Finger Painting or a Masterpiece

There are days when it’s easy to question if God really has a hand in what’s happening—or not happening in our lives.

Why must we work so hard to make ends meet, only to see bills piling up? We tithe. Doesn’t God care that we continue to give, even though we fall farther and farther behind in debt? Where is He in all of this?

We dream of successful careers, but our labor seems in vain as one door after the other slams in our face.

A child is finally placed in a mother’s arms—a gift from heaven—only to be snatched away, too soon.

We pray unceasingly for a soul mate. Someone to love. Someone to share our lives with. While everyone around us seems to have “someone,” we remain alone.

It’s difficult to wait.

But God sees the big picture, while in reality, we can’t even see 10 seconds into the future. Even though it may drive us crazy to wait, His timing is perfect.
He’s always moving in our lives and on our behalf.

Sometimes we’re not ready for what He has planned for us.
Sometimes what lies ahead is not ready for us.

We may need to learn—grow—or even change our course several times before we discover answers. Most likely, whatever it is, will be better than what we could have come up with ourselves.

Humans are impatient creatures. Left on our own, we’d create a life for ourselves that would resemble a child’s finger painting. Cute. Simple. Messy.

But if we allow God to paint the canvas of our lives, the creation can become a masterpiece. Vibrant. Defined. Full of purpose. Detailed. Constructively complex. Beautiful.

It’s not easy waiting.

But I’d rather lead a life created from the Master, than my own, fumbling hands.

How about you?

Dawn

New Blog for Christian Writers - Seriously Write

The written word is powerful. It can comfort, challenge, and inspire. It can make us laugh and bring us to tears.

But, how can we effectively communicate our message and touch lives?

My good friend, Annette M. Irby, and I have teamed up to create a new blog for Christian writers, Seriously Write.

Our mission is to help writers succeed in spreading the message God has given them through their writing. On this blog, you’ll find information on craft, encouragement, and resources.

Here’s what you can expect:

Manuscript Mondays * – On Mondays, we’ll focus on the craft of writing.

Net’s Notations – On Tuesdays, Annette will offer her thoughts on writing.

Writer’s Journey * – On Wednesdays, we’ll provide resources, information on writers’ organizations, conferences, and advice, as well as featuring writing books.

Dawn’s Devotional – On Thursdays, I’ll share inspirational thoughts for the writer.

Fortifying Fridays * – On Fridays, visit for challenging and encouraging words to launch your weekend, including success stories.

* Guest writers

Please visit Seriously Write and join in the fun!

If you're a writer and would like to offer pieces to coincide with the topics listed for Monday/Wednesday/Friday above, please leave a message in the comments or email me at dawnkinzer [at] comcast [dot] net. We're actively seeking submissions as we schedule through the summer.

Happy writing!

Dawn

What's New in Christian Fiction?

Happy July! And congratulations to these authors whose work releases this month!

1. A Promise Kept, Heartsong Presents Historical Ohio Book 1 , by Cara C. Putman from Heartsong Present. Newlyweds Josie & Art must choose whether to honor the promises they've made when their relationship experiences the fire of pain.

2. Blackmail, sixth and final book in the Bayou Series, by Robin Carroll from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. The sixth and final book in Robin Carroll's romantic suspense bayou series.

3. Cranberry Hearts, by Lena Nelson Dooley, Beth Goddard and Lisa Harris from Barbour Publishing. What will happen when three Massachusetts women find their journeys home lead them down dangerous paths?

4. Deadly Intent, by Camy Tang from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Massage therapist Naomi Grant must prove her innocence when her client is murdered in her family's Sonoma day spa.

5. Gripped By Fear, The Chicago Warriors Series, by John M. Wills from TotalRecall. Two Chicago Detectives struggle to capture a serial rapist.

6. Hometown Courtship, by Diann Hunt from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. A carpenter and a hair stylist work to build a house together--but are they building much more?

7. Lonestar Secrets, Lonestar Series Book 2, by Colleen Coble from Thomas Nelson. A young veterinarian returns to her childhood home and finds the man who humiliated her may be in custody of a daughter she thought had died.

8. Love's Rescue, The Sierra Chronicles Book One, by Tammy Barley from Whitaker House. A headstrong Southern woman falls for her kidnapper, a Western cattleman she blames for the loss of her family.

9. Maggie Rose, Second in The Daughters of Jacob Kane series , by Sharlene MacLaren from Whitaker House. Mission-minded Maggie Rose takes a job at an orphanage in New York City, never expecting to fall in love with a hardnosed newspaper reporter.

10. Menu for Romance, Brides of Bonneterre Series Book #2, by Kaye Dacus from Barbour Publishing. The Chef and the Party Planner Each Seek the Kind of Love that Requires No Reservations.

11. Montana Rose, by Mary Connealy from Barbour Publishing. Love Comes Softy, with mayhem, comedy and gunfire.

12. Ransome's Honor, Book 1 The Ransome Trilogy, by Kaye Dacus from Harvest House PUblishers. Once Youthful Sweethearts—Can Their Love Be Renewed?

13. Rose of the Adriatic, Sequel to Jewel of the Adriatic , by K.M. Daughters from The Wild Rose Press. Messages of hope and peace for the world from Our Lady of Medjugorje woven into a prayerful, fictional love story.

14. Second Chance Family, Fostered by Love Series Book 4, by Margaret Daley from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Whitney and Shane, two wounded people, come together to try and help each other heal from their past through the appeal of a little boy who is autistic.

15. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, by Liz Johnson from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Kenzie Thorn is surprised when she's kidnapped from the prison where she teaches a GED course, and even more shocking is that someone wants her dead.

16. The Last Resort, The Wanderlust Mysteries Book 2, by April Star from Five Star Gale I Cengage Learning. One woman's murder and a bottle washed ashore on the St. Anastasia beach open a Pandora's box and unleash secrets pursued by an entire camping resort . . . and the truth proves as elusive as the killer in their midst.

17. The Sacred Cipher, by Terry Brennan from Kregel Publications. An ancient, secret scroll could trigger nuclear war or world peace, four Americans are caught in the crossfire, and opposing radicals will stop at nothing to silence The Sacred Cipher.

Happy Reading!

Dawn

God Gives Everyone Talents - Don't Waste Yours

A coworker stopped me as I strolled past her desk.

“Did you hear? Michael Jackson died!”

Stunned, I listened to her explain, and couldn’t help but feel saddened.

In my opinion, he was a musical genius.

I grew up with Michael. Not literally – but I’m only a few years older than the fifty-year-old super star. So as I matured from a little girl into a woman, I also watched him morph from a little boy into a man who seemed to have lost his way.

Today’s news reminded me of another shocking death. The day Elvis Presley died I was a sophomore in college. I stood in my apartment when the report was broadcast. Elvis was only 42. The man had charisma and a voice that couldn’t be mistaken for anyone else.

Both men were extremely talented. Both contributed so much.

But . . . I wonder how much more – not only musically - they could have given to the world if they’d been able to live not only longer, but a different lifestyle.

And I think . . . what a waste.

Is it selfish of me to have wanted more from them?
Yes! I’m guilty.

My feeling deprived of what I believe could have been also makes me realize something else. God has given us all gifts and talents that shouldn’t be squandered.

We may never be music super stars. Or great sports heroes. I may never make a guest appearance on Oprah with a best selling novel.

None of us may every have big glory moments. We may never even feel appreciated for the things we do for family and friends.

The important thing is to recognize that we all have a purpose and a reason for being who we are. Who God made us to be.

I don't want to waste time - or what God has given me to share.
Do you?

Dawn

Relationship with Dad Affecting Your Image of God?

Have you ever thought how your relationship with your dad might affect your perception of God? And ultimately your relationship with Him?

Years ago I heard a speaker explain how our viewpoint of God is directly related to experiences we have with our earthly father. If our dad is distant and authoritative, that’s how we see God. But in contrast, if he’s loving and forgiving, we carry that picture. I believe that’s true.

With Father’s Day approaching, I’ve thought about the images of God’s personality and love that my own dad has given.


Dad Saved
Around the age of three, my parents left my toddler brother with my grandmother, and took me to the lake fishing. We didn’t have a boat, so they fished from the end of a long dock. I was supposed to remain close, but must have gotten antsy, because I fell into the lake! We weren’t so careful about using lifejackets back then. I felt no fear, was perfectly calm, and even saw a fish swim by during what seemed a very slow descent. Then, suddenly my dad’s arm wrapped around me, and he carried me to the surface. People fishing nearby rushed over to make sure I was okay. That was the end of fishing for that day!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3: 16 NIV)


Dad Taught
At the age of four, I was still not allowed to cross the street in front of my parents’ business alone. One day, as I was playing outside, a friend beckoned me with treats from the doorway of the small grocery store directly across the road. Yep, you guessed it. I crossed the street. After all, she was my friend and she had popsicles!

That was the first of rare spankings my father administered on my bottom. But he did it out of love and wanting to protect me from horrible danger. I don’t think God punishes us for our blunders, but I think sometimes he allows bad things to happen as a result so that we can learn from our mistakes.


Dad Forgives
Lying to my mother was a matter of self-preservation. The day I “borrowed” my mother’s red finger nail polish and then promptly spilled some on a dresser scarf, I blamed the mess on a cousin. My mom turned the matter over to my dad, who even as big as I was, cuddled me on his lap and asked me to tell the truth. I could never lie to my dad. With tears streaming down my face, I admitted to being the culprit. Dad hugged me and that was the end of it.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NIV)


Dad Listens
I was eight years old when my mother became pregnant with my sister. I’d never seen my mother so “difficult” to be around and didn’t understand that women can get a little hormonal during pregnancy. In tears, I sought out my father. He placed me on a stool, listened to my sobs as I relayed my woes, and then with gentleness, explained why my mother was on edge.

Our Heavenly Father is always ready and willing to listen to whatever is on our heart.


Dad Loves Unconditionally
As an adult, I made a difficult, life changing decision that affected not only me, but family and friends. Some stood by me. Some couldn’t at the time. It was heartbreaking knowing that I was not only disappointing people, I was also causing pain.

I’ll never forget the phone conversation I had with my dad. He said, “Dawn, you do what you need to do. Just know that I love you.”

What a gift my dad gave me. It still brings tears to my eyes many years later.

God loves like that. Unconditionally. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done. How much we disappointed or hurt Him. He will never, ever stop loving us.

This Father’s Day, think about your own dad and what he’s done for you. And if you’re a father, consider the picture of God you’re giving your own children.

Happy Father’s Day!
Dawn

Linked to God's GPS

Decisions need to be made every day. We even have to decide where to look for guidance in making those decisions. Where do you turn for help?

People frequently rely on technology for answers. Advice on almost anything from creating a tasty beef stroganoff to caring for a sick pet can be found on the Internet. The Web also provides resources on how to find a perfect mate, get a better job, and invest our money.

My friend has a car installed with a guidance system (GPS). After she puts the address of our destination into the GPS, a pleasant voice instructs us to continue ahead, turn left, or turn right. If we deviate from our instructions, the system knows it, and immediately tells us. Then step by step, it gives instructions on how to get pointed in the right direction.

Wouldn’t it be great if God provided us with a personal GPS? We could call it God’s Perfect Strategy system. The beautiful box, designed to fit individual style and taste, would sit next to our bed. To receive guidance for the day, our only responsibility would be hitting a button each morning. God would speak, and we’d know exactly what to pursue, and what paths to avoid. Better yet - if the system was small enough to throw into a purse, or attach to a belt loop, we could take it with us. There wouldn’t be any doubt as to following His plan and staying on the right track.

If only it were so easy . . .

What should we do when our job is terminated and the bills are behind? What do we do when a teenager continues to badly influence siblings and disrupt family life? Or our heart has been torn apart by someone we’ve unconditionally loved for years?

God can speak to our hearts through prayer. And His word, the Bible, is just as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. Since the beginning of time, people have required shelter, food, and clothing. They’ve battled sickness, and they’ve lost their children to war. Their hearts have been broken. Their dreams have been crushed.

Experienced friends can provide wisdom. A gut feeling nudging us in one direction may be the prompting of the Holy Spirit. But we shouldn’t forget to seek the One who is all knowing and wants only the best for us.

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11 NIV)

A few distractions may not cause us to stray from the path God has chosen for us. But, if we continue to allow more things to become between us and our relationship with Him, we can easily start to make poor choices. We may take a wrong turn because we’re no longer seeing clearly.

Psalm 25:4 says, “Show me your way, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (NIV).

God desires to provide the guidance you need today, and every day – no matter what the situation. You can trust that.

Dawn

My Agenda - or God's?

Have you ever planned and imagined how something was going to turn out, only to have it not go quite the way you wanted?

Months ago I requested the past week off from the day job for a stay-at-home vacation. I’ve never had one before. Usually you think of vacation as a time to kick back, go to the beach, explore new territory, or just read a book.

I decided this vacation would be devoted to working on my current novel. I post-phoned appointments, turned down invitations to social gatherings, and made my husband promise to not interrupt me during office hibernation.

I envisioned immersing myself in writing from early morning until the wee hours of the next, and set a goal for finishing the rough draft I’d made such slow progress on during the past year.

But as the days progressed, things didn’t go according to plan.

My husband and I enjoy a nice yard, so every year I plant several truckloads of flowers in the front and back of the house, filling a large window box, pots, and hanging planters. With bad weather during one weekend, and a trip out of town another, we hadn’t gotten the job done. So after several trips to Home Depot and Fred Meyer – and many hours of labor, the work was completed.

Then one thing after the other followed. A mix up at the bank due to charges posting twice for the same purchase. Another with my insurance company pertaining to mail order prescriptions. Only I could deal with both - and both cost me hours on the phone.

There were blogs to write, email to catch up on, unexpected interruptions, and at times I was just too tired to work on my manuscript.

It didn’t take long to see that I’d set unrealistic goals for how much writing could feasibly be accomplished in a week.

It all resulted it frustration, followed by self-beating for failing at what I thought needed to be accomplished.

I had to take a step back.

Instead of asking God what His agenda was for me, I’d been too consumed in my own.

I haven't spent every possible minute absorbed in my work, but other valuable things happened during the course of the week that would have been difficult had I not been on “vacation.”

I spent several hours on the phone, offering support to a friend who’s going through a crisis.

My daughter in New York City and I were able to spend time together for several hours on two separate occasions via Skype without being hindered by the three hour time difference.

A special friend and I were able to share a lengthy lunch together on an afternoon I’d normally be at my day job.

And – with prayer and lots of caffeine, I was still able to write more than what I could have in four weekends - which has kicked me back into gear.

I think God had a different agenda for my week, and I believe His held far more blessings.

Have a great week – and leave the agenda to Him.

Dawn

My Short Story, "Healing on a Park Bench," Published

I’m excited to share that my short story, “Healing on a Park Bench,” has been published in the June 2009 issue of Christian Fiction Online Magazine.

This popular magazine is filled with articles written for/by authors, agents, and editors in the industry. The publication also includes two short stories per issue.

You can read “Healing on a Park Bench” at http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/HealingParkBench.html


Hope you enjoy!

Dawn

Misperception of the City that Never Sleeps

Have you ever taken pieces of information, formulated an opinion, and later discovered you were terribly wrong?

My youngest daughter, Ana, and I recently returned from our first visit to New York City. The Big Apple. Brooke and Doug, my oldest daughter and son-in-law, moved there a short time ago due to new opportunities in their careers.

(Ana, Doug, Brooke)

As a parent, it was comforting to see the Brooklyn neighborhood where the couple found a small, but nice and comfortable place to live. One evening we strolled down the path through a park at the water’s edge. The city, brightly lit, just lay across the way. Families were out with strollers. Kids happily skipped along. Masters walked their dogs. It felt friendly. It felt safe.

Brooke and Doug had already found their way around using the subway and knew the layout of the city. As we walked the streets they pointed out Trump Tower, Radio City Music Hall, and the studios where the Today Show and Good Morning America are broadcast. We stood in Times Square and visited Rockefeller Center. Theatres where famous actors currently played displayed colorful billboards – a sensory overload. There was so much to take in.

I was struck by how wrong my preconceived ideas had been of how the city would look, feel, and sound.

Through movies and television, we see walls filled with graffiti, homeless people laying in alleys, and an overwhelming sense of crowding and noise.

I didn’t experience any of that.

The city was clean and beautiful. Many people cruised the sidewalks, but not the amount I expected. There wasn’t even a great deal of noise. Possibly due to signs like this one!

And then we stepped into Central Park. I had no idea! From everything I’d seen through various mediums, I expected the park to be a huge green lawn with scattered trees and paths for bikers and runners. Central Park blew me away. It was like stepping into another world that would take you a day to explore. Lush, thick vegetation filled the park and massive trees shaded the visitors from the hot sun. Bridges spanned bodies of water. Horse drawn carriages provided interest with bright colors and romantic appeal.

I know there are areas in New York that are dirty and ugly. Areas that are filled with crime and hurting people. But reality is that the entire city is not.

It’s so easy for us to have misperceptions about not only places, but people. We’re told one thing and we believe it instead of checking out the facts. We look at a man living on the streets and we think we have him all figured out.

But if we take the time to look closer, maybe—just possibly—we’ll see something quite different. Something quite amazing. Look at the Susan Boyle phenomenon. She stepped out onto a stage and people laughed. She opened her mouth and sang, and the world took notice.

Take time to look for good and beauty in your surroundings—but even more in the people you meet.

Dawn

What's New in Christian Fiction?

A list of June releases for your summer pleasure!

1. A Case of the Heart by Beth Shriver from The Wild Rose Press. An over zealous social worker develops a relationship with a cop while they keep her client safe from involvement in a drug ring.

2. A Dream to Call My Own, Brides of Gallatin County Book 3 from Bethany House Publishers by Tracie Peterson. Love and adventure still hearts in the rugged Montana frontier, while a killer threatens the peace and happiness of an entire community.

3. A Soldier's Reunion by Cheryl Wyatt from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. reunion romance between a U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumper (PJ) and a pediatrician and first love from his past who fears their careers will push them apart again.

4. A Family for Tory/A Mother for Cindy by Margaret Daley from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Classics. Two stories that illustrate what happens when children decide to matchmake and bring two people together.

5. Above All Things by Deborah Raney from Steeple Hill. Evette must decide if she can be a mother to her husband's 6-year-old mixed race child. A baby neither of them knew existed until a fateful phone call.

6. Child Finder by Mike Angley from TotalRecall Publications, Inc. An Air Force Special Agent discovers he has a psychic gift that enables him to find missing children, but the government's exploitation of his skills leads to murder!

7. Critical Care, Mercy Hospital Series #1 by Candace Calvert from Tyndale House. When a nurse initiates disaster counseling, the process re-opens her own emotional wounds--as God prepares her heart for a love that was nowhere in her plans.

8. Highland Masquerade, The MacTavish Chronicles by April Sanders from Tate Publishing. Victoria must disguise herself as a boy and accidentally falls into the hands of the man she loves in order to escape her evil uncle.

9. His Forever Love by Missy Tippins from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Can former high school buddies find love while fighting over "custody" of his grandmother?

10. Love Finds you in Revenge, Ohio by Lisa Harris from Summerside Press. Morgan finds herself torn between saving her sister's heart and losing hers to the man who jilted her seven years ago.

11. Love Finds you in Treasure Island, Florida by Debby Mayne from Summerside Press. The attraction between Amanda and Jerry is overshadowed by their sense of responsibility.

12. Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell from Bethany House Publishers. Susannah Phillips obeys the rules. But when love interferes, she faces a choice: Follow the rules or follow her heart.

13. Nosey in Nebraska by Mary Connealy from Barbour Publishing. Murder, Romance, Comedy and a really big mouse.

14. Snow Melts in Spring, Seasons of the Tallgrass Series by Deborah Vogts from Zondervan. Mattie Evans, a young veterinarian in rural Kansas saves a horse inured in a terrible accident but finds herself tending the wounded relationship between a prodigal son and his ailing father.

15. Sunset Beach, The Beach House Series #4, by Trish Perry from Harvest House Publishers. Sonny Miller invites her mother and estranged aunt to a week at the beach, not telling one about the other; but they bring a few surprises of their own.

16. The Night Watchman, the Ray Quinn Series Book #1, by Mark Mynheir from Multnomah/Waterbrook Publishers. When the case of a lifetime is thrust upon him, retried homicide detective Ray Quinn must decide rather he’ll succumb to his depression and pain or use the God-given gifts he still has left to catch a killer. Crawling from the wreckage of his former life, Ray struggles to find healing and purpose as he tracks a madman.

17. Witness to Murder by Jill Elizabeth Nelson from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. When a TV reporter witnesses a murder--she thinks--only unearthing the sinister secrets of her painful past can save her from becoming the next victim.

Happy Reading!

A Prize That Can't Be Beat

I listened as a TV news anchor reported the story about a Little League mom who grabbed a 12-year-old boy’s face, gave him an angry shove, and called the boy names. Her reason for anger? The boy had taunted her son, one of the players, during the baseball game. If found guilty, the woman could serve up to a year in jail.

We’re all familiar with parents who live, almost to obsession, through their children. We may have even fought it ourselves. Our society is so caught up with winning and being the best, that often the benefits of the journey are forgotten.

I support children – and adults – being rewarded for hard work and perseverance. Trophies, prizes, and rewards can great ways to help build self-esteem, team camaraderie, and celebrate an achieved goal.

But when all is said and done, no one should base his/her worth on how many trophies sit on the mantle.

My husband told me that he’s never won a trophy in his life, but added, “When I die, what would people do with it? A plastic statue wouldn’t mean anything to them, and they’d just toss it in the trash.”

That made me think . . . I have a box of trophies and awards for music and scholastic achievements during high school. Yep, a whole box. Somewhere in the garage. It was cool to receive them at the time, but I haven’t looked at them in probably 34 years. The box just keeps getting moved from house to house.

At one time I thought that someday my children and grandchildren might get a kick out of the looking at my award memorabilia. But it will probably just end up in the trash. Really, what would they do with the stash? Build a shrine to Grandma?

Trophies, awards, and prizes are given to “winners.” And don’t we all want to be considered winners? Doesn’t it feel good when we’re handed the prize?

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:13 NIV)

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:13 KJV)

God wants us to strive for a different kind of prize. One that won’t be broken or thrown out with the trash. The prize spoken about here is our “calling.” God has called us to a higher purpose for His Kingdom. Part of that calling is to be in relationship with Him. Whatever else He has for us to do may not always be easy to discern. But He still wants us to press on - seeking direction and understanding.

No other prize can compare with being a child of God - fulfilling our purpose – and doing what we were created to do.

Press on toward the goal . . . and win the prize!

Dawn