May I Have A "Word" With You?

I started to title this Happy Holidays, but then there is so much talk about what we ought to say during this time of the year. My reason for wanting to say Happy Holidays is because there are several coming up and I wanted to cover them all: namely I pray you have a Merry Christmas, continue to practice the principles of Kwanzaa, and may the New Year be blessed beyond your greatest imagination.

I'm working on the Blessed Trinity trilogy (finishing up Book 3 while handling copyedits for Book 1). The other day I was talking with some people, and it seems many folks are down these days. I hate to use the word "depressed" because words do have power. The Bible tells us that life and death or in the power of the tongue. Out of the heart the mouth speaketh. Our thoughts have power. Our words have power. We must be mindful of how we use this power.

I often tell people, Satan really has no power. He knows we have it. Our mouths can get us in trouble if we're not careful. If Satan can get you talking wrong, then guess what? He has used your god-given powers to defeat you. If you can only get this in your heart, your life would change. Satan places images before you (some of it appears real; some is just our imagination). What many people do is speak what they see with their eyes or the fear they have in the hearts. Satan will focus your attention on what you "don't have" what's "not going right" and other things that can get you down. What you need to do is focus on what you DO HAVE. What you have accomplished. Don't discount those things; they serve as markers so you can see just how far God has brought you.

When talking with and encouraging people this past week who were a little down (and you know we also have to encourage ourselves, me included), my goal was to turn toward what God has already done. Start speaking out of your mouth from that perspective and see how the present changes. What you do and say today does affect your tomorrow. Remember that when you speak. When David was preparing to face and fight Goliath there's a lot he could have focused on. Instead, he focused on what God had already done for him (there was a bear and a lion he faced in the past and he defeated them both). When you do that, it builds you up and puts you in a place for God to do great things now. As David declared about the giant Goliath, who is this uncircumcised Philistine who dares to come against our God.

So if you're a little put out because things don't seem to be going the way you thought or had hoped, focus on what you have. And remember: You're made in the image of God. And God said . . . and it was so. Watch your mouth; protect your heart; and speak only those things you desire to manifest. Speak it in the present tense ("I am", "I have") and watch the power of God work. May I have a "Word" with You? Lift up your head, o ye gates. Gates keep things in and keeps things out.

Until next time . . .
Vanessa Davis Griggs
http://www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com

My New Novel: Blessed Trinity

I've been hinting around about it for some time. Saying I was going to give more information about what I've been up to. Well, here's one of the things I've been busy doing. I hadn't wanted to talk about it much just yet. Mostly, because I was too busy to give a post here the justice it would deserve. I love writing in my journals at home, and I enjoy posting things here. I have been so busy this past year, I've not gotten to do either that much. Besides, it can work against a person to talk about things too soon. Only because it makes the wait seem that much longer.

I'm writing a trilogy which is being called: The Blessed Trinitiy Trilogy. Blessed Trinity is the first novel in this three-part series which actually continues the saga that began with Promises Beyond Jordan and was followed up by Wings of Grace. Now for all of you who have either been with me from the beginning or you read it after you finished my other book(s), you know this actually began with a book I published under my own company called The Rose of Jericho. I'm not downplaying that book. In fact, I often think of it as the author's notes if you really want to know the characters true beginnings and story. The Rose of Jericho is a book I enjoyed writing and if it had not been for that book, there never would have been a Promises Beyond Jordan or a Wings of Grace. It's probably safe to say, there definitely would not be the trilogy that is due to begin hitting stores, libraries, and readers' homes around May 1, 2007. I owe much to The Rose of Jericho as that book introduced me to some of the most wonderful and fascinating people of my imagination (for all who believe the characters are really real, please disregard that last statement ;-).

In November of 2006, I was asked by this editor if I would speak with her regarding my possibly publishing with them. To be honest with you, I really wasn't even looking for a publisher at the time. I did speak with the editor, and (I'm trying not to tell everything here) I went back to what I was working on. A little after I hung up the phone, the Lord spoke to me. He told me to send her a proposal I had already written for a book I had in my spirit to write. God and I had our usual discussion, when as always, I lost the argument. As per His instructions, I sent the proposal over to her. He then reminded me I had written the first chapter of this book I had entitled: Blessed Trinity. As I looked in my file to retrieve chapter one, I recalled another book God had given me in July 2004 (He had awaken me at 4 a.m. and told me He wanted me to write this particular book, how He wanted me to write it, and the title). I had written all of this down and had written the first chapter of that book as well. I sent all of these things to her about an hour later.

Now, if any of you have read Wings of Grace, you're likely aware there are some questions that need to be answered from that book. When I sent the two chapters from the two books to this editor, I also mentioned in my email that I had a third book answering questions from Wings of Grace. From all of this, came a three-book offer, and what would be released in 2007 as a trilogy. This was agreed upon in January of this year. The catch was: I had to completely write all three of these books within this year. From what I've been told, the plan is to release them within months of each other. That's a good thing for those of you who don't care to wait as long from my next release. I say this with caution now, because things have changed a lot with my publisher/editors over these last few months.

I don't want to go into too much detail, but the editor who can be credited for "coming and getting me" is no longer with this particular publishing company. I truly enjoyed her, and I thank her for more than she'll ever know.

People have told me they can't wait to read an excerpt from Blessed Trinity. I promise you, that will come shortly. I really hadn't planned on putting the cover up yet here or on my Web site, but I saw where the book is already listed with Amazon.com for pre-ordering. One of the reasons I didn't want to show anyone the cover just yet was because I really LOVE this cover. I think everybody who had anything to do with it, did a fantastic job portraying what the book is about. But I did feel it would be cruel to show the cover and anyone wanting it having to wait so long before you can get your hands on it. That's one of the reasons why I haven't placed what's on the back of book anywhere as yet (it's really good, too!).

I'm excited about what is to come. I can't wait to share it with those of you who have been waiting for a while for a new book from me. I do enjoy hearing from you, and I'm sure once this book hits, we'll have something to really talk about as with my past books. In the meantime, if you know anyone who hasn't heard about or read my other books, I would appreciate it if you get them onboard. When this train pulls out of the station beginning in May of 2007, we want to take as many people along for the ride with us as we possibly can.

I hope you enjoy the cover. And please stay tuned...I'll be updating my Web site and here fairly soon with more information regarding what you have to look forward to in: Blessed Trinity.

Until next time...
Vanessa Davis Griggs
http://www.VanessaDavisGriggs

From Whose Point of View?

In writing (fiction especially), the writer has to determine how best to tell the story. More to the point, the point-of-view (POV): first person, second person, third person, third person limited, or omniscient. The most popular points-of-view are: first person, third person, and omniscient.

First person uses the word “I” for the narrative character’s tag causing the story to feel more personable. A tag represents who is speaking. “Come here,” I said. “I” is when the focus is all about me (or the me character).

Third person uses he, she, they, it, or the characters’ names and is less intimate. “Are you interested in going with me?” she asked. “Not really,” he said. With third person, readers know what each character is doing, but we’re limited by knowing only what the characters in that particular scene can see. With scene changes, focusing on a different character can create a shift in who the leading character is at that time. First and third person point-of-view can be tricky since the character must have access to what’s being done or said or be told by someone who has/had knowledge of the event.

The omniscient point-of-view means the story is being told from an all-knowing standpoint. This is referred to as the God point-of-view. Omniscient is all-seeing, all-knowing, everywhere, all at the same time. Whenever a story is written from this point-of-view, characters can be in different places, yet whatever any of them is doing is known and can be written about (even their private thoughts). The omniscient point-of-view knows all and can legally as well as technically document this knowledge in the story.

So it is with God: God is omniscient. He sees everything each of us is doing, yes, even at the same time. He knows every one of our thoughts, even as we think simultaneously. There is no scene change rule in play, because God is omniscient.

First person is more intimate but limited since the character can only speak from the knowledge he/she knows. The focus is all about that character and how that character sees and perceives something (right or wrong as we all have our special filters that aren’t always correct in our assessments).

Second person is using the word “you” which is not a popular point-of-view in the writing world, but it’s definitely used in real life. “You hurt my feelings.” “You don’t treat me right.” Granted, this is not a true example of how a person writing in second person would use the word “you” as a tag in second person. It would be more like, “Come here,” you said. But you didn’t; you merely walked away. However, the point I’d like you to see here is how in real life, we love to use the word “you” to place the blame or focus attention on others for whatever might be happening or not (usually, it’s the bad things happening) in our lives.

Third person frees the writer to be able to show more of what’s going on but is less personable than first person. That’s why we have what is called third person limited. Third person limited allows the character to be like a first person character telling the story from their point-of-view intimately, then switching back to true third person mode when desired. It permits other characters to also become like a first person character.

The omniscient point-of-view does not solely regard one individual. Omniscient sees the whole picture although the information may not always be revealed or revealed immediately. Omniscient sees all and knows the thoughts and feelings of each character.

God sees each of us and knows our thoughts and feelings. He views the whole picture, not just our microscopic, first-person part. He knows everything, and He knows what is best for us in the entire scheme of things.

In life, we must learn to not write our story only from the first person (I) point-of-view, but to allow the Omniscient (who sees all and knows all) to direct us in the way we should go. Many of us get upset when things don’t work out the way we’d prefer them to, but I have learned to trust the Author and the Finisher of my faith; to allow Him to complete the work He has begun in me.

So stop getting upset when things don’t seem to be working your way, especially when you know without a doubt that your life story is in the hands of the One who was before Genesis and will be here well after Revelation; the One who is penning the rest of my, and I pray your, first-person, unwritten story.

So the next time you believe you’re losing, and I really don’t mean to spoil the ending of the story for you, but I flipped to the end—and guess what? You win! You are more than a conqueror. So be of good cheer, Jesus has overcome the world.

Are you saved?

Then regardless of what point-of-view might be in play—first, second, third, limited third—in The End you win.

Not saved yet?

Well, you can change your present ending right this minute (which has been promised to be quite hot and not in a good way either) by believing in your heart Jesus is the Son of God, confessing your sins, and accepting Jesus as your personal Savior.

From any point-of-view, Jesus paid the price, and in the end, you win!

Copyright © 2006 Vanessa Davis Griggs

Vanessa Davis Griggs is a speaker and the author of four published novels: Destiny Unlimited, The Rose of Jericho, Promises Beyond Jordan, and Wings of Grace. For more information or to visit her Web site, go to: www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com. E-mail: Vanessa@VanessaDavisGriggs.com

Know Your Character

When God asked Satan during a conversation in the book of Job, “From whence cometh thou?”; Satan’s answer was, “From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” Then God said, “Hast thou considered my servant Job?”

When God told Jonah to go to Ninevah and cry against it for their wickedness had come up before Him, Jonah didn’t want to, so he fled to Tarshish. After three days in the belly of a great fish, Jonah was told again to go to Ninevah; that time he complied.

When God gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross for our sins—Jesus, born of a woman (Son of God and Son of man), God knew no matter how difficult the task to come, how bitter the cup, Jesus would finish it.

When Mary Magdalene (and no, she was not a prostitute as was once widely and erroneously circulated throughout the Christian community) went that Sunday morning to the tomb where she “had a little talk with Jesus” after He arose, God was not surprised.

God knows all about us. He knows His character, and His characters.

Writing the Vision, Making it Plain has a dual mission: To inspire and encourage you in whatever vision, dream, or goal you may pursue, while teaching techniques applicable in the art of writing.

As an author, you should have some idea—from the beginning—of your characters’ character and their likely reaction within a setting or situation in which they are placed. Likely reaction. There is still, of course, free will.

In your case, this might require writing or typing all the pertinent information about them: age, height, weight, race, education, jobs held, family, friends, Christian or non, their idiosyncrasies, temperament, beliefs, disappointments, victories. One reason is for future reference. What color are your characters’ eyes? Hair? Any identifying marks? The list goes on. All of these things, which can and do, affect a character, and how they respond in a particular setting or situation.

Also, writing this information down will help you later to keep track. You wouldn’t want to give your character green eyes in the beginning of a story, only to end up in the middle of the story with them sporting brown ones (sans contact lenses).

For instance, I have a character named George Landris. He originally showed up (I mean this literally) in a novel I wrote called The Rose of Jericho as a minor character. Even minor characters need an information sheet; you never know what may transpire in the future. As in real life, people we think of as being minor may surprise us and turn out to be quite major later.

This is precisely what happened with George Landris: he became a major character in my next novel, Promises Beyond Jordan. And although I said he would not play a major role in the follow-up novel, Wings of Grace—that proved not to be the case at all.

My point in bringing up George Landris: There are certain things I, as the creator…the author, know about him. Things I might like or not about him (his hair was one of those things I didn’t care for in the beginning—he sported dreadlocks). But I know him well enough to know what he will most likely do in certain situations. (Just as God knows what we’ll likely do—“Have you tried my servant Job?”) And as much as I’d like to make Landris do what I want in the way I want, or as timely as I’d prefer; I allow him to be himself and work it out.

Know your character.

Characters who commune with me consistently, I know more intimately. Do I love all of them—even the bad, misguided, or evil ones? I’ll tell you what I do love: I love the fact that they each carry out their assignments as they’ve been given. I absolutely love when they execute them well. And don’t we, as God’s creations, each have assignments?

There is this song I have fallen in love with recently. The first time I heard it, I cried like a baby. It’s by Israel & New Breed; I heard it on the Alive in South Africa CD. The song: He Knows My Name.

Think about it. Billions upon trillions of people who have come through this earthly realm, and GOD KNOWS my name! And He hears me. You’d better believe I don’t care about religion when it comes to my Creator. I’m totally and completely about, and into, the relationship: My relationship with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

When I’m in a particular setting or situation—good or bad; I can walk in the confidence that God knows me, and that He trusts me enough to know—not only that I can handle it—but that I will come through whatever it is victoriously!

So if you’re interested in writing, KNOW YOUR CHARACTER(S). If you’re not interested in writing, but you have a vision, a goal, or a dream you’re pursuing in life—then get yourself a notebook of paper, get on your computer, whatever or however you choose to do it: Then write your vision, and make it plain. After that, run with it! Run with it, KNOWING YOUR CHARACTER.

Copyright © 2006 Vanessa Davis Griggs

Vanessa Davis Griggs is a speaker and the author of four published novels: Destiny Unlimited, The Rose of Jericho, Promises Beyond Jordan, and Wings of Grace. For more information or to visit her Web site, go to: www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com. E-mail: Vanessa@VanessaDavisGriggs.com

Writing the Vision

The Bible tells us where there is no vision, the people perish.

At the beginning of this year, God put it on my heart to create a Heart’s Desire card. He instructed me to write down twelve desires I have this year. I was about to write them on an index card when he further informed me this was not just for me only, but to share it with other members of the church congregation.

So I created a Heart’s Desire card on my computer and used the scripture reference from Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself also in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart and shared it. Aware that in life we may have goals, dreams, and aspirations; what gives these things a boost of power is writing them down and, as Habakkuk 2:2 states, to make it plain. There’s just something about writing your vision and making it plain so that there is no room for misinterpretation.

We serve such a big God—there’s nothing too hard for him. Our problem is not that God can’t handle the big things, but that in many cases, we don’t dream big enough. God is looking for willing vessels so that He can show Himself strong. Therefore, when I come with my dreams and visions, I come specific. I don’t just say, “I desire a car.” I let Him know the make, model, color, and any additional desired options.

Think about it. Do you really think God is impressed with your little, trying-to-be-humble-acting requests? Sure, it sounds so spiritual when you say, “God, just give me a car. Anything you want me to have is fine with me. Just as long as it gets me from point A to point B, I’ll be happy and content.”

No, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with this prayer. What I am saying is, God is asking you, “What do you desire?” He likes it when you’re crystal-clear. Does he really care whether you ask Him for a VW Beetle as opposed to a Mercedes? Not really. Either of these is doable for God. When you tell Him specifically what you desire, do you really think God is scratching His head and saying, “Now how am I going to pull that one off?”

No.

So I write my true desires down because He has already told me He will give me the desires of MY heart. Not your heart. Not what you think I should have. Not what you think is acceptable for me as a Christian. What I desire. The desires of my heart.

Now, what do you desire?

When you write things down, it makes it more difficult for you to go back and try to wriggle your way out of what you said. That’s why writing it down is important. It puts it out there for all to see (so to speak). Your vision at that point becomes manifested in the form of words. It is now before you, so as you run your race, you see it.

I wrote my desires down as did many in our congregation. We prayed about them before we wrote down anything. I believe God gives us a desire for something, before He gives us the desire. No, that was not double-talk. God PUTS the desire in you to desire a thing. Then He GIVES you the desire (makes the desire totally manifest in your life).

I wrote my desires, placed them on my mirror so every day, I am reminded of them. When a desire is manifested, I write the word VICTORY in big, red letters over it.

Now back to you. In your life, you should have desires. You should have a vision. Have you written anything down?

It’s like writing a story. You may see things clearly in your mind. You may find yourself watching your characters perform certain acts in your imagination. But it only becomes real, more than just to you anyway, when you outwardly record it in some way so that others can also experience what you see in your mind.

I write my visions, and I make all of them plain. And when my God—who can do anything but fail; my God whom I know there’s nothing too hard for Him to do—when God brings these things to pass and people ask me how; I point to my Father in heaven who loves me so much that He cares about every area of my life (physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, financially, and socially), and I say, “God did it.” God gets all the glory. Ultimately, that’s what this is all about.

Now it’s time for you. Stop right now, write your vision, make it plain, delight yourself also in the Lord, and watch Him give YOU the desires of your heart!


Copyright © 2006 Vanessa Davis Griggs

Vanessa Davis Griggs is a speaker and the author of four published novels: Destiny Unlimited, The Rose of Jericho, Promises Beyond Jordan, and Wings of Grace. For more information or to visit her Web site, go to: www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com. E-mail: Vanessa@VanessaDavisGriggs.com

What's Your Vision? Can You See Clearly Now?

Whew! It's been such a long time...

I wish I could say that I've been vacationing or chilling out which is why I've not updated this in a while. But the truth is, I've been working. Then when I finished, I was working some more. And I really need to hurry and get back because I have more work to do. What gives me joy is: The work I'm doing is either being shared with others right now, or it will be shared in 2007. And let me tell you, I'm so excited about what's coming beginning May 2007 (unless the date changes, it has been known to happen already).

I considered writing some things here that are fresh in my mind, but then I decided I'd rather share a few writings on my own place that I've shared with others on theirs. I've been writing a "column" the past few months called Writing the Vision; Making it Plain. It occurred to me that there are some people who only visit blogs and they may never get to read what I've written posted or printed in other places.

Let me set you up first. This is part inspirational and part educational. I wanted to give some nuggets for those folks interested in writing. But if any of you really know me (trust me, a lot of people think they know me, but they really don't have a clue), I care about everybody (okay, maybe not every single everybody, but a great many people) who have dreams. I know not everyone is interested in being a writer but many of you are interested in walking in your divine purpose and fulfilling your dreams (even in the face of your haters...yes, they are out there).

So without further adieu--I'll post these writings for you to read at your leisure. Then maybe next time, I'll talk a little more about my new books coming out beginning in May 2007!

Vanessa Davis Griggs
http://www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com

What's Been Going On...?

Well, great day to you!

If you've been wondering what's been going on with me, like why I haven't posted anything in a while--thank you for caring. If you haven't wondered or cared...well, okay then, I'll tell you what...

I have been so busy! Some of it I can't tell (maybe ever). See now, you're wrong for that. Why can't it have been something good? I have been doing so much, and today I should be getting some rest, but I wanted to at least do a little catch up. The people in the picture happen to be a book club called: The Society of WBRT--"Women of Beauty Reading Together" or as they told me on the down low--"We Be Reading, Too". I sneaked away from a time I desperately should have been writing, just to visit with them on March 12, 2006. They're in Gadsden, Alabama and yes, I crashed their book club meeting (oh yes, I did!). And I had fried catfish and turnip greens, hot-out-of-the-oven-still-in-the-skillet cornbread, and slaw; all compliments (not compliment free, but prepared by) Top of the River Restaurant.

Okay, so I've been writing like crazy and these characters showed up in this book and held me hostage until I finished. What someone forgot to tell these certain characters is that, this might be their world, but it's still my story, and if they're not careful, well...we all know what just might happen to them. Yes, the pen can be mightier than the sword. When you do finally get to meet them, will you please tell them that little bit of information for me (that's if it's not already too late for them).

Anyway, I didn't come here to talk about my next book--yet! But I will be talking SOON! I just can't...yet.

However, I can tell you about March 26, 2006. I received an award from The Greater Birmingham Millennium Section of the National Council of Negro Women: The Inspiration Award. It's a heavy award (I mean really; this thick, solid glass trophy is very nice and very heavy). But seriously, I am so honored and I truly thank these wonderful women of this organization for thinking about me. Here's a picture of myself and Zashnetta Hollis.

On Friday, March 31, 2006, I traveled to Winston-Salem, North Carolina where Saturday, April 1, I participated in the First Annual NC Black Book Festival. Joseph C. Dixon is the founder and event coordinator for the event. He really worked hard putting this together, and I personally would like to congratulate him and all those who assisted him on a job well done. I truly enjoyed myself and was blessed by the participants who showed me lots of love (and those who didn't too).




I also met Zane at the festival. She has so much going on. I like her and admire all that's she's accomplishing as an American. Notice I didn't say African American or woman. She's doing her thing and proving that excellence is indeed the best equalizer against racism and sexism especially when it comes to doing "your thing."

I was on the panel with five other Christian authors: (Left to right): Vanessa Davis Griggs (me), Stacy Hawkins Adams, Kendra Norman-Bellamy

(Seated) Jacquelin Thomas (recipient of the NC Black Book Fest Writer's Achievement Award) and Ryan Phillips.

Thanks for checking in with me. I promise, I do plan to do better about updating this blog. It's just there's only one of me and as much as I'd like to, in reality, I can only do but so much. (Please don't tell my children I'm really now superwoman--there's no reason to break their hearts just yet ;-)

Vanessa Davis Griggs http://www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com

COMPLETION

It's been a while since I posted. Sorry, but there are times in our lives when there is more going on than time to do it all. That has certainly been the case with me. Some things have been awesome and wonderful; some in many eyes you wouldn't slap that label on.

Over these past few months, I have seen God truly move and do things that only He could have orchestrated. During these months, God put a Word in my spirit: Completion

How many of us have started things and quit? Or started something and wanted to quit? I have had that test to come before me many times recently. I was working on a project and what I understood the person to want was not at all what they wanted. We talked and there was an out for me to walk away. Staying meant I would have to start over. I could have blamed the other person for my not understanding what they were truly saying, but instead, I wanted the final outcome to be right. So I sat there and listened. I digested the words we both exchanged. I wouldn't walk away because I heard God speaking to me telling me there was a reason this was as it was, something both of us had to learn, and He wanted me to do this.

So I started over and worked hard to deliver what I hope was pleasing to both God and this person. As I worked on this project, there were so many obstacles that came up in my life. Many of these things personally attacked and affected me. But I heard the Lord say, "Completion." He constantly told me to complete this task no matter what Satan was doing to distract me. And yes, I realized early on this was Spiritual Warfare. It wasn't just happening with me either; many saints of God were in battle.

I remember talking with a wonderful woman during this time who was also battling spiritual warfare. I told her, "To walk on water, we have to keep our eyes on Jesus." It didn't matter what the wind and the waves were doing. I realized they were trying to garner my attention. But I had my eyes fixed on Jesus. He said, "Come" and I was going to the other side. How many of you have taken your eyes off Jesus when you started doing what, at the time, seemed impossible, only to be distracted by the winds and the waves that were there to cause you to sink? If you know the game plan set to take you out, don't let it suck you into being a participant. Worries, distractions, depression, family troubles, and personal attacks are devices the enemy will use to defeat you. To get you talking wrong. Life and death is in the power of the tongue.

I told this woman on that night, "I'm like Nehemiah on the wall. I'm doing a good work and I can't come down." That's what all the negative distractions in life are about. Making us come down off the wall to see what's going on and to stop us from finishing the work. When God continued to minister to me with the Word "completion", He was telling me that when I finished what He had called me to do, He had something else wonderful for me to start.

On the same day I handed off the completion of the work I had begun, God assigned another even greater work for me to begin. It's so exciting seeing what God is planning next! Anyone can start something. How many can complete? God desires people who will stay the course. The race is not given to the swift nor to the strong, but to the one who endures to the end. We are in a race. Sometimes it's a sprint. Sometimes, it's a marathon. Sometimes, it's a relay race ran where I may merely hand off the baton to myself for the next leg. But whatever we do, we should do it heartingly as unto the Lord.

Yes, God may have called you to a work. But can He trust you to complete it? As important as starting something might be, it is better to cross the finish line of Completion. Starting--Staying--Completion. And I didn't have to wait to get to heaven; I heard on that day from the Lord, "Well done thy good and faithful servant." Now He is saying, "It's time to begin again." And that's where I am today: Beginning yet again, toward another completion.

Until next time...
Vanessa Davis Griggs
http://www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com

Excerpt from Vanessa Davis Griggs' novel: "Promises Beyond Jordan"

The first excerpt I'm posting here is the one I generally read from Promises Beyond Jordan when I am asked to read something from my book. It's short, but gives you an overall feel for part of what's going on in the story. If you'd like to read the first 3 chapters, go to that section of my Web site.

George Landris is engaged to Theresa Jordan. Nine days before their wedding, he utters these now famous words: "Have you ever loved someone that you never had?" as he's about to leave from Atlanta to go to Birmingham, Alabama. This scene is the one that followed after his return home.

Chapter 8
“Fire Shut Up In My Bones”

Inside the spacious foyer, a large crystal chandelier sets the tone for the rest of the house. George really wanted to get out of the clothes he’d worn since last night, but Theresa started in on him before they got past his study.

No, she didn’t understand why he had to be gone for three days. No, she didn’t see why he had to go in the first place. No, she wasn’t planning on acting this way every time he has to go check on or see about someone. Yes, she understood what life would be like married to a preacher—she’d seen it played out most of her life. Yes, she realized she was probably overreacting. Yes, she held she had a right to the way she felt—at least she was owning her feelings. Yes, he owed her a better explanation. No, she was not being insecure. Yes, this was the time to be discussing this. No, she didn’t care that he was tired.

“And what kind of a relationship did you two have that would cause you to just leave like you did and go see about her?” Theresa said.

Copyright 2004

Wings of Grace is the sequel to Promises Beyond Jordan. Check them both out. People are raving about the sermons in both books, and the one in Chapter 32 of Wings of Grace will definitely give you some food for thought!

Vanessa Davis Griggs

www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com

Those Who Have Ears to Hear...

Hurricane Katrina came. One question that is often asked is: "Why does God allow bad things to happen?" I remember when the popular phrase was "What Would Jesus Do?" Well, my question to you is: "What are you going to do?"

I've thought about many things before posting anything here. I often tell people I represent many minorities in one: I am black, a woman, and I'm short. I've never really thought of myself as being less than anyone else, but by the same token, I was raised where I don't think I'm better than anyone else either. I've experienced much in my day. I've felt hurt, mistreated, discouraged, and forsaken. To those who survived the effects of the hurricane, know that you shall rise again. Your assignment is to wake up every day and trust. Trust that God cares. Trust that there are good people in the world and they care. Trust that not everybody delights in others' heartaches and troubles. Trust that those who have ears to hear also have a heart.

And with these hearts, we feel and we care. When I said the effects of the hurricane, we must realize that one didn't have to be inside the direct hit of the storm to be affected. There are family and friends who are affected right now who were hundreds of miles away from the storm. Yes, pray for those who have been affected, but do a bit more that might take you out of your comfort zone. Pick up the phone and call someone who might be wondering what's going on with those whom they haven't heard from yet and let them know you're thinking of them. If you have something you desire to give, give it. God sees what you give; He keeps good records.

What Jesus did was showed compassion to those who needed it at the time. He didn't judge them or beat up on them. He didn't make others feel He was so superior to them that He couldn't come to where they were. No, I'm not saying for you to go to these places and get in the way. I'm saying, if you were in this situation, what would you want someone to do for you. Here's a reality show for you: Try doing unto others what you would desire someone to do unto you.

Those who have ears to hear, let them hear. Hear with your heart. My heart goes out but I also know that the heart of these strong people will, as Maya Angelou wrote in one of her eloquent poems, have them to stand up and boldly exclaim, "Still. . . I . . . rise!"

When things happen in others' lives maybe, as God is watching us, He sees who we really are and confirms will we, as a people, rise to the occasion. Am I my brother. . . my sister's keeper? Only the one who stares back at you in your mirror can answer that.

Vanessa Davis Griggs
Author of: Promises Beyond Jordan & Wings of Grace
http://www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com