Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Tossed Togehter

August 27, 2014 by Julie B Cosgrove

IMAG0073I munched on my salad for lunch today. Made by a friend who runs a gourmet shop, it was a special treat. Spinach, strawberries, fresh slivers of Parmesan cheese, candied pecans, and poppy seed dressing all blended into something that joyously assaulted my taste buds and made my eyes roll into the back of my head with bliss. She knows what foods enhance each other. She is a Master.

It made me think of what God does with our lives. Totally separate things can combine together in His timing to become delectable in a whole new way. Think of the individuality of each of your friends and how they enrich your life. Think of the experiences you’ve had, good and bad, and how they have shaped you into who you are today. God can use that for good as well.

You see, I am usually not a fan of Parmesan- my nose is very sensitive – but with the nuttiness, sweetness and a touch of tartness in the rest of the salad, it was just right. The same is true with my life. Experiences I thought not so great at the time have blended with others to the glory of God. People who may have not been my favorite when we met have enhanced my path or helped me make the decision to change directions. Sweet moments and biting remarks have combined together to make me look honestly in the mirror.

God said in the Psalms to taste and see that He is good. (34:8) So are all the things that happen to us: the encounters we have and the people we meet. Even if some of them make you scrunch up your nose, be patient. Swallow each down. Let them be blended into your life by the Master…Taste and see what God does with it!

Posted in Life Experiences | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments »

Longest Walk

August 22, 2014 by Julie B Cosgrove

ID-100108485Infants become toddlers when they begin to, well, toddle. What parent hasn’t crouched down, arms extended and coaxed their wee one to inch towards them, one wobbly step at a time, then scooped them up and hugged them once their hands reconnected? It is necessary in the child’s development to crawl, toddle, walk and eventually run. We can’t carry them around until they are in their 30’s, can we?

In prayer, my mind pictured a toddler reaching out, unsure if it could walk.  Arms outstretched, it’s attention on it’s father’s beckoning hands, just three short steps away. A soft voice whispered, “Come. You can do it. Come. I’m here. Trust me.Try.”

Sometimes, I think God does carry us. But there are other times when He sets us down and backs away, just a few steps, so we will be enticed to walk towards Him. It is a test of faith and trust, but it also helps us reevaluate how much we want to be in His arms again. Do we sit and cry, demanding He to come to us?  Or do we slowly rise onto our feet and begin to take the first toe-to-heel movements in His direction as He gently calls to us, trusting if we wobble or stumble, He will be there to scoop us up?

Our faith-walk, just as an infant’s strides, should become more sure and steady. We are never out of the peripheral vision of our Daddy’s eyes or the extent of His reach, but there are times He wants us to test our legs, our boundaries, and our trust in Him. By letting go, He encourages us to draw near, to take those first few steps back to His arms where we once felt so secure. How else can we grow strong enough to stand in His presence?

Do you feel as if God has stepped away? Maybe He has… for your benefit,  Look with your heart. There He is, crouched with arms outstretched towards you. Take a deep breath, rise and walk to Daddy. Trust Him. Try.

Posted in Life Experiences | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Mooned

August 15, 2014 by Julie B Cosgrove

moonThis is a photograph taken by The Blind Photographer, a Christian named Steve Rebus who has an amazing blog. I hope you check out his other photos and blog entries as well.

As I gazed at the moon through “his eyes”, I discovered I want to be more like that moon.

Created by God, the moon is dead until it reflects the sun’s light. Then, it shines into the darkness and often provides direction for people on earth. As Christians, do we not strive to do likewise? With the Light of Christ bringing us to life, we can deliver hope to a hurting world enveloped in the darkness of sin and strife.

When I was little and looked up at the moon, I saw the “man in the moon” smiling back down at me. My mother used to sing us a lullaby popularized by JAMES MERRILL BRICKMAN,  –

“God bless the moon and God bless me. God bless the someone I long to see.”

As I grew into my teens, I visualized that man in the moon as my Heavenly Father looking down on me and smiling. He was who I longed to see. I’d sneak outside in the middle of  the night and talk to Him, cry to Him, and at times just gaze at Him, filled with a peace that I was not alone. It comforted me through those tumultuous years. And to be honest, every now and then full moons still have that effect on me.

The man in the moon affect is of course shadows from the craters –  bombardments of meteors which have scarred its surface. May even my scars from life’s battles reflect God’s image as well and may others be comforted when they see the Son of Man shining in me, knowing in their hearts that they are not alone.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Posted in Nature | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments »

Cling or Move?

August 12, 2014 by Julie B Cosgrove

ID-10061708It caught my eye as I rode shot-gun with my son. A tiny, almost translucent, spider clung to the windshield of the passenger side. Smaller than my pinkie nail. It hung on as we went over the speed bumps and through the security gate of the apartment complex. The little thing clung tightly as we turned the corner and picked up speed. Five blocks later, it still was hanging to the glass, spreading its minuscule legs as far as it could. Asking my son to pull over so I could rescue a spider when we were running late didn’t appear to be a viable option. I sucked in my breath as we accelerated up the ramp to the highway.

Surely the spider couldn’t have the strength to hold on at 60 mph. You may think it silly, but I whispered a prayer for God’s protection.

Sure enough, as my son’s foot pressed down on the gas, the spider inched its way up window into the area where the metal meets the glass – a minute strip protected from the wind. Two exits later, when we pulled into the parking lot, the spider hopped to scamper over the roof of the car- safe and sound. Quite a journey for such a tiny creature.

Where are you on your journey? Do you feel the wind force against you? Are you trying to cling with all your might but are getting weary?  It might be the time to take a chance and move closer to the protection of God even when every fiber of your being says, “Don’t let go.”  What may not seem like shelter may be just the place you need to be to withstand the trek until things slow down. But it takes faith to make that step.

Something called that tiny spider to take the chance, move its legs, and scoot up into the top of the car window even as it was accelerating faster. Where is God calling you?

I cling to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8

Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, Isaiah 32:2a

 

Posted in Nature | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

HUSH IN THE STORM LAUNCHED TODAY

August 6, 2014 by Julie B Cosgrove

In 2008 God gave me a dream – write a novel. I did, and self-published in 2012- Focused. But the desire to be recognized by a traditional publisher was the popcorn kernel wedged in my gum. Now, that is a reality – doubled! Both novels I had written, Hush in the Storm and Legitimate Lies are contracted with Prism Book Group.  Hush in the Storm debuts today. Legitimate Lies will debut in January, 2015. God is good.

Where did I find Him today? Right next to me, smiling as any daddy would when he sees his daughter receive a gift she’s wanted for so long. Thanks Abba.

hush in the storm promo.

Posted in Books | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments »

Plant Saved

July 31, 2014 by Julie B Cosgrove

I admit it. I can’t throw away a plant. I had a geranium which, after five years, had outlived it normal lifespan sprigas a potted plant, I guess. Anyway, it really didn’t survive the move, and to be honest, it had become pretty droopy and scraggly on my last patio. But one sprig stretched to grow.The only green leaves left on an otherwise dying plant.

So, I snipped it off, stuck it in water, placed it with other plants in a window, and prayed. Within a day, it had bent towards the sun. Within a few more days, it began wrapping around a candle to get more light steaming in from the blinds.

As I watch it daily, I  am more and more encouraged. Maybe it will begin to root, then I can plant it a pot once again. I envision coral-colored blooms next spring when it is once again full and bushy.

I’m glad God never threw me out when I spiritually dying. He gave me life. He clipped off the part that had potential, stuck me in the Living Waters of His mercy and prayed over me. He watched over me. Renewed, I again stretched towards the Light in search of the Son, letting nothing stand in the way of my growth. And, ever so slowly, new roots of faith began to grow.

The roots of the blessings He has given me.

Roots of lessons learned.

Roots of those “Oh” moments when I realized He had acted in my life.

Roots in those verses that never hit me before but are highlighted in yellow or starred in my Bible now.

Roots of seeing Him work in the lives of friends through answered prayers.

 

And I think a smile stretches across His face when He looks upon me now, because He envisions the lovely bloom I’ll become.

I found God today in a lowly germanium sprig- because in so many ways it is just like me–struggling, but blessed because someone cared enough to save it.

Posted in Life Experiences | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

What Could I DO?

July 24, 2014 by Julie B Cosgrove

As I  glanced for oncoming traffic before I turned the corner, my eyes absorbed the whole tragic scene and immediately pooled with tears. A chunk of my heart ripped into my throat.

I saw the flashing EMS lights, and two EMT’s wheeling an old woman on a gurney. Another EMT helped an elderly, hunched-over man, white hair and beard disheveled, with a cane. His shoulders heaved up and down as his face reddened with tears.

But, I was turning the other way to head for a meeting. Besides, what could I do? I’d never been in this neighborhood. I’d never seen this couple in my life, but the connection was immediate. I recall the morning when they wheeled my late husband away on the gurney. Six hours later at the hospital we pulled the plug…

I scanned my Facebook home page and saw an acquaintance’s report about her teenage son’s latest set back with cancer. Just home from the hospital after months of chemo and infection fighting, they were back in the ER, in a city hours away from me. I recalled the times my own son was in the hospital fighting for his life…

I saw on the news a young family left homeless by an apartment fire. Their dog didn’t make it out. The small child squeezed her mother’s hand as she wailed for her lost friend, and watched her home devoured by the flames. I was reminded of the night my room caught on fire…

Then, situations I cannot fathom flash into my life via the internet, TV and radio.

Another plane halfway around the world has crashed. More lives lost…

An insane and upset person opens fire on an innocent gathering of people…

Sixty children are left in a truck in the middle of the summer, most likely smuggled in by traffickers. Most are dying, if not already dead…

What could I do?

Do you ever feel that way? Someone wiser than I once said we are not human beings but human doings. When we hear of a tragedy, we immediately ask, “What can I do?”

Praying hands_God whispered the answer into my faith ear once again and it dashed to my soul. PRAY – it is the best you can do. Prayer opens the floodgates of Heaven, and multiplies our capabilities a thousandfold. Prayer connects the Almighty with the weak and hurting. Jesus prayed for others until His dying breath. He prays for us still.

Why do we so often underestimate its power?

Why do we feel we need to do more? Maybe because praying doesn’t seem like doing. Our hands are still and folded, not busy. Results are often not immediate, though they can be.

If, when you are made aware of a tragedy, you can physically render aid, do so. But as you dash to “do” that, lift the whole thing into God’s capable hands. Pray He gives you the tools you need to help and the right words to say.  But, if you don’t feel capable or are too removed from the scene, then call on the One who loves more deeply and knows more vastly what is going on.

Pray… it’s what all of us believers could, and should “do.”

Posted in Life Experiences | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments »

It’s Time

July 18, 2014 by Julie B Cosgrove

Have you ever had everything suddenly fall into place? Your heartfelt, deepest dream come true? This week, I did. And I saw God’s fingerprints all over it. It brought me to my knees in tearful gratitude.

????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Six years ago I had a dream – write a novel and attract a well know publishing house.For five years the windows and doors slammed in my face.  I indy-pubbed one novel that has had mild success and six non-fiction works. But still, I was not recognized in the Christian publishing world.

Over the past year and a half, that dream has come true…twice!  At first the curtains quivered. Then a ray of light poured in with one email in response to a query- I was under contract for Hush in the Storm. Was it really happening? My dream slowly evolved into truth. My eyes began to adjust. Inch by inch, more light streamed into my dream, waking me into the fact this is a reality. Dare I believe it?

Then the editor-in-chief of Prism Book Group, the publishing house who contracted with me, read my novel and proclaimed it as “brilliant, just brilliant, and A+++.”  She asked if I had another WIP (work in progress), which I did.  I’d just finished the first draft of the next novel, Legitimate Lies. Within an hour I had my second contract and an editor assigned to me. Within two days, I had the cover already done!

Last week, I signed up for a book e-blast to advertise Hush in the Storm’s launch on August 6th.  I expected them to blast it across cyberspace in a few weeks when Hush in the Storm releases. Then I got an email that it was my “blast day.” My heart sunk. Oh, no. I’ve wasted my money. It’s too early. Three hours later, I got a surprise email from my publisher. My novel was on Amazon at a pre-order discount rate!

The curtains drew back, the sash flew open, and the sun poured in. God’s timing evident. I felt His warmth envelop me, His perfect love pat me on the back.”See,” I heard His soft whisper to my heart, “I’ve got this.”

Within two days, I have landed four book signings and my press release has been accepted by five local papers, which will reach 125,000 readers. Just like that. Ads for my signings will also appear the week they happen. Sash inched higher and higher. Fresh, fragrant air whiffed in, like the first spring day after a long winter.

ECover copy I don’t know if I will sell 50 or 50,000 copies. That is truly in God’s hands. All I know is when I finally hold it in paperback form next month,they are going to shake with joy as my lips quiver – just as when I first held my son moments after birth.

After all, a Christian novel is like a baby. You have long gestation period when you wonder how it is forming and if it will be okay. Then you get a contract and the heartbeats sound stronger and stronger. You feel small flutters, then kicks as it grows and evolves through the help of critique groups. Near the end, the labor pains of editing start. Finally, it happens – a new creation, orchestrated by God becomes a tangible, hold-in-your-hands reality.

.I trust in the fact He will use it to His glory and touch hearts with it’s message, just as He has planned. He already knows whose faith-walk it will encourage, and who will be respond to it’s message. It’s time…His time.

Thank you dearest Lord for honoring my dream. How undeserving I feel, and humbly blessed. I wonder what unstated dreams hiding in my soul You are waiting to bring to fruition next…

Posted in Books | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Signal Interference

July 14, 2014 by Julie B Cosgrove

We chose our new apartment because it faced the inside of a tree-shaded quadrangle. Great view. Not so great for our singalsHD antenna signal. We plugged it into the TV. Channel after channel showed the same message:”No signal detected.”  A few showed pixelated views, like a jigsaw puzzle half-completed on a black table. We angled the antenna this way and that. Not much better.

So we boxed it up and went to the electronic store. The salesman said, “The trees are your worst enemy. They block the signals. So do the buildings around you.”

We chose a unit with a more powerful receiver. Luckily it was on sale with a money-back guarantee. Home we trekked, eager to plug it in so I could watch my favorite PBS show that night. Finally after much maneuvering and twisting, including standing on tip-toe –which he refused to do through the whole 90 minute program despite the reminder I was in labor with him four times longer than that—my son got the signal to receive a picture by placing the unit on our covered patio.

The God lesson?

Sometimes the things in life we surround ourselves with, which give us pleasure, block God’s signal to our hearts. We just don’t receive Him clearly. And then, we wonder why. It’s not that a thing that makes us happy is a bad influence. It is just that it may turn our focus to it because it’s so pleasurable, and away from God who granted us the gift of it’s use.

Perhaps, we need to maneuver some things around in order to pick up His reception in our lives. Find the right combination–be it less TV time, less frustration, less worry–and the pixels will come together. Or, maybe we need to boost our capability to receive His signal through more prayer, more listening, or more time in the Word. Perhaps it will take both.

Boost your power through Him, rearrange or eliminate the distractions, and I bet, like our antenna, your image of His plan for your life will come into focus. The reception of His will into your heart will be bright and clear. What a beautiful image!

1 Corinthians 2:12
What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.

Posted in Life Experiences | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

A Moving Experience

July 11, 2014 by Julie B Cosgrove

ID-100131553Maybe some of you who follow me on Facebook heard of my plight…

During the recent move to a new apartment, I lost my desktop computer to damage. Not only that, but my laptop and projector I use for all my talks and workshops “walked away”.  We also were without TV for two days.

With tongue firmly planted in my cheek, I’d posted before the move that I’d be out of cyberspace for a day or so – could I handle it?

God tested me on that. Big time.

I wish I could tell you my piety kicked in and I enjoyed being still and reconnecting with my Savior. I tired, really I did. But… the hush was deafening. After a few minutes, I’d jump up to find something to “do.” In fact, in those three days, I totally exhausted myself by unpacking every box, hanging the curtains and the pictures, and rearranging the knick-knacks several times.

Finally, my sweet techie son “Humpty-Dumptied” parts from my desk top and from an old one he had, and not only got me up and running in three days but re-downloaded all my flies. He also got the TV and wireless networking up and running. I praise the Lord for my son’s God-given intelligence and patience when it come to electronics.

Two things I learned:

First – I need to turn off the electronics more often and get back to quietness and meditation (listening) with my Lord. I thought I was doing a pretty good job, but He showed me differently.

Second – Whatever in our lives we feel is damaged, burned out, or missing a vital function, God as the Master techie can piece back together and make work again–sometimes with the talents of others. We just need to stay patient and prayerful in the process.

Posted in Life Experiences | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »