Author: Jemmie Jems

I am so happy my book on hope is finished. Though it isn’t my romantic suspense novel but it is something else. The novel still has a deadline too.

My hope- see cool pun. My hope is that it will encourage every one who reads it just like it encourages me.

I finished a book.

Yes.

Now, I am working on publishing it and of course marketing. The business side of a writer has to be done as well.

The title of my devotional is Hope Sees What Can Be.

OK. Some say it is morbid, but I am not looking at it with fascination as in entertainment but in awe of how he suffered.

I will make it short. I don’t like talking or reading a great deal.

Crucifixion was a painful way to die. The Romans were good at giving out punishment. In this case, he is an innocent person who was hated because of all the good he did and who he was. 

Outside in the hot sun.  Suspended on a wooden cross with nails in the hands and feet. not just little nails. These were spikes about five to seven inches in length, with a diameter of about 3/4 inches made of iron.   Hammered with great force into flesh and bone.It was a slow death full of agony.

But with Jesus, they up the process and did more.

He was also scrouged before the nails were driven into him.

Roman scrouging was with a whip of several cords at the end of each there knots made with metal or animal bone. Upon impact with flesh, the knots  be came embedded in the skin. When pulled back, the knots would tear the skin.

Then he was mocked, and  a crown made of thorns was pressed down on his head.

Also, when he cried for water because he was thirsty, they gave him vinegar on a sponge to drink.

That was only his physical suffering. There is much to learn about his death, but that is a message  for another day.

It is fascinating to know that he endured it as man, for us.

The average kid with the average upbringing takes things easy. Worrying is not in their orbit. Things are either black or white with nothing gray in between.

I think to be a kid at heart is to have a child’s character. Ask for something. See if you get it, then ask again, and if you don’t get it, you move on to the next best thing.

No matter how old you are, it is best to keep it simple. Be active. Laugh at the simple things. Try something new, and if you fail, so what move on. Life is too short.

Are we there yet?

Kids live with expectancy, especially when they have a goal they want to meet. Sure, they get disappointed when things do not work out, but  most kids pick themselves up and get going. They are resilient.

Oh, to be a kid again and not to worry beyond the moment

Three is not enough, and I was not told I could not ask for three more.

I will not be greedy and ask for three extra.

Well, maybe I will..

He is the only male member in our household.

He is caring and very kind. I believe that because he was always  around women, he grew to respect females.

Women loved him and trusted him, and he was so gentle with them. He married a strong woman and wasn’t afraid to accept her opinions. In fact, they worked as a team, something I am looking for in my love life.

Most of all, he loved the Lord. He honored and obeyed him throughout his lifetime.

I miss my Dad.

He was a great man.

He had faults, but when he showed love and kindness to family and friends, it was all from the heart.

I am so not a risk taker. I worry too much about the what ifs. Even now, if I take one step out of sync, I keep looking over my shoulder to see if disaster is going to strike.

I think taking risks is a matter of faith. Frankly, I don’t think my faith is strong with regard to certain things.

Having said that, I believe that if everything lines up and the pros and the cons are weighted, I can jump in. I don’t like doing anything blindfolded. I need to know if I do something, the result or outcome can go one way or the other. Then I think of if I can handle the outcome.

For every action, there are consequences.

I was told I was slow. I went to remedial classes, was separated from the core classroom, and placed in a “special” class every day.

I was bullied during school by my classmates and my teachers, but I never complained to my parents.

Always quiet but never smiling.

Then, I found a love for language and writing, and I excelled.

It was like my eyes were opened, and I could see. It was all wonderful.

I went to university, the place where I was told I would never be admitted. I earned a bachelor’s and went to college for my present profession.

I take continuing education courses to keep my license for work, but I also take courses regularly to keep my brain active.

I love to learn. I like education. This is not bad for a girl who was told she was slow.

I realise now I was bored, not slow.

Applying myself to writing consistently is a challenge. I am in a writer’s group that keeps me accountable.

However, life gets in the way, and I fall behind in my schedule.

I get frustrated with myself for a beat, then move on.

So, I am working on my attitude as well. Look at that, two for one.

It is all cool.

I know we all like to hear news about other people. Who is seeing  whom? What is happening around the hood?

The more juicy, the better, right?

Gossiping only  spreads rumors that can hurt. It is rare that gossip is helpful. It is about  telling tales that have no solid foundation.

My advice…

Mind your own business.

A good neighbor gives a helping hand, not a wagging tongue.

I could be a daredevil like the next guy.

Yes!

Then my other side says ” you crazy.”

Knowing my luck the chute would not open.

I will stay with both legs on the earth. Thank you very much.