Thoughts on Meekness and Majesty by Ruth L. Snyder

 On the first Sunday in December, I had the opportunity to help lead worship at my local church. We shared some well-known Christmas carols including Joy to the World, What Child is This?, and Go Tell It on the Mountain. We also sang some other songs, including Meekness and Majesty by Graham Kendrick. As we were singing, I thought it fitting that we sang this song the same day we sang Christmas carols. Although Meekness and Majesty was not intended to be a Christmas song, it definitely captures the mystery and wonder of Christ coming to earth to be our Saviour.

Meekness And Majesty (This is your God)

Meekness and majesty,
Manhood and Deity,
In perfect harmony,
The Man who is God.
Lord of eternity
Dwells in humanity,
Kneels in humility
And washes our feet.

O what a mystery,
Meekness and majesty.
Bow down and worship
For this is your God,
This is your God.

Father's pure radiance,
Perfect in innocence,
Yet learns obedience
To death on a cross.
Suffering to give us life,
Conquering through sacrifice,
And as they crucify
Prays: 'Father forgive.'

Wisdom unsearchable,
God the invisible,
Love indestructible
In frailty appears.
Lord of infinity,
Stooping so tenderly,
Lifts our humanity
To the heights of His throne.

Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 1986 Thankyou Music

According to Graham Kendrick, he wrote this song to be used as the theme song for the 1986 UK Christian Conference, Spring Harvest. The song has touched the hearts of many people over the years, becoming one of Graham Kendrick's most well-known, and most often recorded compositions.

"I was listening to our senior pastor teaching a theology of the Trinity, with his characteristic mix of scholarship and passion for knowing God. There was a moment when he was opening up an aspect of God's Triune nature, and it seemed as if the presence of God filled the room. It was a holy moment as if God turned up to say: ' Yes, this is who I am'. It strengthened my conviction that we need more of the revelation that flows from teaching the Word of God in our worship, and that our worship will rise in proportion to it."

             - Graham Kendrick

(Read more here)

I appreciate how Graham Kendrick contrasts Jesus, the Son of God, with the characteristics He took on as Jesus, the son of man:

Son of God                               Son of Man

Majesty                                     Meekness

Reflects God the Father            Innocent, pure

Wise                                          Learns obedience through suffering

Invisible                                    Dies on the cross

Loving                                      The perfect sacrifice

Infinite                                      Offers forgiveness

Unapproachable                        Invites us into His presence

Biblical truths taught in this song can be found in:

• Ephesians 3:14-21
• Philippians 2:5-11
• Colossians 1:15-23
• Revelation 5.

David Crawley shares some interesting thoughts about the different versions of the Christmas story shared in the Gospels of Matthew (majesty) and Luke (meekness):

"Matthew introduces his subject as "the birth of Jesus the Messiah." This child is to be Saviour, Emmanuel, "God with us", "king of the Jews" and "ruler". Magi from foreign lands come to pay homage. They visit Mary and Jesus in a house and offer precious gifts.1

On the other hand, Luke underlines the lowly circumstances of Jesus' entry to the world. He tells us of there being "no room in the inn" and the need to improvise hastily with "bands of cloth" and the animals' manger when the birth occurs. Jesus is visited by peasant shepherds rather than lordly magi.2 In the Magnificat, Mary acknowledges her "lowliness" and anticipates that through this birth God will lift up the lowly and bring down the powerful from their thrones.3"

We are all born with these two questions driving us to look for answers:

• Am I worthy?
• Am I loved?

Because of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are worthy and we are loved! What Christmas carols help you celebrate this wonderful gift?

Merry Christmas to one and all.

2020: The Results of Abiding in Jesus by Ruth L. Snyder

 At the beginning of 2020, I chose "Abide" as my keyword. None of us have any way of knowing what a year holds when we step across the threshold into January and beyond. Most years have challenges, but 2020 has been more difficult than usual with the spread of COVID-19. I have found that when I abide in Jesus and trust in Him, I have peace, contentment, and everything else I need. In John 16:33 Jesus told his disciples, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

This year I was supposed to do several things that didn't happen:

• Speak at an international women's conference in Edmonton
• Go on a mission trip with one of my sons to Mexico
• Go on a cruise with one of my Christian writing friends

In some ways, I felt like I was cheated. However, I also know that God does not make any mistakes, and I believe He works everything together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Throughout my life, God has taught me to focus on the positive rather than the negative, and to change what I have control over rather than wishing things were different. I believe this is part of abiding...resting, trusting, relying on God.

This year abiding in Jesus has brought many positive results. I can look back at 2020 with a smile because God has allowed me to experience many blessings.

• My son, Jayson, did graduate from high school, even if his graduation ceremony was not what was expected. (He wasn't sure he wanted to dress up and be on display anyway!)
• Our family has been content and happy through all the challenges of COVID-19, even my son who struggles with mental illness. I know this is not true for other families.
• Our family was able to get financing approved and purchase a beautiful home near Moose Lake where we are able to enjoy seeing deer in our yard. (We only had about six weeks between the day we made an offer to purchase until the closing date to get everything in place.)

• Our family continued to receive consistent, quality service for our children with disabilities when other families were told no service was available.
• I was able to present a workshop at the virtual InScribe Fall Conference.
• Our contract with PDD to support my twins was renewed at the same rate as last year. Unfortunately, other families had their contract hours cut.
• I was also able to speak and present a workshop for the Born to Soar virtual conference.
• So far our family has been healthy.

I know there may still be difficult days ahead. Maybe we haven't seen the worst of COVID-19 yet. Perhaps we will face illness or death. However, I also know that God knows the future and will walk through it with me and my family.

What about you? Have you found positive things to focus on during 2020?

An Invitation to the World of Special Needs by Ruth L. Snyder

My twin sons invited me into the world of special needs in a heart-to-heart way. Before they became my sons at eighteen months of age, the words "global delay" and "developmental disability" had little meaning.

The first pediatrician who saw my boys said they would never walk, talk, or feed themselves. (Thankfully, Luke and Levi proved this prognosis was wrong by the time they were five years old.) I naively thought if I poured all my love and energy into them, they would catch up to their peers. From first thing in the morning until they went to bed at night I cared for their extensive needs. Along with hugs and kisses, I taught them many things, including how to feed themselves. (It took Luke six months of hand-over-hand feeding before he learned how to scoop his food and put it into his mouth.) I also gave them massage therapy, took them to speech therapy, learned and taught them Sign Language (they didn't talk until they were four years old), and drove them to countless medical appointments. These boys turned me into an advocate—Momma Bear! When they needed something, I researched available services and figured out how the boys could access them.

As they grew older, their differences became more noticeable. The invitations to birthday parties stopped. Their peers often spoke to the adult support workers instead of directly to the boys. In school, they were often pulled out of class and taught by educational assistants instead of their teachers. Luke and Levi did not complain. They laughed and learned and loved. 

Luke is passionate about wild animals, especially wolves. He wants to be a wolf biologist. Luke can tell you almost any story from the Bible and wants everyone to follow God. Luke loves being with people. He wants to go to college, get married, and have a family. 

Levi can tell you more about almost any vehicle than most guys. One time he was listening in to a conversation with a Ford salesman. When the salesman mentioned a particular vehicle, Levi said, "They don't make that vehicle anymore. They stopped producing them in 1999." The salesman argued, but when he went back to his shop he discovered Levi was correct. Levi wants to live in his own home with his cat.

Many people look at my boys and see how they are different. They are shorter than guys their age. Their voices are soft and they don't enunciate their words clearly. They struggle to express their needs and wants and get frustrated when people don't understand them. Levi doesn't talk much and people assume he doesn't understand what's going on around him...until they say something he disagrees with. Luke talks to and sometimes yells at invisible friends (perhaps making up for the lack of real friends).

According to Statistics Canada, there are over 160, 000 people across Canada who have developmental disabilities. These people struggle to access education, which results in low employment rates and a low standard of living. (The employment rate was only 27% in 2017.) For many years, people with developmental disabilities were forced to live in institutions. (Check out the historical timeline for people with disabilities.) Although the institutions have been closed and most people with developmental disabilities live in their local community, a majority spend their lives in group homes. Sometimes this is their choice, but often individuals and their families are not presented with other options. 

I dream of a world where all people are valued and loved. If we all do our part, we can change our world. I invite you to get to know individuals with developmental disabilities. Find out what they are passionate about. Ask them about their dreams. Take time to listen. Celebrate their victories. If you want more information, go to https://inclusioncanada.ca/. 

Is there a change you would like to see in our world? Tell me about it in the comments below!

Grateful for Shadow Mentors by Ruth L. Snyder

 This month we are blogging about those who have influenced our lives through their books. As I thought back over the years, I became teary-eyed, realizing again how blessed I have been in so many ways. God has provided numerous people to mentor me directly and indirectly. I'm grateful for all of them. 

Books, reading, and writing were all important in my early years. Since my family lived in South Africa, across the ocean from all our relatives, the only connection we had was letters sent and received by snail mail. I was only six weeks old when our family left North America, which meant I "met" and learned to love my relatives through reading and writing letters. Since there was no internet at the time, books helped me experience life in many different realms.

I still remember the day I learned how to read. Actually, I was just spouting off a memorized version of a favorite book while pointing at the letters. When I figured out those squiggles on the page had meaning, whole new worlds opened up. I read dozens of books about Noddy's adventures. Enid Blyton made me laugh and cry. She helped me experience life with Noddy—a great example of showing, not telling!

"The best way to treat obstacles is to use them as stepping-stones."

-Enid Blyton

My mother spent countless hours reading books to us. When we were preparing to return to North America, she started reading books about Canada. One of the books she read was Love Comes Softly, by Janette Oke. The characters and their journeys captured my heart and mind, and her descriptions of the Canadian Prairies made me feel like I was going to a place I already knew. (I didn't know that I would have the opportunity to meet Mrs. Oke in person decades later at one of our InScribe Fall conferences.)

“The truth of God's love is not that He allows bad things to happen, it's his promise that he will be there with us—when they do.”

-Janette Oke

Reading godly books is one of the anchors that pulled me through my teen years. I was shy and found it hard to reach out to people I didn't know. Perhaps that is why Ann Kiemel's books had such an influence on me. The stories of her trust in Jesus for practical needs, and how she sang to strangers and told them about Jesus challenged me. She made faith seem so personal and enjoyable.

"One simple person plus a great God can do things..."

-Ann Kiemel Anderson

During my teen years, I had the privilege of living on the campus of Prairie Bible College. I didn't realize what a rich heritage this was until I left. Orchestral, choral, and instrumental music surrounded me. All through high school, Bible class was part of the curriculum. Twice a year Prairie hosted conferences where speakers like George Verwer, Helen Roseveare, and Elisabeth Elliot challenged me. 

I remember Helen Roseveare sharing about how God was with her when she was abducted in the Congo and mercilessly raped. She also shared about a time when she came across a group of people gathered around a pot of gold they were refining with fire. She asked one of the men how he knew when all the impurities were gone. He invited her to climb a tree and look down into the pot. She was startled to see a clear reflection of her face in the molten gold. Her guide told her, "That means the fire has done its job. When I can see my face, I know the gold is pure." She challenged us to allow God to refine us so that others could see Jesus reflected in our lives.

"We are called to reflect the Lord's beauty through our lives as much as through our words, and God will use this in His own perfect time."

-Helen Roseveare

My mother read Through Gates of Splendor to us. It made me wonder what my reaction would be if some of the same events happened to me. Several years later Elisabeth Elliot came and spoke at Prairie. That was when I was introduced to her book, Passion & Purity, and challenged to allow God to be in control of my love life.

"One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to him and ask him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy."

-Elisabeth Elliot

After high school, I returned to Prairie as a college student. My studies to earn a Bachelor of Religious Education degree were challenging, but enjoyable. I discovered many more authors but especially appreciated Charles Swindoll and his amazing storytelling ability. Those stories drew me in and opened me up, preparing me to hear and accept the deeper biblical truths he taught. 

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.  

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.  

It is more important than the past, than education, than money, 

than circumstances, than failures, than successes, 

than what other people think, say or do.  

It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.  

It will make or break a company... a church... a home.  

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude 

we embrace for that day.  We cannot change our past... 

we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.  

We cannot change the inevitable.  

The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude... 

I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes”

-Charles Swindoll

Looking back, I realize my shadow mentors were all gifted storytellers. Their polished writing made me want to communicate more clearly. And now that I think about it, they all reflected Jesus Christ to me in ways that I could grasp. It is my hope and prayer that in some small way I will be able to do the same thing for my friends and readers.

Writing and God: Making the Impossible a Possibility! by Ruth L. Snyder

 This month we are exploring the idea of writing dreams. Some people may scoff, saying we need to be more realistic. I disagree! As Christian writers, we serve the God of the impossible. 

In fact, I would go as far as to say that God delights to do the impossible through us because when that happens He gets all the glory. God, who created the whole universe, made us in His image. One of the ways we imitate our Creator is through expressing ourselves using creativity.

Thoughts on Creativity

Creativity is one of my passions. It makes me sad that too often people believe they are not creative. I believe God made us all creative, that creativity can be cultivated, and that creativity has different angles we need to consider. Creativity can definitely be a challenge. One of the main blocks to creativity is often our own mindset, struggling with imposter syndrome.

Imposter Syndrome

As writers, we often fight imposter syndrome, wondering if we are writers, thinking we don't have anything important to share. I believe part of imposter syndrome is spiritual warfare. If God is calling us to write, we need to be obedient. When we step out in obedience to write, we may be attacked, spiritually. God wants to set people free, and he often uses the written word to help people understand who He is and the salvation He offers. Satan wants to keep people in bondage. When we allow God to share His message through us, we need to be prepared for opposition, and also failure.

Creativity and Failure

We often see children as being creative. Part of this is because children aren't tied down by rules and etiquette like we adults are, and they haven't failed as many times. When I was growing up, I was taught that failure was a bad thing. Now I realize that failure is not permanent—I only fail if I give up. Most of us don't get things right the first time we try. Did you know that Thomas Edison went through thousands of iterations of the light bulb before he found a material that conducted electricity without burning up? When something doesn't work, do we learn from it and keep going? Are we committed to obeying God, no matter what? Are we willing to step out of our comfort zone and dream the impossible?

Impossible Dream #1—Book Coach

If someone had told me, even two years ago, that I would be coaching people through the process of writing and publishing a book, I would have thought it was impossible. However, God opened the doors for me to learn the process myself by taking courses and making my share of mistakes. At the beginning of this year, I prayed and asked God to show me what goals He had for me. He told me to aim to help 20 people write and publish a book this year. I am over halfway there, and have been amazed at how He has brought people to me, most of whom I have never met in person. 

Mentors

InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship has been a huge encouragement for me and stimulated me to grow in many ways as a person, and as a writer. I have found friendship, encouragement, prayer support, and training. Thank you to each of you who has influenced my life! Serving on the executive forced me to learn new skills and take on challenges. I had on-the-job training in how to maintain a Wordpress website, how to plan and run a conference, how to publish and launch a book, and how to deal with complicated issues that had the potential to bring disunity.

I have also had the privilege of learning from many diverse coaches. Last year I worked with Market Like a Nerd, which stretched me both intellectually and financially. I also flexed my creative muscles while working with Murielle Marie. When I looked for business coaching from a Christian perspective, I found Anita Albert-Watson helpful. Shelley Hitz has been a steady influence on me for several years. I started learning from her before she started her first program, and continued following her when she and her husband started Christian Book Academy, which provides incredible training for those who want to learn how to self-publish. Now I am working with Erica Latrice, who gives practical help to those building a Christian business in AmplifyHer.

Impossible Dream #2—Entrepreneurs Write app

If someone had told me a few months ago that I would have my own app, I would have thought they were crazy. Last week I met with my app designer to lay the framework for my app. I have a list of items I am working on. Once I send them to my designer, he will put everything together for me. The goal is to have the first phase of my Entrepreneurs Write app available in September 2020. There are more complicated portions of my app that will be released down the road.

One of my clients told me, "You make the seemingly impossible, seem like a possibility." I'm thankful that God is allowing me to reflect Him in this way. 

What dreams do you have? How is God helping you make them a reality?

Ruth is on a mission, determined not to let people’s powerful stories go to the grave with them.

She guides Christian entrepreneurs along the book writing journey, providing a safe place for them to birth their stories. 

Ruth has shared her expertise on platforms like Thrive Global, Women in Publishing, Authority Magazine, The Write Coach, and Author Audience Academy. She guides people through practical steps that make writing a book an attainable goal.

She is dedicated to making sure her clients are in the 8 percent of people who successfully get their book written, published, and into the hands of eager readers.

Ruth’s clients write their book outline in a day. They go on to write their first draft in 30 days. In six months or less, powerful stories are birthed and authors are holding their published book in their hands.

“Ruth makes the seemingly impossible feel attainable with her easy to follow steps.”

Learning to Listen to God's Voice - Ruth L. Snyder

This month we are sharing "God Moments" with each other. I find this a delightful, and thought-provoking theme. I love how God speaks to each individual in ways that are meaningful to them. He truly is a good, good Father!

I'm grateful my parents modeled listening to God from before I was born—we flew to South Africa when I was six weeks old because my parents obeyed a call from God to serve there as missionaries. When I was six years old, my parents listened to a plea (similar to the Macedonian Call in the book of Acts) from a man who asked if anyone would help him tell his people (in Botswana) about God. As a family, we experienced many "God moments".

A favorite place to walk and listen to God

Over the years, God has spoken to me in many different ways, and often with a combination of the following:

1. The Bible
2. Prayer
3. Circumstances
4. Friends
5. Thoughts that wouldn't leave me alone

I'm continuing to learn how to listen to God better. 

Usually, I sleep well and don't wake up in the middle of the night. However, there have been many times when God has woken me up in the middle of the night and impressed on me that I need to pray for a specific person or prayer request. When I wake up in the early morning hours, I've learned to pay attention to who is on my mind and pray for them. Sometimes I hear about specific answers to prayer, and sometimes I don't.

God has also been dealing with getting rid of idols in my life. He has shown me that anyone or anything that I put above Him is an idol. If I act out of fear, I am allowing people's perceptions to be in control. If I eat comfort food rather than bringing my problems to God, I am making food an idol. It is not only important for me to start the day by spending time with God and in His Word, but also to talk with Him and listen to Him as I walk through each day. 

Lately, God has been speaking to me about obeying the speed limit. I have never received a traffic ticket, but that doesn't mean I always obey the rules. In the past, I usually drove anywhere from 5-10 km over the speed limit on the highway. My conscience started bothering me. Most people don't see me as a rebel, because I tend to be sneaky in the way I rebel. God reminded me that He knows, even if no one else knows. He sees my heart. Going the speed limit is not so much about the speed, but about submitting totally to God and obeying those He has put in charge.

Two resources I am digging into this year are 4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice by Mark Virkler and a Bible Memory seminar with Graham Best.

I will end with one of my favorite "God moments" from this past year. One day last summer, my boys begged me to take them to garage sales. We wrote down addresses that were advertised and went from sale to sale, discovering new-to-us treasures. At one sale I noticed there were three lawn mowers for sale.

That evening, I pulled our lawnmower out of the garage, filled it with gas, checked the oil, and pulled the cord. It had worked the week before. No matter what I tried, it would not start. I prayed, and I asked a couple other people to try, but it still wouldn't start. Then, I remembered the garage sale with three mowers. My schedule was full and I knew I wouldn't be able to get back to the sale until late the next afternoon. "Lord, keep a lawnmower there for me."

The next day, I prayed several times. We really didn't have money for a new mower. Finally, I was able to drive to the place we had been the previous day. I held my breath as I walked up the sidewalk. When I looked up, there was one mower left! "Thank you, Lord!"

I approached the owner, an elderly man, and told him I wanted to buy his lawnmower. "You know, I just don't understand. You saw I had three lawnmowers for sale. This is the best one, but nobody bought it."

I smiled. "God kept it here for me."

"This is my favorite lawnmower. I wouldn't even be selling it if my relatives hadn't given me a new mower as a gift. I still like this one better, but I can't sell the new one."

I felt sorry for him, but happy for me! He showed me how it worked...one pull and it roared to life. The price was less than half what a new one would cost. I came home feeling like God had blessed me with a Cadillac lawnmower. God is indeed a good, good Father who takes care of us in amazing ways.

How has God spoken to you? What is your favorite "God-moment" from the past year?

My Writing Theme: Finding Hope and Beauty in a Broken World - Ruth L. Snyder

I found it challenging to define my writing theme. However, "Finding Hope and Beauty in a Broken World," sums it up well. I find myself sharing messages of hope and beauty. In this blog post I will share some of my journey, along with some recent beauty I've captured with my camera.

The first bloom opening on my new rose bush

The Meaning of My Name

When I think about God's calling on my life and writing, it starts with definitions of my name I found as a teenager. Ruth means "compassionate friend," and Lucile means "one who brings light". Since then, I have made it my goal to be a compassionate friend who brings light.

Geese along Jessie Lake, my favorite walking path

An Attitude of Gratitude

One thing I used to struggle with was having a positive attitude. Over the years I have learned that attitude is a choice. I cannot necessarily choose what happens to me, but I can choose how I respond. Writing in a gratitude journal has helped me develop an attitude of gratitude. I have discovered that no matter how bleak a day looks, I can always find at least three things for which to be grateful.

Charles Swindoll puts it this way:
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what others think or say or do.  

It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home.The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.  

We cannot change our past, we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.  

I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you—we are in charge of our attitudes."

I grew up hearing and singing hymns and enjoy playing them

The Joy of Music

I'm grateful that my parents shared the gift of music with me. My Dad played an E-flat alto horn and my Mom played accordion. They also sang. I have many memories of singing as a family—during family devotions, as we traveled hundreds of miles across Canada and the United States to visit those who supported our family's mission work in Africa, in church, and in nursing homes. I didn't realize what a gift this was until I started Bible college. One day I was singing alto along with a CD that was playing in my dorm room. My roommate gaped and asked, "How do you do that?" Singing parts became second nature, thanks to my parents. 

My parents also invested time and money into allowing me to take music lessons. I remember wanting to learn to play the piano from the time I was very young. Pianos were rare in Africa, but the year my siblings and I attended school in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), I had access to both a piano and a piano teacher. I started piano lessons at age nine and now I enjoy sharing music with others by teaching Music for Young Children and piano lessons. 

Music also became a unique doorway to share special times with my Dad after he developed dementia. Even when he no longer remembered who I was, he remembered the lyrics to hymns. We spent many hours together—my Dad singing bass and me playing piano and singing soprano.

NOTE: On Wednesday, June 17th, two pianist friends and I will be launching a virtual hymn sing, streaming to Facebook. Our goal is to provide joy, especially for those who live in senior residences. If you'd like to join in, go to https://www.facebook.com/HymnSingTime/ from 9-9:45 am MST on Wednesday mornings.

One of my flowerbeds

My First Published Piece

Although reading and writing were an important (and enjoyable) part of my life, I didn't think of myself as a writer or dream of publishing my first book. I did take some writing courses through the Institute of Children's Literature, and entered the Fresh Ink Contest in 2009, hosted by The Word Guild. I was shocked to hear I won first place and the award of a free Write!Canada conference registration. At that time our five children (ages 1-11) and work on our local school board kept me busy. However, several months later, Gifts From a Loving God, our journey through the grief of infertility and into adoption, was published in Testimony. I also joined InScribe, happy to find other Christian writers closer to where I live. I kept entering contests, learning, and getting short stories and articles published. 

My peaceful place to relax

I'm an Author!

It took me a while to call myself a writer. I knew I enjoyed writing, but a writer? An author??? Little by little I added to my writing repertoire and wrote longer and longer pieces. Books still scared me...until I figured out books were made of chapters, and I was capable of writing chapters. I thought my first book would be a devotional, but people kept asking me about Twitter and how to use it effectively. Twitter Decoded was born—giving hope to those who thought they would never understand or be able to use Twitter. I also enjoyed some collaborative projects—Kathi Macias wanted to publish a Christmas book and asked if I would be interested in writing a 10,000-word story. She included my story, Cecile's Christmas Miracle, in her 12 Days of Christmas book. Then I joined four other writers to work on The San Francisco Wedding Planner Series and Uplifting Devotionals (which also includes devotionals by Tracy Krauss, Marcia Laycock, Janice Dyck, and Murray Pura).

Pansies are one of my favorite flowers

Self-Publishing?

During this time, I also began exploring the world of self-publishing. I eased in by learning how to publish a Kindle book. Then I joined Author Audience Academy with Shelley Hitz and learned how to publish a paperback as well. (Her program is now called Christian Book Academy.) I enjoyed the challenge and decided to self-publish both an ebook and paperback copy of Equipped: Ephesians 6 Devotionals to Empower and Make You Victorious in Everyday Struggles.

A recent sunset

Coaching

Last year I enjoyed taking training through Beautiful You Coaching Academy. After I graduated, I started working with a business coach to put together a book coaching business. God has really pushed me out of my comfort zone, but after months of work, I'm starting to reap the results. I help Christian entrepreneurs write, publish, and profit from their books. I am aiming to help 20 people publish a book this year. (Check out my updated website.) God has been bringing opportunities for speaking and coaching to me, and I'm stepping out in faith. One of my clients thanked me last week for "providing a safe place and giving me hope."

Thanks for allowing me to share my writing journey and my theme of finding hope and beauty in a broken world. I look forward to hearing about your journey and theme!

Cracks: Good? Or Bad? by Ruth L. Snyder

The writing theme for May has to do with writing in the cracks of time. Although I am going to write about cracks, my post is not going to follow the theme in the truest sense of interpretation. Instead, I invite you to think about the idea of cracks and whether they are good or bad.

The first thing that comes to my mind when I hear the word, crack, is a meaning with a negative connotation. Something that is cracked is usually broken. A broken teacup is not able to be used for its intended purpose of drinking tea. Does that mean the teacup is worthless and needs to be thrown in the garbage? Not necessarily. Check out these twelve creative ways to use broken china.

When people speak of a person "cracking under pressure", that also has negative connotations. The phrase is used to describe someone who is not able to handle a certain type of stress, such as performing in public. We all have stress, but when that stress is more intense or lasts for a long time, some people have a mental breakdown. However, sometimes cracking under pressure is a good thing. Think about a lowly egg. If we could not crack the shell, we wouldn't be able to enjoy the egg and be nourished by it. The same is true of many nuts.

The crack of dawn could be seen as a positive thing if you are a morning person and you are looking forward to a new day with fresh opportunities. The crack of dawn would be seen as negative to someone on death row awaiting execution on that particular day.

We also talk about cracking the code. This is one of the few instances when the connotation is usually positive. To crack the code means you have solved a riddle, figured out a message, or found the answer to a puzzle. (Have you heard the fascinating story from World War II around secret code and how the Allies were able to crack that code?)

What about cracked jars? Good or bad? It depends! Cracked jars are not able to hold water or other liquids. Perhaps you have heard the parable of the cracked pot? The pot with the crack compared itself to another pot with no crack and felt worthless until the owner showed it how the crack created something beautiful.

In 2 Corinthians, godly people are compared to jars of clay.

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us," 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 NIV.

God knows that we are cracked pots! He understands our sinful human weaknesses. We may be ashamed to let people see our cracks—hurting families, addictions, sinful choices, broken marriages. But God redeems those cracks in us. Those cracks are intended to bring us to our knees, admitting we cannot do life without God. When we repent and ask for help, He takes those cracks and allows His glorious light to shine through. He fills us with His light and then His light glows through our cracks to illumine the darkness around us. Others with the same cracks we have will feel like we understand. As we allow God's light to change us and shine through us, we often have opportunities to share the good news of the Gospel with those around us, dispelling the darkness of sin.

Are cracks good or bad? What do you say?

Abide: My Word for 2020 - Ruth L. Snyder

As I was praying about what God wants me to focus on in 2020, I came across this "Find Your 2020 Word of the Year" Quiz from Dayspring. When I answered the questions, "Abide" came out as the answer. The more I think about it, the more the word resonates with me.

According to Dictionary.com, "Abide" means: remain, continue, stay, dwell, reside, remain steadfast, keep, patience, put up with, endure, sustain, wait for, submit to, remain faithful, and expectation.

Strong's Concordance gave the following definition for the Greek word which is translated as abide: "to stay (in a given place, state, relation, or expectancy), to continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry for."

The meanings that seem to be most relevant for me are:

1.  Dwell — God seems to be opening the door to purchase a home.
2. Remain faithful — I want to choose to be faithful in the responsibilities and relationships God has placed in my life.
3. Wait for — I want to wait for God's perfect timing in my life. This means I need to be in close communion with Him so that I can hear His voice and be obedient.
4. Expectation — I'm excited about what God has for me this year. This week our new Lakeland Christian Writer's Group met. It's exciting to see the people God is calling to share the messages God has laid on their hearts! I'm one of the speakers at the HerStory conference in Edmonton at the end of March. In April, Jayson and I are going to a Mexican orphanage for a week with a group from our church. The business coach I've been working with for the past year has invited everyone she works with to join her on a Caribbean cruise at the end of May/beginning of June. In July I'm looking forward to attending my first international Music for Young Children conference in Toronto. I have been teaching MYC for 10 years and look forward to improving my teaching abilities. September is always a highlight for me because I get to meet with all my InScribe family members. I'm excited to present a workshop on social media marketing at the conference. 
5. Stand — This word reminds me of Ephesians 6 where we are exhorted to stand firm, with God's armor in place. On January 4th I read Faith Bigger Than Fear, and God challenged me to pray boldly. When I asked God what he wants me to pray boldly about, these requests came to mind: 1. That I would have a profit of $50,000 in my business this year. 2. That I would faithfully and specifically pray for my husband. 3. That we would purchase our home this year. 4. That I would be able to help 20 people get their book published in 2020.

Our pastor invited anyone interested to join a church renewal study. On the first Tuesday of January, we met at 6 o'clock in the morning to pray and study together. I was delighted to hear our pastor say, "The theme of our study is 'Abide'!" We will continue to meet every Tuesday morning at 6 am for at least the next 14 weeks. The study includes daily devotionals, Scripture reading, reflection questions to encourage thoughtful journaling, and memorizing. Our group challenge is to memorize Romans chapter eight in fifteen weeks. I'm looking forward to learning and growing along with my brothers and sisters in Christ. (You can find more details about Church Renewal and The Way Discipleship Pathway: Abide at https://churchrenewal.com/)

A habit I started last year that will continue into this year is meeting almost weekly with a spiritual accountability partner. We have been working our way through the Celebrate Recovery step studies.  (Celebrate Recovery is a Bible-based program for those who are working through issues like addiction or abuse. You can find more information at https://www.celebraterecovery.com/.) My accountability partner challenged me to start learning to listen to God by journaling and writing down what I hear Him saying to me. Here's an example from December 30th:

My Dearest Child,
I'm glad you are learning to trust me more. I long for the day when you trust me fully. I know you've been deeply hurt and you are learning to establish boundaries. That is a good thing. I have boundaries too. Sharing your love with other people is good, but not when it destroys who I made you.
Ask me and I will flood you with my love. Seek my face and I will show you who to share that love with. Continue to heal. Continue to grow. I am with you and will guide you in the way you should go.
All my love,
Jesus

This last year has been a year of growth. Now I'm going to work on abiding.

What about you? Do you have a word for 2020? I'd love to hear about it :)

The Meaning of Christmas by Ruth L. Snyder

God has prepared my heart for Christmas in several ways this year. In September, a friend loaned me the Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers. The trilogy tells the story of a slave girl in the Roman empire and how she came to understand the freedom and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ. At our InScribe Conference, I purchased a copy of Sigmund Brouwer and Hank Hanegraaf's book, The Last Disciple, which is also set in the Roman empire era. These books reminded me that Jesus Christ saves us from the power of sin, but that doesn't mean that our lives will be easy. In fact, following Jesus Christ may require that I give up my life. (This is currently happening to many brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.)

This fall, I joined the praise & worship teams at our local church. For the past two Sundays, I have had the privilege of helping choose and perform the music, based on Advent themes that our Pastor is focusing on leading up to Christmas.

On December first, we sang O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

The Jewish people were longing for a Messiah who would free them from the oppression of the Romans. Many who encountered Jesus Christ thought this deliverance would be a literal, earthly deliverance. When Jesus was crucified, some thought that meant he was not the Messiah. They missed the freedom God offered because they were looking for it in the wrong place.

Today before the service began, I was introduced to a song I had never heard before: Christmas is about the Cross.

Instead of preaching, our Pastor and his brother shared a skit about the struggle Joseph experienced regarding whether he should marry Mary or not after she told him she was pregnant. We closed the service by singing Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne. Often I forget all that Jesus gave up to come to earth!

Sometimes in North America, we focus on the wrong things at Christmas time.

• We put up Christmas lights and forget about the Light of the World.
• We sing Christmas carols that celebrate the birth of baby Jesus and forget that Jesus was born to die.
• We exchange presents and forget about the gifts of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ.
• We prepare for Christmas day and forget to prepare our hearts to receive Jesus Christ.
• We put up a Christmas tree and forget that Jesus is the one who gives us eternal life.

It's not necessarily wrong to enjoy Christmas lights, Christmas carols, Christmas presents, Christmas Day, and Christmas trees. However, we need to remember that all of the festivities, feasting, and fun point us to Jesus Christ—to his birth AND his death and resurrection. 

This December, I am remembering it's all about Jesus.

What are you focusing on this Christmas?

Thankful for my Heavenly Father by Ruth L. Snyder

"Do you believe God loves you?"

This question from an accountability partner stopped me in my tracks. "Of course I do!"

"Is God enough for you?"

I wanted to say yes, but I had just finished describing how hurt I was by people's actions, and how I needed affirmation from them.

"God loves you, Ruth! He is all you need. People may affirm you. They may not. That doesn't matter. God is enough. Period."

God has continued to use people to ask me these hard questions throughout the week, ending with our pastor's Thanksgiving message: "If You Had No Blessings to Count." He urged us to, "Be happy with God alone."

In case I hadn't heard the message clearly enough yet, God spoke to me again later in the day. I finished packing clothes for Luke, who is going away for a few days and nights. Then I wrote a note and put it on top of his clothes so he will see the note when he unzips his suitcase. I included Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

In my note I said, "Remember that God is always with you, no matter what. Nothing can separate you from God's love! Love & prayers, Mom"

As I walked down the hallway, God whispered to my heart, "Do you believe what you wrote? Do you believe that I love you? That nothing can separate you from my love?"

Tears filled my eyes. "Yes, Father, I believe. I accept your love. Thank you."

The Gospel is simple enough that we can share it with children. When I spoke at Bible camp years ago, this was my outline for five days:
1. God loves me
2. I have sinned
3. Jesus died for me
4. I receive His gift
5. I am saved

It would appear I'm a very slow learner—still working on understanding the first point.

We live in a world where we all fall short of God's plan. In the Church, and even in Christian families, we don't really experience true love. God is love....Completely, without fault. God is the only one who knows me as I really am, and yet He loves me. He cares for me. He provides for me. He shelters me. He prods me to grow. He rebukes and corrects me. He rejoices over me. He has a good plan for my life. He works all things together for good.

This Thanksgiving, although I have many things for which to be thankful, I am focusing on one: God, my Heavenly Father, loves me.

What has God been teaching you lately? I'd love to hear about it.

Find out more about Ruth L. Snyder, her writing and coaching at RuthLSnyder.com or connect with her on Facebook.