Happy Mothers day!!!
Mothers are very special people. Today is the day we celebrate the women in our lives that have impacted us in a postive and loving way. Don't forget to tell those special women how important they are to you.
Missy's Sale
Just had to announce that my cp and friend Missy Tippens had sold another book to Steeple Hill!! I'm so thrilled for her. She reworked this book and they really liked it. Missy has great revision skills. I look at my work and think, "it's the only way this can happen." I need to learn from her.
Congratulations Missy!!!!
Congratulations Missy!!!!
F.A.I.T.H. on Monday
Click on over to F.A.I.T.H. on Monday. We are talking about finding the true core of your writing. What your story is about at heart.
If you're a reader, you can post about what type of story you LOVE to read.
If you're a reader, you can post about what type of story you LOVE to read.
Plotting on F.A.I.T.H.
Check out F.A.I.T.H. on Monday. We're talking plotting over there. Or non-plotting.
Congratulations to Mindy!
A big congratulations goes out to Mindy. She won the drawing for Healing Promises by Amy Wallace.
Again, thank you Amy for joining us and a big thank you and hello to all who visited.
Again, thank you Amy for joining us and a big thank you and hello to all who visited.
Healing Promises-Amy Wallace
I'd like to introduce to you Amy Wallace, Rita Award Nominee for Ransomed Dreams.
Today we are talking about her second book, Healing Promises which will be available April 15th. I'll be drawing for a free copy tomorrow morning. So leave a comment today and check back to see if you are the lucky one to receive this great book.
I had the privilege of asking Amy a few questions.
Belinda: What was the biggest difference in writing Ransomed Dreams, then Healing Promises?
Amy: When I first wrote Ransomed Dreams, I knew nothing and had a ball just getting the story on the page. I also had a number of years to hone my craft and then rewrite the story under the guidance of my incredible editor.
Writing Healing Promises was done with a great deal more knowledge of the publishing world and skills needed for writing well. It was also written during a time of intense physical pain and spiritual searching. Due to all that, it was less than a thrill ride. But the experience taught me even more how to cling to God when storms hit full force.
Belinda: Did you prepare differently for writing Healing Promises?
Amy: For all three books in the Defenders of Hope series, tons of hours went into research, praying and laying out the stories. But Healing Promises dipped deeper into my heart and many of the issues believers struggle with when life hurts. I had to open up a lot more and pour myself out onto the page—and I thought I poured out all I had with Ransomed Dreams! But God is so faithful to fill us up and give us exactly what we need to tell stories that will touch hearts.
Belinda: Is there any advice you can give to those who write romantic suspense on how to balance the suspense with the romance and let the two compliment each other?
Amy: My advice for any type of writing is to let who God is and who you are flow through your fingers. That’s the uniqueness each writer brings to the table.
In terms of writing romantic suspense, there are a few basics to make both plot threads believable and cohesive. First, I’d suggest not writing a kiss scene in the midst of the hero and heroine being chased by some deranged antagonist. When/ if they do kiss, make it count and have it happen at a time and place that are believable. That’s not to say they can’t kiss in the midst of what appears to be a dangerous situation. Dee Henderson did a masterful job of that in The Guardian.
Another important thing a romantic suspense author can do is fully research their story. There are a ton of ideas tucked away in good research. Read biographies about and talk to people in your character’s professions. Some folks I’ve interviewed have shared great ideas for bringing together the suspense and romance plots just by telling stories of their lives.
And lastly, I’d say really getting to know your characters is one of the best ways to blend the romance and suspense well. Pray about each character’s basic lie. What do they believe about themselves? They’re unlovable? They’re not good enough? And also find out what do they want most or hope with everything in them won’t happen. Knowing these things about your characters will enable you to write them well. Praying about them will help you see what God wants to do through your story to touch hearts.
Wow!
Amy has shared valuable insights with us today. And not just about writing. Search your heart for what God would have you write. He has gifted Amy with the ability to put on paper what she has gleamed from Him into fiction that leaves us breathless and satisfied at the same time.
Remember, leave a comment to be eligible for a free copy of Healing Promises.
Thank you Amy for sharing so much with us.
PS--You HAVE to visit Heart Chocolate below----it's one of the coolest websites I've ever seen. Check it out and see if you agree.
Dark Chocolate Suspense newsletter
Heart Chocolate
Ransomed Dreams--Buy Now!
Healing Promises--Buy Now!
Ransomed Dreams first chapter
Healing Promises first chapter
F.A.I.T.H. Today
We're talking about the story that won't let you go over on F.A.I.T.H. today. Check it out!
And Friday I have the priviledge of interviewing Rita Nominee Amy Wallace. Her upcoming novel Healing Promises debuts this month. Come back and visit on Friday!! Check out Amy here!
And Friday I have the priviledge of interviewing Rita Nominee Amy Wallace. Her upcoming novel Healing Promises debuts this month. Come back and visit on Friday!! Check out Amy here!
It's Only April 5th
I had a migraine on Tuesday and a grandson born on Wednesday---so I spent Thursday and Friday doing all I didn't do Tuesday and Wednesday.
How's that for excuses?
Can you claim you didn't blog because you had a migraine and a grandson being born?
Didn't think so!
But really----Tyler was born Wednesday morning. Mom and son are doing well. Everybody's home and settling in. We are going visiting today. Can't wait to hold little Tyler again.
You are familiar with the saying "time flies." And when you are young, you think everything moves so slow. I literally need a few more hours in the day to keep up with what's going on. But I know that's not going to happen. (There will always only be 24 hours in a day)
So enjoy your 24 hours---See you next week!
How's that for excuses?
Can you claim you didn't blog because you had a migraine and a grandson being born?
Didn't think so!
But really----Tyler was born Wednesday morning. Mom and son are doing well. Everybody's home and settling in. We are going visiting today. Can't wait to hold little Tyler again.
You are familiar with the saying "time flies." And when you are young, you think everything moves so slow. I literally need a few more hours in the day to keep up with what's going on. But I know that's not going to happen. (There will always only be 24 hours in a day)
So enjoy your 24 hours---See you next week!
Voice talk on F.A.I.T.H.
On Monday we're talking about voice over at F.A.I.T.H. Come over and visit!
Excuses for why I didn't blog much in March and reasons why I plan to blog more in April
Okay.
So I didn't post too much in March. March was a crazy month. Totally crazy. Work, not being home, combined with Lenny being out of town and me having to judge two writing contests, left me with much too little time.
April however is going to be different. The work situation is getting better, we don't have NASCAR races and bowling tournaments to attend. Lenny will not be leaving town for work. I'm not judging any contests. In fact, I think I'll enter a couple.
I have to get back to the writing. This story is jumping around in my head...shoot, the next story is already creating scenes in my head. What is a writer to do with so much stuff and so little time?
Make the most of the time she/he has. I know I have a lot more than some people. I had a dream last night that I finished my book. I also dreamed that we almost missed the boat on our trip we are taking in June, but let's hope that doesn't come to pass. That part of the dream was very stressful.
Not that it might interest everyone, but maybe I'll make April my posting on my progress month. Keeps me accountable anyway. But I'll have to throw in some fun stuff so non-writers don't get bored.
April, here we come!!
So I didn't post too much in March. March was a crazy month. Totally crazy. Work, not being home, combined with Lenny being out of town and me having to judge two writing contests, left me with much too little time.
April however is going to be different. The work situation is getting better, we don't have NASCAR races and bowling tournaments to attend. Lenny will not be leaving town for work. I'm not judging any contests. In fact, I think I'll enter a couple.
I have to get back to the writing. This story is jumping around in my head...shoot, the next story is already creating scenes in my head. What is a writer to do with so much stuff and so little time?
Make the most of the time she/he has. I know I have a lot more than some people. I had a dream last night that I finished my book. I also dreamed that we almost missed the boat on our trip we are taking in June, but let's hope that doesn't come to pass. That part of the dream was very stressful.
Not that it might interest everyone, but maybe I'll make April my posting on my progress month. Keeps me accountable anyway. But I'll have to throw in some fun stuff so non-writers don't get bored.
April, here we come!!
Talking About Contests Over At F.A.I.T.H.
I'm posting about contests on Monday over at F.A.I.T.H. on Monday. Check it out.
The Connection
Well, the Idol 12 are in. The only real surprise for me last night was Aysha--(I know I didn't spell her name right.)
I think it's a good top twelve. I still think there will be more boys than girls around in a few weeks.
This Idol contest makes me think of us writers who are trying to get published amidst a sea of thousands of people trying to be published. There are a lot of good writers. There are probably a lot of great writers. Just like the contestants on Idol....they are all great. But what makes them stand out? What makes them connect with the crowd? What makes them able to have people clapping at the end of the performance?
It's what they bring to each song. As writers we have our own personality and experiences we can bring to each book. No other author has our exact emotions to each situation. We have to bring ourselves to our work and dig deep to grab that connection with editors and agents to make them believe in what we are doing.
Which Idol's do you think connect with the audience most?
I think it's a good top twelve. I still think there will be more boys than girls around in a few weeks.
This Idol contest makes me think of us writers who are trying to get published amidst a sea of thousands of people trying to be published. There are a lot of good writers. There are probably a lot of great writers. Just like the contestants on Idol....they are all great. But what makes them stand out? What makes them connect with the crowd? What makes them able to have people clapping at the end of the performance?
It's what they bring to each song. As writers we have our own personality and experiences we can bring to each book. No other author has our exact emotions to each situation. We have to bring ourselves to our work and dig deep to grab that connection with editors and agents to make them believe in what we are doing.
Which Idol's do you think connect with the audience most?
The Boyz Are Rockin'
The boyz were rockin' last night!! One of my new fav's David Cook---you gotta love that guy. Jason was awesome--most of them did a really good job. Isn't it amazing how the crowd cheers when Simon says "I loved it!"
That's his new phrase for the year I guess. Unless he's said it before and I never paid attention.
But I'll be like Simon about last night.
I LOVED IT!
Girls, watch out.
That's his new phrase for the year I guess. Unless he's said it before and I never paid attention.
But I'll be like Simon about last night.
I LOVED IT!
Girls, watch out.
Idle Girls!!
Yes, I spelled Idle the way I wanted to. Idle.
They weren't that intersting last night. What happened? They are nervous and pitchy. (I never even heard the word pitchy until I started watching Idol--now I use it like I know exactly what I"m talking about!)
I liked Brooke--she's always been my fav girl. She's fun.
We'll have to see what happens tonight. I think they are going to be in real trouble when they are combined with the boys. The boys are rockin this year.
They weren't that intersting last night. What happened? They are nervous and pitchy. (I never even heard the word pitchy until I started watching Idol--now I use it like I know exactly what I"m talking about!)
I liked Brooke--she's always been my fav girl. She's fun.
We'll have to see what happens tonight. I think they are going to be in real trouble when they are combined with the boys. The boys are rockin this year.
Love
It's been a crazy week, I've been sick, everybody's going through something. Life is busy to say the least. Tomorrow is Valentines Day! Yeah! The day of LOVE! I LOVE it.
Everyone have a LOVELY Valentines day!!
Girls Just Want To Have Fun
Really. We do. We love having fun. But sometimes there's no time for fun. Sometimes we have too many things going on. Even when we have "fun" things planned, pushing together too many of them results in trying to fit everything in. Then the fun seems to disappear into the pressures of everything else.
Drat!
I think God has been speaking to me lately regarding certain things. I have two engagments I was planning on doing that I have decided to say "no" to. I think it's time to slow down. After all, I do have a wedding to plan this year. I want to enjoy every minute of that process. The wedding and reception are going to be at the same place which simplifies things greatly. My daughter and her fiance just firmed up their honeymoon plans and they are simplifying also.
We have also just started the Lenten season and I know I need to rely on and listen to what God is telling me. I haven't had time to write and that is a big hole in my life right now. I do believe God wants me to write.
Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God;
Write Reasons
Why do we continue to write after all these years? We keep writing, getting rejected, write, reject and yet we start another story, put another idea down on paper. I think it's because we can't not write. The ideas come, they have to be played out.
I was telling my dh this morning about a conference I would like to attend. I don't know if it will work out date-wise, but I've heard lots of great things about this conference, it's close to home and I think it would be a great opportunity.
But then there was this little nagging in my mind---how much more money are you going to put out--before getting money in?
I've never really thought this way before. I think it's not the way God wants me to think.
I have to write. It comes from inside my heart. It's a given that stories come into my head all the time.
So I keep plugging away at it. Creating stories and characters and happy endings. (Yes, I HAVE to have a happy ending!)
Share The Love!!!
Dropping in to say have a great day in all you do. I"m working like crazy a good distance from my house. It's only temporary---that's the good thing! But I"m learning a lot and gaining more head knowledge. I"m sure God will put it use for his glory! Because that's what we're all about. Doing God's stuff so He will shine through and people will know His love.
I had a dream last night about sharing the love of Jesus. Somebody in my dream (not sure who it was) was feeling so much love from another human being. They just couldn't believe it--and I wanted to shout "You can feel that love all the time--everyday from God." But for some reason I didn't. And then in my dream I remember feeling like I should have said that no matter what.
I hope I step up in real life. I hope I don't miss an opportunity to share God's love.
I had a dream last night about sharing the love of Jesus. Somebody in my dream (not sure who it was) was feeling so much love from another human being. They just couldn't believe it--and I wanted to shout "You can feel that love all the time--everyday from God." But for some reason I didn't. And then in my dream I remember feeling like I should have said that no matter what.
I hope I step up in real life. I hope I don't miss an opportunity to share God's love.
Win--on the F.A.I.T.H. blog
Find out how to win this great prize over at the F.A.I.T.H. blog. Today only!!
Check it out. Hint---It's a birthday celebration!!
Talking About Love
We're talking about love over at F.A.I.T.H. today. Come check it out and let us know about your love!!!
Check Out Check In Sunday over at F.A.I.T.H.
Over at the F.A.I.T.H. website we are checking in with our progress we had last week.
Have you been watching the progress meter for This Crazy Love I Never Expected go up ever so slightly over the last couple of days?
Well, I've had somewhat of a revelation and hope to get some things down on paper today and move along much more quickly.
What about you? Have anything you'd like to accomplish this coming week?
Happy Birthay Missy!
Have you been watching the progress meter for This Crazy Love I Never Expected go up ever so slightly over the last couple of days?
Well, I've had somewhat of a revelation and hope to get some things down on paper today and move along much more quickly.
What about you? Have anything you'd like to accomplish this coming week?
Happy Birthay Missy!
Give It Up
Everyone is different. Everyone has their own talents, gifts and things they excel at. I'm reading a book right now titled Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. He is convinced that you can learn to write. Which is a good thing, because I don't think I'm one of those people who have innate talent. (In anything!)
There are aspects of writing I have learned and at this point I have found my voice. I have found the style of writing that brings out the best response in readers.
But no amount of craft books or that thrill of finding your voice will be of any use to you if you don't give it all over to God.
Give your story to God and see what happens. You'll be surprised.
I started journaling every morning before I write. Sometimes its just a couple of sentences, sometimes it's longer. I start out with what I would like to accomplish in my scene or chapter or whatever block of the story I'm working with, then I give the story to God. Ask Him to guide me in the way of His truth for the book.
So far, so good.
Are there any special steps you take to assure you're writing for God? I'm sure, like the innate talent, there are people who do this naturally.
How about you?
There are aspects of writing I have learned and at this point I have found my voice. I have found the style of writing that brings out the best response in readers.
But no amount of craft books or that thrill of finding your voice will be of any use to you if you don't give it all over to God.
Give your story to God and see what happens. You'll be surprised.
I started journaling every morning before I write. Sometimes its just a couple of sentences, sometimes it's longer. I start out with what I would like to accomplish in my scene or chapter or whatever block of the story I'm working with, then I give the story to God. Ask Him to guide me in the way of His truth for the book.
So far, so good.
Are there any special steps you take to assure you're writing for God? I'm sure, like the innate talent, there are people who do this naturally.
How about you?
It's All Free!!!
Don't you just love the freedom we have in Jesus?
I think some people view living a Christian life as living a boring, rule-filled existence where they can have no fun. Nothing can be further from the truth. The reason God sent Jesus to this earth is nothing short of a miracle. Jesus was alive and well, interacting with people just like you and me. But he was perfect-void of sin. We are not.
The message of Jesus is love. I know I can't begin to imagine the whole, perfect, complete love God has for us. But the little I can wrap my mind around thrills me. Knowing our God, loves us so much, He sent Jesus to us to teach, live and live out the love He embodies.
Jesus is alive and active today in all of our hearts. He wants us to show the love our Father has for us as we live out our lives. Knowing we have such an awesome teacher, mentor and guide gives us the freedom to be who we are in Jesus---Praise God!
There has been some stirring in my heart all week, and I feel these words sum it up.
Let the love of Jesus flow
Take it with you where ever you go.
He's in your heart, He's in my heart.
From the love of Jesus we never part.
Be free! Live free! Love free!
In Jesus that's how we will be.
I think some people view living a Christian life as living a boring, rule-filled existence where they can have no fun. Nothing can be further from the truth. The reason God sent Jesus to this earth is nothing short of a miracle. Jesus was alive and well, interacting with people just like you and me. But he was perfect-void of sin. We are not.
The message of Jesus is love. I know I can't begin to imagine the whole, perfect, complete love God has for us. But the little I can wrap my mind around thrills me. Knowing our God, loves us so much, He sent Jesus to us to teach, live and live out the love He embodies.
Jesus is alive and active today in all of our hearts. He wants us to show the love our Father has for us as we live out our lives. Knowing we have such an awesome teacher, mentor and guide gives us the freedom to be who we are in Jesus---Praise God!
There has been some stirring in my heart all week, and I feel these words sum it up.
Let the love of Jesus flow
Take it with you where ever you go.
He's in your heart, He's in my heart.
From the love of Jesus we never part.
Be free! Live free! Love free!
In Jesus that's how we will be.
Website Update
Okay--I've had a website since the summer. It's been "under construction" since then. Meaning I don't know what I'm doing, haven't had time to figure out what I'm doing and am too cheap right now to hire someone who knows what they're doing.
So this weekend I decided to try and tackle the thing myself. It's not where I want it to be, but it's a far cry from where it used to be.
I have a background I like, I've uploaded a photo and an image....stuff that took me a little while to figure, out but I did it.
There's something to figuring out this stuff for yourself. I'm not going to say I'm into computer stuff and all that. I'm not. But this webpage came with some very helpful pointers and a beginning. So, it's a start.
Check it out here if you want. Let me know what you think.
Another reason I like learning how to do this myself is I can change it at will.
So this weekend I decided to try and tackle the thing myself. It's not where I want it to be, but it's a far cry from where it used to be.
I have a background I like, I've uploaded a photo and an image....stuff that took me a little while to figure, out but I did it.
There's something to figuring out this stuff for yourself. I'm not going to say I'm into computer stuff and all that. I'm not. But this webpage came with some very helpful pointers and a beginning. So, it's a start.
Check it out here if you want. Let me know what you think.
Another reason I like learning how to do this myself is I can change it at will.
I've Been Tagged!
I've been tagged by Missy to tell 8 fun things about myself. So here goes:
1. Like Missy, I was a baton twirler and wore white go-go boots. I didn't know we had this in common. We'll have to talk about it!
2. I've worn glasses since I was in the first grade. I got contacts when I was 13.
3. I worked at Kentucky Fried Chicken for 4 years, from when I was 16-20.
4. I've gone to the same OBGYN for 22 years, the same eye doctor for 30 years, the same guy cut my hair for 27 years. I've worked with the poeple I'm working with for 18 years. Like my dad says, if it aint broke don't fix it.
5. My first car was a camaro.
6. Our dog is 15 years old, our cat is 12 years old(he's sitting on my lap right now!) and our bird is 18 years old.
7. The "d" key on my laptop is broke.
8. Today is my birthday.
There. 8 fun things about me. Now let's see. Who can I tag.....
Christy and Mindy!!
1. Like Missy, I was a baton twirler and wore white go-go boots. I didn't know we had this in common. We'll have to talk about it!
2. I've worn glasses since I was in the first grade. I got contacts when I was 13.
3. I worked at Kentucky Fried Chicken for 4 years, from when I was 16-20.
4. I've gone to the same OBGYN for 22 years, the same eye doctor for 30 years, the same guy cut my hair for 27 years. I've worked with the poeple I'm working with for 18 years. Like my dad says, if it aint broke don't fix it.
5. My first car was a camaro.
6. Our dog is 15 years old, our cat is 12 years old(he's sitting on my lap right now!) and our bird is 18 years old.
7. The "d" key on my laptop is broke.
8. Today is my birthday.
There. 8 fun things about me. Now let's see. Who can I tag.....
Christy and Mindy!!
Confession Time
Okay. I didn't exercise Saturday. I woke up at 6:30 am with a headache. I mean the headache woke me up. I was kind of out of it all day. Ended up sleeping on the couch by 3:00. Maybe the thought of exercising gave me the headache. Not sure. But Sunday morning was busy with feeding the birds then getting to church by ten.
Monday morning I had to work.
So hence my dilema for the new year. I want to do three things before I go to work each day.
Devotion time in the a.m.
Exercise in the a.m.
Write in the a.m.
I found I write much faster and cleaner and can think way better in the morning. I could do the devotional at night, but what better way to start the day than with a word from God? And my dh and I have tried walking at night, but when I do physical activity at night like walking and exercising it seems to give me energy which would be great for the morning, but keeps me awake at night, hence I would sleep late the next day and that would result in not doing any of the things I want to do in the morning.
So I'm praying for wisdom in trying to get a morning routine established. I am fortunate that I don't have to be at work at some unseemingly hour like seven, but I really do need to leave my house between 8 and 8:30. That's what I should be doing.
I am going to try the exercising this morning. I will let you know how that goes.
I have read my devotional for today.
And I can write some this morning.
But hey, I don't have to go to work today, so this is an easy day.
I really think if I can get a routine in place, with God, exercise and writing I will have a much better handle on life.
What about you? Do you have routines in place that you know help to keep you in tune, organized? If so, I'd love to hear about them.
Monday morning I had to work.
So hence my dilema for the new year. I want to do three things before I go to work each day.
Devotion time in the a.m.
Exercise in the a.m.
Write in the a.m.
I found I write much faster and cleaner and can think way better in the morning. I could do the devotional at night, but what better way to start the day than with a word from God? And my dh and I have tried walking at night, but when I do physical activity at night like walking and exercising it seems to give me energy which would be great for the morning, but keeps me awake at night, hence I would sleep late the next day and that would result in not doing any of the things I want to do in the morning.
So I'm praying for wisdom in trying to get a morning routine established. I am fortunate that I don't have to be at work at some unseemingly hour like seven, but I really do need to leave my house between 8 and 8:30. That's what I should be doing.
I am going to try the exercising this morning. I will let you know how that goes.
I have read my devotional for today.
And I can write some this morning.
But hey, I don't have to go to work today, so this is an easy day.
I really think if I can get a routine in place, with God, exercise and writing I will have a much better handle on life.
What about you? Do you have routines in place that you know help to keep you in tune, organized? If so, I'd love to hear about them.
New Stuff
Over the next few days I'll be trying out new fonts and colors for the "new" look of my blog. I do love the color pink, and I love God so this template seemed to work in those ways. My next fav color is purple, so I'm trying to get some of that in there also.
Now is also the time for some to make those yearly resolutions. What about you? Are you a resolution type person?
I normally don't make resolutions. Too easy to break. Then we're wondering if we can commit to anything. This year, though, I am setting a few goals (just a different way of saying resolution) and am going to try and tackle something I"m not thrilled about doing.
Exercise.
I'm not an exercise type person. The word makes me cringe. But I have to get some cardio and toning happening. I found a routine online that looks like something I can handle. So, Saturday I'm going to start trying to implement this routine into my mornings. I'm starting Saturday because it's going to take me a while to get the hang of these exercises.
Oh, no. Tomorrow is Saturday! Yikes. It is!
Okay. Blogger promise. I will post tomorrow how my first morning of exercise went. (or didn't)
What about you? Anything new you are planning on incorporating for the new year?
Now is also the time for some to make those yearly resolutions. What about you? Are you a resolution type person?
I normally don't make resolutions. Too easy to break. Then we're wondering if we can commit to anything. This year, though, I am setting a few goals (just a different way of saying resolution) and am going to try and tackle something I"m not thrilled about doing.
Exercise.
I'm not an exercise type person. The word makes me cringe. But I have to get some cardio and toning happening. I found a routine online that looks like something I can handle. So, Saturday I'm going to start trying to implement this routine into my mornings. I'm starting Saturday because it's going to take me a while to get the hang of these exercises.
Oh, no. Tomorrow is Saturday! Yikes. It is!
Okay. Blogger promise. I will post tomorrow how my first morning of exercise went. (or didn't)
What about you? Anything new you are planning on incorporating for the new year?
New Year--New Look
It's almost 2008 and I decided to have a new look for my blog. I hope it's easy to read. You'll have to bear with me for a few days as I get all my stuff added back on, my links and all that jazz.
Let me know what you think!!
Hope to have this finished by the end of the year.
Let me know what you think!!
Hope to have this finished by the end of the year.
Free!!
It's been a few days since I've blogged. What does it take at this time of the year to get me back in the swing?
Something free. Yes free. That's a great word to use at Christmas time, considering everytime you go into a store you're pulling out that credit card, handing out cash, or writing a check.
So this is free.
What is IT? you ask. A class on blogging. I found out I really do enjoy blogging so why not reap the rewards.
It's a great time of the year to start something. After all, it's almost New Years Day. 2008 is right around the corner.
Do you have something planned for the New Year?
Something free. Yes free. That's a great word to use at Christmas time, considering everytime you go into a store you're pulling out that credit card, handing out cash, or writing a check.
So this is free.
What is IT? you ask. A class on blogging. I found out I really do enjoy blogging so why not reap the rewards.
I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.
It covers:
- The best blogging techniques.
- How to get traffic to your blog.
- How to turn your blog into money.
I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.
It's a great time of the year to start something. After all, it's almost New Years Day. 2008 is right around the corner.
Do you have something planned for the New Year?
Weather or not?
I've been living in Georgia since 1976. Seems like we used to have seasons, but maybe I was young and doing whatever and just didn't pay attention.
Now it seems like the heat of summer turns into the cold of winter which in turn turns into the heat of summer.
Only right now the heat of summer is happening in December. We are breaking records everyday this week. High 70's. Beautiful, sunny and dry. We need cold, rainy and wet. We are in a severe drought, our water restrictions are in place and there's no washing your car in your driveway, that's for sure.
They say that by this weekend on Sunday the low will be in the 20's and the high in the 40's. More like our normal weather in December.
But for the next couple of days, I'll be enjoying this burst of summer in December.
HOw about you? Where do you live and how's your weather treating you?
Now it seems like the heat of summer turns into the cold of winter which in turn turns into the heat of summer.
Only right now the heat of summer is happening in December. We are breaking records everyday this week. High 70's. Beautiful, sunny and dry. We need cold, rainy and wet. We are in a severe drought, our water restrictions are in place and there's no washing your car in your driveway, that's for sure.
They say that by this weekend on Sunday the low will be in the 20's and the high in the 40's. More like our normal weather in December.
But for the next couple of days, I'll be enjoying this burst of summer in December.
HOw about you? Where do you live and how's your weather treating you?
Bunches of stuff
Okay, as my cuz pointed out in the comment section I have not been posting regularly this week. It's true--she's right. But--well there are no excuses are there? I've had time to do other things, so I could have jotted something down here and there--one day or another, huh?
I'll preview a little of my post tomorrow. Kristy Dykes husband is asking for world-wide prayer for her at 3:30 Monday afternoon as she goes for her first radiation treatment. I'll have that post tomorrow.
On a lighter note, we have our granddaughter with us today and tomorrow. Such a joy to have around. She's talking up a storm and making us laugh really hard with her cute sayings. She turned two in August and seems to be a very bright, fun, happy little girl.
My cuz's niece (which I'm not sure what Marisa is to me? My second niece once removed twice over and three times under?) Marisa had a baby girl last week. From reading the paragraph above Marisa and Jim are in for a lot of fun in the next couple of years. I know she will be a joy. Here is a very cute picture of Kenzi.
What a better way to end a post than with a cute picture!
I'll preview a little of my post tomorrow. Kristy Dykes husband is asking for world-wide prayer for her at 3:30 Monday afternoon as she goes for her first radiation treatment. I'll have that post tomorrow.
On a lighter note, we have our granddaughter with us today and tomorrow. Such a joy to have around. She's talking up a storm and making us laugh really hard with her cute sayings. She turned two in August and seems to be a very bright, fun, happy little girl.
My cuz's niece (which I'm not sure what Marisa is to me? My second niece once removed twice over and three times under?) Marisa had a baby girl last week. From reading the paragraph above Marisa and Jim are in for a lot of fun in the next couple of years. I know she will be a joy. Here is a very cute picture of Kenzi.
What a better way to end a post than with a cute picture!
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Head on over to F.A.I.T.H. to find out about the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
Home By Christmas
Today begins Home By Christmas, an old fashioned Christmas story written by thirteen different authors. Between now and December 23rd I'll post a continuing section of the short story each week. The first installment is by Author Louise M. Gouge. You can check it out at its dedicated blog at Home By Christmas.
I know you will enjoy this story.
I know you will enjoy this story.
A Shopping We Will Go
My husband and I live close to the mountains. There are great little mountain towns and lots of shops where you can find different and unique things. We spend one Saturday a month going Christmas shopping in Blue Ridge, Georgia. The drive is nice, and we usually find quite a few gifts. Ones that you don't find in every store.
So today is the day. It's supposed to be nice here, high 60's, low 70's. I'm sure there will be a cool breeze, but it looks to be a great day for our shopping spree.
We really look forward to doing this together. We have lots of fun and get something accomplished in the process. And it's good for me because I"m not really a shopper. I'd rather be home reading or writing instead of getting out amongst the crowds.
Where do you fall on the shopping meter? Love it? Hate it? Somewhere in between?
F.A.I.T.H. Girls
Check out Angie's Contest on her blog. She's giving away a great book on parenting.
Also, Christy has a couple of great video clips of the Casting Crowns concert she attended over Thanksgiving weekend.
Go visit.....Go on....Check them out!!!
Also, Christy has a couple of great video clips of the Casting Crowns concert she attended over Thanksgiving weekend.
Go visit.....Go on....Check them out!!!
Age telling on F.A.I.T.H.
Check out the F.A.I.T.H. blog.
We're talking about age over there today. We're discussing the first time you ever......
We're talking about age over there today. We're discussing the first time you ever......
She Said What?
My husband, son and I went to my husband's brothers for Thanksgiving. We had a great time with the family, and of course we had good food. There were a few missing from having to be elsewhere or they were sick. We hope all are well now.
We played a game called Catch-Phrase. There's this round thing-and it has a timer and a display screen. When you start you have to get your team to say the word, then you pass it on to the next team and they have to get their team to say the new word, and this goes on until that timer runs out. You don't want to be holding the thing when the timer goes off.
So, it was fun and we were having a good time. The thing gets passed to one of my team mates. She starts saying things like...when two people break up this happens to one of them....think of an organ...the one person is really this when a break up occurs...
Okay, so when she says the first line I say--"They stalk you." Well, his family started laughing. Then the organ thing and another of our teammates says something about the heart. Then when she gave the third clue I said "They try to kill themselves."
So everyone got a laugh at my responses and they commented on them for a moment, but really this is a game where you can figure some stuff out about people. Wow, what type of relationships have I had? Stalkers and people wanting to kill themselves? Yes, looking back I have had those experiences when breakups occured, but that has been years ago. I have been with my husband fifteen years now. I good, steady, safe, loving relationship.
Hmmmmmmmm.
Guess the old stuff still lingers huh?
By the way, the Catch Phrase we were looking for was "heartbreaker".
As writers we draw on experiences and reactions for our characters. No, I don't write suspense, but I do write humor. In some situations, there is nothing to do but laugh.
Do you have any experiences to draw from as a writer? Do you have any over all themes that keep popping up in your books? Readers, do you like a particular type of book for a reason?
We played a game called Catch-Phrase. There's this round thing-and it has a timer and a display screen. When you start you have to get your team to say the word, then you pass it on to the next team and they have to get their team to say the new word, and this goes on until that timer runs out. You don't want to be holding the thing when the timer goes off.
So, it was fun and we were having a good time. The thing gets passed to one of my team mates. She starts saying things like...when two people break up this happens to one of them....think of an organ...the one person is really this when a break up occurs...
Okay, so when she says the first line I say--"They stalk you." Well, his family started laughing. Then the organ thing and another of our teammates says something about the heart. Then when she gave the third clue I said "They try to kill themselves."
So everyone got a laugh at my responses and they commented on them for a moment, but really this is a game where you can figure some stuff out about people. Wow, what type of relationships have I had? Stalkers and people wanting to kill themselves? Yes, looking back I have had those experiences when breakups occured, but that has been years ago. I have been with my husband fifteen years now. I good, steady, safe, loving relationship.
Hmmmmmmmm.
Guess the old stuff still lingers huh?
By the way, the Catch Phrase we were looking for was "heartbreaker".
As writers we draw on experiences and reactions for our characters. No, I don't write suspense, but I do write humor. In some situations, there is nothing to do but laugh.
Do you have any experiences to draw from as a writer? Do you have any over all themes that keep popping up in your books? Readers, do you like a particular type of book for a reason?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
I have so much to be thankful for. Not everything goes right every day, not every situation is to my liking, not every dream has been realized. But to focus on those things would be foolish.
What I do have and know and love puts those negative thoughts to shame. My family, my friends, the fact I get to live in a house, have a car to drive.
The common factor all these good things have is God. Without Him I would be nowhere. My thinking would be misguided, my decisions would be misdirected, my over-all attitude would leave a lot to be desired.
I'm thinking we should be thankful everyday for the love He's given us so we can love each other.
Have a blessed day!
I have so much to be thankful for. Not everything goes right every day, not every situation is to my liking, not every dream has been realized. But to focus on those things would be foolish.
What I do have and know and love puts those negative thoughts to shame. My family, my friends, the fact I get to live in a house, have a car to drive.
The common factor all these good things have is God. Without Him I would be nowhere. My thinking would be misguided, my decisions would be misdirected, my over-all attitude would leave a lot to be desired.
I'm thinking we should be thankful everyday for the love He's given us so we can love each other.
Have a blessed day!
Crowder and Such
The DC Band show last night was awesome! A group called The Myraid opened and then Phil Wickman....how incredible of a performer he is! He was sans band, just him and his guitar and man he can belt out some love to our Lord!
Then Crowder and Company stepped out on stage and electricity struck---the man can move an audiance. He is high energy and if you are in the same room you can't help but be caught up in it. The drummer has somehow managed to flip a Guitar Hero guitar into a guitar that Crowder played during one of the songs. That really vamped up the crowd. They (mostly a younger than me crowd) were loving it.
On a totally different note, Missy has a great author interview posted on her blog on debut author Julie Lessman. Go here to check it out.
Then Crowder and Company stepped out on stage and electricity struck---the man can move an audiance. He is high energy and if you are in the same room you can't help but be caught up in it. The drummer has somehow managed to flip a Guitar Hero guitar into a guitar that Crowder played during one of the songs. That really vamped up the crowd. They (mostly a younger than me crowd) were loving it.
On a totally different note, Missy has a great author interview posted on her blog on debut author Julie Lessman. Go here to check it out.
David Crowder-Tonight!
Tonight is the David Crowder Band concert at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia. I bought my tickets in April and have been waiting for tonight since then. His new Cd Remedy is great and we are looking forward to having a great time. I'll post tomorrow and let you know how the show was.
It'll be fun spending a couple hours worshiping our God with awesome music!
Praise and Prayer at F.A.I.T.H.
There are beautiful pics over at the F.A.I.T.H. blog today.
Also prayers for Kristy Dykes and her surgery this morning at 7:30. We are posting prayers over at F.A.I.T.H.
Also, Jennifer is featuring author Molly Noble Bull over on her blog. check it out here
Also prayers for Kristy Dykes and her surgery this morning at 7:30. We are posting prayers over at F.A.I.T.H.
Also, Jennifer is featuring author Molly Noble Bull over on her blog. check it out here
Angie's Contest
Angie has a great contest running on her blog today. The prize is a really fun sounding book.
check it out
check it out
F.A.I.T.H. Girl Blogs--Check them out today
Angie has a really good discussion going on at her blog today regarding time management and getting it all done. What God has called you to do, and setting your mind to doing it.
Check Angie out here
Jennifer has a great recap of her writing retreat last weekend coupled with pictures and enthusiasm. For a great read Check Jennifer out here
Check Angie out here
Jennifer has a great recap of her writing retreat last weekend coupled with pictures and enthusiasm. For a great read Check Jennifer out here
The Best Part
Which part of the writing process do you like best? Click on over to F.A.I.T.H. and let us know-or see what everybody else's fav part is.
Listening
Are you ever at a loss for words? Words that truly express the way you feel, the way your heart feels?
That's about how I've been this past week. In coversations with my husband and with Kay about God things I keep saying "I don't know."
There are things I do know. God's love-the freedom in God's love-the way God loves us. All that has been brought home to me this week. It's amazing, it's awesome, it's incredible.
What I don't know is what to do with it.
Where to go with it.
I can't sit around and not do anything with His incredible gift of Him to us.
I can't.
I write. That's something. But I need to do more.
If you are reading this, please pray for God's calling to me to be revealed. I think I'm thinking to hard. I've been praying. I'm trying to listen.
That's about how I've been this past week. In coversations with my husband and with Kay about God things I keep saying "I don't know."
There are things I do know. God's love-the freedom in God's love-the way God loves us. All that has been brought home to me this week. It's amazing, it's awesome, it's incredible.
What I don't know is what to do with it.
Where to go with it.
I can't sit around and not do anything with His incredible gift of Him to us.
I can't.
I write. That's something. But I need to do more.
If you are reading this, please pray for God's calling to me to be revealed. I think I'm thinking to hard. I've been praying. I'm trying to listen.
Please Pray
This is a post to ask for prayer. Fellow author and speaker Kristy Dykes just found out she has a brain tumor. Please pray for her healing and peace during this time.
Psalm 16:1-3
Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust. O my soul, you have said to the Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You. As for the saints who are on the earth, They are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.
We trust in the Lord. He delights in us. Kristy, we are praying.
Psalm 16:1-3
Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust. O my soul, you have said to the Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You. As for the saints who are on the earth, They are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.
We trust in the Lord. He delights in us. Kristy, we are praying.
Seasons
Halloween is over and the holidays are coming. Soon it will be Thanksgiving and then Christmas. It's finally getting cooler here in Georgia. I have yet to wear a coat, but I think we're almost there. The leaves are falling and turning colors.
It's fall in Georgia a month and a half before it officially becomes winter.
Ah, the joys of living in the south.
What part of the country do you live in and have you seen the signs of the seasons changing?
It's fall in Georgia a month and a half before it officially becomes winter.
Ah, the joys of living in the south.
What part of the country do you live in and have you seen the signs of the seasons changing?
Rain and NASCAR
Ah! It's raining in Georgia. Not a whole lot, but the streets are wet, the ground is damp and I had to turn the windshield wipers on tonight and this morning.
Yeah!
We need the rain so badly! Of course it will start raining now. It's NASCAR weekend coming up and that just goes hand in hand with rain. I remember more than one year of hanging out all day just to go home because we were rained out.
What's amazaing to me is that south Georgia has has way too much rain and north Georgia is in a severe drought. Send some water our way folks!!
Oh, well, I'll report back about the race (or non-race) on Sunday.
Anyone know who this racer is?
Pizza
Okay, I'll admit it. This is a mindless, senseless, post. But it probably mirrors my mind right now. After months of being "on the go" I am finally home for months on end. Yes, until February I'm not leaving town. Even I am having a hard time believing it's true.
So, why is this post titled Pizza? Because I've eaten pizza for dinner last Saturday night, Sunday night, Monday night, Thursday night, Friday night and I'm eating left over pizza today for lunch.
Did I mention I LOVE pizza? I guess it's a good thing, huh?
I had Papa Johns, Stevie B's, Romano's, Digorno frozen pizza (I'm addicted) and Trevili's Pizza in Dawsonville, Georgia. Did I already say I LOVE pizza? Well, as much as I LOVE pizza, I"m probably going to be hating my scales in a couple of days. While pizza is great for the taste buds, it's way bad on the calories.
So, what's your favorite type of pizza? And what's your limit on how many times a week you would eat it?
Check in Sunday over at F.A.I.T.H.
It's check in Sunday over at F.A.I.T.H. Come check out what we've been doing all week. Also, let us know what you've been doing.
You God-a Love It!!!!!
I'm back in Atlanta now. Yeah! I just love being home. I missed my hubby and my cat. Yes, I that order. I swear!
As I mentioned in my previous post I had been in Houston and the last night I was there I stayed with my hubby's Aunt and Uncle. Ruth and Shorty. Shorty is a minister and we had great conversations.
The morning I left I showed him my devotional by Andrew Murray. I asked Shorty if he had ever read him and he said no. So I told him how I'm inspired by Andrew Murray's insightfulness. His love of the Lord is incredible.
As we are walking out the door (they took me to work that day) Uncle Shorty gives me a book. It's titled 'not I but Christ' by Stephen E. Olford. Uncle Shorty tells me it's a good book that he thinks I'll enjoy reading. He then quotes Galations 2:20--"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
So we converse a little about the book and they drop me off, we say our goodbyes and I am sad to leave them.
Later in the day I"m at the airport waiting on the plane. I decide to look at the book Uncle Shorty gave me and I glance through it. Then I remember I didn't read my Andrew Murray devotional that morning because I had been visiting with Uncle Shorty and Aunt Ruth.
So I open up Daily in His Presence by Andrew Murray. The title for October 4--"Jesus Crucified". The content of the devotional?
You got it. Galations 2:20.
I smiled and goosebumps ran up my arms. Wow. And things like this happen often with God. He is the master planner, creator and organizer of all that is Him. Right about now I'm thinking he wants me to dig deeper into this matter.
What do you think?
As I mentioned in my previous post I had been in Houston and the last night I was there I stayed with my hubby's Aunt and Uncle. Ruth and Shorty. Shorty is a minister and we had great conversations.
The morning I left I showed him my devotional by Andrew Murray. I asked Shorty if he had ever read him and he said no. So I told him how I'm inspired by Andrew Murray's insightfulness. His love of the Lord is incredible.
As we are walking out the door (they took me to work that day) Uncle Shorty gives me a book. It's titled 'not I but Christ' by Stephen E. Olford. Uncle Shorty tells me it's a good book that he thinks I'll enjoy reading. He then quotes Galations 2:20--"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
So we converse a little about the book and they drop me off, we say our goodbyes and I am sad to leave them.
Later in the day I"m at the airport waiting on the plane. I decide to look at the book Uncle Shorty gave me and I glance through it. Then I remember I didn't read my Andrew Murray devotional that morning because I had been visiting with Uncle Shorty and Aunt Ruth.
So I open up Daily in His Presence by Andrew Murray. The title for October 4--"Jesus Crucified". The content of the devotional?
You got it. Galations 2:20.
I smiled and goosebumps ran up my arms. Wow. And things like this happen often with God. He is the master planner, creator and organizer of all that is Him. Right about now I'm thinking he wants me to dig deeper into this matter.
What do you think?
Hot, Humid, Houston
I'm in Houston, Texas and boy is it hot and humid. The sun is shining and there isn't a dark cloud to be found. I'm here for work, but I had something very nice to look forward to.
Lenny's Aunt and Uncle live here. Actually 15 minutes from where I"m working and literally within walking distance of the hotel I was staying at. I took a "hotel" break tonight and spent the evening with them and their son whom I've never met before, but boy can he grill a fabulous steak.
Aunt Ruth made scalloped potatoes...salad...and homemade chocolate cake. Can you say I'm not eating for a week!!
It was a fabulous visit and if I have to come back here, I will be staying with Aunt and Uncle. They have a warm and lovely home and I enjoy their stories and visiting with them.
And maybe if I come back it will be a little cooler.
I hope!
Lenny's Aunt and Uncle live here. Actually 15 minutes from where I"m working and literally within walking distance of the hotel I was staying at. I took a "hotel" break tonight and spent the evening with them and their son whom I've never met before, but boy can he grill a fabulous steak.
Aunt Ruth made scalloped potatoes...salad...and homemade chocolate cake. Can you say I'm not eating for a week!!
It was a fabulous visit and if I have to come back here, I will be staying with Aunt and Uncle. They have a warm and lovely home and I enjoy their stories and visiting with them.
And maybe if I come back it will be a little cooler.
I hope!
Old Friends, New Beginnings
I'm home from the Georgia Romance Writers 25th Anniversary Moonlight and Magnolia conference. What an incredible weekend it was. Close to home. Friends were there and motivation along with inspiration couldn't be tamed.
Awesome!
Here's a photo of the original critique group I belonged to. Me, Meg, Maureen and Missy. It was good to be together again. We had a fabulous time dancing and visiting and eating chocolate!
That is the old friends part---the new beginnings part is just the fact that we're all beginning again, after conference, to do what we do. Write. We're all either revising or creating something. It's incredible the amount of hours we pour out our hearts onto blank pages. It's totally an addiction.
One we don't want to be free of.
We write on, and on, and on. Just like the beat.....
It goes on, and on, and on......
Awesome!
Here's a photo of the original critique group I belonged to. Me, Meg, Maureen and Missy. It was good to be together again. We had a fabulous time dancing and visiting and eating chocolate!
That is the old friends part---the new beginnings part is just the fact that we're all beginning again, after conference, to do what we do. Write. We're all either revising or creating something. It's incredible the amount of hours we pour out our hearts onto blank pages. It's totally an addiction.
One we don't want to be free of.
We write on, and on, and on. Just like the beat.....
It goes on, and on, and on......
A Conferencing We Go
This Friday is the beginning of the Georgia Romance Writers 25th Anniversary of the Moonlight and Magnolias Conference. (Known as M&M).
I will be there and am looking forward to it. I'll be staying with Missy as usual and we have a lot of fun things planned. Our friend Meg Moseley will be visiting us Saturday nights for the Maggie Award of Excellence Dessert Reception. It will be fun. And I'm sure to learn a lot from all the great workshops being offered.
I know I'll have some fun pictures to post when I come back.
Stay tuned!
I will be there and am looking forward to it. I'll be staying with Missy as usual and we have a lot of fun things planned. Our friend Meg Moseley will be visiting us Saturday nights for the Maggie Award of Excellence Dessert Reception. It will be fun. And I'm sure to learn a lot from all the great workshops being offered.
I know I'll have some fun pictures to post when I come back.
Stay tuned!
Check out Check in Sunday
Check out Check in Sunday at the F.A.I.T.H. blog for news on F.A.I.T.H. girl Jennifer.
Oh, and next week make sure to tune in. Remember the excerpt I posted. Then I posted the revision? Well, guess what. I'm going to revise again, but this is a major revision. I realized his parents don't need to be in this book at all, but I need to introduce Levi's brother Luke. So, instead of the parents showing up, Luke shows up which changes the dynamics tremendously.
So, check in early next week to see how that process worked. Or didn't!
And if you're interested in hearing about trying on wedding dresses check this out. There's even a picture!
Oh, and next week make sure to tune in. Remember the excerpt I posted. Then I posted the revision? Well, guess what. I'm going to revise again, but this is a major revision. I realized his parents don't need to be in this book at all, but I need to introduce Levi's brother Luke. So, instead of the parents showing up, Luke shows up which changes the dynamics tremendously.
So, check in early next week to see how that process worked. Or didn't!
And if you're interested in hearing about trying on wedding dresses check this out. There's even a picture!
Tomorrow is THE Day
Tomorrow is the day. Yes, the day.
The day I'm going to mail my partial to an editor at Harlequin Books. I received the request at the RWA National conference in July. I have a synopsis ready, my chapters are complete. Tonight I will print them out, attached a cover letter and trust the package to the US Postal Service tomorrow morning.
I'm excited, yet slightly anxious.
She asked for a partial not the full. At first I was a little disappointed. Usually, the editors almost always ask for a full manuscript from an unpublished author because they want to make sure they have written a whole book.
So, like I said, when she asked for a partial, I was a little bummed. But then I realized how much better that was for me since I hadn't finished the book yet. I could get a partial (synopsis and about the first 50 pages) off to her much quicker than if she had requested the whole book.
So, yeah! That part rocked.
Now, I have to pray she wants to see the full manuscript after reading the partial. If she doesn't, then there goes that book with that editor. And that house.
But, I'm not going to borrow trouble.
I'm sending the partial, writing to the finish like crazy, entering the Golden Heart contest for unpublished authors, while I wait for the request to see the full manuscript.
Ahhhh.....the joys of writing!
Perpetual Inspiration
Today's post is taken from my devotional I'm reading by Andrew Murray. The book, Daily In His Presence is an awesome book and I have mentioned it here before.
This is what is says for September 13th.
Perpetual Inspiration
"I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever." John 14:16
Then in the text is this:
"It is a mistake to confine inspiration to particular times and occasions, or to prophets and apostles. Inpspiration is for every Christian who trusts to be continually led and inspired by the Spirit of God."
What I take from this is that God inspires us as we continually pray and ask God for guidance. He is our inspiration--the author of our ideas--then he sees them to fruition. Completion.
If you're a writer and are stuck on a certain area of the manuscript, lay it down, pray it up, and see where you're at. I love it that we can rely on such a creator for our creations.
Oh, and one last thing--
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a fun day my friend!
This is what is says for September 13th.
Perpetual Inspiration
"I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever." John 14:16
Then in the text is this:
"It is a mistake to confine inspiration to particular times and occasions, or to prophets and apostles. Inpspiration is for every Christian who trusts to be continually led and inspired by the Spirit of God."
What I take from this is that God inspires us as we continually pray and ask God for guidance. He is our inspiration--the author of our ideas--then he sees them to fruition. Completion.
If you're a writer and are stuck on a certain area of the manuscript, lay it down, pray it up, and see where you're at. I love it that we can rely on such a creator for our creations.
Oh, and one last thing--
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a fun day my friend!
Contest Winner and Word Count
Yeah to anonymous!(Wendy!) You are the winner of the word count contest.
I wrote 3015 words over Saturday and Sunday. Which brings my total manuscript up to 20031 words. 97 pages.
I'm going to continue to work a little longer tonight, hoping to cross the 100 page mark.
Thanks for tuning in Wendy!!! You know I love you.
There will be a dedication to you when I publish a book. I promise!
Revising the Excerpt-Contest-Seeing Who's Checking In
The excerpt I posted Thursday was a rough draft. Totally. I had just finished typing the words five minutes before on my wip.
Now, if you're a writer this is old hat to you. If not, it might be interesting---might not. But I'll share anyway.
What comes next is revision. We take the story, revise, and voila!! Hopefully a better version of the idea will come across.
Let's try it here.
Old version:
“Eat up, Son. I’m sure this is a far cry from those frozen pizzas you’ve probably been eating.”
Levi sat with his parents in the Lawson Lodge dining hall. The food was always excellent and tonight was no exception. Except his stomach didn’t feel good.
His treatment of Summer ate away at him. How could he have acted like that? Why had he acted like that? Other than feeling like he still owed his parents for his brother’s death. Although that thinking in itself was crazy, too. They still were bitter toward him. The excuse that they were worried about him was just that, an excuse.
They wanted to come and see if he’d changed. Felt any worse than he already did. Because they couldn’t get over losing their baby son, and his death was all Levi’s fault.
“What do you think that girl wants from you?”
New version:
“Eat up, Son. I’m sure this is a far cry from those frozen pizzas you’ve probably been eating.”
Levi eyed his father who always tried to smooth over a situation with meaningless small talk. "I'm eating."
In reality he hadn't made a dent in his meal. His mother on the other hand, had no trouble in finishing off the famous Lawson Lodge chicken salad.
No amount of atmosphere or good food could change the way he treated Summer. His behavior ate away at him. How could he have acted like that?
Okay, so he still felt like he owed his parents for his brother’s death. Owed them what he wasn't sure. His apology seemed to hang in the air. They neither accepted it or rejected it. They still were bitter toward him.
Yes, they showed up to see him. But the excuse that they were worried about him was just that, an excuse.
They wanted to come and see if he’d changed. Felt any worse than he already did. Because they couldn’t get over losing their baby son, and his death was all Levi’s fault.
“What do you think that girl wants from you?”
His mother's words brought up the situation his father's small talk tried to avoid. The ironic part? His mother would never believe him if he told her.
See the differences? Well, I'm not done. But I think it's better. Evokes more emotion. Gives a different (hopefully better) light on the scene.
Let me know what you think.
And now that you've read through the excerpts---thanks for sticking around. I have a little contest running only this weekend!!
My word count on An Unexpected Love is 17,018. Let me know what you think the word count will be by Sunday night. I am going to work on the ms during the day today and tomorrow afternoon.
If your count is the closest--I have a great book to send you. Debbie Guisti's Scared To Death.
So, post a guestimate---and I'll check in tomorrow night to see who is the closest.
Thanks for supporting my vision.
Now, if you're a writer this is old hat to you. If not, it might be interesting---might not. But I'll share anyway.
What comes next is revision. We take the story, revise, and voila!! Hopefully a better version of the idea will come across.
Let's try it here.
Old version:
“Eat up, Son. I’m sure this is a far cry from those frozen pizzas you’ve probably been eating.”
Levi sat with his parents in the Lawson Lodge dining hall. The food was always excellent and tonight was no exception. Except his stomach didn’t feel good.
His treatment of Summer ate away at him. How could he have acted like that? Why had he acted like that? Other than feeling like he still owed his parents for his brother’s death. Although that thinking in itself was crazy, too. They still were bitter toward him. The excuse that they were worried about him was just that, an excuse.
They wanted to come and see if he’d changed. Felt any worse than he already did. Because they couldn’t get over losing their baby son, and his death was all Levi’s fault.
“What do you think that girl wants from you?”
New version:
“Eat up, Son. I’m sure this is a far cry from those frozen pizzas you’ve probably been eating.”
Levi eyed his father who always tried to smooth over a situation with meaningless small talk. "I'm eating."
In reality he hadn't made a dent in his meal. His mother on the other hand, had no trouble in finishing off the famous Lawson Lodge chicken salad.
No amount of atmosphere or good food could change the way he treated Summer. His behavior ate away at him. How could he have acted like that?
Okay, so he still felt like he owed his parents for his brother’s death. Owed them what he wasn't sure. His apology seemed to hang in the air. They neither accepted it or rejected it. They still were bitter toward him.
Yes, they showed up to see him. But the excuse that they were worried about him was just that, an excuse.
They wanted to come and see if he’d changed. Felt any worse than he already did. Because they couldn’t get over losing their baby son, and his death was all Levi’s fault.
“What do you think that girl wants from you?”
His mother's words brought up the situation his father's small talk tried to avoid. The ironic part? His mother would never believe him if he told her.
See the differences? Well, I'm not done. But I think it's better. Evokes more emotion. Gives a different (hopefully better) light on the scene.
Let me know what you think.
And now that you've read through the excerpts---thanks for sticking around. I have a little contest running only this weekend!!
My word count on An Unexpected Love is 17,018. Let me know what you think the word count will be by Sunday night. I am going to work on the ms during the day today and tomorrow afternoon.
If your count is the closest--I have a great book to send you. Debbie Guisti's Scared To Death.
So, post a guestimate---and I'll check in tomorrow night to see who is the closest.
Thanks for supporting my vision.
Amy Wallace Interview
Check out F.A.I.T.H. today. Christy LaShea Smith has a great interview posted with Amy Wallace. They talk about writing, friendships, God and of course, chocolate!!
See you over there!
See you over there!
Up and excerpt
Well, the word count for my current ms is going up and up! I love it. The story gets more exciting as I go along. I'm anxious to see what develops between Levi and Summer. Here's an excerpt from a scene I'm working on. Levi's parents have suprised him with a visit and they were the ones surprised when they realize Pop-Princess Summer Sinclair is jamming with their son.
“Eat up, Son. I’m sure this is a far cry from those frozen pizzas you’ve probably been eating.”
Levi sat with his parents in the Lawson Lodge dining hall. The food was always excellent and tonight was no exception. Except his stomach didn’t feel good.
His treatment of Summer ate away at him. How could he have acted like that? Why had he acted like that? Other than feeling like he still owed his parents for his brother’s death. Although that thinking in itself was crazy, too. They still were bitter toward him. The excuse that they were worried about him was just that, an excuse.
They wanted to come and see if he’d changed. Felt any worse than he already did. Because they couldn’t get over losing their baby son, and his death was all Levi’s fault.
“What do you think that girl wants from you?”
Okay, so maybe Levi wonders the same thing? But that doesn't make him feel any better. He feels Summer is genuine, but it's him against the world. What do you think the odds are that these two will make it?
Thanks for sharing.
Beginnings
It's almost September and do you know where your summer went? I'm not sure I do. Both of my children are back at college, the traffic is congested with the typical school buses and cars on the road.
Yes, summer is almost over.
But we can look at it a different way.
Fall is just beginning.
I love beginnings, don't you?
Full of promise, hope, expectations.
And hopefully cooler weather.
What are your favorite things to do in the fall? Walk, play an outdoor sport? How about raking leaves? I know everybody loves to do that, huh?
Yes, summer is almost over.
But we can look at it a different way.
Fall is just beginning.
I love beginnings, don't you?
Full of promise, hope, expectations.
And hopefully cooler weather.
What are your favorite things to do in the fall? Walk, play an outdoor sport? How about raking leaves? I know everybody loves to do that, huh?
I've talked about the kids in Mexico. What a joy. But there were also adults who made our trip such a blessing. Below is Grace, Pastor Gonzalo's wife, and Laura, who was our interpreter when we did VBS. Both ladies have such a heart for God and it was a pleasure to meet them and spend time with them.
here is Pastor Gonzalo with his sword of the spirit. As I mentioned before, we did VBS with the verses from Ephesians regarding the full armor of God. Everyone on our team signed the sword of the spirit and we gave it to Pastor Gonzalo.
This is Pastor Gonzalo, his wife Grace, and their son Marco. Pastor Gonzalo has an incredible story of how he came back to Mexico and had the idea for Pan de Vida. Through God, Pastor Gonzalo and his congregation are giving hope to the people in the surrounding areas. The whole atmosphere is something to be experienced. The love of God and the Holy Spirit are surrounding Pan de Vida in a mighty way.
There are more adults who were awesome to us. Stay tuned for their photos and stories.
here is Pastor Gonzalo with his sword of the spirit. As I mentioned before, we did VBS with the verses from Ephesians regarding the full armor of God. Everyone on our team signed the sword of the spirit and we gave it to Pastor Gonzalo.
This is Pastor Gonzalo, his wife Grace, and their son Marco. Pastor Gonzalo has an incredible story of how he came back to Mexico and had the idea for Pan de Vida. Through God, Pastor Gonzalo and his congregation are giving hope to the people in the surrounding areas. The whole atmosphere is something to be experienced. The love of God and the Holy Spirit are surrounding Pan de Vida in a mighty way.
There are more adults who were awesome to us. Stay tuned for their photos and stories.
Kids R Us-Pan de Vida
One of the best parts of going to Mexico was the children. Here are a few photos of the children as we did VBS.
Our verses for VBS were from Ephesians 6:13-18.
They talk about putting on the full armor of God. Equipping ourselves daily with the protection we get from knowing God and his word. We have a helmet of salvation, our breastplate of righteousness, our belt of true, our shoes of peace, our sword of the spirit and our shield of faith. We had fun doing a skit, making shields of faith and tracing feet for the shoes of peace.
So, go, with the full armor of God for whatever you are doing this day.
And remember,
God is good--all the time!
Our verses for VBS were from Ephesians 6:13-18.
They talk about putting on the full armor of God. Equipping ourselves daily with the protection we get from knowing God and his word. We have a helmet of salvation, our breastplate of righteousness, our belt of true, our shoes of peace, our sword of the spirit and our shield of faith. We had fun doing a skit, making shields of faith and tracing feet for the shoes of peace.
So, go, with the full armor of God for whatever you are doing this day.
And remember,
God is good--all the time!
In the beginning
Fairy tales start out Once upon a time....
Genesis starts out In the beginning....
To read more head over to F.A.I.T.H.
Genesis starts out In the beginning....
To read more head over to F.A.I.T.H.
Work Day 1-Pan de Vida
So, here we are, ready to work. But our tile hasn't arrived yet. So we adjusted our plan and did some other things.
Here are Patti and Kay and June doing some painting.
Lenny, Casey and I were putting in windows.
After working we went to the hotel, changed and got ready for VBS. VBS was in a different neighborhood. Lots of kids came. We did singing, a skit, a craft and a snack. We had an interpreter. The kids enjoyed all parts of the VBS. So did we. Here are a few photos.
This is Erika. She's the daughter of Laura, our interpreter. Erika is also a tambourine girl at the church. I'll have more on them and their fabulous routines later.
What we did for craft: We traced their feet and they colored or stickered them. This referred to the shoes of peace in the armor of God scriptures we were teaching.
Day 2 and more VBS pictures coming soon.
Here are Patti and Kay and June doing some painting.
Lenny, Casey and I were putting in windows.
After working we went to the hotel, changed and got ready for VBS. VBS was in a different neighborhood. Lots of kids came. We did singing, a skit, a craft and a snack. We had an interpreter. The kids enjoyed all parts of the VBS. So did we. Here are a few photos.
This is Erika. She's the daughter of Laura, our interpreter. Erika is also a tambourine girl at the church. I'll have more on them and their fabulous routines later.
What we did for craft: We traced their feet and they colored or stickered them. This referred to the shoes of peace in the armor of God scriptures we were teaching.
Day 2 and more VBS pictures coming soon.
Arrival and food!!!!
Our drive started in Georgia Friday morning at about 9:30. We headed for Sulphur La. and arrived there, spent the night, got up early the next morning, headed for Houston, picked up June and made it to Laredo by 8:00 Saturday night. Two days worth of driving wrapped up in two sentences. How about that.
We headed to Mexico Sunday morning. The directions we had weren't quite what we needed when we go to Monterrey. But, by the grace of God, Kay's memory and some photo's we had of Pan de Vida, we managed to make it to the church before the service was over.
Here we are arriving at Pan de Vida.
Pictured below is some of the housing surrounding Pan de Vida. The culture there is very different from America. Their lifestyles are more relaxed, they don't seem to be in a hurry. A very drastic change from life here. The housing may be small and look not very appealing, but the people there are full of love and are very nice and friendly.
After church, we headed for some much needed lunch. I forget the name of the place but we ate kilos. I know that's not really spelled right, and there's more to the food, but trust me it was awesome and a lot of it. We had beans, tortillas, cheese dip kind of stuff, meet, pica sauce, green sauce and Joya!!
We are always smiling while we are eating. Yummy food!!!
Before we had gone to eat, Pastor Gonzalo had shown us the upstairs and what we would be working on.
Come back and see our works days, sweat photos and much more.
We headed to Mexico Sunday morning. The directions we had weren't quite what we needed when we go to Monterrey. But, by the grace of God, Kay's memory and some photo's we had of Pan de Vida, we managed to make it to the church before the service was over.
Here we are arriving at Pan de Vida.
Pictured below is some of the housing surrounding Pan de Vida. The culture there is very different from America. Their lifestyles are more relaxed, they don't seem to be in a hurry. A very drastic change from life here. The housing may be small and look not very appealing, but the people there are full of love and are very nice and friendly.
After church, we headed for some much needed lunch. I forget the name of the place but we ate kilos. I know that's not really spelled right, and there's more to the food, but trust me it was awesome and a lot of it. We had beans, tortillas, cheese dip kind of stuff, meet, pica sauce, green sauce and Joya!!
We are always smiling while we are eating. Yummy food!!!
Before we had gone to eat, Pastor Gonzalo had shown us the upstairs and what we would be working on.
Come back and see our works days, sweat photos and much more.
Pan de Vida---Bread of Life
Here is Pan de Vida. Bread of Life in spanish.
It's a church community center, and so much more. The Holy Spirit is alive and well in Pan de Vida. Praise God.
They worship with a keyboard, guitars, a drummer and beautiful girls with tambourines. But it's not the instruments that make this worship, it's the people playing the instruments and the people in the congregation singing with their voices, full of joy for our Lord. It's what's inside these people that make their worship alive and wonderful and energetic. It's contagious.
Thursday night during the fiesta, we were dancing and singing and having the time of our lives. The memories of that times won't fade quickly I can assure you.
Next time I'll post some work pictures. Yes, we worked. I promise. (Focus, Kay. Focus.)
Until then......
What makes your worship come alive? A certain type of music, a place your heart gets to.....Let me know.
Mission Accomplished. . . .
but only by the grace of God and for His glory.
Go on over to F.A.I.T.H. to check out the rest of the post.
Go on over to F.A.I.T.H. to check out the rest of the post.
Back in Georgia
I'm back from Mexico. 3000 miles logged on the church van. Whoo! What a trip. This was my first mission trip and there is so much going on I can't begin to post it in one single post. I"m going to blog about it over the next couple of weeks with pictures and tales.
Traveling for nine days with 5 other people is a lot of fun. We all got along and trust me you need to get along to live together for that many days. The people in Mexico were fabulous and loving and genuine and they cook the most awesome food! I think I gained 5 pounds at least.
Here's a picture from a VBS we did one night.
The kids were great and they loved the crafts we did and the snack. They sang and listened to our Bible verse being read. All of this was of course happening in Spanish. But we somehow managed to communicate.
More photos and stories in the coming days.
Traveling for nine days with 5 other people is a lot of fun. We all got along and trust me you need to get along to live together for that many days. The people in Mexico were fabulous and loving and genuine and they cook the most awesome food! I think I gained 5 pounds at least.
Here's a picture from a VBS we did one night.
The kids were great and they loved the crafts we did and the snack. They sang and listened to our Bible verse being read. All of this was of course happening in Spanish. But we somehow managed to communicate.
More photos and stories in the coming days.
Mexico and hello Brenna girl!!!
We are in Mexico and working hard, having fun and eating really awsesome food!
Brenna girl----Miss you much! Alex, miss you too!! (and everybody)
Wendy--how are things?
The country here is beautiful. There are mountains edging part of the city. The church we are at is called Pan de Vida--Bread of Life. It is so appropriate for this community. We got here in time for church on Sunday and it was an awesome service. The music was great, they all sing with such joy. We tried to sing although we didn{t know what we were singing. I could pick out a couple of words. But the spirit is here-Praise God.
VBS was incredible tonight. We did a skit, a craft and had a snack. The kids are so beautiful and so happy.
I cant wait to share the pictures. August will be Mexico Mission Recap. Photos for all to see.
I will try to check in again. It is hard to get on the computer. The hotel has two but they are busy and we are not here very much.
Brenna--again--miss you much my girl. I will call if I can, if not you will here from me Friday.
Love to all.
Brenna girl----Miss you much! Alex, miss you too!! (and everybody)
Wendy--how are things?
The country here is beautiful. There are mountains edging part of the city. The church we are at is called Pan de Vida--Bread of Life. It is so appropriate for this community. We got here in time for church on Sunday and it was an awesome service. The music was great, they all sing with such joy. We tried to sing although we didn{t know what we were singing. I could pick out a couple of words. But the spirit is here-Praise God.
VBS was incredible tonight. We did a skit, a craft and had a snack. The kids are so beautiful and so happy.
I cant wait to share the pictures. August will be Mexico Mission Recap. Photos for all to see.
I will try to check in again. It is hard to get on the computer. The hotel has two but they are busy and we are not here very much.
Brenna--again--miss you much my girl. I will call if I can, if not you will here from me Friday.
Love to all.
Mexico Mission Trip
Tomorrow we'll be headed to Mexico for our mission trip. Please keep our team in your prayers. We are Lindi, Lenny, Kay, Casey, Patty, and June. Thank you so much. I will post when we return and hopefully be able to share some awesome stories and pictures. This is my first mission outreach trip and I'm excited, nervous, unknowing but trusting. Trusting in Him whose word needs spreading. For we were commanded to make disciples of all nations......
Praise God!
Here is a link to the blog of the mission we are doing.
Pan de Vida Mission Blog
And the difference was..............
This is me and Carla Hughes. Carla won the Golden Heart for the Inspirational Category. I met Carla earlier in the week. I went up to her and introduced myself as second place. She looked at me when I said that so I explained that every time we finaled in a contest together she won first and I won second. We had a good laugh. What an awesome person to come in second place behind. I was thrilled she won the GH.
All dressed up!
Here is Missy, Janet, Cheryl and Terry. We had a great time at dinner.
I know one of the reasons I had such a great time at conference was because of who I surrounded myself with. I roomed with Missy--awesome lady---then the F.A.I.T.H girls Angie and Mindy of course are incredible. Debbie Guisti, Darlene Buccholz and Janet Dean I already knew and they are lovely ladies. Then I met such great people like Terry Weldon, Cheryl Wyatt, Debra Clopton, Allison Pittman, Kimberly Fish, Leigh Bale. I know there are others, it's late and my brain isn't working right. Oh, I also talked with Deeanne Gist whome I've met before through our mutual friend Meg, and I got to meet Tamara Alexander, a truly lovely lady.
So you see, surrounded by such Godly, humble, beautiful ladies as these, how could I have been anything but blessed.
Thank you to each and everyone of you who made my conference awesome.
Before leaving again.....
My, my how the time does fly!!!
I can't believe it's been a week since I've posted. But I'm back from a great time in Dallas. I have a few pictures to share and will try to do so for a couple of days this week. I'm leaving Friday for a mission trip to Mexico. Please keep our team in your prayers.
Here is Missy being booted out of the Golden Network---a group for Golden Heart finalists...when you sell a book you get the boot!
And here's one of some friends--Janet, Debbie, Darlene and Debra-delightful, wonderful women I was blessed to spend my week with.
I'll try to post some more before we go to Mexico.
Adios, Amigos!!!
I can't believe it's been a week since I've posted. But I'm back from a great time in Dallas. I have a few pictures to share and will try to do so for a couple of days this week. I'm leaving Friday for a mission trip to Mexico. Please keep our team in your prayers.
Here is Missy being booted out of the Golden Network---a group for Golden Heart finalists...when you sell a book you get the boot!
And here's one of some friends--Janet, Debbie, Darlene and Debra-delightful, wonderful women I was blessed to spend my week with.
I'll try to post some more before we go to Mexico.
Adios, Amigos!!!
Sunday-RWA-and other things....
I love the Secrets of the Throne of Grace month Andrew Murray has prepared for July...but we'll take a break for today..actually I may be breaking of that for the next week.
I'll be in Dallas at RWA Nationals. I'll try to keep up with posting, but not sure about internet access. What that really means is I'm not sure if I can afford it! After all, Missy and I do splurge on room service coffee every morning. And that I've put into the budget.
It'll be a week of fun, learning and seeing old friends. Mindy, Angie, Virginia I can't wait to say hello in person.
But it is pretty exciting to be around so many writers. We know we all have something in common and you can pretty much start a conversation with anyone with the words, "What do you write?"
I do have an editor appt with Melissa Endlich. I"ll be practing that pitch with Missy on the airplane, or in the room or whereever I can. I've met her before but it's been a while. Missy has invited me to the Golden reception where the newly published get "the boot." I'll be cheering when they call her name.
Usually when I get home from this event I'm dog-tired and emotionally drained. But I can't be like that this year. I only have 4 days to prepare to go to Mexico for a mission trip.
So, check out F.A.I.T.H. tomorrow and check in the rest of the week to find out what's going on in Dallas.
I'll be in Dallas at RWA Nationals. I'll try to keep up with posting, but not sure about internet access. What that really means is I'm not sure if I can afford it! After all, Missy and I do splurge on room service coffee every morning. And that I've put into the budget.
It'll be a week of fun, learning and seeing old friends. Mindy, Angie, Virginia I can't wait to say hello in person.
But it is pretty exciting to be around so many writers. We know we all have something in common and you can pretty much start a conversation with anyone with the words, "What do you write?"
I do have an editor appt with Melissa Endlich. I"ll be practing that pitch with Missy on the airplane, or in the room or whereever I can. I've met her before but it's been a while. Missy has invited me to the Golden reception where the newly published get "the boot." I'll be cheering when they call her name.
Usually when I get home from this event I'm dog-tired and emotionally drained. But I can't be like that this year. I only have 4 days to prepare to go to Mexico for a mission trip.
So, check out F.A.I.T.H. tomorrow and check in the rest of the week to find out what's going on in Dallas.
Secret of the Throne of Grace-3
Daily In His Presence
July 7
The Lamb and the Spirit
Revelation 5:6
Andrew Murray says:
"Second, we learn that it is only through the Spirit that we shall understand the glory of the Lamb and be filled with His love, and so stand firm in the faith of that which He can do in us and for us and through us."
How true this is. He states towards the end of the devotional to take time and be quiet before the throne of the Lamb and enjoy His presence.
The more we know God, the more we can hear His voice to us and know what He's about and what He wants us to be about.
The Spirit of God is such a fascinating subject. How He gave us all this Spirit so we can have the full love He has planned for us. How having that Spirit will let us show that love to the world.
Go out this weekend and show God's love to all you meet.
After all, He's given it to us--and like everything else we have- it's His to begin with.
July 7
The Lamb and the Spirit
Revelation 5:6
Andrew Murray says:
"Second, we learn that it is only through the Spirit that we shall understand the glory of the Lamb and be filled with His love, and so stand firm in the faith of that which He can do in us and for us and through us."
How true this is. He states towards the end of the devotional to take time and be quiet before the throne of the Lamb and enjoy His presence.
The more we know God, the more we can hear His voice to us and know what He's about and what He wants us to be about.
The Spirit of God is such a fascinating subject. How He gave us all this Spirit so we can have the full love He has planned for us. How having that Spirit will let us show that love to the world.
Go out this weekend and show God's love to all you meet.
After all, He's given it to us--and like everything else we have- it's His to begin with.
Secret of the Throne of Grace-2
Daily In His Presence
Andrew Murray
July 5th:
Remember much is given therefore much is expected. Are we doing our part to bring others to Jesus?
All are not called out of their countries to do mission work. We need people everywhere including in the US and wherever you live.
My former Pastor and his family have been called. They are going to Peru.
You can read about their journey so far by clicking here.
See what a wonderful trip they had in Brazil. You can also donate to the Mission Society on their behalf.
I want to be faithful. How about you?
Andrew Murray
July 5th:
Remember much is given therefore much is expected. Are we doing our part to bring others to Jesus?
All are not called out of their countries to do mission work. We need people everywhere including in the US and wherever you live.
My former Pastor and his family have been called. They are going to Peru.
You can read about their journey so far by clicking here.
See what a wonderful trip they had in Brazil. You can also donate to the Mission Society on their behalf.
I want to be faithful. How about you?
Secrets of the Throne of Grace-1
From Andrew Murray: Daily in His Presence
July 2nd:
Thank You Lord for the abundance of grace I receive from You every day.
The insights Andrew Murray offers are invaluable to me. I love reading his devotionals. He writes in a way I can understand (most of the time) and pours out his heart and devotion to God in a way that is inspiring to say the least.
In this devotional July is the "Secret of the Throne of Grace" month.
How awesome is it there is a Throne of Grace.
As I pour out my heart, thoughts and anguish to our Lord God, it is only by His grace that we are saved. I can hardly comprehend the concept. He loves us enough to forgive us.
I pray that I walk on the path that He leads. I pray that old ways die and His ways come to life.
And yes, Lord, I do thank You for the abundance of grace I receive from You every day.
July 2nd:
Thank You Lord for the abundance of grace I receive from You every day.
The insights Andrew Murray offers are invaluable to me. I love reading his devotionals. He writes in a way I can understand (most of the time) and pours out his heart and devotion to God in a way that is inspiring to say the least.
In this devotional July is the "Secret of the Throne of Grace" month.
How awesome is it there is a Throne of Grace.
As I pour out my heart, thoughts and anguish to our Lord God, it is only by His grace that we are saved. I can hardly comprehend the concept. He loves us enough to forgive us.
I pray that I walk on the path that He leads. I pray that old ways die and His ways come to life.
And yes, Lord, I do thank You for the abundance of grace I receive from You every day.
Another Week
Another week has gone by. Literally. Gone by.
Also, another month----say goodbye to June and hello to July.
We in Georgia are in the droves of heat, occasional rain (Praise God!) and humidity. My hair is really big---it never used to do that. Now it stays in a pontytail much of the time.
We have a new pastor at our church. I really like him. He's given two sermons and I've enjoyed and needed them both. Thanks to the North Georgia conference for sending him.
Will try to post something relating to something this week.
Thanks for visiting.
Also, another month----say goodbye to June and hello to July.
We in Georgia are in the droves of heat, occasional rain (Praise God!) and humidity. My hair is really big---it never used to do that. Now it stays in a pontytail much of the time.
We have a new pastor at our church. I really like him. He's given two sermons and I've enjoyed and needed them both. Thanks to the North Georgia conference for sending him.
Will try to post something relating to something this week.
Thanks for visiting.
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New Book Now Available-Their Surprise Second Chance!
Look! Their Surprise Second Chance is available! This is my first novel with Love Inspired and I'm so excited! After her adult son su...
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Titan I work at a Nissan dealership and we had a mama cat hanging around. She had babies and they were living under a car. One of the ladies... -
Why Do People Fall In Love-F Fairy-Tale romance: Dictionary.com says: 1.a story, usually for children, about elves, hobgoblins, dra... -
Well, I went on vacay and I'm back and finally into the swing of things. I'm still not unpacked mind you. Seriously, I have issues t...