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Moms of the Bible

May 9, 2024 / Chiara

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I can’t help reflecting upon my role as a mother to my growing teenage daughters. Someone once told me that being a mom is not only difficult but it’s like living in the wild as a blooming sunflower surrounded by thorny bushes. Most days you getting pricked and prodded, other days you’re conquering the world and smiling from petal to petal.

Honestly, I’m grateful for being a mother. It wasn’t an easy journey to have my two daughters (God knows), and I know many women who are childless. The Bible tells us in Psalm 127:3 that children are a heritage from the Lord. They sure are! Nonetheless, there are trials and tribulations with parenting. Talk to a tired mom, she’ll give you an ear full.

This Hallmark holiday (because every day should be Mother’s Day), got me thinking about the mothers in the Bible. Not only were there cultural differences and challenges, but raising children thousands of years ago without the conveniences of today, such as medical, technical, and ease of transportation, and the challenges of living out their faith in God, while other religions with gods surrounded them. Wow, I can’t imagine.

I’ve had a fascination with women in the Bible for some time now. My curiosity was to learn more about their faith, role, and historical contributions, but I also wanted to dive deeper into some well-known and not-so-well-known moms. Learn about their tragedies and triumphs, and most importantly, their strong faith in God, so I can grow, cultivate, and nurture my calling as a mom. A “career” filled with worry, laughter, constant drama, and intense emotions where the pay is mediocre, but the “adventures” are never-ending (if you could call it that :).

So let’s take a look at a few Mothers in the Bible:

Eve. The first mom over all living things. Genesis 3:20. Yes, she sinned and sinned big time, eating the apple from The Tree of Life. Thus, starting the whole sin thing, and let’s not forget, allowing women to have pains during childbirth. Thanks, Eve. Regardless, she started the human race. Genesis 17, 18.
Sarah. Abraham’s wife. The mother to the Nation of Israel. God told Abraham he’d multiply his descendants more than all the stars in the sky. Sarah was very old when she conceived Isaac, in her 90s. Wow! Her loyalty and support to her husband and trust in God as they traveled from land to land, took patience. Did Sarah always have patience? She was human and did make a mistake by giving her maidservant, Hagar to her husband to bear a child because of her lack of patience, but in the end, God did bless her with Isaac. The promised one. Genesis 11:30, 21:1-21.
Hagar. The maidservant to Sarah. She was Egyptian and she conceived Ishmael for Abraham. He would turn out to be a wild man in the wilderness. She was not forgotten by God though, who took care of her because of her obedience to Sarah. Genesis 21:1-21.
Rebekah. Isaac’s wife. Barren, he prayed over her and her womb opened and she conceived twins, Esau and Jacob. God promised her that the older, Esau would serve the younger, Jacob, and it happened. She planned, and persevered, and it came to fruition. Jacob became the father of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Genesis 25:19-27, 27:1-29, 49:1-33.
Jochebed. Moses’s Mom. What faith. During the slaughtering of Hebrew boys, this mom’s prayer to God to save her son and place him in a basket to float away on the Nile River is nothing short of a miracle. She bore a son who would free the Jewish people from 400-year bondage and slavery in Egypt. Exodus 1:8-16, 2:3.
Hannah. Mother to Samuel the Prophet. Barren, she prayed and prayed so fervently to God to give her a child that her utterances could not be mouthed, it was so desperate. She promised the Lord that if she conceived a son, she would dedicate him back to God. Her son, Samuel went on to be a prominent prophet for two Kings, Saul and David. 1 Samuel 1:11, 21-38.
Bathsheba. King David’s Wife. Through the king’s adulterous affair and then the murder of this woman’s husband came the birth of the wisest man who ever lived, Solomon. Highly intelligent, this man became king and wrote several books of the Bible. 2 Samuel 11:1-5, 24-25, 1 Kings 11:42.
Elizabeth. Mother to John the Baptist. Barren and then conceiving at an older age, this woman believed in the Lord God to give her a child. This son would become the greatest prophet who ever lived. He paved the way for the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. And, he was also related to him too. How’s that for family connections – they were cousins. Luke 1:25, 39-45.
Mary. The Mother of Jesus. The son of the Holy God Almighty. She was a pure, God-loving woman. She bore God’s begotten son who would save the world from sin. She accepted her will and trusted in God. Luke 1:28, 38, 46-55.

There are more great mothers in the Bible, and I highly recommend you research yourself. What I found interesting about all these particular women is that they were imperfect just like every other mom out there. Me included. Motherhood doesn’t come with an instructional manual, either. However, they were God-fearing, faithful, and trusted the promises of our Lord God. They persevered through many challenges and tragedies, yet they carried on, holding onto hope.

My prayer for the remaining years of my life is to live with conviction, boldness, and faith like these precious moms of the Bible. I hope that one day, my daughters will also call me blessed!

A mother’s heart is often bruised and broken, plagued by fear, and worry. It’s true, a mom is always thinking about her children even when they are adults. So moms, continue to pour into your children. Don’t lose faith. Be prayerful and brave because our future generations depend on us!

I thank my mother for her resilience and drive to never give up hope, and be the strong connector in our family.

Happy Mother’s Day!

P.S. I found a great photo on some of the Biblical women I addressed above. Check it out!

References:

Picture by Photo by Zen Chung: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-ethnic-mother-with-daughter-walking-on-path-in-countryside-5529767/

https://www.learnreligions.com/mothers-in-the-bible-701220

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/your-guide-to-the-top-10-most-extraordinary-mothers-of-the-bible.html

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/wisdom-for-mothers-from-women-of-faith.html

https://equippinggodlywomen.com/trending/famous-mothers-in-the-bible/

https://corechristianity.com/resources/articles/mothers-in-the-bible-and-why-they-matter-

Wiped Clear

May 3, 2024 / Chiara

Every day, I sit in my Glory Room, my Secret Place, my War Room, aka Closet, and pray and praise the Lord Jesus. It’s my quiet time to read the Bible and be silent amid daily chaos. It is my refuge area where I can pour out fears, anxieties, thoughts, and gratitude to the One who provides, Jehovah Jireh!

My family knows it’s the only room in our home that I go to “fill up” or “empty out”. It’s also has become the counseling room, the hugging room, the lay down on the floor and take a nap room, and the “I want to spend time with Mommy, room.” It may not be fancy with mine and my husband’s clothes hanging around, like forest drapery, but it works. I’ve received such revelation and encounters with the Glory of God in this Secret Place.

For the past month, while on my knees praying, I’ve stared at a box of eyeglass wipes on the floor under my hubby’s dress slacks, called Wipe Clear. I wear glasses and if you wear glasses too, then you know they need to be wiped often.

Wipe Clear

Over and over the words have penetrated my thoughts throughout the day. Why do I keep seeing Wipe Clear? That revelation was not ready to come to fruition, until now… You see, while the world is busy destroying itself, I’ve been busy wiping clean my iniquities, filling my lamp with oil, and armoring up. (The Parable of the Ten Virgins. Mathew 25:1-13; Put on the Full Armor of God. Ephesians 6: 10-20; It’s time to separate yourself; be distinct and trust God! Psalm 84:10-12.)

Get into your private place. It could be your car, outside, the basement, the garage, or wherever. Let the Lord work in you a Mighty Miracle of conviction, sanctification, and boldness—a fire for the Lord. (Psalm 91: 1-16.)

It takes two to tango, right? Well, it also takes you and Jesus to make you whole again—get into a relationship with Him. (John 14:6)

What are you waiting for to wipe clear?

The Forest or the Trees: Lenses of Life

April 10, 2024 / Chiara

I’m beginning to realize as I get older, I look at circumstances and situations through two kinds of lenses: the forest or the trees. One way is getting bogged down and overwhelmed by the final result. There is so much overgrowth and thickness surrounding you that the end goal is never achieved because individual steps were missed. The other way is seeing what’s ONLY in front of you, and nothing else. The burdening limbs seem to be extending their destructing claws at you. The issues are like dominos. When one problem is solved another is right behind it. In both cases, you panic. Heaviness sets in. Your vision is obscured and you get lost.

But God…

The author and finisher, the beginning and the end, sees the entire landscape of your life and where you are in the midst of the forest and its trees. Like a compass, He beckons you to follow Him. Listen, the forest is calling. Listen, the trees are parting. God wants to guide you on a path to follow. A path to freedom. A path of righteousness. You can’t do life alone. Trust Yahweh!

Isaiah 58:11

John 10:27

Psalm 23:3

Psalm 25:9

Psalm 32:8

Psalm 119:105, 133

Proverbs 3:5-6

Jeremiah 29:11

Balancing the Line

March 4, 2024 / Chiara

Do you all remember the song from Pat Benatar, “Love is a Battlefield?” It came out in 1983 but hit the stride in the US in 1985. Yes, it was a very long time ago. Some of the lyrics such as “Heartache to heartache we stand. No promises, no demands,” still hold true. Like love, life is a battlefield.

Some days, you’re drawing the line when something is enough and must STOP. On other days, you might find yourself holding the line. Keeping it all together and standing firm; never wavering in your actions and voice, but most importantly, your faith.

Never stop fighting for what’s right. (Joshua 24:15)

Today and every day, seek your victory in Jesus Christ!

The Road to Emmaus – Treading Victoriously!

February 15, 2024 / Chiara

In the Book of Luke, specifically Luke 24:13-35, there is a parable of the two men on The Road to Emmaus. The men were talking about Jesus, his death, and the hope that was to come out of His Ministry. Their hearts grieved as they walked because they thought He was going to restore Israel.

The Scripture Teaching

I’ve read that scripture many times, but on this most recent read, a revelation came to my mind. I preface this by saying that the revelation is my interpretation of how it spoke to me. It has helped me tremendously, and I pray it can do the same for you.

Why are treading the same road over and over again when we know it’s the wrong path? Why do we attract certain people into our lives? Why do we push good people away? Why do we refuse to listen to Godly rebukes or accept His blessings?

Let me explain:

Were all on a road to Emmaus. Each one of us has a purpose and journey outlined and known by God. If only we’d embrace our “individual” trail more than we covet other people’s paths. Instead, we look at others and their successes versus looking at our own blessings.
We trudge along on our path because we have a shaky faith. Attracting certain friends, the ones who share the same sentiments, issues, grievances, etc. Hence the quote, misery loves company. Other times if we’re lucky, we have some friends who are placed in our lives to offer consolation, encouragement, and hope. Get yourself that kind of friend. The other one only loves misery and will keep you in bondage.
During our journey, some people draw near to us and then leave, and draw near to us again and leave. It’s a repetitive cycle. Who are these people that WE allow in our lives? And why do they come and go? It’s a wide road and there are a lot of people on it at different times of your life. Everyone is trying to get somewhere. Most of the time, we are so busy swimming in our pool that we don’t notice who’s waded in to corrupt us. Be watchful. In the Luke parable, it is Jesus who draws near (and He’s the good guy) but the two men don’t even recognize him.
When your “attracted” friend group gets bigger, the chatter gets louder. And so, it becomes difficult on who to listen to. In the parable we see Jesus rebuking the two men and then expounding everything they should have learned from Him and the disciples. Do the men heed His rebuke?
The Truth teaching Jesus tells the traveling men, unfortunately, falls on deaf ears, and He finally says… “slow of heart to believe.” What should Jesus do? He’s been calling you over and over, but you’re so involved in yourself that you miss the Truth entirely. Wake up!
But, true friends are patient. True parents are patient. True spouses are patient. And, Jesus is patient. He loves us so much that He is willing to bring into remembrance the breaking of the bread as a reminder of who He is. And this is exactly what happened to these two men – their eyes opened wide and they knew that He was Jesus. Have you ever been in a situation where you’re trying to remember a movie and the lightbulb goes off in your mind because someone reminded you of a scene, an action, a prop in the movie, etc? Well, this is exactly what Jesus had to do in this particular parable. He shared an action so that the two men remembered him. Jesus often brings into remembrance why He loves us, and why we should turn to Him for everything. Jesus also allows encouraging and beautiful memories to come into our minds and make us smile. He’s so good that way.

My Takeaway from the Parable

Don’t repeat the same thing over and over and expect different results. Stop walking the same path. Take a different road.
Gather a good tribe of people who can hold you accountable. Choose your friends wisely. One bad person can ruin your group.
Learn to discern who you want to draw near to you and those who you want to leave you. Go after those who will help grow you in your walk with Christ. Break off ALL toxic relationships.
Listen to the still small voice of God – get quiet and be in His presence, so that when you are rebuked or blessed, you hear the Lord’s voice only. I love Psalm 139: 23-24. “Search me, O God and know my heart…” Remember, everything good out of you is from God! Everything bad out of you is well, from you!
Keep God’s Word in remembrance in your heart, so that it is always at the forefront of your mind. When you do this, your heart will always burn for Jesus and you will tread victoriously!

And, that’s a wrap. Blessings to you!

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy!

Reasons of the Seasons – The Appointed Time

February 1, 2024 / Chiara

All you need to know about the ebb and flow of life, your life; can be summed up in a specific Biblical scripture that I am going to share.

Eight versus about the appointed time of when the circumstances of life happen. And, it happens to all of us. In fact, it will or might even have happened to you already. The bottom line, thereof, is how you deal with these points/verses/life hacks, however you call them.

Are you ready? Oh, but wait. First, let me give you the source of these verses. It helps to know who wrote them. There is a saying out there, that says something like this… consider the source when taking criticism or feedback from someone. I believe that statement has value. Not all feedback, not all criticism (constructive or not) should devalue your worthiness in any way. You alone can decide if that individual has authority over you to say those things. Got it?

Now, I digressed. Let’s get back to the source.

In the Bible, there was a king and his name was Solomon. He was the son of David. David, who was the son of Jesse, the shepherd who became king after King Saul. This is the same man who killed Goliath with a slingshot and three stones.

King David was a warrior of a king. He did good in the eyes of the Lord God. He had a blip, though. We all do, he had an adulterous affair with a married woman, got her pregnant, had her husband killed, and then lost the first child. He ended up marrying her. He had eight wives in total. David repented of his wrong-doing to God and was forgiven. Nonetheless, he begot another child and God told David to call him Solomon.

Before David passed, God informed him that no other of his sons but Solomon would become king in his place. And so, Solomon became King. And God loved Solomon. In fact, Solomon was good. He was attractive too, rich, and got whatever he wanted. But one thing, Solomon desired above all was wisdom. And God, pleased with this request, gave it to King Solomon. He became a very wise man. Solomon wrote several books of the Bible called the “wisdom books”. There was Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon (which is a bit of a racy book), and a couple of Psalms. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Yes, that’s a lot of women.

And he even built the first Jewish temple (house of the Lord) which held The Ark of the Covenant. It was a seven-year building project. He did fall away from God, no surprise there. He became worldly with all his riches and worshipped other gods. I guess, we are human and do err. It’s not right, but it does happen.

We’re going to look at Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Here are some wise points. I’ve added commentary as to how I understood the verses because this is how they have spoken to me. I’m not a theologian or a Bible scholar, but I believe I have to obey the Holy Spirit to put down these thoughts. It’s helped me. I pray it helps you too. Of course, I HIGHLY INVITE YOU TO DO FURTHER RESEARCH ON YOUR OWN.

Here we go: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

There has been so much written on season and reason for people, events, and how circumstances have come into your lives. People often ask, how come certain friends stay all your life, and others leave? Well, just like the seasons, which change in their due time, people and situations do as well, right? So, is there a season for your purpose? You are given an appointed time in your life and things will happen.

²A time to be born, and a time to die;

Ahh… yes. Reality is, you were born, and the other reality is that you will die. It doesn’t matter what you do to prolong the inevitable, that is the truth. Now, the other thing is taxes, you will pay them too. It’s not written here, but assume that it is also true.

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

Just like a gardener who plants seeds at certain times of the year, you too, need to plant in your life. For example, tulips. The bulbs are usually planted in the fall so that they can come up in the spring. But, the other side is, plucking out, taking away what has been planted. If what you planted isn’t growing, then it might be time to pluck it out and move on to different soil.

³A time to kill, and a time to heal;

Now this isn’t a literal meaning of going out to kill. But sometimes it could mean killing off a toxic relationship, addiction, a horrible job, etc. Other times, it means healing that broken connection that was once severed.

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

You know the expression; if it ain’t broke; don’t break it. Breaking something down, and removing a wall in life is what you need. Then, building it up again, better and stronger than before.

⁴A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

We all have weeping seasons. When you’re down to the last dollar and can’t pay for rent. You’ve lost your job and your kids are hungry. Your spouse has left you. You’ve been robbed, etc. The lists are long. These are cries for help. Don’t squash the weeping period. It could be a cleansing time.

And then there is a time for joy and laughter. Weddings, graduations, awards, vacations. Celebrate the victories! And if the people around you can’t celebrate with you, it’s time to change those people out. We should be happy for other people’s successes, not be grumpy or jealous of them.

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

The mourning, like death. We will all lose people we love in our lifetime. Mourning is God’s way of telling us we are mortal. We aren’t supposed to live forever in our flesh on this earth, but rather have eternal life with Him. In mourning, we grieve. No two people can grieve the same way. Give yourself time to mourn your losses.

On the other spectrum is dancing. You know the saying… dance like no one is watching. Move your body. I love it when little children just move and dance around. It’s so freeing. We need to tap into our “inner child” a lot more and be in awe and wonder.

⁵A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

We all get hit (not in the literal sense) by someone who has tried hurting us. There will be times when you have to “cast away” those stones from making an emotional impact on your life. Learn to swerve to protect your soul. Then, there is the “gathering stones” season. Building up your armory to again, protect yourself, and your loved ones.

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

Hugging is great. Good for the soul. The touch of a human can heal. Hug if the season requires it. When you want to be alone, do that too. I always tell people the best conversations are with yourself.

⁶A time to get, and a time to lose;

There will be winners and there will be losers. It happens in sports, it happens with the lottery, it happens with anything competitive. Learn to accept both in its due season.

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

For those that like to hold onto “stuff”, this is for you. That leather jacket you’ve had in your closet from 1977 that doesn’t fit, throw it away. Your grandmother’s wedding band, that, you can keep. Do some decluttering of your home and on your insides—your mind! There are moments when you need to decide when to draw a line versus hold the line. Use your discernment.

⁷A time to rend, and a time to sew;

A time to tear up and throw away. Invest in a paper shredder. Stop looking at your ex-boyfriend’s high school love letters when your heart should be given to your current spouse.

Just like relationships gone bad, if it’s worthy of repairs, do it. Repent. Stop harboring stupid arguments that in reality won’t matter at the funeral.

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

There are seasons of silence. When people in your life are no good, the best thing to do is walk away. Don’t be suckered into a fight. However, when you believe in something. Stand up for it! Fight for it! Be brave.

⁸A time to love, and a time to hate;

This one is tricky. Can you love and hate the same person at different times of your life? I believe so. Make sure that the hate part doesn’t last that long. Hate and strife can hurt your well-being.

a time of war, and a time of peace.

Well, no one is free of wars in their lives. Rumors of wars, family wars, generational wars, and on and on we go. As Solomon said… there is nothing new under the sun. Which also means there will be times of peace too. So, embrace the PEACE when it comes.

In all these verses, I found nothing here that tells to me to quit. This is the sum of our lives. It doesn’t go round and round like the earth. It’s seasonal. Some may experience all of these verses. Others, a few. Whatever the reason for the season in your appointed life, don’t quit, ever. I won’t and neither should you. And that’s what I’ve gathered from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

I’ll leave you with this final quote, from the author himself, King Solomon: “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2; 12:8.

References:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3%3A1-8&version=NKJV

Ecclesiastes 1:2. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+1%3A2&version=NKJV

Ecclesiastes 12:8. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+12%3A8&version=NKJV

https://www.learnreligions.com/king-david-leader-of-ancient-israel-2076644

https://www.learnreligions.com/king-solomon-wisest-man-who-ever-lived-701168

https://overviewbible.com/solomon/

Read the Books of 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Chronicles, Psalms, Nehemiah, and Mathew.

Prayers and Praises Request Box – New Beginnings in 2024

January 9, 2024 / Chiara

My new word for the 2024 year is Release. I don’t believe in resolutions but I find that a word of the year helps me to stay focused. I often remind myself to intentionally do THAT WORD which has come to my mind in the new year.

Release this year will be enlightening others about any wisdom that I’ve been learning and storing up. I may not know everything about everything, but I’ve been around a bit to come away with some knowledge and understanding. Plus, every opportunity is an opportunity to share, whether it’s my Bible study, faith testimonies, life hacks, teachable moments with my kids, etc. On the flipside, it’s releasing toxic relationships, releasing past failures. Releasing situations that I think I can do in my own strength when in reality, I can’t; instead, sending it up to God to fight my battles and making a way. TRUSTING HIM MORE.

Along with that, I’ll be habitually writing down my Prayers and Praises, and encouraging my husband and kids to do the same. As I told them, let’s try it, we have nothing to lose.

I pray continually, it’s the best conversation in my head, but writing prayers down and dropping them in a box THAT NO ONE WILL READ is freeing and encouraging. I won’t have to carry the burdens but rather let THEM go. And with praises, being in CONSTANT thankfulness for those nuggets of HALLELUJAH that the Lord sprinkles in my life.

As my teenage daughter has said for the coming year, “Continue, but DIFFERENTLY.”

That’s my approach this 2024. What’s yours?

I am Israel

December 31, 2023 / Chiara

Scorned, envied, and hated for doing righteousness in the eyes of the Lord. Alone, I fight the darkest of battles every day. My insides have been ripped apart. There is nothing left but scarred bones.

Where art thou God? Why has this iniquity come upon me?

I’ve repented, turned from my wicked ways, and kept Your Covenant. I’ve removed all the images and idols from all the high places.

Why have you forsaken me, Lord?

I’ve put on Your Whole Armor, but the fiery darts keep coming. I witnessed the manifestation of darkness that has invaded my every being. Go away…

I know the Light! I know the Light! I’m trying to keep the candle wick from burning out, but a ferocious wind comes and extinguishes it. The wick, my wick is bending slowly into the hot wax. I’m burning!

I’ve cried out! Do you hear me? I’m surrounded. Help me break free, Jesus!!

I fall to the ground and cover my head and body with the earth and sob. I hear the muffled trampling of feet in the distance. A slumber overtakes me and all goes quiet. No one can hear me anymore…

Time passes and my body tingles to life. Slowly, my bones and muscles move. I shake off the crusty dirt and open my eyes. A shiny new sword appears in my hand.

Standing, I hear rumbling and then a booming voice coming from the clouds, “Behold, it is finished. Your fight is over, my child. Walk away. Go in peace.”

Let’s Dance the Last Dance in 2023

December 28, 2023 / Chiara

I need you by me

Beside me to guide me

To hold me, to scold me

‘Cause when I’m bad, I’m so, so bad

I’ve been around long enough to experience and dance to this song at many, many weddings. Do you know the song? Here’s a hint. It has always been the last song to be played before a wedding celebration has concluded.

Drum roll…

It’s none other than Donna Summer’s 1978 Last Dance. When the DJ would start the song, all the party guests knew too. We’d file onto the dance floor and let loose.

So let’s dance the last dance

Let’s dance the last dance

Let’s dance this last dance tonight

There was hope in these lyrics. It talked about finishing strong, not wasting the night, taking a risk, falling in love, and leaving IT ALL ON THE DANCE FLOOR.

We’re all looking for someone to guide us, love us, hold us, and scold us when we err. As we close out 2023, this is how I’m feeling. God has provided for me (Jehovah Jireh) each time during this year. He’s made a way when I believed there was no way, and He’s always been a good, good Father to me.

It hasn’t been an easy year for me and my family. Through it all, the Lord was there. It was a miracle that I was able to finish and publish my fifth publication, The Rekindler. I wrote it in 2009 and released it on December 18, 2023.

I don’t know what 2024 will look like in my writing endeavor. I am not sure I’ll continue to write any more books. It’s in God’s Hands. All I know is that I NEED God to guide me, hold me, and scold me when needed, so I can get back on track.

In ending this year, I don’t want to be like Lot’s wife in Sodom who looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:26. I want to be like the farmer who put his hand on the plow and never looked back. Who kept moving forward. Luke 9:62.

Next year is an election year. There are wars and rumors of wars around us constantly. The world is beautifully chaotic. And, time and life don’t stop.

I know how I’m going to end 2023, so let’s dance the last dance, shall we? Here’s hoping you dance in 2024.

Happy New Year!!

P.S. Be sure to watch Donna Summer’s video – Last Dance.

The Making of the Rekindler: An Author’s Explanation

December 12, 2023 / Chiara

The Making of The Rekindler is a short story about one man’s vision for a revival, a return to God in the backdrop of a one-world government and one-world religion. Due out December 23rd, 2023.

More info will be coming out for pre-orders.

For those who think writing is easy, it’s not. I’m often asked how the process is. Using this tale, I’ve put together a little video on how I made The Rekindler come to fruition. In a nutshell, there are many steps:

Idea. This story was birthed in 2009. Resurrected in 2022, and then paused, and then resurrected again in 2023.
Writing and writing, and typing. It took years. Lots of stop and go.
Editing and rewriting.
Beta readers review.
Cover revision; revamping and design.
Editorial reviews.
Editing, editing, editing.
Marketing fun with merchandise, cards, hats, and shirts.
Proof receipts from POD platforms: Amazon KDP, Ingram Spark, Smashwords, and Draft2Digital.
More promo and communication to the readers and fans.
Release of publication: December 23rd., 2023.
Prayer to bless all those who read this book.
For readers to pass it on…

Click here to see the video.

Thank you to all who have supported me and my writings all these years. I’m grateful.