Thursday, November 30, 2017

Book Spotlight ♦ Holly's Noel ♦ Elle E. Kay


Holly Berries - courtesy Pixabay
"I haven't been able to move on. I'm stuck in a holding pattern. It's like I'm waiting for him to come home to start my life."

The words above came from my heroine, Holly Ewing.  They sum up how she’s been living and how many of us live out our days. We are either waiting for something, or mourning something we’ve lost, but we get stuck. We can’t move on.  Instead of taking a meandering trail through forests and meadows, we find ourselves on a treadmill in a concrete jungle. To step off the treadmill, we need to learn to trust.

Holly needs to trust Jesus again before she can restart her life.

“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”
                                                                                                  Psalms 37:5   -KJV

Holly’s Noel is a romantic comedy. Her story is written in a lighthearted comedic way, but the timeless truth of her struggles with trusting God are gently weaved throughout.

About the Book:  

Forced to rent out her childhood home next door to make ends meet, Holly Ewing finds herself battling an aggravating new renter.

Best-selling author, Noel Ryan, rents a home on Lake Bethel, a three-month escape from the distractions of home. He soon discovers that Holly is a distraction in her own right.

When difficult situations bring them together, will they stop battling long enough to discover the truth before Christmas separates them?

Under the Mistletoe is available for preorder for only .99 at https://www.amazon.com/Under-Mistletoe-Inspirational-stories-Christmas-ebook/dp/B075F7LKCC/.

  
This story is part of the Under the Mistletoe anthology of novellas which releases on December 1, 2017. I hope you will check it out. I read all the stories included and I enjoyed them (although in one of the stories, I took the side of the ladies portrayed as Grinch type fuddy-duddies. I’m more traditional/old school then some of my fellow authors.)

I had a blast writing Holly’s story and if you enjoy it, I may write more books in this genre.

About Elle:

Elle E. Kay lives on a farmette in the Back Mountain region of Pennsylvania. She lives with her husband, son, dog, and farm animals. She enjoys playing with goats and sheep. She can also frequently be seen with chickens landing on her head. A comical sight to be sure.

Elle is a hopeless romantic who believes in happily-ever-after. She is a born-again Bible believing Christian.

Stella is her debut novel, and is available from most retailers. Claudia, the next book in the Endless Mountain Series, is expected to be released later this year. Elle writes children’s books under the pen name, Ellie Mae Kay.


 

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

A Kind Word ♦ carole Brown

A kind word doeth good like medicine.   

By Carole Brown




The other day a Facebook friend sent me one of those memes that showed a bear, a saying and the word hugs. When I thanked her, she said she’d been thinking of me and hoped all was good. 

At that moment, it was.

Kind words usually give a tiny spark of joy, warmth, laughter or peace. I always like to think of those who use them, as a special person. Let’s think about how kind words benefit:

Never be afraid to pass on a kind word. Have you ever seen a store clerk’s face when you said, “Have a good day?” We were in a farm store the other day, and a lady was in training. She wasn’t familiar with all the ins and outs of ringing up a customer, but her trainer did a good job of instructing her. When I assured them I was fine with the slower pace we were receiving, the trainee’s face lit up. I assured her she’d done a good job when our transaction was completed. 
 
Always remember: most people have bad days. Be that person who shares a smile, a word of encouragement, a friendly act. Don’t pass on ugly attitudes or actions because the world thinks it’s the thing to do. Be different and bold and encouraging!
 
There are many types of people with all kinds of personalities. No matter how YOU try, some people will never change. There are always going to be constant complainers and whiners, depressive people with negative attitudes, grouchy people who are angry at everyone and everything. Don’t let that stop you. It’s so easy to allow yourself to be tainted by those ugly personalities and attitudes. Don’t! Remember, a kind word may do more good than you realize.  
 
Lastly, it’s important to YOU to be kind. Not only will it give you satisfaction in sharing a worthwhile action/word, but it will bring a peace and joy to your own self. 

Ephesians 4:32 says: And be ye kind one to another...  As Christmas draws near, let us remember that kindness is one gift we can share with the whole world. 

Have a wonderful day, people! 



A Flute in the Willows


Both rebels in their own way, Josie and Jerry Patterson must figure out how to keep the other's love...and keep the German enemy at bay. 

Josie has two loves—her skating and Jerry, her husband. But when he returns home looking like a skeleton trying to return to life, she’s scared. What happened in Germany to change a man so much? Has another woman captured his heart? 

Jerry has vowed to let Josie live her own glamourous life...especially after what happened in Germany. But when his wife's life is threatened, Jerry realizes he can’t stand by and do nothing. Jerry has to risk all for the very soul and life of himself—Josie. 

These two damaged, rebellious people learn the hard way that leaning on God instead of their own selves and abilities is the only true way to love and happiness. 

COMING SOON!

About Carole:
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of seven fiction books, with another one releasing late November, 2017, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?
 

Where to find Carole:

Personal blog
Facebook:  
Amazon Author Page:  
Twitter:  
Pinterest
Goodreads: 
Linkedin:  
Google+:    

Friday, November 24, 2017

Chores ♦ Devotional ♦ Jenny Harrison

Chores

devotional by Jenny Harrison

"Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth." Hosea 6:3 [NIV



What household chores do you put off? For me, it’s dusting. No doubt, it’s my least favorite part of cleaning.  Even when I can write my name in the furniture and sneeze upon entering a given room, I still put the dreaded deed off and choose other chores or online shopping. Eventually, I do dust and wonder why I didn’t sooner. The air is clearer, and my home looks so much better.

Similarly, quiet times are sometimes a struggle. I need time with God even more than my house needs dusting but when I sit down to read, my mind is distracted. Sometimes, I give up and move on to something else. Yet, God speaks to me when I read His Word. It’s as if He’s saying, “I know what you’re going through” and “I’ll never turn you away”. When Scripture speaks to me, I should wonder why I didn’t make time for Him sooner.

Is this scenario familiar to you? If so, how might we encourage one another to press on in Him?

How can we motivate each other to spend time with Him first?

Dear God, thank You that You don’t hold our propensity for distraction against us, and speak to us anyway. Thank You for this grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.



Jenny Harrison is an administrative professional who writes in her spare time. She has a desire to bring hope and encouragement to readers through devotionals, articles, and Christian fiction.





Thursday, November 23, 2017

Blessings, not Curses ♦ Carol Kinsey ♦ Giveaway

Blessings, Not Curses

But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither can salt water produce fresh.” James 3:8-12 (NASB).

            “You’ll never amount to anything.”
            “You’re fat.”
            “You’ll never find a husband the way you are.”
            “You can’t keep your room clean.”
            “You’re a liar.”
            “You never listen.”
            “You’re stupid!”

They’re words. But they do much more than communicate frustration and anger from the sender to the receiver. They curse.

It’s easy in moments of anger to spew out words like those. They reflect the frustration of the sender of the message. The sender might not even mean them. But no matter how you look at them, the receiver of such a message feels those words deeply. Especially, when communicated by a parent, spouse, or sibling.

Think about this: If every time a person spewed a negative word (a curse) on you, a sign was suddenly hung on you saying that word, how would you feel? Stupid. Liar. Dumb. Fat. Messy…. Often times when curses, like the ones listed above, are thrown at a person, they wear that curse like a sign. Sometimes they believe it deep in their hearts. Long after the sender forgot they even sent it, the person is allowing the curse to sink into their hearts.

You’ve probably heard it many times. “My dad said I’m dumb.” - “My husband said I’m fat.” - “My wife said I never do anything nice for her like her friend’s husbands do.”  

The Bible tells us to bless and not curse. “From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.”

We are encouraged in the word of God to be a blessing. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:14 (NASB).            

As James 3 says, the tongue is not always easy to tame, but as followers of Christ, we can look to Him to help us guard it. He tells us in Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” As He develops those fruits in us, our tongue can be tamed. Not in the flesh, but in the Spirit.

We are to encourage one another and build one another up. “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thess. 5:11 (NASB).

As a writer, I take my words seriously. I want my words to honor God—both what I write and what I speak. What are some ways we can bless others with our words?

·       Kind words: “You did a lovely job on this.” “You look very nice today.” 
·       Words of affirmation and encouragement: “I’m impressed!” “I’m proud of you!” “Great job!”

·    Words of thanks or a thank you card – even for the little things.

·     Praying for one another: Pray that they would be saved, pray for their families, pray for healing.

·     Forgiving those who have hurt you – and letting them know that you’ve forgiven them.

Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” (NASB).

Let your words encourage. Let your words bring hope. Let your words edify. Let your words reflect the grace and love God has shown you. Let your words bless.
  

Carol Kinsey lives with her husband and their two daughters on a farm in rural Ohio. She and her husband have been involved in youth ministry for over twenty years and currently serve at a small country church, which inspired her first published novel, Under the Shadow of a Steeple in 2013. She has also published Witness Protection (2017), Greater Love (2015), and Until Proven Innocent (2014). Carol is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Along with her fiction, Carol is published in several nonfiction venues. In 2016, she launched a homeschool writing curriculum, Creative Writing Through Literature. She is also a contributing author for Relationships Under Construction, an internationally used abstinence curriculum, and has written for Heartbeats. She has a passion for writing exciting, Christ-centered literature that uplifts, encourages, and gives glory to God. For more information, visit carolkinsey.net.

     Social Media Links


Witness Protection back cover:
“There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed.” Ty Westgate is an ex-lawyer living under witness protection. Brooke Dunbar is a young nurse, struggling to find hope and healing from her past. After four years in hiding, Ty puts his faith in Christ and realizes his moral duty to tell his unsaved parents about Jesus. While this step of faith holds eternal significance for Ty’s parents, it also puts Ty’s life in jeopardy. Together, in this fast paced novel, Ty and Brooke work to unravel the truth behind Ty’s adversaries. Will Ty’s decision to share his faith cost him his life? Will Brooke learn to trust the One Who can heal her past? The price of freedom may be too high.

Carol Kinsey


Buy Link for Witness Protection:
About the Giveaway:
Carol is offering a free copy of Witness Protection to one of the readers of this blog post. To enter, just leave a comment below with your contact information. Easy-peasy. Giveaway ends: One in one week, on Thursday, November 30, 2017, at Midnight CST. 

·

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

"Because He Lives" ♦ Hymn Story Devotion ♦ Lucy Neeley Adams


                                                       

Because He Lives

a Hymn Story Devotional from Lucy Neeley Adams

   As we gather together for Thanksgiving feasts and joyful family times, we also remember some heartbreaks of recent times. There has been gun violence and flooding events.  There have also been tensions with leading officials. We can remember these sad experiences in prayers for healing.

   We can also sing this lovely song with the assurance that God is with us so we can face all of our tomorrows.  When it was written in the 1960's the fears of turbulent events involved extreme drug traffic, the Vietnam war and riots that led to feelings of insecurity.  

   The composers, Bill and Gloria Gaither were expecting the birth of their first son and they were concerned about his future.  In praying about these fears and asking God for protection, they experienced a peaceful reassurance.

   So there was much rejoicing when baby Benji was born.  He was welcomed by his sisters, and all friends.  No one knew that a song would soon be written in response to this great event and it would eventually  travel around the world.

   The words flowed from the Gaithers' thankful hearts as they wrote: "How sweet to hold a newborn baby, and feel the pride and joy he gives.  But greater still the calm assurance, this child can face uncertain days because Christ lives."

   When Bill and Gloria met, they were high school English teachers in Alexandria, Ind.  As they worked together, they discovered their musical interests and Gloria joined the family trio.  They were married in 1962 and one of the greatest musical teams of contemporary Christian music was formed. 

   The many requests for their songs was surprising.  Gloria says", We had copies stuffed in boxes under the bed and in drawers all over the house.  Our parents helped us fill orders and we knew, very soon, that we were to open our own printing place and devote full time to our music."

   Gaither Music Co. is now a large industry in Alexandria as recording studios and distribution centers have been added.  The couple have composed hundreds of songs and have won many awards. In 1974, "Because He Lives" was selected by the Gospel Music Association as the "Gospel Song of the Year." 

    Of this song they say, "The routine of each day can reflect resurrection hope, and new life.  Before the crucifixion, Jesus said, "In a little while, the world will see me no more. But you will see me, because I live, you shall live also. (John 14:19).

   During this blessed time of Thanksgiving, let us sing joyfully and with blessed assurance:

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow:
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future.
And life is worth the living, just because He lives."




Footnote: The soloists are...in order of appearance...Bill Gaither, Mark Lowry, and Guy Penrod.


Lucy Neeley Adams     
SONG STORIES



Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Book Spotlight ♦ Time and Tide ♦ Kristen Terrette

Time and Tide

by author Kristen Terrette
a Book Spotlight


Addictions destroy lives.

That’s the first sentence of the back cover of Time and Tide. It’s harsh. Yet, it’s a reality.

My hero, Chad Cusher, was the opposite of a hero, definitely not the knight in shining armor we all wish to read about in our romance novels. His drug addiction controlled him. Tortured him. Motivated him. For years. He chased death’s door for a long time, and then ended up on its doormat, so close to death that his foot almost crossed the threshold.

And then… Chad was the cause of a terrible car accident which almost killed him and another driver. Once he was well enough, and after many surgeries, he went into rehab. He was put on recovery road, though not by choice, but by the law.  Then something happened in his heart as his drug haze dissipated. He realized he did want to be a better man, someone to make his mother proud, someone who wasn’t a murderer.

But certainly, after the accident left his leg permanently damaged, he didn’t foresee love being in his future. Who could love a criminal? An addict? A cripple? Someone so broken?

What Chad didn’t understand was that God was chasing after him. And God never lets up, never fails, and always loves us.

God uses Ryan, my heroine, and Moanna Island local, to draw Chad to Him. Ryan is a strong believer and even though life hasn’t been an easy road for her, she finds joy through it all. Chad can’t understand Ryan and her infectious smile (though she surely knows fiery and feisty too). He can’t understand how she can see the good in him. She sees the knight in shining armor he’s longing to be.

Ryan opens Chad eyes to God, a Person he’s never known. He begins to awaken to Him be real and in his life. This changes everything.

Chad and Ryan’s relationship comes across a few hiccups. But God is there. God is working. God can take the addict, the criminal, the cripple…and make him whole.

And I can’t wait for you all to see how He does it!

I have known quite a few addicts over the years. Some are recovering. Some have been made new. And some are still struggling, treading the endless waters and waves addiction can surround you with. It is my opinion that one cannot truly become healed from addiction without God. And Chad’s story highlights His pursuit to make you whole because of His great love for us. I hope you and those you know battling addiction can find hope through their story.


Bio:
Kristen has a Master's degree in Theological Studies and was on staff as a Children's Ministry Director for over five years. She cherishes her Southern roots and currently lives forty-five minutes outside of Atlanta, GA. With the support of her husband and two children, she stays at home writing Christian fiction, making up fantasy places and characters, allowing God to take the story where He needs it to go. She is also involved in the women's leadership team at her church, and writes for Wholly Loved ministry at WhollyLoved.com. To see her blog and current novels, check out her website at www.kristenterrette.com.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Tide-Christian-Inspirational-Romance-ebook/dp/B072S7KX5J/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
Instagram: @kterrette


Monday, November 20, 2017

A Purpose True - Book Spotlight - Gail Kittleson

A PURPOSE TRUE - Book Spotlight featuring author Gail Kittleson

 Though War Breeds Cruelty and Injustice, Grace Yet Prevails

Southern France - Spring, 1944

German panzer units crisscross the region, dealing ruthless reprisals against the French Resistance, and anyone suspected of supporting its efforts. Secret Operations Executive (SOE) agent Kate Isaacs is tasked with providing essential radio communications with the Allies, while her guide, Domingo Ibarra, a Basque shepherd-turned-Resistance fighter, dedicates himself to avenging the destruction of his home and family.

Thrown together by the vagaries of war, their shared mission, and common devotion to liberty, the last thing Kate and Domingo anticipate is the stirring of affection that threatens to blossom into love. But how can love survive in the midst of the enemy’s relentless cruelty toward innocent citizens?

Everything hinges on the success of the Allied Invasion - L’Invasion.

Purchase Links: 



When Gail’s not steeped in World War II research, drafting scenes, or deep in one edit or another, she does a limited amount of editing for other authors. She also facilitates writing workshops and classes, both in Iowa and Arizona, where winters find her enjoying the incredibly gorgeous Ponderosa forest under the Mogollon Rim. Favorites:  walking, reading, meeting new people, and hearing from readers who fall in love with her characters.


Facebook: www.facebook.com/GailKittlesonAuthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/gailkittleson/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/106969195211961187796
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3459831.Gail_Kittleson
Twitter: www.twitter.com/GailGkittleson @GailGkittleson
Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-kittleson-b0693543

Friday, November 17, 2017

An Appointment with Caesar

"Do not be afraid Paul; you must be brought before Caesar ..." 
Acts 27:24a [NKJV]

by Peggy Blann Phifer


I think I was about eleven years old walking home from school one day with my little brother and sister, and some of the other children going in the same direction.

At the time, we attended a rural, one-room school, all eight grades, I kid you not. I won't tell you how long ago that was ... one must keep some secrets, right?

Anyway, on the corner opposite the school building, was a little country store where the proprietor's always welcomed us kids after school. They kept a bin of various penny-candy where we could help ourselves to enjoy on our walk home.

But this particular day, for some perverse reason, I wasn't satisfied with their offerings. So I wandered over to where the real candy was and slipped a Baby Ruth candy bar into my pocket. We had a quarter-mile walk ahead, so I dawdled behind the others and surreptitiously ate my stolen treat.

Mothers are omniscient, you know? They know everything. It wasn't long before Mom somehow knew (how do they do that?) about that candy bar. Tattle-tale's maybe, or more likely it was a little bit of chocolate lodged in the corner of my mouth.

I was promptly hauled out to the car and driven back to that little store where I had to confess my theft, and pay for it with a nickel from my piggy bank ... all the while trembling with fear. Of the owner, perhaps, or maybe what Daddy would do when he came home after work.

In the verse above, the Apostle Paul was a prisoner on a storm-tossed ship headed for Rome. They feared sinking, but the Lord assured Paul he wasn't going to die because he had an appointment with Caesar. (Read Acts 27)

I was a prisoner of my own sin, and my Caesar was that store owner whose trust I'd betrayed, and ... eventually ... my dad. God saw to it I kept my 'appointment.'

Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us even when we do wrong. Because of Your unconditional love, I know I don't need to fear confessing my sins to You because You always stand ready to forgive. This child of Yours is grateful that with You, sins confessed are remembered no more. Amen.

Thursday, November 16, 2017

HUMOR: The Best Medicine?

Humor in inspirational fiction: Is it OK to laugh?

by James Yarbrough

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Do we Christians have a problem with humor?

I love writing humor and comedy. So, this is a personal question for me!

We know not to laugh at bad situations or crude jokes. We don’t want to dispense ill will or magnify the suffering or discomfort of our fellow man. We understand those boundaries of humor and should stay far away from them.

But has all the out-of-bounds “humor” the world pummels us with every day jaded us Christians? Jaded us to the extent that, well, we may avoid humor in our writing?

Whoa! As a famous TV character used to say, let’s back up the truck!

Not only is it OK to laugh, positive humor is a blessing! Humor is a refreshing balm, a tension-reducer, a unifier, and at times, an appropriate humbler. And there are plenty of great examples in the Bible.

Can you sense in Matthew 4:19 (NIV) the good-natured banter by Jesus with the veteran fishermen Peter and Andrew, when He said “I will make you fishers of men”?

And how about the story of Baalam in Numbers 22:21-30? Proud and greedy Baalam is forced to converse with a simple donkey, getting a much-deserved comeuppance in the process.

Then there’s the clever wording and turn-of-a-phrase that appear in many Bible books. As in Proverbs 11:22 (NIV):  “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.” I can tell you my tactical recitings of that verse have brought laughs to both of my daughters, if sometimes reluctant ones!

So, what does humor in inspirational fiction look like?
There are so many humor variations, but try this for a basic outline:
  • Start with an unusual situation
  • Add a person who tries to ignore, or manage the unusual situation but for some reason finds that he can’t
  • Then the person gets deeply involved with the unusual situation that he can’t ignore or manage and in doing so, funny outcomes result
How many good TV comedies from the 1950s and 1960s followed this outline? Think the show with a zany red-headed lady and her Cuban-born husband. Or the one with a talking horse.


If you’re interested in sampling some of my humor writings, and see how I embellish the basic outline above, check out these short stories and short story collections:

advanced Christmas meaning family


Or my romantic comedy novella for the Christmas season, Jingle Belles and Christmas Beaus:
book cover
All these are available at www.amazon.com/books.
 
JamesJames Yarbrough and his wife live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and have three adult children. After a long technical career, James began fiction writing in earnest in 2014 and enjoys writing positive, inspirational stories that entertain as well as prompt the reader to enjoy thinking. Follow him on Facebook at James Yarbrough - Author
Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a blessed and humor-filled day!
smile