Christmas Love song to be included in the audio book!

Great news!  I am excited to announce that my Christmas Love book will have a recording of me singing one of my newest songs I wrote called, "Christmas Love"!  Every Christmas Love book has an audio book included with it for free, so at the end, the song will be there.  The  narration is still being worked on, but once the audio book is released you'll be able to hear my poem put to music.  I hope you enjoy it!

Reminder: Christmas Love will be released to bookstores on 12/3/13.  You can buy a book now from Tate Publishing, if desired.  It's a great book for Christmas to remind us of the greatest gift of all - Christ's love that we can pass forward to the people God has placed in our lives!

Merry Christmas!

How to have faith...

I heard something great on the Christian Radio Station yesterday.  It was on "Discover the Word."  They were having a round table discussion about how to understand the concept of having faith.  They quoted someone named O'Brien, and he wrote something like this. I'm going by memory, but this was the basic concept:

If you know what it feels like to have faith in a promise, then you know how to have faith in God's Word.

If you know what if feels like to have faith in a remedy, then you know how to have faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.

If you know what it feels like to have faith in a surgeon, a lawyer, or a friend, then you know how to have faith in Jesus.

They gave some examples, particularly to the third one.  If you have a tumor in your throat, for example, you can either try to rip it out yourself, go home and forget about it and let it takes its course, or you can trust the surgeon to remove it.  You have the best chance at cure to trust the surgeon, especially when he knows what he is doing and is confident that his surgery will cure you.  Jesus has the remedy, the cure for your sin.  You can't take care of it in your own power.  Placing your life in the Surgeon's capable hands might be a little scary but is your best and only chance, and will have a positive result because He knows what He is doing.

If you are in a situation where you cannot defend yourself, and you have a very good lawyer that knows the ins and outs of the law, and is able to mediate for you and plead your case, then you are in good hands. Trusting that lawyer rather than representing yourself is a much better choice.  Jesus is our mediator between God and man, and understands you better than anyone.  He knows that He paid the price for your sin, so no matter what you have done, this Mediator can clear your name based on his own shed blood, and can pass on His righteousness on to you. Isn't that wonderfully amazing?  You can trust Him because His reasoning is based on truth. Your ransom has been paid...by HIM!

If you, for example, can't pay your college bill, and a friend who believes in you says he is going to pay your college bill because he really wants you to succeed, has the money, and would love to help you out, you would be inclined to accept.  He is your friend, after all, and you can't pay it yourself. He seems to really want to do it, and you know he is capable. If someone asks you if you got the first payment when he called, you'd say, "no, but I know he will come through."  You have faith in your friend because your friend is reliable.  So it is with Jesus.  You can trust His promises.  He is the friend who loves you with an eternal love, He sticks closer than a brother, and He gave His very life for you - is there any friend greater than that? What is really awesome is that He's alive, conquered death and the grave, and makes it possible for you to do the same.  What a friend we have in Jesus!!!

Does that help you to understand faith better?  It's trusting in something or someone that is beyond what you can do for yourself, beyond your own strength and capability.  The first step to having faith is to know and understand your need and your own limitations.

Feelings

I wrote this poem today because I was thinking about how many times we tend to let our feelings control us. We are not slaves to our emotions, or at least we don't have to be!  It's easy to act upon how we feel, but that's where we need to know truth, and the difference between right and wrong. How we treat others is important, and feelings of anxiety, bitterness, anger, depression, pain and hurt, attractions, obsessions, illness - you name it! - do not give us liberty to do what's wrong or mistreat others.  That only makes things worse. Yes, there's life beyond PMS and hormones!  We also need to be careful that we don't define who we are by our feelings. 

I'd like to encourage you (and myself, too!) to think before you act or speak, and when irritable or not feeling well or not feeling "yourself", still do the right thing. With God's help, you can be an overcomer.

Feelings

By Dawn Foss

One important thing in life

To know that really pays,

Is that feelings don’t determine

How you spend your days.

You have a choice, choose it well

When it comes to life,

Acting on one’s anger

Just leads to greater strife.

Feeling so emotional

Is not a good excuse

For treating others badly

And acting with abuse.

Anxiety can get you down

Yet you can choose to trust;

God will not forsake you,

But praying is a must.

Sadness and depression

Can lead you to despair,

But you can have both joy and peace,

Just go to God in prayer.

Attractions and obsessions

Can also steer you wrong;

How you feel does not mandate

Who you are at all.

Feelings can be transient,

Or even troublesome;

Flesh will want more pleasure,

Giving temporary fun.

Hearts can lead astray,

Pain leads to breaks and scars;

Decisions can be tainted

When left to bitter hearts.

People often bully

When there is deeper pain;

Acting mean and nasty

Just gives more hurt again.

Don’t rely on how you feel,

Make a better plan;

Drive your actions based how one

Should treat their fellow man.

God’s Word will never let you down,

It shows you what is right;

Act on that and you will find

Your future will be bright.

Set the example, take a stand

And you’ll find more and more,

Your feelings won’t control you

Like they once did before.

Christmas Love song

I wrote this poem, and will be making this into a song and putting an orchestration to it.  For now you can read it as a poem.  I hope you enjoy it! Before we know it, the Christmas season will be upon us! Yippee!  I love that time of year!

Christmas Love

By Dawn Foss

People try to silence Christmas
Saying it's not right,
But Christmas is a holiday
About a Savior's flight.

From heaven to earth to save the world,
He came just as He said,
He kept His promise, paid the price,
To bring life to the dead.

(chorus)

Christmas love, celebrate Christmas love,
There is no greater love to celebrate!
He came to earth to die;

To bring us life again

God’s mercy to forgive us,

Grace conquered all our sin

He saved us from our tragic fate,

Now that’s something to celebrate!

Hear the bells, smell the pine,
Ride a sleigh through snow;
Rejoice in all the season's fun,
And let the whole world know

There's hope and peace for everyone
Who trusts in Jesus Christ;
So roast some chestnuts, eat some pie,
Enjoy some family time!

Give some gifts and deck the halls,
Sing carols with your friends;
But don't forget to spread the love
That never, ever ends!

It's not a threat, it's awesome news!
Don't be ashamed to say:
"Merry Christmas! God bless you!"
Rejoice on Christmas Day!

Oh Army of God...arise!

Do you have a deep passion for anything?  I do.  I don't know exactly why, but I believe it is God-given. People have various passions of their hearts, and I get a sampling of that as I listen to missionaries, listen to the Christian radio station, watch TV, hear people tell of their ministries and labors of love. They're all wonderful!  One thing that rests heavy on my heart is the change I have seen over the years not only in our culture, but in our churches. Is it possible the change in our culture is due to the change in our churches, or is the change in the churches a result of bowing down to the changes in the culture?  I'm really not sure, nor does it really matter.  We are where we are.  But where is the candle of hope in the darkness?

Isaiah 59:14: "And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter."

Isaiah 1:21: "How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers."

Missionary Jerry Collins from Mexico has been preaching at our missions conference this week.  Tonight he preached about Lot, and how he CHOSE his path in Genesis 13:11.  What a sad story about how this man who knew right from wrong chose a path that seemed in his judgment to be a good path, but never sought the Lord for wisdom and direction.  Instead of working out his problems, he escaped into what appeared to be a prosperous place to settle, and in the end he lost everything...his wealth, his family, his dignity and even his conscience. In chapter 19 he is calling the wicked people in the city his brethren, and in order to save his house guests, he offers up his two daughters to be abused by the men of the city. No, he didn't make a difference for good in his culture.  He became a part of it. His light died out. His daughters eventually slept with him, and justified their actions, but the end was a disaster. 

Doesn't it get easy to justify sin when we convince ourselves of our choices, rather than seeking God, and depending on His wisdom and guidance to direct us from His Word, the Bible?  His Word doesn't change, but we do.  The Word of God has been preserved and it's reliable.  However, there are those who justify changing the Bible to fit their agendas and ideas, churches justify homosexuality in an effort to blend in and not offend, we say that killing embryos is not a moral issue, we justify killing innocent children in the name of choice and convenience.  We abandon truth in the name of peace and tolerance. Kids are being told they can choose their gender, and wanting sex change operations. Rather than offering them counseling and help, we embrace it in the name of being supportive and open minded.  Where does it end?  The other guys are loud and bold and boisterous about what they believe, and we shrink under pressure. We become brethren with the world rather than bringing them into the fold of God. We need to stand!  We need to be salt and light, or else how are the lost going to find shelter, healing, hope and safety? 

Isaiah 59:15: "Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment."


CHOOSE your side! Use your voice! Wake up!  We are not helping when we are passive and vague when it comes to moral issues.  I'm not saying to show violence or be obtrusive.  Pray for your coworkers, give godly advice with a sincere caring heart when there's an opportunity, get out in the community and start a project that will shine the love of Jesus.  Share the love of Christ with someone struggling with homosexuality.  Stand up for righteousness and truth while speaking that truth in love.  Be faithful to your church and serve in ministry in some capacity (this takes courage, but it's a lot of fun once you get into it!).  Help out your local crisis pregnancy center, perhaps even by donating used baby clothes. Let people know about their choices, including adoption and having the baby with support from a pregnancy center if found with an unwanted pregnancy.  Volunteer at a nursing home or hospital or Christian radio station.  When asked the tough questions, be ready and be informative. Find what YOUR strengths and desires are that you can contribute, and contribute! Don't rely on the government or politicians. You be the one.  You answer the call. Shine the love of Jesus to those around you. Give with a cheerful heart. Don't worry - just get in there and be a blessing, and everything will work itself out.  

Oh Army of God...arise!  Keep a clean heart before God and follow HIS lead.  Together let's get BUSY for the glory of God to advance His kingdom.  Hey, we have the best news EVER! Let's share it while we still have time. Please be encouraged. Go forth!

Verses to meditate upon:


Deuteronomy 6:6-7: "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

Deuteronomy 11:18: "Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes."  GREAT verse supporting memorizing Bible verses!

Proverbs 3:3: "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:"



Joshua 24:15: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

The Truth of the Matter

The Lord placed this on my heart in the wee hours of the morning this morning while I was baking homemade apple crisp (made from apples from our own apple tree!).  I finally had some quiet time with the Lord, and was able to put some thoughts on paper that sum up the heart of my next book: Fully Persuaded. My desire is that this book will come out by the end of 2014.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy my poem.  It was initially meant to be words to a song, but it became a little too long!

The Truth of the Matter

by Dawn Foss

Do you ever feel in culture shock

When you listen to the news?

Do people at work surprise you

With their secular world views?

Do you look to political parties

To fix our nation’s sin?

When the very problems we all face

Come directly from within?

Tolerance gets misdefined

By saying all is right

When really that’s impossible

If truth is kept in sight.

A baby’s crime is just existing

It’s punishable by death;

Simply by the will of her mother

She’ll take her final breath.

A child is told he can pick and choose

To be a girl or boy,

The help and hope he needs so much

Is simply just ignored.

With blinded eyes and apathy,

Confusion and deceit.

We’re not helping anyone,

When we melt in all the heat.

Jesus said the world would hate us

Just like they hate Him,

Don’t let it get you down because

Your labor’s not in vain.

There is a judgment day ahead,

Oh soldiers, time rolls forth

Proclaim the truth, don’t be afraid,

Remember what you’re worth.

Do not be discouraged

The faithful never quit.

Be determined, speak the truth,

In love march on for Him.

Know your Bible very well,

Proclaim truth to the world;

Pray daily, faithfully

Attend your local church.

God is real, He does not hide,

His truth is clear to see;

It matters what you do and say

God counts on you and me.

Above all, speak the truth

With a genuine heart to care;

Without the love the truth will be

Despised by those who hear.

They won’t care how much you know

‘Til they know how much you care,

Spiritually dead ones need life’s breath

By the Holy Spirit’s air.

Here’s the truth, it’s plain to see

Sin darkens every heart.

How you think or feel or act

Is shaded by this part.

It matters not who you are

Or what you’ve ever done;

The chains of sin that claim your heart

Were broken by God’s Son.

What does this mean? There’s hope, my friend!

Repent, come as you are.

He’ll cleanse those hearts that come by faith,

Forgive, renew, empower!

Jesus died for you and me,

And conquered death, we’re free!

Now live your life with joy and peace

As you were meant to be!

A beautiful story that is a must-read!

Sharon Dunsmore had an incredible life changing experience that she is sharing with others.  It's a story of life and death...and life!

How do we measure which is more valuable?  The convenience of a life or the actual life of a helpless babe?   His only crime is existing, and it's punishable by death at the will of his mother.

I recently met Sharon Dunsmore.  She is a wonderful nurse with a caring heart.  I have a CD with her telling her story, and it made me cry.  As a fellow nurse, I felt proud of my profession as I heard her tell her story.  It shines with the heart of nursing - being a patient advocate.  She tried her best to advocate for Tiny Tim, and was there in his hour of greatest need.  One minute he was comfy cozy in his mama's belly, and the next minute he was fighting for his little life because of an "Oops! abortion".  If I can get permission to download the CD so you can hear her voice tell her story, I'll post it in a later blog, because I find it very touching. It gives a little more detail than you'll find in this link.

If you have a hard time thinking of a "fetus" as a baby, please read this story.  If you've had an abortion and have a hard time forgiving yourself or healing from that experience, please know that God loves you and offers forgiveness to those who come to him in faith. There is hope and life again for you.


This story is one of hope and healing.


Click on this link to read the story.  It's not very long, but it's powerful!   The Tiny Tim Story


Proverbs 6:16-19:
These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

John 10:10:
[Jesus said:] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

1 John 1:9: 
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

A beautiful tribute to a loving marriage

http://www.dennyburk.com/sweet-lorraine/?fb_action_ids=10200549059350950&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=timeline_og&action_object_map={%2210200549059350950%22%3A616088325079121}&action_type_map={%2210200549059350950%22%3A%22og.likes%22}&action_ref_map=[]

Please watch this link if you want to see what a loving husband did in honor of his wife who passed away.  He wrote a song for her and submitted it for a contest.  He couldn't sing and wasn't a musician, but they were so touched by it that they put it to music and had professionals sing it.  It's about a 9 1/2 minute clip, and totally worth the time to watch it.  It made me cry - what a sweet man!  The song is called, "Sweet Lorraine", and is going viral.  They were married for 73 years, knew each other for 75 years.  It's so nice to see commitment like that.  Family is the basic building block of any society, and strong families create strong nations. What an example!

Are you from a blended family?

 

Let's be real.  There are many broken families today.  There are many blended families that have come together through remarriage.  There are many who have foster children, adopted children, or step children.  Many grandparents are rearing their grandchildren.  My parents were divorced when I was 8 yrs. old.  While I grew up in a broken family, I always knew both sides of my family loved me very much.  What a difference that made!  My parents did not act like enemies, and that meant so much to me because I loved both my parents.  My mother remarried, so there was some blending in my family. I lived with my dad, and was so thankful for the many ladies in my church who also came along beside me and taught me so many things, and cared for me. They met me where I was.

I know so many people who have adopted children, are taking care of foster children, or are taking care of step children.  While I believe that a nuclear family is ideal and God's plan for families, we do not live in a perfect world. I wrote Christmas Love because I thought about when Jesus was born, and how he basically had an adopted father.  Joseph was not his birth father (God was), and yet Joseph was a godly dad, and took care of Jesus as if he were his own flesh and blood.  There are many people who have taken a child in their homes and lives, and loved them and took care of them, setting a good example for that child.  I believe that Jesus must have a special place in His heart for people who take care of a child like their own.  Also, when Jesus was dying on the cross, he asked one of his disciples (John) to take care of his mother in his absence (John 19:26-27). Jesus knows that situations are not always perfect, but we take care of each other, and help each other out.  That's what families and communities are all about.

When you read Christmas Love, I trust you will enjoy having a book you can read with your children that celebrates making the best of imperfect situations, and making a difference for good in the place you find yourself.  Bloom where you are planted!  Be a godly example for your children, love them, care for them with a sincere heart, and all the rest will fall into place.

This book promotes love of God, love of family, and love of community.  I have worked as a nurse in the intensive care unit and cardiac care units of a hospital, a recovery room, a school, and as a nurse practitioner in a school-based health center, orthopedics, and family practice.  You can imagine that I have seen the best and worst of life situations.  I have worked with doctors, nurses, dentists, hygienists, pastors, teachers, and other workers who dedicate their lives to helping others...in an imperfect world with imperfect situations.  That's what a heart of love does. It doesn't sit and judge; it acts to make a difference for good.

Do you know anyone who is lonely or hurting? Reach out to them. Help where you are, and do what you can.  Please don't get overwhelmed with all the problems in the world.  You don't have to look very far from where you are to find a need - something that YOU can do in your unique way.  Maybe you love sports.  Perhaps you can be a big brother to a boy without a man in his life. Maybe you love to read.  Perhaps you can go to a children's hospital and volunteer to read to the children.  Maybe you're good at singing or playing an instrument. Get some people together from work to do some Christmas caroling at some nursing homes or a hospital. That's what I did - it's a lot of fun, and very rewarding!   If you love to cook, perhaps you can cook for families who have just had a baby or surgery.  Bring a meal or two so they don't have to worry about cooking for a couple days. All these things will probably be more of a blessing to you than the ones you're trying to cheer!

Matthew 25:40: And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Get your copy of Christmas Love today, and celebrate not only Jesus this Christmas, but the family and community God has placed you in.  

 

http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781629020570