A Promise Kept by Rose McCormick Brandon

May 14, 1948. In a thirty-two minute proclamation Ben Gurion established modern Israel. Dancing, singing and cheering followed. Less than twenty-four hours later, enemies numerous and more experienced, attacked. In an Old Testament display of power God took the side of the Jews, fought for them and won.

God fulfilled His ancient promise to Israel: Listen to me, you nations nearby or across the sea. I scattered the people of Israel, but I will gather them again . . . I will rescue them from enemies who could overpower them. My people will come to Mount Zion and celebrate; their faces will glow because of my blessings. I’ll give them grain, grapes, and olive oil, as well as sheep and cattle. Israel will be prosperous and grow like a garden with plenty of water. Jeremiah 31:10-12

May 14, 2018. An historic day. Israel celebrated its seventieth birthday. Seventy years since the fledgling nation danced in the streets. On this day, the United States officially moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. A brave step. Until now, all the nations of the world have refused to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The U.S. promised many times to move its embassy, but all those promises were broken. 

As in 1948, most peoples of the world watched unable to grasp the significance of this event. Many sneered. Some attacked. This time mainly with words. 

David established Jerusalem as Israel’s capital 3000 years ago. Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41) 2,000 years ago. Now, against all odds, a people disconnected from their homeland for almost twenty centuries have returned. Impossible. Except that God decreed it. Israel began with 650,000 citizens in 1948. Today, there are more than six million. And more arriving.  

God’s promises are always fulfilled! Always! You can take the promises of God and build a lifetime on them. They won’t collapse, wear out or disintegrate. No world leader, no matter how lauded and admired, can stand against His promises. God is an immoveable rock. Those who oppose Him fight a losing battle (Matthew 21:44). 

He that keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4). God blesses those who bless Israel (Genesis 12:3).

“What a glorious day! Remember this moment!” Benjamin Netanyahu, May 14, 2018

            Praise you Lord God! Time may pass. People may forget. But, You never forget Your promises. 

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Rose McCormick Brandon is the author of four books - Promises of Home – Stories of Canada’s British Home Children, One Good Word Makes all the Difference, He Loves Me Not He Loves Me (with Sandra Nunn) and Vanished (with Shirley Brown) – plus dozens of personal experience pieces, devotionals, short stories and essays. Rose’s work has won awards in the personal experience and short essay categories. Her story, Manitoulin Connections, was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, O Canada. A member of The Word Guild and The Manitoulin Writers Circle, Rose publishes two blogs: Listening to my Hair Grow (faith writings) and Promises of Home (stories of child immigrants). Rose and husband, Doug, summer on Manitoulin Island where her pioneer ancestors settled and the home of his favourite fishing holes. The rest of the year, they live in Caledonia, Ontario, near their three children and three grandchildren. 

New Year New Focus by Steph Beth Nickel

Resolutions. Goals. Objectives. Whatever we call them, if we don't have focus, we won't achieve what we desire in the year ahead.

My word of the year is determination. But no matter how determined I am to achieve certain things, it won't happen unless I narrow my focus.

Are you like me? Eclectically interested and eclectically involved? 

Do you suffer from what I refer to as the Butterfly Syndrome? Do you flit from one beautiful, shiny project to the next to the next?

While we've often heard of trying to juggle too many responsibilities, I think of it more as plate-spinning. And I've come to realize recently that if I try to keep too many plates spinning at once, soon some of them will end up on the floor, shattered beyond repair.

So how am I approaching things this year, in particular, with regard to writing and publishing?

First, I'm determined to launch the first three books in my Nurture and Inspire series of ebooks.

I don't want a month to go by that I don't take a significant step in that direction. So far, I have decided on the topic of my first book and secured my new domain name.

In January, I plan to set up my first self-hosted website. I'll give myself until the end of March to get my first book together. By the end of May, the second should be ready. And by the end of July, the third.

This involves determining which blog posts to include, compiling and reworking them as necessary. It also includes formatting each ebook and purchasing book covers. 

Can I meet my self-imposed September deadline? That remains to be seen. But I am determined to work toward that goal.

How about you? What is your focus this year? What is one big goal you have for 2018?

After you've set that goal, it's best to break it down into manageable chunks. Set realistic time limits for each.

If you hit your first deadline, great! If not, don't get discouraged. (Life happens.) Simply set a new deadline and take the next step.

As believers in Christ, it is vital that we are prayerful each step of the way, asking Him what His plans and purposes are for us this year.

May He lead each of us on the path He'd have us walk. And may He enable us to keep our focus where it ought to be.

Where's Your Focus? by Steph Beth Nickel

Despite the fact that the Christmas season revolves around the Saviour’s birth, even we who are Christian can become overwhelmed and distracted.

Let’s seek to focus on what’s truly important this month and as we head into 2018.

While we do our Christmas shopping …

Maybe you love to hunt for the perfect gift for each person on your Christmas list—whether online or in the stores. Or maybe you find it all exhausting, having no idea what people want or need. Maybe you’re stressed because of time and financial constraints.  

While we’re considering gift giving, let’s take time to step back and consider the Greatest Gift of All Time, our Lord and Saviour, the reason for this and every season.