Introducing Tracy Traynor and Grace in Mombasa

By Tracy Tranory @tracy_traynor

Hello, my name is Tracy Traynor. I’m an indie-author and I love to write stories.

From a very early age I used to spend immeasurable amounts of time day dreaming; now I spend every minute I can at the computer putting day dreams to paper and creating stories, which I hope people will enjoy reading.

Grace in Mombasa is fictional, but was inspired by a woman I met in Kenya called Moira Smith. I met Moira twice in 1991, and she made such an impact on me I have not been able to forget her, and over the years I began to imagine what her life might have been like. I would be driving to work and suddenly she would appear in my mind and I started to create a fictional life for her.

I did a lot of research and the book is filled with facts, at the end of the book I mention the things that happen in Grace’s life that were the real things that happened to Moira.

This is a life – and therefore a story in two halves. The first half of her life was spent in England, and so the book’s first part is her life during World War 2 in England. The second half of the book is set in Mombasa.

Moira was an amazing woman who dedicated her life to helping the Kenyan people who came into the Coast General Hospital in Mombasa, a place where people believed they only went to die. She inspired me, and I hope I have done her story justice so that it might inspire others.

To continue with Moira’s good works for the people of Mombasa, I have hooked up with Barnabas Trust Outreach Mombasa, and I am donating 50% of all sales to them.

Sean McIntyre Missionary to Kenya with Barnabas, and minister at AOG Colchester, gave me this endorsement:

The story of Grace captures the experience of many others who, though quite ordinary by themselves, find that the love of God propels them towards quite extraordinary endeavours. Tracy is the author of Grace's story but the inspiration was Moira Smith and the author of her story was none other than God himself, described in the Bible as the 'author and finisher of our faith'. I commend Tracy's book "Grace in Mombasa" to you in the hope that, inspired by the story of Grace and Moira, you will become hungry for a story of your own and that you will turn to the great author of all our lives. He already has a story prepared for you!

The first person to read the book, besides the editors, is Wendy H Jones, Author and member/webmaster of the ACW Scotland – Association of Christian Writers. Here is her endorsement:

Tracy Traynor’s writing transports you from World War 1 and 2 England to the courts of heaven, via Mombasa. With characters which pop off the page and straight into your heart, this is a book you will remember for a long time.

To tempt you to buy the book, please find the blurb below.

Inspired by true events. Grace in Mombasa is an intriguing historical saga of betrayal and loss, romance and heartbreak, and one woman’s journey in faith.

From the day she was born, Grace Clifton has navigated a life of loss and heartbreak, without a mother to guide her and through the ravages of two World Wars. With England in the midst of a Second World War, Grace, experiences the excitement of love and romance, but all too soon it turns to heartbreak. Through it all, Grace is sustained by her unwavering faith in God, but when all she holds dear is ripped away from her, Grace is left devastated and doubting everything she’s ever believed in.

As the world slowly recovers from war, Grace too begins the process of healing from bitterness and the deep wounds inflicted by life. However, her steadfastness to God is lost and she determines never to pray again. When an unexpected opportunity comes up in Kenya, Grace seizes the chance to escape the memories, hoping to find a purpose and build a new life for herself. In the city of Mombasa, Grace soon begins to realise she can’t ever distance herself from life’s complications, but if she’s prepared to open her heart, maybe her shattered faith will once more bring her hope, love and the healing that she desperately needs.

Grace in Mombasa is a story about a woman with amazing faith that is shattered when her life falls apart, but will God simply let her go? If you like heartfelt dialogue, stories seeped in fact and history, and memorable characters, then you’ll love Tracy Traynor’s moving and inspirational novel.

You can find Grace in Mombasa online at:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Australia | Amazon India

About Moira Smith ... the inspiration behind Grace

Moira Smith was born in 1912, in England. On 25th July 1953, aged 41, she boarded the ship SS Uganda and set sail for Mombasa, Kenya.

She spent her years on the island helping people who came to the Mombasa Coast General Hospital, in any way that she could - and by taking every opportunity to spread the gospel. She never got to retire in the convent. She died in the hospital in the mid 1990s, where her last action was to give away the medicine that people brought in for her to the other patients.

Moira's ashes are buried in the compound of St Peter's Church, Nyali, Kenya.

Find Tracy Traynor online at:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Researching Desert Secrets + a Giveaway

If you love romantic suspense, I wanted to give you a heads up about my latest Love Inspired Suspense novel set in the Saharak and Morocco. This book was so fun to write, mostly I believe, because the setting was so fascinating.





Since I've never been to North Africa, I spent a lot of time doing research on this unique part of the world. The Sahara is an incredible place for people who love the beauty of nature with a hint of adventure. Think camel treks, a star-studded sky, sand dunes, and kasbahs--old fortified Moroccans homes with long narrow passages and secret rooms.

While researching, I discovered a ton of interesting facts.

• The Sahara is the largest hot desert, and the third largest desert. 

• It's about the size of the United States, 3,600,000 share miles.

• The temperature can get extremely hot, but in the winter, the temperature in certain parts can also drop below freezing.

• What about camels? Camels really don’t store water the way most people think. Their humps are actually made of fat, allowing them to keep their body temperature down. And they have three eyelids!

Night sky

• The milky sap of the desert plant called the Alkhad can be used to treat a scorpion sting.

• There are also heavily-armed drug convoys that make their way through the desert's vast expanse, often laying landmines out to stop the authorities.

• Holding people for ransom--like in the story--has become a global business. In 2013 alone, $66 million dollars were paid out, primarily by European governments. 

Here's a blurb about Desert Secrets from the back of the book.

"When aid worker Lexi Shannon is abducted at gunpoint in Mali, she quickly learns her kidnappers are really after her brother—and the money he's stolen. Landing at the secluded desert compound, ex-military pilot Colton Landry has a clear mission: rescue his brother-in-law, who's being held for ransom. But after discovering the kidnappers also have Lexi, there's no way he's leaving her behind. Their daring escape soon turns into a deadly chase when their plane is shot down, stranding them in the desert. Making a desperate run for the Moroccan border, Lexi and Colton must trust each other and rely on their strength and ingenuity to survive. But it may not be enough to outrun and outsmart their relentless pursuers…"

 

To win a digital copy of Desert Secrets, leave a comment below with a way for me to contact you. I will draw one winner on March 3rd.

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

_____________________________________________________________

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times. She has over thirty novels and novella collections in print. She and her family have spent over thirteen years working as missionaries in Africa. When she's not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa visit her website. 

In the giving.

This is taken from a fund raising devotional 'The Neurotic Rooster.' I wrote it in the form of soliloquys between me and the Lord. These arose out of three short term mission study trips to Africa.

in a Zambian village

To us they seemed small, almost insignificant items. Weight restrictions on aeroplanes limited what we could carry. This, in turn, affected the type of gifts we could take to our hosts and folk in the village. We had a deflated soccer ball, teaching material, a couple of books and a banner made by the Churches of Christ, Green Hills Retirement Village, Maitland in NSW. They also contributed some soft toys they had knitted.

            We saw the boys playing soccer with their home made rag ball. When presented with their own real one the children were beside themselves with excitement. The banner was given at a home Bible Study meeting in a suburb of an East African city. The pastor requested we offer it to a seriously sick woman as a mark of love and support of God's people in Australia. She received it as a representative of her local church. The banner read, ‘Greetings from Australia’ and was decorated with Australian motifs. The joy that radiated from this woman because of the thoughtfulness of unknown people across the seas affected all who were present. Resources are so limited to village schools and village pastors. Our simple gifts of pencils, books and charts encouraged headmaster and teachers alike that Australians would even bother to think about such things. For me the highlight was giving a Bible and Commentary to the pastor. They virtually doubled his ‘library.’

            Once again we had tasted the wonderful truth of what Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This is especially true when done in the Name of Jesus.

            You set the pattern Lord. You have given in a myriad of ways across the centuries to your creation that had nothing to merit such grace. But I guess that’s what grace is, meeting the needs of the needy. You do this even though many don’t even acknowledge your existence let alone your giving. I cannot throw stones at them, for I was one of their number. How grateful I am that somehow or other you opened my eyes to your gift to this world of yourself as Christmas, then Calvary demonstrate. Now I read in Ephesians 1:3 what else you want to do, and have done. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”  Oh, for eyes to perceive. O for a heart to believe. O for humility to receive.

            The Apostle Paul, a forthright proclaimer of your grace became emotional in writing to the Corinthians about your generosity. In 2 Corinthians 9:5 he wrote, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” But he doesn't define it. This allows us to make a personal inventory from which to utter the same words. However a person understand it, that gift is always and ever linked in and with Jesus Christ and Calvary. There sin was dealt with and Eternal life offered. (Romans 6:23) Hallelujah!

Mary and Ray Hawkins

            The Psalmist’s words would sum up my heartfelt but inadequate response to your Gift and gifts. Please receive it I pray,...”How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the Name of the Lord. I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people.” Psalm 116:12-14.

Final Word.

To receive is a pleasure. To give is an honour.

Ray Hawkins author 31 Day themed Devotionals.
http://rayhawkinsauthor.blogspot.com.au

The Rooster on a tin roof

What I am sharing comes from Mary and my short term Mission trips to three African countries. These were put together in a fud raising publication for Eagles Wings in Ndola, Zambia.

Reading. Philippians 1:12 ‘Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.’

           
            The unrelenting heat, day and night, wore us down. This was especially true in a place we had gone to teach and have seminars. We stayed in a small compound, in a room of concrete with a tin roof. It was in Northern Ghana. Beneath our mosquito net, on a mattress on the floor we sweltered. There wasn’t any breeze to wander through non mosquito proofed windows,

            Adding to our discomfort was the antics of a neurotic or nervous rooster. If he wasn't, then what he did all night was making Mary and I that way He had flown up onto the roof apparently to escape known or imagined danger. As he fell asleep so he would slide down the tin roof. I had never heard the scratching noise of a rooster’s claws on tin before. Unpleasant is a mild word for it. When he hit the gutter, he would scratch his way back to the ridge and after a short while the sequence would begin again.

            Why didn’t I go out and stone the rooster?

            In the courtyard were two dogs of unsound temperament. Combine the dogs with a dark night unsoftened by any natural or artificial lights and you have our dilemma. It certainly gave birth in our imagination to becoming a midnight snack for the dogs.

            Needless to say it was a long night. When the sun rose weary Australians faced a new day. Villagers came from their homes and fields looking to us for spiritual nourishment and Biblical insights. We felt emotionally and physically unable to be of much use to them. Still, we set out to fulfil our responsibilities.

            What took place made us rediscover an unfailing Biblical truth. It isn’t by might or by power our ministry (or anyone else’s) is accomplished. It is by the sheer grace and power of the Holy Spirit. (Zechariah 4:6) It isn’t how we feel. Rather, it is the fact we go, and leave the outcome to God. We were weak. We had nothing in or of ourselves in which to boast. Fortunately, God delights in taking such people in such circumstances to express His glory beyond the self-consciousness of His servants. (1 Corinthians 1:26, 27)

            Amazed we were when people genuinely came up to each of us and expressed appreciation for what had spoken to their hearts and needs. All we could do was to acknowledge God’s grace. Later, tears of gratitude mingled with tears of tiredness as we slumped onto our beds, far away from that neurotic rooster.

Thank you, Lord Jesus for praying for us. (Hebrews 7:25)

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for praying and ministering through us. (Romans 8:26, 27)

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for those back home praying for us, undergirding us, lifting us up into your presence.

            Looking back on that event, and some other similar ones, a smile creeps across the face. They have become good after dinner stories. At the time, Lord, we just wanted to scream. Now they have been used over and over to highlight the truth of ministry; it’s not what we do for you, but what you do in and through us that counts. Praise your Name!

Final Word

The weakness of God’s servant, is God’s opportunity to display His glory and grace.

http://rayhawkinsauthor.blogspot.com.au 

DEVOTION: Place of Gold ~ by Shirley Corder

The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits thick. The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. (Revelation 21:17-18 NIV)

I once heard a humorous story about a man who heard he was about to die. An angel told him that he would be coming to fetch him the following night.

The man was well off, and felt terror at having to leave behind everything he owned. So he asked the angel if he could take at least some gold with him. The angel gave him permission to bring along one suitcase of gold. The next day the man sold everything he owned and converted the money into gold bricks. He stashed these in a suitcase beside his bed.

When the angel arrived during the night, the man grabbed his suitcase and flew away with it. When he arrived at the pearly gates of Heaven, the angel on guard at the gate checked his list. 

“Yes, your name is here,” he said. “But you can’t bring in the suitcase. No earthly possessions are allowed in Heaven”. 

The man was initially frantic. “You don’t understand,” he said. “The angel said I could bring in one suitcase.” The puzzled angel asked to see what was in the suitcase.

The man opened the case. After a momentary pause, the angel looked at him in confusion. 

“Pavement? Why would you bring pavement into Heaven?”

It’s a silly little story, but there’s a lot of truth in it.

In 1886, gold was discovered in an area close to a mining camp in South Africa, which would become the largest city in the country, Johannesburg. The city’s Zulu name is eGoli, or Place of Gold. 40 percent of the world’s known gold reserves are found near this city. This discovery set off a massive “Gold Rush” of people from all over the globe, and within ten years, it was the richest gold mining area in the world.

Fortunes were made, relationships destroyed, and lives were lost as men gave up everything in their lust for the yellow metal.

Gold has always been regarded as a valuable commodity. Solomon speaks of it in Proverbs 8:10
Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold. (NIV)

How about today? Do we scurry after wealth, look for better-paying jobs, aim at reaching top positions at work, all so that we can get rich?

One day, if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord, we will be part of a Place of Gold far greater than Johannesburg or any other city made famous by gold. Revelations 21:18 tells us the wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold. And again in verse 21, The great street of the city was of gold.

That is one Gold Rush I plan to be a part of! When the angel comes to call me, I’m not taking any suitcase. God has promised to provide everything I need. I’m not taking my own pavement! Can you imagine walking on streets of pure gold? How exciting. Can you be certain that you will be there too?

SHIRLEY CORDER lives on the coast in South Africa with her husband, Rob. Her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer contains 90 meditations based on her time in the cancer valley.

Sign up here to receive a short devotional message from Shirley in your inbox once a week.

Please visit Shirley through ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, or at  RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. You can also meet with her on Twitter or FaceBook.  

DEVOTION: The Lion of Judah ~ by Shirley Corder

Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. . . "  Revelation 5:5 NIV

Many years ago, the lion ruled the plains of Africa, intimidating any whom he came across with his powerful roar which can be heard up to 8 kms (5 miles) away.

The male lion, distinguished by his majestic mane, is very much the head of the family, and is protective of his pride.

Scripture occasionally refers to Jesus Christ as a lion. They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. (Hosea 11:10)

Do our books, particularly our children's books, sometimes portray Jesus as docile and loving? Do we forget that Jesus is God? 

Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, goes the well-known hymn. If we were to sit in the safety of our cars, we might be mislead into thinking a lion is gentle, meek and mild, especially when he allows his cheeky cubs to jump all over him. But one roar from that mighty throat, and the kids leap for safety and give him the respect he deserves. 

Jesus can be gentle when that's what we need. He loves us, and He protects His children. But He is no pushover, and we would do well to remember that. 

In exactly two months' time, we will celebrate the coming of our Lord into this earth. That was no weak gesture. He came to stand in the gap for you and for me. He came to give Himself as a sacrifice on the cross. He came as the Lion of Judah, a mighty conquering king, who would overcome death. 

Jesus is Lord! He is mighty. He is God. Let us recognize the Baby of Bethlehem, not as a helpless infant, but as a mighty King, come to protect His own. 

SHIRLEY CORDER lives on the coast in South Africa with her husband, Rob. Her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer contains 90 meditations based on her time in the cancer valley.

Sign up here to receive a short devotional message from Shirley in your inbox once a week.

Please visit Shirley through ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, or at  RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. You can also meet with her on Twitter or FaceBook.  

DEVOTION: God's Outstanding Sentinel ~ by Shirley Corder

SCRIPTURE: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."  Revelation 4:11

My husband and I were travelling slowly along a road in the Kruger National Park. I lifted a pair of binoculars to study the distant terrain. Suddenly two out-of-focus poles shot past my window.

“What was that?” I asked. 

“I didn’t see anything,” my husband replied. We looked back and saw a huge giraffe right alongside the road. We had driven by his legs so close, concentrating on the road and the far distance, that we failed to see what was right above our noses!

There's a lesson in that! Do we pay too much attention to the future, to the things that may or may not happen, that we fail to see what's happening in the now?

In the savanna grass of Africa, a tree-trimmer is needed to keep the fast-growing acacia trees from blocking out the sun from the grass below, so it can continue to provide nourishment for the earth-bound grass-eaters. And so God gave us the giraffe!

We all know he is the tallest animal in the world. He can grow up to 5.5 meters (18 feet)—tall enough to look in a second-story window without standing on tiptoe! I wonder if Noah had to build a special compartment in the ark for him? 

His height enables him to act as a sentinel for other animals.He has excellent eyesight and a curious disposition. When he sees predator cats approaching, he warns other animals with a few swishes of his tail, then moves from danger with his eighteen-foot stride.

In the same way as we all have different DNA and different fingerprints, no two giraffes have the same pattern in their beautiful coats. So, like us, every giraffe is unique.

The world would be a safer place for us all if the nations would learn from the giraffe. These gentle, peaceful animals only attack if they are threatened, and they never discriminate against giraffes who have a different skin pattern or who come from a different region. Can the same be said of us?

PRAY WITH ME: Lord, thank you for the lessons we can learn from giraffes. Forgive us for the times we get angry for no real cause, and for the times we judge others just because they are different to us. Help us to remember we are unique, made in your own image, and conduct ourselves accordingly. Thank you Lord! Amen. 

SHIRLEY CORDER lives on the coast in South Africa with her husband, Rob. Her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer contains 90 meditations based on her time in the cancer valley.

Sign up here to receive a short devotional message from Shirley in your inbox once a week.

Please visit Shirley through ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, or at  RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. You can also meet with her on Twitter or FaceBook.  

DEVOTION: Looking to the Stars ~ by Shirley Corder

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 NIV

Near to my home in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, is the magnificent Addo Elephant National Park. It is the third largest national park in South Africa,and is home to the big five as well as a large number of other animals. It is also home to the flightless dung beetle which is almost unique to that area of Africa.

The first time we visited this park in our car, I was fascinated to learn that the Dung Beetle has the right of way! 

As their name suggests, they live on the faeces or dung of other animals, especially that of the elephant and the buffalo. When they trace a pile of fresh dung,they quickly roll some into a ball up to ten times their size, and race from the area, hoping to escape the highway robbers, who want to avoid the work involved in forming the balls.

The heavy rollers stand on their front legs with their heads to the ground, and push with their hind legs. They roll the ball in a totally straight line, no matter what’s in their way. 

If they sense they are going off course, they pause, climb on top of their dirt mountain, and do a little dance. In 2003, a group of researches discovered this is so they can reorient themselves by means of the Milky Way! They are the only known insects at this time who are known to navigate by means of the galaxy.

By their conscientious burying of animal faeces, they not only remove it from the scene, thus preventing spread of disease, they add a wealth of nutrients to the soil.

When we think of creation, we think of dinosaurs and elephants, rhinos and hippos, maybe even dogs and cats. But do we ever stop to think that God also created the tiny little dung beetle? And He gave him the important task of helping to clean up after the elephants and buffalo in the land of Africa! Best of all, he taught him that when he goes off course, he only needs to look up to the stars!

Of course, we can look beyond the stars to the Creator Himself. Isn't it amazing that God paid so much attention to the tiniest of creatures. How much more attention did He give to the creation of the ones he made in His own image? Kind of blows the mind, doesn't it?

PRAYER: Lord God, thank you that when you created us, you gave us the ability to be in contact with you at all times. Teach us to keep our eyes on you throughout the day. Amen. 

Be honest now. When you sense you've taken a wrong turn, do you use a map? Or a compass? Or a GPS? Or can you navigate your way by looking at the night sky? Better still, do you pray for divine guidance? Please drop your response in a comment box below.

SHIRLEY CORDER lives on the coast in South Africa with her husband, Rob. Her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer contains 90 meditations based on her time in the cancer valley.

Sign up here to receive a short devotional message from Shirley in your inbox once a week.

Please visit Shirley through ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, or at  RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. You can also meet with her on Twitter or FaceBook.  

DEVOTION: The Floral Kingdom ~ by Shirley Corder

SCRIPTURE:  But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? Luke 12:28

Tourists travel from all over the world to marvel at the fynbos in the Cape Floral Kingdom of South Africa.

About 80% of the plants in this floral kingdom are fynbos, easily recognised by tough, often slender, leathery leaves and woody stems. These include such exotic plants as proteas, ericas and restios (reeds).

Often we see on our television horrific fires in the Cape Peninsula, threatening the wild life and flora in the area as well as human life. Every few years, the famous Table mountain becomes ablaze with terrifying, life-destroying fires. Yet ironically, these fires are essential for fynbos. Without these fires, fynbos would become extinct.

In some varieties, seeds are enclosed in small cones sealed together by a type of resin. When fire sweeps across the plants, the resin melts and the seeds are swept away to new locations by the updraft from the fire.

Surely the greatest of all the fynbos is the King Protea, South Africa's magnificent national flower, with heads up to twelve inches in diameter. Fire causes the protea to send out new shoots from buds growing deep in its underground stem.

Over 17 years ago, when I struggled through aggressive cancer treatment, there were times when I felt as if I too faced a fire from which I wouldn't recover. Sometimes it takes such a life-threatening crisis to make us see what we are really capable of, to open up new areas where we can become involved and even thrive.

The fire of cancer caused me to send out shoots into the writing world, and today I'm a published author. I hated every minute of the treatment, and I pray regularly I will never face it again. But the cancer blaze certainly opened doors I would never have dreamed of.

How true it is when God's Word says, We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

How about you? Can you identify fires that God used to alter or even transform your life?

SHIRLEY CORDER lives on the coast in South Africa with her husband, Rob. Her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer contains 90 meditations based on her time in the cancer valley.

Sign up here to receive a short devotional message from Shirley in your inbox once a week.

Please visit Shirley through ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, or at  RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. You can also meet with her on Twitter or FaceBook.  

DEVOTION: This Land is My Land . . . ~ by Shirley Corder

God made all kinds of wild animals. He made all kinds of livestock. He made all kinds of creatures that move along the ground. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:25 NIrV

Since the age of four, the beautiful land of Africa, has been my home. This continent, the second largest land mass on our globe, is indeed home to some 1.111 billion people of every colour skin known to man.

Why do tourists come to visit Africa? Is it to experience some of the many diverse experiences and adventures available? Or do they want to admire the natural beauty of such world-famous spectacles as The Victoria Falls, Table Mountain and Mt. Kilimanjaro?

One primary reason of course is the amazing wildlife, ranging from the Big Five and moving through the ranks to the lowly but fascinating dung beetle.

Then there are those who are fascinated by the people, cultures and traditions that populate the land once known as The Dark Continent.

Finally, and the ones we don't ever want to come to our land, are the ones with greed in their hearts and a total disregard for the sanctity of our wild life population. Thanks to poachers and the overseas business men who fund them, several species of the rhinocerous are already extinct, and the magnificent African elephant may have less than ten years to go.

When God created the world, He created every one of these beautiful beasts. He created all the animals in your land too. May we each take to heart the words on the sign above. Wherever we travel, may our goal always be to leave the world a better place.

God has given us such an incredible planet. When did you last take time out to enjoy it? To share its wonders with others? How about starting now? 

What one thing would you like to show us in your land? Post your answer as a comment below.


PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the beautiful country where I live. Help me Lord to remember that this land is my land, but it's also your land. Help me to do all within my power to protect its natural resources and beauty.

SHIRLEY CORDER lives on the coast in South Africa with her husband, Rob. Her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer contains 90 meditations based on her time in the cancer valley.

Sign up here to receive a short devotional message from Shirley in your inbox once a week.

Please visit Shirley through ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, or at  RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. You can also meet with her on Twitter or FaceBook.  

DEVOTION: The Roaring Lion ~ by Shirley Corder

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

One day we took our two teenage grandchildren for the day to a nearby Lion Park. Because the children were out from Kazakhstan where their parents were missionaries, we prayed before we left, "Lord, please help us see some amazing sights."

Note to self: Be careful how you pray before going to a lion park!

All went well for the first part of the day. Then we drove into a small enclosure secured by double electrified gates. Three white lionesses lay dosing under a tree. They raised their heads and examined our car with expressions of boredom. 

We drove alongside them, and I started to take photographs through the closed window. Note to reader: Never open your windows when you stop in a game park!

One lioness rose to her feet and let out an ear-splitting roar. She was way bigger than she looked when she was lying down, but we were safely in our car. I got a couple of lovely photos before she filled my viewfinder as she strolled past my window. I turned my camera to the other two who were watching with slight curiosity.

I felt the car bounce, and thought the kids were moving position to see better. Next thing, I heard my grand-daughter say in a hushed voice, "Oh. My. Goodness!"

I turned round, and snatched in a breath as my eyes fastened on the two bluest eyes I have ever seen. Staring in the back window of our small hatchback, the lioness's nose was pressed to the window as she studied the contents of the car. Looking for a quick snack? 

I later learned from my son-in-law and daughter in their car behind us, that the animal had mounted our car. Her front paws were on the top of the car as she leaned down to peer in the window.

She spotted our rear-view window wipers and gripped them with her teeth. She snapped them back and forward, intrigued by her new toy.

"Time to get out of here," I muttered to my husband. "Otherwise we won't have any wipers."

He cautiously put the car into gear and started to move forward. The car lurched, then stopped. The lioness didn't want us to leave yet. She had grabbed our bumper with her teeth and was holding us back! My husband revved the engine and managed to tear the vehicle away from the lioness and make for the gate.

Once both cars were out of the enclosure, we pulled over to inspect the damage. Neat puncture holes were the only proof of our close encounter. There were no scratch marks, so she obviously hadn't been attacking the car. As for what could have been the photo of the year? I was too aware of those blue eyes staring over my grandchildren's shoulders to get a photo.

Lions can look docile and loving. They look just like big puddy-cats, which of course they are. Very big puddy-cats! Tourists to South Africa tend to forget they are predators, and there have been some terrible tragedies when people have got out of their cars and approached them in the wild. If we had got out of our car, or even wound down a window, I probably wouldn't be writing this today!

The verse at the top warns us of our spiritual enemy, and it's not a warning to take lightly. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 

The devil, Satan, can also be stealthy. Make that sneaky. From a distance, he doesn't look dangerous, but as he gets closer, he turns out to be a lot bigger than you first thought. Keep your spiritual windows closed! Don't allow him any opening. Stay in your vehicle, secure with Jesus in the driving seat. And when you sense Satan's approach, get out of the situation. 

Lisa Harris's Stolen Identity

No, Lisa Harris hasn't stolen anyone's identity. That's the title of her new book! Lisa describes herself as “a wife, mom, [homeschooling] teacher, author, dreamer, photographer, but most importantly a follower of Christ Jesus.” She’s also a regular blogger for International Christian Fiction Writers—one of our own.

Lisa’s new romantic suspense, Stolen Identity, is out this month. Here’s what the publisher says about it: Danielle Corbit doesn't understand why someone would want to steal her identity. A single mother running a small business—nothing special, right? But after discovering a dead body on the Oregon coastline, she's attacked by a dangerous hacker who will stop at nothing to frame her. Only her former fiancé, Jason Ryan, is willing to help. Years ago she broke his heart, but he can't walk away from a woman in need. He'll do anything to protect her from their unseen adversary. But is there enough time to work together and untangle this twisted web of fraud and deception?

  LeAnne Hardy: My eighty-seven-year-old mother-in-law had her identity stolen this spring. Someone tried opening a dozen credit card accounts in her name using various family phone numbers and addresses. He even knew what kind of car my mother-in-law drives. So how did a stranger get all that information? It’s scary to think that the scenario of Stolen Identity is not all that far fetched! Lisa, what made you think of turning identity theft into a thriller?

Lisa Harris: Wow, that is scary about your mother-in-law, because you're right, identity theft is real. Which is one reason I wanted to write this book. I remember getting my first scam letter a number of years ago. It made me angry when I found out what people were trying to do and how many people had been scammed, and continue to be scammed today. As a romantic suspense author, it also became the perfect backdrop for my story. So while I hope to entertain--and know that what happened to Danielle in this story probably will never happened to anyone--I hope it also educates people to be careful. Here are some practical ideas from the US Department of Justice to avoid being a victim of identity theft.

  LeAnne: You live in Africa near the Indian Ocean, and some of your books have been set there. Others are set in North America where you grew up. Are there common themes that run through your books regardless of setting?

Lisa: One, I like to take a real-world situation, like identity theft, or human trafficking, or refuge camps, and use those issues as the backdrop for my story. These are real issues, but they are also the perfect setting for ordinary people to face tremendous odds and have their faith challenged. On a spiritual level, I want to then use this situation to show how even when life is spinning out of control, our only hope can still be found in our heavenly Father.

LeAnne: How do your faith and your own past experiences of pain and infertility affect the way you approach your writing?

Lisa: I think having faced some difficult issues in my own life, like infertility and a miscarriage, helps me be able to relate to some of the emotions of my characters. I know what it is like to love, and to lose, and yes, even to question God. While I always want the spiritual thread in my stories to be natural and not forced, it is very important to me to have my characters grow or be challenged in their faith. I often find that my character's spiritual struggles and growth mirror my own.

LeAnne: You and your husband are church-planting missionaries. Your blog and website describe some of the major projects you are involved in. You’re also a homemaker (in a challenging environment!) and school your own kids. How do you find the time to write? 

Honestly, it's not always easy. I am blessed because my family is very supportive, and help out whenever I'm on a tight deadline. My twelve-year-old has even been known to cook dinner for us to help out in a pinch--there is no fast food where we live--but I also strive to put my family and our ministry first, which means I have to be careful and realistic with my writing schedule. I also know how fast these years with my children slip away, and I don't want to sacrifice them for a career. So the balance isn't always easy, but I'm always trying to adjust and be better organized--aren't we all?--and enjoy life as much as possible.

Lisa will be giving away a signed copy of Stolen Identity to a lucky reader of this blog. An e-book is available if the reader lives outside the US. Leave a comment with a disguised e-mail (to phoil phishers!) by Saturday to be entered in the drawing. The odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Void where prohibited by law.

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LeAnne Hardy used to live in Mozambique so she follows Lisa Harris with special interest. LeAnne's juvenile fiction The Wooden Ox is set there. Learn more at www.leannehardy.net .