Currently I have been scanning photos from family albums that date back to the 1920’s that my Mother left to us kids.  A recent album that I completed contained newspaper articles and photos of my Dad’s Marine Corps career that brought back volumes of memories.  A Marines’ Marine, Dad was serious, yet a crack up—it all depended what was going on at the time.  He loved this country passionately and joining the Marines was not a difficult decision for him.  He loved God and I never heard him use God’s name in vain.  This example stayed with me, because even during my younger years of incorporating off-colored vocabulary, I always cringed when God’s name was part of it.  Also, when Dad was “ticked-off” his go-to word was “Key-rap.”  We respected him (or maybe we just wanted to avoid being “growled” at) by covering our mouths to suppress our amusement.

Dad taught us loyalty:  God, Marines/America, family, the Catholic faith.  I’m guessing it was new territory for him when he changed political parties soon after President Kennedy.  Dad was also deeply devoted to our Mother, another life-long example he gave us.

Boy, did we ever laugh when he played the air guitar wearing a hair extension making fun of our 1960’s music!  He also slaughtered the English language on purpose to make us laugh.  When we had friends over he would pretend he forgot their names (or maybe he really did???) and when they would remind him, he would always joke and say, “Oh, Mary! [NOT the name given] Now I remember. That’s right!!!” Later we tried to explain Dad’s humor to them–still wouldn’t know if they thought it was as funny as we did.

When I wrote Stories between the Lines Inspired by New Testament Events, I especially loved writing Chapter 5, “The Baker’s Children.”  No doubt I was remembering Daddy.  Thomas, the father in the story, was loyal, protective, a good provider, humorous, a teacher, wise, a planner, generous, and a man of action.  It’s not included in the chapter, but, who knows, maybe he even said “Key-rap” on occasion. LOL.

If you read Chapter 4 of my book, Stories between the Lines, Inspired by New Testament Events, you will recall “Rhoda, ‘The Special One,’” (based on Acts 12).  On my morning walk today, I recalled some childhood memories and discovered Rhoda and I had a lot in common!

For instance, when I was a junior in high school, I received an invitation to a slumber party.  I asked my Dad if he would give me a ride.  He said yes and asked me if I knew how to get there.  I remember saying yes, but I don’t know why, because I didn’t!

A week later Dad and I get in the car and he said, “OK, which way?”  I remember looking at him thinking, “What??  You’re supposed to always know everything.  Why are you asking me?” (Believe me, I DID NOT say that out loud!)  He was not happy with me.

After chuckling about that memory, another came to mind.  I was in the 3^rd or 4^th grade and I received permission from my Mom to ride my bike to visit a friend who lived in our neighborhood.  I assured her that I knew exactly how to get there.  I arrived at her house OK; but I got lost coming home!  It took about an hour of riding my bike around and around the neighborhood.  I’d like to think I asked God for help, but I was probably too busy holding back tears and fears.  The lesson I think that He was probably trying to teach me apparently did not stick (see paragraph above).  I was immediately reminded of how Rhoda’s mother, in my story, pleaded with her not to get lost walking to and from the marketplace.

Then I thought about Rhoda’s mother (in my story) drilling her about how to be a wise while purchasing groceries from their meager grocery budget. Immediately I remembered that I had a check book as a young adult and I tried very hard to master balancing it each month.  When it wouldn’t balance, after two or three months, I would change banks and get a new checking account.  Problem solved.

My memories flashed back to our family’s dinner table. Andrea, my eldest sister, would often share interesting, educational stories with us little kids, such as about Tutankhamun.  When she was a senior, I remember her putting on scary makeup and reciting, by memory, Edgar Allan Poe’s Tell-Tale Heart at our school’s talent show.  Andrea always made herself available to Mom to help out with us little kids.  My second eldest sister, Sharon, was dubbed by Mom “Saint Ann” because she never complained about doing dishes, helping around the house, and making all our school lunches.  I’m sure my Mom gave me chores to do, but honestly, not much was expected of me, and I was very happy about that.

Like Rhoda in my story, I was never really bothered that others might be smarter, quicker to understand, and more responsible.  I was proud that both my sisters were A students, Student Body Presidents, and both studied hard to honor my parents.  My older brother, Joe, was also very smart, and even though his grades in Science and Math were good, I remember him getting in trouble with Dad for having low grades in everything else.  Dad knew he could do better. When he quizzed me about my mostly Cs, I would assure him that I had tried my best. I was so happy when he didn’t give me a lecture like he gave to Joe.

Even though Rhoda (in my story) and I shared that feeling of “being a step behind everyone else,” there was something in me, and I am confident in her, that what we truly wanted was knowing Jesus Christ.  All my life I’ve listened to the gospels because Dad made sure we never missed church on Sundays. Hearing about Jesus’s miracles was like food to me.  So, like Rhoda, it has been easy for me to believe He is the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

One summer afternoon when I was in probably the fifth grade, I drew a picture of Jesus with colored crayons on a brown grocery bag.  I was impressed!  It turned out so good!  My Mom looked it over and gently informed me that my request to hang it on one of our walls was not going to happen.  I was surprised, but understood.  We were taught that anything to do with Jesus was to be held in the highest possible respect. Anyway, like Rhoda (in my story) and her childlike faith that Jesus loved everything about her, I instinctively knew that Jesus appreciated the thought and effort in that drawing and He knew that was my way of worshipping Him. I’m pretty sure that if Rhoda had colored crayons and brown paper, she would have worshipped Him that way too.

We can’t be 100% sure what was going through Rhoda’s mind when she heard Peter’s voice at the gate.  I think she had many things on her mind.  She was probably still grieving the death of James (recently murdered for being a disciple of Jesus), grieving because Peter was in jail and probably would be murdered next, and stressed that there was a very good chance everyone gathered and praying in that household might be arrested at any time.  She may have been exhausted from not getting enough sleep, taking on extra responsibilities by serving the saints, and probably other things as well.  I think she was so glad to hear Peter’s voice that in her relief she couldn’t immediately think of anything else but provide relief, first, to the others as well.

Rhoda was important to Jesus.  Out of thousands of people He knew during His lifetime on earth, He included her in His Word.  No matter how insignificant we might feel, we are important to Him.  Why else would He be obedient to come to earth, deal with our problems, teach constantly, heal who-knows-how-many-people, and suffer a horrible death if we weren’t all significant?

I think Rhoda is very special, and it would have been awesome to be her.

On July 5, 1926, in a speech commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, President Calvin Coolidge reminded Americans that “in its main features the Declaration of Independence is a great spiritual document,” “our forefathers came to certain conclusions and decided upon certain courses of action which have been a great blessing to the world,” and that “they (forefathers) were a people who came under the influence of a great spiritual development and acquired a great moral power.” He went on to say, “We live in an age of science and of abounding accumulation of material things. These did not create our Declaration. Our Declaration created them. The things of the spirit come first. Unless we cling to that, all our material prosperity, overwhelming though it may appear, will turn to a barren scepter in our grasp. If we are to maintain the great heritage which has been bequeathed to us, we must be like-minded as the fathers who created it. We must not sink into a pagan materialism. We must cultivate the reverence which they had for the things that are holy. We must follow the spiritual and moral leadership which they showed.”

In addition to reading the Bible, I read daily from The American Patriot’s Almanac by William Bennett and John Cribb, from which I shared the above’s entry for July 5, titled “The Things of the Spirit Come First.”

Every Fourth of July we celebrate the blessings of the United States of America. We are grateful for our forefathers’ wisdom and for their sacrifices. (For just one example, read about William Floyd, whose home was used as a British barracks, fled with his family, lived as refugees, returned after the war and found his fields stripped and his house damaged.)

Stories between the Lines, Inspired by New Testament Events is a stepping stone for readers who are young children, teenagers, young adults, and those who are not familiar with the Bible, to learn of Jesus’s great love and blessings. This knowledge is essential for future generations to preserve the freedoms endowed to us by our Creator. I hope you will purchase a copy at this website to have on hand and to share.  America needs Jesus, today more than ever.

Have you ever disobeyed and not got punished?  Mercy is decided by our heavenly Father.

In Chapter 5, “The Baker’s Children,” the eldest daughter experiences mercy when she disobeys her mother and does not carefully watch her little brother.  Her attitude and rebellion resulted in him being able to toddle off to a life-threatening situation.  Matthew 18:10 states “little ones” have angels in heaven!  Read how she was spared a life of sorrow because God sent His angels to intervene.

Every chapter in Stories tells of Jesus’s great love.  It’s a great book to use to teach and discuss Jesus with your children, or to give it away to someone who needs hope.

I love how Jesus instructed His disciples regarding children in Matthew 19:13-15.

New International Version:  ¹³Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them.  But the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  ¹⁵When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

New American Standard:  ¹³Then some children were brought to Him so that He would lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.  ¹⁴But Jesus said, “Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them to come to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ¹⁵After laying His hands on them, He departed from there.

It’s clear that children are very important to Jesus.  He used this situation as one of His many teaching opportunities.  We still learn from that situation today:

1) Children are very welcomed by Jesus.

2) Anyone who hinders or forbids children access to Jesus are rebuked.

3) It is perfectly acceptable for parents and guardians to bring their children to Jesus for prayer and fellowship.

4) Adults may have good intentions (in this case I’m guessing they assumed Jesus would need assistance “maximizing” His ministry to adults only), but intentions, assumptions, and assistance, based on Matthew 19:13-15, will forever be “spelled out” for us regarding Jesus’s priorities.

I wrote Chapter 2, “Siblings,” Stories between the Lines, Inspired by New Testament Events, with Matthew 19:13-15 as inspiration.  I hope as you read that chapter it will inspire you to think about what other encounters Jesus must have had with His beloved children.

My Father has been my hero my whole life.  I think that’s why three of my chapters in Stories between the Lines have strong father figures as main characters.  The other chapters feature a father, but not as prominently.  In “The Nephew” the Apostle Paul is a strong male influence; in both “Rhoda, the ‘Special One’” and “The Girl at the Inn,” their fathers are in the background but it is very apparent they are protectors, providers, and would do everything in their power to make them happy.  In “Lazarus and His Sisters, Part 1 and 2” I believe they had a father who taught them to love Adonai, to be expecting the Messiah, respect everyone, be an example to all, enjoy laughter, and never apologize for the blessings bestowed on their family from Adonai.

My Dad taught my siblings and I many things.  But I learned more from how he lived his life:  how he loved and esteemed our mother, his deep respect and gratitude for Jesus, and how, unless he was asked, kept his strong opinions to himself when around those who did not believe in God or people who are counter to our Constitution.

The years of the “hippie movement” did agitate him enough to directly communicate with me about how he hoped I did not wish to follow that movement.  Besides agreeing with hippies that I hated war (which my Dad did too—all good soldiers do!), I assured my Dad I could never be a hippie because I cannot stand not taking a shower.  He laughed.

Many of us will never know all the sacrifices, energy, finances, and prayers that our parents invested in us.  But I know one of the best things my parents taught me was that God always had the answer to any problem.  Because of some bad decisions I made when I was a young adult, I went through some very dark years.  Even then I still believed that God had the answers to my problems.  Through a series of significant, God-ordained events, I had the opportunity to step out in faith and trust Jesus to walk me through the dense “forest so I could see the trees!”

My earthly father was still my example, teacher, and my security, but only my heavenly Father had the power to get me out of that mess!

Father’s Day is fast approaching (Sunday, June 20) and Stories between the Lines Inspired by New Testament Events would make a great Father’s Day present!  As I mentioned earlier, each chapter includes a father in the story.  It also includes 112 scripture references! For $12.99 (free shipping) please click on the “Buy the Book” tab.  You can read it to your kids, give it to your Dad, and maybe even gift it to someone in need of knowing what’s inside the gospels so they too can be encouraged by Jesus’s love and power.

Happy Father’s Day to all those who have been entrusted with such a great honor.  Fatherhood also brings great responsibilities.  Jesus would love to help you.

Hi Everyone!  This is Part 2 of my first Blog.  This website, and social media, are such a new experience for me.  I’m grateful for everyone who visited here, and for the purchases of my book, but what’s really wonderful is having contact with my old friends and family.  If you haven’t seen my posts on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter yet, there’s some old pictures of me and my siblings there @nitabarnesauthor.

Part 2:

After working 14 months at Bank of America, friends from high school who were completing their college education at the University of the Pacific, encouraged me to join them on a backpacking, hitchhiking trip through Europe in the autumn of 1973.  I had to give my boss my resignation and it was extremely stressful and emotionally painful– but I knew if I didn’t, I might never have such an opportunity again.  Which turned out to be the case!

Returning from Europe I lived for several months with my travelling friend in Oceanside, California.  After a while, I decided I wanted to be a Home Economics teacher (interesting fact:  I did not know how to cook and I barely knew how to sew LOL).  I moved to Portola, California to live with my retired parents, worked part-time, and attended Feather River Junior College in Quincy, California. After one semester, I returned to San Francisco where I  had two different jobs and lived at four separate addresses.

Life took a big turn when I met my life-long friend Selena who told me about what Jesus Christ had done to change her life in amazing ways.  I desperately needed that to happen for me too, and it did!!, and I am eternally thankful!

Two years later, Selena and I and some of our other friends moved to Mobile, Alabama to be part of a larger church group.  Some of us were able to work for New Wine Magazine, an international Christian magazine that we all had subscribed to and read for years.  Working there was a huge blessing and being part of the staff was like being part of a big family.

Three years later, I met and married my husband Larry, of 38 years as of January 2021.  I moved to be with him in Houston, Texas, where both our daughters were born.  After our second daughter was born, I left my full-time job and was able to homeschool.  After my father passed away, our family moved to Nevada to be close to my mother in Reno.  I homeschooled for a total of eight years in Texas and in Nevada.  They were probably the best years of my life.

After our daughters returned to public school, I worked full-time at two local companies in Dayton, Nevada, the Department of Education in Carson City, and at the Nevada Legislature.

Currently, I am thoroughly enjoying being retired and spending as much time as possible with my two grandchildren.  Trips to Reno to Wild Island this summer are on our list of things-to-do.

Welcome. My name is Nita Barnes, author of Stories between the Lines. I’m so happy to have you as a visitor to my blog about my new book. This project is very special to me, and I hope to share some of that excitement with you here.

I’ll be using this blog to interact with you about Stories between the Lines, expanding on some of the topics in it and blogging on some of the ideas related to my book. This is a great place for you to get to know me, and I’m looking forward to getting to know you, too. What did you think of Stories between the Lines? What questions do you have for me? How do you relate to my book?

I’ll be returning here frequently with new posts and responses to feedback from you. Until next time, tell me a little bit about yourself.