Walking In the Fruit of the Spirit: Releasing the Nature and Power of God in Your Life

Good day, everyone, and welcome to Leisure Lane. I hope all is well with you and you’re ready to receive some good insights into a full and abundant life.

Today, I’d like to share a new book I’ve just finished – Walking in the Fruit of the Spirit: Releasing the Nature and Power of God in Your Life, by Gloria Copeland.

About a month ago, I kept seeing references to the fruit of the Spirit popping up almost everywhere I turned. So, when this book was being previewed for its launch, I knew I had to be a part of this, and realized, “I better read this.” Has that ever happened to you – where you keep seeing the same number or time, or “something”? When that happens to me, I know it’s God trying to get my attention.

I’ve read many books by Gloria Copeland, and I can honestly say she has a frank, yet loving way of spiritually guiding. Her writing style easily glides you through her books, so you can soak up the essential meaning without being bogged down with just a lot of words of which you’re trying to make sense. She bases all her teachings on Biblical Scripture, and gives the scriptures for your convenience in referencing them for yourself.

Walking in the Fruit of the Spirit is no exception – it’s easy to read, while touching on each important aspect of living a full and abundant life that’s full of the fruit of God. I especially like the “Speak Your Faith” affirmations at the end of each section, making it personal for me. She breaks down each fruit – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, and Temperance – explaining their importance and the power each one holds.

If you are looking for more of God’s power and fruit in your life; if you are looking to improve your life in a more positive direction no matter where you are at the moment, this book is a great way to begin. The fruit of the Spirit are a way of life, not religious tradition or a formula; but when put into practice, power by which to live a more full and happy life.

Oh, and by the way; since reading it, the phrase, fruit of the Spirit has stopped popping up in front of me. Coincidence? I think so, in the real meaning of the word – something that coincides with something else for a particular purpose.

Thank you for joining me today. I hope this review has heightened your interest. God bless you, and…

Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne
author

We Put Bits in Horses’ Mouths, Don’t We?

Hello, Friends, and welcome to Leisure Lane. We had a very mild winter in my neck of the woods, until the middle of February, which happens to be my birthday. I really wanted it to snow and get colder to give us a break. I said it and said it. I talked about it for months, and voila! My birthday wish came true…we not only got snow, but a freeze that shook the state of Texas’ confidence in preparedness. I promise to be a more careful with my birthday wishes 😉

Speaking of the words we choose, today I was thinking about the short story, The Turbulent Tongue, and was reminiscing on something one of its readers confided to me a few years ago. She said that every time she started to gossip she thought of the story, which convicted her to stop. It made her more conscious of her words and whether or not she was beginning to go down the gossip path. Her words did my heart good, realizing that it had the desired affect in helping her to curb her “turbulent tongue”. I had no idea she struggled with gossip and perhaps she didn’t, either. But, in truth, we all have had our share of curbing that sometimes unforeseen habit. We may not even be aware that what is coming out of our mouths is actually “gossip”. Then, there are others who not only know they’re gossiping, but find a strange pleasure in the pastime, just like our story’s loquacious main character. So, today I’d like to touch on the topic of gossip.

Some of you may not want to discuss this tender issue, and may have already clicked on to something else, but for those of you who have a desire to help yourself gain control over your tongue and help others do the same, then keep reading.

In the letter from James, the brother of Jesus, he writes in Chapter 3:3-5 , “Behold, we put bits in horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold, also the ships, which through they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm…Even so, the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!”

How true those simple words are. We have the ability to change the course mighty things and circumstances with our little tongues; we can bless or curse with our tongues; and we can create either havoc or well-being in the lives of others with just our little ole’ tongues. Think about that for a moment – especially the last part. When we speak about others, what are we saying about them and in what manner are we saying it? I don’t just mean the tone with which we are speaking the words, but from where in our hearts are those words being conceived? From anger, bitterness, resentment, frustration, envy – or simply trivial boredom? Or perhaps, and many of us are guilty of this reason, are we actually concerned about someone and so decide to “spill the beans” to another thinking we are genuinely discussing the subject’s well-being? Do we understand that what we say can reach far beyond the span of our listeners, or are we oblivious to consequences and only desiring immediate satisfaction from our conversation?

There’s a fine line, my friend, in speaking about one person to another, and it’s our duty to make sure we are not crossing the line from genuine caring to trifle balking. In The Turbulent Tongue, the Gossip, in engaging in her favorite pastime, crosses that line with no thought of the consequences of her words, or how far they can travel. In the end, to her chagrin, she receives the ultimate epiphany. The Turbulent Tongue was written in the hopes that we, unlike the Gossip, can learn this lesson without any drama. If you have a problem with gossip, or you know someone who does, this short story can help. It’s perfect for book groups, study groups, bible study groups and more. And if you’re looking for a church skit, this story is perfect. There’s no room for chastisement of oneself or others who fall into the gossip trap, only room for improvement and a happier life.

I’ll leave you with more wise words from James 3:13…“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”

Thank you for strolling by Leisure Lane today. I hope you enjoyed your stay. God bless you, and…

Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne
author

 

 

Add a Little Pixie Dust to Your Creativity

Good day everyone, and welcome to Leisure Lane. I hope you’re all enjoying a wonderful day.

I have a treat for anyone who’s interested in learning how to crochet. Jean, from the delightful blog, The Creative Pixie, is working her magic again on Youtube. She’s got two brand new videos – How to Crochet a Foundation Chain and How to Crochet a Magic Ring. Both videos are very informative, and her easy to follow style will inspire you to give it a try. She also has some knitting videos, so be sure to check those out, as well.

If you aren’t familiar with her blog, be sure to stop by and give her a warm “hello”. She shares her amazing projects and talent there – featuring knitting, cross-stitch, crochet, tutorials and more.

Thank you for stopping by today. May your day be filled with joy and peace, and…

Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne

NOTE: The above photo is the sole property of The Creative Pixie and is used here by permission.

 

 

Published in ideals Easter Book

Hello friends, and happy 2021! It’s here – the 2021 IDEALS Easter edition, and I’m happy to announce that my poem, Easter Baskets, is among all the delightful poems, articles, photography and artwork found in this issue. This is the surprise I mentioned some months back that I wanted to share with you.

Ideals has been around since 1944, and if you’ve never read one before, this is a perfect time to do so. Filled with inspirational and quality treasures that will brighten your day, you just may become a lifelong fan, like me.

When I was very young, my mother had a collection of Ideals books and we spent many warm moments reading the poetry and looking at all the gorgeous pictures. It has been a dream of mine to one day be published within its pages, and I’m proud to say that dream has come true.

Ideals Easter issue should be in bookstores around January 26, 2021. If you prefer, you can pre-order a copy from Barnes and Noble.

Well, I’ve got my tea poured, and I’m ready to savor every moment inside my complimentary issue. Have a glorious day, and…

Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne
author

 

 

 

For God So Loved the World, He Gave…

Good day, dear readers. In John 3:16, Jesus said to Nicodemus, “For God SO loved the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that WHOEVER believes in him, shall not perish, but have EVERLASTING LIFE.” That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

I spent yesterday looking up the key original Greek words in my concordance, and my heart was filled more than ever. I don’t know why the world spends its energy rebuking this love, this precious grace, this precious gift of Jesus. Even the Hallmark channel in all their Christmas regalia and their desperate attempt to be so inclusive cannot even show a nativity, let alone mention His name.

But, for those of you looking for grace, for love, for everlasting life, let this be the gift you unwrap under the tree this Christmas. Let this be the thing to contemplate no matter what religion you belong to. For He did not come to start a religion, but to lead the way to the everlasting Father.  It will not disappoint you. Perfect love never will.

Be blessed, and…

Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne
Amazon Kindle author

The Mis-Aventures of Kare and Mare: New Book on Amazon Kindle

 

Good day everyone, and welcome to Leisure Lane. I hope you’re enjoying the last of autumn. It seems to go by much too quickly for me. Today is raining and quite lovely – a perfect autumn day to curl up and read a good book – after the real Good Book, that is ;).

Speaking of books, I’m happy to announce that those two beloved characters, Kare and Mare, and their unique way of looking at life are now on Amazon Kindle. The mis-Adventures of Kare and Mare: You’re such a goddess, contains all their funny goodness in one place, where you can enjoy them any time/anyplace. Life can have challenges, but learning to see the cup half full with a bit of humor makes the journey so much more enjoyable – don’t you think? I know Kare and Mare do.

Thank you for strolling by the Lane today. I hope you enjoy what you see. God is good, and His mercy endures forever, and that Truth never fails. May you be blessed today, and…

Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne
author

 

All the Day Long: nursery rhymes for today – KINDLE BOOK LAUNCH

Hello everyone, and welcome to Leisure Lane today.

I am happy to announce that All the Day Long – Nursery rhymes for today is now available on Amazon Kindle. A sweet labor of love, each rhyme is a heartwarming treasure of motherhood. There is an excerpt in my last post, if you haven’t seen it, click here. Each rhyme is accompanied by a vintage illustration for a bit of nostalgia.

I hope you enjoyed this post. May you be blessed above and beyond today and everyday, and…

Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne
author

All the Day Long: New Book of Nursery Rhymes COMING SOON

Good day everyone, and welcome to Leisure Lane. I hope you’re enjoying this wonderful month of November. I’m very happy to see so many people strolling by the Lane and I hope you’re finding your visit enjoyable.

I’m very grateful for the success of my recent kindle book, Halloween Collection, featuring delightful Halloween poems and short stories. You can check it out on my side bar. Because it did so well, I thought it might be time to release my nursery rhyme book. All the Day Long has been waiting in the wings for quite some time and will be available on or before November 29, 2020 on Amazon kindle. I’ll post on Leisure Lane when it goes live, so stay tuned.

All the Day Long is a compilation of many of the little rhymes I’d make up while doing simple tasks with my own baby – changing his diaper, feeding time, putting him down for a nap were just some of the opportunities that birthed forth happy simple songs and rhymes that filled those moments with more giggles and love (no matter how tired I was). They multiplied over the years and now will be made available for mothers everywhere to enjoy and share.

The following is a sample of what you’ll find inside…

ALL THE DAY LONG

All the day long
I’d sing a sweet song
To get my dear baby to sleep.

We’d rock and we’d sway,
Then as I’d fade away
Dear baby was up with a peep.

Again, thank you for stopping by today. I hope you’re as excited about this new book as much as I am. Have a wonderful day full of positive outlook and divine inspiration, and…

Until next time, may happy days abound!

Marianne
author

Veteran’s Day Tribute

Good day everyone, and welcome to Leisure Lane. I’d like to give a big THANK YOU to all of our veterans, whose bravery and sacrifice is appreciated now more than ever. THANK YOU and may God bless you and your families!

In tribute to you, I’d like to post a short story I wrote in 2015, called A Veteran’s Cap. I think it holds more meaning now. I hope you enjoy it and it speaks to your heart in some way. Have a great day, and…

Until next time may happy days abound!

Marianne

A Veteran’s Cap

I like to walk on cool days when the sun is shining on my face. It makes me feel warm and alive. Sometimes I walk into town. Everyone’s in such a rush to get where they’re going. Sometimes I wonder if they see me…really see me; or am I just another blurred face in the crowd. Do they notice me at all?

Sometimes I wear my Veteran’s cap, and someone will greet me with that special kind of smile, or thank me for my service and reach out to shake my hand or pat me on the back. It’s usually the older folks. I ask myself, “Is this why I wear the cap?”  Sometimes I think it is. Or maybe I wear it for my war buddy, Bill, who was running next to me when they shot him between the eyes. Or maybe I wear it for Kevin who came in as a new medic, but never made it to the front line. Man, that day, no medic could help him. Maybe it’s for Adam, who now lives his life in a wheelchair, staring out the window thinking of what could have been, as he watches his children play in the yard. I don’t know anymore.

School buses and automobiles whiz by transporting unfamiliar faces. I wonder if they know what I’ve been through. Every night I pray they could understand. The sun is still warm on my face and the cool breeze balances the warmth so that what I’m feeling now is – comfort. God, back in those days I never thought I’d ever be able to think, let alone say that word again.

I stop at a corner and wait for the light to turn green. An elderly man comes from behind me. He stands a little to my right. I can hear his labored breath. I turn toward him, and notice a familiar cap. It reads ‘Veteran’. He knows…he knows. “Are you alright?” I ask.  “Here, sit for a while,” and I lead him to a little bench outside of a coffee shop. I gently help him to sit. “I’ll be alright, son,” he replies through heavy breaths. I go inside the shop and bring out a cup of cold water for him and a coffee for me. We sit together for a while. He came home safely from the Korean War, married his high school sweetheart, and had 3 children. After 45 years of marriage his wife passed away, and his children are dispersed throughout the country. He made it alright on his own for quite some time, but now his health is beginning to wane. He walks every week to the clinic because he can’t drive due to failing eyesight, and the bus doesn’t stop near where he lives. He’ll be going to live with his daughter, but that won’t be for another two months.

We continue on our journey, and I walk the rest of the way with him to make sure he arrives safely. I help him up two flights of stairs to the modest, little apartment he calls “home”.  “Look, what about if I pick you up next week, and drive you to the clinic,” I say. There’s a pause, then he looks at me with tearing eyes. “You’d do that for me, son?” he asks surprised. “Sure! We veterans have to stick together, right?” “Can we have some ice cream after my appointment?” he asks. I smile.  “You got it!”

I made it back to the land of the free – free to show kindness, free to help a buddy in despair, free to still serve my country. I don’t know why he trusted me – a stranger.  Maybe it was the comradely cap. Maybe that’s why I wear it.  Yeah!

Marianne Coyne©copyright2015

The Sound of True Leadership

Good day all,

For anyone, anywhere who needs encouragement and inspiration in any area of your life, give this a go.

 ^“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.” Paul, 2Corin. 4:8-11

These are what real leaders sound like.

God bless you,

Marianne