Christmas Gift-Giving!

Books make a perfect gift at any time and especially at Christmas--when people have time to enjoy some down time. Browse through these and determine if you know anyone who would enjoy: fantasy, romance, suspense, Christian Living, and so much more. Most are under $2.00 Enjoy!

viewAuthor.at/maryglobal

New Release!

When we continue to communicate with God--no matter what is going on around us, we will see the effectiveness and power of our prayer when we understand the purpose. Enjoy. It's free today! myBook.to/PointofPrayer

The Beauty of Holiness!

For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the LORD made the heavens.
Honor and majesty are before Him;
Strength and gladness are in His place.
Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Give to the LORD glory and strength.
Give to the LORD the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him.
Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
The world also is firmly established,
It shall not be moved.
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
And let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
                                                          1 Chronicles 16:26-31 NKJV

There are many ways that people--we mere mortals--define beauty in the earth realm. We determine who is beautiful by physical features, bone structure, waistlines, hair length, height and weight. That's what we do. But real beauty in people should be a measurement of a person's heart and what they do for others, without seeking recognition for anything they do. 

I have met and known some really beautiful people--but they wouldn't measure up to the world's definition because of their facial features or other physical flaws. I measure their beauty because of their compassion and diligence in always seeking ways to help others and putting themselves in the background for all they do.

No matter how I measure or assess beauty or anyone else--true beauty is found in how we live for The Lord and that is in holiness.

Holiness--is living according to The Word--it is not how a person looks or dresses. Unfortunately, there are groups of people who think that holiness is represented in being uncomfortable in clothing, covering hair or faces, being meek and subordinate, positions for praying, songs sung in worship and none of that matters if The Word of God is not the blueprint for how one lives.

We worship God in the beauty of holiness by living for Him. It is a lifestyle that promotes who He is, not who we are.

How we dress is not a concern for God unless we are immodest in what we wear that brings more attention to us than Him. He looks upon the heart of a person, not their outward appearance. Since this is how He looks at us, perhaps we should do the same and stop looking at the outward person, but assessing their heart by what they do. For out of the abundance of the heart--the mouth speaks. And what we say, is a good indicator of what we do.

Today and every day, let's learn to appreciate the real beauty in others by the evidence we see of what's in their heart, not in their appearance.

myBook.to/Holiness

Riding Out The Storms!

Calling all West Virginians! Enjoy this second part of a romantic alliance established by God. Though Cal and D'Cerner know their assignment and they love each other, one is tempted beyond measure and the other's doubts lead to the loss of life. Here's rocking it with hometown girl who loves small communities!  THANKS LONDON COMMUNITY FOR CREATING MEMORIES!

Assistance Needed!

One of my followers on Twitter is in need of assistance and I have pledged to donate half of the proceeds from the sales of my book myBook.to/ElevatedHijinks through Saturday.

I pray those who have a heart will purchase--just 0.99 and encourage others to do so as well.

Thanks for assisting in doing what Jesus would have us to do--help the needy.

Elevated Hijinks (Excerpt 1)

Tony was watching through the window while Natasha was upstairs in her room laying down. Nadia’s phone rang as soon they walked in the door and she motioned to the others to go into the den, with Tony leading the way. She pushed the speaker button when she answered the phone.

“Hello, Katie. What did you find out?”

“Natasha wasn’t stung by a bee unless the bee ingested Apenadrylophene for lunch. We need to get X-rays of her arm and see if we can determine where the injection site is. Unless she’s bathed or showered there may some trace evidence at the site. Can you bring her in now?”

“Yes, we can. Battle, Tyson, and Tiffany are with us. How long do we have before the drug breaks down and can’t be detected?”

“We’ve got about a four-hour window from the time she was injected to get any testable residue. Don’t delay.”

“We won’t, but we’ve got to talk to Tony and Natasha to get a fix on the time it took for the events to unfold so we can start searching for our boys.”

“I understand and I know you’ll find them, but we really need to get her in here, soon.”

“Within the hour. Thanks,” and she ended the call.

“We have to talk fast so we can get Natasha into the lab for X-rays. As you heard, Katie found Apenadrylophene in her blood sample, which means, she was injected with it and what she thought was a bee sting was actually a needle prick,” Nadia said, pacing the floor.

Battle watched her for a moment. “Swatere, sit down and breathe. We’ve got this.”

“What? What have you got?” Nadia shrilled, still pacing.

“You take Natasha into the lab, we’ll talk to Tony and while you’re with Natasha, you can question her about what she saw and if she remembers anyone close enough to her that might have been a threat,” Tiffany said.

Tony stood in the middle of the room running his fingers through his hair absentmindedly. He was frazzled and it showed. “Yeah, go ahead and take her in. I’ll do my best to remember what happened before I got back to her.”

Looking frantically, at everyone in the room, Nadia sighed, turned and left to get Natasha.

“Okay! Tony, we need you to think. Do you remember anyone standing next to you and Natasha before you left to get the car?” Battle asked. Tyson had pulled out a notepad while Tiffany turned on her tablet, ready to type. 

He shrugged. “No, I don’t think so. I was too busy watching the boys play.”

“Not good enough!” Battle growled through clenched teeth, getting in Tony’s face. “When I said think, I mean think. Close your eyes for a minute, and allow yourself to go back to that disco fence. You had to see someone when you turned to leave. Think man!”

  myBook.to/ElevatedHijinks

[First four chapters can be read free on Amazon.]

Newest Release!

In an on-going effort to provide wholesome literature for all, I'm happy to announce the completion and release of my latest book and addition to the mounting number of published efforts--all to glory of God myBook.to/ElevatedHijinks

.

Enjoy and feel free to leave comments and reviews!

Jesus Said It!

Now we have to know what He said and why He said it! myBook.to/WhatJesusSaid

A Changing World--Live With The Rayfords

Wonderful day of talking to our listeners http://www.blogtalkradio.com/maryandtyrone/2015/05/21/a-changing-world-live-with-the-rayfords check us out and see for yourself.

"Best Seller" Hour Reminder

ON YOUR MARCH, GET READY, GO!  myBook.to/TNT  Between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. every sale matters!

The first 5-star review for this book:

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5Worth the wait- would love to see a series!

ByTammy DreamWriteron April 19, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This is the first book I've ever read by this author, and I'm so glad I bought it! There were a few minor spelling and formatting errors, but nothing that really made me want to stop reading.

I loved how the author used humor to replace swearing, and thought it was a very clever idea. The plot flowed at a snappy place- so snappy that I couldn't put this book down until it was finished.

Here's hoping that there will be more books to come!

Love to love you!

Great Gifts!

Books make a great gift for any occasion or season and its the gift that lasts and can be shared!

Why We Do What We Do!

If no one is writing, how will anyone read--anything?  If no one can read, what will happen to communication skills? Do we have what it takes to sustain a literate society? I believe we do as long as writers write and readers read.

Variety--is not just the spice for living--it is what makes for good writing and immeasurable audiences who enjoy what is written.

Reading, Reading!

Don't forget to check out the books on http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ/  Something for everyone!

Religious Piety is Not Holiness!

"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (I Peter 1:15, 16)

With all the rules and regulations, doctrines and dogma that guide some in "religiosity", we have confused holiness with religious piety--the observance of "religious principles". One of the reasons we often get confused about how to conduct ourselves is because of the leadership in various denominations who have convoluted the teaching of holiness and confused it with piety. Holiness is not a look or an act--it is a lifestyle based upon relationship with God.

If church leadership would get a revelation and teach with a goal towards getting everyone into right relationship with God rather than obedience to them, we would see a marked difference in behaviors and attitudes world-wide. Unfortunately, too many of our church leaders today are like the Pharisees who only wanted to control the people, not allow them the freedom to understand God and live for Him, but for them.

When a person is in relationship with another, they seek to please that person, not control them. When we're relationship with God, we can hear Him and govern ourselves accordingly because we make wise decisions because we operate with the mind of Christ. If Holy Spirit is guiding everything we do--we have no need for a mere mortal to guide us in anything pertaining to how to act or dress or think.

Religious piety--governs how a person dresses in a building, how a person talks in a building, how a person praises God in a building, what songs can be sung in a building, how much to give in a building, how to snub others who don't worship as they do, how to isolate one from family, and the list could go on and on.

Holiness--allows Holy Spirit to control tongue, attitude, and behavior at all times--not just in a building. Holy Spirit bonds the relationship between us and God and corrects us when we are going astray and reminds us of God's love, grace, and mercy.

Notice, that there is nothing in The Word that talks about Jesus being religious, but being holy. The reason for that is simply that He was not and is not a religious person for had He been religious, we would all still need an annual sacrifice for sin. No, Jesus was never religious because of His relationship with the Father, He had no need to be pious--demanding strict adherence to man's rules and in fact, broke most of the religious leaders rules which is why they sought to kill Him. He was interfering with their ability to control the people.

Today, conduct serious introspection about self and what is done to represent a relationship with Christ Jesus. Are you pious or are you in relationship with God? Do you worship out of piety or out of relationship and holiness? The only person who can answer these questions, is you! Piety or Holiness? Religion or Relationship? Choose this day where you stand with the understanding that God knows and we can't fool Him!

Father, in the name of Jesus, give us a heart to recognize the work You are doing in our lives, cutting away all that is not of You and filling us with all we need to be holy in Your sight and accomplish all You would have us to do.

For more on this subject of Holiness--check out my book  http://www.amazon.com/Holiness--Not-Look-Lifestyle-Living-Life-ebook/dp/B00CQPB87G/ref=la_B00BAW31CQ_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394971472&sr=1-10

There's Something About Prophecy!

There's something about prophecy, especially from a biblical perspective which makes me wonder why people do not pay attention.

Throughout the bible, we are told of coming events--with such detailed accuracy that we could not possibly mistake what we are told. From the prophets in the Old Testament through Jesus and John, all the consequences of sin and disobedience are detailed and even though like then--people didn't believe what was told to them--events came to pass just like they were told.

If we look back at what Jesus said would happen and understand what John tells us in Revelation, we would have no need to wonder why the relentless weather patterns are what they are. And still we do not change our behavior. The mockers are still mocking God's Word and other believers; believers are selectively choosing what and who to believe, and the unsaved masses are still waiting for those of us who know God and have a relationship with Him to share the good news with them.

Some years ago, while watching the news and unfolding current events, I believe the Lord spoke to my heart and unveiled a prophetic event, which can be seen coming to pass right now. While I do not claim to be a prophet, I do hear and obey God and I know when He is speaking versus the enemy trying to influence my thoughts. Those thoughts about what is happening now and what will happen by 2020 are written in my book, Turning Force, available on Amazon and Smashwords. I know, like many people who lived before me, there are those who will not take heed to what is said and will scoff at the contents. We won't know until 2020 how accurate the prophecy will be, but much can be seen right now. People will have to read it for themselves to determine the final outcome. I won't tell all that was shown to me.

While they are scoffing at the words of one who hears God and obeys, they might want to remember all of those things that were prophesied about the Children of Israel--the good and the bad when they disobeyed--and know that God is not mocked. What He says will come to pass, will come--on His time-table--not ours. A prophetic word is usually given to allow people time to change their ways--it's a heads-up warning. When people do not change their course of action, God will honor His Word, no matter who gives it.

Perhaps, it is time for all of us to re-visit the prophecies given in the Bible and align them with the events we have seen with our own eyes throughout history and see what we must do. God is still using people to warn us about events. I'm not referencing those who deliberately lie--the doomsday prophets who trick people into doing all manner of foolish things. Their lies are eventually exposed every time they open their mouths. We know who they are--they made the headlines and then simply disappeared from the public after repeated humiliation when their lies were exposed.

A true prophecy will not deter from anything God has already said.

When the end comes--we will have no need to store and hoard anything--it will be the end.

If we have not already determined where we will spend eternity--today would be a good day to do so. According to God's Word, not mine--we must make a decision to choose Jesus and make heaven our home for eternity.

Repent from sins (according to God's definition of sin, not mine or anyone else's), Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, today and love Him enough to live for Him, since He loved us enough to die for us. If you do this--heaven will be yours for all eternity.

Battlerama Super Tweens On The Side (excerpt)

“We’re going to have to take them to Botcha-ku,” said Natony. “He’ll know what to do.”

“Yeah, but will he do it to them or to us,” Bodak said. “He’s going to be really po’d about this.”

“Well, he can be ticked off all he wants to be. We have done our part. Now it is up to him to finish it,” Ariak chimed in. Her green eyes bore down on Kiara as if she thought that would make Kiara speak, but it didn’t.

“Okay,” Ramar said, “let’s just move them out.”

“I know you don’t trust us,” she said to the huddled group, “but we really are trying to get you back to your side of reality. We won’t try to touch you again, but you must follow us and do it quickly.”

Anthony was the first to move and he signalled the others to walk behind him in single file. They moved out as one column, looking neither to the left or to the right, their hands down by their side. When they reached the outer boundaries of So-Shun Forest, the trees parted for them to enter and then closed ranks behind them. The six said nothing, they simply kept moving forward.

Suddenly, Ramar stopped. “Wait here,” she said. “This is as far as we go.”

She clapped her hands in a quick, rhythmic way and a building rose from the ground, covered with tree leaves of all sorts of colors. Before the door opened, she stepped back and signalled the others to do the same. When the door opened, Botcha-ku walked out and stared at them.

“Have you accomplished your mission?” he asked Ramar.

“We have obtained powers, but one got away and we were unable to touch their pendants.”

Botcha-ku took a pendant from around his neck, but before he could do anything with it, the flying carpet of leaves appeared overhead. Everyone looked up, but they could not see anyone on it. When Irot, Tori’s alter flew about the flying carpet, she was exposed to the metallic top and fell to the ground. Just about the time, Tori hit the ground, the drink the six had earlier wore off and all of their powers were restored to normal, but the alters had to be defeated.

When Botcha-ku realized the Six had their powers, he ordered the others into a fighting stance and they were about to ignite a fight, but the carpet of leaves turned over and they were all exposed to the metallic surface, and they felt the power drained from them. Now, all they could do was to fight—yam-yam-style.

Maria signalled the Six not to use any of their powers in front of Botcha-ku as long as he was holding onto that pendant. The Six fought the seven like they had never fought before. There were twirling kicks, and high-flying kicks, and jabs and punches, and twists and twirls like they had never seen before.

“Blossom!” Anthony called. The six stood back-to-back, turning clock-wise or counter-clockwise without ever missing a beat. Since the seven alters could not break the line of the six, they were soon defeated; especially when Maria started working on their minds. When Botcha-ku saw what was happening, he attempted to run back into the building, but Shane was faster and blocked his way.

“Either we all go back or none go back,” he threatened, Botcha-ku.

The seven attempted to rise up again, but this time, Derek pulled up a tree and leveled them before they could do anything.  “Now, stay there,” he admonished, as he piled another tree on top of them.

When Botcha-ku attempted to wave his hand, Sutfol and some of the trodles appeared. Sutfol held Botcha-ku’s hands together and the trodles pulled branches from the trees which he used to tied his hands.

“Now,” Sutfol said. “You will kindly allow our friends to go back to their reality or you, too will stay.”

“I will not,” Botcha-ku stammered. “They will not return.”

Battlerama Super Tweens On The Other Side available on www.smashwords.com or www.amazon.com  Enjoy!

Free eBook on Amazon "My Father's Gift"

http://www.amazon.com/My-Fathers-Gift-ebook/dp/B00CGCS5BG/ref=la_B00BAW31CQ_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382205030&sr=1-3  Free Download today! Enjoy and review! Thanks!

Holiness (excerpt 2)

What is it that every born-again believer should be doing?  We should be living a life that is pleasing to God at all times (good or bad).  What does living a life entail?  Living a life that is pleasing to God entails:  acknowledging God in all that we do; operating with integrity in every area of our lives; being mindful and considerate of those who are less fortunate than we are; assembling ourselves together with other like-minded believers on a regular basis; contributing support for those who work diligently to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ; to preach the word whether it is convenient or not (as Paul instructed Timothy); and to be a witness for the Lord at all times.

No matter what state we find ourselves in, we must acknowledge God in all that we have or don’t have.  He is our provider and when we truly come to an understanding of that fact, we can then give Him praise for all things.  Our jobs are not our providers.  Our church leaders are not our providers.  God is our provider—in the natural and in all spiritual matters.  This does not mean that we should not hear church leadership.  It means that we should listen to make sure that what they say,  lines up with what God says and within the context God intended. 

We should remain in constant communication with God through prayer for ourselves and others; for those we know and those we don’t. (I Timothy 2:1-3).

When we wake up each morning, our first thought should be to thank God.  Throughout the day, we should thank God for the good and bad that comes our way.  Our last thought each night should be to thank God.  When our minds are constantly on Him (not in neglecting our responsibilities, but in allowing Him to help us stay focused on all that we must do), we come closer to living a holy life than we would, if we just thought about Him every once in a while.

This is an excerpt from, Holiness, Not a Look, But a Lifestyle! available on amazon. com

Free eBooks!

There are two free ebooks on http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M.-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ 
"Holiness, Not a Look, But a Lifestyle"
"Saved, But Not Yet Delivered"

Only two days left!

I Am Loved (Excerpt)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16—paraphrased)

            Every time I read this passage of scripture I get chills reawakening me to the knowledge that I am loved!  Can you imagine God loving us so much that He willingly gave His only begotten (by virgin birth) Son so that whoever (I am part of the “whoever”) believes in Him would eternal life?  I can and do believe exactly what the Word says.  I know—no doubt in my heart—that if I had been the only person on the planet, He still would have died, just for me and if you believe it—just for you.  What an awesome God!  We are loved by Love [“God is love…” (I John 4:8, 16)]—unconditionally—no holds barred—no matter what we have done or will do-we are loved! 

Sometimes, I know it’s difficult to love everyone, but when I think I just can’t take some people any more, He always shows me how to do it.  Do I always like it?  No!  I do not always want to love everyone, but He has taught me how to love the unlovable.  How?  There are really only two commandments that should concern us:  “Love the Lord our God with all our hearts soul and mind and love one another as we love ourselves” (Matthew 22:37-39—paraphrased).  If we truly love the Lord, we do not want to disappoint Him, so we do all that is in our power to please Him.  Isn’t that what we do when we love someone—we try to please them?  I’m not advocating trying to pacify everyone you know.  That is an impossible task.  However, when we try to please God, based upon those things He has admonished us to do in His Word; we can be assured of success and in pleasing Him.  Likewise, if we have love for others, don’t we do those things we know will please them? 

For instance, with regard to personal relationships between spouses, parents and children, family and friends, we do those things that show them how much we care.  We are considerate and compassionate and are always there to support those we love, no matter what. Would we be inconsiderate of ourselves or beat ourselves, or cuss ourselves?  Not likely.  So why would we do it to others when we know that we are to “love others as we love ourselves.”

Since I cannot divulge stories about other people I know to illustrate this point, I’ll use myself.  For eighteen years I smoked cigarettes (yes, I know it was stupid, now) because I really didn’t know that the very act of smoking involved my lack of self-love.  After I quit smoking (because of rising prices—at the time $1.45/pack), and began seeking understanding about how to love me—I realized that any act that could potentially cause my body to malfunction was an indicator that I did not love me.  During my tenure of jail-ministry, I remember telling the inmates how stupid smoking was.  They didn’t buy it so I explained it this way:  “If someone handed you something to drink or eat with a skull and crossbones on the container, would you drink or eat it?”  I received a resounding, “No!”  My next statement to them was, “So, why would you continue to smoke cigarettes when the warning on the pack tells you it could kill you?”  They didn’t have an answer.  My guess is since many people are still smoking, no matter how much they cost (more than a gallon of gas), they don’t have an answer either.  My conclusion about these people is that they have not learned to love self.  When we love self—we will not do things that will cause us harm or put us in harm’s way.

            

This is an excerpt from, "I Am All That God Says I Am" Available on Amazon.com  http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M.-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ