One of my favorite places for spiritual renewal (besides the Bible) is Oswald Chambers' My Utmost For His Highest.  Today's was no exception.  One comment particularly caught my attention.

Chambers says,

“ Is my knowledge of Jesus the result of my own internal spiritual perception, or is it only what I have learned through listening to others? Is there something in my life that unites me with the Lord Jesus as my personal Savior? My spiritual history must have as its underlying foundation a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ. To be born again means that I see Jesus.”

Wow, doesn't that hit hard?  I think of so many people who only know Jesus through other people's experiences.  We certainly don't want to discredit the influence we have over others. Nor do we want to demean the importance of being like Jesus to others.  But without that personal walk - that one on one relationship - we miss out on so much.

I used to imagine what it would have been like to walk daily - in person - with Jesus.  To see Him go through all the routines that human-beings go through.  Wash His face in the morning.  Feel exhaustion and weariness from His frustrations.  Eat a meal on the run. Get a rock in His shoe.

I imagine Jesus laughing and telling stories, sharing His experiences and heart.  I can just see the disciples playing practical jokes on each other and Jesus,  and maybe even playing some touch football or having donkey races. :)

And then it dawns on me - I know what it's like to walk daily - in person - with Jesus, because He's taken charge of my life--my thoughts--my goals and ambitions.  As I go through the day, I see His influence in my choices.  I can hear His voice and feel His presence. He goes with me to the movies. Sits beside me in all restaurants. And when I have car trouble or health issues, He's right there to offer encouragement and hope.

So often I see people around me who are struggling to get through the day.  They are discouraged, lonely, sad, frustrated by the problems of this world.  They don't know Jesus and the peace that comes from putting their trust in Him and that breaks my heart. I want that so much for them--for everyone, because I know how precious it is to me.



I know so many of you who read this feel the say way and I want to encourage you to reach out to someone today - to be Jesus with skin on - to show them what it is to have a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3 starting in verse 7 says,

⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. ¹⁰ I want to know Christ…" NIV

Do you hear Paul's longing in that desire?  Do you feel the impact of his relationship with Jesus?  There's a whole world of people out there who are longing for that kind of relationship--that walk that gives them a reason to endure what this world dishes out.  A relationship that lasts.

God Bless You!

Where Ideas Are Born

I’m often asked where I get my ideas for books. I think it’s probably one of the most popular questions authors get asked. For me – ideas are everywhere. The harder question for me is, “Which idea do I choose?” “To which idea do I give birth?”



I think I’ve always known that people see the world differently. Five people see something happen and you get five different perspectives. With five different authors looking at the same picture or object – you get 500 different stories ideas.

For example when I see this antique German Bible my mind runs wild with ideas.

Imagine a newly married couple being given the old family Bible just before leaving for a new life in America. Who were they and why had they come looking for a new life? Who had read this Bible before them? Where had it been purchased?




And then there are these  wonderful Victorian houses.  Who lived here - what did they do - what kind of problems do did they have - what were their goals and ambitions?

I have all sorts of ideas that come to mind and I'm certain you do too.  And how about this awesome family.  Was he disappointed that he only had daughters.  Maybe this was a photo my heroine carried around with her - the only thing she has to remind her of her parents and sisters who are now dead.

How did they die?  How is it that the heroine is still alive?

Ideas are everywhere and recently when I was working on Denver history I had a great time pouring over photos and floor plans for some of Denver's famous mansions. I studied clothes and jewelry that my heroine might have owned and often one single photo - one antique item sent my story off in yet another direction.

So when you look at these pictures - do you see a story?  If so - share a thought or two.

God Bless You!