Write It Down!

I will stand my watch
And set myself on the rampart,
And watch to see what He will say to me,
And what I will answer when I am corrected.
Then the LORD answered me and said:

“Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.
“Behold the proud,
His soul is not upright in him;
But the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:1-5 NKJV

The Lord is yet revealing Himself to others--just like He did with the prophets of old. If we learn to receive, hear and listen, we might be surprised at what we are told.

People are still creating bucket lists--those desires they wish to achieve before they die or at least by a specific time in their lives. A goal is always a good thing, especially when the goal is for the good of others more than just self. And while having a goal is good, few goals are ever achieved without a plan to get there.

The plan--the step-by-step approach or strategy to get to the finish line, must be doable and must lead in the direction in which a person wants to go. Not having a plan, often leads to people doing random acts--that lead nowhere and then they wonder why they have not moved closer to their goal.

Perhaps the easiest way to reach goals is to have several short-term goals that lead to the larger goal--to complete the big picture.

For instance--if a student desires to improve grades and obtain a specific grade-point-average, they might want to start with a targeted study plan. For some that goal may include specific hours dedicated to study and preparing for daily class work and testing. This goal would include working on smaller portions of information for a longer time period (one segment 15 minutes a night), rather than trying to cram a great deal of information into an overnight, stress-filled approach.

If a person has a desire to be used in ministry, by God--the first step would be to develop a right relationship with Him and then to get into His Word and study--researching all that is unknown or not clearly understood. Reaching this particular goal takes time and there are no short cuts although some have attempted to circumvent the obvious. We must study to show ourselves approved unto God--willing to work to understand His Word so we might rightly--present it to others. Some have claimed a calling upon their lives by God and presented themselves to a local church leader and that leader has set them up to fail by simply allowing them to present a "trial sermon"and then giving them leeway (without sufficient evidence of study or relationship) to run and misrepresent the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

If there is anything we want to achieve and God has given us the vision, we need to write it down, along with the plan to get there--step-by-step. When the vision is truly from God, it will be attained and nothing any man or woman attempts to do to hinder it, will matter. God's plans will always prevail over anything we may plan to do--that is not of or from Him.

So if God has given you a vision--write it down and seek His wisdom to map out the plans to achieve and no matter--stick with the plan--inching your way, if necessary, to cross that finish line--according to His timetable. Remember--"the race is given to the strong or the swift, but the one who endures to the end."

The Purpose of My Books!

“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” Toni Morrison

Though I will be the first to admit that I am not a particular fan of Toni Morrison's works, I agree wholeheartedly with her stance about writing. Before I even read this quote, I knew what type of books I wanted to read and wrote them--with the hope that I was not the only one who wanted to read--wholesome literature--devoid of voyeuristic scenes and profanity.

You see, as much as I love mysteries and romance novels, I started avoiding most of those on the market. Most of the suspense and thriller novels are so laced with profanity that I can't get past the first chapter. When that happens, I simply stop reading. The same is true of some of the books that people are trying to pass off as romance, when they're actually only about sex.

I'm not trying to tell other people what to write or how to write it, but I won't read literature that opposes my faith and my stance with moral issues.

Therefore, I've written a number of books--that are romantic in nature without making the reader feel like they're taking part in a perverse act--and have an actual story line, with lovable characters and those the reader can hate as well.

The suspense and thriller novels--are filled with all the stuff we love--intrigue, murder, human trafficking, kidnapping, but no profanity and the characters have developed "alternate" expressions that work well when they are emotionally charged.

I want to see a return of moral values and structures that all can read in the literature produced. So I have accomplished--at least I think I have--this goal with my books. Why am I saying this now? An author on Twitter posted that Indie Publishers should be blogging about their books, not their blogs. I agree and here I am.

I'd love to know what you think--regarding my purpose.  Did I accomplish my purpose or am I just whistling in the clouds of hope?

There are two fantasies for kids and I'm working on the third in the series. In these books, kids are empowered to overcome good with evil by relying upon innate powers within them-- myBook.to/SuperTweens and myBook.to/OtherSide.  Both were written to empower kids between the ages of 10 and 12 and beyond with the latest effort--not yet available. Kids need all the encouragement they can get to do the right thing and to know others see them as worthy and not just a nuisance to be tolerated.

The suspense/thriller works are: myBook.to/Sword about a serial killer in a small town in South Carolina. I introduce Tyson and Tiffany as they team up to find the serial killer. In the second book myBook.to/TNT Tyson is working for the FBI and Tiffany is battling demons from her past, but it is with the struggle they discover who's kidnapping mentally challenged girls and are able to defuse all the bombs the crazy Russian plants, except one. In  myBook.to/ElevatedHijinks Tyson and Tiffany and their team must find Swatere's kids who have been kidnapped as revenge against Tiffany. They find the kids, but will a blazing mountain fire defeat their attempt to rescue them?

Two of the romance novels are based upon two ministers who meet over the phone and begin the journey that is overwhelmed with obstacles. myBook.to/Gifts begins the story, but even after they overcome the barriers set before them, others attempt to cloud the issues in myBook.to/Storms.  The last romance is more secular in nature, but still provides insight into matters of the heart and love without being erotically perverse. There is a wonderful story line in myBook.to/MoneyTalks about love, trust and betrayal.

There are many more found on Amazon--mostly Christian Living and can be accessed through this link  viewAuthor.at/maryglobal.  My goal with this post is to entice you to read my books and let me know if I have accomplished my purpose. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

A Different Idea in Teaching!

Supplementary Reading Materials

 For any educator who teaches reading and has reluctant students who don’t want to read—here is a solution!

Found on Amazon.com most for only 0.99!

viewAuthor.at/maryglobal

This multi-genre catalog of literature includes:

Romance

Mystery

Suspense

Fantasy

Poetry

Essays

And Christian Living (according to The Word)

All books include “Look Inside” on Amazon for a preview of content!

Teaching strategies might include discussions about: What’s right, what’s wrong, adherence to writing standards, grammar, audience consideration, point of view, an analysis of content and online review. The author has a stage play available for dissection or production and is also currently writing a selection of short stories regarding environmental protection issues, politics and education. If interested, please send email to:

mary.hallrayford@gmail.com

Wholesome Literature is making a comeback!

Invest Time In Doing, More Than Watching!

"Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap. As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Sow your seed in the morning and at evening let your hands not be idle for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well." (Ecclesiastes 11:4-6 NIV)

Does anyone remember the old adage, "a watched pot never boils?" It is not entirely true, but what happens is that while a person is watching the water, it seems to take forever to start boiling. The fact of the matter is--when water reaches a specific temperature--usually 212 F or 100 C (depending upon altitude and purity of the water), it will boil--whether we watch it or not, but the principle here is--since we know it will boil, why watch it?

When we plant seeds into the ground--planting anything--will it grow any faster if we watch it or can we tell what is going on beneath the soil when we cannot see it occurring?

Even though we cannot see (without technology) how a body is formed from conception to birth, we know--given time (unless something impedes the growth), a baby will be born. We didn't have to watch it to make it happen.

Children, once they reach a certain age (puberty), and as long as they are brought up in a nutritionally sound environment, they grow by leaps and bounds and even if we are watching, we miss some of the subtle changes and often, we are amazed when it appears that a child has grown overnight.
The same is true of our obedience to God in order to see the promises fulfilled. When He inspires us to do something, we have no need to "watch" it, but just to do and have faith that what He has put on our hearts will succeed. If He has planted the seed, He will water it and it will grow.
 However, we must be certain that the seed was planted by Him and not our desires, without consulting Him.

This is what I've learned about my own investment of time in writing. I did not understand "why" the Lord spoke to my heart and directed me to write--explaining scripture--and blog it daily. I did not understand why--at certain intervals in my composition of books--He stops me and has me to write something expounding on His Word--for publication. As long as I do what He is telling me to do, I know He will fulfill every promise made and honor every request I've put before Him.

I love watching how many people are reading my books, but sometimes--when the numbers decline (and they do), I tend to get discouraged--momentarily. And then, just like a loving parent--He reminds me that the outcome of my writing--the gift He has given me--is not about me, but it's all on Him. I don't have to watch the sales or how many clicks the books are receiving. I just have to write--exercising the gift He has given me. In the fullness of time--whenever that is--His promise will be seen and I don't have to know how He accomplishes all that He does; I just have to believe it.

The million plus readers we've petitioned Him for are coming to past--growing daily. Now, I just have to continue to write, totally trusting Him to speak to the hearts of all He would have to read what I write, and enjoy the efforts of my labor when it's harvest time. Glory to God! I've only seen the beginning of the harvest to come, but I know when it's time to gather it in--it will be all that He planned from the beginning of time.

So, let's not waste our time in watching (trying to understand) to see how God will bring things to past (ministry, families, careers, etc.) but trust that He will and keep doing what He's told us to do. 

What Happened?

Thump!
C-r-e-a-k!
Boom, Boom!
“Make it stop,” Tiny cried.
Bobby huddled, pale-faced, shuddering.
“What is that?” he sputtered.
Silence. The motor of the a/c stopped.
More silence.
Tiny nervously moved towards the door; it slammed open, making her jump.
“Aih!” she screamed, hiding behind the couch, waiting for the end.


(c) 2015 by Mary M. Hall-Rayford

The Person Behind The Posts

If you enjoy my posts and even if you disagree, I'd like to know. If you want to know more about the person behind the posts, come for a visit. http://on.fb.me/1DdQvSJ

Here you'll find thoughts about "almost anything" and in particular my books. I am honored that you're reading my posts and would love to know more about you, the reader.

God bless this day and the rest of your lives as you choose to serve Him!

Writing, Believing, Speaking!

"It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken." Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak," (2 Corinthians 4:13 NIV)

Sometimes, what we say we believe is not necessarily true. It doesn't become true for us until we see it, in writing so we can analyze what we see, especially when it comes to living The Word. What we see that has been written, we believe and therefore have the courage to speak what we believe and to write even more to expound on that belief.

When we read something for the first time, we may understand the letters on the page, but do we really understand the context and inference those letters are alluding to?

Every time I read a passage of scripture, God reveals something new to me. It wasn't that I didn't understand the words the first time, but the more I read, the more I believe, and the more I speak what I believe, greater revelation comes to me because I am reading even more.

The perfect example to illustrate this is when I read John 17. I had always heard, "The Lord's Prayer" and even sang it on more than one occasion. However, when I read the entire chapter, more than once, I began to realize that what we call His prayer is not and this chapter is. What is amazing to me is that not many people reference this chapter as His prayer, they are not memorizing it, and most don't even realize that in the 20th verse, He's praying for those of us who were not present with Him then, but for those He knew would follow those who taught His Word. How long is going to take for others to get a "revelation" about what is truly His prayer?

I've written about John 17 before and how we have mistakenly, used the model prayer as a foundation for praying. Here's the truth of the matter--if Jesus had meant for us to pray the model prayer at all times, for all things, He would have said the same prayer, when He was in garden, knowing what was about to happen to Him. Our foundation for prayer is simply this: "Whatever we ask of the Father in Jesus' name, He will do." We are limited to a few trite phrases, most of which have already been fulfilled, in order for God to hear us and act on our behalf.

What we read from what is written, we believe and what we believe we speak (or write) to the glory of God so others may also come into knowledge and truth about Our Risen Savior.

Why Faith in God? Part 6

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:14,17,18, 26 NIV)

If we claim to have faith, but never do anything with it. what is the point of the proclamation?

I have presented my perspective on this subject previously, but it warrants a second look.

For the person who says, "I will lose 50 pounds this year" and never changes their dietary habits or physical exercise, how are they going to lose weight? They won't and then they'll complain about being overweight.

The same is true for the person who excitedly says they're going to get a promotion on their job, but they never do anything beyond their current job requirements--they take no initiative to do anything, and sit twiddling their thumbs when they have finished doing their work.

How about the person who is confident of even getting a job because of their faith and prayer life, but they never apply for a job?

We can proclaim a lot of things, but until we actually "do" something, we bind God's hands to move us forward. Not too long ago, a person on Twitter (Bart) became upset with me and my faith in thanking God for the 1 + million plus readers that I asked for over a year ago. Those who follow me on Twitter know that I promote my books daily, I am constantly writing and uploading books as I am inspired. I have written various genres ranging from Christian Living, Christian Romance, Fantasy for kids, Contemporary Fiction, Informational texts, poetry, and a murder/mystery. Why? I have faith in God--writing is one of the gifts He has given me (teaching is the other) and I am wearing it out--to His glory, to inspire, inform, and entertain in a Godly manner.

And it is because I believe that He will do what He said He would do--I keep writing and keep thanking Him for the 1 + million plus readers. He is speaking to the hearts of people and they are reading my books. Now, when I'll actually see the 1 + million readers is on Him, not me. But I know, I it will happen--on His timeline, not mine. Thank You, Lord for hearing and answering prayer and making a way for all Your promises to be fulfilled. Hallelujah!

So, if it takes writing another fifty books before the 1 + million plus readers are reading my books, then I guess I'm going to be pretty busy for the next five years or more to accomplish the goal that is set before me. I am doing, what I have faith to believe is going to happen. That's the only way, things happen. Our actions must match our faith and when it does, God honors our faith--for we know, without faith, we cannot please Him.

Part 7 tomorrow!

Inspired, Prepared, and Equipped!

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 NLT)

I love it when I can go to The Word and be encouraged, when so many people make discouragement their past time. For all who claim that the Bible is merely a book and should have no bearing on our lives, proves they have not read what they attempt to refute. 

Yes, the Bible is a book--a book that is a record of not only man's history (snap-shot version), but a record of all God has ever done for those He loves.

No, the Bible is not a novel and should never be read as though it was. For those who attempt to read it as such, they will discover (if their comprehension is finely tuned) that the chronology of events is not based on a sequential timeline nor is the layout of bible.

No, the Bible is not a book of fiction and for one to ascertain the truth of this statement, one needs to merely situate a credible history book beside the events that occur in the bible. It is a snap-shot record of historical events, divinely inspired to make sure Believers understand how God moved among His people throughout that history.

Yes, the Bible or book of scriptures as some would call it--was written by the hands of man (mankind), but inspired by God who spoke to whoever was willing to listen.

I've heard some say that there are too many translations saying too many things and so they refuse to believe any of it. That is truly sad. No matter how many versions of the bible are produced, none of the essence of what God has said or how He wants us to live--will ever change. Now, when people manipulate the "intent" of God's Word, that is an entirely different matter. For a number of reasons, some have felt the need to: remove gender, remove references of hell, and to remove references of sin. For them--judgment before God will be swift since their intent is to deceive and deception is influenced by the devil. It really takes having a Relationship with God to understand how He operates versus how man thinks about what He does.

Some have said they do not believe the King James Version because he was gay. He may have been; I wasn't around. What they have overlooked is the fact that regardless of his "sexual orientation," the king did not write the version--he authorized its translation from the original languages (Hebrew and Greek). His purpose in having the bible translated into "the King's English" was to make sure ordinary people could understand it (which happens to be why many are producing bibles in more contemporary language, but not manipulating the intent of the words).

Thank You, Father for inspiring people to write what You say, preparing us to live a life that is pleasing to You, and equipping us to do so through Holy Spirit's direction and guidance. Hallelujah!

My NaNo Novel 2014!

I had actually decided not to write for the NaNoWriMo challenge this year, but after a "friend" bugged me to do it, I did. I already had a story in mind, but had not determined what I wanted to do with it. So, a couple of weeks before the first of November, I developed my characters, my story map, and my fictional city--complete with a grid of the streets and location of all major buildings. I completed my research and typed up my notes, and on November 1, 2014, at 4:30 a.m. I started writing. By November 9, 2014 at approximately, 2:00 p.m. I had finished the first 50K! Now, near the near, I am revising (2nd round) and my word count is over 72K. Since i plan to publish the "finished" work (after 3 more rounds of revising and editing), it will be available on Amazon as an eBook, hopefully before the end of January.

At any rate, here's what the cover looks like--right now.
There's an excerpt on the NaNoWriMo site and I'll probably post it again, soon! Some ideas are worth pursuing! This one certainly was!

Excerpt--Mightier Than The Sword--Novel-in-process

Samson wanted to leave with Melandro, but Tiffany and Tyson quickly closed down the club and everyone had to stay put, including Samson. Tyson called for police reinforcements and Tiffany called in the Sheriff’s office. This was way too much for them to deal with. Traffic was blocked from entering the parking lot of Club Jazzy and for a three-block perimeter. Behind the club was the river so they weren’t concerned about anyone leaving in that direction.

“Tyson, make sure all of guests are comfortable and have the police collect every glass at every table and bag them. Battle, call the hospital and make sure everyone is x-rayed for needle pricks and their stomachs pumped. Swatere, check the bathrooms and collect all the garbage cans. Whoever is responsible for this, is not getting away again!” Tiffany thundered orders.

Pretty soon the place was packed with uniformed officers, interviewing guests and taking notes. All of the stemware bagged and all the eating utensils and food put aside.

Samson and the other owners were dumbfounded. They couldn’t believe this was happening on their opening night. Immediately, technicians were brought in to rule out food poisoning for which the chef was eternally grateful for them saying, the food was not tainted in any way.

When the stemware was bagged and tagged, another agent from the FBI took them directly to the lab where Katie was standing by.

When Tiffany asked Samson what Melandro had been drinking, she immediately became suspicious.

“I only saw her drink club soda. Then after we announced our engagement, she had a sip of the champagne. Ask the bar-tender if she had anything else.”

When Tiffany asked the bar-tender if Melandro had anything to drink, he just shook his head. “She came back here once, to fix what she was going to call a Jazzy special. I don’t know what she put in it and she washed the shaker as soon as she made it.”

“That figures,” Tiffany muttered. “What about the glass she used for the champagne toast, has that been cleaned as well?”

“No, in fact she never finished the drink so it’s on the counter—right where she was sitting before she collapsed.”

“Battle, get that technician over here to check the contents of this glass.”

The technician had brought specially formulated strips to test for poisons and he immediately put it in the glass. It turned blue—indication of a toxic substance.

“Okay, get that to the lab and I want results tonight, not tomorrow!” she barked.

Samson sat at the bar with his head in his hand, not knowing what was going on. “Samson, do you have a pen I could use? I don’t have one in this tiny little purse,” Tiffany explained.

“Yeah, sure. Let me get you one of the marketing ones from the office.”

“Franklin,” she called to a uniformed officer, “Please escort Samson to his office and bring him back here pronto.

Walking back to his office with his police escort, Samson’s heart sank. This was supposed to be a night to remember, but not because of three people being rushed to a hospital, but because he had decided to commit to one woman. When he unlocked the door, he sighed and went quickly to his desk and opened the drawer. Stunned, he picked up the syringe and the vial, wondering how they got there. Since Franklin was standing right behind him and saw the syringe and vial, Samson plopped into the chair, not saying a word.

“Agent Harangue,” he radioed. “You need to see this. I’m in the office near the back of the building. Don’t make a move,” he ordered, pulling his service revolver out and keeping it aimed at Samson.

“I’ll be right there,” she said, motioning for Tyson to follow her.

“I don’t know what this is or how it got here,” Samson stammered.

“Don’t say anything else until Agent Harangue gets back here,” Franklin ordered, stepping back from Samson, watching every move.

Tiffany and Tyson burst through the door.

“What is it?” Tiffany asked.

Franklin motioned with his gun at Samson. “Get up slowly and move away from the desk.” Turning to Tiffany, he said, “There’s a syringe and a vial in the drawer. Samson here says he doesn’t know how they got there.”

Fortunately, Tiffany had brought a pair of latex gloves to the back with her and an evidence bag. She put on the gloves and gingerly picked up the syringe and vial, putting them into the evidence bag.

“Tyson, take these to one of the technicians and have it analyzed right away. If this is what I think it is, we’ve finally solved these murders and hopefully, those who are at the hospital will survive.”

“Franklin, read Samson his rights and take him in for questioning. He’s to be held until we get back from the hospital and no one, I mean no one is get back here. As soon as everyone has been interviewed and we have contact information, turn them loose and tape the place off.

Samson was read his rights, handcuffed and led out of the club, totally mortified by what had just happened.