Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Balcony People

A favorite author of mine from many years ago, is Joyce Landorf Heatherly. She is a gifted speaker, singer, and author. So many talents rolled into one person!

I especially enjoyed her novels on Biblical characters: Joseph and I Came to Love You Late (Martha). Her research and writing make these characters come alive. I can relate to them and their struggles when I see them through the eyes and expertise of this gifted writer.

What really resonates with me, however, is the term balcony people that she coins in some of her nonfiction books. She has written quite a bit about the balcony people in our lives--those who affirm us and encourage us.

Make a mental list of the balcony people who have influenced your life.
  • What was special about them?
  • How did they make you feel?
  • How did they affect your life?

Now think about people that you support, encourage, raise up, or praise. Hopefully, this second list is a long one.

Look around. Who in your sphere of influence needs to be lifted up? What can you do to help them?

Today, be a BALCONY PERSON..........the world needs you.

Click here for more titles from Joyce Landorf Heatherly:  Joyce Landorf

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

God's Humble Employee

The "Best Selling Artist of all Time" doesn't even have her name mentioned on the copyright page of the books she illustrated. Her name is Ann Vallotton and she was a Swiss artist who died several years ago at the age of 98.

That's because the book is The Good New Bible and her desire was to be anonymous. She wanted people to be drawn to reading the Bible for themselves. Because of the success of The Good News Bible, her illustrations have blessed people around the world.

You can read more about this amazing woman in my book, Live Your Highlights, in the chapter titled, "God's Employee." Her humility touches me. Just email me at sueraatjes@cox.net or visit my website for more info on purchasing the book:  www.sueraatjes.weebly.com.

Click on this link to read more about Ann Vallotton:
  www.unitedbiblesocieties.org/one-of-the-worlds-best-selling-artists-was-a-bible-illustrator/

Do a Google search to see her delightful illustrations. My favorite is the one from Galatians about carrying one another's burdens. Enjoy.


Tuesday, August 2, 2016

God's Support Group

(Following is an excerpt from my new book, Live Your Highlights. If you'd like to purchase a copy, just send me an email at sueraatjes@cox.net. Soft cover is $12 plus $3 shipping, if mailing is required. E-book version is $5 with no shipping charges. Enjoy.)


 What would it be like to be part of a support group made up of characters from the Bible?

Imagine sitting in a circle in the basement of a drafty old church, sipping terrible coffee from Styrofoam cups. You size up the other members of the group: 
Hmm. Who is that old guy with the beard and long stick in his hand? His name tag reads Moses. Wonder what his problem is?
And the young man with an eagerness about him? His name tag reads Hi, my name is Timothy. Next to him is another old guy—A.  Paul (the A stands for apostle). They seem to be friends because Paul keeps chatting in Timothy’s ear. Quite a talker, that one. Timothy is attentive, but I did see him roll his eyes once when Paul wasn’t looking.
“Not many women in this group, other than the classy one with a regal appearance and good posture. She has two names on her tag: Sarai – Sarah. There is an elderly woman with a wrinkled face. What did she endure to earn such a time-worn countenance? Her name is Jochabed, and I guess she is important to that guy Moses sitting next to her. He is very attentive, re-filling her coffee cup and adjusting her shawl.”

The list could go on but you get the drift. The Bible is full of rich characters who rely on God. Wouldn’t it be terrific to select the character who suffered what we currently deal with and sit next to them for a one-on-on? You might be surprised at some of the issues they grappled with:
Job dealt with physical and emotional tragedies, while Caleb Joshua, Shadrach, Mechach, Abednego, and Daniel had to face fear head-on. Elijah and King David turned to God during deep depressions. Peter and David both had to face their sin in a spirit of remorse.
Timothy, Abraham, and Moses served, in spite of being "out of their comfort zone." Ananias, Queen Esther, and Mary all were handed dangerous tasks by God.
Are you dealing with the Empty Nest Syndrome? Jochebed and Mary both had to relinquish children. David (him again) knew what is what like to have a rebellious son and he also dealt with his own swinging emotions. Sarah and Ruth followed others without regard to their own wishes.
                           
Continue on with your own search of the Bible's ordinary people who served God, in spite of their short-comings. You’ll enjoy visiting with your new group of friends.
 I hope the coffee’s fresh!