Friday, April 27, 2007
This is my big boy, Dakota. The last time I took him to the vet for shots, check-up, etc., he weighed 109 #! He's big boned, tall, and a has about 20# of fur, even though I take him to the groomers once a month! I will admit, he's got a bit of a paunch under all that hair, though. But he's so, so lovable and sweet. I am such a pet lover--although one cat and one dog is my limit. ABSOLUTELY NO RODENTS EVER ALLOWED IN THIS HOUSE...and I don't care how much my children might have begged. I drew the line on that one. I'm go glad God created dogs and cats. They add so much to our lives.
This is Mocha, my 16 pound ball of fur. He's half Himilayan and half Siamese, and 100% big baby. He loves to be carried around, cuddled, loved on, and combed. Every morning while I'm getting ready for my day in the bathroom, he jumps up on the counter and begs for me to get "his comb" out of the drawer. Then he'll sit there and purr as loud as tractor while I comb through his long hair--all the way from the tip of his nose to the end of his long, thick tail. I just love this big guy.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
What an Easter Present!
On Good Friday morning, hubby and I set off for Orlando to visit The Holy Land Experience. This is an amazing park with incredible exhibits and live musical dramas and presentations. Hard to explain what it's like. You just need to "experience" it for yourself. I hope we have the opportunity to go again sometime because we only got to stay an hour or so before I fainted in the ladies' restroom and was whisked away by ambulance to Orlando Regional Hospital. Two days and about 13 tests later, it was determined that my fainting spell was just that--a fainting spell. I hadn't been feeling well, and the combination of drugs I'd taken for my headache, the Florida sun, and maybe some dehydration caused me to pass out.
That wasn't what I wanted to share, however. Let me tell you about my wonderful God experience on Saturday afternoon. Lying in the hospital bed after 36 hours of tests and still more to go before the doctors were satisfied, I was beginning to feel the onset of a major panic attack--and I mean MAJOR. I had the shakes, couldn't still my heart rate, developed diarrhea and nausea, and was hyperventilating. Since I tend to have a history with anxiety, I recognized the signs, but no matter how hard I tried, reciting Bible verses and praying unceasingly, I couldn't get a grip. It seemed the enemy Satan had decided to begin whispering lies in my head about my being on the verge of a breakdown, telling me my panic was about to increase ten-fold, and there was nothing I could do about it.
Well, while in the throes of panic, I was laid on a board to prepare for yet another test, this one a 20-minute series of pictures taken of my heart during which time I was not permitted to move a muscle. I told the technicians that I was having a panic attack and wasn't sure I could handle one more test. The notion of lying still inside a "rocket-shaped" machine only increased my agitation. Seeming to ignore my situation, one technician patted my arm and mumbled something like, "You'll get through it." As if that were any consolation. Then off they went into a little room to operate the machine--leaving me alone to listen to the pounding rhythm of my rapid heartbeat.
Ah, but I wasn't alone. Jesus was there, the resurrected Jesus! How could I have forgotten?
After lying on that hard, narrow cot for all of one minute, encapsulized in a solid steel vessel, it suddenly occured to me that Satan had been toying with me. In my head (I couldn't move a muscle, so I figured that included my mouth), I said "Satan, leave me alone." But then I thought to myself, Wait! He can't hear me, he's not all-knowing, all powerful--he can't read minds. But Jesus can! So 'in my head' I said, "Jesus, would you please go tell Satan to leave me alone?"
There is only one word to describe what happened next, and that word is INSTANTANEOUS.
Up and down my body flowed an indescribable peace and rest. My panic rolled away and I became so comfortable on that 12-inch board, right arm lying on a pillow-type extension, left arm tucked up under my head, unmovable. Tears of joy fell silently down my cheeks as I lay on my newfound cloud of comfort and experienced God's divine mercy and love.
In those freeing moments I realized anew that Satan is a defeated foe. I pictured him (more likely his pesky messengers--remember there's only one Satan--he cannot be in more than one place at any given time like God can) fleeing as fast as they could go when Jesus came along and simply said, "Scram! She's mine." That little word picture had me so blessed I could barely keep from shouting Hallelujah in that steel rocket!
When they wheeled me into that testing room I was one panicked individual, but when they wheeled me out I was NEW, different! My husband noticed it right away. "You look like a different person," he told me. I said, "I am. God healed me of my fear in there." I told the technicians, the nurses, and even a couple of doctors what had happened to me, how God had rescued me from my panic, completely removed it with a simple little plea of, "God, please tell Satan to leave me alone." Most smiled. Some nodded their heads and looked a little skeptical, while others said, "That's cool." Bottom line, I really didn't care what anyone thought because I knew what I knew what I knew... and that was that God intervened for me that day.
I serve a big God, and when I call on His name, He hears and answers!
On Good Friday morning, hubby and I set off for Orlando to visit The Holy Land Experience. This is an amazing park with incredible exhibits and live musical dramas and presentations. Hard to explain what it's like. You just need to "experience" it for yourself. I hope we have the opportunity to go again sometime because we only got to stay an hour or so before I fainted in the ladies' restroom and was whisked away by ambulance to Orlando Regional Hospital. Two days and about 13 tests later, it was determined that my fainting spell was just that--a fainting spell. I hadn't been feeling well, and the combination of drugs I'd taken for my headache, the Florida sun, and maybe some dehydration caused me to pass out.
That wasn't what I wanted to share, however. Let me tell you about my wonderful God experience on Saturday afternoon. Lying in the hospital bed after 36 hours of tests and still more to go before the doctors were satisfied, I was beginning to feel the onset of a major panic attack--and I mean MAJOR. I had the shakes, couldn't still my heart rate, developed diarrhea and nausea, and was hyperventilating. Since I tend to have a history with anxiety, I recognized the signs, but no matter how hard I tried, reciting Bible verses and praying unceasingly, I couldn't get a grip. It seemed the enemy Satan had decided to begin whispering lies in my head about my being on the verge of a breakdown, telling me my panic was about to increase ten-fold, and there was nothing I could do about it.
Well, while in the throes of panic, I was laid on a board to prepare for yet another test, this one a 20-minute series of pictures taken of my heart during which time I was not permitted to move a muscle. I told the technicians that I was having a panic attack and wasn't sure I could handle one more test. The notion of lying still inside a "rocket-shaped" machine only increased my agitation. Seeming to ignore my situation, one technician patted my arm and mumbled something like, "You'll get through it." As if that were any consolation. Then off they went into a little room to operate the machine--leaving me alone to listen to the pounding rhythm of my rapid heartbeat.
Ah, but I wasn't alone. Jesus was there, the resurrected Jesus! How could I have forgotten?
After lying on that hard, narrow cot for all of one minute, encapsulized in a solid steel vessel, it suddenly occured to me that Satan had been toying with me. In my head (I couldn't move a muscle, so I figured that included my mouth), I said "Satan, leave me alone." But then I thought to myself, Wait! He can't hear me, he's not all-knowing, all powerful--he can't read minds. But Jesus can! So 'in my head' I said, "Jesus, would you please go tell Satan to leave me alone?"
There is only one word to describe what happened next, and that word is INSTANTANEOUS.
Up and down my body flowed an indescribable peace and rest. My panic rolled away and I became so comfortable on that 12-inch board, right arm lying on a pillow-type extension, left arm tucked up under my head, unmovable. Tears of joy fell silently down my cheeks as I lay on my newfound cloud of comfort and experienced God's divine mercy and love.
In those freeing moments I realized anew that Satan is a defeated foe. I pictured him (more likely his pesky messengers--remember there's only one Satan--he cannot be in more than one place at any given time like God can) fleeing as fast as they could go when Jesus came along and simply said, "Scram! She's mine." That little word picture had me so blessed I could barely keep from shouting Hallelujah in that steel rocket!
When they wheeled me into that testing room I was one panicked individual, but when they wheeled me out I was NEW, different! My husband noticed it right away. "You look like a different person," he told me. I said, "I am. God healed me of my fear in there." I told the technicians, the nurses, and even a couple of doctors what had happened to me, how God had rescued me from my panic, completely removed it with a simple little plea of, "God, please tell Satan to leave me alone." Most smiled. Some nodded their heads and looked a little skeptical, while others said, "That's cool." Bottom line, I really didn't care what anyone thought because I knew what I knew what I knew... and that was that God intervened for me that day.
I serve a big God, and when I call on His name, He hears and answers!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Yesterday a carton of books arrived at my house! Loving Liza Jane should hit the shelves most any day now, and I'm ecstatic, awed by God's marvelous plans and purposes, and humbled that He would choose to use me in this manner. I have always loved to write, but I never dreamt even two years ago that I would be pubbed by a main-line publisher. God is so good and merciful. On another note, Through Every Storm is doing well.
I stand amazed in God's presence. The way He speaks to me, walks with me, leads and guides my steps. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness.
Dylan's first birthday is March 21. We're hosting a party tomorrow for about 30 guests. Should be a fun-filled day. Talk about blessings, Dylan is our biggest! We love him so much. It's so fun to watch all the changes he's made over the year.
Bounteous Blessings,
Shar
Yesterday a carton of books arrived at my house! Loving Liza Jane should hit the shelves most any day now, and I'm ecstatic, awed by God's marvelous plans and purposes, and humbled that He would choose to use me in this manner. I have always loved to write, but I never dreamt even two years ago that I would be pubbed by a main-line publisher. God is so good and merciful. On another note, Through Every Storm is doing well.
I stand amazed in God's presence. The way He speaks to me, walks with me, leads and guides my steps. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness.
Dylan's first birthday is March 21. We're hosting a party tomorrow for about 30 guests. Should be a fun-filled day. Talk about blessings, Dylan is our biggest! We love him so much. It's so fun to watch all the changes he's made over the year.
Bounteous Blessings,
Shar
Sunday, February 25, 2007
THE MITFORD SERIES
I've had Jan Karon's first book in her series sitting on my shelf for years. Don't ask me why it's taken me so long. I have no excuse other than to say when I heard it was about a priest in his 60s I thought--yeah, but I'm all about reading romance. I just didn't think I would connect with a story where the hero is graying, has belly-fat issues, has never married, and loves to hang out in the kitchen. WRONG! This series is masterful! And I am so in love with Father Tim it is not even funny!
Actually, the story did begin on a slow note, so I did question whether I would finish it, but after plowing through the first 100 pages or so, I found myself hooked! Now I'm midway through the third book. I believe there's one more in the series, then she writes about something else. Anyway, so glad I discovered these delightful books. I will be sad when Mitford comes to an end.
I had my first local book signing for Through Every Storm at Hage's yesterday. It was a huge success, and athey are anxious for me to come back when Loving Liza Jane hits the shelves.
God is so, so good to me. Lord, thank you for the seed of passion you've planted in my heart for writing. I just can't think of anything I'd rather be doing in my "golden years" (smile)...yes, I'll be 59 this summer. I suppose that qualifies as golden, or at least it's getting awfully close.
Ho-hum...
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
I've had Jan Karon's first book in her series sitting on my shelf for years. Don't ask me why it's taken me so long. I have no excuse other than to say when I heard it was about a priest in his 60s I thought--yeah, but I'm all about reading romance. I just didn't think I would connect with a story where the hero is graying, has belly-fat issues, has never married, and loves to hang out in the kitchen. WRONG! This series is masterful! And I am so in love with Father Tim it is not even funny!
Actually, the story did begin on a slow note, so I did question whether I would finish it, but after plowing through the first 100 pages or so, I found myself hooked! Now I'm midway through the third book. I believe there's one more in the series, then she writes about something else. Anyway, so glad I discovered these delightful books. I will be sad when Mitford comes to an end.
I had my first local book signing for Through Every Storm at Hage's yesterday. It was a huge success, and athey are anxious for me to come back when Loving Liza Jane hits the shelves.
God is so, so good to me. Lord, thank you for the seed of passion you've planted in my heart for writing. I just can't think of anything I'd rather be doing in my "golden years" (smile)...yes, I'll be 59 this summer. I suppose that qualifies as golden, or at least it's getting awfully close.
Ho-hum...
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Oh, my goodness, it's "blizzarding" here in West Michigan. Cold, cold, cold. High winds, tons of snow, and frigid temps. Thank God for a toasty warm house.
Super Bowl tomorrow. Even I am a bit excited about this game. And I am NOT a football fan by any stretch!
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Super Bowl tomorrow. Even I am a bit excited about this game. And I am NOT a football fan by any stretch!
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
I just returned from CBA's ADVANCE '07 in Indianapolis and what a blessing it was. I had my first-ever book signing, and signed books for a solid hour. Unfortunately, we ran out of books. What a humbling experience to see people waiting patiently for a signed copy of my book. I went into this event with fear and trembling, but everything about the week far exceeded my expectations. God has been so good to me. And the people at Whitaker House Publishing are amazing folks!
I just returned from CBA's ADVANCE '07 in Indianapolis and what a blessing it was. I had my first-ever book signing, and signed books for a solid hour. Unfortunately, we ran out of books. What a humbling experience to see people waiting patiently for a signed copy of my book. I went into this event with fear and trembling, but everything about the week far exceeded my expectations. God has been so good to me. And the people at Whitaker House Publishing are amazing folks!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
It's a new year, and with that comes a fresh kind of feeling--like the mistakes I made in the past year can be wiped clean for a brand new start. It's like washing a chalkboard full of marks and smudges. Until you put that first word--or line--or number on the board it looks brand new. That's how this new year looks, clean, bright, empty, and brand new. Of course, I know it won't last (already my calendar is filling up). But for now anyway, my days feel new. I feel revived, and ready to face the challenge.
Of course, with the new year come resolutions. I've only made one because I know ME! My resolution is spelled
C-U-R-V-E-S! I went today and yesterday. My aim is to work out 3X a week, so I'm hoping I can stick with it this time. I've lost the weight, and now it's a matter of toning muscle.
Along with this resolution comes my "theme" for the year, which is TRUST. I've been thinking about this word and how it coincides with faith. I think they go hand-in-hand, but also have separate meanings. To me, "trust" seems like a quiet assurance, while "faith" seems more active. At any rate, trust is something for which I'm seeking to improve w/ regard to my spiritual walk. So many issues of life disrupt my faith in a Holy and soverign God. Time to take my eyes off self and focus more on God and others. Not always easy--but necessary.
A good verse to reflect on is Provers 3:5,6, which simply says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Of course, with the new year come resolutions. I've only made one because I know ME! My resolution is spelled
C-U-R-V-E-S! I went today and yesterday. My aim is to work out 3X a week, so I'm hoping I can stick with it this time. I've lost the weight, and now it's a matter of toning muscle.
Along with this resolution comes my "theme" for the year, which is TRUST. I've been thinking about this word and how it coincides with faith. I think they go hand-in-hand, but also have separate meanings. To me, "trust" seems like a quiet assurance, while "faith" seems more active. At any rate, trust is something for which I'm seeking to improve w/ regard to my spiritual walk. So many issues of life disrupt my faith in a Holy and soverign God. Time to take my eyes off self and focus more on God and others. Not always easy--but necessary.
A good verse to reflect on is Provers 3:5,6, which simply says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Thursday, December 28, 2006
The hustle and bustle of the holidays have come to a close with the exception of New Years Eve. Cec and I will stay home that night and enjoy a glass of sparkling grape juice--probably be in bed before midnight!!! The big bonus is that we get to keep our grandson for an overnight. What a way to bring in the new year.
Christmas was wonderful this year, particularly because of all the fun we had watching Dylan tear into his first ever Christmas gifts. Even at nine-months he was starting to catch on to the fact that beneath all that noisy paper was a special surprise.
The shopping, the baking, the wrapping, the decorating, the entertaining, and the worshiping--all of it's been recorded in my mental book of memories. And now that I've put away all the decorations, dragged the tree outside, vacuumed up the pine needles, dusted and scrubbed in order to put the house back in order, I have a bit of time to reflect and recharge. I love this time of year. But I also love the thought of moving ahead, seeing what's next. Time marches on, which to some can be a disturbing thought (we're not getting any younger), but I'm determined to stay positive and seize each moment.
God is good. I don't want to miss one single opportunity to spread His love and good cheer.
Be Blessed and Encouraged!
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Christmas was wonderful this year, particularly because of all the fun we had watching Dylan tear into his first ever Christmas gifts. Even at nine-months he was starting to catch on to the fact that beneath all that noisy paper was a special surprise.
The shopping, the baking, the wrapping, the decorating, the entertaining, and the worshiping--all of it's been recorded in my mental book of memories. And now that I've put away all the decorations, dragged the tree outside, vacuumed up the pine needles, dusted and scrubbed in order to put the house back in order, I have a bit of time to reflect and recharge. I love this time of year. But I also love the thought of moving ahead, seeing what's next. Time marches on, which to some can be a disturbing thought (we're not getting any younger), but I'm determined to stay positive and seize each moment.
God is good. I don't want to miss one single opportunity to spread His love and good cheer.
Be Blessed and Encouraged!
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Thirty-one years ago today I pledged to love and cherish one man only, and I am proud to say my love for him has grown deeper and wider than I ever imagined possible! Praise God for entrusting me with Cecil MacLaren's heart. It was a wonderful day when he gave me his heart. It was a wonderful thing, Lord, you making it possible. What a lovely journey. Yes, there have been a few ups and downs along the way, but the greater part of this journey has been a tremendous thrill. Thank you, Lord.
____________________________________________
Today's Bible passage came from Psalm 27. "The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger--so why should I tremble?"
This whole chapter speaks to the issue of trust in the midst of chaos. I love that even when I'm frenzied and panicked over deadlines, personal responsibilities, Christmas shopping, appointments, program rehearsals, holiday parties/entertaining, and the list goes on...God can quiet my heart with a simple verse of scripture. As I was reading this chapter, I stopped in my tracks at verse 8 -- "My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."
Very simply, God wants (even longs) to commune with us. He wants to hear about our busyness, go with us on our shopping sprees, listen in as we struggle to learn the songs for the Christmas services, tag along to the holiday parties, accompany us to our appointments. He wants to be with us. Question is--am I making a conscious effort to INVITE Him?
Lord, I invite you now to take control of my thoughts, my comings and goings. Help me not to forget YOU are the REASON for the season.
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
____________________________________________
Today's Bible passage came from Psalm 27. "The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger--so why should I tremble?"
This whole chapter speaks to the issue of trust in the midst of chaos. I love that even when I'm frenzied and panicked over deadlines, personal responsibilities, Christmas shopping, appointments, program rehearsals, holiday parties/entertaining, and the list goes on...God can quiet my heart with a simple verse of scripture. As I was reading this chapter, I stopped in my tracks at verse 8 -- "My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."
Very simply, God wants (even longs) to commune with us. He wants to hear about our busyness, go with us on our shopping sprees, listen in as we struggle to learn the songs for the Christmas services, tag along to the holiday parties, accompany us to our appointments. He wants to be with us. Question is--am I making a conscious effort to INVITE Him?
Lord, I invite you now to take control of my thoughts, my comings and goings. Help me not to forget YOU are the REASON for the season.
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Friday, December 01, 2006
I'm bubbling over with excitement because a big carton of books - all with my name on it - arrived just yesterday. Through Every Storm is in and available--and ahead of schedule. When I tore the top off that box and saw those books my eyes welled up with tears at the wonder of it all. Just a few years ago, I never would have pictured myself a writer, much less a published one, but God saw the picture and planted a seed of passion in my heart. I am daily amazed by His goodness and mercy to me.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. As is usually the case at this time of year, busyness abounds in the MacLaren household, even minus the kids. My shopping is well underway; in fact, almost completed. I enjoy finishing early so I can kick back and simply enjoy the season.
Tomorrow night Cec and I plan to see The Nativity Story at the theater. I hope it's as good as I've heard.
May God continue to rain down His blessing of protection on all of us.
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. As is usually the case at this time of year, busyness abounds in the MacLaren household, even minus the kids. My shopping is well underway; in fact, almost completed. I enjoy finishing early so I can kick back and simply enjoy the season.
Tomorrow night Cec and I plan to see The Nativity Story at the theater. I hope it's as good as I've heard.
May God continue to rain down His blessing of protection on all of us.
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Thursday, November 02, 2006
It's November 2nd, and it's snowing here in West Michigan! What? Something is not right with this picture...snow in early November? (And it's bitterly cold!) Lord, help me to rejoice in all things...even this wet, white stuff! I do take a little comfort in the fact that at least it's not sticking to the ground -- yet.
Today's verse: "For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who place their trust in Him..." Rom. 8:28
Keep smiling...Keep trusting...Keep praising...
Hugs and Blessings,
Shar
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Today's verse: "For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who place their trust in Him..." Rom. 8:28
Keep smiling...Keep trusting...Keep praising...
Hugs and Blessings,
Shar
Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
I'm trying to break through the very thick walls of super technology, and let me tell you, this is no easy task! It'd be easy to blame it on my generation--(I graduated from college in 1971, so, yes, I'm old)--but I know many people my age who are very gifted technologically! I could blame it on the fact that I'm a woman, and I enjoy spending all my time honing in on my domestic skills, but that would be a bit of a stretch, too. And maybe I could blame my limitations on the fact that I've never been science/math/analytically gifted. Those do tie in with technology, right? Whatever the case may be, I'm struggling!
At any rate, my life is full and good--whether or not I ever master this whole "blog world".
Until next time, may God bless anyone who happens to stumble across this blog! LOL
Shar
At any rate, my life is full and good--whether or not I ever master this whole "blog world".
Until next time, may God bless anyone who happens to stumble across this blog! LOL
Shar
I opened this blog site about a year ago and did nothing with it. So here I am again, hoping to get it off the ground.
With the help of my dear online buddy, Michelle Sutton, I now have a website...check it out!
With the help of my dear online buddy, Michelle Sutton, I now have a website...check it out!
I hope to be able to start posting to this blogsite at least once or twice weekly.
Blessings,
Shar
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