Laura V Hilton

February New Book Releases

2012-02-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

Love Finds You in New Orleans by Christa Allan — (Historical Romance from Summerside Press – Guideposts).

Picture Perfect Family by Renee Andrews — Missionary Daniel Brantley has returned to Claremont, Alabama to raise his orphaned nephew; however, Mandy Carter, the woman whose proposal he refused years before, isn’t about to let him take Kaden away. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired).

Into the Free by Julie Cantrell — A simple girl with anything but a simple story. (Contemporary Fiction from David Cook).

In Too Deep by Mary Connealy– In 1866 Colorado, Ethan Kincaid agrees to a marriage of convenience with the same casual disregard he gives every decision. Audra Gilliland, young mother of two, accepts his proposal because she wants to stop being a burden to her newly married stepdaughter. And suddenly both of them are in far deeper than they’d planned. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

A Wedding to Remember in Charleston, South Carolina by Annalisa Daughety — Wedding planner Summer Nelson is throwing herself into her work to avoid the pain of her recent marriage separation. Husband Luke knows he made a mistake – but doesn’t know how to fix it. When a hurricane traps them together, the crisis might tear them apart forever. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing).

Heart’s Safe Passage by Laurie Alice Eakes, — When midwife Phoebe Lee is pressed by her pregnant sister-in-law to help save her husband from an English prison during the War of 1812, they end up aboard a British privateer crossing the Atlantic under the command of a man with a deadly mission. (Historical Romance from Revell).

Highland Crossings by Laurie Alice Eakes, Pamela Griffin, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Gina Welborn, — Historic North Carolina takes center stage in a new collection of novellas that follows the lives and loves of four women…and the heirloom brooch that connects them through generations. Will Seona, Fiona, Seren, and Brynna find God’s path in a new world far from their Scottish home? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing).

When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason — When Alexia arrives home to find her ex-boyfriend dead in her mother’s basement, she realizes she needs help. Thanks goodness Hunter Graham is more than willing to offer it. (Romantic Suspense from Revell).

Sweeter than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott — A shy young woman must find her courage when she is thrown together on a dangerous errand with a musical genius. (Historical Romance from Thomas Nelson).

Words Spoken True by Ann H. Gabhart — Adriane Darcy stands ready to do whatever she must to keep her father’s newspaper number one in the city including agreeing to marry a man she doesn’t love, the son of a powerful local political figure, but when she meets Blake Garrett, the editor of a competing newspaper, sparks fly that will change both their lives forever. (Historical Romance from Revell).

Before the Scarlet Dawn by Rita Gerlach– In 1775, A young woman longs for acceptance and leaves behind all she has in order to follow her heart and the man she loves into the Maryland wilderness. But will her love and faith protect her from the trial she must face? Will she find the true meaning of companionship? And how will she face the world when she is rejected by those closest to her? (Historical Romance from Abingdon Press).

Sheltering Love by Elizabeth Goddard — Alexa’s last chance to produce an award-winning documentary draws attention to a canopy biologist hiding in the trees. When their greatest fears collide in the heart of the wilderness, can they each bury the past long enough to nurture love? (Romance from Heartsong Presents (Barbour)).

Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke– Michael Dunnagan is given a life, a hope and a future through his friend’s sacrifice aboard Titanic. Now he must keep his promise to help Owen’s family in NJ, and bring his sister from England to America. He never expected to fall in love with her, or that she would disappear into the horrors of WWI. Michael risks everything to find the woman he’s grown to love. (Historical from Tyndale House Publishers).

To Love and To Cherish by Kelly S. Irvin– The sudden, tragic death of Emma Shirack’s parents in a buggy accident and the return of a suitor who abandoned her years earlier test Emma’s Amish faith and her ability to forgive. Will a man she thought of as a friend be the one to help her to heal? (Romance from Harvest House).

Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings– She’s Finally Found a Place to Call Home… How Far Will She Go to Save It? (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

Hometown Cinderella by Ruth Axtell Morren — (Historical Romance from Love Inspired).

Falling for the Fireman by Allie Pleiter– When fire marshall Chad Owens suspects that fire victim Jeannie Nelworth’s son may be channeling his emotions in a dangerous manner, will the pretty and but protective widowed mom be strong enough to help him? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired).

Second Chance by Eileen Hinkle Rife– Dareece Jackson, a teen from the projects, wants something in Mave Robertson’s purse…and he’ll stop at nothing to get it. (Contemporary Fiction from OakTara Publishers).

Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer– Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can’t work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent – though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job. Thad McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

A House Full of Hope by Missy Tippens– A widowed mom of four who’s put her life on hold until her kids are grown finds hope of love in the most unlikely of places when the former bad boy who ruined her sister returns to town seeking redemption. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired).

A Sweethaven Summer by Courtney Walsh– Campbell Carter has come to Sweethaven in search of answers about her mother’s history. Just before losing a battle with cancer, Suzanne Carter wrote letters to childhood friends from her hometown of Sweethaven, Michigan. Suzanne’s three friends-Lila, Jane, and Meghan-haven’t spoken in years, yet each has pieces of a scrapbook they made together as girls. Suzanne’s letters have lured them all back to the idyllic lakeside town, where they meet Campbell and begin to remember what was so special about their long Sweethaven summers. (Contemporary Fiction from Guideposts Books).

Blue Moon Bay by Lisa Wingate– A sweet deal for the sale of lakeside family property in Texas could make Heather’s career, but suddenly the family backs off, Heather rushes back to the site of a previous family tragedy and finds an old high school flame and her brother scheming to — what? (Cozy Mystery from Bethany House).

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall– Love between a Mennonite woman and an Amish man threatens the lifelong relationship between two brothers. And two families. Annie is a young Old Order Mennonite woman whose grandfather co-owns a restaurant with the Zooks, an Old Order Amish family. Romance between the Mennonites and Amish is unacceptable. Inappropriate. Forbidden. But it seems that Annie and Aden have denied their feelings for each other for as long as they can tolerate. (Contemporary Romance from Waterbrook Multnomah).

Showing Love and Hospitality to Others

2012-01-14T10:49:00.000-08:00

Showing Love and Hospitality to Others
By Roxanne Packham, author of Inspired Design

Before we are inspired about how to show love to others, we must first ask why?

Quite simply it is because in Romans 12:10 & 13 we are told to be devoted to one another in brotherly love, to honor one another above ourselves. We are also told to share with God’s people who are in need and to Practice Hospitality. Notice the vocabulary: practice, not perfect.

In America, as a culture and as individuals, we are suffering in part because popular media gears everything to perfection. We are bombarded with messages that if we aren’t the very best at something, we just shouldn’t bother. We compare ourselves to others, rather than knowing our worth in God’s eyes.

I suffer from insecurity and wonder if I can be creative enough to inspire. Are my tips original? Are the photographs beautiful enough? Are my suggestions too simple for some, but too fancy for another? The problem: my thoughts revolve completely around me. My creativity, my skills, my ability. This is not about me but about God’s purpose for me. I suddenly realize the bigger picture; I can’t do it, but I can through Christ who strengthens me.

This dance in my mind between my preciousness in His sight and the enemy’s interjections has slowed me down at times, but God showed me this dance is the very reason for us to love others; to encourage each other. Because we are human we suffer from doubt, insecurity, and rejection of one sort or another. We are God’s tool to encourage others. God uses us as His hands to love others, but make no mistake it is His power, His grace and the Holy Spirit that do the real work, not ours.

God’s path of creativity in me began with a family history of silversmithing eight generations back, a degree from USC, design school in Paris, then design school in Los Angeles. Call them spiritual or otherwise, but they were the gifts God saw fit to give to me. Who am I to argue with my Creator? They are unique and I celebrate them. What are your magnificent and unique gifts that you can use to inspire others?

I do not want the gifts received as a blessing from God to “turn into spiritual dry rot,” as Ann Voscamp suggests in her book One Thousand Gifts, as the manna did when it was hoarded in Exodus 16:20. I want to use my blessings.

Inadequacies and all, imperfections and all: I want to inspire others to practice Hospitality and to LOVE others.

Creative Ways to Encourage Others on Valentine’s Day

KIND WORDS

A handwritten note with quotes, scriptures and words of encouragement is a wonderful thing to find in the mailbox.

Leave a sticky note on your child/husband’s pillow or be bold and write your note on the bathroom mirror or car window in red lipstick saying “I love you”.

Even an email just to say “thank you for your hard work, you bless me” can make a person’s day. A cute poem, scripture or old photograph will remind them they are remembered.

If someone has lost a loved one, kind words of some way that loved one inspired you to do something better will let them know that their loved one’s legacy is living on.

AN INVITATION, TIME

Take some time out of your days to meet someone for coffee, lunch, a long walk, or even just leave a phone message with a sweet sentiment. If you have more time, take a picnic basket to their home. Set up a lunch, tea or coffee, with all your tea cups and a candle. It is a lovely surprise! Just rinse when you finish and pack back up so they don’t even have to do dishes. They will have a lovely memory of a special time.

THOUGHTFUL GESTURE

Hang flowers on the front door handle, leave a pretty tiny package in the mailbox with a beautiful red bow, or cookies delivered to the front door. Create a breakfast plate for your child that says you are special . This is especially significant if your child has struggled with something recently.

A BEAUTIFUL DINNER

Of course this takes more time, but try for a beautiful table setting complete with candles, fresh greens or flowers and a lovely menu either handwritten or printed out on your computer. (Visit Roxanne’s Pinterest account, via the Inspired Design blog, for darling printouts, including gift tags, and much more.) Don’t concentrate on the gourmet or complicated quality of the meal: remember it is about relationship and encouragement!

VALENTINE’S DINNER

A beautiful table for Valentine’s simply consists of reds, pinks and perhaps some purple. (Although it could be beautiful in all white too.) Of course, it has to have some hearts and some colorful candles. Leave kind words of some sort on each place setting. Every Valentine’s table should have its share of sparkle, of course!

Visit Roxanne Packham’s blog at www.InspiredDesignPublications.blogspot.com
for more pictures and Inspired Design ideas for Valentine’s Day.

Common English Bible

2011-12-30T02:58:00.000-08:00

Backgrounder
 Some Bible translations today are revisions of previous revisions. For example, from its preface, the New Revised
Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV) explains it’s “an authorized revision of the Revised Standard Version,
published in 1952, which was a revision of the American Standard Version, published in 1901, which, in turn,
embodied earlier revisions of the King James Version, published in 1611.” And the preface of the English
Standard Version (ESV) says it “stands in the classic mainstream of English Bible translations over the past halfmillennium. The fountainhead of that stream was William Tyndale’s New Testament of 1526; marking its course
were the King James Version of 1611 (KJV), the English Revised Version of 1885 (RV), the American Standard
Version of 1901 (ASV), and the Revised Standard Version of 1952 and 1971 (RSV).”
 The Common English Bible is not a revision of any version. It’s a bold, new translation (not a paraphrase) for the
21
st
century, balancing academic rigor with modern understandability; ecumenical biblical scholarly thoroughness
with a natural reading experience.
 The Common English Bible is a denomination-neutral Bible, with translator scholars responsible to each other in
peer review. It’s translated by 120 biblical scholars from faith traditions in American, African, Asian, European,
and Latino communities representing such academic institutions as Asbury Theological Seminary, Azusa Pacific
University, Bethel Seminary, Denver Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary,
Seattle Pacific University, Wheaton College, Yale University, and many others. (See website for entire list.)
 To avoid sectarian bias, 700 persons from 24 faith traditions participated in the development of the CEB
translation, which includes translators, editors, 77 reading group leaders, and hundreds of reading group
participants. All communicated together efficiently through a secure project website. The translation work began in
2008 and completed in 2011.
 A lead translator prepared the first draft of the translation. A co-translator made revisions and raised issues for
further research. A reading group commented on the second draft. A readability editor then applied rigorous
comments about style and grammar. An Old Testament, New Testament, or Apocrypha editor reviewed all
changes for each book and made final revisions. The editorial board met in person and through conferencing
technology to address issues of consistency or to resolve controversial matters. Then a stylist and copyeditors
checked the text for English consistency.
 Reading groups, consisting of 5 to 10 persons, were located in churches, youth groups, colleges, seminaries, and
a retirement community. The participants in the reading groups worship among 13 distinct denominations. Each
group was assigned a book of the Bible. They read the text aloud to each other and commented on unclear or
awkward phrasing, which translators considered in making the Common English Bible as comprehensively clear
as possible.
 The entire process for the complete Bible, the largest Bible translation undertaking ever with the most number of
participants, took only 40 months from the date of the first meeting of the CEB translation board.

12 days of Christmas final day

2011-12-25T07:04:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from all of us at Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoyed these
Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from the authors who were so kind to donate
their time and talents! If you missed a few posts, I hope you'll be able go back
through and read them on this blog over the next few days. If you'd like to keep
up with Pearl Girls and our new book project, Mother of Pearl, coming this
spring, just click this link and sign up for our newsletter (lower left sidebar).

Also, just a reminder that today is the last day for the pearl necklace and
earrings giveaway! Enter now by filling out this {form}. The winner will on
1/1 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and
see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that

help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing
a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of
the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
***
Jesus -- The Reason For the Season
By: Rachel Hauck

Through the narrow scope of 2000 years, Mary, the mother of Jesus, appears to
be one lucky woman. Chosen by God to give birth to His son, the Savior of the
world? All right, Mary, way to go.

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,” Gabriel said.

How many of us would like a declaration like that? Highly favored. The Lord is
with you. But Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind
of greeting this might be.

The angel told her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the
Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the
Son of God. Mary’s seems confident and resolved when she responds, “I am
the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

She’d just been told the Holy Spirit will come upon her, that God’s power will
overshadow her, that she’d become with child even though she wasn’t married,
and she said, “I’m the Lord’s servant. Let your words be true.”

I find this amazing! A young woman. Ancient Bethlehem. Unwed mother.
They stoned women for such things in her day. But Mary believed in God. And
submitted to His will. He gave her the Holy Spirit – the same Holy Spirit given
to us. If He gave her confidence, He will give us confidence. Even though, like
Mary, our situation seems impossible.

Listen to Mary’s song later on in the first chapter of Luke.

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has
been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations
will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me Holy is
his name…”

Conceiving a child out of wedlock, by Divine intervention. Not a girl’s every
day existence. Yet she had a Yes in her heart to God. She rejoiced. She boldly

said, “Generations will remember me!”

How we struggle to trust God with our children. Our finances. Our emotional
well-being. We worry. We fret. And wonder why we have no peace.

Christmas is the season where words like joy, peace and love are bantered
around like Christmas candy. Let’s not take them as just words, but as truth.
Let’s be like Mary and embrace God’s favor on our lives. Boldly declare "He’s
done great things for me!”

Out of the grit of our own souls, we can reach His heart, and feel Him
reaching for ours. No matter the pain of our past, present or future, God is
there for us. He is able. Best of all, He is willing. “My soul glorifies the Lord
this Christmas!”

***
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, best selling author who believes God
has done great things for her. She lives in Central Florida with her husband
and ornery pets. Her next release is Love Lifted Me with multi-platinum
country artist Sara Evans, January 2012. Then in April, look for The Wedding
Dress. www.rachelhauck.com.

12 Days of Christmas day 12

2011-12-24T07:01:00.000-08:00

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved
writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson,
Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as
each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during
this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form}
and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450
value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only
open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and
see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that
help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing
a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of
the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

The Panhandler's Breath
By Robin Dance

He slipped in sideways between the closing elevator doors, as if he were late to
a meeting; he pressed the "5" without looking. Instead of suit and tie, though,
baggy pants and faded navy hung on his tall, slim frame...and his stealth entry
stiffened the hairs on the back of my neck.

I had noticed him a few seconds earlier, just after we had parted a sea of
clamorous teens. He was smiling, grandfatherly, standing maybe 30 feet away
where the electric shuttle picks up.

I had no idea he had been watching us, studying us, predator patiently awaiting
his next prey.

The four of us were sealed in a four- by six-foot metal tomb. Tomb--that
thought really scampered across my mind. I wondered if he had a knife in his
pocket. I wanted to protect my son. Fight or flight pumped adrenaline but there
was no where to run.

Extreme and ridiculous, these thoughts - and more - flashed through my mind.
The Stranger began speaking.

"Yessir, I see you're a family man with your wife and your son here..." and he
nodded in my and my son’s direction.

"...you see I'm homeless and all I've got..." and on queue, he reached into his
left pocket and pulled out two old pennies blackened with age. Two cents to his
name?! It was all too contrived, too practiced, and I didn't believe a word he
was saying.

It was then I smelled it ~ the small space lent itself to that ~ and I doubted my
doubt.

His breath.

It wasn't the scent of alcohol. His eyes weren't red, his voice didn't waver; his
wizened face matched his graying hair.

His breath was morning's, zoo breath, the pet name I'd given to the scent
inhaled when kissing my children awake when they were little.

He needed to brush his teeth. I wondered how long it had been since he brushed
his teeth.

The elevator door opened and I handed him my leftover pizza as my son and I
brushed past him. My husband handed him a bill and the Stranger thanked and
God blessed him.

The elevator door closed behind us. Conflicted, I was relieved.

We got in the car and blurted first reaction--

"I didn't believe a word he said."

"That made me nervous."

"I wonder if he'll really eat the pizza."

In the quiet, we were left to our own thoughts, contemplating the right thing to
do. At the end of the day, this is what I decided: It doesn't matter whether or
not his story is true; for an old man to resort to begging, he has to be desperate.
The money my husband gave him will never be missed. It was a reminder
we've been entrusted with much and given much. Materially, yes, but more
so spiritually. Loved, chosen, forgiven, redeemed, graced, lavished--every
spiritual blessing. E v e r y.

There's a part of me that wishes I would have been brave enough to ask the
man his story, made sure he knew he was loved...and bought him a tooth
brush.

Later, it occurred to me he could have been an angel. Doesn’t that mean
generosity, kindness and hospitality is always the right response? Then it's
not about you or the stranger or the circumstance, it's about a simple, God-
glorifying response.

Had we entertained an angel unaware? We'll never know.

But it wouldn't be the first time the Breath of Heaven smelled like a zoo.

***
In a decades-old, scandalous affair with her husband, Robin also confesses
mad crushes on her three teens. As Southern as sugar-shocked tea, she’s a
recovering people pleaser who advocates talking to strangers. A memoirist,
Compassion International Blogger, and Maker-upper of words, Robin writes
for her own site, PENSIEVE, and also for (in)courage by DaySpring (a
subsidiary of Hallmark) and Simple Mom. She loves to get to know readers
through their blog comments and on Twitter and Pinterest. www.pensieve.me

12 Days of Christmas day 11

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved
writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson,

Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as
each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during
this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form}
and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450
value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only
open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and
see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that
help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing
a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of
the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Inside Out Christmas
by Debora M. Coty

My veterinarian friend, Dr. Katie, tells the story about the December when
a woman brought a very sick black lab into her clinic. The dog was only
ten months old, so she was really just a big puppy, but she’d been vomiting
incessantly and her worried owner didn’t know what was wrong.

“Why don’t you go on home?” Dr. Katie told the owner. “I’ll need to run tests
for about four hours. We’ll give you a call when we’re finished.”

Dr. Katie’s assistant took x-rays and hung them on the light panel for Dr. Katie
to examine. Hmm. Something looked a little peculiar. Dr. Katie called her
assistant over.

“Is it just me, or does that look like a … a camel to you?” she asked
incredulously.

“Matter of fact, it does,” replied the astute assistant. “And look, there’s an
angel here, a shepherd there, and down there in the colon, it’s Baby Jesus!”

At that moment the phone rang. It was the dog’s distraught owner. “I can’t
believe this! I just got home and glanced at the coffee table where I put my
manger scene yesterday. There’s nothing there but an empty stable!”

As I thought about this quite literal technique for internalizing the true meaning
of Christmas, it occurred to me that sometimes I have the opposite problem.
With all the bustling busyness, my inner joy in celebration of my savior’s birth
never really makes it to the outside.

Oh, I have plenty of glittery, festive evidences of the holiday in decorations,
baking galore, and gifts under my tree. But those things are for show. They’re
merely the pretty wrappings, not the gift itself.

Can people really see the core-deep joy that radiates within me when I think of
the true gift that Papa God sent the world in his son, Jesus? Is my immeasurable
gratitude for eternal life evident as I dash through this hectic season?

I’m afraid all too often, the answer is no.

I’m just too preoccupied to allow my outside to reflect my inside so that
nonbelievers recognize that I rejoice because of the hope that is within me. My
joy is obscured by the mounds of clutter. Gratefulness is sucked out of my soul
by the vacuum called urgency.

“But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be
filled with joy” (Psalm 68:3, NLT).

This verse has become my prayer this Christmas season – that I would make
the time to give priority to rejoicing, being glad in God’s presence, and letting
my inner joy show for those who may be silently desperate to know the giver of
true joy.

Yep, there’s a better way to internalize the gift of Christmas than the black
lab technique. We can lodge the Little Lord Jesus in our hearts rather than
our colons.

***
Debora M. Coty is a humorist, inspirational speaker, and award-winning
author of twelve books, including Too Blessed to be Stressed, and coming in
March, More Beauty, Less Beast: Transforming Your Inner Ogre. Debora
would love to swap Christmas hugs with you at www.DeboraCoty.com.

12 Days of Christmas day 10

2011-12-22T06:58:00.000-08:00

12 Days of Christmas Day 9

2011-12-21T02:26:00.001-08:00

12 Days of Christmas Day 8

2011-12-20T01:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved
writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson,
Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as
each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during
this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form}
and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450
value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only
open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and

see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities
that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider
purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one
of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***
Let The Baby Grow Up This Christmas
By Shellie Tomlinson

When I was a little girl, Christmas seemed to take forever to make its way
back to our little house on the end of a dirt road called Bull Run in northeast
Louisiana. We kids started counting down the days before the leaves ever
began turning. Sure, the adults said it came once a year but I wasn't so sure.
Once Santa Claus left our humble abode it seemed like light years before he
found his way back to the Delta.

That was a child's perspective. I imagine it hasn't changed all that much for
today's kids. On the other hand, I'm operating under a completely different time
frame these days. It seems like it was just yesterday when I pulled the boxes
down from the attic and began pulling out the nativity scene, the miniature
lights, and the keepsake ornaments. And now, just that fast-- Christmas Day
is right around the corner. Soon the tree will be striped naked and the piled up
presents will all be distributed. After a few more day it'll be hard to remember
who got what from whom, and once again, I'll start packing all the decorations
away for another year.

I was thinking about how bare and cold the house always looks after the
holidays when I realized that, sadly, this scene would play itself out in many
hearts as well. A lot of people will have had expectations that weren't filled
and many of those same souls will be left with hurts that don't seem to heal.
Unless this year is remarkably different from past seasons, my bet is, the New
Year will bring magazines full of articles on combating depression and the talk
shows will have experts on offering ways to fill the long days ahead and cure
the winter blues.

I'm no expert, dear readers, but I'd like to offer you a suggestion that will go
far beyond the creature comforts of a nice warm bath or a delicious bowl of
hot soup. Your heart doesn't have to be bare and naked after the holidays. Do
you want to know the real secret? It's simple, really. Don't pack up Christ with
Christmas! As beautiful and special as the Christmas story is, it's only a part
of heaven's miracle. The Christ child grew into a man and the man became a

Savior.

This year, may we be determined to let the babe from Bethlehem live on in our
hearts. If we'll allow Him to become the Messiah He was born to be, the joy of
Christmas can be ours all year long.

***
Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is an author, speaker, and radio host from
Louisiana. Her latest release Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs
Heavy was endorsed by Jeff Foxworthy as "laugh out loud funny!" You can
find Shellie's weekly southern features, podcasts, video chats and more at
http://www.allthingssouthern.com/ Make sure to get by the blog and read
about the Super Christmas Giveaway Shellie is hosting for her readers and
secure your chance to win a Mort Kunstler print valued between $700 and
$1400. www.allthingssouthern.com

POST 6 Monday 12/19 HTML – Shellie Tomlinson

Eight Ways to Beat the Blues at Christmas

2011-12-19T12:15:00.001-08:00

Eight Ways to Beat the Blues at Christmas
By Poppy Smith

Instead of a houseful of kids and their little ones running around laughing, crying, playing with toys and sneaking treats, this year my husband, Jim, and I will be home alone for Christmas. My automatic reaction is to feel sad—but I am glad that all of them will be celebrating the coming of Jesus with their in-laws. After all, we are usually the ones who get that privilege!

But—it’s easy to be sucked down into a “poor me” mindset and play the blues, unless we decide to change our perspective. So here are eight simple ways to help you enjoy the holidays whether you’re physically or emotionally alone. Why not join me and let’s beat those blues which aren’t where God wants us at this special time of the year—or at any time!
Sing. Play music. Listen to the words and join in praising God. Singing is a guaranteed mood lifter and perspective changer. “Sing for joy to God our strength” Ps.81:1.
Smile. Smile at little children. Their harried moms. The older shoppers who are trying to find just the right present. Make smiling your chosen expression (not through gritted teeth, however!). It will make you feel so much better and maybe lift up another lonely soul.
Invite. Is there someone you haven’t had time for this past year? Could you suggest meeting for coffee, lunch, or even over to your home? Perfection isn’t needed—only a loving heart that looks beyond it’s own world.
Rest. Remember all those too early mornings when you longed to just stay in bed? Now’s your chance. Take time to read a book of the Bible or several psalms. Choose a special book, magazine, or television program. Make or buy some once in a year yummy treats and ENJOY this gift of time!
Give gifts to others. Go online and look for simple Christmas recipes. Make peppermint candy or a cranberry loaf and go drop it off at a homeless shelter or place that serves those without a home. Change your perspective from looking inward to looking outward—as God our Savior did when He gave us the most amazing gift of love any one can receive.
Write a list of your blessings. Think back over this past year. Even if it has been one of the most difficult you’ve experienced, ask God’s Spirit to show you where He was present, loving and supporting and guiding you through. He will show you something and lift your heart.
Go to a Christmas Eve Service. Even if you’re by yourself, don’t miss the presence of God amidst the beauty of this celebration. Let your senses feast on the beauty, your ears delight in the music, your heart be moved to new heights of gratitude and love.
Pray about your dreams for 2012. What do you want to see happen in the coming year? Have you thought about changes you want to make? New paths to walk? Write out what comes to mind when you think of taking better care of yourself physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. (See my video: Take Care of Yourself, …….. or check my website on the media clips page).
May your “Home Alone” Christmas fill you with joy and a fresh awareness that Christ is with you, whether you’re surrounded by people or peacefully alone.

Author Bio

Poppy Smith
With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.
Sign up for Poppy's THRIVE newsletter at:
http://www.poppysmith.com/newsletters.htm

12 Days of Christmas Day 7

2011-12-19T01:22:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved
writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson,
Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as
each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during
this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form}
and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450
value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only
open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and
see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities
that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider
purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one
of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

The Snowflake Party
By Deborah Raney

The first snow of winter hasn’t fallen yet, but in our kitchen tonight we’re
doing a pretty good imitation. The whole family is circled around the huge old
oak table. The snip, snip, snip of scissors is background music as tiny scraps of
white paper float down, making our floor look like a giant brownie sprinkled
with powdered sugar.

Tonight has turned out to be the night for our annual Snowflake Party, a
tradition that began when our children were toddlers. There has never been
a date blocked out in red on our calendar, but one day we wake up and the
brisk autumn air has turned bitter cold. Naked tree branches trace their stark

calligraphy on a dull grey sky and we need a taste of the joyful promises of
Christmas and snow. It’s the perfect time for a party.

On such a day, one of the kids will fly in the back door, fresh home from
school, and declare “Hey, Mom! Tonight would be a good night for the
Snowflake Party!” First we round up every pair of scissors in the house. This
is one time when sharing is not a virtue. While the kids search for scissors, I
cut white paper into squares and fold them caddy-corner multiple times. The
resulting triangles are artfully arranged in a basket, awaiting the beginning of
the party.

Later, while the supper dishes dry on the counter, I recruit a volunteer to help
me stir up a big pot of hot cocoa. For the next hour it will warm on the back
burner, tantalizing us with its aroma.

Now the fun begins with careful cutting and snipping, shaping plain white
paper into intricate works of art. Each snowflake we create seems as unique and
spectacular as the genuine variety created by God himself. As each masterpiece
is unfolded, collective oohs and aahs go up.

When the last dregs of our creative juices are drained, Dad oversees the
vacuum patrol while I pour cocoa into generous mugs. We spread our
handiwork on the floor around us and sit, quietly admiring our work while we
dunk marshmallows and sip rich chocolate.

With empty mugs piled up in the sink, it’s time for the judging to begin. There
will be awards for ‘prettiest’, ‘most unusual’, and as many other categories as
we need for everyone to be a winner. Dad is the judge because he studied art in
college. He also usually wins one of the top prizes––because he studied art in
college.

Snowflakes deemed runners-up might be pasted in scrapbooks or hung on the
refrigerator. A few even “melt” into the trash that very night. But the winners
are taped proudly to the picture windows in the living room for passersby to
enjoy while they long for the day when genuine snowflakes will color the
world clean and white.

Our oldest daughter went away to college last September. She called just after
Thanksgiving to tell me that her dorm window was covered with snowflakes.
No, not the real thing, but the ones she remembers from her childhood––paper
ones that she spent an entire evening cutting and snipping while sipping hot

cocoa.

That’s the neat thing about traditions: They go with us no matter how far
from home we travel.

***
DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide
Pictures film of the same title. Her books have since won the RITA Award,
ACFW Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers' Choice Award,
Silver Angel, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. After All, third in
her Hanover Falls Novels series will release next spring from Howard/Simon
& Schuster. Deb and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy small-town life in
Kansas. Their four children are grown now and having snowflake parties with
their own children––and they all live much too far away. Visit Deb on the web
at www.deborahraney.com.

12 Days of Christmas Day 6

2011-12-18T04:15:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved
writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson,
Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as
each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during
this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form}
and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450
value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only
open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and
see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities
that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider
purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one
of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
***

Why I Decorate for Christmas
By Elizabeth Goldsmith Musser

An old cassette tape of Christmas carols—received in a package twenty years
ago when we had first arrived in France as missionaries—fills our den with
delightful piano music as I place one more ornament on the already over-laden
Christmas tree. This one is a little white wooden rabbit with pink ears that
move back and forth. It actually doesn’t look much like a Christmas ornament,
but I bought it for our baby Andrew when my husband Paul was in seminary,
and I was working for less than minimum wage in the library. This ornament
was literally all I could afford.

As I hang it on the tree today, I get goose bumps and then a rush of
warmth. And that’s why I decorate for Christmas. Not to impress but to
remember. I remember those lean, lean years, and God’s faithful provision for
us.

There are the cross-stitched ornaments I made our first year in Montpellier—
for the boys (for by now we had two sons) and Paul and me. How I ever had
time to do that, I don’t know. I remember our puny little tree—the kind they
sold in France back then—in a pot so that it could be replanted later. We
perched that tiny tree on a small table out of baby Christopher’s reach. I guess
I watered it too much, because about halfway through December, it started
smelling and then stinking, and it rotted there on Christmas Day!

I smile with these memories.

I look at the other ornaments on the tree. Many were purchased—one for each
boy—when we attended conferences around Europe, and that makes me smile
too. Getting to travel on a missionary’s budget to exotic places! There are the
waxed red bear and red baby carriage from Wales, the brightly painted clay sun
and moon from Portugal, the blue and white porcelain windmill and wooden
shoes from Holland, the hand-blown glass Snoopys sitting on gondolas from
Venice, and the delicately decorated eggs from Prague.

Other ornaments include the little pinkish shiny ball ornament with Paul’s
name written in glitter—I think he made it when he was about six , and the
little red velvet bows, bought at Michael’s after Christmas one year for a
dollar. They bring a unifying theme to the tree. I say this, smiling, because
our tree is, and has always been throughout the years, a hodge-podge of

our life. And I like it that way. I don’t think I could ever have a ‘theme’
tree. Mine is a ‘memory’ tree.

The music plays softly in the background and I smile through tears,
remembering God’s incredible faithfulness to call and keep us here in France
for so many years. Heart-breakingly hard years, overwhelmingly joyful
years—the same years, the same amazing God, our keeper.

Before we left for the mission field, I memorized Psalm 121 in English and in
French, and over the years I have held on tight to those last beautiful words of
the psalm: The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this
time forth and forever. (NASB)

Of course He will. He is God with us.

We decorate to remember Christmases past, our lives, our legacy, and mostly,
for those of us who have embraced Christ, we decorate to honor and praise Him
for coming to us—Emmanuel! We make our homes ready to receive the Christ
Child, with soft music and candles burning and the sweet flickering of angel
wings on an over-laden evergreen.

***
ELIZABETH GOLDSMITH MUSSER, an Atlanta native and the
bestselling author of The Swan House, is a novelist who writes what she
calls ‘entertainment with a soul.’ For over twenty years, Elizabeth and
her husband, Paul, have been involved in missions work with International
Teams. They presently live near Lyon, France. The Mussers have two sons and
a daughter-in-law. The Sweetest Thing (Bethany House, 2011) is Elizabeth’s
eighth novel. To learn more about Elizabeth and her books, and to find
discussion questions as well as photos of sites mentioned in the stories, please
visit www.elizabethmusser.com and her Facebook Fan Page.

12 Days of Christmas day 5

2011-12-17T05:13:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved
writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson,
Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as
each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during
this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form}
and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450
value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only
open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and
see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities
that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider
purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one
of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Where is Comfort and Joy Found?
By Sandy Ralya

The year 2006 ushered unwelcome emotions into my life. My husband was
unhappy in his job, two of my grown children were making poor choices, my
mother-in-law was showing signs of Alzheimer’s, extended-family issues were
surfacing, and I was writing a book. Things only got worse. Much worse.

Early in 2007, I was asked to represent the mentoring ministry for wives I
founded, Beautiful Womanhood, and lead a women’s conference in Uganda,
Africa. My husband wasn’t sure if traveling to Africa was a good idea, so
we committed it to prayer. While we were listening for an answer, I sensed
God asking me to fast from spending, except for groceries, for thirty days.
Sometimes you know that you’ve heard God’s voice because you’d never
have come up with those words on your own. This was one of those times.
I’d never heard of a fast from spending. Tom needed no convincing that a fast
from spending came directly from the mouth of God. He still gets excited just
thinking about it!

During the fast, it became clear I had used spending as a way to gain a comfort

fix. When I was spending money, I felt carefree and lighthearted. Instead of
dwelling on the unpleasantness in my life, I was thinking of my purchases and
how they would bring me pleasure. Not until I stopped spending did I realize
how short-lived the fix really was. During the fast, when I felt the urge to
spend—to anesthetize my pain—I pictured myself running into the arms of
Jesus, the Great Comforter. Oh, what comfort I received!

One night, I told good friends my experience of gaining comfort through the
power of the Holy Spirit rather than money. I exclaimed that I had never felt
so comforted. One friend then told us about a dream he’d had shortly after
hearing about the invitation from Uganda. After the dream, he had awoken and
recorded the following thoughts:

“. . . this is for Sandy. Christ’s redemption of women is beautiful. Beautiful
Womanhood is a result of redemptive wholeness. The visuals the ministry uses
on the books, etc., are like a piece of beautifully veneered furniture. There is
something going on with the ministry to the brokenness of abused women. In
Uganda, there are hurting, abused women, and something is connecting their
need and Beautiful Womanhood. Though there is nothing wrong with veneer, it
is only the topping—the covering, and without good structure it is shallow and
will not hold up. It is time to add a new depth to the ministry.”

Then these verses came to my friend’s mind:

All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of
every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles
so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to
give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more
we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through
Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NL

When my friend was finished sharing, everyone in the room broke down in
tears, praising God for His work in my life. I’d learned to listen and God had
spoken. I’d obeyed, and He’d acted. When He acted, I was changed.

Needless to say, I packed my bags and experienced some of the best days of my
life in Uganda—offering God’s comfort to His troubled women.

***
Sandy and her husband Tom have been married since 1980 and live near
Grand Rapids, Michigan. They have three adult children and a growing

number of grandchildren. When not writing and speaking, Sandy enjoys
shopping at yard sales for vintage clothing, cooking, travelling, and drinking
really good coffee (black is best) with her husband. For more information,
contact Sandy at sandy@beautifulwomanhood.com. Subscribe to Sandy’s blog
at www.beautifulwomanhood.com/blog. Find Sandy on Facebook at Beautiful
Womanhood. Follow Sandy on Twitter @MentoringWives.

Twelve Days of Christmas, Day 4

2011-12-16T01:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved
writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson,
Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as
each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during
this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form}
and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450
value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only
open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and
see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities
that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider
purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one
of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Where is Comfort and Joy Found?
By Sandy Ralya

The year 2006 ushered unwelcome emotions into my life. My husband was
unhappy in his job, two of my grown children were making poor choices, my
mother-in-law was showing signs of Alzheimer’s, extended-family issues were
surfacing, and I was writing a book. Things only got worse. Much worse.

Early in 2007, I was asked to represent the mentoring ministry for wives I
founded, Beautiful Womanhood, and lead a women’s conference in Uganda,
Africa. My husband wasn’t sure if traveling to Africa was a good idea, so
we committed it to prayer. While we were listening for an answer, I sensed
God asking me to fast from spending, except for groceries, for thirty days.
Sometimes you know that you’ve heard God’s voice because you’d never
have come up with those words on your own. This was one of those times.
I’d never heard of a fast from spending. Tom needed no convincing that a fast
from spending came directly from the mouth of God. He still gets excited just
thinking about it!

During the fast, it became clear I had used spending as a way to gain a comfort

fix. When I was spending money, I felt carefree and lighthearted. Instead of
dwelling on the unpleasantness in my life, I was thinking of my purchases and
how they would bring me pleasure. Not until I stopped spending did I realize
how short-lived the fix really was. During the fast, when I felt the urge to
spend—to anesthetize my pain—I pictured myself running into the arms of
Jesus, the Great Comforter. Oh, what comfort I received!

One night, I told good friends my experience of gaining comfort through the
power of the Holy Spirit rather than money. I exclaimed that I had never felt
so comforted. One friend then told us about a dream he’d had shortly after
hearing about the invitation from Uganda. After the dream, he had awoken and
recorded the following thoughts:

“. . . this is for Sandy. Christ’s redemption of women is beautiful. Beautiful
Womanhood is a result of redemptive wholeness. The visuals the ministry uses
on the books, etc., are like a piece of beautifully veneered furniture. There is
something going on with the ministry to the brokenness of abused women. In
Uganda, there are hurting, abused women, and something is connecting their
need and Beautiful Womanhood. Though there is nothing wrong with veneer, it
is only the topping—the covering, and without good structure it is shallow and
will not hold up. It is time to add a new depth to the ministry.”

Then these verses came to my friend’s mind:

All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of
every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles
so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to
give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more
we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through
Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NL

When my friend was finished sharing, everyone in the room broke down in
tears, praising God for His work in my life. I’d learned to listen and God had
spoken. I’d obeyed, and He’d acted. When He acted, I was changed.

Needless to say, I packed my bags and experienced some of the best days of my
life in Uganda—offering God’s comfort to His troubled women.

***
Sandy and her husband Tom have been married since 1980 and live near
Grand Rapids, Michigan. They have three adult children and a growing

number of grandchildren. When not writing and speaking, Sandy enjoys
shopping at yard sales for vintage clothing, cooking, travelling, and drinking
really good coffee (black is best) with her husband. For more information,
contact Sandy at sandy@beautifulwomanhood.com. Subscribe to Sandy’s blog
at www.beautifulwomanhood.com/blog. Find Sandy on Facebook at Beautiful
Womanhood. Follow Sandy on Twitter @MentoringWives.

12 Days of Christmas day 3

2011-12-15T01:30:00.000-08:00

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved
writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson,
Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as
each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during
this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form}
and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450
value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only
open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and
see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities
that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider
purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one
of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Advent By Sibella Giorello

Consider the bride's walk down the aisle. We all know where that woman in the
white is going but somehow waiting for her to arrive at the altar is an essential
part of the ceremony. In fact, the waiting is so essential that even cheapskate
Vegas chapels include wedding marches.

Why?

Because the wait adds meaning to the moment.

At Christmas time, we tend to forget this essential truth about anticipation.
We're lost to shopping malls and checklists, rushing toward December 25th so
quickly that we forget the quiet joy of the month's other 24 days -- and then we
wonder why we feel so empty on the 26th, amid ribbons and wrapping paper
and our best intentions.

Because the wait adds meaning to the moment.

And that is why Advent is so important to Christmas.

I'm as guilty as the next harried person. This Advent was particularly tricky
because just six hours before it started, I was still trying to finish a 110,000-
word novel that was written over the course of the year -- written while
homeschooling my kids, keeping my hubby happy, and generally making sure
the house didn't fall down around us.

It's an understatement to say my free time is limited. But waiting adds
meaning, and Advent is crucial to Christmas, so I've devised several
Advent traditions that are simple, powerful and easy to keep even amid the
seasonal rush.

When my kids outgrew the simple Advent calendars around age 7, I stole an

idea from my writer friend Shelly Ngo (as T.S. Eliot said, "Mediocre writers
borrow. Great writers steal." Indulge me.)

Here's how it goes: Find 24 great Christmas books, wrap them individually
and place then under the tree. On the first day of Advent, take turns picking
which book to open. When we did this, we would cuddle under a blanket and
read aloud -- oh, the wonder, the magic! We savored "The Polar Express,"
howled with "How Murray Saved Christmas," and fell silent at the end of "The
Tale of The Three Trees" (note: some of the picture books I chose were not
explicitly about Christmas but they always echoed the message that Jesus
came to earth to save us from ourselves and to love us beyond our wildest
imagination. In that category, Angela Hunt's retelling of The Three Trees
definitely hits the Yuletide bull's eye).

This Advent tradition lasted for about five years. It gave us rich daily
discussions about the season's real meaning, without being religious or
legalistic, and it increased family couch time. But like the lift-the-flap
calendars, my kids outgrew the picture books.

Because the wait adds meaning, and Advent is crucial, I prayed for another way
to celebrate anticipation of Christmas. By the grace of God, last year I found an
enormous Advent calendar on clearance at Pottery Barn. Made of burlap, it has
large pockets big enough to hold some serious bounty.

But my husband and I didn't want the kids focusing only on the materialist stuff
for Advent -- we already fight that on Christmas day. We decided to fill the
daily pockets with simple necessities and small gift cards. We also printed out
the nativity story from Luke 2:1-21 in a large-sized font and cut each verse out.
From Day 1 to Day 21, there is one verse to read aloud. The kids memorize it,
then get to open their present (again, on alternating days for each person). Then
we tape the verse to the wall in order. By Day 22, all the verses are on the wall,
in order, and the kids now try to recite the entire nativity story from memory.
That's not as difficult as it sounds because they've been memorizing one verse
each day. Still, the entire recitation -- verbatim -- usually requires Day 23 and
Day 24. Whoever does memorize the entire thing -- without mistakes -- earns a
bonus gift of $25.

Does that sounds extravagant?

It is.

Because we want our kids to understand that God came down and humbled
himself and taught us about love right before He suffered and died on behalf of
the undeserving -- which is every one of us.

"That's" extravagant.

And in the waiting, we find even more meaning.

***
Sibella Giorello writes the Raleigh Harmon mystery series which won
the Christy Award with its first book "The Stones Cry Out." She lives in
Washington state with her husband and children, and often wishes there were
36 hours in a day.

Twelve Days of Christmas, Day 2

2011-12-14T01:39:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved
writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson,
Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as
each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during
this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form}
and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450

value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only
open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see
what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help
women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a
copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl
Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

A Christmas of Kindness
By Suzanne Woods Fisher

"You can give without loving, but you can¹t love without giving." Amish
proverb

I do it every year.

I plan for a simpler, less stressful Christmas season and, every year, by
Christmas EveŠI'm exhausted! After our delicious and very-time-consuming-
to-make traditional Swedish meal to honor my husband¹s relatives (think:
Vikings), it's time to head to church. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but the last
few Christmas Eve's, I have sent my husband and kids head off without me.
The pull to spend an hour of quiet in the house feels as strong as a magnet.

It's odd. My children are young adults now. Wouldn't you think that Christmas
would be simpler? Instead, it's just the opposite. Jugging schedules to share
the grandbaby with the in-laws, trying to include our elderly parents at the
best time of day for them, dancing carefully around recently divorced family
members whose children are impacted by the shards of broken relationships.

The thing is: you can simplify your to-do list, but you can't really simplify
people. We are just a complicated bunch.
Here's where I borrow a lesson about simplicity from the Amish. It's easy to get
distracted with the buggies and the bonnets and the beards, but there's so much
more to learn from these gentle people if you're willing to look a little deeper.

Yes, they live with less "stuff" and that does make for a simpler, less cluttered
life. But it's the reason behind it that is so compelling to me: they seek to create
margin in their life. Not just empty space‹ but space that is available to nourish

family, community, and faith. Their Christmas is far less elaborate than yours
or mine, but what they do fill it with is Š so right.
oh

Christmas comes quietly on an Amish farmhouse. There is no outward sign of
the holiday as we know it: no bright decorations, no big tree in the living room
corner. A few modest gifts are waiting for children at their breakfast place
settings, covered by a dishtowel. Waiting first for Dad to read the story of
Christ's birth from the book of Luke. Waiting until after a special breakfast has
been enjoyed. Waiting until Mom and Dad give the signal that the time has
come for gifts.

Later, if Christmas doesn't fall on a Sunday, extended family and friends will
gather for another big meal. If time and weather permits, the late afternoon
will be filled with ice skating or sledding. And more food! Always, always an
abundance of good food. Faith, family, and community. That is the focus of an
Amish Christmas.

And it's also how the story begins for A Lancaster County Christmas, as a
young family prepares for Christmas. A winter storm blows a non-Amish
couple, Jaime and C.J. Fitzpatrick, off-course and into the Riehl farmhouse. An
unlikely and tentative friendship develops, until the one thing Mattie and Sol
hold most dear disappears and thenŠ Ah, but you¹ll just have to read the story
.
to find out what happens next. Without giving anything away, I will say that
I want to create a Mattie-inspired margin this Christmas season. Mattie knew
inconveniences and interruptions that come in the form of people (big ones and
little ones!) are ordained by God. And blessed by God.

Creating margin probably means that I won't get Christmas cards out until the
end of January, and my house won't be uber-decorated. After all, something
has to give. But it will mean I make time for a leisurely visit with my dad at his
Alzheimer's facility. And time to volunteer in the church nursery for a holiday-
crowded event. And time to invite a new neighbor over for coffee. Hopefully, it
will mean that my energy won't get diverted by a frantic, self-imposed agenda.
Only by God's agenda‹ the essence of true simplicity.

And that includes taking time to worship Christ's coming at the Christmas Eve
service. You can hold me accountable! This year, I will be there.

***

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting,
The Search, and The Keeper, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish,

including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly
traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order
German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne
is a Christy Award nominee and is the host of an internet radio show called
Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in
California. www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

12 days of Christmas

2011-12-13T04:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of
Christmas blogging series!

We've gathered several of today's most beloved authors to share their
Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along beginning tomorrow
(Wednesday the 14th) through Christmas day as Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods

Fisher, Rachel Hauck, Sandy Ralya, Sibella Giorello, Susan May Warren and
more, share their heartfelt stories of how God has touched their life during this
most wonderful time of the year.

If you'd like to share the 12 Pearls of Christmas with your blog readers
too, just email Christen and she'll send you the series.

AND of course there is a giveaway! Beginning tomorrow you and all your
friends can enter to win a PEARL NECKLACE and EARRINGS valued at
$450! The winner will be announced on New Year's Day! Pearls - a tangible
reminder of God's grace to us all.

***
Just a quick note before the series begins on the 14th ...

As I write this, I imagine that we are sitting at my kitchen table and chatting
over a cup of coffee while familiar Christmas carols celebrate the Season. My
twelve year old Chihuahua, Pongo, barks for a pinch of pound cake while my
Shih Tzu, Lilly, patiently sits by the chair and waits for a crumb to fall.

My name is not Martha Stewart, and I will never receive a neighborhood
beautification award. Just look at my front stoop. Yes, my never-had-time-to-
carve-the-pumpkin-that-now-suffers-from-frostbite slouches next to the front
door which is decorated with a Christmas wreath. I plan to roll this large orange
ornament to the garbage pile tomorrow. For now, however, I will pretend that
my front stoop is a contemplative modern art exhibit capturing the essence of
contrast.

Actually, I love the concept of juxtaposition – placing things together that don’t
seem to belong together, yet somehow ultimately make sense being paired. A
personal example for me this season is the phrase: “comfort and joy.” Having
just completed my manuscript for New Hope Publishers about the aftermath
of grief, I fully understand the contrast of those two words. How can comfort
bring joy? How can one find joy in loss?

Perhaps, dear reader, you have experienced loss this year – loss of a loved one,
loss of friendship, loss of health, loss of financial security, loss of trust, loss of
love, or loss of direction. Even with the best intent, words of encouragement
shared by others can somehow seem insufficient to address an inconsolable
loss. A spoken word cannot fully restore joy to a broken heart; however the
Word can. And that’s the bottom line message of Christmas! God gave us the

most amazing gift: His Son - the Word of God, the Holy Comforter.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that
whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life.”
(John 3:16).

You are not alone this Christmas, dear friend. Juxtaposed to the unexpected
grit in life is the gift of God’s grace wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying
in a manger. This year I purposely placed a pearl in the Nativity scene as a
metaphoric reminder. When we place our grit into the hands of the Lord, His
grace transforms our pain into a pearl.

“Joy to the world!”

Thank you so very much for sharing the JOY of the Season with us this year.

God Bless,
Margaret
@mcsweeny

***
Margaret McSweeney lives with her husband, David and two teenage
daughters in the Chicago suburbs. She is the founder and director of Pearl
Girls. For more information please visit www.pearlgirls.info. Margaret is fast
at work on several fiction manuscripts. Her book Pearl Girls: Encountering
Grit, Experiencing Grace was written to help fund the Pearl Girl Charities. She
is also the host of weekly radio show, Kitchen Chat. Connect with Margaret
on Facebook or Twitter.

Surrendered Sleep

2011-12-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

He Sees You When You’re Sleepin’...
By Dr. Charles W. Page

Do you recall trying to sleep on Christmas Eve while waiting for Santa to come to town? The anticipation of Saint Nicolas and all his goodies was just too much—who could sleep? The lyrics of Santa Claus is Coming to Town taunted me. “He sees you when you’re sleeping—he knows when you’re awake…” I tossed and turned trying to fall asleep, fearful I’d miss out on Santa’s visit if he caught me awake. I never doubted Santa’s ability to be aware of my wakefulness.

Unfortunately, as adults, the issues that keep us awake during the Christmas season are more complicated than those we experienced as kids. Financial burdens, strained relationships, difficult decisions, brooding regrets and fretful thoughts race through our minds and hinder our rest.

There is someone who “sees you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake.” It’s not Santa Claus. The Bible reminds us, God’s eyes never close. Perhaps this truth can tuck us in for the night.

“He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:3-4)

We erroneously think that as we “turn in” that God somehow “turns off” or moves on to do more important things. But God doesn’t wait for us to wake up before He returns to work. God is just as active during our sleep—or sleeplessness. Believers can rest assured knowing God is awake guarding our lives.

What does God do as we slumber? Psalm 127:1-2 reminds us that God gives to those that He loves as they sleep. What does God give? Understanding God’s generous nature, one rendering would be that God gives to the believer whatever is needed at the time. God can give you wisdom and direction with decisions as you “sleep on it” overnight (Psalm 16:7, James 1:5). Maybe there is a financial need. The scriptures are filled with examples of how God provided for the physical needs of those He loved as they rested (I Kings 19:1-8; Exodus 16:1-8).

God’s gifts are good, perfect (James 1:17), eternal (Ephesians 1:3) and purposeful (Galatians 5:22-25). They do not require batteries, warranties and cannot be purchased in stores. But they are available 24/7/365—not limited to one night each year. God’s greatest gift did not arrive under a tree but on a tree (John 3:16). “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)

It’s plain to see, God has our back as we sleep. Try this Christmas recipe for rest.
Repent—in areas where we are aware of our transgressions. “A clean conscience
makes a soft pillow.”
Release—control of problems you’re facing and give them over to God.
Relate—connect with God through prayer and meditation while in bed.
Rest—allow God to do what you cannot do for yourself as you sleep.
Receive—God’s unmerited forgiveness, grace and blessings while you sleep.
An English proverb reminds us, “As you make your bed so you must lie in it.” The truth of God’s Word helps us face our situations. Although we cannot change the failures of our past, we can rest with a clean conscience based on God’s gift of forgiveness. Our current circumstances may appear overwhelming, but God gives His presence and His guidance in our hour of need. Our future is secure and hopeful when God’s greatest gift—His Son—is kept in view. A life supported by a vibrant, healthy relationship with the Shepherd of Sleep makes the most comfortable mattress. In childlike faith learn to trust Him as you lie down to sleep and remember: “He sees you when you’re sleeping.”

Author Bio

Charles W. Page, M.D.
Dr. Charles W. Page is a sleep-deprived surgeon who completed medical school and residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Page is currently a rural surgeon and has taken numerous medical mission trips to South America and the Middle East. He and his wife Joanna live in Texas with their five children. He is the author of Surrendered Sleep: A Biblical Perspective. You can find more information at surrenderedsleep.com.

Surrendered Sleep
A Biblical Perspective
by Dr. Charles W. Page

PUBLISHER: Camino Real Publishers
ISBN-10: 0983138109
ISBN-13: 978-0983138105
PRICE: Paperback: $14.95; Ebook: $10.95

Available at:
Amazon
Surrendered Sleep

Dutch Apple Pie Jam Recipe

2011-12-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

What You Need

4 cups prepared fruit (about 1 lb. Granny Smith or other tart green apples)
1-1/4 cups water
1/2 cup raisins
2 Tbsp. Fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. Ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. Ground allspice
1 box SURE.JELL Fruit Pectin
1/2 tsp. Butter or margarine (optional)
4 cups granulated sugar, measured into separate bowl (See tip below.)
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
Make It

BRING boiling-water canner, half-full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot, soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.

PEEL and core apples; finely chop or grind. Add water and raisins. Measure exactly 4 cups into 6- or 8-quart saucepot. Stir in lemon juice, cinnamon and allspice.

STIR pectin into fruit in saucepot. Add butter to reduce foaming, if desired. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly.

STIR in all sugars quickly. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon

LADLE quickly into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches; add boiling water if needed. Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 minutes. Remove jars and place upright on a towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)

What You Need4 cups prepared fruit (about 1 lb. Granny Smith or other tart green apples) 1-1/4 cups water 1/2 cup raisins 2 Tbsp. Fresh lemon juice 1 tsp. Ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. Ground allspice 1 box SURE.JELL Fruit Pectin 1/2 tsp. Butter or margarine (optional) 4 cups granulated sugar, measured into separate bowl (See tip below.) 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar Make It
BRING boiling-water canner, half-full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot, soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.

PEEL and core apples; finely chop or grind. Add water and raisins. Measure exactly 4 cups into 6- or 8-quart saucepot. Stir in lemon juice, cinnamon and allspice.

STIR pectin into fruit in saucepot. Add butter to reduce foaming, if desired. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly.

STIR in all sugars quickly. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon

LADLE quickly into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches; add boiling water if needed. Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 minutes. Remove jars and place upright on a towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)

recipe from Carrie

Decorating for Christmas

2011-12-07T10:16:00.001-08:00

A Classic Christmas Tabletop -
The Inspired Way...
By Roxanne Hughes Packham

Have you ever just been at a standstill when trying to do aunique Christmas tabletop for your family and friends at Christmas time? Here are some tips from Roxanne Hughes Packham, co-author of Inspired Design that should make it much easier! Check out her blog if you’d like to see coordinating pictures to go with the ideas. www.InspiredDesignPublications.blogspot.com

Before you get started remember: Do not underestimate the power of your home, nor its ability to change lives. Do not underestimate the power of one tiny, seemingly insignificant, act of kindness. A welcoming smile, a cup of hot tea and an hour in a cozy nook spent listening to a friend can be life-altering. Your home is a significant part of the way people will be touched, by God, through you this Christmas season. God uses us as his hands! Your table is the means through which you can touch others by setting the stage for memories to be made.

A classic Christmas tabletop has to have red and green, plaidand sparkle, inspiration and encouragement. The red and green is an obvious choice, however sometimes it is easier than we make it. Collect red and/or green fruits and keep a glass bowl of them in a prominent place in the kitchen. You can add a few springs of ivy or pine to get really festive. Candies, such as M&Ms, come in red and green packages and in silver bowls makes any setting looks seasonal. Add red plates and greenery from your yard to complete the look.

Since Christmas is the one time we’re all into plaid, use it on your tabletop! You can tie it onto a pretty cross (see pictures on blog) onto the top of a candlestick and make a beautiful statement about the meaning of Christmas while pleasing the eye with the sparkle of the candles! Tall candles in the center looks perfect, adding shorter candles towards the two ends allow guests to be able to see over the candles for conversation. Small votives add sparkle and a feeling of warmth and coziness. You can use a plaid scarf, runner or piece of fabric draped diagonally across the table for an overall Christmas look, while allowing the beauty of the wood tabletop (or glass) to show through.

Lastly, and most importantly, the "Inspired" part of the table top design. Warming the souls of those within your home is perhaps the most important part of hospitality and the reason in Romans 12:13 we are told to Practice Hospitality. The easiest way to do this is keep a couple of framed quotes on the central part of the table, one towards either end. Not only can you do place cards with just names but think of an encouraging scripture or quote that reminds you of your guest or something that might encourage or inspire them. Praying over whatever is going on in a person’s life, not only releases the power of prayer, but lets them know you have been thinking of them and remembering their needs. In this time in our culture, what could be more inspiring!

God bless and be encouraged! Hospitality can change our world one life at a time!

Gift guide for men

2011-12-06T09:45:00.001-08:00

Ladies, with the holidays coming, this is going to be a big help in selecting that special gift for the man in your life!

Rule #1:
When in doubt - buy him a cordless drill. It does not matter if he already has one. I have a friend who owns 17 and he has yet to complain. As a man, you can never have too many cordless drills. No one knows why.

Rule #2:
If you cannot afford a cordless drill, buy him anything with the word ratchet or socket in it. Men love saying those two words. "Hey George, can I borrow your ratchet?" "OK. By-the-way, are you through with my 3/8-inch
socket yet?" Again, no one knows why.

Rule #3:
If you are really, really broke, buy him anything for his car. A 99-cent ice scraper, a small bottle of deicer or something to hang from his rear view mirror. Men love gifts for their cars. No one knows why.

Rule #4:
Do not buy men socks. Do not buy men ties. And never buy men bathrobes. I was told that if God had wanted men to wear bathrobes, He wouldn't have invented Jockey shorts.

Rule #5:
You can buy men new remote controls to replace the ones they have worn out. If you have a lot of money buy your man a big-screen TV with the little picture in the corner. Watch him go wild as he flips, and flips, and flips.

Rule #6:
Rope. Men love rope. It takes us back to our cowboy origins, or at least The Boy Scouts. Nothing says love like a hundred feet of 3/8" manila rope. No one knows why.

Rule #7:
Do not buy any man industrial-sized canisters of after-shave or deodorant. I'm told they do not stink - they are earthy.

Rule #8:
Buy men label makers. Almost as good as cordless drills. Within a couple of weeks there will be labels absolutely everywhere. Socks. Shorts. Cups. Saucers. Door. Lock. Sink. You get the idea. No one knows why.

Rule #9:
Never buy a man anything that says "some assembly required" on the box. It will ruin his Special Day and he will always have parts left over.

Rule #10:
Good places to shop for men include Northwest Iron Works, A Lumber Company, Home Depot, John Deere, Valley RV Center, and Les Schwab Tire. (NAPA Auto Parts and Sears' Clearance Centers are also excellent men's stores. It doesn't matter if he doesn't know what it is. "From NAPA Auto, eh? Must be something I need. Hey! Isn't this a starter for a '68 Ford Fairlane? Wow! Thanks.")

Rule #11:
Men enjoy danger. That's why they never cook - but they will barbecue. Get him a monster barbecue with a 100-pound propane tank. Tell him the gas line leaks. "Oh the thrill! The challenge! Who wants a hamburger?"

Rule #12:
Tickets to a Hocky/Football/Basketball/Baseball game are a smart gift. However, he will not appreciate tickets to "A Retrospective of 19th Century Quilts." Everyone knows why.

Rule #13:
Men love chainsaws. Never, ever, buy a man you love a chainsaw. If you don't know why - please refer to Rule #8 and what happens when he gets a label maker.

Rule #14:
It's hard to beat a really good wheelbarrow or an aluminum extension ladder. Never buy a real man a step ladder. It must be an extension ladder. No one knows why.

Close Encounters of the Moose Kind

2011-12-02T05:47:00.000-08:00

Close Encounters of the Moose Kind
By Linda Rondeau

I gasped as the gigantic mound stepped from the woods into our path, heads taller than our compact car. My husband swerved and we missed the animal by inches. “Was that a moose?” my husband asked.

I laughed.

“What’s so funny?”

“My heroine’s life is changed when she runs into a moose.”

We both giggled over God’s sense of humor.

That we found ourselves on the back roads of Franklin County at four in the morning was in and of itself God’s doing. I hadn’t planned on attending the ACFW Writers Conference in Minneapolis. “If I final in the contest then I’ll go,” I told my husband.

I did final, and my words haunted me. And so once again God changed my plans to fit into His. In rural upstate New York, flight connections often require a pre-dawn departure, and we had taken the country road to save time.

I shared my moose tale with a writer friend who laughed her prophecy. “That moose was a smile from God. He has plans for this manuscript.”

As time went on, God continued to smile affirmation after affirmation even through a dramatic relocation to Florida. Then, eleven years from the day that I felt God’s call to write professionally, my agent called with the news—a publisher had offered a contract. “It’s for Dawn’s Hope, but the editor wants to change the title to The Other Side of Darkness,” she said.

I did agree the alternate title sounded better and trusted the editor’s choice.

Yet, it wasn’t until later that God revealed His hand had been in the making of the book long before the first words were typed, long before I imagined my character’s accident, long before He sent a moose to confirm He would soon fulfill a promise made to me over a decade ago.

During a speaking engagement at a local women’s meeting, I shared my journey from call to call, reading a poem I wrote that very day God pulled me from one life to set me on another, one undefined and uncertain. I had obeyed His leading and He immediately gave me a poem, “The Song of Peace.” As I shared the poem with the women’s group, my eyes misted when I read the line, “Praise the Lord when Hope seems foolish…There is light on the other side of darkness.”

Could it be that even then, God was smiling on a book not yet imagined? I believe He did.

Author Bio

Linda Rondeau
Award-winning author, LINDA RONDEAU, writes for the reader who enjoys a little bit of everything. Her stories of redemption and God’s mercies include romance, suspense, the ethereal, and a little bit of history into the mix, always served with a slice of humor. Walk with her unforgettable characters as they journey paths not unlike our own. After a long career in human services, mother of three and wife of one very patient man, Linda now resides in Florida where she is active in her church and community. Readers may visit her web site at www.lindarondeau.com.

The Other Side of Darkness
by Linda Rondeau

PUBLISHER: Harbourlight Books
ISBN-10: 161116138X
ISBN-13: 978-1611161380
PRICE: Paperback: $16.99, Kindle: $5.99

Available at:
Pelican Book Group
Amazon
"Close Encounters of the Moose Kind" is loaded at docstoc.com.

New books releasing in December

2011-12-01T16:51:00.001-08:00

Below is a list of the new releases for ACFW authors. Much good reading to add to your Christmas shopping list!

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

An Amish Wedding by Beth Wiseman -- Romance from Thomas Nelson; Pricilla's upcoming wedding is stirring up trouble - and romance - in Paradise.

Christmas Pearl by Robin L. Bayne -- Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican). Joe Gardner never expected to see Elizabeth again, not after the part she'd played in ruining his life. Refusing to believe she now shares his faith, Joe tosses aside her efforts to apologize. But when they are forced to work together in the midst of the Christmas season, Joe has to face the truth about Elizabeth, and himself.

Daddy’s Little Matchmakers by Kathleen Y'Barbo -- Romance from Love Inspired -- Wanted: Wife And Mother. Veterinarian Eric Wilson is confounded by the classified ad his three young daughters have placed. The handsome widower is not in the market for a bride!

Death in Dahlonega by Deborah Malone -- A Mystery from Lamp Post Inc.. A vacation with a friend should never include murder and mayhem.

Gold, Frankincense, and Murder by Barbara Early -- Romance/Mystery from White Rose Publishing (Pelican); A missing coworker. A brawny sidekick. Sometimes the holidays can be murder.

His Holiday Family by Margaret Daley, -- Romance from Love Inspired. In the aftermath of a hurricane, will Kathleen Hart and Gideon O'Brien, two scarred people, find hope and love?

Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland by Roseanna M. White -- Romance from Summerside Press. In 1784 peace has been declared, but war still rages in the heart of Lark Benton.

Polar Bear Plunge by Linda Glaz -- Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican). Aleni Callan can’t accept that God allowed her husband to die in Afghanistan while war hero, Brice Taylor, returns from Iraq to cheers and fame and feelings that he somehow failed. Neither can accept that one man lived and one man died.

Replication by Jill Williamson -- Young Adult from Zondervan; A girl discovers her biologist father is covering up multiple secrets—all of which are named Jason.

Savanna’s Gift by Camille Eide -- Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican); When Savanna gets a second chance at the love of her life, will her dream that once divided them get in the way?

Small-Town Sweethearts by Jean C. Gordon-- Romance from Love Inspired; With the help of God and the love of Drew Stacey, a down-sized Wall Street analyst turned church camp manager, NYC assistant art director and former town misfit Emily, ne Jinx, Hazard finds the thing she wants most in the place she least wants to be — Paradox Lake.

Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt -- Romance from Thomas Nelson; When a failed logging company threatens their town's survival, four friends devise a plan to turn Smitten, Vermont, into the country's premier romantic getaway.

The Christmas Witness by Susan Sleeman-- Thriller Suspense from Love Inspired; Can a former FBI agent let go of the devastating loss of his wife to cancer in order to save a critically ill child and her mother from a ruthless criminal?

Tracks in the Snow by Sandra Hesch-- General Fiction from Lamp Post Inc.; Jo Bremley feared losing her husband to World War II, but when a snowstorm rips apart her storybook world, how can she heal her broken heart, and move on?

Three Things Every Traditional Christmas Tree Must Have

2011-11-22T10:38:00.000-08:00

Three Things Every Traditional Christmas Tree Must Have

By Roxanne Hughes Packham, Co-Author of the Hospitality Book: Inspired Design

For Photographs of these ideas and
more for Holiday design, visit www.InspiredDesignPublications.blogspot.com.

I can remember back thirty years ago, as a little girl, getting dressed up with my sister in our matching Christmas plaid dresses, getting ready for Christmas Eve dinner, and posing for pictures in front of our brick fireplace in our first house. I can still remember how excited we were for Santa Claus to come and leave presents, how much fun it was to have our crazy, loud family all together for Christmas. There are so many memories of Christmases past, but mostly the beautifully set tables and decorated trees and presents are the forefront of my memories. Our family is so much fun, and there was always so much laughter, loud and often hysterical storytelling, great food, and mostly an appreciation for our blessings, not material, but the blessing of our family.

Sometimes the decorating during the holidays gets so overwhelming, it becomes more daunting than it does desirable. You must keep in mind that for most people the memories made by Christmas past is the sweet memories that it conjures up time with family, friends, surrounded with textural delights all in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. So keep that in mind when you are breaking out the decorations that you are simply setting the backdrop for memories for family and friends, not trying to get an award for the best tabletop design in the country nor the most amazing tree in the land. Most of our deepest desires for the Christmas Season are to make a lovely, festive memorable day for our nearest and dearest.

Keep the following in mind for your tree: There is no award for the most amazing tree (that I know of), but you will touch the hearts of all who enter your home and enjoy the beauty of your tree because your tree represents your family.

~ Family ornaments!

This may be funny to some who have more than 25 years of ornaments saved and carefully packed each year. Good for you! Even if you just buy one new ornament per year on a vacation, or special event someone in your family participated in it makes such a story once the tree is fully decorated. I like to take a permanent marker and write the specific event and year on each ornament, after purchasing, in case I forget all the little details. It makes decorating the tree quite a tradition as each person takes the ornaments out of the boxes and begins to reminisce about the event or trip. Even with shiny new ornaments the old ones really give a history for the family and meaning to the tree.

~ Sparkle!

This might go without saying, but little white lights and colorful red Christmas balls really go a long way in making a Christmas tree look Christmassy! The lights reflect off the balls and the more the better, in my opinion. It is traditional for the tree to be mainly red and green. Since the tree itself is green, invest mostly in red ball ornaments. The more little white lights the better, especially important towards the back. Hang the simple round ornaments way back towards the trunk so that it sparkles all the way through. Don’t just hang the ornaments right on the front of the trees. Remember also to do a topper on the top! If yours broke, or you haven’t had one, use ribbon and make a large loopy bow and stick it almost on the very top. This one you will have to tie to the tree with the bow facing towards the front.

~ Candy Canes and Bows!

Although I often do themed trees throughout the house, it is always our big main tree that I like to be very traditional, red and green, with all the family ornaments. And, of course, no Traditional tree would be complete without candy canes and bows! Hanging the candy canes on last after the tree is decorated is the easiest, filling in every spot where there isn’t an ornament. They don’t even need a hanger, but can just be set hanging on a branch! Tying bows can be fun while watching a favorite Christmas movie or listening to your favorite Christmas music. While I know sometimes the teenagers have other things to do, they are always glad we took some time to make some more Christmas memories together. Lastly, tie the bows. I recommend something very “red & green” like polka dot ribbon with those colors, or something very Christmas-plaid! Those say Christmas-time more than any other types of bows. You can either tie the bows right onto the candy cane before you hang it, or tie the bows, and use an ornament hanger on it to hang the bow. I find it way too hard to tie the bows onto the tree.

Enjoy your time together this Christmas. Time is the most precious thing there is with loved ones! Bless someone by asking them over for simple coffee and tea, and to enjoy your beautiful Tree. Practice Hospitality, Romans 12:13! Merry Christmas!

____________________

National Bible Week and giveaway

2011-11-20T00:56:00.000-08:00

The role the Bible plays in the development of a Christian’s life.

Leave a comment to be entered for a giveaway - instructions at the end.

I was supposed to pick a topic to write about from a list of topics, for this week. I'm not a Bible scholar, I don't know a lot about the different translations, but I am a pastor's wife. Our church is pretty conservative compared to most others and only uses the 1611 KJV Bible. That doesn't mean we don't use other versions for study though. My husband has a massive collection of Bibles.

I memorized scripture as a child from the KJV. That was pretty much the version used when I was a child. I do remember a 4 parallel New Testament I had as a child, but I don't remember what other translations it had included, other than the KJV.

I was involved in the AWANA clubs as a child and memorized a lot of scripture. Now, as an adult I find that I still remember most of the verses I learned. Sometimes when I'm praying a verse will come to mind that's encouraging. Sometimes one just comes to me when I'm stressed or trying to talk to someone else about Christ--His goodness, His Mercy, His grace, His promises...

My children didn't have the luxury of being in AWANAs. There aren't any in the area of the country we live in. Some churches tried them, but failed for one reason or another. But the church that we are in now, encourages its youth to memorize the Bible. Every Sunday the young people from itty bitty all the way up to High School students, come up and quote a verse or a passage out loud, from memory in front of the whole church. I really think this is wonderful, as it encourages memorization and someday these same children are going to be adults, and able to recall the verses they memorized.

To recap...in the words of my husband...

The Holy Spirit will call those verses to mind in times of crisis when you don't have a Bible handy; when you need to hear from the Lord about a situation, and you don't have time to get your concordance out, or your Topical Bible, and see what God has to say about this or that, the Holy Spirit will bring to mind those things God has said, the pertain to the subject, and God's word becomes REALLY REAL to you.

I will hide thine word in mine heart that I might not sin against thee... (KJV)

v 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (CEB): “15 Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures that help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus. 16 Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, 17 so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.”

v Romans 15:4 (CEB): “Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures.”

v 2 Peter 1:19-21 (CEB): 19 “In addition, we have a most reliable prophetic word, and you would do well to pay attention to it, just as you would to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Most important, you must know that no prophecy of scripture represents the prophet’s own understanding of things, 21 because no prophecy ever came by human will. Instead, men and women led by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

Okay - to win a CEB of your own -

1. Leave a comment, including your contact information
2. Like CEB's Facebook page http://facebook.com/LiveTheBible for an additional entry. When you do, you’ll immediately be able to print beautiful calligraphy Bible verses. Leave another comment saying that you have.
Bonus entries:
3. Follow my blog - either this one or my book review blog - and leave another comment tell me that you're a follower.
4. Twitter about this contest - and leave another comment saying you've done it.

2011-11-18T12:10:00.001-08:00

10 Tips for Setting a Beautiful Holiday Table

By Roxanne Hughes Packham,
Co-Author of the Hospitality Book: Inspired Design

In today’s rough economic climate, keep in mind that although I hope to inspire you to set a beautiful Thanksgiving or Christmas table the real beauty comes from the thought and love you show your friends and family. Beautiful tables comprise equal parts from the “Inspired” & the “Design” categories. See examples: http://www.inspireddesignpublications.blogspot.com/.

Inspired

~Place cards
I love to use the ceramic place cards that can be written on with a wipe-off marker. You can quickly write people’s names, a favorite quote or sentiment. Friends love that you thought about them before the dinner and even something as simple as writing their names on the place cards really makes them feel remembered.

~Welcome Sign
It is so welcoming, to have a sign somewhere near the front door to greet your family and friends. From a very personal “Welcome Smith Family” or a seasonal “Merry Christmas” to “We are so glad you are here” on a casual chalkboard or an elegant mirror or glass framed, and write with a wipe-off marker, that welcome sets the tone for the rest of the event. I used an antique French cupboard door and painted it with chalkboard paint on the raised panel part.

~Quote or Scripture
The most inspirational part of the Holiday table is the beautiful quotes and scriptures. It depends on the occasion, but a quote that is either inspiring or focused on gratitude is the favorite. There is nothing like feasting your eyes, and then your thoughts, on what we can be thankful for, especially as an example for our children. Scattering them around the home (powder room, end tables, above door jam’s) is a great way to elevate your family and friends thoughts.

Design
~Fresh Greenery
Sometimes we mistakenly think a tabletop has to have flowers as a centerpiece to be really elegant and festive. Greenery is a wonderful, fresh and festive way to make a beautiful Christmas table. Simply cut a few small twigs of trees/bushes like pine or ivy, or my favorite boxwood branches, bay tree and magnolia leaves and put them in three smaller glass or crystal vases.

~Candles
No table is complete, in my opinion, with 5 to 7 little glass votives with white candles in them. The light sparkles and makes everything else on the table more beautiful and sets a soft, relaxing, often more romantic tone.

~Seasonal Piece
By seasonal I suggest a “Santa” figurine or such, a gingerbread house, or a standing cross to have in the center of the table. A clear jar of candy canes, M&M’s or such would do just fine, as well. Think: Something available only at this time of year. I usually have plenty of items in the Holiday Decor that I switch out to put on the table for each dinner.

~Napkin Rings
These can be such a pretty way to pull a linen napkin through to set on a place and make a really beautiful table setting. You can use french ribbons, or plain silver rings and they help to really make a bigger impact for an inspiring table.

~Sparkling Glasses
Whether crystal or glass, tall freshly washed glass sparkle so much with the votive candles that it is hard to wrong with this combo. A tall glass and short glass of whatever kind you like is very dramatic and beautiful, set together. Whether colored or clear the sparkle is crucial for the holiday table.

~White Plates
Although I love to use seasonal chargers and salad plates a crisp white plate is the most beautiful element to my favorite tables. They can be dressed up or down, and makes each setting look fresh and not heavy and overdone.

~Seasonal Linens
Of course, linen napkins add the most wonderful touch of elegance to any table, and Christmas plaid or red and green are no exception. My grandfather, who was a “Silversmith to the Stars”, loved a bare table with only plates (or placemats) but wasn’t a fan of covering a beautiful wood table. I have followed suit. Try leaving the wood table bare! The natural elements together is beautiful and simple.

“I tell you, the more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Thanksgiving in Early America

2011-11-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving in Early America
by Elaine Marie Cooper

When we sit down at our Thanksgiving meal this month, we’ll be recreating a celebration that is as old as our country: sharing food with loved ones while thanking the God Who has provided the abundance.

While we understand that the First Thanksgiving was celebrated here by the Mayflower survivors along with the Indians that had helped them, the first official proclamation that was decreed to celebrate such a holiday was in 1777. It was a recommendation to the thirteen states by the Continental Congress to set aside December 18th that year as a “solemn thanksgiving” to celebrate the first major victory for the Continental troops in the American Revolution: the Battle of Saratoga.

The Battle of Saratoga has significant interest for my own family since one of my ancestors was a soldier there. But he was not on the American side—he was a British Redcoat. After surrendering to the Americans, he escaped the line of prisoners and somehow made his way to Massachusetts and into the life and heart of my fourth great-grandmother. *SIGH* L’amour!

This family story was the inspiration for my Deer Run Saga that begins in 1777 with The Road to Deer Run. There is an elaborate Thanksgiving meal scene in this novel as well as in the sequel, The Promise of Deer Run.

Some may wonder why such detail was afforded this holiday in my novels set in Massachusetts, while Christmas is barely mentioned. The reason is simple: Thanksgiving was the major holiday in the northern colonies, with Christmas considered nothing more special than a workday. According to Jack Larkin in his book, The Reshaping of Everyday Life, “The Puritan founders of New England and the Quaker settlers of Pennsylvania had deliberately abolished (holidays) as unscriptural.”

But Thanksgiving was begun as a way to give thanks to God for His provision. It usually began with attending church services in the morning, followed by an elaborate feast in the afternoon. The food for this meal was prepared for weeks in advance.

Since the individual state governors chose their own date to celebrate the holiday, it was theoretically possible for some family members—if they lived in close proximity—to celebrate multiple Thanksgiving meals with family and friends across state borders. The dates chosen could be anywhere from October to December, according to Dennis Picard, Director of the Storrowton Village Museum in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

Chicken was most commonly served, said Picard, as it was readily available in the barnyard. And the oldest woman in the home had the honor of slicing the fowl for dinner.

Pies were made well in advance of the holiday and stored and became frozen in dresser drawers in unheated rooms.

“I like the idea of pulling out a dresser drawer for, say, a clean pair of socks, and finding mince pies,” said Picard, tongue in cheek.

Indeed!

Have a BLESSED Thanksgiving!

Author Bio

Elaine Marie Cooper
Elaine Marie Cooper grew up in Massachusetts but now lives in the Midwest with her husband, her three dogs and one huge cat. She has two married sons and triplet grandchildren who are now one years old. The Promise of Deer Run is dedicated to the triplets and to veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.Elaine has been a magazine freelance writer for many years, and is a regular contributor to a blog on the Midwest called The Barn Door (www.thebarndoor.net) and a blog on Christian living called Reflections In Hindsight (ReflectionsInHindsight.wordpress.com). She is the author of The Road to Deer Run and the sequel, The Promise of Deer Run. Prior to becoming an author, Elaine worked as a registered nurse.

Conquering Seasonal Depression

2011-11-05T14:01:00.001-07:00

Conquering Seasonal Depression

The seasons are changing. We can all feel the warmth and light of the summer months giving way to a bite in the air, later sunrises and earlier sunsets. As our minds and bodies adjust to the darker, colder days, many of us fall into a bit of a winter “funk.” We might feel some pervasive sadness and anxiety. Many of us gain some weight, and our sleep cycles may even be affected.

Of course, as we are all trying to keep our spirits up during the dwindling daylight hours, we are also beginning to deal with the stress of the holidays. Christmas shopping, planning for Thanksgiving, and even decorating our houses for the holidays can add to our stress levels significantly.

These all describe what is now known as seasonal depression. While most of us only experience mild symptoms, there is a whole range of severity that we can experience. For most of us, though, managing seasonal depression can be as simple as making some lifestyle changes:

1. Get outside! As the days get shorter, many of us spend entire days never seeing the sun. Try to spend a few minutes outside each day. The sunlight can help to lift your mood.

2. Watch what you eat. Most of us begin craving carbohydrates and fatty foods as the winter months set in. Try making vegetable-heavy soups and stews instead of fatty meat-based meals.

3. Get moving! Even getting 15 minutes of exercise a day can help to raise your heart rate and will give you more energy throughout the day. Try to get some exercise during the daytime – especially first thing in the morning.

4. Spend time with your family and friends. Being with people you care about and who care about you can really help to lift your spirits. Try going for a walk with a friend, or gather your family to cook a healthy meal.

5. Take care of yourself! The season for this seasonal depression overlaps with cold and flu season. Try to avoid getting sick by washing hands frequently and eating lots of Vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits. Also make sure that you get plenty of rest when you need it, and take some time for yourself to decompress when you begin feeling overly tired or stressed.

Seasonal depression can usually be treated with a general orientation toward wellness. Occasionally, however, professional help can really help you to get through the winter months. Talk therapy or antidepressants could be helpful. If you are experiencing persistent feelings of depression that do not get better with lifestyle changes, talk to your doctor.

Emotional health is one part of the Model for Healthy living: Faith life, medical health, work, movement, emotional health, movement and nutrition. On the journey toward wellness, we work to balance each of these areas.

For more information about the Model for Healthy Living, visit www.40DaystoBetterLiving.com.

Dr. Ron McDonald, Church Health Center Pastoral Counselor

November New Book Releases

2011-11-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

Lots of good reading abounds for November with these selections from ACFW authors. Think Christmas shopping perhaps???

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander -- Historical Romance from Bethany House; To create something that will last is Claire Laurent's most fervent desire as an artist. It's also her greatest weakness. All that Sutton Monroe holds dear lies in ruin. He's determined to reclaim his heritage and to make the men who murdered his father pay. But what he discovers on his quest for vengeance reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined.

Bound by Grace by Amber Stockton -- Historical Romance from Barbour. When Charlotte Pringle’s father disrupts her idyllic relationship with Richard Baxton by announcing he’s been working on a marriage arrangement to secure her future, Richard despairs over the loss of the woman he’s come to love, until his niece persuades him to fight.

Fatal Reality by Jonathan Wakefield -- A Thriller/Suspense from OakTara -- In this race only the winner will be allowed to live.

Gateway Weddings; Romancing America by Myra Johnson -- A Romance from Barbour. Three Missouri women enter the gateway to life, love, and longing.

Hope and a Future by Betty Arrigotti -- Romance from OakTara; Will Marjorie Gloriam overcome her fear and trust God to be a Friend with plans to give her Hope and a Future?

I Can Do Better All By Myself by E. N. Joy, --Biblical Fiction from Urban Fiction (Kensington). The singles ministry at New Day Temple of Faith is beginning to unravel, and the pastor is considering dissolving the ministry. Some members believe the only way to hold it together is by getting their pastor to join. And why shouldn't their leader show support by joining, considering the pastor's own single status?

Katie’s Way by Marta Perry -- Romance from Praise (Penguin). A quilt shop brings Amish and Englisch together, and trouble follows...

Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble -- Romance from Thomas Nelson. Five years ago Eden and Clay Larson's baby was stolen and never found. Eden blamed herself, Clay lost himself in work. Their young and rocky marriage ended. Or so Eden thought.

Mind Over Madi by Lynda Lee Schab -- General Fiction from OakTara; All men cheat. At least, that's what Madi's mother has always told her.

Peril by Suzanne Hartmann -- Thriller/Suspense from OakTara; A top-secret agent must trust God to protect her many secrets when she accepts high-profile assignments but can she trust Him when He leads her to reveal her secrets and takes her to death's doorstep? http://fasttrackthrillers.blogspot.com.

Promise Brides by S. Dionne Moore-- Historical Romance from Barbour; Love is the same, no matter when, no matter where-it never comes without sacrifice.

Protection for Hire by Camy Tang-- Thriller/Suspense from Zondervan; Tessa Lancaster’s skills first earned her a position as an enforcer in her uncle’s Japanese Mafia gang. Then they landed her in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. Now, three months after her release, her abilities have gained her a job as bodyguard for a wealthy socialite and her three-year-old son. But there’s a problem or two … or three ….

The Land of Darkness; The Gates of Heaven Series by C.S. Lakin-- Speculative Fiction from Living Ink (AMG); Jadiel is twelve and things couldn’t get much worse—or could they?

The Long Trail Home by Vickie McDonough-- Historical Romance from Moody Publishers; When Riley Morgan returns home after fighting in the War Between the States, he is excited to see his parents and fiancée again. But when he arrives he learns his life will never be the same again.

The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson-- Historical from Zondervan; An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice. Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude a recluse. She must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

The Rancher’s Courtship by Laurie Kingery-- Romance from Love Inspired; Though Caroline Wallace can’t have a family, she can still have a purpose. Becoming Simpson Creek’s new schoolmarm helps heal the heartache of losing Pete, her fiancé, to influenza. Then Pete’s brother arrives, trailing a herd of cattle and twin six-year-old girls.

Thyme for Love by Pamela S. Meyers--Romance & Mystery from OakTara; April Love has always dreamed of being a chef. But she didn’t expect a former fiancé or murder to be part of the recipe for her new job.

Turnabout’s Fair Play by Kaye Dacus-- Romance from Barbour; When Maureen O’Connor begins scheming to match her grandson Jamie with Flannery McNeill, the last thing she has in mind is a romance of her own.

The Hidden Gifts of Helping: Do Good Things for Others This Holiday Season

2011-10-28T10:41:00.001-07:00

The Hidden Gifts of Helping:
Do Good Things for Others This Holiday Season
Article by Stephen G. Post,
Author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping,a Wall Street Journal bestseller
(www.StephenGPost.com/HiddenGifts)

Ebenezer Scrooge begins in The Christmas Carol with a “Bah humbug!” He is both miserly and miserable. As the story unfolds, he eventually discovers the “giver’s glow,” as I like to term it. He is dancing on the streets in the enduring joy of his newfound generosity of heart. I compare the giver’s glow to a glow stick that children get at parades and fairs. These are the translucent plastic tubes containing substances that when combined make light through a chemical reaction. After the glass capsule in the plastic casing is broken, it glows. The brokenness is part of the process. Give and grow, give and glow. Scrooge discovered this before it was too late.

Human beings are wired to give of themselves for noble purposes, regardless of circumstances. Recently, I delivered a sermon in an African-American Baptist church in Coram, New York. The subject was how we benefit when we love our neighbor. Afterwards, a wonderful elderly woman, who was full of vitality, said to me, “You know, that giver’s glow is how we African Americans have been getting through hard times for two centuries!”

On the inside cover of a copy of The Book of Common Prayer, given to me in 1986 by the Rev. William B. Eddy of Tarrytown, New York, is an accumulating memorial list of twenty people I have known closely as models of kindness and generosity over the years. To get on the list a person must have passed on and, by all accounts, remained generous even in their final days. These are people who understood that happiness is not to be found just in the getting, but in the giving, and they taught by example. Have you noticed the warm glow in your heart that comes when you act kindly? They had a deep sense of common humanity, and they all had a certain happiness about them—a sort of gaiety that comes with a life well-lived and rightly inspired.

In my most recent book, The Hidden Gifts of Helping: How the Power of Giving, Compassion, and Hope Can Get Us Through Hard Times (Jossey-Bass, A Wiley Imprint), I describe a bit of an upheaval in my own life, and how helping others got me and my family through the inevitable tough times that come everyone’s way.

“After twenty years of being ‘at home’ in the Cleveland suburb of Shaker Heights, my job disappeared. Maybe we were too attached to Cleveland, and maybe God wanted us to move on. But as a family we never anticipated just how challenging up-rootedness is, especially when it is not something that you would have opted for in better times. So in June of 2008, we sold the house and moved east on Route 80 from Ohio to the George Washington Bridge, landing in Stony Brook. What a great place! But still, we just had not quite imagined how stressful such a move would be and how hard we would have to work to find renewed peace of mind and heart.

“Suddenly cut adrift from friends and community, we felt painfully uprooted—out of place, stressed out, disoriented and at odds with each other. Most movers suffer from a lack of companionship and intimate friends, at least temporarily, and doing this repeatedly is really tough. Fortunately, we had those twenty good years in Ohio. We struggled to find our footing with the move, determined to recreate the good life of community and friendships we all so keenly missed. The key turned out to be something we knew quite well, but learned to remember daily in our upheaval: the healing power of helping others. The medical prescription is this—Rx: Helper Therapy.

“Simply put, helping others helps the helper. Research in the field of health psychology, as well as all the great spiritual traditions, tells us that one of the best ways to get rid of anger and grief is to actively help others. Science supports this assertion: Giving help to others measurably reduces the giver’s stress; improves health and well-being in surprising and powerful ways; renews our optimism about what is possible; helps us connect to family, friends and lots of amazing people; allows the deep, profound joy of our humanity to flow through us and out into the world; and improves our sense of self-worth. These are valuable gifts anytime and particularly in hard times. If there is one great secret to life, this is it.”

After all was said and done, this move worked out. My wife found a grade school where she could continue her work as a teaching assistant for especially needy children, my son Drew volunteered at the hospital and I started working with families of individuals with autism. We eventually realized that wherever we are, we are at home when we can contribute to the lives of others. We got back in touch with the things that matter most, and maybe that is what hard times are for. We helped others in ways that we felt called to, we used our strengths so as to feel effective and we shared our experiences with family, faith community and like-minded others.

Eventually, of course, everyone stumbles on hard times, and no one gets out of life alive. Today, even those who had considered themselves protected from hardship are being touched and their lives changed by volatile economic markets, job uncertainty and the increasing isolation and loneliness of modern life.

Here are four things to keep in mind. First, as Washington Irving put it so well: “Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.” Second, love often does beget love, just as hate usually begets hate, and so good givers need to be good receivers. Third, we should never count on reciprocity because this is sure to be frustrating and ultimately small-minded. Better to take joy when those upon whom our love is bestowed do not “pay it back” to us, but rather “pay it forward” to others as they move through life remembering our good example. Or to bring this to the kitchen table, as I heard one Italian mother in Cleveland tell her son, “Love and forget about it!” And fourth, in I Corinthians Paul linked “faith, hope and love,” and he proclaimed that “love never fails.” What is faith but having confidence that no matter how harsh a particular scene in the drama of our lives or of history might be, it is love that wrote the play and love that will be revealed in the final act.

Do a little good this holiday season. The 2010 Do Good Live Well Survey,released by United Healthcare and VolunteerMatch (www.VolunteerMatch.org), surveyed 4,500 American adults. 41 percent of Americans volunteered an average of 100 hours a year. 68 percent of those who volunteered in the last year reported that volunteering made them feel physically healthier. In addition:

89% reported that “volunteering has improved my sense of well-bring”
73% agreed that “volunteering lowered my stress levels”
92% agreed that “volunteering enriched my sense of purpose in life”
72% characterized themselves as “optimistic” compared to 60% of non-volunteers
42% of volunteers reported a “very good” sense of meaning in their lives, compared with 28% of non-volunteers

How wise it is to do what one can to contribute benevolently to others!

Some individuals on my The Book of Common Prayer list were well known and others lived quiet lives out of the limelight. Some were appreciated and some not. We might prefer to think that loving servants of goodness would, after a long and successful life, die peacefully in their beds and all people would speak well of them at their funerals. But this is too simplistic. Everyone on my list experienced an enduring joy as a by-product of their generosity. Thus, the motto of my independent Institute for Research on Unlimited Love (www.unlimitedloveinstitute.com), founded with the help of Sir John Templeton (who happens to be on my list!), is “In the giving of self lies the discovery of a deeper self.”

Interview with Lisa Jordan and giveaway

2011-10-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

answer Lisa's question to be entered into a drawing for an amazing giveaway.
Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I’m an incurable romantic who wants to give promises of hope and happily ever after to her readers.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

The day I married my husband, twenty-two years ago at the end of this month.

How has being published changed your life?

It added more to my to-do list. My life hasn’t changed that much more, except trying to juggle deadlines, revisions, blog tours, and preparing for my upcoming book launch party. Internally, it has given me a sense of satisfaction that I succeeded in achieving a goal I set for myself many years ago—to become a published author.

What are you reading right now?

Susan May Warren’s Baby, It’s Cold Outside

What is your current work in progress?

I’m doing revisioins on my second novel, Lakeside Family that will be released in August 2012 by Love Inspired.

I’m plotting my third novel in preparation for NaNoWriMo.

What would be your dream vacation?

Any place with my family, preferably near a nice beach. Every other year, my family vacations on Sanibel Island, Florida, but Hubby and I are planning a cruise for our 25th anniversary.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

My current series is set in the same location—a fictional town named Shelby Lake that is set in Northwestern Pennsylvania. I love the area where I live, so I created a fictional town loosely based on the area to share with my readers.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Right now, probably my sweet agent Rachelle Gardner to just get to know her better, laugh over dinner, and do long-term career planning. And if my wonderful editor, Melissa Endlich, decided to show up, I’d definitely scoot over to make room and pull her in on the career-planning conversation.

What three things about you would surprise readers?

Hubby and I eloped 22 years ago, I’m older than I appear, I have an intense phobia of snakes—I can’t even see pictures of them.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Crafting—sewing, scrapbooking, knitting

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it

Plotting is hard for me. Thank God I’m partnered with an amazing critique partner who has a terrific talent for brainstorming and plotting. She helps me to flesh out my story ideas.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Find your voice—don’t try to emulate another author, constanly ask “why?” to get to your characters’ core motivations, and don’t give up when you get rejected.

Tell us about the book.

Bed-and-breakfast owner Lindsey Porter prays she won’t run into Stephen Chase when she returns to Shelby Lake. Five years ago, the cop jilted her to marry another woman, and Lindsey fled town. But no sooner does she hit city limits than Stephen pulls her over for a broken taillight. Despite the past, he’s still able to stir up Lindsey’s old feelings for him. Now a widower and single dad, Stephen recognizes a second chance when he sees one. And he’ll do anything to make Lindsey trust in God and take a risk for love—again. Read an excerpt of Lakeside Reunion

What one question would you like us to ask your readers?

My question for readers is what are your favorite breakfast foods?

Tell us about the giveaway you’re offering.

I am holding a scavenger hunt and lakeside photo contest to promote my Lakeside Reunion release. Visit my Lakeside Reunion Contest page for more information.

*Please note the Scavenger Hunt form has been updated to include more bloggers.
The token for this blog is a leg cast.

Bio: Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories that feature both comes naturally to her. She has been writing contemporary Christian romance for more than a decade. Her debut novel, Lakeside Reunion, will be released in November by Love Inspired. Her second novel, Lakeside Family, will be released in August 2012 by Love Inspired. Happily married for over twenty years, Lisa and her husband have two young adult sons. When she isn’t writing or caring for children in her in-home childcare business, Lisa enjoys family time, romantic comedies, good books, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. Connect with Lisa on Twitter, Like her on Facebook and sign up for her newsletter on her Website.

Teens and Their Supernatural Pursuits

2011-10-24T01:04:00.000-07:00

Teens and Their Supernatural Pursuits

By Melody Carlson

Have you even wondered why some teens are drawn toward things like Ouija boards or psychics? Or why séances are still popular at sleepovers? Does it just have to do with Halloween and that spine-chilling need for a good scare? Or could it be something more? And, as a Christian, should you be concerned?
Those questions, as well as some confused reader letters, prompted me to tackle the “supernatural” in one of my teen novels (Moon White, TrueColors, Nav Press). And whenever I write an issues-based novel, I’m forced to research—and often in some dark places. So I began scouring websites, learning more about Wicca and the occult, trying to grasp what was really going on with today’s teens—and how I could write about it in a helpful and relevant way.
But, as usual, when I write a teen book, I go back to my own adolescence...trying to connect with my inner teen...and I suddenly remembered a short era when a friend and I got very interested in witchcraft. I had honestly forgotten about this time and was fascinated to recall how we scoured some witchcraft stores on a local campus—I think we even purchased a few things. Fortunately, this interest was short-lived and I became a Christian not long afterward.
However, as I reconnected with my inner teen, I had to ask myself—why had I looked into witchcraft back then? Why do teens dabble with it now? Suddenly the answer became crystal clear. I was searching. I’d been calling myself an atheist for several years by then, but I was spiritually hungry—starving in fact. Consequently I was looking for spiritual answers—something that would fill that empty void within me. I wanted a supernatural force in my life and I didn’t even care where it came from. I needed something bigger than me, more powerful than me, something to hold onto. I had no idea at the time that I was really searching for God.
This realization changed the way I viewed my research. Instead of feeling disgusted and dismayed by the witchcraft/Wicca sites (which are not particularly enjoyable) I began to recognize that these people (mostly girls) were simply searching too. They wanted a power source in their lives just like I wanted one in mine. They just hadn’t found God yet.
This led to another discovery. A girl who’s attracted to a religion like Wicca is usually seeking to gain some control over her life. Something is wrong and she wants to change it. To do so, she’s often enticed to purchase something—like “magical herbs”—to create a potion that will give her some control over her situation. Unfortunately, she doesn’t even realize she’s being tricked.
But think about it, wouldn’t you love to have control over a bad situation sometimes? Wouldn’t you love to be able to change the circumstances that make your life unpleasant? So what if someone offered you the “power” to do just that? Perhaps if you’re fifteen, you wouldn’t see that person as a charlatan and you would fall for it.
Which brings me to another important factor in understanding this generation’s attraction to the supernatural. Follow the money. The more I researched, the more it became painfully obvious that Wicca and witchcraft and the occult are money-making enterprises. Thanks to the internet, these savvy distributors sell anything imaginable—and many things you can’t. That leads to some serious motivation—these marketers want to hook their unsuspecting young customers and reel them in. Of course, these potions and trinkets and how-to books don’t come with a money back guaranty. Nor are they approved by the FDA. Yet they are a multi-million dollar industry.
So, in a way, it’s a perfect storm. Teens that are insecure, lost, unhappy, and searching...meet up with an unregulated industry that offers supernatural answers and power and control...for a price. And, oh yeah, I never even mentioned how this opens a door for Satan to slip in and wreak havoc. For that...you’ll have to read the book.

Ginger Pumpkin Bread

2011-10-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

In celebration of all things Fall, we’re posting this delicious autumnal treat from The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook. Enjoy!
Ginger Pumpkin Bread
12 T. butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted
1 15-oz. can pumpkin
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
Sugar Glaze (recipe follows)
Whisk together the butter, pumpkin, and eggs.
Mix together the flour, baking powder, ginger, salt, sugar, and brown sugar and add to the pumpkin mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide batter between two greased loaf pans and bake at 375 degrees for 50-55 minutes.
Cool for 10 minutes then turn out on a rack to cool completely. Glaze with Sugar Glaze, if desired.
Sugar Glaze
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 T. water
Mix together until well blended and to desired consistency. Drizzle over cooled bread.

Pumpkin Bars

2011-10-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

Ok- my kids look forward to these every year during the fall- Mom's pumpkin bars- so yummy! You might have your own recipe for this one, but for those that don't, I think you'll love it. :)

Pumpkin bars
Mix:
4 eggs
2 C sugar
1 C oil
2 C Pumpkin(16 oz)
1 tsp vanilla

Mix in medium bowl and then add to the pumpkin mixture above:
2 C flour
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Baking soda
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp Ground cloves

Mix, pour into 1 well greased 15x10 pan. Bake at 350 degrees F. I like my pumpkin bars thin so I often use 2 pans -one a 9x13 and one 15x10, fyi.

Frosting- Mix 3 oz cream cheese
3/4 stick butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 Tbls. Milk
3 C powdered sugar.
Delicious!!- Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chicken Soup

2011-10-20T08:03:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin Chicken Soup
I c. chopped onion
1 c. chopped celery
1 tsp. minced garlic
2T olive oil
2 cans or 1 box chicken broth
1 can pumpkin
2 c. cubed chicken
1 can diced tomatoes
1 3/4 c. cooked wild rice mix (I used Uncle Ben's box mix)
2-3 T. ketchup
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. dried basil
1/4 t. pepper
Parmesan cheese (to top/garnish with at the end)

In large sausepan saute' onion, celery, and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in broth, chicken, pumpkin, tomatoes, ketchup, rice, seasonings.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve with parmesan cheese if desired. Makes 2 quarts. This is even better the next day!

2011-10-16T17:15:00.001-07:00

Why is forgiving ourselves so hard?
Kim Cash Tate shows how God cherishes us and provides our hearts’ desires.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Kim Cash Tate explores Psalm 103:12 as she takes her readers down the path to God’s forgiveness and reconciliation in her newest novel, Cherished. Readers will discover that God can still use them in spite of their worst choices. And He doesn’t just forgive them, but they are truly cherished!

Tate’s story will show her readers how God can bring beauty from ashes. She has a unique way of weaving her characters’ lives together, leading back to one great point—God’s tremendous mercy and grace. In the words of one of her characters, “I wasn’t sure what to expect. I felt like it would take a while to work my way back into God’s good graces, but it was like…”—she flung wide her arms—“…He just embraced me.” We too can be embraced by the same great love when we learn that true forgiveness for ALL of our sins is right before us.

Growing up in Saint Louis, Kelli London dreamed of becoming a songwriter and glorifying God with her songs of praise. But after falling into sin, she walks away from her dreams. Heather Anderson’s life has spun out of control—first an affair with a married man and then a one-night stand with the drummer of a popular Christian band. Broken and alone, she discovers the only one who can save her. Brian Howard grew up as a science geek. But after making the worst mistake of his life after high school, he finds forgiveness in Christ and is being led down a completely different path. Now he must choose whether to continue pursuing his PhD in biochemistry or to become a full time Christian rapper.

In her interviews, Tate discusses topics such as:

· Learning to forgive ourselves
· Choosing to forgive others and allowing God to change them
· Following the dreams God has for us
· Surrounding ourselves with Christian friends who will pray for and encourage us
· Understanding God’s unchanging love

Tate was a speaker for Women of Faith in both 2010 and 2011. She appeared as the cover girl for the May issue of Empowering Everyday Women and will be featured in the September edition of Significant Living. A song based on Cherished will be featured on the newest album for Da’ T.R.U.T.H., a Christian wrapper. Tate is also the founder of Colored in Christ Ministries. Her appeal as a Bible teacher and a “big sister” in ministry, as well as her messages of hope, is what attracts discerning fiction lovers worldwide.

Tate’s characters bring a reflection of our own poor choices. Readers walk away knowing that despite their worst mistakes, they are cherished by their Creator. “The enemy will try to make you feel guilty about your past, and he’ll use your own thoughts or he’ll use other people. But if you know who you are, he won’t succeed,” says Tate.

Cherished by Kim Cash Tate
Thomas Nelson/September 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59554-855-9/336 pages/paperback/$15.99
www.kimcashtate.com

Statistics of Abortion...

2011-10-15T01:59:00.000-07:00

Are you aware of the statistics on abortion?
Nearly half of pregnancies among American women are unintended, four in ten are terminated by abortion. 22% of all pregnancies (excluding miscarriages) end in abortion.

At least half of American women will experience unintended pregnancy by age 45, and, one in ten will have an abortion by age 20, one in four by age 30 and three in ten by age 45.

37% of women obtaining abortions identify themselves as Protestant and 28% identify themselves as Catholic.

(*Statistics from The Alan Guttmacher Institute)

Why do Christians need to talk about abortion?
Because many of the women who have had abortions are sitting in your church’s pews.

180 Aims to Save Lives and Souls

A new film produced by best-selling author and TV co-host Ray Comfort recently debuted online and is expected to reach over a million views by the time it has been out for one month. The new documentary,180 reflects the complete turnaround in the mindsets of each individual that Comfort interviews in regards to abortion. The film features eight pro-choice young adults (mostly college students) who change their stance to pro-life after answering a series of questions.

Many assume that abortion is a topic that doesn’t need to be discussed within the church. However, 65% of women who have abortions identify themselves as Christians. It isn’t just an issue of teens and college students. Over 20% of abortions, the women are over 30. To combat this staggering data the 180 Course is available for churches to address the topic of abortion, including a study guide as well as a second video that discusses evangelism – once lives are saved, souls need to be saved as well.

It was not Comfort’s original intention to create a documentary specifically about the abortion issue. He began taping interviews for a companion DVD for a book on Hitler and the holocaust. In the course of the interviews, one question led to another, and the discussion led to abortion. Comfort explains, “It began with two male university students completely changing their minds about abortion when we asked them one specific question. Then, we took to the streets, and found that six women changed their minds from pro-abortion to pro-life in a matter of seconds by asking the same series of questions. It was amazing!”

Comfort saw this new direction the film was taking, and quickly recognized its potential to open doors for discussion. “I have held up pro-life signs. I have printed pro-life literature and spoken against abortion in pulpits and in my books, but I have felt that all my efforts were almost futile—until now. In 180 we have a nation changer.”

180 is making a vital impact. One viewer writes, “I was at an abortion clinic on the sidewalk (with my laptop), two young ladies stop and watched the 180 trailer. Then they watched the full 180 DVD. One was four months pregnant, the other was three. They were both going there for an abortion; they were both in tears, hugged my neck and decided to give their babies life and choose adoption instead. I cried too. Praise God for 180.”

The documentary is now available for free viewing
online at http://www.180movie.com/.

Candy Corn Cuppy-Cakes

2011-10-14T12:24:00.001-07:00

Candy Corn Cuppy-Cakes!

These cupcakes are darling, and will be a festive and colorful addition to your celebration; cute enough for the kids, but sophisticated enough for the grown-ups too!

Ingredients
1 18.25-oz. white cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines)
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 tsp. almond extract
Yellow and orange food gel (about a heaping 1/2 tsp. of each)
A double batch of Perfect Cupcake Frosting & Filling (click for recipe)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line 2 24-cup muffin tins with white paper liners (although you may not make it to 24 cupcakes)
Combine all ingredients except for food coloring in a large bowl and beat on low speed for 1 minute
Scrape down the sides of the bowl and then beat on medium for 2 additional minutes
Divide batter equally into two bowls; you should have about 2 1/4-2 1/2 c. of batter in each bowl
Mix about 1/2 heaping tsp. of yellow coloring into one bowl of batter and 1/2 heaping tsp. of orange coloring into the other bowl
Divide the yellow batter evenly among the muffin tins. I used a standard cookie scoop, which measures about 1 Tbsp. I only had enough to make 20 cupcakes with the cups filled about halfway
Holding the edges of each pan firmly, bang the pan a few times on the counter to level out the batter
Repeat the process with the orange batter
Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean
Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan and then allow to cool completely on a cooling rack.
When ready, frost the cupcakes and garnish with a candy corn

Recipe and photos from: www.ourbestbites.com

Life Lessons from the Help

2011-10-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Life Lessons from The Help
Pain Happens in a Broken World
By Poppy Smith

Have you read or seen the movie, THE HELP? If you have, you know it is a story about racism and the treatment of black maids who worked for white people in the South. People’s reactions range from outrage at the humiliation blacks have often received, to charges that it was biased and untrue.

I came out of the movie grieving. I not only felt wretched at the pain racism causes, but also at the hurt and suffering that comes when people mistreat others. Pain Happens in a Broken World. Being cruel to others, whether by actions or words, happens in every culture for many reasons: because individuals think they are superior for some reason due to their skin color, gender, position in society, wealth, or education. Whatever the reasons, they all flow from a sinful heart.

Have you been hurt?

Have you known what it is like to be looked down on, dismissed as unimportant, or made to feel unwanted? Have you experienced cruelty of some kind? How did it make you feel?

Have you wrestled with anger, wanting to get revenge, or feeling crushed and of no worth?

In The Help, one of the poorly treated maids gets her revenge in a startling way. But revenge is God’s prerogative, and not ours to take (Romans 12:19).
Your pain might have come from someone you work with, live next to, or go to school with. Its source could be a relative or close family. Even fellow believers hurt others when operating in the flesh and not the Spirit. But no matter where your pain originated, it is something God wants to heal.

God Cares About You. Why should He care? Why does He call you to forgive those who have harmed you? Because He loves you and wants the appalling power of bitterness, hatred, and inner rage to stop poisoning your heart and your life.
God’s Path to Healing. How can you and I, followers of the Lord Jesus, indwelt by His Mighty and All-powerful Spirit, find freedom from pain? Only by forgiving the one, or many, who caused our pain.

Three necessary principles for dealing with pain:

Reject blame and bitterness. It doesn’t move you forward. It chains you to the past.

Pray for willingness to forgive. It is a process that often requires time to work through.

Forgive the offender. Be willing to release that person from your desire for revenge, or even for an apology. Realize they most likely have moved on and forgotten the incident. Remembering is only hurting you. Let it go.

Remember something else: the Lord is our Healer. He wants you to experience joy, no matter how much pain you have experienced. He wants you to THRIVE in every aspect of your life. And He has provided a way for this to happen! Will you walk in it?

Author Bio

Poppy Smith
With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.

The above article comes from Poppy’s recent Thrive e-newsletter.
Receive Poppy’s Ten Tips for Saying “No” by signing up for her newsletter at: http://www.poppysmith.com/newsletters.htm

"Life Lessons from THE HELP" is loaded at docstoc.com. If for some reason you have difficulty copying or downloading the article, we will be glad to email the article in .pdf or .doc format.
Russ@kathycarltonwillis.com

This article content is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. You are welcome to place this article on your site or in your publication as long as 1) it’s used in its entirety, 2) the full bio is also used, and 3) you notify KCWC at russ@kathycarltonwillis.com.

All other standard copyrights apply.

Five More Things I've Learned from the Amish (article)

2011-10-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

Guest blog from Suzanne Woods Fisher for “Amish Values for Your Family” (Revell)

Five More Things I’ve Learned from the Amish that Have Nothing to Do with being Amish and Have Everything to Do with being a Christian:

Live humbly. This is the basis of the Amish life. They don’t waste, they reuse and recycle, they live simply and without luxury, they provide for each other’s needs. Daily life is embroidered with gratitude for all God has given them. Two prayers bookend every meal—a meal begins with thanks to God for the nourishing food, and ends with gratitude for what was received.

Amish proverb: “The blessing of sharing outweighs the blessing of having.”

The Lesson: Choose simplicity over clutter. Economy over luxury. And give thanks!

A task takes as long as it takes. It seems like such a paradox—the Amish are busy, yet unhurried. They have a deliberateness in their actions—one job isn’t more important than the other. And they don’t have televisions or computers or radios or telephones—which gives them more time to cook, fish at the lake, enjoy a good book, and spend with their children and grandchildren. They have time to slow down a bit—to smell the roses along their path.

Amish proverb: “Every day that dawns brings something to do that can never be done as well again.”

The Lesson: Reduce the time where attention is focused on electronics (computer! Cell phone! Television!) and strive to be more emotionally present when with others.

Success and Size are not related. The Amish have rapidly adopted to the demands of the modern business world. Their self-owned businesses are remarkably successful, but not at the cost of everything else. They view money as a tool, not the goal.

Amish proverb: “Love, peace, and happiness in the home is of infinitely more value than honor, fame and wealth.”

The Lesson: Never let ambition destroy life’s better goals.

They teach us not to seek vengeance but to forgive. The Amish take the Lord’s Prayer seriously—if they are asking God to forgive them their sins, they must be willing to forgive others who have sinned against them. Being a forgiving person is an everyday intention.

Amish proverb: “It is far better to forgive and forget than to resent and remember.”

The Lesson: No doubt you’re familiar with the Nickel Mines tragedy. If the Amish can forgive the killer of their children, can’t we forgive a friend for not inviting us to a party? Or a driver who cuts us off? Make forgiveness your default button. A habit. An everyday intention.

God has a plan. To the Amish, everything passes through the hands of God. Everything. Joys and sorrows, both. God is sovereign over all—from weather to illness to births to who’s in the White House. They yield to God’s perfect will, trust Him for what they don’t understand, and thank Him for what they do.

Amish proverb: “God’s hand that holds the ocean’s depth can hold my small affairs. His hand, which guides the universe, can carry all my cares.”

The Lesson: Trusting God isn’t passive—it takes a lot of work! But what peace and joy are available to us when we put our faith in the Almighty God. Everything, ultimately, works out for good.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction and the host of a weekly radio program called Amish Wisdom. Her most recent book, Amish Values for Your Family released in August. The Waiting is a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award. Amish Peace: Simple and Amish Proverbs were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011). Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth. Keep up on Suzanne's latest news on Facebook, Twitter and on her blog!

Five Things I've Learned from the Amish - article

2011-10-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

Guest blog from Suzanne Woods Fisher for “Amish Values for Your Family” (Revell)

Five Things I’ve Learned from the Amish that Have Nothing to Do with being Amish and Have Everything to Do with being a Christian:

Being Amish is not a lifestyle. Life among the Amish has to do with faith. Faith can’t be squeezed to an hour or two on Sunday morning; it infuses their entire life like a teabag in hot water. What they do and how they do it is rooted in the spiritual question: What is pleasing to God?

Amish proverb: “Letting go of earthly possessions enables us to take hold of heavenly treasures.”

The Lesson: To pray about my day’s activities and offer them to God, first, for His purposes. And then trusting interruptions (seeing a friend in the grocery store, for example) or de-railings (those days when everything goes wrong!) to be God-managed.

Cherish your family. A family that works together, grows together. Amish families spend a lot of time together and try to keep their work close to home. Children are valued as gifts from God, wanted and enjoyed. They’re included in all of Amish life—from barn raisings to three-hour church services. An Amish bishop once said, "We don't prepare our children for the future, we prepare our children for eternity."

Amish proverb: “Tomorrow’s world will be shaped by what we teach our children today.”

The Lesson: Involving children in chores and activities may not be the most convenient or efficient way to accomplish a task, but the benefits are long lasting. Look for ways to get everybody involved—cook together, sweep out the garage together, set the table together. And have fun while you’re doing it!

Draw a land in the sand. The Amish want to be good stewards of God’s resources—time, money, material goods. They know that convenience comes with a cost. They don’t want to be dependent on outside sources (such as electricity or gas!). Convenience means loss of something valuable. For example, fast food means less nutrition. More stuff means more maintenance. They’re willing to say no.

Amish proverb: “Things that steal our time are usually the easiest to do.”

The Lesson: Technology has its limits. And technology isn’t all good. Evaluate purchases more thoughtfully. Think of where a purchase or an added expense will lead your family. More time together or less? More stress or less? Reframe your view of time and money and goods as God’s resources.

Watch Your Words. The Amish continually stress the importance of filtering their speech.

Amish proverb: “Words break no bones, but they can break hearts” and “Mincing your words makes it easier if you have to eat them later.”

The Lesson: Say less. Prayer more.

Nothing replaces face-to-face visits. Back in the day when telephones emerged on the scene, the Amish bishops made a deliberate decision to keep the telephone out of the house. They didn’t want to interrupt family life. But they drop everything for a face-to-face visit.

Amish proverb: “Use friendship as a drawing account, but don’t forget to make a deposit.”

The Lesson: Nurture relationships by investing face-to-face time in them. No technology can substitute for the real thing.

Honor the Sabbath. An Amish person would never think of working on a Sunday. But it’s more than that—they truly cherish their Sabbath. They spend time on Saturday to make Sunday a smooth and easy day.

Amish proverb: “Many things I have tried to grasp and have lost. That which I have placed in God’s hands I still have.”

The Lesson: Strive to make Sunday a different day than other days. A day of rest is important on so many levels—time to worship, time to reflect, time to re-energize. A re-charge your battery day.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction and the host of a weekly radio program called Amish Wisdom. Her most recent book, Amish Values for Your Family released in August. The Waiting is a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award. Amish Peace: Simple and Amish Proverbs were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011). Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth. Keep up on Suzanne's latest news on Facebook, Twitter and on her blog!

New books releasing in October

2011-10-01T11:02:00.001-07:00

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

A Wedding Invitation by Alice Wisler -- General Fiction from Bethany House; When Samantha Bravencourt receives an invitation to a wedding in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she looks forward to reconnecting with her college friend. Instead her life collides with Carson, a fellow teacher and the man who broke her heart.

Attracted by Fire by DiAnn Mills -- A Thriller/Suspense from Tyndale. When a Secret Service Agent is assigned to the Vice President's rebellious daughter, danger lurks in every corner - and her heart.

Deeply Devoted: A Novel; The Blue Willow Brides Series by Maggie Brendan -- A Historical from Revell -- She is staking her future on a man she's never met. Can she learn to love him?

Freezing Point by Beth Goddard -- A Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired. Casey Wilkes didn't realize her simple human-interest story would put her life at risk—again.

Lethal Remedy by Richard L. Mabry M.D. -- A Thriller/Suspense from Abingdon; A doctor discovers that the experimental "wonder drug" that offers the only hope of cure for a universally fatal infection can be attacking more than just bacteria.

Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist, -- Historical Romance from Bethany House. Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world ... which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.

Maggie's Journey by Lena Nelson Dooley -- A Historical from Realms (Charisma Media). Near her eighteenth birthday, Margaret Lenora Caine finds a chest hidden in the attic containing proof that she's adopted and her journey begins.

Recipe for Deceit by S. Dionne Moore -- Mystery from Barbour. The third LaTisha Barnhart mystery finds the sassy diner owner trying to figure out who put the hit on a hitman.

Rodeo Dust by Shannon Vanatter -- Romance from Barbour Heartsong; Can they rely on God to find their common ground or will they draw a line in the rodeo dust that neither will cross?

Southern Fried Sushi: A Novel by Jennifer Rogers Spinola -- General Fiction from Barbour; Ride the roller coaster of Shiloh Jacobs’s life as her dreams derail, sending her on a downward spiral from the heights of an AP job in Tokyo to penniless in rural Virginia.

Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy-- Thriller/Suspense from Barbour; A demon possessed serial killer pits himself against a former ego driven cop, who's found peace as a mission pastor and a tough lady cop with the spiritual gift of discerning spirits.

The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy-- Thriller/Suspense from Thomas Nelson; To save her husband and son, Audrey Bofinger must rescue her enemy.

The Chair by James Rubart-- Thriller/Suspense from B and H Publishing; If you were given an ancient looking chair and told Jesus Christ made it, would you believe them?

The Christmas Child by Linda Goodnight-- Romance from Love Inspired; When a battle weary cop and a Christmas crazy teacher join forces to care for an abandoned, mute boy in a small town, neither is prepared for the shocking revelations waiting...just in time for Christmas.

The Lady's Maid by Susan Page Davis-- Romance from Barbour; As a lady's maid, Elise will follow her mistress anywhere, even into the Wild West.

The Wishing Pearl by Nicole O'Dell-- Young Adult from Barbour; Join conflicted sixteen-year-old Olivia Mansfield on her journey to hope and healing as she leaves her messed-up life behind and moves into home for troubled teens

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones-- Young Adult from Thomas Nelson; Grief brought Finley to Ireland. Love will lead her home.

When Love Gets in the Way by Janelle Mowery-- A Historical from Harvest House; Straight from the heart of the Old West, the Colorado Runaway series is full of adventure, humor, and romance.

When Two Hearts Meet by Janelle Mowery-- A Historical from Harvest House; Rachel Garrett finds that attaining her dream of becoming a nurse is fraught with peril, and a deputy sheriff with a wall around his heart doesn’t help matters,

Tomorrow had Come

2011-09-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Had Come
by Jessica Kirkland

In every season of life, the Enemy would whisper the lie that I would “never make it” to the next. I believed it. Time and time again, I thought his words held power. As a young child, I never thought I would live to see my school years. Once I entered school, I never thought I would live to see the next day, next grade, or milestone in life. I listened to a very real enemy, even though I didn’t want to. Even though I came from a strong, Christian family, I felt powerless to stop the lies. Fear gripped me, stole from me, and taunted every careful step I took.

I gave my heart to Christ at six years old, yet fear still held me tight. Though I had renewed hope, the whispers and lies continued to flow and drown out truth through every season. When, I heard the words that burned a hole straight through, I was nose-to-nose with what appeared to be the sum of all my fears.

“Mrs. Kirkland, you have congestive heart failure. If your babies are born now, they will probably not live or be severely impaired.”

I was twenty-six weeks pregnant with triplets. In the beginning, I had been pregnant with quads, but had lost one child at 14 weeks. I never imagined we might all go meet Jesus on the same day. I mourned the thought of my husband walking through life alone. I grieved for the children that would either die, be disabled on this earth, or grow up motherless. And I burned with anger, not just because of the oxygen mask strapped to my face as I struggled for breath and life, but for twenty-five years of allowing Satan to tell me that I would never make it to tomorrow.

Tomorrow had come.

As nurses whirled around me, I prayed Acts 17:25 out loud, “…You give life and breath to everything, and satisfy every need.” I pleaded with the God I personally knew through a relationship with His Son, Jesus. I knew He had a plan for my life that was good according to Jeremiah 29:11. In my humanity, I struggled with the thought that death might be His plan for us on that day.

Today, we are parents to three healthy five-year-olds. You would never know they were born nine weeks premature. The joy that Satan has stolen from me in 30 years, through a spirit of fear, is great. I imagine if you strung each lying sentence end-to-end, they might wrap the globe. Yet, I have promised to tell others of God’s miracles in my life and do my part in setting captives free. Tomorrow had come, but so had Jesus, and it is He who has defeated the grave.

“For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7

Author Bio

Jessica Kirkland
Jessica Kirkland lives in Southeast Texas with her husband, Robb, and five-year-old triplets. She is an author and speaker whose greatest passion in life is to see young families grow deeper in their walk with God. Jessica's newest adventure includes launching Christian Apps 4 Kids, which seeks to draw kids closer to Christ one app at a time. A recent release is a book app that addresses fear and scary nighttime sounds called The Sounds of Night, designed for kids ages 2-8. It is currently available on iPad, iPhone and all Android devices. When Jessica isn't writing, you can find her cheering her boys on at the soccer field, or watching her little girl at the dance studio.

To find out more about her current writing projects,
connect with her at: http://www.christianapps4kids.com
or on her personal blog: http://www.jessicakirkland.com

To purchase The Sounds of Night at iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-sounds-of-night/id456046823?mt=8

To purchase The Sounds of Night in the Android Market:
https://market.android.com/details?id=pro.roar.thesoundsofnight&feature=search_result

Planning Your Child's Birthday Party

2011-09-28T04:23:00.000-07:00

SIMPLE GIFTS
By Sharen Pearson

As a mother of five and now grandmother of seven, I’ve planned my share of birthday events. I am a creative person, so my problem is “going over the top.” My expectations supersede those of the birthday child. So, I have to step back and say, “Whose birthday is it anyway?” And, therein lies the key to a successful birthday party.

I recently assisted with my grandson, Waylon’s party. He was reaching that big-boy age of 5 years. He knew what theme he wanted: Herbie the Love Bug. He wanted a backyard campfire and a cake with Herbie on it. Simple—Herbie, campfire, cake. Got it! My daughter complied. She invited a few families from church that Waylon knew well and was comfortable around. Since entire families were represented, parents were there to help with crowd control. Bowls of chips and dip provided a place to gather around as people arrived. Children scattered to play in the back yard, parents grouped to watch and chat. Easy, huh? Daddy lit a small fire in the campfire ring in the yard. More talk, more easy playing. The cake was a simple giant chocolate chip cookie with a frosting “Herbie.” Waylon thought it was wonderful.

Mommy announced that it was gift-opening time and everyone pulled up lawn chairs and sat in family groups. Waylon sat in the middle of the circle on the grass and guests watched as he opened each gift and thanked the giver. He received many nice gifts, but to everyone’s delight, a small, inexpensive VW bug toy car was his favorite. He opened it, raised it above his head as if it were a trophy and yelled in delight. Waylon slept with his “Herbie;” woke up and greeted it; placed it on the edge of the tub so he could see it. He had the birthday he wanted. Simple party, simple gift, simple fun!

Some suggestions to consider when planning your party:
If your child is old enough to have input, allow it.
For ages 1-5 years, simple is best. Simple decorations, simple food, simple games.
Invite only one party guest per age of the child. Young children are very intimidated by many children of the same age. Remember, “Whose birthday is it?”
If guests include family/friends with older children, add activities especially for them.
Home is the best place for children ages 5 and under. Big party venues are confusing, scary and do not position the “birthday child” as the center of attention as he should be.
Some traps that parents fall into:
Making the party so complicated that you, as the parent, no longer enjoy it. (Been there, done that.)
Allowing young party guests to get close to and grab for gifts as as the birthday child is opening them. (Admit it, you’ve seen this haven’t you?)
Spending too much money. (Guilty as charged.)
Preparing food for adults and not age-appropriate to the guests. (The only thing to show off today is your wonderful child)
Engaging in sleepover parties before the age of 9 years. (Children younger than 9 or 10 years often find sleeping at someone else’s home frightening and uncomfortable.)

Author Bio

Sharen Pearson
Sharen Pearson’s Goof & Giggle classes and materials continue to provide a quality Mom/Tot interaction. Widely popular, Goof & Giggle’s child-focused play plans are offered in various Arizona communities. She’s also created a variety of Goof Juice DVDs and filmed episodes of Baby D.I.Y. and written workbooks for BabyFirstTV. Arizona Midday (NBC) tapes monthly segments with Sharen to provide their audience with a variety of original and creative “easy to do” activities for babies and preschoolers. Sharen’s creativity reaches a combined audience over 200 million viewers worldwide. Goof & Giggle classes and products encourage green living, repurposing materials from around the house into affordable objects for play and learning. Learn more at: http://sharenpearson.com/

Christian Publishing University Launched!

2011-09-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

Christian Publishing University Launched!

CPU is offering a special promotion for
bloggers interested in learning more
about Christian Publishing

September 1 marked a giant step forward in the Christian publishing industry as a team of highly experienced industry professionals have launched a major new Web site—ChristianPublishingUniversity.com. Organized as an online university campus, the site is intended to become a one-stop clearinghouse of trainings, resources, and networking for both newcomers and veterans of the industry. It pulls together a wealth of valuable information that has never been assembled in one place before. Its purpose is to serve Christian publishers, editors, proofreaders, authors, composers, artists, photographers, retailers, pastors, church leaders, and many others.

Are you interested in taking a look at what is offered at CPU?
Keep reading for more information especially for bloggers--
and find out how you could win a Kindle!

A two-year project, the 150-page Christian Publishing University (CPU) site includes dozens of impressive features, such as numerous recorded classes and courses on publishing topics, links to several hundred publishers of Christian materials, 60+ Christian literary agents, a Christian store locator service, 780,000+ quotations, various bestseller lists, all the public and national libraries in America, and hundreds of affiliate organizations, websites, and blogs.

CPU also offers an extensive publishing dictionary, a huge library of downloadable documents and helps, a campus store of publishing-related books and products, an interactive social media student center, an industry master calendar of events, a blog that discusses current publishing issues, and much more.

Top Christian author, Max Lucado, who is often called “America’s Pastor,” praised CPU by saying, “The Christian Publishing University is a timely response to an increasing need. Christian writing needs to set the standard in published literature. CPU takes us in that direction. Aspiring writers now have a resource for guidance and instruction. I can envision this ministry as a blessing to so many people.”

CPU is supported by an advisory board of well-known Christian publishing industry leaders, such Dr. Paul Brownlow (CEO of Brownlow Gifts), Dr. Thelma Wells (CEO of A Women of God Ministry and former speaker for Women of Faith), Mark Sweeney (president of Mark Sweeney & Associates literary agency), Dr. Jim Underwood (professor at Dallas Baptist University and New York Times bestselling author), Dr. Terry Johnson (former president of Oklahoma Christian University), Dr. Helen Young (former professor, Pepperdine University), June Hunt (Hope for the Heart), Dr. Sheila Bailey (Sheila B. Ministry), and others.

Watch the preview video!

CPU director of communications, Mary Hollingsworth, bestselling author of more than one hundred Christian books and a 27-year veteran of the industry, said, “Christian Publishing University is a dream come true for our industry’s seasoned professionals, as well as for gifted Christians who want to participate in God’s mission of spreading His Word through the avenue of publishing. For the first time ever, an enormous storehouse of resources, trainings, networking connections, social interactions, and other valuable features can be found in one place.”

“So far, we’ve only scratched the surface. We’ll be constantly adding new resources, classes, and opportunities as we go forward. We have some really exciting expansion plans for the future,” Hollingsworth said.

“Christian publishing is as old as the Bible itself,” she continued, “and God’s wise man, Solomon, said, ‘Of making books there is no end,’ so we’re here to stay. Until now, though, it’s been a difficult industry to navigate for newcomers, because the information they needed to get started was scattered all over the Web, in a multitude of books, in hundreds of magazine articles, and in a myriad of professionals’ minds. It was incredibly hard to assimilate.

“At long last, by compiling so many resources in one place, CPU gives them a chance to learn much of what they need to know to join this great ministry of the Word. It gives them hope. And it gives publishing professionals a place to refer newcomers who want to join us. We’re excited about the service it can provide both to those in house at our publishing companies, retailers, and to up-and-coming industry participants.”

Unlike printed books which, by the very nature of printed materials, are somewhat out of date by the time they hit the bookstore shelves, the CPU website can be constantly updated and, as the Bible says, “new every morning.”

CPU is a membership site and is open to anyone who wishes to participate in its ministry. The annual membership fee is $39.99. As Hollingsworth noted, “It’s less than the price of one Starbucks latte a month and far more valuable in the long run.”

For more information and to enroll, visit www.ChristianPublishingUniversity.com.

Are you interested in finding out more about
Christian Publishing University?

For a limited time, bloggers will be able to use a one-month look-before-you-blog promotional code for full access to the website for free. This code is active for the entire month of October and expires on November 1. Enroll by using the code freeonemonth.

If you blog about CPU and decide that you would like to continue your membership, you will be eligible to receive a $24.99 one-year discount as a thank you. If you would like to take advantage of the first year special, you can renew after your free month by using the code savefifteen.

For each blog post you make about CPU, you will be entered into a drawing to win a free Kindle. The second prize will be a free membership for one year.

You must send your links to ajennings@tbbmedia.com by November 4 to be entered in the drawing.

Documentary releasing today

2011-09-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

180 Film Turns Opinions Around Regarding Abortion

New award-winning documentary is changing minds and saving lives

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX—What would you do if…? Thus begins the question being asked by author and film producer Ray Comfort in his new documentary,180. Titled to reflect the complete turnaround in the mindsets of all to whom the question is posed, the award-winning film shows eight pro-choice people (mostly college students) changing their stance to pro-life just moments after the question is asked in its entirety. It is Comfort’s hope that the documentary, releasing online September 26th, will go viral.

While skeptics of 180 (Living Waters Publications) say they can’t believe anyone would change his or her mind so quickly, Comfort accepts and even understands their disbelief, stating that he could hardly believe it himself when he first viewed the footage in the editing room. Initially, 180 was not the film he meant to produce. At the time, Comfort was taping interviews for a DVD to go along with a book on Hitler and the holocaust. In the course of the interviews, one question led to another, and the discussion led to abortion. Comfort explains, “It began with two male university students completely changing their minds about abortion when we asked them this one question. We realized it wouldn’t be convincing to have only males speaking on the subject, so we took to the streets, asking that one particular question, and found that six women changed their minds from pro-abortion to pro-life in a matter of seconds. It was amazing!”

Though it was not Comfort’s original intention to create a documentary specifically about the abortion issue, when he saw the direction the film was taking, he quickly recognized its potential to open the doors of discussion. “I have held up pro-life signs. I have printed pro-life literature and spoken against abortion in pulpits and in my books, but I have felt that all my efforts were almost futile—that is, up until now. In 180 we have a nation changer.”

A spokesperson for Living Waters, the production company behind the documentary, further explains the abrupt change this way: “There really isn’t that much to debunk because there is no argument against it. Its message is very powerful, eye-opening and watertight. It leaves no room for a comeback.”

Comfort adds, “Most of us know that we should be doing something to stop this horror, but the thought of protesting is a little unnerving, especially with the demonization of those who do so. But here is something each of us can easily do—we can give this DVD out. We can pass them out on the streets, leave copies on park benches or on seats in malls or give it to the checkout lady at the supermarket. This isn’t hard to do, and it will save lives—perhaps millions of lives.”

As to the rest of the question Comfort asks in 180? You’ll have to wait to watch the video to find out what it is. “For me to tell you what the question is,” he explains, “would be cheating you. You’ve got to see the facial expressions change. You’ve got to see the people, when they are asked that one question, change from one of a hard look in their facial expressions to one of a light going off, as they change their minds and realize how evil abortion is. Their thinking makes an abrupt 180 degree turn, all because of that one game-changing question.”

Although the film is just now being released to the public, an early edit of 180 was submitted for consideration and won a 2011 Telly Award.

The documentary is now available for free viewing online at www.180movie.com.

Carol Award Winners

2011-09-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the winners!

Carol Awards:

Novella: A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky (Barbour - Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Short Contemporary: A Father for Zach By Irene Hannon (Love Inspired - Melissa Endlich, Editor)

Short Contemporary Suspense: Night Prey by Sharon Dunn (Love Inspired Suspense - Emily Rodmell, Editor)

Short Historical: Her Healing Ways by Lyn Cote (Love Inspired Historical - Tina James, Editor)

Young Adult: Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson (Revell - Lonnie Hull DuPont, Editor)

Long Contemporary: Never say Never by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House - Dave Long, Editor)

Long Contemporary Romance: Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson - Natalie Hanemann, Editor)

Mystery: The Camera Never Lies by Elizabeth Goddard (Barbour - Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Romantic Suspense: The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press - Rachel Meisel/Susan Downs/Ellen Tarver, Editors)

Speculative Fiction: Predator by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan - Sue Brower/Dave Lambert, Editors)

Long Historical: Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren (Summerside Press - Susan Downs, Editor)

Long Historical Romance: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press - Rachel Meisel/Connie Troyer, Editors

Speculative: König’s Fire by Marc Schooley (Marcher Lord Press - Jeff Gerke/C.L. Dyck, Editor

Women's Fiction: Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett (Tyndale Publishers - Jan Stob/Lorie Popp, Editors)

Debut Author: Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale Publishers - Kathryn Olson, Editor)

New September releases

2011-09-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

September brings a feast for fiction fans. Survey this buffet and choose what tempts you. There are a number of Christmas-themed novella collections which are always popular for gifting and getting yourself into the spirit. They might even help cool you down from this late summer heat! Enjoy!

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

A Biltmore Christmas by Diane Ashley and Rhonda Gibson -- A Historical Romance from Barbour; Explore the luxuries of America’s largest home through the eyes of the fictional Bradford sisters

A Bride’s Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas by Erica Vetsch -- A Romance from Barbour. Hoping to leave the shadows of her shady yesteryears behind, Adeline Reid is focusing on her photography career. But when her ex-boyfriend’s compatriot in crime shows up in Dodge City her entire past is threatened by exposure.

A Harvest of Hearts by Laura V. Hilton -- Shanna Stoltzfus thought nothing could make her return home to her Amish family. She was wrong. But can anything make her give up her dreams and stay?

A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman -- A Historical Romance from Revell. Her heart is tied to a youthful vow . . . but can true love set it free?

A Log Cabin Christmas Collection by Margaret Brownley, Wanda Brunstetter, Jane Kirkpatrick, Kelly Eileen Hake, Liz Johnson, Liz Tolsma, Michelle Ule, Debra Ullrick, and Erica Vetsch-- General Fiction Historical from Revell. In a time of peril, can they find the courage to confront their fears and embrace a love that lasts?

A Marriage for Meghan by Mary Ellis -- Romance from Harvest House; An engaging story of one girl’s quest for independence and true love as social prejudice tests a community’s faith in a simpler world.

A Quaker Christmas by Laura Lee Bliss, Rachael Phillips Ramona Cecil, and Claire Sanders -- Romance from Barbour. Christmas is a simple matter among the Quakers of the historic Ohio River Valley, but can it be a a special time to welcome love into four households?

A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer -- Historical Romance from Bethany House. Will Clay Selby be forced to choose between his desire to minister to the natives and the quiet nudging of his heart to spend his life with a quiet, independent Indian woman who is not a part of the tribe?

Ashes to Honor by Loree Lough -- General Fiction from Abingdon. If only he'd answered that last call from the World Trade Center....

Belonging; Where the Heart Lives Series by Robin Lee Hatcher -- Historical Romance from Zondervan; Can two bitter pasts make one sweet future?.

Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis-- Historical General Fiction from Moody Publishers; A girl has become a woman while in captivity, and a stagecoach driver longs to take her to the home she barely remembers.

Christmas at Barncastle Inn by Lynette Sowell, Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, and Janelle Mowery -- Romance from Barbour; Each Christmas the Barncastle family transforms its sprawling Victorian bed and breakfast into a fantasy world through time. Will its guests also discover that forgiveness is timeless?

Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon-- Thriller/Suspense from Revell; A woman who protects children. An ex-Navy SEAL turned police detective. A stalker with deadly intent.

Deep Cover by Sandra Orchard-- Romance from Love Inspired; Undercover Cops: Fighting for justice puts their lives--and hearts--on the line.

Dry As Rain by Gina Holmes-- General Fiction from Tyndale; Undercover Cops: Behind every broken vow lies a broken heart. A richly engaging story of betrayal and redemption, Dry as Rain illuminates with striking emotional intensity the surprising truth of what it means to forgive.

Falling to Pieces; A Quilt Shop Murder by Vanetta Chapman-- A Cozy Mystery from Zondervan; Not your usual Amish buggy ride!

Finding Angel by Kat Heckenback-- Speculative Fiction from Splashdown Books; Angel doesn’t remember her magical heritage…but it remembers her.

From This Day Forward; American Tapestries by Margaret Daley-- Historical Romance from Summerside Press; Following the War of 1812, an Englishwoman, stranded in South Carolina, pregnant and recently widowed, struggles to make a life for herself. Can a disenchanted American physician heal her wounded heart?

Hailee by Penny Zeller-- Historical Romance from Whitaker House; Can this unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?

Hidden in the Everglades by Margaret Daley-- A Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired; Michael Hunt needs Kyra Morgan's help to keep his sister safe. It will take everything they have to escape the Everglades alive.

Love Finds You on Christmas Morning by Debby Mayne and Trish Perry -- Romance from Summerside Press; Two women receive marriage proposals in the same house— 85 years apart. Love finds a home on Christmas morning in two heartwarming holiday stories.

Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming by Miralee Ferrell-- Romance from Summerside Press; While war rages in Europe, Rebekah Hendricks dreams of life far beyond the family farm in Oklahoma. And when a telegram arrives in October of 1918, she believes God has provided her way of escape.

Naomi’s Gift-An Amish Christmas Story by Amy Clipston-- Romance from Zondervan; Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you'll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County.

Pirate of My Heart by Jamie Carie-- Historical Fiction from B and H Publishing; Forced to flee the only home she's ever known, Lady Kendra Townsend risks everything for a chance at finding true love in the wilds of a new America.

Remembering Christmas: A Novel by Dan Walsh-- General Fiction from Revell; Can one Christmas change a person's life forever?

Shadowed in Silk by Christine Lindsay-- Historical Romance from Whitefire Publishing; Neglected by family, Abby travels to India after WWI with her small son, only to be abandoned by her husband, a cruel stranger, and to fall in love with a man who can never return her love without offending God.

Surrender the Dawn by Mary Lu Tyndall-- Historical Romance from Barbour; You’ll be swept away in this seafaring romance between a plucky damsel-in-distress and a nefarious rake who’s selling out his country amid the War of 1812.

The Aristocrat’s Lady by Mary Moore -- Historical from Love Inspired; She was resigned to a life without love-until she met him...

The Christmas Belles of Georgia by Debra Ullrick, Jeanie Smith Cash, Rose Allen McCauley, and Jeri Odell -- Romance from Barbour; They were sisters once—identical quadruplets—given up for adoption at birth. Now each receives a letter advising her to claim her inheritance and the family she never knew. . .at Christmas.

The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund-- Historical Romance from Bethany House; Priscilla White knew God wanted her to be a missionary, not a wife. But the only way she can serve is to be married. Married in name only, her new journey will test her spirit. . . and the new longings of her heart.

The Healing; Kentucky Brothers Series by Wanda Brunstetter-- Romance from Barbour; Can Esther Beiler win Samuel Fisher’s heart, or has she already lost it to an English woman? How will God untangle star-crossed lovers when jealousies and misconceptions threaten to tear them apart?

The Wounded Heart; An Amish Quilt Novel by Adina Senft-- General Fiction from Faith Words (Hachette); When she's diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a young Amish mother must choose between obedience or following her heart.

To Have and To Hold; Bridal Veil Island Series by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller -- Historical Romance from Bethany House; Amid a time of growth and change for Bridal Veil, can Marshall and Audrey find a foundation on which to build a love to last forever?

Wings of a Dream by Anne Mateer-- General Fiction from Bethany House; While war rages in Europe, Rebekah Hendricks dreams of life far beyond the family farm in Oklahoma. And when a telegram arrives in October of 1918, she believes God has provided her way of escape.

Excerpt from Patchwork Dreams

2011-08-26T04:46:00.000-07:00

Patchwork Dreams
by Laura V. Hilton
Whitaker House, April 2011

Chapter 1

Could he say, ‘I quit?’

Could he say, ‘Stop this ride, I want to get off?’

The white van passed a McDonalds on the right, then pulled off the southbound lane of Highway 60, turned left at the light, and continued down a mostly ice-covered road. The ice-laden trees, while beautiful to behold, nonetheless reflected Jacob Miller’s inner turmoil. He was thankful for the heat coming from the vents. He leaned forward, his black felt hat clutched in his hands, as the vehicle lurched over a bump. Or something. Seymour, Missouri, wasn’t too far from Springfield, referred to by the driver as “the Queen City of the Ozarks.” But the trip dragged by in slow motion. Maybe because he’d been dreading it for so long.

Fearing it.

Having nightmares about it.

Mama’s fourth cousin twice removed lived somewhere in this rural Missouri town. Jake grimaced as the van rumbled past several small businesses and then turned down a narrow dirt road.

“Not too far now. A bit anxious, are you?” The driver glanced at Jake through the rearview mirror, then reached forward and adjusted the heat. “Getting a mite warm in here.”

Jake made a non-committal grunt and looked away. The driver had made a couple of attempts at conversation since picking Jake up at the bus station, but with nausea clogging his throat, he didn’t trust opening his mouth to speak.

How could Daed do this to him? It seemed wrong in so many ways.

Instead of building his farm in Pennsylvania, Jake would be working the rocky red clay in southern Missouri.

Instead of marrying sweet Susie during wedding season, he’d be spending a year helping out an unknown distant cousin.

Well, if Daed thought this would destroy Jake and Susie’s love for each other, he had another think coming.

Bare trees dotted the edges of someone’s property, and in the distance the rolling hills made a rather hazy mountainous background picture. Pretty, though not at all like home.

Would he be able to get past the homesickness—and this streak of bitterness toward Daed—to embrace this as an adventure? A chance to learn about his country, expand his boundaries, and, more importantly, minister to this needy family member.

Too bad his pep-talk wasn’t working. He didn’t like the bad attitude he sported.

All too soon, the van arrived in the gravel driveway of a larger two-story farm house. The trees surrounding the haus would provide plenty of shade during the hot summer months, though now they were decorated with dripping icicles from a recent ice storm. Jacob imagined the wide front porch would be a gut place for shelling peas or shucking corn for the women folk during the harvest. A porch swing hung on one end, possibly a silent testimony to a courtship from days gone by.

A whitewashed barn stood sentry several yards away, and with a casual glance around, Jacob noted cows, horses, chickens, goats and pigs, plus the usual array of dogs and cats.

The driver pulled to a stop in front of the house. Almost immediately, the front door opened, and a woman with honey blond hair pulled back into a bun and tucked under a prayer kapp appeared.

She peered out at the van, then disappeared behind the door, before reappearing with a wrap tossed over her slim shoulders.

Jacob opened the sliding vehicle door, and clambered out as the driver went around to the back to get the baggage.

“Hello, Tony.” The woman stopped in the doorway. She spoke to the driver, but her blue eyes were fixed on Jacob.

“Miz Becky.” The driver bumped his hat, in what Jacob took as a greeting. “Brought your cousin by.”

Becky nodded. “Jah. That I see. Welkum, Jacob.”

She didn’t smile, and her eyes remained somber. Distant. As cold as the wind that howled around the corner of the house. Maybe she wanted him here as much he wanted to be here.

Not so much.

Jake straightened his shoulders. Like it or not, he was here. Might as well turn on the charm and start making the best of a bad situation.

***

Want to read more? http://www.amazon.com/Patchwork-Dreams-Amish-Seymour-V1/dp/1603742557/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314316315&sr=8-1

booksigning in Melbourne AR

2011-08-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

August new book releases

2011-08-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

These late summer releases promise some good reading from ACFW authors. Check out the list. There's bound to be something to meet anyone's taste in reading.

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

A Horseman’s Heart by Myra Johnson -- Romance from Barbour/Heartsong. When Kip Lorimer shows up with a horse to donate to the family's equine therapy program, Sheridan Cross can't help but be suspicious. A cowboy a thousand miles from home and living out of a horse trailer? What's wrong with this picture?

A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Whitson -- A Historical from Bethany House. They are opposites in every way. . . except how neither one can stop thinking about the other.

Agent Undercover by Lynette Eason -- Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired. A little boy with a secret, a killer with a vendetta, and a man and a woman who will stop at nothing to protect the child while catching the killer.

Aquasynthesis by Grace Bridges, Fred Warren, Caprice Hokstad, P.A. Baines, Adam Graham, R.L. Copple, Travis Perry, Mike Lynch, Keven Newsome, Kat Heckenbach, and Ryan Grabow. -- Fantasy from Splashdown Books. From classic-style fantasy and science fiction stories, through speculative tales that delve deeper into motivations and meanings, we move from humor to sacrifice by a linking story that connects many very different themes.

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin -- General Fiction Historical from Revell. In a time of peril, can they find the courage to confront their fears and embrace a love that lasts?

Edge of Grace by Christa Allan -- General Fiction from Abingdon. Unable to cope with her brother’s news that he is gay, Caryn Becker rejects him. But when he is attacked and nearly killed, she is forced to make hard choices that take her to the very edge of grace.

Lost in Dreams, Book Two; Altered Heart Series by Roger Bruner and Kristi Rae Bruner -- Young Adult from Barbour. Eighteen-year-old Kim Hartlinger discovers the victory Jesus provides during the most trying of circumstances as she learns to lean on other Christians.

Marrying Miss Marshall by Lacy Williams -- Romance from Bethany House. Her job is to protect the town... but who will protect her heart?

Out of Control by Mary Connealy -- Romance from Bethany House. Rafe Kincaid controls everything in his life . . . until he meets Julia.

Ransome’s Quest by Kaye Dacus -- Historical Romance from Harvest House. Romance, intrigue, and swashbuckling leaps of faith create a wonderfully heroic close to this beloved series.

Something Old by Dianne Christner -- Romance from Barbour. Love is rarely plain and simple.

Surrender the Dawn by Mary Lu Tyndall -- A Historical from Barbour. You’ll be swept away in this seafaring romance between a plucky damsel-in-distress and a nefarious rake who’s selling out his country amid the War of 1812.

The Matrimony Plan by Christine Johnson -- Historical Romance from Love Inspired. A rich girl falls in love with a poor boy -- until the tables are turned.

2011 Carol Award Finalists

2011-07-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

2011 Carol Awards Finalists

Debut Novel:
The Preacher’s Bride by Jody Hedlund (Bethany House - Dave Long/Sharon Asmus, Editors)Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale Publishers - Kathryn Olson, Editor)Rooms by James L. Rubart (B&H Publishing - Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)

Long Contemporary:
The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell - Andrea Doering, Editor)Red Ink by Kathi Macias (New Hope Publishers - Randy Bishop, Editor)Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House - Dave Long, Editor)

Long Contemporary Romance: Plain Jayne by Hillary Manton Lodge (Harvest House - Kim Moore, Editor)Anna’s Return by Marta Perry (Berkley - Ellen Edwards, Editor)Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson - Natalie Hanemann, Editor)

Long Historical:
Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs (Waterbrook Press - Laura Barker, Editor)Petra: City in Stone by T.L. Higley (B&H Publishing - Karen Ball, Editor)Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren (Summerside Press – Susan Downs, Editor)

Long Historical Romance:
The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy (Barbour - Rebecca Germany, Editor)Love Finds You In Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson (Summerside - Rachel Meisel/Connie Troyer, Editors)Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz (Revell - Andrea Doering, Editor)

Mystery:
Mirrored Image by Alice K. Arenz (Sheaf House - Joan M. Shoup, Editor)Muslin Mystery by Vera Dodge (Guideposts - Beth Adams, Editor)The Camera Never Lies by Elizabeth Goddard (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Novellas:
The Prodigal Groom by Vickie McDonough (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)Ride With Me Into Christmas by Rachael Phillips (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Romantic Suspense:
The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press - Rachel Meisel/Susan Downs/Ellen Tarver, Editors)Don’t Look Back by Lynette Eason (Revell - Andrea Doering, Editor)Pursuit of Justice by DiAnn Mills (Tyndale Publishers - Karen Watson, Editor)

Short Contemporary:
The Wedding Garden by Linda Goodnight (Love Inspired - Allison Lyons)A Father for Zach by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired - Melissa Endlich, Editor)Winter’s End by Ruth Logan Herne (Love Inspired - Melissa Endlich, Editor)

Short Contemporary Suspense:
Night Prey by Sharon Dunn (Love Inspired Suspense - Emily Rodmell, Editor)Legacy of Lies by Jill Elizabeth Nelson (Love Inspired Suspense - Emily Rodmell, Editor)Firestorm by Kelly Ann Riley (Love Inspired Suspense - Tina James, Editor)

Short Historical:
Her Healing Ways by Lyn Cote (Love Inspired Historical - Tina James, Editor)Promise of Tomorrow by S. Dionne Moore (Barbour - JoAnne Simmons, Editor)The Columns of Cottonwood by Sandra Robbins (Barbour - JoAnne Simmons, Editor)

Speculative Fiction:
The Wolf of Tebron by C. S. Lakin (AMG Publishers - Rick Steele, Editor)Rooms by James L. Rubart (B&H Publishing - Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)König’s Fire by Marc Schooley (Marcher Lord Press – Jeff Gerke, Editor)

Suspense/Thriller:
Predator by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan - Sue Brower/Dave Lambert, Editors)Fear No Evil by Robin Caroll (B&H Publishing – Karen Ball, Editor)Medical Error by Richard L. Mabry (Abingdon Press – Barbara Scott, Editor)

Women’s Fiction:
Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett (Tyndale Publishers - Jan Stob/Lorie Popp, Editors)They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti (Abingdon – Barbara Scott, Editor)Beyond Summer by Lisa Wingate (NAL - Ellen Edwards, Editor)

Young Adult:
Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson (Revell - Lonnie Hull Dupont, Editor)The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (Zonderkidz - Jacque Alberta, Editor)Katy’s New World by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Zonderkidz - Jacque Alberta, Editor)

July book releases

2011-07-01T15:12:00.001-07:00

Below is the list of July new releases from ACFW members as reported to ACFW's Fiction Finder site. Congrats to all the authors who have books coming out this month!

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

Dandelion Summer by Lisa Wingate -- General Fiction from Penguin Praise. J. Norman, recently widowed, aging and a retired space program engineer, eventually warms up to part-time caretaker Epie, an at-risk teen, as they search for his long forgotten roots when old, buried memories of a different home, a fire, red-headed children, and a black housekeeper surface.

Dangerous Reunion by Sandra Robbins -- Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense. A woman deputy sheriff on a small barrier island off the coast of North Carolina struggles to stop a crazed killer's vendetta while battling her renewed attraction to the man who broke her heart years ago.

Love Finds You in Lancaster County by Annalisa Daughety -- Romance from Summerside Press. When Amish-born Lydia Ann Raber and Southern belle Caroline DeMarco discover a shared history of loss, the unlikely duo decides to open a gift shop in beautiful Lancaster County. There each woman finds friendship, a fresh start, and a second chance at love.

Odd Little Miracles by Fred Warren -- Fantasy from Splashdown Books. Follow the twists and turns of twenty-two bizarre tales, where odd is commonplace, little things make all the difference, and miracles are everywhere, if you know where to look...

Pursued by Lillian Duncan -- Thriller/Suspense from White Rose. Reggie Meyers has spent her life pursing the American Dream, but now she’s the one being pursued— by an unknown killer. Putting her trust in Dylan Monroe, a man she barely knows, will either be the best decision she ever made or the last.

Reinventing Leona by Lynne Gentry -- General Fiction from Tyndale. Residing in a parsonage is not for sissies, but living anywhere else scares the pastor’s widow spitless.

The Blessed by Ann Gabhart -- General Fiction from Revell. After being pushed into marriage to her preacher husband, Lacey Bishop follows her husband to a Shaker village. A community that believes marriage is a sin. And to make matters worse, she finds herself drawn to Isaac Kingston, a man who came to the Shakers after his young bride died. But of course any notion of love between them is only a forbidden dream. How will Lacey ever find true happiness?

The Nanny’s Homecoming by Linda Goodnight -- Romance from Love Inspired. After her fiancé calls off their wedding, Brooke Clayton has nowhere to go but home.

Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig -- Thriller/Suspense from Barbour. Former Green Beret Captain Canyon Metcalfe is unnerved when Nightshade is sent to a South American jungle that holds an eerie similarity to a dark tragedy from his past.

2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award Winners

2011-06-29T06:37:00.001-07:00

Many congratulations to the winners of the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award Winners! We’re so excited for each of you!

*Long Contemporary*

1) Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale)

2) Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio by Serena Miller (Summerside)

3) The Six-Liter Club by Harry Kraus (Howard)

*Short Contemporary*

1) White Roses by Shannon Taylor Vannatter (Barbour ˆ Heartsong Presents)

2) Rodeo Redemption by Teri Wilson (White Rose)

3) Tender Mercies by Mary Manners (White Rose)

*Long Historical*

1) The Preacher’s Bride by Jody Hedlund (Bethany House)

2) A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin (Revell)

3) Abbie Ann by Sharlene MacLaren (Whitaker House)

*Short Historical*

1) A Matter of Character by Robin Lee Hatcher (Zondervan)

2) Walker’s Wedding by Lori Copeland (Harvest)

3) The Substitute Bride by Janet Dean (Steeple Hill)

*Women’s Fiction*

1) Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)

2) Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart (FaithWords)

3) The House on Sugar Plum Lane by Judy Duarte (Kensington)

*Romantic Suspense*

1) Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason (Revell)

2) Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze (Waterbrook)

3) Nightshade by Ronie Kendig (Barbour)

*Novella*

1) Once Upon a Christmas Eve by Anita Higman (Summerside)

2) A Bodine Family Christmas by Marta Perry (Steeple Hill)

3) The Snowflake by Jamie Carie (Broadman and Holman)

June book releases

2011-06-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

As we roll into June, the month holds a lot of good reads coming our way from authors. Check them out. There's something here for every taste.

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

A Vision of Lucy by Margaret Brownley -- Romance from Thomas Nelson. Trouble may follow Lucy wherever she goes, but with the help of God and the rugged, reclusive David Wolf, she'll never face adversity alone.

Behind the Badge by Susan Sleeman -- A Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense. Can a rookie sheriff's deputy find a killer before the killer takes the lives of the people she loves?

Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love -- General Fiction from Thomas Nelson. Unless she can let go of her fears and learn to trust again, Ada may lose the heart of a good man.

Broken Wings: A Novel by Carla Stewart -- General Fiction from Faith Words (Hachette). One woman clings to her memories. The other wants to erase hers. A story of an unlikely friendship birthed in providence and bathed in grace.

Forever After (A Hanover Falls Novel) by Deborah Raney -- General Fiction from Howard (Simon & Schuster). A series of arson fires at Hanover Falls rebuilt homeless shelter threatens its residents and casts new suspicions about the original fire.

Home Sweet Home by Kim Watters -- Romance from Love Inspired. Finding a home is all Abby dreamed about, until she discovers the man she falls in love with has a less permanent agenda.

Idaho Brides by Erica Vetsch -- Romance from Barbour. Experience the Wild West through the eyes of the three McConnell brothers who long to overcome their troubled childhood as drunkard’s sons.

Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa by Melanie Dobson -- Romance from Summerside Press. As the rest of the nation is embroiled in the Civil War, the Amana Colonies have remained at peace—until now.

Protecting Her Own by Margaret Daley -- Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense. Protecting her own father when an assailant targets him, bodyguard Cara Madison with Connor Fitzgerald, an ex-boyfriend, searches for a would be killer while fighting her feelings toward Connor.

Purple Knot by Raquel Byrnes -- Romance from White Rose. With her faith shaken and her world cast in shadows, can Reyna trust the God she believes abandoned her?

Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond -- Romance from Thomas Nelson. How could a marriage possibly work when the couple has only exchanged a few letters?

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo -- Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House). Unlikely romance is sometimes just an inconvenient marriage away

The Irresistible Earl by Regina Scott -- A Romance from Love Inspired Historical. If Chase Dearborn, the powerful Earl of Allyndale, found Meredee Price's family in Scarborough, surely he'd continue his quest to challenge Meredee's stepbrother to a duel. Meredee is determined to avoid the earl at all costs.

The Story in the Stars, Gateway to Gannah, Book 1 by Yvonne Anderson -- Fantasy from Risen Books. The inhabitants of the planet Gannah are known as bloodthirsty savages who once tried to conquer the galaxy. Now a plague has ravaged the planet and only one survivor remains.

The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser -- General Fiction from Bethany House. The Sweetest Thing is the story of two girls--opposites in every way--fighting for the same thing: survival amidst tumultuous change.

The Wedding Season: The Gentleman Takes a Bride by Louise M. Gouge -- Romance from Love Inspired Historical. Surely Elizabeth Moberly was born to be a nobleman's bride. She can't possibly be attracted to the untitled stranger who interrupts her cousin's wedding.

Under a Desert Sky by DiAnn Mills -- General Fiction from Summerside Press. A race from danger...straight into the arms of love.

A Day in the Life of a Writer

2011-05-27T02:31:00.000-07:00

A day in the life of a writer….

Did you ever wonder how some of your favorite authors spend their writing days? So did I. So, I asked. And these are the responses I got.

Maureen Lang says: My writing day begins the moment I see my two sons off to school in the morning. Since one of my boys has a disability (Fragile X Syndrome) it's a little more difficult for me to work at home when he's here. So the minute I have a quiet house, I sit down at the computer to write. If I'm just beginning a project I may spend time doing research, but once I'm into one of my story ideas I usually write from about 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., then break for lunch. I may return to the computer after that, but it isn't long before my son returns so my writing day is pretty much over. If I'm writing a first draft I usually re-read what I wrote the day before, do a bit of polishing, then continue from there. A good day for me brings as many as fifteen to twenty new pages, but when I'm just getting to know my characters it might be as few as three to six. It usually takes me about one hundred pages before I know my characters well enough for the story to flow consistently (I'm more of seat-of-the-pants writer than extensive plotter). But I will say that no matter how my writing day goes, at some point either at the beginning or the end I say a prayer of complete and utter gratitude to have a job so satisfying.

Look for the newly re-released Look to the East to complete your set of my Great War Series! This is the book that started it all, set in France just as the First World War began. Available any day now from Tyndale House Publishers, along with Whisper on the Wind and Springtime of the Spirit already on the shelves.

Maureen Lang
My website
My blog
Connect with me on Facebook
Whisper On The Wind, September 2010
Springtime of the Spirit, March 2011

***

Laura V. Hilton says: I wake up around 5:45. I spend time in prayer, then usually fall back asleep until 8 or 9. I homeschool my three girls (ages 15, 9, and 6), check email, do household chores and errands, and then I write in the afternoons. Around 10 p.m. or so, I close the computer and read recent releases until I go to bed around midnight. http://laurav.hilton.blogspot.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512 Author of Patchwork Dreams (available now) and A Harvest of Hearts (coming 9-2011)

***

Linda Ford says: I awaken with my plans firmly in place. I’m going to write all day. I’m going to achieve tons. I’m enthused about the story and can’t wait to get at it. First I write in my journal and have my devotions. Grab a bite to eat and check the email. Then I’m ready. Whoops. My live-in client needs me. I tend to him. Back to the computer. Open my document and begin where I started yesterday in order to connect again with the story. The phone rings. My husband is severely hearing impaired and can’t hear a telephone conversation so I have to take care of incoming calls which half the time end up being annoying telemarketers who, by now, barely make a bump in my busy brain. Back to the screen. Read over what I wrote yesterday and do some editing. Crack my fingers, stretch my neck and I’m ready to begin. Suddenly I hit an invisible wall. Mentally I start to whine. I don’t know what to write. I don’t feel like it. I’m tired. Maybe another cup of coffee will help. This happens every morning. Yup, every morning. One way I get through it is set the little timer I keep handy for 15 or 20 minutes and force myself to write anything. But why waste my time? I might as well write about the story. Most times this gets me going. I sort of know why I balk every morning. I think it’s because once I’m in the story I’m in another world and getting there takes effort. Also, writing emotional stuff is draining. But I succeed and sometimes, despite the phone and the needs of my client, I manage to get a good amount done. (5000 words is a good amount.) The ironic thing is at the close of the day (and that hour depends on other tasks requiring my attention) I hate to shut down the computer. Coming back out of the fictional world is not hard but it is a jolt.

Linda Ford’s website is www.lindaford.org

Her latest book is Klondike Medicine Woman (Love Inspired Historical) available now. (May 2011)

***

Max Elliot Anderson says: For nearly 4 years, I wrote straight through until 36 manuscripts were finished. In the beginning, I had no agent and no publisher, but I kept on writing. Then my first publisher went bankrupt, but I kept on writing. Today I spend most of my time in promotion, marketing, and platform building. By the end of this year, 8 or 9 of my books will be published. The next book to be released is When the Lights Go Out. It’s for readers 8 and up, especially boys, to release in time for the 10th anniversary of 9/11, so we never forget. http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com I'm looking forward to writing again in the future.

***

David C. Marx says: I am retired. I write when my wife is away. She is involved in a number of civic events. When she is attending a meeting, i have a quiet setting. I am able to jot notes of scenes, finish episodes of a character, do research, begin a new chapter, etc. Oh yes, I am able to revise and even read aloud revisions.

David C Marx

Heather Young (2011)

***

Rosanna M. White says: My life is pretty much the same from day-to-day, so be prepare to be wowed. Ready? Here it goes. Somewhere between 6 and 7, one or both of my kids (ages 3 and 5) come bounding up the stairs. The wake-up varies from “Mwaaaaaaaa!” to “Mommy! Mommy, yake up! Is it morning? Mommy! Can we play?” (I prefer the second, LOL.) After pulling myself out of bed and down the stairs, I get them both breakfast, check my email, post my blog, get them some other breakfast usually, or a drink, indulge in a cup of coffee, force myself to suffer through a workout, shower, cajole my daughter to her desk for school, try in vain to squeeze some writing in, and pray for
naptime to come SOON. ;-)

First, though, I must feed them lunch. At which point I realize I haven't
yet eaten breakfast. I manage both, then get the boy-o into bed. I finish
up school with my daughter, then finally, FINALLY get to open my
work-in-progress. I write frantically until naptime is over (parrying
requests from the girl-o for ice cream every five minutes), and when my
son's up again I realize that, oops, I haven't planned dinner. After trying
to get out of it for half an hour, I finally give in and go to the kitchen,
where I put together a usually-pathetic-excuse for dinner, then look around
and realize my house exploded while I was lost in novel-land.

So after dinner is often spent trying to pick up the wreckage, while the
kids follow behind me pulling out everything I put away. We have a nightly
book-reading ritual, I wrestle them into their jammies, hubby joins us for
the pre-sleep hide-and-seek game and helps with tucking in, then I get my
cuddle time with the man of my dreams. Unless a hockey game is on, in which
case I get time to read or write some more. =)
--
Roseanna M. White
LOVE FINDS YOU IN ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND coming December 2011
JEWEL OF PERSIA, ebook available now, print coming June 2011

***

Roger Brunner says: I normally get up at 6:30 when my wife has to be up. I fix breakfast and then check email, news, Facebook, and Twitter. Usually, by the time she leaves at 7:45, I'm ready to start writing. I do my writing from the living room loveseat, using either my Dell Vostro laptop or my new Toshiba netbook, which is considerably lighter and more comfortable. I usually get up and stretch at least five minutes every hour, and at some point I have a mid-morning snack and go to 7/11 to get my daily fountain drink refill. That may take up to thirty minutes. So by the time my wife comes home for lunch (around 12:45), I am apt to have put in three to three-and-a-half good writing hours. I'm forming a new afternoon habit: taking the Toshiba to the wi-fi cafeteria area at the grocery store about a mile up the road. It's a nice break to actually be working at a table. I usually stay there about two hours. Whether I do additional writing later at home (during the evening specifically) depends, but I frequently do marketing-related activities then--after supper and exercise time. As a full-time writer who doesn't have a current deadline, I have to admit that this "typical" day is subject to tremendous variations. (For example, I play at a nursing home on Wednesday mornings and seldom attempt any writing Wednesday afternoon.)

Young Adult Christian fiction rippling with laughter, tears, and YES! moments
Found in Translation (Barbour, January 2011); Lost in Dreams (Barbour, August 2011)
RogerBruner.com<>Facebook.com/Roger.Bruner

***

Margeret Browley turned on computer and hit the coffeepot at a little after four this morning. Ready to work. Today the goal is to write 5000 words—or bust.

Five a.m. Five hundred words miraculously appeared on my screen—kept two.

Checked email.

Six a.m. Wrote another five hundred words—kept three. I’m on a roll. I now have one beautifully composed sentence.

Checked email.

Seven a.m. Wrote five hundred words—dumped everything I’d written so far today.

Checked email.

Eight a.m. Made another pot of coffee. Rewrote goal: 100 words or bust.

Coming in June: A Vision of Lucy

Coming in September: A Log Cabin Christmas Collection/Snow Angel

***

Thomas Smith says: I usually get up about 6 a.m., take the new puppy out, hang out with my wife while she gets ready for work, then I hit the gym about 7 a.m. By 8:30 I have cleaned up, poured the first cup of coffee, grabbed a bagel, and head upstairs to my office. I spend a little time updating social media, then I start sending out queries and working on proposals. After I hit my target number for the day, I edit what I did the day before and work on whatever project/projects are on deadline. Then I spend the rest of the time working on my new novel (Stranger). I usually break for lunch sometime between noon and 2:00, depending on how much I have going on. Sometimes I bring a sandwich upstairs and eat while I work. I answer emails and give the social media another quick check, then back to the new book. I work until my wife gets home around 6 p.m. I love what I do.

My supernatural suspense novel, Something Stirs, should be released next month. (Some houses are only haunted ... this one is worse).

***

Delia Latham author of Kylie’s Kiss says: I am blessed to be able to write "full time" - which doesn't mean I write eight hours a day, although I would produce a whole lot more if I did! I'm not a morning person, so my day starts slowly, but consistently - with a glass of Dr. Pepper. (Hey, that's my coffee!) I do what needs to be done around the house in the morning...or not. Most of my networking/promotion/marketing efforts take place in the afternoon. I take a break to have dinner with husband (who is the cook our family...yay, Johnny!), and spend some time with him - watching our ever-growing DVR list, taking a drive, visiting a relative, whatever we decide. Serious writing starts at about 8 p.m., and usually lasts well into the wee hours. My best writing is done late at night, when the rest of the world is sleeping, and I have no interruptions. It's not a set-in-stone schedule, but it's definitely set in Jello consistency!

***

If there's such a thing as a typical writing day for Susan Page Davis:

First check email and wrap up loose ends from yesterday. Do new writing on WIP. Do revisions on other WIP. If I have galleys or other requests from editors (such as art sheets, influencer lists, back cover copy, whatever), work on those. If not, work on interviews and other promotional tasks. Today my writing day includes: Trip to the post office to mail some books to the Southern Festival of Books coordinator; writing at least 2,000 on WIPS; doing at least ten pages of revisions. Somewhere in there I'll also pick up my new glasses, do laundry, and wave at my family at meals. www.susanpagedavis.com

***

Donna Crows says: My day starts with morning tea and devotions on the sofa in my office. I do yoga exercises while my computer boots, then I set to: Check e-mail first and usually spend about an hour on marketing— writing a blog, replying to a listserve or an Amazon discussion group, something like that. Then the real work. Right now I'm in the research phase for book 3 in my Monastery Murders series. Felicity and Fr. Antony are leading a youth walk along an ancient pilgrimage trail in Wales— which means I'm going cross-eyed reading ordnance Survey Explorer maps trying to plot their route. I'll stay with it until about 3:00 when I break for afternoon tea with my husband (whose office is also at home). If you're thinking there's a tea theme here, you're absolutely right. Then I do another round of e-mail and promo and a bit more research until Stan says it's time to go for a walk before dinner which tends to be late. A spot of relaxing with Stan and the telly (right now we're watching "Downton Abbey") before I fall asleep over my current reading (Connie Willis' BLACKOUT).

A VERY PRIVATE GRAVE, book 1 in the Monastery Murders came out last fall, A DARKLY HIDDEN TRUTH will be out this fall.

***

Staci Stallings says: My "style" of writing is chaotic at best. With three kids, a husband, two businesses, a house, a yard, and two schools, my writing "day" may happen or it may not. When I'm not at the computer writing, editing, or publishing something however, I'm always thinking. I'm either plotting in my head (i.e. running through what could happen) or I'm keeping an eye out for the piece God is having me wait for. It never fails--when I have hit a road block that may last an hour or literal a few years, there is always a piece of the puzzle God has yet to reveal. That can get frustrating because my tendency is to want to FORCE it to work. But my ideas, agenda, and plans never work out as well if I go when God's fire has stopped. If I can discipline myself to just wait and be patient, when the fire takes off again, it is ALWAYS worth it. Here's my level best advice to all writers... become best friends with God, trust Him to guide all of your writing--whether that means you are called to write 2,000 words every single day or nothing for a month and then 9 or 10,000 in a day like me. You will never, ever regret it!

Staci Stallings Newest release "A Light in the Darkness" can be found at Staci's blog http://spiritlightworks.wordpress.com (for free) or at the Amazon Kindle store.

***

JoAnn Durgin says: My favorite day of the week to write is Sunday. We observe the Lord's day by resting as much as possible, and it's a quiet household (a rarity). My family understands that's my time to work on my manuscript. I work a full-time job Monday-Friday, and my lunch hour is usually spent writing, editing or marketing. I also try to spend at least an hour writing or editing each evening. I used to carve out 11 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. to write, but my brain and body are currently rebelling against that practice.

JoAnn Durgin

Author of Awakening: A Christian Romance Novel

Second Time Around coming Summer 2011

****

Jo Walker says: My day of writing may be very different because I work the night shift, 10pm to 6:30am at the local long term care center. This means, of course, I sleep days. I am so happy when I actually get to sleep at least seven hours. That said, I am new to writing. I finished my first book of 100,000 words last October and have been learning how to write ever since. I had been struggling through the process, reading recommended books and trying to apply what I learned. I felt like I was bouncing around a lot. Throwing a lot of mud on the wall hoping some correct writing would stick. It was pretty hectic. It was recommended that I look for an online writing group. I searched and joined American Christian Fiction Writers, that changed everything. I have been sitting in front of my computer almost non-stop, due to the fact I now feel like I'm in college learning how to write instead of kindergarten. I realize I need to bring some balance but for this newbie to writing, I am going at high speed. Yes, I cook for my husband, do the wash and sometimes make the bed. The rest waits and waits and waits, until finally I am drug from my computer to plug in the vacuum. Look for my book HOPE, a mystery with a dash of romance to be published by years end.

And there you have it. Everyone is different, unique, and just like the books they write.

Advanced Reader copy of A Harvest of Hearts just came

2011-05-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

My daughters all ready grabbed copies and settled down to read. :) Its nice to have a supportive family. :)

May book releases

2011-05-06T09:16:00.001-07:00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

May ACFW Authors New Releases For Your Reading Pleasure!

With the beginning of a new month, we have a brand new list of new releases for our reading pleasure. Please note that at any time, you can access Fiction Finder to read about upcoming new releases as well as your favorite authors' backlists. Make use of the left-hand side bar to search and sort titles and authors by months and by ACFW members and nonmembers.

All this information and more in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad -- General Fiction from Revell. She wants to change the world. He wants to change her mind.

A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason -- A Thriller/Suspense from Revell. Kit Kenyon is a first-rate hostage negotiator. Noah Lambert is a good detective with excellent instincts. The new partners have hardly had time to get used to each other when they are thrown into a grisly murder case.

Deep Trouble by Mary Connealy -- A Romance from Barbour. Gabe Lasley finds Shannon Dysart stranded in a mountaintop cave and saves her. She is on a quest to prove her father’s research isn’t the work of a madman, that he really did find a treasure in the wild west.

Died in the Wool by Elizabeth Ludwig -- A Mystery from Barbour. Can Monah and proven sleuth Casey Alexander find the real killer before this librarian is booked for murder?

Fade to Blue by Julie Carobini -- A Romance from B & H Publishing. When confronted with her most painful, past decisions, will Suz Mitchell second guess herself? Or will she learn to let God restore all that once seemed lost?

Journey's End by Dora Hiers -- A Romance from White Rose. When Chelsea Hammond is snatched from her home, can she put aside her fear, and trust Trey Colten with her life? Can she forgive him for destroying her past and let him help to rebuild her future?

Montana Marriages Trilogy by Mary Connealy -- Romance from Barbour. The complete Montana Marriages series all under one cover. One volume encases three acclaimed novels by Mary Connealy.

Over The Edge by Brandilyn Collins -- Thriller/Suspense from B & H Publishing. Torn from the front lines of medical debate and the author's own experience with Lyme Disease, Over the Edge is riveting fiction, full of twists and turns—and powerful truths about today's medical field.

Promise of Time by S. Dionne Moore -- A Romance from Barbour/Heartsong. Time promises to heal all wounds, but will Ellie and Theo allow God to work His timing in their lives and bring a new promise of love?

Revealing Fire by Connie Stevens -- A Romance from Barbour/Heartsong. Two people in their September years are blessed with a second chance at happiness, but unexpected arrivals of a long-estranged son and a long-forgotten former admirer threaten to unravel the cords that bind two hearts.

Secrets of the Heart; Ravensmoore Chronicles, Book One by Jillian Kent -- A Romance from Rhelms. When Lady Madeline Whittington rescues a runaway from a nearby lunatic asylum her life will be forever changed.

The Art of Romance by Kaye Dacus -- A Romance from Barbour. Two artists are drawn together by matchmaking matriarchs.

The Unexpected Bride by Debra Ullrick -- A Romance from Love Inspired. Haydon Bowen has no intention of marrying. Unfortunately, his brother has other plans. Even when beautiful, cultured Rainelle Devonwood learns she's a mistakenly ordered bride, she won't let Haydon drive her away.

Threat of Exposure by Lynette Eason -- A Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired. In book 5 of the Texas Ranger Justice series, DEA Brock Martin and Texas Ranger Gisella Hernandez must work together to decipher codes, uncover clues and protect themselves from a killer who doesn't want his secrets known.

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer -- A Romance from Bethany House. A blacksmith with a criminal past. A librarian with pacifist ideals. Do they have a fighting chance at finding love?

Undercurrent by Michelle Griep -- A Science Fiction/Time Travel from Risen Books. People go missing every day--many meet with foul play, some leave the social grid by choice, but others are never accounted for...where do they go?

When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley -- A Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah. When an isolated home-schooling widow makes a stealthy bid to escape a cultic group, an outspoken professor encourages her to stand up to her abuser but brings his own set of complications.

Wyoming Weddings by Vickie McDonough, Susan Page Davis, and Diana Brandmeyer -- Romance from Barbour. Three modern Wyoming women face mountains on the road to love.

Patchwork Dreams arrived!

2011-04-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

I got a box of my books via Fed Ex today. I am so excited! To celebrate, I'm hosting a giveaway on Facebook - Like Author Laura V. Hilton and leave a comment and you'll be entered in to the drawing.

A Harvest of Hearts

2011-04-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

This is the cover for book 2 in my Amish series. I love it! It fits Shanna's character perfectly!

April Christian Book releases

2011-04-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Below are the new releases from our awesome ACFW authors for the month of April. Happy reading!

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

A Family for Faith by Missy Tippens -- A Romance from Love Inspired. Even though Faith Hagin thinks she’s content being just friends with Gabe Reynolds, spending time with him and his daughter Chelsea starts to feel like a fresh start at having a family. And their love may be the answer to everyone’s prayers.

A Place to Belong by Linda Goodnight -- Romance from Love Inspired. Faith and warm memories have helped widow Kitty Wainwright endure the loss of her husband. That's all she's ever needed…until she hires contractor Jace Carter to repair her motel.

Abigail's New Hope by Mary Ellis -- A Romance from Harvest House. As an Amish midwife, Abigail Graber loves bringing babies into the world. But when a difficult delivery takes a devastating turn, she's is faced with some hard choices.

At the Captain's Command by Louise M. Gouge -- A Historical from Love Inspired. A heroic British naval captain, son of an influential earl, dares to fall in love with a provincial American girl. Then he discovers her family's devastating secret.

Canyon Walls by Julie Jarnagin -- A Romance from Barbour Heartsong Presents. Sunset Camp changed Cassie’s life, and she is determined to keep it alive.

Chosen Ones by Eileen Rife -- General Fiction from Oak Tara. While Maggie and Gavin Munsfield adjust to a new baby, missionary friends, Dan and Yvonne Pratt, experience the heartbreak of infertility and miscarriage. Will they find it in their hearts to accept an outcome so different than what they expected and hoped for?

Dare to be Different; From the Scenarios Series by Nicole O'Dell -- Young Adult from Barbour. Each book in the series follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending?

Delivered With Love by Sherry Kyle -- General Fiction from Abingdon. An old love letter found in the glove compartment of a young woman's inherited 1972 Volkswagen propels her to leave her life in Los Angeles and go to the small town of Capitola, California. There her dream of finding the writer of the letter leads her on an unexpected journey that changes her life forever.

Diagnosis Death by Richard Mabry M.D. -- A Thriller/Suspense from Abingdon. When Dr. Elena Gardner's comatose husband dies in the ICU while on life support, the whispers begin. More deaths turn the whispers into a shout: "Mercy killing." What is the dark secret that keeps Elena's lips sealed when she should be defending herself?

Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott -- A Romance from Thomas Nelson. A young woman and man haunted by the past seek love and freedom as they assist fugitives on the Underground Railroad.

Finally a Bride by Vickie McDonough -- A Romance from Barbour. Will reporter Jacqueline Davis uncover his secrets before Noah Jeffers can capture her heart?

From Darkness Won; Blood of Kings Book 3 by Jill Williamson -- A Fantasy from Marcher Lord Press. Achan and Vrell seek out their place in the coming war to push back Darkness for good.

Griselda Takes Flight by Joyce Magnin -- General Fiction from Abingdon. Now that her sister, Agnes Sparrow, is comfortably dieting at the Greenbrier Nursing home, Griselda has time to fly—literally.

Kaydie by Penny Zeller -- A Romance from Whitaker House. Kaydie Worthington builds a protective wall around herself that won't be easy to tear down. There's something about Kaydie that draws Jonah Dickenson to her and makes him question his decision to remain a bachelor.

Love Finds You on Prince Edward Island by Susan Page Davis -- A Romance from Summerside Press. Molly Orlund is honored to serve as a maid where the Prince of Wales will be a guest. Peter Stark, an understeward in the royal party, is attracted to Molly, but an uncovered secret could change everything.

Oregon Weddings by Kathleen Kovach -- A Romance from Barbour. An alpaca, a lost family treasure, and an ornithophobic actress all take center stage in these three stories of love and faith that are as eclectic as the state of Oregon itself.

Patchwork Dreams by Laura V. Hilton -- Romance from Whitaker House.Becky Troyer has committed the ultimate sin, and finds herself on the edge of her Amish community; Jacob Miller believes he was sent to the Old Order Community in Missouri to help out a distant cousin--instead, he discovers he was part of an arranged swap.

People of the Book; Book 4 in the Extreme Devotion Series by Kathi Machias -- General Fiction from New Hope. Farah lives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with her family, and wants nothing more than to develop a deeper devotion to her Muslim faith. All goes well until the prophet Isa—Jesus—appears to her in a dream and calls her to Himself.

Risky Business; From the Scenarios Series by Nicole O'Dell -- Young Adult from Barbour. Each book in the series follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending?

Swept Away; From the Scenarios Series by Nicole O'Dell -- Young Adult from Barbour. Each book in the series follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending?

Tea for Two, Book 2 of the Tea With Millicent Series by Trish Perry -- Romance from Harvest House. Zack Cooper tries his best to raise his children, but he's losing his grip on them. Tea Shop owner Milly Jewel has the perfect woman in mind to help Zack.

The Daughter's Walk by Jane Ann Kirkpatrick -- General Fiction from Waterbrook/Multnomah. Based on a true story of a mother and daughter who walk across the country in 1896 and the consequences of the journey to both of their lives.

The Dawn of a Dream by Ann Shorey -- General Fiction from Revell. She’s embarking on a new life—but can the past truly be left behind?

The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh -- General Fiction from Revell. Inspired by a true story, The story weaves a tale full of action and suspense, and yet it is also an amazing love story that could only happen if miracles do come true.

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble -- Olivia Stewart’s sister, Eleanor, was engaged to Harrison Bennett, one of the nation’s wealthiest men, who has since died. Now the pressure is on Olivia to take her place, despite her suspicions about Eleanor’s fiancé.

The Sheriff's Sweetheart by Laurie Kingery -- A Romance from Love Inspired. A down-on-his-luck gambler on the run from a dangerous enemy meets the richest girl in a small Texas town and turns his life around to become worthy of her.

The Unforgivable; Wounds of South America, Book 1 by Tessa Stockton -- A Thriller/Suspense from Risen Books. Accused of the worst war crimes in the history of Argentina, Carlos Cornella is despised by a wounded nation…

Tomorrow's Garden by Amanda Cabot -- Romance from Revell. Can Harriet Kirk and Lawrence Wood ever truly put the past behind them in order to find happiness?

Trail of Lies by Margaret Daley -- A Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired. As the mother of a beautiful daughter and the wife of a wealthy entrepreneur, Melora Hudson seemed happy. No one knew about the secrets hidden behind closed doors—secrets Melora was forced to keep.

Yukon Wedding; Book 1, Alaskan Bride Series by Allie Pleiter -- A Romance from Love Inspired. Widow Lana Bristow won’t abandon the only home her son has ever known, even if it means wedding Mack Tanner, the man she blames for her husband’s death.

Note: This list is compiled from those books registered by ACFW member authors on www.fictionfinder.com.

2011-03-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Michael's water-color paintings that he did during Folk School. I like the top one the best but they are all good.

Found this review on the Wildcard tour

2011-03-11T09:26:00.000-08:00

Sarah in Ohio's Opinion:

Blown away! This was my first time reading Laura Hilton but with my addiction to Amish fiction I was glad to jump on tour for this one and am glad that I did! Dealing with the issue of an unwed pregnancy within a small Amish community the author did a great job in showing the reading the ostracizing some in the community inflicted on the young lady even after her confession. A shocking realization though will change the way the young woman and her family see her pregnancy.

There is a lot of misinformation regarding the bann and shunning within the English world and I think this book can help some of those misunderstandings get cleared up. The Amish are humans and therefor human emotions can and will get in the way but the character was restored to full communion within her community. I can’t go on much more without the risk of giving you a spoiler of the book but suffice to say this was a fantastic read!

New review up at this site -- and radio show

2011-03-03T14:58:00.000-08:00

http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/03/patchwork-dreams-by-laura-v-hiltona.html

Wanda says: Patchwork Dreams is such an excellent book. I enjoyed it from the first page to the last.
Becky is paying for her past mistakes in a big way. During her running around time (rumspringa) in the Amish culture Becky has a baby and her peers keep shunning her, even after she has asked for forgiveness.
Then Jacob comes along. Jacob is sent to their farm(he thinks to only help out for the summer) but the others think he is sent here to bring new blood into the community. Only problem Jacob is already going to get married to a girl from his home.
So we follow these two. Jacob wants to get Becky to smile and that is the mission he sets out on. In Patchwork Dreams you will see many changes in both people and see how they grow up in different situations.
I don’t care for a lot of Amish stories, because the authors are usually judgmental of the English world and always put the Amish above them, but with Patchwork Dreams it isn’t like that at all. We see a story about everyone making mistakes, wrong choices and peace finally if we go in the right way.
The characters have a lot of love and commitment to the Lord, with a lot of touching scenes. This is the first of a new series about The Amish of Seymour by Laura Hilton
This is a book that I can feel good about recommending for all to read. It has everything a good novel should have from tenderness, sadness, forgiveness, peace and joy. So you need to buy this book if you love to read and Amish stories are some of your favorites. Even if you don’t like Amish stories this one is different and full of exciting happenings.

I'll be interviewing for a radio show tonight too. Appreciate all prayers!

Laura

New Books releasing in March

2011-03-01T13:49:00.001-08:00

Flying in on March winds are a bunch of new and exciting books from ACFW. Take a gander at this list and head out to your favorite place to buy books and gather a few in for great reading.

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

1. A Bond Never Broken by Judith Miller -- A Historical from Bethany House. For many years, Ilsa Redlich has helped her parents run a hotel in South Amana, but as the United States enters the Great War, she can feel her world changing.

2. A Cowboy's Touch by Denise Hunter -- Romance from Thomas Nelson. Will the secrets Abigail Jones brought with her to Moose Creek, Montana separate her from Wade Ryan, the cowboy who finally captured her heart?

3. A Gentleman's Homecoming by Ruth Axtell Morren -- A Historical Romance from Love Inspired (formerly Steeple Hill). It's been six years since Luke Travis has seen his native England...and his son, Sam. But his hopes for a joyful reunion are shattered when he learns that Sam wants nothing to do with him. There's one ray of hope--Luke's former sister-in-law, Bobbie Gardner.

4. A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell -- A Historical from Bethany House. Three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream--and their chance for love. But the ways of the heart are difficult to discern at times.

5. Among the Magnoilias by Diane Ashley and Aaron McCarver -- A Historical from Barbour Heartsong Presents. In spite of the love she sees between her parents, Abigail LeGrand is determined never to marry. Nathan Pierce is desperate to hide his past. Will Abigail and Nathan accept each other's love and respect, or will they stubbornly cling to the fears that threaten to keep them apart?

6. Bathsheba: A Novel; The Wives of King David Series, Book 3 by Jill Eileen Smith -- General Fiction from Revell. Will one night of unbridled passion destroy everything Bathsheba holds dear? Can she find forgiveness at the feet of the Almighty? Or has her sin separated her from God—and David—forever?

7. Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris -- A Thriller/Suspense from Zondervan. Deep in the heart of Africa, two American lives are about to change forever.

8. Code of Justice by Liz Johnson -- A Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired (formerly Steeple Hill). Heather Sloan is willing to risk her life to find her sister's killer—but her code of justice could cost her the chance to win Jeremy Latham's love.

9. Face of Danger by Valerie Hansen -- Mystery from Love Inspired (formerly Steeple Hill). Giving murder victims a face is forensic artist Paige Bryant's speciality. She can always put the pieces together. But her work turns dangerous when Texas Ranger Cade Jarvis brings her a special project related to the notorious Lions of Texas gang.

10. In The Shadow of Evil by Robin Caroll -- A Thriller/Suspense from B and H Publishing. Amidst the layers of unethical practices, supply shortages, and excess murders, a top Louisiana homicide detective loses his heart to a charitable contractor while uncovering a secret about his tragic past.

11. Jersey Brides by Laurie Alice Eakes -- A Romance from Barbour. Riches Become the catalyst for love in New Jersey. Issues of wealth and status have three nineteenth-century women tied in knots.

12. Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews -- General Fiction from Revell. When scandal and murder rock Dinah’s life, the daughter of the great patriarch Jacob is sent away to Job’s household. After Job’s own world comes crashing down, Dinah finds herself drawn to this great man brought low. What will she risk to fight for his survival?

13. Secret Place by Leslie J. Sherrod -- General Fiction from Urban Christian (Kensington). When desperation leads to homicide, can healing, freedom - and faith - be found?

14. Springtime of the Spirit by Maureen Lang -- A Historical from Tyndale House. The winter of an unjust war is over. A springtime of the spirit awaits.

15. Surrender the Night by MaryLu Tyndall -- Romance from Barbour. A timid American farm girl at the mercy of the enemy. . . A wounded British sailor driven into hiding. . . Both are about to change the course of history forever.

16. The Artist's Grandmother by Robin Bayne -- General Fiction from White Rose. When Megan bids on her grandfather's painting, the last thing she expects is to be outbid by Michael Kirk, her first love.

17. The Map Across Time; Book 2, Gates of Heaven Series by C. S. Lakin -- Fantasy from AMG-Living Ink Books. An epic fairy tale that shows how God uses the simple, weak, inconsequential of the world to accomplish his great purposes.

18. The Proper Wife by Winnie Griggs -- A Historical from Love Inspired (formerly Steeple Hill). Eli Reynolds knows what he wants in a wife, and the flighty Texas girl couldn't be further from the mark.

19. Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West -- Romance from Oak Tara. Set in the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Kristin Taylor and Luke Maddox must decide if they’re willing to set aside selfish ambition for the love that seems to have ambushed them and captured their hearts.

And third review...

2011-02-10T06:39:00.000-08:00

Patchwork Dreams

What a wonderful, sweet story of healing and coming of age. In the Amish community they have a time in a young persons life where they go from being children to adults. It is called a rumspringa. After that time period they have to decide if they will then join the church and be fully committed to the Amish way of life or to choose to live a life outside the Amish community. As with any teenagers, the world has many temptations to draw them into things that will only get them into trouble.

Becky made some mistakes during that time by allowing a boy outside the Amish community to sweet talk her into seeing him. Because of that boys lies and the fact that she had a baby from that relationship she was shunned by her community. She had made amends in front of the church but people didn't forgive her mistakes the way the Lord did.

Jacob thought he had his life all figured out. He was dating Susie and was planning on marrying her during the upcoming marriage season. But when he meets Becky he sees something in her that he doesn't see in Susie. His feelings for Becky are very different, as well. As he works with Becky's dad in the blacksmith shop he starts to see things from a mans point of veiw instead of a boys. Jacob changes from the boy who liked to run around and be irresponsible to a man with a trade that he can use to provide for a family and a desire to have a woman who followed the Amish order of life instead of someone trying to drag him away from it.

This book shows you honor and commitment to the Lord, a way of life and people you love. It shows you how a simple life can be one of fulfillment and happiness. It was a pleasure to read Patchwork Dreams and I recommend it to anyone who loves a sweet romance.

Second review for Patchwork Dreams

2011-02-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

Patchwork Dreams is the first Amish book I've read and I really enjoyed it. One of the things I liked most about this book was the closeness of Becky Troyer's family and their unconditional love for her. My heart broke for Becky and what she had endured, and I adored the character of Jacob - Becky's own knight in shining armor.

This is a touching story of love and its impact on a hurting heart. It's a great start to a new series and I would definitely recommend it.

I'm in the CBD catalog!!!

2011-02-04T14:37:00.000-08:00

I got this message from a friend today...

Hi Laura,
I just received the CBD fiction catalog in the mail yesterday and Patchwork Dreams is on page 5! I just wanted to say congratulations!!! I am hoping to write a review for you this weekend to post on CBD.com. I really enjoyed reading your book and can't wait to see what characters will be in the second one.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,
Penny

It made my day! Can't wait to get my copy in the mail.

New book releases for February

2011-02-01T16:50:00.000-08:00

February is starting out with good reading weather in my neck of the woods. What else is there to do but snuggle up with a good book when there's a blizzard outside? Here's the latest new releases from ACFW authors!

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

1. Angel Sister by Ann Gabhart -- General Fiction from Revell. It is 1936 and Kate Merritt, the middle child of Victor and Nadine Merritt, works hard to keep her family together during the Great Depression. Who could imagine that a dirty, abandoned little girl named would be just what the Merritts need?

2. Another Dawn by Kathryn Cushman -- General Fiction from Bethany. What would you give for a second chance to make things right? When life gets complicated, Grace Graham runs. But now her sister, Jana, is giving her once last chance.

3. Blood Covenant by Lisa Harris -- A Thriller/Suspense from Zondervan. Paige Ryan and Nick Gilbert must put their own lives in the hands of God as they fight for the safety of the refugees under their protection.

4. Deadly Ties by Vicki Hinze -- A Thriller/Suspense from Waterbook-Multnoma. Her enemy will stop at nothing for control. She will risk everything for freedom.

5. Hometown Dad by Merrillee Whren -- A Romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. A pair of rowdy boys would be exhausting for two parents—little wonder single mom Melanie Drake feels overwhelmed. Enter Nathan Keller—respected banker, descendant of the town’s father...and baseball coach.

6. Journey to Riverbend by Henry McLaughlin -- A Western Historical from Tyndale. A chance for redemption was something they never expected. A chance for love was something they never dreamed of. Sometimes the journey is only the beginning . . .

7. Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes -- A Romance from Revell. By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets. Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, what he, a British aristocrat, is doing on American soil working as an indentured servant.

8. Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate -- General Fiction from Bethany House. Adventure is the last thing on Andrea Henderson's mind when she moves to Moses Lake. But when a little girl is seen with the town recluse, Andrea and the new game warden are drawn together in the search for her identity. The little girl offers them both a new chance at redemption and hope--and may bring them closer than either ever planned.

9. Letting Go; Healing Hearts Series, Book 1 by Michelle Sutton -- General Fiction from Sheaf House. From an early age Diane Simmons was trained by her parents in the art of seduction, but she hates that about herself and wants to be loved for who she is, not what she looks like.

10. Raider's Heart by Marcia Gruver -- A Romance from Barbour. Dawsey Wilkes wakes up deep in the Carolina swamps, the prisoner of a rowdy family who support a vigilante intent on bringing justice to the poor. Wooed by the competitive McRae brothers and shunned by their sister Ellie, Dawsey remains intent on getting back home to her ailing father. But has it been God's plan all along to unite these two very different families?

11. Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones -- A Romance from Thomas Nelson. You’re invited to the engagement of the most unlikely couple of the year.

12. The Outlaw's Return by Victoria Bylin -- A Historical Romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical. J.T. Quinn would know Mary Larue's beautiful voice anywhere. He just never expected to hear her singing in a Denver church.

13. Turbulance by Dana Mentink -- A Thriller/Suspense from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Romantic Suspense. Someone wants to ensure that the flight bringing Maddie Lambert and a transplant organ to her father never reaches its destination. Someone who's desperate enough to sabotage the plane.

14. When All My Dreams Come True by Janelle Mowery -- General Fiction from Harvest House. An adventurous novel of faith, hope, and love in the Wild West.

15. Words by Ginny Yttrup -- General Fiction from B&H Publishing. Brought together by Divine design, Kaylee and Sierra will discover together the healing mercy of the Word-Jesus Christ.

The first review on my book Patchwork Dreams

2011-01-23T12:33:00.000-08:00

This is the first I've seen.

01/22 Cindy Loven gave 5 stars to: Patchwork Dreams (Amish of Seymour County) by laura V. Hilton

Becky Troyer is sure that she will never find love or be anyone's frau, ever. Branded as used goods, after an incident during her rumspringa leaves her pregnant, and the Englischer who did saying it is not his baby and spreading horrible rumors about her. When a distant relative arrives from Pennsylvania to help out around their home, Becky finds that the attraction to Jacob Miller is distracting.
When Jacob tells Becky he has a girl in Pennsylvania that he wants to marry, Becky tries desperately to distance herself from him, but it isn't working. In fact it seems that the more she tries to avoid him, the more he seeks her out. It almost feels like he is torturing her with the attention he is paying to her. Jacob does not mean to cause her embarrassment or to torture her with unwanted attention, he just wants to see Becky smile, and to know she is happy. Will Jacob return to Pennsylvania to marry Susie, the girl his father seems determined to seperate him from, or will Becky claim his heart and keep him in Seymour Missouri?
A fast paced story, which features an unmarried young Amish mother, is a fresh look at this new Amish book! The first of a new series about the The Amish of Seymour, Laura Hilton draws you into the story, hook line and sinker! Do not miss this story, and look forward to book two coming out later this year from Whitaker House. 256 pages $6.99 US 5 stars.

This book was provided by Whitaker House for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.

Today

2011-01-15T11:28:00.000-08:00

Fed Ex drove in with a box...full of advance reader copies for Patchwork Dreams! I'm so excited!

Top Ten Books of 2010

2010-12-31T13:51:00.000-08:00

I haven't done very well keeping up with this page. I promise I'll try to do better. But I skimmed through my list of books I reviewed this year. This list is by no means exclusive as I read some great books. But the ones that stood out to me
when I skimmed through are:

Plain Jayne -- Hillary Manton Lodge
Too Close to Home -- Lynette Eason
The Missing -- Beverly Lewis
An Eye for an Eye -- Irene Hannon
Courting Morrow Little -- Laura Frantz
The Telling -- Beverly Lewis
For Time and Eternity -- Allison Pittman
Driftwood Lane -- Denise Hunter
Seek Me With All Your Heart -- Beth Wiseman
The Thorn -- Beverly Lewis

Two more that stood out are:

Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska -- Loree Lough
Missing Max -- by Karen Young

Happy reading in 2011! Leave a comment and tell me about your favorite book.

Welcome to Laura V. Hilton

2009-09-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Home Page...here you will be able to link to my review site, the site about my books, and learn more about me, the author; me, the mom; and me, the wife.

Just a tidbit to get started...some fun facts about Laura V. Hilton!

1. My husband and I married after only knowing each other three months. We will celebrate 22 years of marriage in December. I was a Christmas bride, complete with tinsel, poinsettias and twinkly lights.

2. I love apples, blueberries, and peaches. Chocolate is one of life’s pleasures, and while I normally drink tea, I love McDonald’s iced hazelnut coffee.

3. I love the Great Lakes, lighthouses, boats, sand and surf. I also love winter, with snow, sleds, mittens, snowmen, and Christmas.

4. I love books! I love the feel of books, the smell of books, and curling up with a good book. My favorite genre? It varies by my favorite authors. I love pretty much anything by Susan May Warren. I’ll drop everything for Tricia Goyer’s WWII books, and Beverly Lewis’ Amish stories. But that by no means says it all.

5. I’m a breast cancer survivor.