Kathleen Friesen

GRACE NOTES - BLOG

My place for interviews, book reviews, and the occasional meditation. Do you enjoy a good book? I'll feature them here, so let's visit!

  • Welcome!
  • Grace Notes - Blog
  • My Books
  • Recipes (just for fun)

Saint Laura's Day

11/13/2012

3 Comments

 
Picture
My mother was a saint. Not perfect of course, but sanctified, made holy by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Four years ago today, she left her cancer-riddled body for the peace and glory of heaven. I miss her. My dad and siblings miss her. Our extended families miss her. But I know without a doubt that we will someday see her again, and in that I rejoice.

When I was a child, Mom was my hero. I loved her open arms, her wisdom in teaching us to love God and His Word, and even her tears when we kids pushed her too far. I always wanted to be just like Mom.

It was many years before I understood a small part of her pain, the hurt she tried so hard to hide. My mother carried deep wounds from her youth that caused an insecurity that haunted her the rest of her life.

In spite of that, because she knew the love of God, she was a woman of joy. She expressed her joy in songs of praise and worship. Mom had a beautiful voice, and she loved to sing songs from her heart. And oh, how she loved Jesus! In Him she found the steady Rock she so desperately needed, and her deepest desire was that her children find that Rock, too. Because of her prayers, teaching and example, we did - all five of us.

Some time ago I was taught that in the Orthodox tradition saints were honored not on the days of their earthly birth, but on the day of their entrance into Heaven. So St. Nicholas' Day, December 6, celebrates the day he died. Because in reality, death is the doorway to eternal life. I love that!

Therefore, I propose that November 13 be known and celebrated as St. Laura's Day in honor of the home-going of this loving saint, my wonderful mother.

Happy St. Laura's Day, everyone!

3 Comments

When I am faithless...

11/1/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
The weather had been dreary, and so had my mood. As low as the clouds dripping rain, I couldn't seem to find joy the last couple days. Too much disappointment, too many stresses, too little sleep -- I found myself asking, "God, where are You in this? I thought this book was Your plan, but nothing is working!"

The two places I'd thought would be best for local book signings had not worked out. One was an outright "No" at least until 2013, and the other simply didn't respond. Rejection hits hard.

So on the way into town this afternoon, I begged my heavenly Father to give me courage to try again. I had "just happened" to notice an article in the paper about a book signing by a local author at Coles Books in the mall this coming Saturday. "Well, maybe it's worth a try," I'd thought. But I didn't expect much.

But I went into the mall anyway, book in hand, and went to Coles. The manager "just happened" to be at the till when I arrived, and she at first said they were too busy to hold a book signing before Christmas. Then she "just happened" to change her mind.

Now I am thrilled to announce that I will be at a table at the entry to Coles in the Village Green Mall from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 24, to sell and sign copies of "Melody's Song."

On the way home, as I was thanking God for what He'd done, I remembered I'd "just happened" to read 2 Timothy 2:13 yesterday: "If we are faithless, he will remain fiathful, for he cannot disown himself."

Is it a coincidence that the sun broke through the clouds as I drove home praising my wonderful Father?

How about you? Have you experienced some Godly "coincidences" lately? I'd love to hear about them!

0 Comments

    Author

    I’ve always loved music, even before the writing bug hit. Grace notes are little extras, not the actual melody. Just something that adds to the feel of the music. My desire for this blog is to encourage and bless readers, to share a little grace.

    Archives

    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012

    Categories

    All
    Books For Kids
    Christian Manuscript Submissions
    Comfort Zone
    Fear And Faith
    Spiritual Warfare
    Timid Warrior
    Waterfalls
    Wells Gray Park
    Writing Tools

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.