Comfort for Loss

“This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” I begin each morning with this biblical affirmation from Psalm 118, along with some other proven favorites, and then move into my devotion time. Before Paul went to heaven, these words would slide off my tongue with confidence. Lately, they sometimes want to stick in my throat like a too-large chunk of bread that just won’t go down.

The emotions resulting from loss of any kind, but especially of a loved one, are unpredictable and deceiving. When we think they are receding into the background of our consciousness, they creep up on us and suddenly plunge a dagger into our stomach, leaving us reeling. They sap our strength and assault our thoughts as we desperately search for perspective and order in a life that is forever changed.

This morning, as I read from one of my devotionals, I was reminded that “it is through our trials and afflictions that God gives us fresh revelations of Himself.”¹ But the pain of the loss is unwelcome and my mind and body want to run for cover. Yet Paul says in Philippians 3:10 that he so wanted to know Jesus and the power of His resurrection, that he was willing participate in His sufferings and be conformed to His death. I need this resurrection power, now more than ever, in order to walk through this period of my life.

So I speak the words that open the door of my day, words that hold a promise of hope and peace. Jesus assures us in Hebrews 4:16 that we can come boldly to the throne of grace and obtain mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. As we experience our brand of suffering and yet are willing to give Him our sacrifice of praise, He scoops us up, holds us close, and soothes our pain.

¹ Nathaniel William Taylor in Streams in the Desert

                                                   ©2013 Laura Allen Nonemaker  All Rights Reserved

HOW TO FIND HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Recently, we heard the shocking news of two more young Hollywood stars who succumbed to suicide. Gia Allemand, an actress and model, who was finalist in Season 14 of "The Bachelor," hung herself on August 12. She died two days later. Lee Thompson Young, who at age 14 was the star of the Disney series "The Famous Jett Jackson," and went on later to star in many other TV shows, was found dead on August 19. How sad when individuals who appear to have everything to live for lose all hope.

It is so vital that our society give young people the kind of values that will sustain them through both the mountain tops and the valleys of life. First of all, every person needs the redeeming power of Jesus Christ and the strength and hope He offers. After that, important character attributes to encourage in our children are commitment, consistency, perseverance, and persistence, which is easily remembered with the acronym CCPP.

As we pass on these timeworn values to our families and in our schools, as well as communicate them through our media outlets and social institutions, we can help our young people find a brighter hope and a sure future.

                               ©2013 Laura Allen Nonemaker  All Rights Reserved

WHAT IS CATIE'S SECRET ???

I shared in a previous post how Fred D's Amazing Escape, the second children's book in my God's Secret Garden Adventures series, came to be. At that time, I promised to be back to tell you about the third book, Catie's Secret. Unfortunately, health issues with my husband and me kept me from staying current with my blog. I thank God that we are both doing well and resuming normal life (if our busy lives can be called normal for two retirees).

I love all the characters in my books, but especially Catie Caterpillar. She entered my imagination following a bug (pun intended) that my daughter, Lisa, put in my ear one day. "Mom, why don't you do a story about a butterfly?" were her words, as we talked about possible future topics for God's Secret Garden Adventures. She remembered my first encounter with raising butterflies not long before.  I had chronicled my experiences, some of them challenging, in a series of blog posts. Accompanied by photos, these earlier posts can be found in my blog archives.

When the nephew and niece of Mayor Benny (remember him from Benny's Angel?) come to Peaceful Meadow to eat clover and play, they find Catie crawling on a milkweed plant. She is eating voraciously and getting fatter and fatter. Then Catie is faced with a challenge and she must make a decision on how to react. She is a soft-spoken little thing, a bug of few words you might say. She decides to focus on the thing she knows best - eating.

I won't spoil the rest of the story by revealing it here, but suffice it to say that by the end of the book, the bunnies have experienced some valuable teaching moments. Both Fred D's Amazing Escape and Catie's Secret will be available by Summer 2013, when it can be purchased a number of ways, including Tate Publishing's online bookstore, my author website, Amazon.Com, and Barnes & Noble.Com.  

                                                                                              ©2013 Laura Allen Nonemaker

FRED D'S AMAZING ESCAPE - A FROG'S TALE

Fred D is a determined little frog. I first met him in what I call my “secret garden” as I followed my usual routine of watering my plants. I had left some water in the watering can the day before and decided to use it up. When I tipped the watering can, nothing came out. Oh well, I thought, I guess some leaves are clogging the spout. I grabbed a twig to poke the leaves down and saw two big eyes staring at me. Apparently, a little frog had fallen into the watering can. When it couldn’t get out, it somehow crawled up into the spout.

I decided that the plants didn’t need to be watered right then and ran into the house to get my camera. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a very clear picture of the cute little fellow, but I wanted my husband, Paul, to see him when he got home. When we returned later, the frog was gone.  I guess I scared him so badly that he was determined to get out somehow…and apparently he did.

That’s how I came to write the second book in my children’s series, God’s Secret Garden Adventures. I titled it Fred D’s Amazing Escape. When Fred D (for determined, of course) Frog disobeys and leaves God’s Secret Garden, he almost doesn’t make it back to Promise Pond. Unfortunately for him, he faces more serious dangers than just getting stuck in a watering can. Fred D ultimately learns that obedience is even more important than determination.

Like my first book, Benny’s Angel, which launched in 2011, Fred D’s Amazing Escape is written for children between three and eight. It will be released in March of 2013 and followed soon after by the third book in the series, Catie’s Secret. Each God's Secret Garden Adventure is crafted to entertain young children and at the same time impart sound biblical principles. 

 I’ll tell you about Catie's Secret next time, so tune in.   

                                                          ©2012 Laura Allen Nonemaker  All Rights Reserved

Benny’s Angel Sequels Coming

As I return to my social media activities with this, my first post in several months, I ask myself, “Where did the summer go?” No doubt, others wonder the same thing, especially youngsters heading back to school.

Time has a way of sliding on past us while we are “doing life”. It began to get away from me way back in the spring, when a couple of unexpected hospitalizations and subsequent doctor visits derailed me. Thank God, the outcome was positive and later on, we traveled up north to visit family and friends. We also enjoyed bringing two granddaughters back to Florida for a couple of weeks.

In spite of all this, my creative juices continued to flow in at least one important area of my writing. I am excited to announce that, with God’s help, I completed two more children’s books in my series, God’s Secret Garden Adventures. The first book, Benny’s Angel, released from Tate Publishing in 2011. Book two, Fred D’s Amazing Escape, will launch in April of 2012. The third book, Catie’s Secret, releases shortly after that.

Children, parents, and grandparents alike have delighted in Benny’s Angel and its charming animal characters. In the weeks ahead, I look forward to introducing you to some new animal personalities that will join existing ones in books two and three of God’s Secret Garden Adventures.

                                                                                                     Laura Allen Nonemaker

Seaside Surrender

The setting was out of a travel brochure, with waves rolling onto the sun-drenched sand, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and seagulls piercing the air with their shrill cries. It was the annual retreat of the women's ministry at Sundial Resort on Sanibel Island. One hundred women from First Assembly of God, Fort Myers gathered last weekend to reflect, refresh, and connect with God..

The theme this year was "Seaside Surrender" and Pastor Connie had prepared a series of teachings that brought us quickly into the center of what God wanted to do in our lives. She used the amazing chambered nautilus shell to demonstrate what God wanted from us this year. First, she showed us the outside of one of these exquisite shells. Then she held up a cross section of the chambered nautilus, which, true to its name, was divided into many compartments, each progressing in a circle towards the outer opening of the shell.

Pastor Connie explained how the inhabitant of the shell begins as a microscopic sea creature. As it grows, a larger chamber is created to accomodate its size. By the time it outgrows one compartment, a larger one has formed and it moves in. This process continues until it is mature.

A unique characteristic of the chambered nautilus is that each time it moves into a new chamber, the previous one is emptied and sealed shut.That means that it cannot move back into its old residence. It must continue to move forward in its spiraling journey toward completion and freedom.

The chambered nautilus holds a valuable lesson. If we stay mired in regret for the mistakes and pain of the past, we cannot experience living fully and successfully in the present. We are prevented from moving on to the next step in our journey to fulfill the call of God on our life.

Isaiah 43:18, 19 says, "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth..." NKJV. Only when we willingly and intentionally surrender the baggage from the past can the Holy Spirit heal our wounded spirits and open up the next "chamber" of our life. Then we are free to move unencumbered toward our destiny in Christ.

As we surrendered our hearts to be cleansed, healed and renewed, God gently moved us to a new place in our walk with Him and we were set free to become the godly handmaidens He desires us to be.

                                                                                       © Laura Allen Nonemaker

Sunny Signing in Fort Myers Beach

Annette Stillson welcomes Laura Allen Nonemaker and Benny's Angel to Fort Myers Beach

Saturday was an ideal day for a book signing in sunny Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Annette Stillson kindly hosted the signing at her shop, Annette's Beach Book Nook, in Santini Plaza. Many of the  friendly people who stopped to investigate my display of Benny's Angel picture books, 3-D books, and T-shirts were escapees from the cold, snow, and rain of northern states.  Happily, sales were good and to top it off, Paul had the privilege of praying with an elderly gentleman who was in Florida to sell his condo due to the critical illness of his wife. It is always a blessing when the Lord allows us to minister in some way, while at the same time making available my little children's book with its timely message of the importance of prayer and trusting God.

A Christmas Memory for 2011

Last December I shared a precious Christmas memory from my childhood, helping my father prepare his traditional family recipe for plum pudding. New readers can refer to my archives if they would like to read that article.

This year's special memory is of the first Advent season I spent at Mount Saint Agnes Academy when I was ten. In what I call a mysterious move by God, I was enrolled by my Anglican father and Jewish mother, neither of whom attended any religious services, in a Catholic school. It seems that when they married, they agreed not to impose either of their religions on my brother and me. We learned respect for God through our nightly prayers with our mother, but we did not have a clear understanding of who Jesus was.

It was the custom during Advent for the nuns to give us each a flyer containing directions for making a "crib" for Baby Jesus It listed various prayers and recitations, each of which represented an item needed to prepare a baby's bed. For example, the mattress might be ten Our Father's, the sheet might be fifteen Glory Be's, and the blanket ten Hail Mary's. In addition, there would be a pillow and a pillowcase. As a child who had never been exposed to any details of the Christian faith, I was absolutely fascinated with this ritual. I was to have the honor of preparing a crib, in reality my heart, where the Christchild would be welcomed.

Now, as an adult, I believe I know why this so appealed to my young spirit. Through this symbolic exercise, God was giving me a tangible point of contact to begin to place my faith in and build  my anticipation for the One whom I would eventually receive into my heart as my Lord and Savior.

Praise God for the mysterious ways in which the Good Shepherd leads us into His fold.

                                                                                     Laura Allen Nonemaker

A Grandmother Reads Benny's Angel to Her Granddaughter

Thank you to this grandmother for her touching account of reading Benny's Angel to her 3 yr. old granddaughter.

BENNY'S ANGEL: Who stole the flowers in God’s Secret Garden?

My 3-year-old granddaughter, Julia, found my copy ofBenny’s Angel, a new children’s book by Laura Allen Nonemaker, during Thanksgiving. As I read it to her, I was amazed at how quietly she sat in my lap. In fact, she asked me to read it to her again later. Julia laughed as we read about Benny and his animals friends—I think she liked the silly voices that I used as I read her the story.

I enjoyed reading Benny's Angel to Julia—sometimes it's fun just to observe at a simple tale through the eyes of a child. Even though this book skimmed the surface with its biblical teachings, it opened the door for me to talk to my grandchild about prayer in a way that she could understand. The tale also seemed to captured Julia's imagination. With all the technology available to entertain children these days, it's refreshing to find a book that helps me to connect with my grandchild, using simple concepts, words, and pictures. So, I’m grateful to add this enjoyable little story to my children’s books at home. BLESSED, kj

Book Signing at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church

Author, Laura Allen Nonemaker, with Benny Bunny and friends at a recent book reading and signing.

This coming Saturday, Laura Allen Nonemaker will sign and personalize her new children's book, Benny's Angel, at the holiday craft show sponsored by Fisher's of Men Lutheran Church. Laura's colorfully illustrated book, written for early elementary age, uses animals, nature, and a visit from an angel to teach children the value of prayer and the importance of trusting God. It is the first book in the series, God's Secret Garden Adventures.

Get an early start on your shopping at the Fishers of Men Craft Show, November 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located at 10360 Stringfellow Road, St. James City, Florida.

The Tragedy of Inner Vows

     When I was a child, certain events caused me to make a decision that plagued me much of my adult life. I decided I would never allow anyone else to control me. This was impossible, of course, if I was going to be a lawful citizen and moral person. Everyone is subject to some kind of authority, whether in school, on the job, or as a member of the community. But as time went on, my subconscious found subtle ways to control aspects of my life and the lives of those around me. I was acting out the "inner vow" I had made when I was young.

     An inner vow is a decision, usually subconscious, that we make due to some uncomfortable or traumatic experience. For example, I watched my own father allow an inner vow to affect him in a negative way throughout his entire life. As a younger man, he received a life-changing blow to his career. Because of that disappointment, he lived the rest of his life dominated by sadness and depression. Only death gave him complete release from the burden he carried.

     My father made an inner vow that changed the course of his life. Unfortunately, it also affected the rest of our family as well. Living with the emotional fallout of his loss planted a deep fear of loss in my own life. As a result, when I became a young woman, I struggled with the need to exert control over the circumstances of my life and the lives of those around me.

     Fortunately, we can be released from these subtle, but powerful, controls on our emotions and behavior. Victory over the effects of my early decision began after I read about the concept of inner vows, understood it, and recognized symptoms of it in my own behavior. I saw that a lot of my life revolved around my fear of losing control over my life.

     The next step in my recovery was to turn the situation over to God and allow Him to have ultimate control of my life. Scripture says that perfect love casts out fear. God's Word also says that fear has torment and I had experienced that torment. As I submitted to God's love and his will for my life, I was gradually able to hand the reins of control to God. As a result, my fear of  loss lessened and so did the need to control those around me.

     When we examine the roots of our negative behaviors, we likely will find an inner vow somewhere in the mix. Releasing past trauma to God initiates a healing process that frees us from the negative effects of an inner vow.

                                                                                                © Laura Allen Nonemaker

Book Signing and Book Fair This Saturday

       Laura Allen Nonemaker will take part in the annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers, Florida this Saturday, November 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Laura will sign and personalize copies of her new children's book, Benny's Angel. The church is located at 3759 Colonial Boulevard.
        Meanwhile, Laura's husband, Paul, will represent her at the annual Faith Lutheran Church Book Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Signed copies of Benny's Angel will be available for purchase. The church is located at 705 Leeland Heights Boulevard in Lehigh Acres.
        In addition to Benny's Angel picture books, Benny's Angel 3-D books, coloring books, T-shirts, and character Christmas ornaments will be available for purchase at both locations.

Book Signing October 16 for Benny's Angel

You are invited to bring your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews to a special reading of Benny's Angel, a new book for children by Laura Allen Nonemaker. The first in the God's Secret Garden Adventure series, this delightful tale uses animals, nature and a visit from an angel to teach children the importance of prayer and the value of trusting God.


Date:   Sunday, October 16


Place:   Kids Church, Second Floor
                 Evangel World Prayer Conference Center
                 6900 Billtown Road
                 Louisville, Kentucky


Time:   During the 9:00 a.m.and 11:00 a.m. services


Books will be available for purchase to be personalized and signed by Laura following each service.


Pastor Dan Betzer, author of the Dan and Louie Bible Stories, says "It requires a special talent to effectively communicate to children the wonders of God's Word. It requires expanded imagination and Laura Allen Nonemaker has an abundant share of that. In this charming book, she will take her readers into a garden of flowers, aromas, and beauty. This book will be an asset in the child's spiritual foundation and faith in God."


Benny and his whimsical woodland friends promise to find a special place in the hearts of children and adults alike.

Family and Friends Gather for Book Signing

Benny's Angel, my first book in the God's Secret Garden Adventure Series, was the centerpiece last Thursday evening. With the help of her sister, Marlene, my daughter, Lisa, hosted a very special family and friends book signing in her home. The affair was well-attended and the guest list included some friends I had not seen for some time.

My daughters outdid themselves with the beautifully presented refreshments and the cake was decorated with an edible copy of the book cover. When the time came to cut it, every child wanted a piece of Benny Bunny, which posed a real challenge for Lisa. Thankfully, she was able to do some creative cutting and satisfied them all.

My heart was warmed during my reading of Benny's Angel, when little ones gathered as close as they could on the floor around my chair. Adults settled into the sofa and chairs, with others standing in the background. Even the cat, Daisy, joined us. She probably felt at home with the stuffed rabbits I had positioned around the room. The children's responses during the "pop quiz" I gave them after the reading showed me they had listened closely.

Benny's Angel was a hit with both children and parents. Book sales were brisk, with the 3-D version proving to be very popular. I can only pray that my future book signings will be as rewarding as this one.

Benny's Angel may be ordered at   http://tatepublishing.com/                  .
Coming in October: my brand new website at  http://godsgarden.tateauthor.com/

Thanks To All Who Made Benny's Angel Book Signing Successful!

My first book signing for Benny's Angel: A God's Secret Garden Adventure was a success and a blessing. What a joy it was to read the book for the children, who included my own great-granddaughters! All the children enjoyed coloring the printouts of Benny Bunny and Marietta the Angel that we made available to them. The adults were gracious with their response when I shared my experiences leading up to the birth of the book. The question and answer session was lively, enabling me to share the positive experiences I have had with Tate Publishing & Enterprises during the production of Benny's Angel. I am looking forward to several more pre-launch events that are scheduled for September and October. Stay tuned for dates and times.

                                                                                 ~ Laura Allen Nonemaker

Order Benny's Angel

Don't Miss the First Book Signing for Benny's Angel!

You are invited to the first book signing of Benny's Angel: A God's Secret Garden Adventure. Author, Laura Allen Nonemaker will read for children in attendance. She also will share the unusual events surrounding the birth of her children's book and its journey through publication.


This delightful tale uses animals, nature, and a visit from an angel to teach children the importance of prayer and the value of trusting God. Benny and his secret garden friends promise to find a special place in the hearts of children everywhere.

   
        Date:  Saturday, September 10
        
        Place: Audubon Hospital Community Room L2       

        
         Time:  4:30 pm  Laura will do a reading for the children
                  5:00 pm  Dinner available in cafeteria
                  6:00 pm  Laura speaks 

         

                         Book signing before and after meeting

                 

Marietta Comes to the Rescue

                               Find out how Marietta the Angel solves the mystery for
                               Benny and his friends!
          http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781613460092

Benny's Angel Book Signing Sept. 10

Laura Allen Nonemaker will speak and sign her new children's book, Benny's Angel, at Louisville Christian Writers on Saturday, September 10. This first book signing will be at 6 p.m. in the Community Room L2 at Audubon Hospital, Poplar Level Road, Louisville, Kentucky.
Benny's Angel is available at    http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781613460092

Benny's Angel Available Now!

Exciting news! Benny's Angel: A God's Secret Garden Adventure is available now at the online bookstore of Tate Publishing. In this colorful picture book written by Laura Allen Nonemaker the adventures of whimsical animal characters teach children the value of prayer and the importance of trusting God.  You may order now at http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781613460092 

Benny's Angel: Coming Soon!

Benny's Angel, the first book in the new children's series, God's Secret Garden Adventures, has moved to marketing at Tate Publishing. The picture book for ages 3 to 6 will be available shortly for purchase and book signings in various locations will begin. More information will be posted on Digging in God's Garden, as well as Facebook and Twitter, as it is available. Thank you for following!

                                                                                  ~ Laura Allen Nonemaker