Author: Jemmie Jems

Under the name Francis Lee, I write interracial Christian romantic suspense. My stories are about finding enduring love when hope and redemption seem unattainable as danger lurks around every corner. My characters learn that where there is darkness, "joy will always come in the morning".

The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

Psalm 53 verse 1

We try to sneak past God by doing good deeds, hoping we will get to heaven. But we can’t because God knows our hearts, our true motives.

Sure, we can be moved with compassion to give to the poor, to donate to some charity research foundation on the cusp of finding a  cure. We show true kindness, but many times when we are not looking, we are hard hearted in other parts of life.

We are called good but are we good all the time?

God knows the heart, and we can’t  hoodwink him. Motives are measured in heaven.

Walking…

What’s the most fun way to exercise?

It may not seem fun at first, but depending on where you walk, it can be refreshing for both the mind and the body.

Taking long, quiet walks in the neighborhood, looking at the gardens, or even strolling in a park is great. Just getting away from the routine of life is good.

Being able to move is a blessing all by itself. Some people have little or no mobility, so putting one foot in front of the other is a great achievement. This ability may not cure the world hungry or find the answer to solving the common cold, but it is a refreshing accomplishment for the body.

One of my other favorite fun exercises is salsa dancing. Moving my hips to music is so cool.

Yahoo!!!

For The Moment…74

I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.

Psalm 52 verse 8

If it were not for the kindness of God, life would be most miserable.

His compassions are renewed daily.

Great is faithfulness in times of trouble.

Book of Ecclesiastes

What book could you read over and over again?

Say that over and over again, and you get tongue tied.

It is a book in the Bible where most people overlook.

At first read, it may seem depressing, but as you continue, the words open up and speak of life and how life lives.

To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Every time I read a chapter, it holds a new meaning to me. I begin to think about life and how I live it before God.

It is my ancient self-help book.

It is a book of wisdom and how to trust in God.

For The Moment…73

Lord thou hast drawn us after thee, so shall I run and never tire.

Hymn adapted from Song of Solomon chapter 1.

To be in that secret place of God where we could think of him and enjoy being in his presence.

The world around us will fade.

Our problems will be like nothing, insignificant.

Our desires will become his desires.

Our minds will be filled with nothing but all thoughts of Christ.

In this secret place, we will see Jesus only. And we will be refreshed.

Companion

What job would you do for free?

There are so many people out there who are lonely. It does not matter their age. Young or elderly being lonely can be a state of mind, but it is also a condition for some that will not change.

A smile or a kind word does not cost anything. Calling someone up on the phone or visiting someone for even a few minutes can make a sad day a blessing.

Blessings are not only for the receiver but for the giver as well.

Take time for someone else and see where that short moment will take you.

For The Moment…72

Sometimes, you feel a distance. Maybe because you ate not right with the Lord at the moment. Sometimes things around you are overwhelming.

Don’t lose heart.

Quiet your spirit and look to the Lord.

He will never cast you away.

If you do not hear his voice or know his instruction, fear not he has not forgotten you.

Precious are you in his sight.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Psalm 51 verse 12

Synchronize swimming

What Olympic sports do you enjoy watching the most?

I think it is so graceful and beautiful to watch. Every move is calculated and perfect.

I tried that type of swimming in high school, and it is not easy.

You have to be able to hold your breath for long periods of time and move with a fluidity that could only come with practice.

It is amazing.

What is my community?

How would you improve your community?

A place where I live and those who dwell there with me.

I try to give to those in need. Helping those who are hungry by giving to the local food bank.

I pray for my neighbors even when they have no faith and they do not know my name.

I volunteer to help at conferences in the kitchen, or I donate food for the gathering.

I don’t broadcast my deeds because I don’t want the praise. It is not being humble it is who I am.

For The Moment…71

Don’t be afraid of those who have power, those who make decisions, those who rule over you, and control your advancement. These people are here on earth for a little while.  Like the cycle of life, everything comes to an end.

Man and his vain brief authority. 

Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house increased; for when he dies, he shall carry nothing aqay: his glory shall not descend after him. Man, that is in honor and understands not, is like the beasts that perish.

Psalm 49 verses 16, 17,20.