The Sounds of Christmas

The Sounds of Christmas is an online station that plays Christmas music 24/7 from November 1 through December 31. So whenever you are ready to start listening, check out this link: http://www.soundsofchristmas.com/ You will see my album on the front page rotate through, and there will be a recorded ad for my album twice a day for two months on this site. If you click on the picture of my album, "The Joy of the Season", it will take you to my new website, and there is a Shop button where you can check out all my books, CD's, and t-shirts. No shipping costs if you're close enough for me to deliver to you.

Darrell Scott - Liberty University Convocation

Do you want revival in your heart?  Do you want revival for this nation?  Listen to this preacher.  He nails it on the head.  I couldn't help but shout unto the Lord (and I'm a reserved person) when I heard him preach.  I am so encouraged, and my heart is so revived.  This is a MUST SEE video before you get out and vote.  Your heart will be stirred.  It starts a bit slow, but by 2/3 of the way through this until the end, you will be touched mightily by the Holy Spirit.  EXCELLENT message!  Please listen and share if your heart is touched.

Should Christian Believers Vote?

My friend George Zeller wrote this EXCELLENT response to the question of whether or not a Christian believer should vote, and I wholeheartedly agree.  I love the perspectives he gave of those who don't want to vote, because I couldn't figure out for the life of me why they wouldn't.  It helps to see what the thoughts are behind it, but I totally agree with his reasoning in his response, and it's what I've been telling people.  You have to vote POLICY.

With his permission I am sharing this.  I believe it's critical we get this message out, esp. with only 2 weeks to go.  I heard on the radio today that 15% of evangelicals are still undecided!  I believe we all need to do our part with the wisdom God has given us, and then of course, we will allow God to do the rest, and we will still be faithful, even if things don't go the way we hope.  But as good stewards of what God has given us, we need to know we did our part and our best to preserve this nation and the intent of our founding fathers based on the constitution and Bill of Rights.  The following is from George Zeller, a teacher and preacher from Middletown Bible Church.

[The following is written in response to a question from a dear believer in Pennsylvania.]

I have always considered voting in America a wonderful privilege.  The citizenry is allowed to choose its own leaders.  People in many countries are enslaved by totalitarian regimes and are not able to vote or have any say in deciding who governs.  We still enjoy this freedom, a freedom paid for by the blood of thousands of soldiers who breathed their last on battlefields.  To me, not voting is making light of their great sacrifice.

So taking part in the voting process is my right and duty as a citizen. Yet I recognize that there are some Christians who refuse to vote for reasons that they claim are Biblical.  I classify such people into two groups:

1)  There is no reason to vote because God is going to place into office the leaders He wants.

Every person in power is there because he (or she) is “ordained of God.” God is the One who removes kings and sets up kings (Daniel 2:21).  We don’t do this; God does.  “God is the Judge: He putteth down one and setteth up another” (Psalm 75:7).  Jesus once told Pilate, “Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above” (John 19:11).

All of these things are true, and how thankful we should be that God is ultimately in control of the world and who its leaders are, but this is no reason not to vote. We must never lose the balance between God’s sovereignty (God puts men into office and removes them) and man’s responsibility (Americans are responsible to vote).  The one does not offset the other.  We should do our duty knowing that in the end, God will do what is best for His overall plan.  Even when the wrong people get elected (even people who are corrupt and crooked), it is so encouraging to know that God is still in control and He puts people into office for His reasons, and our Father knows best.  Sometimes He gives people the kind of leaders they deserve.

What if we use this same reasoning with the preaching of the gospel?   Pioneer missionary William Carey met such an extremist when he proposed his missionary work. His name was Mr. Ryland Sr., and he rebuked Carey with these words: "Young man, sit down! You are an enthusiast. When God pleases to convert the heathen He’ll do it without consulting you or me."  God is sovereign.  God will elect certain men to salvation.  So why should we witness?  Why should we pray?  The argument on not voting is the same: God will put certain men into office, so why vote?   The point missed is that God in the sovereign outworking of His plan takes into account our witnessing, our praying, our voting, and everything else we do.

A very extreme Calvinist position would deny that a believer has a responsibility to the lost: "If God does the electing then I need do nothing. If God wants them saved, He will save them. Either God will bring them to faith in Christ or He will not. It's totally God's work whether we do anything or not." The Bible answer to this is best expressed by the apostle Paul himself: "Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Tim. 2:10). Yes, Paul labored for the lost, prayed for the lost, preached to the lost, suffered for the lost and poured out his energy for the lost. Why? "that the elect may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." Paul knew that God's sovereignty did not interfere with man's responsibility. Paul knew that God would do His part. Paul also know that he must do his part: "woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:16).   The same principle is true when it comes to voting.  May we do our part, knowing that God will work out all things for His glory, in His time and way.

2) Believers should not vote because they are citizens of heaven and are to be separated from the world.                                  

This apparently is the old Plymouth Brethren position, a view held by men that I greatly respect and whose writings I highly value (Darby, Kelly, Mackintosh, etc.).  They also hold that believers should not hold public office.   I differ with them on these matters.

Though we are not of the world, our Lord told us we are in the world (Phil. 2:15) and have been sent into the world (John 17:18), to represent our living Head (2 Cor. 5:20).  We interact with the world all the time by working, shopping, traveling, etc.  What belongs to Caesar we are to give back to Caesar; what belongs to God we are to give back to God (Mark 12:17).

If all believers were to follow this policy, then all the votes would be cast only by the ungodly and we would be ruled only by the ungodly.  If believers can be businessmen, shop owners, factory workers, teachers, doctors, nurses, accountants, etc. and shine for Christ in these professions, why can’t they be employed in governmental positions?  In the history of our great country, so many of our leaders were also dedicated servants of Christ, and our country was the better for it.

Conclusion:    Claim the right and privilege you have as an American and vote.

How Should I Vote in This Election?

Both Presidential candidates are morally corrupt, even though the main media focuses only upon the corruption of one of them.  People may argue about which one is the most corrupt, but I don’t see much profit in that.

So it is really a matter of policy.

Which candidate would appoint justices to the Supreme Court who respect the Constitution and uphold the law (rather than legislate from the bench)?

Which candidate would be better at preventing the slaughter of the unborn, even those that are nearly born?

Which candidate would not have open borders and not allow illegal immigrants to enter our country freely? [And many such people hold views which are contrary to our American way of life.]

Which candidate would apply good business sense to the problems that plague our economy, including our immense national debt?

Which candidate would label Islamic terrorism for what it really is?

Which candidate would do the best in promoting or at least allowing religious freedom? 

Which candidate would respect law and order and support the police?

Which candidate would be the best commander of our military and take care of the Veterans?

There are also many other important issues.

It is sad to have to go into the voting booth and have serious reservations about one’s candidate of choice, but that might be necessary this year.  

–George Zeller, 10/16

A Country Without a Man music video

There is hope for America, everyone!  Don't lose heart!  There are STILL people who teach their children to love God, people who value moral principles, and people who take a stand for what's right, even when persecution comes.  Let's not forget our biblical values and principles that made us so great; THREE CHEERS FOR THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE!  See my patriotic music video for some inspiration.  TEAM - Together Everyone Accomplishes More.  Let's work together to repair our great nation with the good "stock" that we have within us, glory be to God!

A Country Without a Man music video

Ice Skating at Christmastime

Here is a sneak preview of one of my songs from my new album, "The Joy of the Season" which will be released on November 11, 2016.  The photos taken are from Christmas 2015 and Winter 2016 and feature some photos from around the state of Connecticut, as well as from my home to yours!  Thank you to Tate Music Group for the professional studio photos, beautiful cover to my album, and excellent orchestration and mixing to make this one of my favorite albums ever!  I hope you and your family enjoy it, and find some peace and joy this upcoming Christmas season, and always!

Watch video: Ice Skating at Christmastime

OUR Moment!

http://www.reviveus2016.com/

Wow! Click on this link and listen to the little trailer - it's VERY encouraging! Kirk Cameron has a message for us, that this could be our finest moment to be Christians in America, fighting from the bottom to the top, going after our Goliath. This could be our Red Sea moment where it's the darkest right before the dawn, and God splits the water and gives us victory. There is HOPE and OPTIMISM! Be encouraged! :D Let's pray for REVIVAL in our nation!!!! It's NOT too late. We can shine brighter than ever in our dark world. This is OUR moment! Let's maximize it and be used by God to transform our nation one heart at a time. Our problems are not too big for our GREAT GOD!

Great Christmas Idea!

Do you know teens or college students who are searching for God, but aren't sure if He is worth their hearts? My book Fully Persuaded is a fantastic book written directly to them in a heart to heart conversational style that will go through topics such as the existence of truth, critical thinking, biblical worldview, the existence of God, the attributes of God, the reliability and preservation of Scripture, tolerance, Christian heritage, prayer, biblical doctrines, how to study the Bible, world religions, social issues and more! Makes a great Christmas gift. Great for adults, too! Check it out at: https://www.amazon.com/Fully-Persuaded-Dawn-Foss/dp/1632688875

What Your Kids Want Most From You

I read a very interesting article called "Why Kids Love Squishy Moms Who Have Fun."  http://www.drjamesdobson.org/blogs/dr-meeker-blog/dr-meeker-blog/2016/04/08/why-kids-love-squishy-moms-who-have-fun  A friend of mine shared this with me, and I'd like to pass it forward.

I wanted to mention this on my blog because it is so freeing.  The author of this article, who is a pediatrician and a mom, states that from her experience working with kids for many years, what kids want is to hug their moms and have fun with them.

It doesn't matter that you do everything perfectly in keeping up with the competition of the other moms.  The article states: "You feel you must: cook from scratch, buy organic, make sure your child is in the fast reading group, find the right school, get them on the better soccer team, keep them from having low self esteem, drive on field trips, be Room Mom for each child at least one year and read fifteen minutes to each child every night before bed. I have good news for you: what your child wants from you is a whole lot simpler."  

They don't care how perfect you look; as a matter of fact, having a little fat on you to squeeze when they hug you feels a lot better to them than when you are skinny and bony, which let's be honest, can hurt!  Kids say it's more fun to hug grandma, who is squishier.  And teens don't like their moms borrowing their clothes and competing with them for looks.  They want to be the cute, attractive ones, and when mom tries to look and act like them, it becomes "downright creepy!"

They don't care if you make brownies from scratch or buy them at the store, the article adds.  They just want to have fun eating them with you!  The time you spend with your kids is invaluable, because they know you care and you want to be with them.  If you act like you are exhausted from caring from them, which you may be, they get the message that it's just work and not fun to spend time with them.  While it's good to have teachable moments, don't let your kids feel like they are projects you are working on.  Have fun with them, too!

So take some pressure off yourself, and enjoy your children while you can.  For us with grown up children, my advice is to be there for them, listen to them, take them out to breakfast once in a while, and make sure they know you still enjoy being with them!  Don't try to live their lives for them, or offer constant unsolicited advice.  Support them, advise them when appropriate, and have fun with your kids!

Bloom where you are planted

Today my husband and I drove out of state to go to Yankee Candle in Deerfield, Mass.  It was a soft, autumn day, you know, when the sky and trees and air just look and feel warm and hushed.  I was thinking about how beautiful Massachusetts is, and how it might be nice to live there.  Then I thought about how the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.  Where I live is beautiful, too, in its own way.

When life changes, whether on purpose or by accident or from someone forcing change upon you, it is an exchange of problems...just different problems, and also, different blessings.  Wherever we find ourselves, let's remember to bloom where we are planted.

Seeds can be thrown onto the ground, and some will blow away, some will fall on rocky soil, and some will fall on good soil.  Some will be eaten by the birds.  Of course, the seeds on the good soil will flourish, but haven't you sometimes seen a beautiful flower coming up through a crack in the tar or cement?  There's an area near my house where cement blockades have been put in along the side of the road, and this year guess what?  There is grass coming through them, and it's thick!  It found a way to get through, allowed the sun to shine on it, and it's growing through much less than ideal circumstances.

So we too can bloom where we are planted, wherever we find ourselves today.  I'm thankful for my circumstances, the good and the bad, and am determined, note the strength in the word "determined," to do my best in every situation, and enjoy a close relationship with Jesus, who goes with me wherever I am.  Praise the Lord we are never alone!

I hope you enjoy your day today, keep your chin up, and rejoice as you see the beauty in the little things that make up this glorious world around you.

1 Corinthians 7:17: "But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. "
Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

When God is Silent

There was a great quote in the movie, "God's Not Dead 2": when the teacher was going through a very tough trial (literally!), she didn't feel God's presence as closely as usual, like He was being silent. Her dad said something like, "When a student is taking a test, the teacher is quiet." Interesting thought! Sometimes we need to take what we've already learned to ace those tests, working hard in those quiet, lonely times in order to apply it and prove those new found skills and faith. Wonderful growth and closeness to the Lord will result, and how sweet that is! Better than an A+ any day!

Here is a beautiful song called, "When God is Silent."
"When God is Silent"

Ridgefield Library 1st Annual Love Your Library Day

Had a nice day at the Ridgefield Library in Ridgefield, CT yesterday for their 1st annual Love Your Library Day! It was great to meet other authors, and learn some tips from them that have led to their success. Such great people! Very inspiring.  

The Wild Thing!

Mr. Katz had some really funny and silly books!

Here was my spot in the corner.

I had the privilege of sharing space with Suzanne Nelson, the author of Cake Pop Crush and other great books from Scholastics and Random House.  She is a local author from Ridgefield, a beautiful country town in CT.

Tony Abbott, the author of many books, including The Secrets of Droon.

Approximately 30 kids came to the event.

Christina Geist wrote her first book, and it hit the top of Amazon right away.  So happy for her success!

These ladies co-authored a book that has a lot of fun ideas and memoirs that went into the book.  The lady on the right draws pictures and then writes, a great way to get inspiration.

This gentleman is an illustrator, and takes great care in his work to make sure proportions are true to reality.  I have a high respect for his work.

Suzanne Nelson gave some inspiring thoughts about being an author as well.

In the evening there were many adults who came to check out the adult book authors.

This gentleman (Ira) read the winner's short story, was a detective suspense and mystery, and he did a great job reading a fabulous story!

My spot in the evening hours.  I ended up spending the whole day there.

This came out blurry, but this author (on the right) had really interesting stories about her travels with her husband around the country as a food critic.  She wrote books about it.

Staying True

If you are following the call of God, don't ever change who you are for the purpose of popularity or success. Fame is a fickle friend. There will be many behind you to replace you in fame's spotlight, so whether you stayed the same or changed because you thought it would bring you more popularity, it doesn't matter; you will be replaced and forgotten because no one stays at the top for long. If people see how shallow and insecure you are that you turned into something you're not, you will find that even the shallow ones will not respect you.

The best way to leave a legacy is to remain true to your calling, true to God, and true to yourself and let others catch up with you. You stay on your mission God has given you until you die, irregardless of who's rating you. That success has longevity and strength.