspiracy

To conspire... act in harmony toward a common or agreed upon end. God wants to conspire with us [and] this means that God calls us to give our lives to God, to surrender completely, so we may live more fully. Dallas Willard

ombiaiinterijeri

All things nice

Hanna Caroline

Holder of my Heart.

Top of JC's Mind

eclectic, like me

Hugh's Views & News  

A man with dyslexia writing about this and that and everything else!

Japan Can(ada) Mix

food, photos and music sprinkled with cultural seasoning

Annie Rim

Reflections from My Lanai

Photography and Writing as Spiritual Practices

Seeing God At Work Every Day

David Dendy invites you to join the challenge of seeing God at work every day...

Interrupting the Silence

An Episcopal Priest's Sermons, Prayers, and Reflections on Life, Becoming Human, and Discovering Our Divinity

You're not getting any younger

A single Christian feminist woman trapped in a well-meaning family-orientated church system

dragonflydanele

Articles, Interviews, and Book Reviews by Danele Rotharmel the Author of The Time Counselor Chronicles

Melissa G. Henderson

Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

For the Love of His Truth

A Christian Blog about Fundamental Biblical Facts

OneReality1

Meeting my family

RESEARCHING MY FAMILY TREE

i dwell in possibilities

encouragement for the journey

Deeper Roots

"You will take root below and bear fruit above" 2 Kings 19:30

styledbyryn.wordpress.com/

Empowering those to be beautiful...

musings by melina

Walk with a Christian homeschooling mother of 11

Mere Whispers

These are the mere edges of His ways, and how small a whisper we hear of Him . . .

A Glimpse of Starlight

finding the light beyond the clouds

MNBernard Books

Book Reviews & Literary Discussions

Spiritual Formation Center

AWAKENING TO THE DIVINE PRESENCE IN THE WORLD

Pushing a Feather

They say writing is just pushing a feather...

Be Holy!

Striving for holiness with a Catholic heart.

Daniel Ogle

Natalie D Wilson

Independent Author

Raspberryman

Welcome to Raspberryman. I hope you will find in these words and books inspiration, some entertainment, and ideas to find grace in the world today.

Elijah Stevens

Teacher, Mentor, Coach, Writer

the beautiful changes...

...in such kind ways...

Apprentice 2 Jesus

An Anglicostal Connecting to a Real World

catholicpsychdoc

Catholic-without compromise

Cancel
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
%d bloggers like this: