A Street Called Straight

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth (Acts 9:11).

The Lord is speaking to Ananias, but there's a rich layer of symbolism here. Saul had been a fiercely zealous Jew, convinced he was serving God by persecuting Christians, whom he saw as dangerous heretics. But in reality, he'd been walking a crooked path and departing from God's will. Now, after being confronted by Christ on the Road to Damascus, Saul is finally guided onto the straight path where he needed to be and where God could use him.

Scripture repeatedly calls us to choose the straight way. Jesus spoke not only about the straight path but also the strait or narrow one:

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matthew 7: 13-14).

Here are some more verses to consider:

I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight (Isaiah 45:2a).

They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them. I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble . . . (Jeremiah 31:9).

And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed (Hebrews 12:13).

Therefore, we are called to choose the straight, narrow path that leads to God, even though few are willing to walk it. Instead, the world and Satan beckon us to take the wide, winding, well-traveled road that leads to eventual destruction. The wide one may look more inviting, but you won't have Jesus to accompany you on it like you will on the narrow one, and it doesn't lead to heaven. Choose wisely.

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A Bit of the Irish 

I thought, with St. Patrick's Day tomorrow, this would be a good time to highlight a few of my books that feature Irish characters. Since I'm 35% Irish myself (or should I say "meself"?), it's no surprise that a touch of Ireland finds its way into my writing. While several American characters have Irish roots, only one of my protagonists actually hails from Ireland: Sean Murphy from With Summer's Songs. Part of the novel takes place aboard a cruise ship, and Sean serves as one of the officers.

In Going the Extra Mile, Meghan Scott's family emigrated from Ireland and settled in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Some family members even held onto their Irish accents. Meghan now lives on a mountain in Ashe County with her uncle, until he turns up dead. When a pastor arrives at her door after nearly freezing to death, he becomes an unexpected ally in unraveling the mystery behind her uncle's murder.

Annette's Assignment is also another mystery with an Irish connection. Annette Hunt's sharp mind leads her cousin to recruit her for a contest designed to gather the most intelligent people in Chicago, an unconventional strategy to help him solve the case. One of the other contestants is an Irishman, Flynn O'Leary, who brings his own charm and intrigue to the mix.

And then there's Ryan O'Grady, the hero of Ingrid's Intention. Ryan is also an Irish newspaper reporter who occasionally covers the women's rights movement, and that's where they meet. Although he isn't a supporter of the movement, he's far more open-minded than many of the other men. Ingrid agrees to help him tell the story accurately, and their partnership grows. Since March is also Women's History Month, this novel fits the season in more ways than one.

In Mistaken Bride, Cullen Green shares the story of how the town of Redbud, Arizona, got its name. “An Irishman with a head of red hair founded this town,” Cullen began his story. “In fact, most people called him ‘Red,’ although his real name was Fion Walsh. In honor of the town’s fifth anniversary, he had a tree-planting ceremony and planted this redbud. The town has pampered it ever since.”

These are just some of my books where the Irish make an appearance in one form or another. I love writing about Irish characters. When I traveled to Ireland, I was struck by their indomitable spirit, their ability to laugh at themselves, and their warm, friendly personalities — qualities that are a joy to bring into my stories. Check them out and have a wonderful Saint Patrick's Day.

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A Generous Giver

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Jesus taught us to give, He praised giving, and He practiced it Himself. When we give with the right attitude, God responds with His own generosity. His blessings may not always come in material form, but they always come in a way that matters. Just as no farmer gathers a harvest without first sowing seeds, we cannot expect spiritual fruit without a willingness to give.

The early church modeled this beautifully; they gave to those in need. Paul records several occasions when churches took up collections to support struggling congregations elsewhere. Some of these churches had little themselves, but they still gave. Their generosity wasn't based on abundance; it was based on love.  Some pastors today have noted that if modern churches followed the same pattern, society's need for welfare programs would shrink dramatically.

What kind of giver are you? Do you give joyfully, reluctantly, or not at all? Do you give only when it's convenient, or do you give according to the leading of the Holy Spirit, trusting God to supply what you need? Generosity isn't measured by the size of the gift but by the heart of the giver. Look at the story of the widow's mite in Mark 12:41-44. When we give cheerfully, seeing it as an opportunity and not a burden, we reflect the character of Christ who has never stopped giving to us. May we sow generously, live open-handedly, and trust God to use our giving to bless others and shape us into people who look more like Jesus.

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye met withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38).

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 A Special Opportunity

Readers who live within driving distance of Fort Mill, SC, have a unique opportunity coming up. The Fort Mill Public Library will be hosting a multiple-author book signing on April 18 from 10:00 a.m. until noon, and the lineup includes some truly outstanding writers. How would you like to meet and talk with Robert Whitlow or Misty Beller?  And they're not the only ones. Many other talented authors will be there as well, giving you the perfect chance to discover a new favorite.

I know I'm especially excited since Misty Beller is one of my all-time favorite authors. I have forty-four of her books, and I'll be there. I can't wait to finally meet her face-to-face. Events like this don't come around often. Can you imagine a library filled with authors and readers having a great time? There will even be some fantastic prizes and giveaways. So, mark your calendars now. This is one special event that you won't want to miss.

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Maturing Faith

When I was a child, I spake as a child… but when I became a man, I put away childish things (1 Corinthians 13:11).

When I taught school, achievement test scores were designed to factor in a student's expected growth for the year. If a student didn't make that progress, they fell behind. Christian life works much the same way. We're meant to grow in our faith--what Scripture calls maturing.  Spiritually standing still doesn't reflect a committed walk with Christ. Spiritual immaturity will also make deception easier, especially the closer we get to the last days, when there will be many who deceive.

Several factors reveal how mature a Christian is. Some of the most important ones include:

1. Depending on the Holy Spirit. He is your guide, teacher, mentor, and intercessor. His power enables you to be far more than you could ever be on your own.

2. Studying, knowing, and applying the Word of God. Reading the Bible daily is not only where you learn how to live the Christian life, but it's also where you get to know God. How can you love, respect, and honor someone you don't know well? Scripture shapes your thinking, corrects your path, and anchors your faith.

3. Growing requires transforming, and the needed changes are made. You forgive people quickly, both because God has forgiven you for so much and because unforgiveness hurts you more than anyone else. When you identify weak areas in your walk of faith, you ask for help and make changes.

4. Praying often. Prayer is one of the greatest tools you have as a Christian. It allows you to approach the Throne of God with humbleness but with confidence, bringing any concerns, thanks, and praise. Set aside at least one intentional time of prayer each day, but also pray throughout the day, both when you see a need and to thank and praise God.

A mature Christian doesn’t arrive at perfection, but they do keep moving toward Christ and strive to be more like Him. Growth is intentional. It shows up in the choices you make, the habits you build, and the way you respond to God’s leading. As Paul wrote, "He who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." But we must cooperate with that work. Keep leaning into the Spirit, staying rooted in Scripture, choosing forgiveness, and living a life of prayer. When you do, your faith becomes steady, strong, and ready for whatever lies ahead. And it keeps growing.

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

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Western but Not in the West

My husband reads very little fiction that isn't Western. When I first started publishing in 2015, he didn't want to read my first novels because they weren't set in the Old West. After some deliberation, he agreed to try one set in the Appalachian Mountains. To his amazement and delight, he said that it read much like a Western. He's read every one of my books since.

Coming from an Appalachian heritage, I understood exactly what he meant. The two cultures share a surprising number of similarities. Both are shaped by an indomitable spirit and a rugged determination. Both have long histories of making do with limited resources and improvising when needed. Family, whether by blood or choice, has always been a priority. Living close to the land and nature, many times in places with unique beauty, often deepens an appreciation for and reliance on God. Many smaller traits fall under these larger themes, creating a sense of kinship between regions. Even scenes can echo one another. Take this circa 1910 photograph of Spruce Pines, North Carolina, in the Appalachian Mountains. Doesn't it look strikingly similar to an Old Western town?

Perhaps growing up in the Appalachians is one of the reasons I've written so many Westerns. Of the ninety books I currently have listed on Amazon, nine are predominantly set in the Appalachian Mountains, and forty-six take place in the Old West. I love both regions and plan to continue writing in both. If you'd like to explore my books, you can find them here:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00SIFWZLG/allbooks

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 Integrity

"Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful (Luke 6:36).
“… but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9b).

Think about the people you admire. What are the traits that cause you to respect them? More than likely, it’s things that have to do with integrity. Integrity is one of those intangible concepts that’s hard to explain, especially since this one includes a lot of different facets. Accountability, authenticity, being ethical, character, consistency, contentment, fairness, generosity, godliness, honesty, humility, moral strength, respecting others, responsibility, trustworthiness, etc. Really, most good traits can fall under the heading of integrity.

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil (1 Peter 3:12). 

We can’t be close to God if we have unrepented sin in our lives. It separates us from God. But when we repent, God is quick to forgive and restore us. Having a close, personal relationship with God is one of faith’s great blessings. As we get to know and love Him, we understand His Word and trust Him too much to fear. In that state, who can really harm us? No matter what happens, we feel safe in God’s arms, knowing that even if we die, we will be in His presence. With such an attitude, we are a strong testimony for God, showing non-believers the hope and strength that is within us because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When we submit to the will of God, our consciences are clear. We will study His Word, wanting to know more about Him and to experience more of Him. This also makes us good witnesses.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

We know that in this world, there are going to be trials and troubles. It’s part of living in a fallen world. But even in the midst of problems, we can have peace, because true peace doesn’t come from easy situations; it comes from God. Peter experienced both suffering and peace. In one incident, he suffered great mental anguish after he walked away from his integrity, put his eyes on the circumstances again, and denied Christ after He was arrested. Matthew 26:75 tells us Peter went out and wept bitterly. Yet he went on to become one of the steadfast, faithful leaders of the early church. He learned these lessons of remaining true and having integrity the hard way. Peter was an overcomer. In Christ, we can be overcomers, too, and we can begin by relying on the Holy Spirit and choosing to live as a person of integrity.

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