|
NANCY NEWBY PERKINS
|
|
BIO:
Nancy Newby Perkins is a native of Tennessee. She grew up in a
Christian family and committed her life to Christ at an early age.
Nancy
has a Masters Degree from the University of Memphis. She is a retired public
school teacher and has read newspapers and books on the radio for the
blind.
Nancy
is a speaker and author of The Cancer Coaster and I've Lost Lindi. She is
currently working on Ten Commandments for Ten Little Fingers. She writes human
interest stories and poetry.
Nancy
and her husband, Bob, have been married over 50 years and have two children, two
adult grandsons and two granddaughters.
I've Lost Lindi - A poignant and personal story about the loss of a daughter and life-threatening illness. This will truly touch your heart. To order this book email ccwriters2@aol.com
CAESAR SPEAKS
By Nancy Newby Perkins If I had seen a burning bush, Or a vision in the air, If we had heard Peter preach, Or listened to Paul in Prayer. If Jesus performed a miricle, Or maybe two or three, Seeing would have made beliving, Easy for you and me. WE wouldn't have tarried for a moment. We would have all lined up to serve. Everyone would have been filled With energy, resolve and nerve. BUT... If Caesar could speak to us today, I wonder if he would say Believing is so much easier, For you that live today. If, long ago, they could have proved The Earth was really round. We would have known Isaiah was right, And the Bible was really sound. If someone could have shown us a chip, With a lifetime of information, Uploaded in another machine. 'New bodies' has an explanation. If the first Law of Thermodynamics, Had been explained to me. I'd known God's atoms never change, just rearrange, to conserve energy Things that seem solid are really Protons, dancing in space. This isn't something in an old manuscript, They're facts, we have to face. And the second Thermodynamic Law, About the principle of decay Everything is wearing down or out, Evben people! That's obvious today If I had known there were sounds, My ears could never hear Even if God didn't audibly speak, I'd still know He was near. And at each end of the color spectrum, There are rays that can't be seen. Sound and pictures can travel for miles And materialize on a TV screen. Your DNA studies have shown, We all came from Mother Eve. Surely with all this scientific proof Everyone would believe. Would Caesar stand and say to us, "It would have been so clear. If we'd had books and science and knowledge. If your evidence had been here. We wouldn't have tarried for a moment We would have lined up to serve We would have all been filled, With energy, resolve and nerve." Are we just a product of our time. And nothing's really changed. We still use the same, old arguments. They've just been rearranged. We are all still looking for an excuse, And not looking for God's will. Perhaps - God's greatest miricle, Is that He loves us still. 
Nancy Newby Perkins wrote the Christmas Shopping story for our Christmas book.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING By Nancy Newby Perkins Bells rang, carols played in the background and Christmas decorations were everywhere. People reacted in extremes. Most were rushing about and driving their shopping carts with the same erratic determination that they used in the parking lot with their vehicles. The second group of shoppers seemed to be listless, browsing about, amazed at the speed and energy of the others. On this particular day, which was a week before Christmas, I seemed to fit into the slower group. It may been a combination of age, energy level and exasperation at trying to find gifts. I was looking through the children's section of books and color books when a haggard woman about half my age, abruptly spoke to me. "I already have over a hundred dollars of gifts in my basket," she said while she looked at her shopping cart, which was piled high. "And I'm not through yet." She finished with a long sigh. She glanced at me, not expecting a response, but she seemed to need some kind of confirmation. I must have seemed like a grandmother, since she looked half my age. The young woman seemed exhausted and didn't move. So after a lull, I asked how old her children were. As if relieved that I had spoken, she smiled and replied, "Eight and twelve." "Well, what did you get when you were eight?" I asked. She just stared at me so I repeated, "What did you get for Christmas when you were eight?" "Well, I don't remember." She sputtered. "And when you were twelve?" I paused, but I got no response. So, I continued, "Neither will they." She glanced at her overloaded cart, then looked at me, smiled and said, "Thanks." But she didn't move. "If the toys cost too much, why don't you get a box of cookie mix and get the kids to help you. Then they can find someone to share them with." "Mrs. Wilson?" She paused and then added, "No one likes her because she has a dog that barks constantly. \ "Maybe the dog needs a cookie, too." I suggested. "Oh! That's what I do remember, making cookies, decorating the house with pine". “Maybe you could find some pine, cedar or red berries. I don't think you can kill nandina bushes, they seem to be everywhere." I added. "Yes! And pine smells so good and the kids could arrange it. Would you mind putting these items back in the toys? She said as she began to pick through her basket. I have to hurry. I've got so much to do!" She commented. Haltingly I said, "I'd be glad to," while I stood, dumbfounded, with my arms loaded and watched her rush toward the grocery department. I was still in shock that this stranger seemed to need my consent to stop buying. I thought about all the pressures that young parents have today. They feel responsible for keeping everybody happy and healthy. They try to do everything for their children. They feel guilty and ambiguous about working or staying at home. I wished I could have thought quickly enough to say something meaningful such as “It's Jesus' birthday and Christmas is really about God's gift to us”. But with her youth and energy, I think she remembered God's gift and probably was past my thinking with many more thoughts and ideas. I eased down the toy aisle, glanced over my shoulder and quickly began to return the toys before management caught me. Nancy Newbie Perkins, published author and member of Collierville Christian Writers. |
Nancy is a true poet.
CC Writers Shorts was the first anthology book our writers group published. This was her poem published.in 2011. READING TODAY by NANCY NEWBY PERKINS In our new world of expanding knowledge, Some believe reading will soon be passé But in a world of TV and computers Reading’s even more important today. Audio frequency became so frequent, That we began to doubt But in cyberspace, there’s more reason to read As we soon found out. Long ago reading was reserved For the elite; a prince or a king Now everyone needs to read To do most anything. Look at the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of reading It protects us from frauds and schemes It provides us with independence And promotes our plans and dreams. We can converse with other people, Some that we’ll never know Or be conveyed to other places That we could never go. Sound and shapes when linked Form a fabric of reason or rhymes And then the little puzzle parts Can travel over place and times. Hypertext on the World Wide Web’ Gives a reader an active choice Sometimes allowed to type a phrase Can add their opinions and voice. Books give us ideas, knowledge and thought And cause people to theorize Books can help us to be self-taught And have power to change our lives. The skill of knowing how to read Even allows us to text or tweet We can read or send E-mails To people we may never meet. Even in our electronic age, You can still not overlook No matter where you are in time or place You’re never alone with a book! This is copy written 2011 and may not be used in any manner with out written permission from author and Writers Group. Email ccwriters2@aol.com 
THE CHRISTMAS DOG
Nancy Newbie Perkins There was no reason to wrestle the Christmas tree from the attic not this early. Although decorations abounded in the stores, why would someone that lived alone want to display memories? It was only a five foot, pre-lit fake fir and over the years had grown shabby. Even so, I placed it by the side door where the lights could be seen through the glass. Having finished my decorating for the season, I wandered to the kitchen, fixed my coffee and sauntered back to the tree. While sipping my hot coffee, I glanced down and to my surprise; I saw the neighbor's dog lying on the outside mat. In warmer weather, I had seen the pup playing with a little girl in the back yard of their house on the other comer across the street. I recognized the little animal with his short hair and floppy ears, which touched the mat while he slept. His mismatched features and brindle color gave away the fact that the mutt was a mixed breed. I needed to go for groceries, so for safety, I unplugged the tree lights. The little dog immediately stood and stretched before bounding down the steps. I wasn't concerned about it crossing the road, since there was little traffic in our neighborhood. So the little creature trotted toward his home and out of my thoughts. The next morning I plugged in the Christmas tree lights, concocted my morning brew and either habit, or curiosity, carried me to the tree. Again, the little dog was curled on the mat. I don't think he left his post until I unplugged the lights for the night. The following morning was rather warm for December, so I gathered my fuzzy robe close and carried my coffee to the porch. Moving my chair closer to the mat, I stretched my leg to scratch the dog's head with my soft house shoe. This became a ritual between the two of us. As the weather grew cooler and I dressed warmer to keep the morning appointment with my furry friend. , "Sample size" was on the sign with the display of dog biscuits in the grocery store. Although the dog looked well fed, surely my little neighbor would like a treat. The advertisement won and the next morning I placed a doggy treat on the edge of the mat. He sniffed at the offering but left it and returned his nose to my shoe. Later, when the lights were unplugged, I noticed that the treats were gone. My house and Christmas tree were dark for two days while I visited my daughter, who lived in another state. When I returned and turned on the tree lights, the pup and our ritual returned. After Christmas, again I struggled up the steps to return the tree to the attic. The next morning I fixed my coffee and went to the porch: no dog. I turned on the porch light; still no dog. I began to worry if he was sick, old or had been hit by a car crossing the street. Finally, concern overtook me and I made cookies. With cookies in hand, I slowly approached the neighbor's house, rehearsing what I would say. A small girl around 9 or 10 answered the door. "Happy New Year", I sang out and added, "I brought you some cookies." Her mother quickly appeared and I was invited inside, out of the cold. We stood and talked about Christmas and what gifts they had given and received. Conversation flowed easily and I learned that the girl's name was "Mary." Finally, I gathered enough courage to ask, "Is your dog OK?" "Sure, Ollie's fine." answered the child and she quickly called to him. I watched the little chubby mutt slowly, slowly walk into the room, remembered episodes of "Laurel and Hardy" and thought, what an appropriate name. Ollie stopped for a moment and then cautiously approached me. "That's unusual." The small child commented. "He's a weird dog. He's afraid of people and Ollie doesn't like strangers." "But, we are not strangers" I heard myself saying. "He came to visit my Christmas tree, almost every day before Christmas." "It must have been another dog." The mother added, "He can't get out of the backyard. We have an electric fence and he hardly ever leaves his dog house." I said my good-byes and turned to go, when little Mary blurted, "Will you come to my Christmas Program tonight." Her mother scolded her for being so impetuous and explained to me that it was only the Children singing Christmas songs. Before stepping off the porch not even knowing what I had agreed to, I said that I would love to come. Later, as I walked toward the neighborhood church, I wished I had not 1 agreed to the rendezvous. But once inside the sanctuary, I remembered that children's programs are always a success. When the songs are sung perfectly, everyone comments, "They were so cute." And when the words are forgotten and the notes sung off-key, everyone comments, "They were so cute." As usual, they couldn't lose. The show was a success. I stood perusing the program, when a group of women interrupted my thoughts. They explained some of the plans they had and one asked if she could come by and visit. I was glad to have plans and finally returned to the playbill that I still held. On the back cover was a collage of the children that had participated in the Christmas Program. There, slightly toward the bottom was a small picture of Mary holding her dog and underneath was the caption, "Merry and Holly, the Christmas Dog." The family was gathering to walk to their home when I approached the group. I explained how I had confused the names of the child and dog. They explained some of the plans they had and one asked if she could come by and visit. I was glad to have plans and finally returned to the playbill that I still held. On the back cover was a collage of the children that had participated in the Christmas Program. There, slightly toward the bottom was a small picture of Mary holding her dog and underneath was the caption, "Merry and Holly, the Christmas Dog." The family was gathering to walk to their home when I approached the group. I explained how I had confused the names of the child and dog. "Oh," said the father. "It was our fault. We should have told you about the dog. Our daughter was born two days before Christmas, so we named her "Merry". But three years ago, when she was six years old, she contacted meningitis and was unable to walk. Eventually she was hospitalized. Earlier my brother's dog had a litter of pups. All had been taken, except the runt, which had a deformed leg and could hardly walk. Merry was not improving, so one day we sneaked the little pup into the hospital and told her that she needed to get better to come home and take care of him. Neither of them could walk very well, but somehow, Merry began to improve. The doctors said it was a miracle. My brother said that his pup might have been an angel. We all agreed that it was our Christmas gift from God. But, Merry said it was Holly, the Christmas Dog." When we approached their house, we could hear the little dog barking a greeting to his family. In parting, I commented to Merry, "Thank you for asking me to your program. I liked it. I like your little dog, too." "He still has trouble walking, but he's a special dog," she said. "He's my Christmas present from God. He's a Christmas dog." "I know!" I smiled in agreement and looked at the little dog as he limped toward me. (I could have sworn he winked.) |
The Perfect Church
By Nancy Newby Perkins The singer sang an aria, and never missed a note. Next, the preacher gave the text; it was a perfect quote. I didn't feel dressed just right, I felt I didn't belong. I thought I'd just slip out, When they sang another song. But as I started to take my leave, An old man stood to pray. The lord must have put him there, to speak for me that day. He sighed and sighed and mumbled so, I couldn't understand. Then I heard a piece of prayer, "Help me be a better man." The people seemed to be in shock. The leaders seemed to be quite nervous. This had never happened before, in the middle of their service. Then once again he mumbled, and said, "Lord, I just can't pray. I don't even know what I need, but I must talk to You today. I have so many problems, I don't know where to start. Don't listen to my words, Lord. Just listen to my heart." So we all stood in silence And lifted up our needs. And each of us were awed By the answers we received. But this was not at all, In the church's plan The perfect service was in ruin, Because of one old man. The singer stood up, once again. And began to sing off-key. He forgot all his fancy words, But it sounded good to me. The preacher started sweating And with a lump in his throat. He shuffled through his papers and couldn't find his note. Then he stumbled through the sermon, and said things they'ed never heard. He just opened up his Bible and preached straight from God's word. The message spread like wildfire. It was the best church in sight. The more things that seemed to go wrong, the more it turned out right. Soon the little church was packed; far and near the word had spread. The members were no longer perfect; and the church, no longer dead. For God never needs perfection. He has that in His Son. There's nothing fancy we can add. All the work's been done. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. -James 5:16b Nancy Newby Perkins 
Nancy Newby Perkins story for our Devotion book Moments. RECIPE FOR
LEMONADE
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God," Romans 8:28a (KJV) Around the late 1600's British sailors discovered the benefits of lemons. Before refrigeration long trips usually consisted only of salted meat and some sort of beer or ale. Lemons and limes were easy to pack and lasted for months. A good source of vitamin C, these citrus fruits prevented the dreadful disease of scurvy. Years later, other explorers believed lemons protected them against tropical diseases and fatigue. Most of our grandparents mixed lemon juice with hot water and honey for colds. Lemon water with salt was also used as a gargle for sore throats. Today lemons are used as an additive to air fresheners and breath fresheners, as well as skin products to reduce acne or to sooth bug bites. We often eat lemons in pies and cakes or drink lemon tea or lemonade. There is a recipe for lemonade hidden in Romans. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God," (Romans 8:28a) The lemons are "all things" such as "suffering" in verse 18 or "pain" in verse 22. Sugar is God's sweet love for us. Mix with "living water", and stir. All of this "works together" and changes the bitter to better. (Notice that the change is "I").Like Andrew Carnegie tells us: when life hands us lemons, make lemonade. Dear Lord, Sometimes, when I am faced with pain and suffering, I do not understand and when I am hurt I don't know how to talk to you. But I know that You understand and You are in control. I know You love me, so in times of troubles help me to not become a bitter person, but a better person. Amen Nancy Perkins, published author, member of Collierville Christian Writers Group. |
THE TRAVELING BIBLE
by NANCY NEWBY PERKINS The teen-ager's Bible sat on the shelf For years it was hidden away It had no use or purpose at all Until that special day. Someone came and snatched it up Although it was tattered and worn With what seemed a stranger, it had a new place And seemed to have been re-born. While perusing the pages of teen-age notes She had an adult thought Through the old Bible she held in her hands A new concept was taught. Sometime when you feel like you are wandering And you are not where you're supposed to be Do you feel you're on a shelf all alone With no future that you can see. Be patient for God may have An adventure waiting for you' With a special purpose and strange new plans That only you could do. Remember God sees the whole forest While we sit and stare at one tree Maybe when we feel useless or bored The best is yet to be. And in later years, we'll realize We're all on a shelf called Earth None of us are really at home We're all facing a new re-birth. One day at the end of our journey We'll hear Him tenderly say "I've been preparing a new place for you Welcome to your real home, today." (Excerpt from I’VE LOST LINDI by Nancy Newby Perkins |
