Living in the Moment

Today’s UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL brought me up short.

The title article was What If? The suggested Scripture reading was from Luke 12:25-30, where Jesus admonishes us not to dwell in the past, nor worry about tomorrow, what we will eat, what we will wear. That doing a lot of what if’s, won’t change a thing, and worry about tomorrow is useless.

“Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”

So what was it about this reading that caught my attention?

It made me realize that I’ve been doing a lot of whining here over the past several weeks. My struggle with switching from Blogger to WordPress. My frustration over no one really reading the blog. Getting no comments. And on, and on, infinitum.

I even posted on Facebook a while back that I was feeling invisible, which is ridiculous. GOD sees me, knows my very thought, hears my words, watches what I write. Invisible? Never.

All this is not doing me, or my blog’s potential readers, one bit of good. God knows all about it. If Whispers in Purple is to grow and flourish, He will make it so. Just like those lilies in the field.

I’m not saying I won’t have to work at it. I still need to provide worthwhile content. That’s a given. No content, no readers. No readers, no comments. But I must learn to trust God to do the rest. Once I turn it over to Him, I cannot snatch it back and take over myself. That’s totally wrong, and non-productive.

Let go, and let God.

Blessings,

Peg

All day project

Today is clean out the closet day.

No, that's not actually MY closet, but it might as well be. Since I moves into my home here in Wisconsin—which was in November 2012—I've been just throwing things in there willy-nilly, never really bothering to organize anything. It's a large walk-in, and it got to the point I could barely move around, let alone find anything.

So I promised myself I'd tackle the monster today. And it is turning out to be an all day job. There are clothes I can no longer wear because I've lost some weight in the past three years. So, do I toss them, or bag them up for a yard-sale in the spring? Or donate them somewhere, which seems the easiest solution.

We'll see. In the meantime, it's back to work.

A reminder that today, at Peg's Bokcase, I am featuring author Alexis Goring and her fiction book Hope in my Heart. If you have a chance, I'm sure Alexis would love to have you visit.

Thanks!

Peg

 

Welcome Author Alexis Goring

Title: Hope in My Heart

Author: Alexis Goring

Publisher: CrossBooks

Release Date: September 2013

 

Welcome, Alexis, tell us about this book:

My first book, Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories, is an inspirational romance novella composed of three stories.

Book blurb:

In “Love Unexpected,” a car crash brings commitment-wary Sebastian and career woman Chandra together. Neither is looking for romance, but those around them see the potential, and Sebastian and Chandra discover that sometimes love shows up unexpectedly.

Christmastime is the setting for the middle story, “The Best Gift.” Christina desires to lose ten pounds so she can fit into her dress for her sister’s wedding. Jordan wishes her mom would stop trying to marry her off. And Joshua hopes to be reunited with his ex-girlfriend but eventually learns that the best gift this Christmas will be the restoration of his relationship with God.

In “Peace and Love,” three characters living in a metropolitan area are desperately searching. Elle, a starving artist, aspires to become a paid professional. Eric, a divorce attorney, wants to resolve his issues concerning his parents’ divorce. Kristine anticipates finding her birth mom before she marries Derek. All characters pray their searches will conclude this holiday season and fill their hearts with peace and love.

Interview Questions:

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

I hope my book will warm the hearts of my readers, bring smiles to their faces and encourage them in their real-life journey. My book takes real-life situations and infuses hope into the picture. I want my reader to know that no matter how dire a situation in their life is with God they always have hope. The Bible says in Romans 8:28, “All things work together for the good of those who love Him.” I find that to be true in my life and I hope my readers will too.

How did the idea for this book come to you?

Honestly, I don’t really remember. Since my book is a novella composed of three individual stories, the ideas for each story came to me over the years. I think I wrote the first story “Love Unexpected” about seven years ago and the following stories, “The Best Gift” and “Peace and Love” several months after completing the first.

What keeps you the most humble as a writer?

I ask God to keep me humble and true to Him in my creative writing pursuits and He certainly has in a good way. I praise God for giving me the gift of writing. He deserves all the credit, not me.

Is your writing journey as you envisioned it? If not, how is it different?

My writing journey thus far is not quite as I envisioned it but it’s just as good. As a child at age 9 when I “knew” I wanted to be a writer, I thought I would study writing in college, graduate and start work full-time as a writer. Only to find as I grew up that it’s not that easy. Breaking into the Arts and Entertainment industry takes hard work, preparation, perseverance and of course talent which God blessed me with but I’m still in the perseverance stage. I trust that if this is God’s will for me, everything will work out better than I envision it. I’m learning to follow God’s lead and trust His perfect timing in providing for me.

What do you do "just for you"?

I treat myself to a peppermint pedicure with a hot stone treatment at my favorite day spa.

What motivates you to get out of bed and head to your keyboard?

My desire to be a writer on a full-time basis and my goal to write one book per year motivate me to get out of my bed and take to the keys.

What have you learned recently about yourself and how has it affected your writing?

I used to write only when inspiration hit, which was only a few times per month. But I learned that I need to be more disciplined in my creative writing pursuits. So I decided, starting this year, I will take time to work on my creative stories at least five days a week. I’m currently working on my next book and thanks to God helping me become more disciplined, I’m making progress!

What gives you the most satisfaction in your writing—besides "The End," that is?

The creative process gives me the most satisfaction in my writing because I love being moved by music, creating captivating characters and pulling from real life experiences to create fictional story worlds that I love and my readers enjoy. God gives me the inspiration to be a writer and I am forever grateful.

If you weren't a writer, what would you most likely be doing instead?

I’d love to be a lifestyle and wedding photographer! I love meeting new people and capturing their story—especially their love story—on film. So yes, being a professional photographer would be my dream career if I were not focusing on writing.

What sparks your creativity when feeling drained?

Taking a break to watch a romantic movie, eating my favorite meal like the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich on Tomato Basil Bread from PANERA, listening to music, or treating myself to a slice of chocolate cake help to refuel my creativity when I’m feeling drained.

Do you write in one place, or switch off to different locations? Describe your favorite writing area.

I like writing at the kitchen table because of the triple windows. Sunlight streams through and makes my creativity bloom. Music is my muse, especially movie soundtracks that are pure instrumental.

If you were a coffee, what would you be? French Roast? French Vanilla? Decaf? Columbian? Breakfast Blend?

A caramel macchiato from Starbucks

About Alexis:

Alexis A. Goring is a college graduate with a degree in print journalism from Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Maryland. Writing is her passion. She hopes that her stories will touch hearts, bring smiles to faces, and inspire minds to seek God whose love for humanity is unfailing.

Purchase links:

• Amazon.com, http://amzn.to/1it3pxT
• BarnesandNoble.com, http://bit.ly/1mGHW95
• Books-A-Million.com, http://bit.ly/1kLQviX
• Christianbook.com, http://bit.ly/1heBcjV
• Crossbooks.com, http://bit.ly/1it47eJ
• Lifeway.com, http://lfwy.co/1kLQStR

Social media links:

• Official website, http://www.alexisagoring.com/
• Official Author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexisAGoring
• Twitter handle, @pennedbyalex

Thank you so much, Alexis, for spending your time with us and letting us get to know you!

Fussin' around

I know blog posts are supposed to bring my readers interesting stuff. Stuff that will prompt you to read it and maybe even leave a comment.

But since my switch from Blogger to WordPress, I've been tweaking features and learning how to customize the site. And, once changed over, I promised myself I'd blog something every day Monday-Friday. I need the weekends to catch up on things I let slide during the week.

Ergo, I'm composing this post from within my WordPress Dashboard. I hated composting in Blogger because it never kept my formatting. So, I'm writing this to see how it works when I get ready to send.

 

The Champion of the January 2015 Clash

A hearty Thank You to the five excellent champions of the first Clash of the Champions in 2015. Some of them are new to us, and we always like to introduce new authors.

One of my favorite parts of being a hostess is to share some of the amazing and beautiful encouraging comments your readers make during the clash. Here are a few from both the survey and the post:

• I've read several books by Pat Simmons, but her Guilty Series books touched my heart. The books in that series showed me the love and beauty of Missouri, at a time that I needed to know it was there. 
• Marian P Merritt is a wonderful author and I love her Cajun inspired books. 
• Susan Lyttek, you are an amazing and talented writer. 
• I Love everything Marian P. Merritt has written! She pulls me into the story and I feel like I am one of the characters. 
• Christmas Greetings is such a beautiful story! Thank you, Pat for allowing God to use and encourage others through His words.......C Lewis 
• These books all sound great! 
• Davalynn Spencer makes her fictional characters come alive in her stories! Genius! 
• You don't shy away from life in your writing, Tammy Doherty. Keep it up!! 
• Davalynn, I loved your book, couldn't put it down! 
• I can't wait to read every one of these titles. They all look so amazing! 
• Looking forward to reading Plundered Christmas! 
• To Tammy Doherty, I would be wicked excited to read this. 
• Really nice cover, too, Marian Merritt. 
• Susan, your work continues to thrive, all for the Glory of God! I'm proud to know you, and can't wait to read this one! 
• Pat keep doing what you do ... Uplifting people through your writing ... its a pleasure falling in love with your characters 
• Great series by Susan Lyttek! 
• Pat, I had planned to send you the same sentiment on your FB page! BTW, I downloaded 'A Christian Christmas' last month. Haven't gotten to reading it yet (I made a huge TBR pile in December!!) but really looking forward to it. Blessings, my friend :D 
• I love mysteries, and Plundered Christmas sounds fun. 
• Going to read The Snowbound Bride! 
• They're all beautiful. It's exciting to think how many hours of reading pleasure are wrapped up under those lovely covers! 
• It's a pity you could choose only one of those books. If I could I would choose both 'She's mine' and 'Plundered Christmas' 

Congratulations to

 

Tammy Doherty

She's Mine

Caitlin Harrington has a new job and a new life away from her menacing ex-boyfriend, Adam. Issues with her parents, losing her previous job and the death of her beloved grandmother leave her wondering if God has abandoned her. Two things she is sure of: she’s a lousy judge of character and men just can’t be trusted.

 

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

$4.99 e-book

$14.99 Print

 

Tammy Doherty writes Inspirational/Christian fiction. Her first three novels are Western romances set in late 1800s Colorado. After completing this series, Tammy turned to contemporary romantic suspense. The Mystique of Naultag series is set in a small town in central Massachusetts very similar to the town where she grew up.

 

Tammy Doherty grew up in the family greenhouse business but decided to go into an animal related career and became a veterinary technician. Her husband is "The Perennial Guy," so she's back to being immersed in the plant business. Currently, she works for a veterinary distribution company, selling pharmaceuticals and supplies in the Northeast. Tammy shares a blog with critique partner Nike Chillemi. There you can find information about the world of writing along with personal interest articles. Yes, writers have lives too. They just need to be reminded of that sometimes! Visit the blog and here to learn more about life in small town Massachusetts - the setting of her current works.

 

Learn more about Tammy on her website.

 

 

Some Amazon Reviews:

scombs - See all my reviews

Verified Purchase

This review is from: She's Mine: A Mystique of Naultag novel (Kindle Edition)

I read this book in 2 days. I usually avoid romance novels as I find them to be boring. However this book was fast paced and full of enough action to keep my interest all the way to the end. I also enjoyed reading about places and events of the local area which I could recognize throughout the novel. Excellent job Tammy!

 

Connie L. Winters (Central MA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: She's Mine: A Mystique of Naultag novel (Kindle Edition)

Did I want to stay up until 2 am reading? NO! But the book was too good to put down. Highly recommend.

5.0 out of 5 stars Classical Mystery/Modern Energy, December 1, 2014

 

Dealing with Frustration

Today’s UPPER ROOM spoke to me in some sort of convoluted way. The suggested Scripture reading was from Luke, Chapter 8, Verses 4-15. By the picture at the left you might recognize Jesus’ Parable of the Sower.

The author of today’s devotion wrote about some flowers she planted, but due to her busy-ness, neglected to care for them and eventually the weeds choked them out. The point of her illustration was that she ignored those weeds—worries, she called them—instead of addressing them when they first appeared.

Like the author, I let my worries get away from me, not ignoring them, but dwelling on them. But I don’t face them and do something about them. They eat away at me, destroying my peace, and interfering with my Spiritual walk.

Case in point:

I recently moved Whispers in Purple to a new server. It took a lot of time and work. As a perfectionist, it had to be just so.

Then I spent a considerable amount of time trying to come up with interesting topics each day to draw interest and pull in subscribers, as well as hoping for comments on these brilliant topics.

But it isn’t happening. And I shouldn’t have expected it to. But it’s frustrating me anyway. The thing is, for the last six months or so, I neglected my blog, posting sporadically, and I lost followers. A lot of them. Yes, I was working on two deadlines, but I could still have taken a few minutes to devote too my blog. Keeping it active is imperative.

Also, during the move from Blogger to WordPress, folks didn’t know where to find the blog.

The message I picked up from today’s UPPER ROOM article was probably the opposite of what the writer intended. Or maybe not. In the end, my worries—read frustrations—are in God’s hands. He knows, and if Whispers in Purple is meant to grow and produce a good crop, then He’ll make it happen, in His own time. And I must learn to wait, and Listen for that still, small voice.

Peg

Stand with Israel

Ever wonder why Israel doesn't just withdraw to its 1948 borders, approved by the UN. Wouldn't life be simpler? Wouldn't the wars end? This video, by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, made prior to the current conflict in Gaza, sums up the perspective opposing withdrawal from the land won in the 1967 Six Day War quite well.

I spent my high school senior year (1956/57) at a Bible College/High School Academy, in Owosso, Michigan. Sadly, the campus no longer exists. Among all the special memories of that year, I especially remember my Bible class, and the teacher. It was during the 1956 war crisis (see below) and Eisenhower was President. My teacher was quite concerned that the United States remain faithful to Israel, so he sent a letter to Ike warning him of the dangers of abandoning Israel. This was 9 years after Israel was granted their tiny sliver of land by the United Nations, and 10 years before the 6-Day War.

The 1956 War

From 1949 to 1956 the armed truce between Israel and the Arabs, enforced in part by the UN forces, was punctuated by raids and reprisals. Among the world powers, the United States, Great Britain, and France sided with Israel, while the Soviet Union supported Arab demands. Tensions mounted during 1956 as Israel became convinced that the Arabs were preparing for war. The nationalization of the Suez Canal by Egypt's Gamal Abdal Nasser in July, 1956, resulted in the further alienation of Great Britain and France, which made new agreements with Israel.

On Oct. 29, 1956, Israeli forces, directed by Moshe Dayan, launched a combined air and ground assault into Egypt's Sinai peninsula. Early Israeli successes were reinforced by an Anglo-French invasion along the canal. Although the action against Egypt was severely condemned by the nations of the world, the cease-fire of Nov. 6, which was promoted by the United Nations with U.S. and Soviet support, came only after Israel had captured several key objectives, including the Gaza strip and Sharm el Sheikh, which commanded the approaches to the Gulf of Aqaba. Israel withdrew from these positions in 1957, turning them over to the UN emergency force after access to the Gulf of Aqaba, without which Israel was cut off from the Indian Ocean, had been guaranteed.

Read more: Arab-Israeli Wars: The 1956 War http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/history/arab-israeli-wars-the-1956-war.html#ixzz3PUBZEVk9

I saw this video on Facebook yesterday, and scrambled over the internet to find it on YouTube so I could post it here on my blog. The video is about 5 minutes long, and I urge you to watch/listen to it in its entirety. This is important information, and may help us to understand what Israel is enduring right now. We, the United States of America, need to stand firm in our commitment to keep our alliance with Israel. We’re doomed if we abandon them.

I am not an activist and generally avoid controversy because I struggle with expressing myself well. But in this instance, I cannot keep quiet. I welcome your comments

Peg

Welcome Author Katherine Haddad

CHRISTMAS WAS NEVER OVER

Star Song, Book 1, is the octilogy lyrical novel series on the entire life of Christ, Soul Journey With Jesus, in both adult and children’s version. It depicts the events and people involved in the birth of Jesus with the reality of political, economic, and personal chaos. It was not an easy time to be born and live out one’s life. The people endured spies, betrayals by their leaders, and suspicions among each other. For those who believed, and even for those who did not believe, Christmas was never over.

How could Mary ever forget the impact of being told she would be the unwed mother of the very Son of God? Not only did she have to endure taunts of townspeople after she got home from visiting cousin Elizabeth, but what was it like for Jesus as he grew up? What names did the townspeople call him? Christmas over for Mary and her child? Never.

Even Elizabeth, after having begged God for a baby for decades, did not know how to handle it when her prayer was finally answered. The shy woman went into seclusion! She hadn’t counted on a son who would be so important. How was she supposed to raise him, especially with a husband who could not talk? Christmas over for Elizabeth and Zechariah? Never.

The dirty, smelly low-life shepherds were chosen for the visitation of angels announcing the birth of God’s Son. The event of a lifetime. But, as they went through Bethlehem searching for anyone who had borne a baby that night, no one took them seriously. Even after Jesus’ birth, society did not treat them any differently, or even decide to believe them. Christmas over for the shepherds? Never.

Anna had lived in the temple since her youth. She had witnessed slaughters right there in the temple by Pompeii’s soldiers and even Herod’s soldiers. Sometimes hope would rise that a Deliverer would come to the people, but always it fell again. Where was God? But, once now elderly Anna and her friend, Simeon, had seen the answer to everyone’s prayers, no one paid any attention to them. There certainly were no national ceremonies in honor of the new-born king. Though no one believed them, they kept telling people anyway that their Deliverer had been born. Christmas over for Anna and Simeon? Never.

The magi in Persia, Babylon, and India who had spent a year trying to discover the meaning of the strange star, finally figured it out when they got to the writings of famous Daniel. But then caused the baby God-King to be killed. How often did they wonder, after returning home, if the baby escaped? Christmas over for the magi? Never.

Then there was Joseph on whose shoulders most of the burden rested. He must have endured snickers by others who thought he was gullible to marry a girl already pregnant by someone else. When the needless nation-wide census came, he couldn’t even get Mary out of it. Then, when they arrived in Bethlehem, she nearly had to have the baby out on the street. And even after Jesus’ birth, he had to sneak them out of town to escape him being killed. What kind of husband and father was he turning out to be? Christmas over for Joseph? Never.

Today, they say Christmas is over. Is it? For us, will it ever be over?

Is Christmas over for you? There were no bright lights and decorated houses and parties and romances in the snow when Jesus was born. There were hopes built up amidst confusion. There were announcements made amidst fear. There were plans formulated amidst chaos. That was the real Christmas.

Jesus’ birth was only the beginning. Will you now put Jesus away with your ornaments? Will the brightness grow dark the rest of the year? Now that Jesus has been born, what next?

• Book 1 – Star Song – Released December 2014
• Book 2 – Dream Maker – Release date March 2015
• Book 3 – Hearts Afire – Release date June 2015
• Book 4 – Folk Hero – Release date September 2015
• Book 5 – Flood Gates – Release date December 2015
• Book 6 – Promise Keeper – Release date March 2016
• Book 7 – Shadow of Death – Release date June 2016
• Book 8 – Come Fly With Me – Release date September 2016

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT STAR SONG:

JEAN WILLIAMS: “I got goose bumps and tears in my eyes. Fantastic! I'm telling you this is pure genius. Katheryn Haddad’s book is breaking molds, and she may be a leader of this type of book.”

ROGER BRUNER: “Star Song is a fascinating and compelling combination of Bible facts, careful historical research, and stunning imagination. The present tense writing made me feel I was right there watching and listening to everything that was happening.”

MARY CHEATHAM: “I'm awed by the author’s writing skill. It is evident that she is a seasoned writer with great talent. Katheryn Haddad delves into the inner thoughts of Mary and Joseph on a personal level.”

KENNETH F. MADDOX, USN RETIRED: "It's dynamite!"

ANNE EVANS: “Star Song retells the story of Jesus’ birth in poignant prose. The story starts with the birth of Mary and makes the reader feel the desperation of the Jews at that time as they were oppressed by Roman rule.”

Order Star Song at Amazon-adult version - http://amzn.to/1sQHrtV

Order Star Song at Amazon-child's version - http://amzn.to/1wKr3MU

 

My daily inspirational thought - inspirationsbykatheryn.com

Katheryn Haddad's monthly newsletter http://bit.ly/1xKBK4B
Star Song Overview - http://inspirationsbykatheryn.com/historical-novel-about-jesus
Star Song on Pinterest- http://www.pinterest.com/haddad1940/book-1-star-song
Star Song Audio - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEEc59ktS4Q

Indulge Me

The process of moving Whispers in Purple from Blogger to WordPress felt a lot like a crazy experiment where I had no idea where I was going. And it took a lot more than the objects pictured at the left.

However, with the wonderful help of my web server—Webnet77—a LOT of time in the WordPress forums, and  other helpful resources, I finally have it up and looking pretty good, if I do say so myself.

There’s still a lot more I need to learn, and a lot more I want to do, but it is what it is . . . for now.

That being said, I’m humbly asking for a favor from those of you who get this via email subscription, or read it on Facebook when it shows up.

To wit: I need to test the ‘comments’ section to make sure it’s working properly, and that I get the notifications that a comment has been submitted.

With that in mind, would you mind visiting the blog at www.whispersinpurple.com and leave some comments? At the bottom of each post, on the right, you’ll see—most likely right now—No comments. Just click on that and it will open the form to do so.

If it’s the first time for you to leave a comment on this new blog location, you will be notified that your comment is waiting approval. If the notifications are working properly, I’ll see it and will approve it immediately.

After your first time commenting, you will not be moderated again and your comments will appear automatically. I reply to all comments, and if you want to know when I do, at the bottom of the comment form is a check-box for notifying you when new comments are posted.

There’s also a check-box for subscribing to the blog if you haven’t already.

That’s it. Thanks for indulging me.

Peg

Whispers from God

I saw this on GodVine a while back, and couldn’t resist saving it to use here.

What could be more fitting for Whispers in Purple?

Changes in store

If there’s one thing about blogging, it’s that everything is subject to change, and running two separate blogs just isn’t working for me.

So, beginning in February, Peg’s Bookcase blog will be moving to become incorporated into my Whispers in Purple blog on WordPress, hosted by my web server. It will become a Wednesday feature there.  The pegsbookcase.blogspot.com site will be taken down on January 31. The last two guest spotlights are January 21, with Katheryn Haddad, and January 28 with Alexis Goring.

By the way, all of February’s Wednesday’s are still available if anyone wishes to sign up. Please use the Contact Peg tab at www.whispersinpurple.com. I also have the first three Wednesday’s of March open, and after March 25, featuring Stephanie Landsem, all future Wednesday spots are wide open.

I’d love it if you’d spread the word and help get writers connected with readers, and vice versa.

Thanks!

Peg

A Review: Christy Barritt’s “Dubiosity”

I love a good mystery, and Christy Barritt delivers. Again. But mixed into the mystery is a little suspense, and, of course, a little romance, a recipe for a good read.

The setting, rich with history, also filled my cup, but the beauty of the eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay is threatened by the presence of a human predator. And he’s spying on our heroine. Savannah Harris is living in relative seclusion, buried in grief and guilt over the death of her husband and child. That car bomb had been meant for her, she was sure of it. As an investigative reporter, she’d gotten too close to the truth for someone’s comfort.

The characters are well developed, some introduced in such a way that the unseen, and unknown predator could be any one of them. The Bay area is temporary home to many migrant workers, and when several of them mysteriously disappear, one dies, and others grow mysteriously ill, Savannah’s investigative instincts are piqued, especially when her best friend Marti is found, apparently from an overdose of depression medication. Marti is hospitalized and lapses into a coma.

But Savannah doesn’t believe her friend tried to commit suicide. Neither does her new male border, Clive, who has recently moved into her guest house. She is drawn to him, but senses he’s not quite what he pretends to be. But as things heat up, Savannah pushes her doubts aside and joins Clive in getting to the bottom of what’s really happening, eventually putting her own life on the line.

You’ll love getting to know Savannah. You’ll even understand why she’s lost her faith in God. While Clive’s faith, even dealing with his own losses, has been strengthened.

I have read several of Christy Barritt’s previous novels, and this one did not disappoint. In fact, in my opinion, this one surpasses them. And that’s the mark of a good writer . . . to make each book better than the last.

Kudos, Christy!

Note: I was provided a copy of this book by the publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Footprints

 

When I was a high school sophomore, one of my classes was Biology. Our teacher was a hoot. We never knew what he was going to come up with on any given day. Sometimes, we were even hesitant to enter the classroom.

Case in point: One day as we arrived to take our seats at our assigned tables, we saw the chalkboards on all three sides of the room had been covered by chalk-dust ‘footprints.’ As our eyes traveled along that curious path, the final board bore those words on the picture above.

He never explained. But he knew he’d provoked some serious thoughts among us. He was a great motivator, as you can imagine, and Biology was my favorite class that year, dissecting frogs and salamanders, and all that fascinating, messy stuff.

I have no idea if that was original with him, and I don’t really care. But I’ve never forgotten that. It comes back to me at the oddest times, and I think ‘Thank you Mr. Ehn.’

Ironically, as a writer these days, I sit most of the time. So how can I adapt that quote to fit my current lifestyle? Maybe something like: God’s message won’t reach the world with idle fingers.

Okay, maybe you are not a writer. Perhaps you’re an artist, a musician, a social worker, a pastor or pastor’s wife, a youth worker, a foster mom, a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, a journalist, whatever . . . how would you adapt and use that quote for yourself?

So, since this is an interactive blog, that’s my challenge to you. Think about it and post your thoughts in the comments section.

As an extra incentive—and since today is my birthday—for those who leave a comment, I’ll throw your names in a hat and draw a name to win an eBook copy of my latest release, Somehow, Christmas Will Come.

Eager to see your responses!

Peg

A New Home!

Whispers in Purple has a new home! At last.

After weeks of struggle and frustration, I have finally moved my whispersinpurple.com domain from Google/Blogger to Wordpress.org hosted on my own web server.

It still needs some tweaks, which I’m still trying to work through—and understand—but for now, I’m happy with the way it looks. For one thing, leaving a comment is a piece of cake! First-time commenters posts will be moderated for approval, but after that, your comments will appear immediately. I find that a vast improvement.

There are other “pages” to investigate where you can learn more about me. I’m working on a specific page that will list my books and buy links. On the Contact Peg page, you’ll find links for me on Twitter and Facebook.

Other ideas are percolating, too.

Finally, by the end of January, my Peg’s Bookcase blog at blogspot will come down. Guest authors who have signed up—and all future guests—will be incorporated into the Whispers in Purple blog on Wednesdays.

For those of you who followed me at the other site, I hope you’ll rejoin me here.

Hope to see you soon!

Blessings in Him,

Peg

A New Home!

Whispers in Purple has a new home! At last.

After weeks of struggle and frustration, I have finally moved my whispersinpurple.com domain from Google/Blogger to Wordpress.org hosted on my own web server.

It still needs some tweaks, which I’m still trying to work through—and understand—but for now, I’m happy with the way it looks. For one thing, leaving a comment is a piece of cake! First-time commenters posts will be moderated for approval, but after that, your comments will appear immediately. I find that a vast improvement.

There are other “pages” to investigate where you can learn more about me. I’m working on a specific page that will list my books and buy links. On the Contact Peg page, you’ll find links for me on Twitter and Facebook.

Other ideas are percolating, too.

Finally, by the end of January, my Peg’s Bookcase blog at blogspot will come down. Guest authors who have signed up—and all future guests—will be incorporated into the Whispers in Purple blog on Wednesdays.

For those of you who followed me at the other site, I hope you’ll rejoin me here.

Hope to see you soon!

Blessings in Him,

Peg

Welcome Author Katie Clark

KATIE CLARK writes young adult speculative fiction, including her dystopian Enslaved Series, made up of Vanquished, Deliverance, and Redeemer. You can connect with her at her website, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

Katie, welcome! Let's get to know you a bit by answering a few questions. Ready? Here we go.

• Where was the location of the best vacation you ever had?

Disney World! I love Disney World J

• If you could travel back in time when and where would you go?

Oh, this is very relevant to my current novel-in-progress (time travel)! I would love to visit Victorian England. It’s always fascinated me, with the pretty dresses and romantic art.

• What is your favorite season of the year? What’s special about it for you??

I love Christmas time, but these days I also love summer time. The heat is good, and I love creating fun summer memories with my daughters.

• What is something that very few people know about you?

 Hm. I’ll go with the fact that I don’t like music. I never listen to it…and that always surprises people but it’s true!

•  What is the hardest part in writing a story?

 Making sure the characters are true to the story and themselves. They can be such stubborn little buggers!

•  What is your favorite material item that you own (examples: iPod, Gone with the Wind book, grandmother’s rocking chair)

 Wow! Good question! There are a few things I love (my Kindle, for one), but I have a set of pillow cases that came from Arabia. They are square-shaped, and made of a scratchy cream-colored material. Then, they’re covered in shimmering gold thread. They’re absolutely beautiful, and I cherish them!

• Oh, my, they sound lovely. I'd love to see a picture of them. So, what are you working on now?

I am currently working on a series for Pelican Book Group that is being written for the young adult audience. Each book will focus on a lost Biblical treasure. Shadowed Eden is book 1 and will be published in 2015. Book 2 will be Whispering Tower, and I’m writing it now. It’s going to be awesome!

ABOUT VANQUISHED: When Hana’s mom is diagnosed with the mutation, she is denied the medication that might save her life.  Fischer, a medic at the hospital, implies there are people who can help—except Hana’s not sure she can trust him; Fischer is involved in a religious group, and religion has been outlawed for the last hundred years.  Hana embarks on a dangerous journey, seeking the answers Fischer insists are available. When the truth is uncovered does Hana stick to what she knows?  Or does she join the rebellion, taking a stand against an untrustworthy society?

Still solving problems

Okay, the imported posts are there now under the Blog page. The only issue is that the little shell icon that’s supposed to be in front of each post with the date is not there. In fact, there’s no date anywhere to be seen.

Am going to the WordPress Support Forums for the Coronado Theme to see if they can help.

I still need to edit the About Peg page. All the stuff from my old domain is way outdated. I also need to set up a script for the Contact page.

Otherwise, things are looking good.

Fussing with settings

This WordPress switcheroo is hard! Lots of stuff to learn, some of it frustrating.

Lately this is the way I’ve been feeling . . . going in two different directions at once. Aren’t those shoes adorable? I want a pair.

 

 

But I’ll get there!

Testing

Testing to see how posts to Peg’s Bookcase will show up. Are comments enabled?

Author Peggy Blann Phifer

 

 

Hi, welcome to Whispers in Purple. A website, a blog, and a whole lot more.

I am, first of all, a Christian. I believe in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and Their gift of the Holy Spirit.

That being said, I am also a writer. A late-blooming one, at that.

Through these pages you’ll discover more about me, my books, some of my favorite sites and blogs, author spotlights, interviews, and anything else I come up with.

Though this is a static page, the first one you see when you arrive here. It will be updated regularly with new, interesting, and maybe even exciting, information.

To navigate through this site, just click on the tabs across the top.

I pray you’ll keep coming back to see what Whispers in Purple has to offer.

To contact me, just click on the Contact tab.

Blessings in His Name.

 

And now,

The Lord bless you, and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you;

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Test Post

Setting up WordPress for Whispers in Purple. I’m just testing to see how the posts will appear.

 

Also checking pictures appearance

Blog Launch

Today I launched my new blog, Peg’s Bookcase with the intention of introducing writers/authors to readers.

Reading bookaholics are always looking for something new to read, and writers/authors are eager to find new readers.

Peg’s Bookcase hopes to accomplish that.

January’s first showcased author is Julie Arduini and her book “Entrusted,” and a fun interview with her heroine.

Check it out!

Featuring Author Julie Arduini

I am so tickled to launch Peg’s Bookcase, a brand new blog, with my first guest author, Julie Arduini. So let’s not waste any time getting right to it.

Title: Entrusted

Author: Julie Arduini

Publisher: Write Integrity Press

Genre: Contemporary romance

Series: Book 1 in the Adirondack Surrender Romance series

Giveaway: 1 book Entrusted, paperback or ebook. Winner’s choice, but paperback choice would need to live in North America. (Note: Giveaway ends Wednesday, January 14, at midnight, CST. Be sure to leave a comment—with contact info so we can let you know if you win—to be entered.)

About the book

Jenna Anderson, sassy city-girl, plows–literally–into Adirondack village, Speculator Falls with a busted GPS. She gets a warning from the sheriff but has ideas for the senior center to prove she belongs in town as their director. Town councilman Ben Regan is as broken as the flower box Jenna demolished. He’s grieving and wants to shut down the center before there’s too much change and heartbreak. They work on community projects and build a slow relationship, but the council needs to vote on the senior center’s future. Can Jenna show Ben both her and the center are worth trusting?

 

Julie Arduini is the author of the new Adirondack Surrender romance release #1, Entrusted. She thought it would be fun to introduce readers to her heroine, Jenna Anderson through a character interview.

• Entrusted starts out with you getting in a bit of trouble. Is that what you’re about, Jenna?

Not really. I think a more accurate statement is I find myself in unusual predicaments. Often. I still say that my little incident was all my GPS. Not me.

• You spent most of your life in Youngstown, Ohio. What made you leave the area for the mountains?

I spent most of my childhood with an elderly neighbor who was a dear friend. Florence Owens made me promise before she passed away that I would live life to the fullest. After her death I looked around and realized my job didn’t leave room for advancement. I needed change. I found an ad in a rural magazine about a job opening and I called. When the call ended, I had a new job in Speculator Falls, NY.

• One of the first people you meet is Carla Rowling. Tell us about her.

I was scared of her at first because she was meeting me on official business as the sheriff, but I quickly realized she was going to be a great friend. She’s warm, funny, sensitive and a great mom to Noah.

• You seem to worry about not belonging, yet Pastor Reynolds comes to you for advice. How did that make you feel?

Honored. He’s a respected man in the community and I don’t think what I did by moving to Speculator Falls was that inspirational. And given how Ben reminds me at every chance that I’m not from the area, I’m sure there were better people to talk to than me. But I’m happy he chose me.

• Speaking of Ben Regan, tell me about him.

Well, the first meeting didn’t go well. Nor did the second or probably the third. But once I realized it wasn’t so much personal against me but protecting himself from further hurt, he was easier to take. And those muscles from stocking shelves, that’s a perk to visiting JB’s. Ben also has the richest brown eyes. Like chocolate.

• What’s your favorite part of your job?

Interacting with the senior citizens. They are wonderful people and I’ve learned a lot from them. At my old job in Ohio I didn’t have a lot of direct and consistent contact with them. I’m building deep relationships with everyone at the senior center and I love it.

• What do you love about Speculator Falls?

That it’s like family here. The smells. I can’t begin to describe how wonderful it smells outside. The pine and air is so pure and fresh. Sara Bivins took me to the hunting cabin and showed me the journal everyone signs when they visit. That’s a precious memory for me.

• What’s your biggest challenge?

I have a few. The senior center needs updating and that costs money. Ben is on the council and he’s definitely not rooting for the center to make it. Quite the opposite, actually. Howard Wheaton is a senior who is a bit grumpy with me, but I think he’s a teddy bear. Kyle Swarthmore is a mogul from New Jersey who has a summer home in the area. He’s nice to me, but I think he has an agenda. I’m on a campaign to have the food service to realize that a dessert is not a fruit cup. It’s chocolate. And, I’m homesick. I miss my parents and sister.

• Jenna, thanks for sharing today. I think readers got a great glimpse of you and Speculator Falls.

Great! I hope readers take a chance on us and purchase Entrusted today.

To purchase Entrusted, click

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Entrusted-Adirondack-Surrender-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00PB097VC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416088062&sr=8-2&keywords=Entrusted

CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=092732&event=ESRCG

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/entrusted-julie-arduini/1120704358?ean=9781938092732

Where to find Julie “out there”:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/JulieArduini

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JulieArduini

G+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JulieArduini/posts/p/pub

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/JulieArduini

Instagram: http://instagram.com/JulieArduini

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9819114.Julie_Arduini

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Julie-Arduini/e/B00PBKDRSQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1418689931&sr=8-1

Frustrations already!

Arghh!

The new year is just starting and I’ve spent the first four days trying—UNsuccessfully—to upload the WordPress files so I can quit Blogger completely.

But more than that, after I transferred my Google Domain name (whispersinpurple.com) to my web host as an add-on domain, it is not working. As a result I’ve had to revert to using Blogger/Blogspot to keep the Whispers in Purple blog going until I can figure out what I’m dong wrong, or find someone who can help me sort it all out.

I’ve submitted a support ticket to my web host, and praying they can help, at least in getting whispersinpurple.com up and running.

So, please note: if you’re looking for the Whispers in Purple blog, this is the temporary new link:

www.whispersinpurple.blogspot.com

Other than that, January 2015 has ushered in a cold wave with sub-zero temperatures. Brrr. Even Rocky, my dog, though he loves the snow, hates cold feet! It’s a quick out and right back in thing for him right now.

At the moment of this writing (Sunday night at 8:05 PM,) it is 11 degrees below zero, under clear skies. I can see the 3/4 moon and the stars. It’s very tempting to crawl into bed, snuggle under the covers . . . and stay there!

That’s my rant for the day.

On a brighter note, Wednesday, January 7, launched my new blog, Peg’s Bookcase. (www,pegsbookcase.blogspot.com) and my first guest, Julie Arduini. The following Wednesday, the 14th, will be Katie Clark.

If you’re a writer and you’re reading this, and you would like a spot on Peg’s Bookcase, use the Contact Peg at the top, make the Subject Line “Bookcase” and I’ll try to work you in.

Frustrations already!

Arghh!

The new year is just starting and I’ve spent the first four days trying—UNsuccessfully—to upload the WordPress files so I can quit Blogger completely.

But more than that, after I transferred my Google Domain name (whispersinpurple.com) to my web host as an add-on domain, it is not working. As a result I’ve had to revert to using Blogger/Blogspot to keep the Whispers in Purple blog going until I can figure out what I’m dong wrong, or find someone who can help me sort it all out.

I’ve submitted a support ticket to my web host, and praying they can help, at least in getting whispersinpurple.com up and running.

So, please note: if you’re looking for the Whispers in Purple blog, this is the temporary new link:

www.whispersinpurple.blogspot.com

Other than that, January 2015 has ushered in a cold wave with sub-zero temperatures. Brrr. Even Rocky, my dog, though he loves the snow, hates cold feet! It’s a quick out and right back in thing for him right now.

At the moment of this writing (Sunday night at 8:05 PM,) it is 11 degrees below zero, under clear skies. I can see the 3/4 moon and the stars. It’s very tempting to crawl into bed, snuggle under the covers . . . and stay there!

That’s my rant for the day.

On a brighter note, Wednesday, January 7, launched my new blog, Peg’s Bookcase. (www,pegsbookcase.blogspot.com) and my first guest, Julie Arduini. The following Wednesday, the 14th, will be Katie Clark.

If you’re a writer and you’re reading this, and you would like a spot on Peg’s Bookcase, use the Contact Peg at the top, make the Subject Line “Bookcase” and I’ll try to work you in.

This is a test

Having trouble installing WordPress so have reverted to the whispersinpurple.blogspot.com blog