Time Multiplication

Give away the very thing you need!

A few weeks from now I will be speaking in the Church of the Living Christ in Ojai, that is in beautiful, sunny Southern California, on the subject of biblical time management. Actually, I'll be hosting a mini-seminar based on my first book Sacred Sabbath. It seems ages ago that first book in the series came out, but it still holds a fresh message. I want to leave the following thought with you for this weekend.

If for whatever reason we regard one day a week as special, we regard it as our special day, and thus we want to do the things we like or love. God's way of thinking is different: One day a week is special. It is not yours, it is Mine. Pursue Me and not your own interests. Could it be that we lack time during the week because we are trying to keep all the days for ourselves, because we refuse to give God His rightful one day a week? Think about the biblical principle as mentioned in Luke 6:38 (give to others and God will give to you). If we give Him one day a week, He can bless the other six! If it works with money, why wouldn't it work with time? I want to challenge you if you are one out of those millions of people who are often busy and hardly ever have enough time to get everything done; start giving back to God His special day. You will find out He starts to bless the other six days too, in a supernatural way. You will always have enough time. By giving Him the hours on that special day, He will mutiply them and give them back to you during the other days! You will never, ever run out of time again!

Advertise Him!

Speak out for the Lord!

Newspaper articles, books, blogs or just a conversation in the store... it doesn't matter where we are or what we do, we can always advertise our faith in God. Nowadays there are endless ways to express our faith and in doing so we might encourage others at the same time. Speak out for Jesus!

2 Timothy 1:8 says

Do not be ashamed then, of witnessing for our Lord

No matter how you do it, no matter where you do it, advertise Him and His Kingdom! The world is full of commercials for the craziest stuff, let us do it for the God who holds heaven and earth in His hands!

Press coverage Breath of Life

Great article in Ventura County Star Newspaper

In the past months I have been using this weblog to share information on my latest book Breath of Life. Ofcourse every author is excited about his or her own work and will do anything to promote it. We're always searching for that fine line: should I talk about it one more time or am I being pushy? Every book needs to sell and that does not happen automatically just because you wrote a thrilling story. We're always searching for new venues to get the word out there and thank God for the internet and blogging!

However, nothing works better than a great article in the press. Today the Ventura County Star did a really good article on the book and I am very thankful for that. Just click here and it will direct you to today's headlines. You can leave your comments at the Ventura County Star if you wish. Thanks again!

Attitude in prayer

Practical and fresh thoughts

For years we have been sending out weekly newsletters to our church in Holland. The newsletters are more than just communication or a form of accountability; we also like to encourage our church family back home. We do so with uplifting news, inspiring stories and lots of scripture. Each week our newsletter contains a little devotional thought, called The Living Word. We would like to implement these practical and fresh thoughts on this weblog. So, I started translating them into English and from this week on you will find The Living Word in the sidebar. The Living Word devotionals can be recognized by the picture of the blue door … Here’s the first one:

Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God. (Colossians 4:2)

Isn’t God’s Word awesome? It tells us so much more than just being persistent in prayer; it teaches us that attitude is important. Being alert (expect something to change) and being thankful (before that change takes place) is fuel for exciting prayer!

Motto 2009

Do not be anxious about anything!

This past week we had some serious trouble with our telephone line. The fierce and hot Santa Ana wind that frequently storms through the Southland must have damaged our ancient system. No dial tone, no internet, no phone calls... for some days. It slowed me down, I actually finished two books I was reading. I noticed it did get me a little upset as well when I caught myself yelling at the recorded message that the phone company kept playing for me while being on hold on my husband's cell phone. Just that same morning I finally received my motto for this year: do not be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6) I wrote the words with big letters in my new journal and I had glued a picture of a tranquil beach right next to it ... as a reminder. I had no clue I would be practising my new found motto only a little while later.

It must be one of the most difficult commands to obey and one that is easlily overlooked for convenience sake. I have decided to really, seriously try and keep it up for a season, until I get it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Reminder: books worldwide available!

At the beginning of 2009 I would like to thank the readers of my books and blogs. It is because of your kindness and awesome comments that I am looking forward to yet another year of writing and hopefully the publishing of the next book in the series. I would like to remind everyone of the blessings of the internet; my books are available in the USA through many internet book sellers like Barnes & Noble and Borders, but also worldwide through sellers like Amazon and the Bookdepository (this one will deliver free of charge worldwide!). It never stops to amaze me how efficient the web works, we can communicate, send e-mails, leave comments, create blogs and order books! What did we do before all this?

If you haven't done so already and if you're interested in my writings, please order my books on-line at your favorite book store. The books are great for small group studies and home groups as well as for personal devotional time. Apart from the serious messages for America (and any other nation really) they contain many, many scriptures and spiritual truths to meditate upon.

Thanks again for your support and may your year be filled with joy and peace!