Patti Wolf

Monday: Green with Envy

You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
James 4:2

What is it about envy and jealousy that seem to want to take control of our lives? How many fights have ended in death because of envy? The opposite of these emotions is contentment. Knowing God is filling our needs and finding joy in what He has given to us. This should bring an attitude of gratefulness to our hearts, instead of sinful jealousies. Yet, because of sin, we always seem to want more. Jealousy and envy are, simply said, desires to have ownership of another’s possessions or progress.

The green-eyed monster saying comes straight from Shakespeare’s Othello (3.3); where the villain Iago tells Othello, “O! beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-ey’d monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” It is said the poet’s reference is towards the green-eyed cat family. They are said to enjoy teasing their prey; seeming to love and hate them at the same time.

Jealousy is a dangerous animal, though I think not a furry cat or tiny frog, which attempts to control a person’s life. Perhaps, the nature of some cats are questionable. As for the tiny frog, he can’t help it that he is green. Is it not better to be recognized as a child of God, than as one who would do any to get what they want; it’ll never be enough, people.

May you find contentment in your life today.

“Let Them Rise” advanced readers needed

I am looking for “advanced readers” to review my book, Let them Rise, which is an early chapter book for young readers. These people will receives a free copy of my book (PDF, MOBI or EPUB in exchange for leaving an honest book review (on Amazon, Bookbub and/or Goodreads). Leave your contact information below or MS me. Your free copy should be available by the end of September. The book is only 93 pages and an easy read.

Description of the book:

Autumn has arrived, and it’s Alexis Ann’s favorite time of the year! Visit a pumpkin patch with her and experience the spooky scarecrow. Sit on a tire swing under early falling leaves and feel the freedom of flight. As the first frost arrives, so do her sad memories. Will this new challenge be too difficult for her?

Let Them Rise takes the reader back to the time Jesus lived. This was a period where His disciples had the spiritual gift of healing. From the story of Tabitha to the raising of Lazarus, Alexis will read of God’s great powers to heal.

This is the last book of the series Alexis Ann’s Amazing Adventures. Alexis’s new adventure will take her to an unusual place; the battle with loss in her life. Victory over grief will come from a loving God and bring her “joy in the morning”.

September Fruit

This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.
John 15:8

Ripe, rosy, rich forest fruit
on shadowy September day;
a harvest for forest friends.

Glistening goldenrod swaying,
swinging in the tepid breeze;
amusement for buzzing bees.

Chattery chipmunks climbing
limb to limb; acorns tucked
deep within furry, puffed cheeks.

Saffron sun, gauzy cloudy gaze;
tenderly veils the fruit of fall days.
A moment to salute Summer’s farewell .

Monday: Busy as a Bee

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.
Colossians 3:23-24

This phrase, Busy as a Bee, dates back to at least the 1300’s; such a long time ago. It can be found in The Canterbury tales by Geoffrey Chaucer: “In omen been! For ay as bisy as bees.” Bees are industrious and hard-working creatures making them good examples of work ethic.

It’s Labor Day again! It’s been a national holiday since 1894, when President Grover Cleveland signed the law to recognize the value of the workforce in America. I can’t help wondering how much our nation’s attitudes have changed towards work since 1894. Are we still busy as bees?

The Bible talks about the importance of keeping our hands busy, of providing for our families and tells us we will eat of the fruits of our labors. Work gives us a feeling of accomplishment and, at times, great joy. Yet, sometimes there is poor management. Or co-workers can be difficult; leaving us frustrated. If we could remember our work is for the Lord then there is hope of dealing with these problems on the job. Remember, you are giving a testimony of what God is doing in your life, even at work.

As for Labor Day, take a few moments to rest and thank God!

Free Ebook Copy of “I Am the Light” Sale starts September 10th-13th

“Jemi’s Noble Quest” is the first book in the “I Am the Light” series. The story will take you back to the beginning of time.

Journey along the Great Sea before the time of Jesus. Meet a young women, Jemi, who will find adventure in her busy, fishing village. It’s there she will journey far past sandy shores to a time when life first began. On her journey, Jemi will find great courage, unusual companionship, and will receive her calling.

Historical Fiction

Weeping

A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.
Jeremiah 31:15

Weeping, weeping Rachael is weeping…

The wind whistled a mournful cry
as babes were ripped from mother’s arms.
Down depressing, dark alleyways they hid;
almost suffocating weeping children.
Babes who had just learned to walk,
innocent boys with dark brown eyes.

The fig and palm trees were silent
that chilled night as the ground rumbled.
Down small simple villages dimly lit and
quickly behind filthy corners they came.
Ruthless, raging, rough men ten times
in size; no sense of pity for the pitiless.

The heavens grew angry at what took place on dirty bug infested floors where
blood flowed down mother’s broken
fingers; across bosoms rising and falling.
How empty were numb hands and deaden homes; grief stained hearts forever broken.

In modern times, thousands of years later,
unborn children wait in sacred wombs trembling for their very first breath taken away. Parts of what could have been now just discarded as unwanted trash and waste; justified? Little has altered, through sands of time.

Weeping, weeping Rachel is weeping.

Monday: Crossing Bridges

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 5:1

Having researched the idiom, or proverb, “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there” or “Don’t cross that bridge till you come to it”, I found the phrase has been used since the 1800’s.

Most research agreeds the phrase means “not to deal with something before it happens”. I found an interesting note that crossing a bridge, in times of old, was consider risky business. I laughed! Personally, I hate crossing bridges especially if they are tall and go over a body of water.

This idiom appeared in writing by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1851 in a piece he wrote titled, “The Golden Legend”. Eventually, it was made into a cantata showing the struggle between God, Satan and man. The poem is lengthy and I had the sense of not wanting to cross its bridge.

Yet, every day we are in need of crossing some sort of bridge: a challenge on the job, tedious training of a child, caring for a loved one, perfecting a talent, ministering to a friend or just the battle with sin. Many things in our lives are battles to be crossed over just as if they were bridges.

Prayerfully, consider how to cross your bridges this week.

Past Refections: My Cat

Cat died today, faithful felon of old: my foot warmer, security blanket, and endless friend. I’m unprepared for grief. Let the cat in, let the cat out is no longer a routine in my life. As day breaks with morning’s new sunrise, I will ponder how to fill the empty corners.

“O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory.” I Corinthians 15:55

With cat’s passing I consider death and loss: the unborn, the war orphan and the unexpected loss. I’m told we shall not all sleep, instead be changed. This soul will be given a new body. I will weigh the balances of life and death.

As days and weeks melt this grief, I choose to move forward. Embrace someone who suffers more than I. Grasp the hope of each new day. Yet, in the crook of some days I’ll page through the memories of cat and I… cat died today.

Duck Grief

Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5b

Duck quack, quack
duck quack, quack;
wiggle, waddle,
wiggle, waddle,
duck quack, quack!

It was a sober moment.
Six children gathered
as their grandfather
fought the battle of
his life and would soon
lose it to his cancer.

It was late afternoon,
sun warmed chilled air,
I can’t remember the
season, only children
who soon would know
the pains of ugly grief.

It was then my young son
adapted the tune above;
wiggling and waddling as
he sang; soon all the kids
followed lined up in a row.
Joy came in midst of grief.