Holly Michael's Writing Straight

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

Holly Michael's Writing Straight

Tag Archives: Scripture

Christmas Challenge: Romans, Day 1

09 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by Holly Michael in 16 Chapters to Christmas, Christianity

≈ 13 Comments

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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!

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Back on the Wagon and Learning to Lean

30 Thursday Aug 2012

Posted by Holly Michael in Books, Christianity, Family, Football, Inspiration, Jake Byrne, Travel

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

Betsy Byrne, Bible, Bishop Leo Michael, Blog, Catholicism, Contemplation, Doris Stutley, Holly Michael, Hope, Jake Byrne, Learning to Lean, Nick Byrne, Peace, Prayer, Rich Maffeo, Richard Maffeo, Scripture, Stutley Tales, why do bad things happen to good people, www.writingstraight.com

My days of wine whine are over. I am truly blessed and humbled by the many caring comments on my last post: Throwing Mountains into the Sea.

Back atcha dear friends with all that love, support, and prayers you showered me with. Now, prepare for a positive post after my previous pessimistic pondering. (I love alliteration).

My new attitude has nothing to do with any fantastic news. Still waiting for that call from my agent that my novel has been sold. Met with Jake. He returned home after being cut from the New Orleans Saints roster when the team acquired a veteran tight-end. We’re waiting to see what’s next for him. Nick is still wondering where he’s going to attend college in a few months. Betsy Boo left us to study in England for a semester. Here she is at 5:15 am at the Kansas City Airport. She Facebook messaged me today that she’s arrived and is enjoying lovely Bath, England.

And my husband and I are still coming and going between Kansas City and Northern Colorado, taking care of churches in both places. So, instead of whining, waiting, and worrying as we watch our wayfaring Prius’ reflection from the back of this semi…somewhere in Kansas…

…I chose to open Rich Maffeo’s: Learning to Lean, Volume 1. Within the pages of this contemplative companion,  Maffeo beautifully and faithfully reflects on the storms of life, the travails of faith, and the relationship Jesus wants to have with each of us through it all.

What a book! I give Learning to Lean two full thumbs up.  (Thanks for letting me use your thumbs, Betsy)

The author of Learning to Lean, Richard Maffeo, says he was raised in a Jewish home and careened into a life of careless living. Then, he read the 53rd chapter of Isaiah. The ancient Jewish prophet spoke of Jesus’ sacrificial death which paid the penalty for our sins. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (NASB).

Maffeo, after delving deep into Scripture, committed himself to the Lord and joined the Evangelical Protestant church before his journey into Catholicism.

Learning to Lean (short meditations mixed with beautiful prose poems) answers the most profound life questions. What might it be like to meet our God on that first day in Heaven? Does Jesus walk with me along my journey? What might the Centurion have felt as he hammered the placard above Jesus’ head? Why do people of faith suffer? What can wash away my sins? What if it had been me lashed to the whipping post, instead of Christ? What does obedience to Jesus look like?

Maffeo’s humbleness in sharing his faith journey, his reverence to God, his knowledge of Scripture, and his well-crafted contemplations will lead readers to the throne of the Almighty, to discover a God of relationships who offers salvation for all through our Lord Jesus’ death on the cross.

I also enjoyed Maffeo’s method for contemplative prayers at the end of the book. He admits it’s more of a relationship than a method, though, and he explains how his maturing in that relationship translates into his prayer process.

I’ve been filled with hope, peace, and joy after reading Richard Maffeo’s Learning to Lean. Also, on my last post, I received many words of wisdom, including these from Doris… “I challenge you to shift the focus of your prayer. Don’t spend a lot of time describing your mountain to the Lord. He knows what it is. Instead, focus your attention on the mountain-mover: his glory, power and faithfulness. Then start walking in faith, following his leading, and watch that mountain step aside.”

Gotta love this support and inspiration we get from one another and from wonderful books, such as Learning to Lean.

So, after all the great advice, and miles of hope and humbling from the pages of Learning to Lean, my husband and I made our way to Northern Colorado, where I decided to quit whining, and you guessed it, learn to lean.

I’m also learning to let go and to not look back. And if I do, the Creator of the Universe, our God, who knows how to create, as well as move mountains, has it all covered.

 

rmaffeo@comcast.net

www.richmaffeobooks.com

http://tinyurl.com/mmbtr3 (Rich’s blog)

http://tinyurl.com/6mp9pu9 (Rich Maffeo’s Bible Study in Acts)

http://prayerstrategies.blogspot.com

 

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Einstein and Christianity

01 Wednesday Aug 2012

Posted by Holly Michael in Christianity, Inspiration

≈ 25 Comments

Tags

Albert Einstein, Armando Silva, Art, Bible, Blog, Christianity, Colorado, Colordao, Einstein, Einstein and Jesus, Faith, God, Greeley, Imagination, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Public art, Scripture, wisdom, www.writingstraight.com

I discovered this public art in downtown Greeley, Colorado, spray painted by local artist, Armando Silva.

Since Einstein was one smart guy, I chose ten (eleven, including the last one) of his quotes to share how they relate to my Christian faith.

1. Imagination is more important than knowledge

 – As a writer, imagination is a vital tool of my trade. It outranks knowledge. Knowledge is learning something already established, looking back. Imagination takes us into the future, new possibilities and discoveries, deeper spirituality. Consider Ephesians 1:17-18: That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. I love the words, “the eyes of your heart.” I believe the Holy Spirit guides our imagination and “eyes of our hearts,” to greater depths.

2. There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.

– When you open the “eyes of your heart” to miracles and truly expect them, they happen. Try it. It works and you’ll be amazed. Einstein knew this.

One of our little churches had no Sunday school materials, no money, no nursery toys, and suddenly so many little kids. I’d looked around last week at Goodwill and other places and found nothing. On Sunday I told God what we needed. After Mass we turned the corner past our church to discover a larger church had a front yard full of Sunday School materials (some brand new) and nursery toys. Free! (I offered a small donation). Miracle? You bet. I could write a blog a day about miracles and never run out of stuff to write. The Bible is filled with God’s transforming miracles. 1 Corinthians 12:28 says, “And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.” Our God is the God of miracles.

3. Every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving.  

– If more people truly believed this, along with Einstein, the world would change dramatically. Are you a giver or a taker? St. Francis said, “It is in giving that we receive.” Though at times it was painful to give beyond my comfort zone, I’ve never once regretted my acts of giving.  Acts 20:35 says, In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

4. When the solution is simple, God is answering.

– Sometimes we wrack our brains for answers. Then, we get wise, pray, and give it to God. Bam! The the solution is there and we become amazed at how easy that was. God is loyal. God is just. God likes us. He provides answers. Matthew 7:7 says: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 

5. True religion is real living; living with all one’s soul, with all one’s goodness and righteousness.

– At the beginning of each Sunday Liturgy in our Holy Catholic Church, Anglican Rite the priest reads the Summary of the Law from Matt. 22:37-34: THOU shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all they soul, and with all they mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.

Truly following these words of Jesus (and Einstein) is real living with all one’s soul, with all one’s goodness and righteousness.

6. Only a life lived for others is a life worth while

– Or as Scripture says in John 15:13: There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

7. Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Not force, but prayer, petition, and thanksgiving will gain the peace of God in our hearts.

8. The world is not dangerous because of those who do harm but because of those who look at it without doing anything.

Consider The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:14-31. The Rich man basically did nothing to harm Lazarus, the beggar at his gate. His only sin: ignoring Lazarus. When Lazarus died the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. When the rich man died he went to Hades and was in torment. Luke 19: 11-27 also gives us the parable of the talents, where the one who doesn’t use his gifts is condemned. Need I say more about doing nothing.

9. He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.  

I love to watch the world through the eyes of a child. They are always wide open with wonder and awe. This is how we need to look at the world and this is the way we should worship God. Maintaining awe and wonder keeps our souls alive. Hebrews 12:28-29 says, “therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” 

10. Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

One of my favorite songs is, Fairest Lord Jesus 

Fair are the meadows, Fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring:
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

You can’t separate God from nature. It’s His creation. When we admire and respect nature, we admire and respect God’s handiwork. I have a dear friend, who thanks God every time she notices beauty in nature.

Albert Einstein was no dummy. His words are wise and are backed by Holy Scripture. Einstein and Jesus: I think they were friends. I think they’re hanging out together now.

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The Genre That Has It All

09 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by Holly Michael in Books

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

Bible, Biblical Fiction, Blog, Holly Michael, Michal's Window, Rachelle Ayala, Scripture, Writingstraight.com

What’s stopping the entire reading population of the world—those of all religions, denominations, believers and unbelievers alike—from getting baptized into the waters of Biblical Fiction? After all, you don’t have to be a young adult to enjoy YA novels. And just because you read vampires novels, doesn’t mean you must believe in vampires or be one.

Biblical Fiction, a sub-genre to Historical Fiction, is a growing genre in today’s book market. But unlike vampire novels, the content (at least the Biblical content) is accepted as fact, given the knowledge of the history of the Middle East and the backing of archaeological finds.

And what’s not to like about fiction based on an all-time bestseller, written by forty different writers, over a period of 1,500 years?

Where else, but through the pages of Biblical Fiction, can readers walk in the sandals of those of 1000 B.C.?

The Bible contains history, poetry, prophecy, philosophy, adventure, travel, theology, and romance. Captivating themes for any writer. Biblical Fiction entices readers with its exotic settings, intriguing characters, and fascinating plot lines lifted from the pages of Scripture. Readers enter into ancient worlds of kings and castles, priests and prostitutes, wars and warriors, and oh so much more. No wonder writers, weary of wandering in the wilderness of varied genres, step into the promised land of Biblical Fiction.

Rachelle Ayala, author of MICHAL’S WINDOW began writing Biblical Fiction after becoming interested in Michal, the covenant wife of King David.

“I’ve always felt sorry for Michal,” Ayala said. “When I first heard of her in a sermon, she was portrayed as a lying hero worshipper that David was lucky to escape from. Other pastors used her for an object lesson on unsubmissive wives. Indeed, one pastor said Michal was not barren, only David wanted nothing to do with her. I realized Michal not only saved David’s life, but had a hand at preserving the line towards Christ. Yet she suffered personally for her heroism, betraying her father, King Saul, only to lose David to the wilderness and other women.”

Ayala says the Bible doesn’t give us many glimpses into Michal’s life. “When we next see her, she had been remarried to another man, one who apparently loved her dearly,” Ayala said. “The image of Phalti, her second husband, following her weeping when David sends for her, grabbed my heart and never let go.”

Ayala said, “While studying the Bible along with Matthew Henry’s commentary, three words, ‘Eglah David’s wife’ popped from the page. Was this a secret message from David that Michal was indeed beloved? That he really did care about her, but was prohibited from expressing it because of her disgrace in 2nd Samuel Chapter 6?”

With large stretches in Michal’s life not mentioned in Scripture, Ayala said she let her imagination run wild on what an exuberant woman like Michal would have done, or would have liked to have done.

“I was free to imagine friendships and adventures as long as I got her back in time for the few verses she appeared in,” Ayala said.

Ayala admits that writing Biblical fiction comes with challenges and criticisms. How far can a writer deviate where Scripture is silent? Readers, passionate about the Bible, may disagree with the author’s interpretation of a well-known and beloved story.

In MICHAL’S WINDOW, Ayala decided to present plausible storylines to fill in the gaps of Scripture, but says she kept as close to the Bible story as possible. She invented subplots and imaginary characters to increase tension and keep the reader engaged.

Ayala says David was her most challenging character. “He is a man lionized and admired worldwide, yet with human flaws. I wondered if I should write David, the Bible character or David, the man.”

After praying about it, Ayala said she fashioned a passionate David who was deeply conflicted, exhibiting both heroism and human weaknesses, while keeping him true to his faith and abiding love for God.

So before anyone (reader or writer) dismisses Biblical Fiction as novels portraying saintly characters meant only for the libraries of zealous Christians, think again. Today’s Biblical Fiction, not your grandmother’s Biblical Fiction, is for every reader.

*In Part II of this blog topic, I’ll offer a full review of Rachelle Ayala’s, MICHAL’S WINDOW along with five questions for the author. Come back or follow this blog to get next week’s full scoop on Michal’s Window, Ayala’s intriguing work of Biblical Fiction.

**Leave a comment for a chance to win “Michal’s Window” and a $5.00 Amazon Giftcard, courtesy of Rachelle Ayala

Rachelle Ayala’s Blog 

Michal’s Window by Rachelle Ayala

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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.

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hjmichael at sbcglobal dot net

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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

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