Plugged In by B J Bassett

 

Plugged In

Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power—” Psalm 66:3 NIV

The first winter we owned a grocery store, we lost power for three days. We kept thinking it would come back on, but it didn’t. I could not sew, iron, use my electric typewriter (before computers), or watch TV. What a lesson we learned.

We had a camp stove and a can opener so that we could eat. We also had a lantern. But without heat in our house, we were freezing. So we bundled up and spent a lot of time in bed under the covers.

Without power, our little store was dark and was dangerous for customers to be inside, so we closed. We had no income for three days, and the Health Department made us throw away perishable items, which was a substantial financial loss.

In the end, we learned from this experience—to buy some lanterns and keep the store open. Sell the perishable food or give it away to those in need—or buy a generator—but keep the store open.

Plug into God’s power today—every day. Without His power, we languish.

I need Your power every day, Lord. Thank You for Your plan for the Holy Spirit to live in me. Amen.

Reprinted from

The King’s Daughters—

A Women’s Devotional

By B. J. Bassett

 

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

Memberships: ACFW and Oregon Christian Writers (OCW).

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.