Posted on

The Deception of Greed (A Confession)

Greed steals time from genuine treasure:

Time with loved ones, worship and grace.

It becomes an anxious passion

Pushing us on an endless race.  

The deceiver thrills to see the people

Attracted to greed’s web and caught

Ignoring pain that coveting causes

Forgetting lessons contentment had taught.

Healthy bodies, minds and souls

Require God-provided care

Yet choosing to seek daily wants

Not needs, leaves thirsty spirits bare.

Life’s purpose is not to glean possessions

Fun or attractive they may be

If homes are full but hearts are empty

What prompts us to live unselfishly?

Jesus called the greedy, fools

With overflowing surplus barns,

Not concerned with life eternal

Ignoring what the Savior warns.

 I thought that greed did not concern me

‘I am content” I sang with pride

Greed was not a big temptation

Along with sins I attempted to hide.

Because of love, and perfect justice,

Jesus exposed my false beliefs

Opened my eyes with Word-vision

Offered forgiveness, granted relief.

The curse of sin stops not just heaven

But also stifles blessings here

Lord, daily tell me of your goodness

Open my heart to show you’re near.

Pictures courtesy of Pixabay 

Posted on

What is a Book Launch?

Picture an author tying her newly released, self-published book to a camera-equipped drone. Friends and family are gathered outside in a sunny backyard. Two sixpacks of light beer and a box of sweet wine await tasting. A famous DJ (son-in-law) commences the countdown with a dubstep beat. Like the movie with balloons tied to a house, the book rises UP into the sky.

But no, that is NOT a book launch. And yes, you are invited to mine.

Researching and writing (and editing and rewriting) Self-Care: Selfish or Sacred? provided mental health therapy during Covid restrictions. Since I am one of those people who gain energy and joy being with others; the stay-at-home, don’t-touch-anyone, can’t-see-smiles-behind-masks restrictions were personally painful. With lack of face-to-face conversations available, writing was my way of talking.

The self-care life balance topic was chosen because I had been so poor at it! And I know many others who doubt if it’s a Christian thing to do. (“Carry your cross 24/7 and all will work out.”)

One blessing of aging is how forgetfulness, aches and pains and general slowing down impresses the need for re-prioritizing. This was also my incentive to study how the Creator wants me to treat my body, mind and soul that he masterfully designed.

With almost two years of writing, working with a publisher, choosing a cover (who knew that would take so long?) and learning some of the business aspects, I was challenged to do my own book promotions.The last task felt like pious bragging, but unless you are  a best-selling author, it’s the way modern book sales are made. 

A book launch is a celebration announcing, “fini!” It’s a book reveal party with refreshments, copies for autographs and sales, book information and small thank you gifts for attendees. No drones flying around with books, but most likely some uplifting photo taking. 

June 18th is my very first book launch party! Contact me for details, then look for the balloons!