TruthMarks

As I prayed about our mission to draw people closer to God by spreading his message of love and truth, I was reminded of George Washington Carver, the famous agricultural scientist, who began his career with lofty ambitions. According to biographer Rackham Holt, Carver had a conversation with God about the purpose of the universe and his role.
It went something like this.

Carver: “God, what is the purpose for the universe?”
God: “Way too big for you, George.”
Carver: “Well, what’s the purpose of man?”
God: “Over your head, little man.”
Carver: “Then what about the peanut? Could you teach me about the purpose of the peanut?”
God: “Still too grand.”

It was after this that the scientist went to his lab and began to break the peanut down into its parts.

So, as we prayed to spread God’s truth to the world, God graciously and quickly reduced our parameters, giving us the idea to produce bookmarks. Not a book, not a sermon, not an article, but a bookmark. A space of about 2”X7” to present one truth.
So here we are. Using God’s witty inventions to draw people closer to him one bookmark at a time.

Perhaps we are a bit like Johnny Appleseed, planting one God-seed at a time.

The card they will keep!

Give a bookmark with a flair and a story.
Make a gift of a book even more personal by sticking in a TruthMark.

Enclose it in a stunning, luxurious Wrap-Around or the simpler but dramatic stationery sheet and envelope with your personal note. Makes it your own “card.”

What's The Purpose of a TruthMark?
To remind you of a truth,
Inspire and encourage you,
Celebrate you,
Occasionally to make you smile.
To Help You Mark Your Place

There is a story behind every TruthMark!

Give a bookmark with a flair and a history.There is a story behind every TruthMark!

Instead of sending a greeting card to be thrown away after a few days or weeks, send a TruthMark to be kept and used while at the same time you are remembered.

Get the dramatic cover and envelope to enclose your TruthMark.

Make a gift of a book even more personal by sticking in a TruthMark.

Buy these spectacular book place keepers for yourself!

TruthMarks come in different sizes and feature different papers.

Wholesale prices available. Contact us for information.

“Christmas Lion”

(16 pt. 2”X7” matte finish Akuafoil)

I am intrigued by that mind/imagination exercise in which the participant receives a group of unrelated objects with which to weave a story. When I look at the Christmas story, I experience the same wonder.

Virgin
Taxes
Village
Star
Trough
Savior/King

It is as if God, who has all the elements in his great plan, gives several in the scripture directly or as hints. Who conceived of the elaborate blueprint? Was that God the Father as chief architect with the complete involvement of his Son and his Spirit?

I can imagine a conversation:
“Father, I see the parts. What is the story?”
“My Son, you are to become the focal point of all history, the Savior of all mankind. And My Spirit, you will bring it all about.”

“Once upon a time” was before the beginning of time, before the foundation of the world. And the story marches on magnificently to the birth of Jesus.

But is there more to learn from God’s hints and disparate objects than the creative blueprint for the greatest narrative of all times? Is God trying to show us that the distinct circumstances, interruptions, and givens of our lives are being woven into some great, eternal plan?

That there is a destiny to seek and with which to cooperate?

That we are part of something bigger?
That we are something bigger?

Yes.

CHRISTMAS. Someone unifying the mysteries in our lives.

CHRISTMAS. God’s masterful power to bring about his story in a confused and broken world with confused and broken people.

CHRISTMAS. Our bits and pieces. History. All culminating in God himself.

JESUS.

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“Courage”

(16 pt. 2”X7” suede with velvet lamination)

“The righteous are bold as a lion.” Prov. 28:1

I came into this world a timid little being.

I never felt brave or bold. Winston Churchill. George Washington, John Paul Jones. Jesus. They were courageous.

And yet, when I checked the definition of courage, I found that courage occurs in the face of fear or pain or grief. It is that tension that defines it.

COURAGE IS NOT A FEELING. COURAGE IS AN ACTION.

You do not have to feel courageous to be courageous. You do not have to feel fearless to act with daring. Those Churchills and Washingtons who demonstrated such bravery—did they always feel fearless? Did Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, as he prayed about that horrendous experience he faced, pray for courage? I can certainly imagine that.

We can recognize many everyday heroes around us. Staying with or quitting a difficult job, starting or remaining in school, persisting in or leaving a challenging relationship, sacrificing for children, not taking the easy road—these actions and others show courage.

In our nation and in the world, when right and wrong are stood upon their heads, courage may be the most needed, the most critical virtue. At this time when forces in society and government seem determined to erase ageless moral notions and to eliminate those who uphold them, we must have valiant people.

COURAGE IS NOT A PERSONALITY TYPE.
Bravery is way above our natural temperaments, and it is now that we must demonstrate
Courage to speak,
Courage to stand,
Courage to work,
Courage to give,
Courage to act.
Courage not to give up.

It is difficult to overemphasize the importance of what we do in this time. Like David, we ask “Is there not a cause?” Like Esther, we must put our lives on the line for what we believe to save our society, our families, and our nation, saying “If I perish, I perish."

“Courage -- the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees the others.”
It is courage that separates great people from ordinary ones.

And so we pray that this TruthMark, with its majestic symbol of courage, will remind us to show bravery in our lives and in the nation, no matter how fearful, uncertain, stressed, or defeated we may feel.

Hearken, dear friends, when we are in the right and act in the right, we are bold as a lion.

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“Big Things”

(16 pt. 2”X7” matte finish Akuafoil)

Years ago, I was in a workshop with Bill Gaither, successful Christian song writer and businessman, as he related their first days in The Gaither Homecoming series of concerts. He depicted primitive audio equipment, modest production and how that grew as they continued. I will never forget the culmination of his description. With a pronounced pause, he then spoke: “It didn’t just happen.”

It didn’t just happen.

Hence the TruthMark, “Big things don’t just happen.”

The Gaithers were not just lucky, not just destined for success, they didn’t just stumble into it, and it was not just given to them by God. No, they invested work. Great labor.
Thought, self-evaluation and analysis. How can we do this better?
Research. Who and what products can help us improve?
Money (yes, at least some monetary investment)
Perseverance—that bull-dog grip.
And time. No microwaved big things.

No matter whether you are building a life, a family, a career, a business, ministry, or friendships, big things require big effort; thought, study and analysis; research—better ways of doing what you are doing; money—always some monetary investment; perseverance through obstacles and failures; and time. No nine-day wonders. As it is said, if it were easy, everybody would do it.

Yes indeedy, big things don’t just happen.

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“Cheerleader”

(2”X 8” 16 pt Suede Velvet with Raised Spot UV)

I was relating to my husband William in bed one night a friend’s reluctance to go to church because of the shame and sense of failure she had. William immediately exclaimed, “No! Jesus is your biggest cheerleader! No one to root more, clap louder, love you as much, push harder for you to stay on the path and succeed.”
I quickly turned the light on and wrote it down.

Remember, dear friend, whenever the task seems too big for you; you feel unappreciated and unloved, shamed by the mistakes you have made, the opportunities you have neglected, and your downright intentional wrong choices; when you feel so feeble in body or spirit that you wonder if you can continue to try, and you experience a weakening resolve to succeed, there is someone bigger than you who is rooting for you.

Moreover—and listen, dear friend--that child, parent, sibling or other relative or friend that you are concerned about—they also have Someone pulling for them and arranging life’s circumstances for them to make wise choices and achieve success. Jesus has not given up on them. He has not given up on you. And the final chapter has not been written.

Truly, Jesus is not our biggest accuser. Jesus is our biggest cheerleader.

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“Cover To Cover”

(16 pt 2”X7” Akuafoil)

We have so much print in our houses. I almost felt regretful when I received a gift of a book, no matter how much I appreciated it or was drawn to the title and subject, because it was another to add to the mountain of books partially read or entirely unread. That didn’t count the papers, magazines, and professional material that I really needed to go through. THEN, there was the Bible, which I remorsefully felt I didn’t spend enough time in.

But then a wonderful revelation occurred. How many times had I “just happened” to read the exact information, or encouragement, or wisdom that I needed just at that time. Secular and professional or devotional. I could thumb through a book and my eyes would light on just what I needed, even when I didn’t have a goal in mind.

No longer am I intimidated by the mountains of print in my house or the challenging sixty-six books of the Bible, because

“Cover to cover or thumbing through, Lord, I see just what you want me to.” And I do.

By the way, you need several of these: one for each book you have partially read, the one you haven’t started yet, and one to place in the bathroom magazine rack.

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“Crazy”

(16 pt. 2”X7” Silk Laminated with SPOT UV)

My night owl sister-in-law Charla tells me that in working on her accounting degree and needing peace and quiet to concentrate she would wait until everybody went to bed to work at the kitchen table. Dad, a retired physician and bored, would wander down late at night wanting to talk. She would explain, “Dad, I need to study.” Apparently, he would ignore her, and would always tell her, “Don’t argue with crazy people.”

I wonder what the history was behind his frequent admonition, but probably as a doctor, he had many opportunities to argue with irrational people. As I thought about it, I remembered the numerous times I had tried to calmly express a sensible idea, and the other person with the unreasonable belief would remain unbudging in his thinking and talking. I would walk away frustrated, wondering if I was the crazy person. Hence the wisdom of my father-in-law (and the Proverbs) just not to go there. 😊

(My husband read this, broke out into laughter, and wondered if his dad was the example he was advising against. Then he began to rattle off words like “intransigent,” “intractable,” and “hidebound.”)

Now, my own comment. On a more serious note, some crazy people are abusive. Those individuals may not be a laughing matter, and it may require prayer and action to turn it into something you might ever smile about. But until then, we all have the individuals we can both groan and chuckle about!

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“Daily Schedule”

(16 pt. 2”X7” Akuafoil)

My friend Pat Bennett and I have for many years prayed together. In the car in the parking lots of Steak and Shake, the old Library Center, The Nature Center, and in various offices we could find empty. Of course, there have been the prayer sessions on the phone when we could not get together.

God met with us every time.

There was something magic about those prayer times—synergism, the world would call it. Like eager children in a candy store owned by their generous father, we came sometimes rejoicing, other times with heavy hearts, but always to experience his presence and hear his voice. We so loved to hear what God had to say.

I remember the time we prayed for a loved one to know God more intimately, and through his Holy Spirit he instructed us to pray that she would hear during the twilight times. Hmm. Just at the time when spirit and mind seem to intersect.

But sometimes we had practical concerns. Since both of us enjoyed reading, Bible study, prayer time, and listening to the many excellent Bible teachers, we struggled with keeping all of life’s plates spinning--household tasks and the many practical responsibilities we all face. God’s simple word: “say ‘give us this day our daily schedule.’”

We laughed and marveled at the simple wisdom he had given us. No angst, no worry, just ask our heavenly Father to help us make our daily schedule.

Therein was born this TruthMark. For those of you who are organized and disciplined, perhaps you might still benefit from asking God to prioritize your day’s activities. For those like Pat and me, we will appreciate and applaud this humble instruction. I keep it on my bedside to see first thing in the morning.

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“Healing”

(16 pt 2”X7” Suede with Velvet Lamination)

I don’t think there is anything that causes me more anguish than the physical pain and suffering I see around me. Right now three of my friends are combating cancer with six friends who underwent cancer treatment now cancer-free. Others are dealing with serious health challenges, while many live with nagging physical problems like allergies or old injuries.

National statistics show that in 2020 60 percent of adults in the United State had a chronic disease and 40 percent had two or more. Derek Prince, one of the great teaching preachers of the 20th century, said years ago that he found in the church at least 80 percent of Christians were sick.
Chances are you have a friend or relative who has a health problem, perhaps life threatening. Chances are that you deal with some kind of physical challenge, or something that needs to be fixed.

And yet, medical scientists say that our bodies are designed to last 120 years. Many believe that on a natural plane our bodies are designed to repair themselves, like the cut that forms a scab and then heals. Plus, we know the many healing promises of the Old and New Testaments.

As William and I pondered these inconsistencies one night with great concern and prayed for healings, he began to remark that something in the body turned on needs to turn off, and something turned off needs to turn on. Abnormal cell replication needs to turn off. The body’s defense mechanisms need to accelerate.

In addition, there are things that are broken--broken bones and broken systems and broken hearts. They need to mend.

Sometimes there are things that are missing, and we need a creative miracle as in the command of Genesis 1:3 “Let there be.”

I doubt there are few greater cries among people than the plea for healing. As you pray, either requesting God or commanding the body, we hope that this simple TruthMark will provide a touchstone for prayer for health both in the world and in the church. Something needs to turn on or turn off, something needs to mend, or something needs to be created.

Oh, and lest we find our faith lessened by the knowledge that we may have contributed to our illness, we have the wonderful promise that God is greater than our guilt, as quoted on the back of this TruthMark (1 Jn 3:20). John kindly points out that God “knows all things”—more than we would know to feel remorseful about—reminding us that God’s love and mercy are more magnificent than our self-condemnation. Oh yes, “Amazing Grace.”

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“Let Go”

(16 pt. 2”X6” Suede Velvet)

I heard once that the two saddest words in the English language were “if only.”
The mistakes we have made.

“It was right in front of my face, and I ignored it.”

“I didn’t ask enough questions.”

“I wouldn’t listen to others’ advice.”

The opportunities we have missed—the great education opportunity or job opportunity.

The ignorance or stubbornness we embraced.

The naivete or over-control of others. (“Why did I not see this about my child?”)

“Why did I not more fully express my gratitude to my parents and grandparents?”

“Why was I so rigid, or why was I so wishy-washy?”

“Why didn’t I try harder, or why did I expend more effort than was humanly possible? Did I think I was God?”

“Why did I not take better care of my physical body? My money? My relationships?”

When I stubbornly, intentionally went my own way.
The times I have been cheated or defrauded or otherwise been taken advantage of.

The sad disappointment of career and personal failures.

What insights would I have if I did not go to church? Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings and mature church members! One of my dear and profound church friends, Debbie Carter, said you have to let go of past disappointments to receive the new that our creative God has for us. It is not a make-do scheme but something that will far exceed what we could imagine.

Certainly, that is what God excels at—taking failures and mistakes and plain old rebellious natures--and creating magnificent new plans.

So, let go of the failures of the past. Dust off that old idea. Thank God for new wisdom we have learned. Ask God for a new idea, -- a “witty invention,” or a fresh opportunity.

Yes, if we let go—let go--of what could have been, we can realize God’s new and brilliant plan.

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“Say Who”

(16 pt. 2”X6” Suede Velvet)

I love my older sister Jane, the consummate cynic. Her mantra? “Says WHO!” She was always the fearless, shake-off-the-rules daughter, the one who might present a challenge to me personally but who would fight others to the death for me. As my friend psychologist said, older siblings are demi-gods to us.

I admired and tried to measure up to this extremely bright older sister. If she could easily graduate elementary school as valedictorian, I would slavishly and literally memorize whole geography chapters to make a good grade.

As the dutiful daughter and people pleaser, I have needed to adopt more of that says-who attitude. You will always have “experts” to talk you out of a God venture. As I say, in any new venture you will encounter problems and problem people.

So, as you hear those voices—external voices or authorities in your head--that say, “bad idea,” “unworkable,” or “you don’t have enough talent, time, money, resources, etc.,” you say, “SAYS WHO!”

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“When I Am Called Home”

(16 pt 2”X7” Akuafoil)

After I began attending a morning Bible study and prayer group some years ago, the members said, “You must hear Jane’s declaration.” So of course I asked. And here it is. Lilting and joyful. Someone should set it to music.

“When I am called home, I will be walking, talking, seeing, hearing, and thinking in perfect wholeness by the Blood of the Lamb.”

Genesis 6:3 tells us that the days of man are 120 years, and I have heard scientists say that our bodies are designed to last 120 years. Others in the health field write about the strong connection between our emotions and our words and our physical bodies. Not only do we want to fulfill our days on earth, but we want to do so with health and vigor to complete what God has given us to do.

So, as she says, when I leave this life, I will be walking, talking, seeing, hearing, and thinking. Whether at age 50 or 100 or 150!
My dear friend Jane Pitt has given me permission to use the happy wisdom she expressed. I believe in proclamations, and I believe what the researchers say, that your body believes every word you say. In addition, the Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue.
I would say that this is a TruthMark you will not only want in a book but stuck on your refrigerator!

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Leather TruthMark

After the Covenant Keeper, we had our first project: a truth to create a TruthMark. But without graphic design skills, how could we present it? Then I remembered the universal love of a gorgeous leather. Intrinsic beauty, worth, and durability. Nothing much to do besides add an elegant script in a gorgeous ink. Add a complementary tie at the top, and we were done.

Well, it wasn’t quite that simple, but thanks to Riley Hampton at Digital Quill Studio and his graphic design skills and the Springfield Leather Company, it only took us eleven months!

Here it is in three colors—burgundy, blue-black, and sap (tan). A labor of love. A perfect gift to a friend. Or yourself.

Carol & William
Creations from the Spirit

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Wholesale prices available. Contact us for information.