Transforming a Daily Prayer and Devotions Journal Into a Book ~ Donna Schlachter #Giveaway

 Transformation: a chronological walk through the Bible in a year

By Donna Schlachter

Hi, Donna here:
Have you ever noticed that the voice of God often comes in the most unexpected moments asking the most unexpected things of us? This happened to me early in January of 2017 during my daily reading. Without a doubt, He stood beside me and said, “Write this book”.

Now, normally when God tells me to write a book, I don’t have any problem. I mean, I have so many stories floating around inside my head, I don’t think I’ll live long enough to get them all written down.

So, naturally, I asked, “Which book?”

“This book.”

“This isn’t a book.” Like I need to tell God that, or anything for that matter. “It’s just my daily journal.”

“Yes. That book.”

Honestly, that was the last thing I wanted to hear. Like I said, I have plenty of other books to write without God adding a devotional to the list. But I couldn’t escape the instruction.

So this book has been a true transformation for me. The way I read was different; I expected God to show up every day; and I was able to be more real in what I wrote. As I transcribed, I saw days where I was upbeat; days where I was discouraged; days where I was angry. And yet God used every one of those days.

So, here are three things I learned while writing this book:

1. Because it was also my daily reading and quiet time, I had to be honest with my own thoughts, feelings, and understandings, but also be willing to be completely transparent with my reader. In fact, when I transcribed this book into my computer, I only changed about three words, and that’s because I’d written the wrong word in my journal.
2. I waited until almost the end of the year to transcribe the book. Stupid me. I could have started almost immediately. The lesson learned is never put off what God is telling you to do.
3. The process of writing a book kept me on track so I couldn’t skip days or skim the reading. At the end of every reading, I asked God what He wanted me to learn, and what He wanted the reader to learn. As a result, I didn’t use any of the “usual” verses we see in devotionals, and God gave me fresh insight every single day.

 If we let Him loose in our lives, He is faithful to change us—to transform us into His likeness and image.

PLS Bookworks (December 20, 2017)

From the Back cover:

366 devotions that will chronologically walk you through the Bible in a year If you've ever wished you could start a devotional at some time throughout the year other than January 1st, then this is the devotional for you! 

Each day is numbered, so you can start any day of the year and still walk through the Bible in a year. If you like to start out the year on the right foot on January 1st, then this is the devotional for you! However you like to structure your quiet time, today is the absolute best time to start!

Donna Schlachter

About Donna:

Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick, her first-line editor and biggest fan. She writes historical suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of Leeann Betts. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters In Crime, and Writers on the Rock; facilitates a local critique group, and teaches writing classes and courses. Donna is also a ghostwriter and editor of fiction and non-fiction, and judges in a number of writing contests. She loves history and research, and travels extensively for both. Donna is proud to be represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management.

www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com

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Donna is offering a Giveaway of Transformation. 

  

 Answer this question for the opportunity to win a free print (US only) or digital copy of Transformation: How would knowing you were writing a book change the way you journal your quiet time?

Leave a comment below with your contact email address so we can reach you if you're the winner. 

Giveaway ends: One week from today on Tuesday, July 24 at Midnight CDT. Winner will be drawn on Wednesday, July 25. 

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+:    

One Mouthful at a Time

One Mouthful at a Time

By Donna Schlachter

A shepherd and his sheep

"God, my shepherd!

    I don’t need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

    you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word,

    you let me catch my breath

    and send me in the right direction."

Psalm 23:1-3 The Message

If you’re anything like me, life is rushing past you at supersonic speed, seeming to scatter in all directions like a herd of squirrels. And if you’re anything like me, there is no slowing down in the near future. Despite all our technology, we seem to push and stretch to do more with the hours we have, cramming more doing in, despising those moments when we can’t do because of a line up or a break down or a need to just be.

And then God reminds us, in poetry meant for our hearts, that He is the One who provides all we need. When we look at the shepherd of King David’s day, a lush meadow for him was a rocky hillside where tufts of grass grew in a clump here, a clump there. Seed, watered by the dew and the night fog from the Mediterranean, sprang up overnight and burned off in the hot afternoon sun. If the sheep didn’t find it before then, it was gone. And so the shepherd led them across the dry ground to a mouthful of food here, a mouthful there.

And only good shepherds knew where to lead their sheep.

How blessed we are to follow the Great Shepherd, who laid down His life for His sheep. Who tends the flock so that not one is lost. Who sleeps across the gate to the sheepfold so none wander away and the destroyer doesn’t get in.

Today, if you are like me, you need a quiet moment to stop, breathe, think, then act.

Take that moment now.

Stop. Breathe. Think. Repeat.

And plan to come back tomorrow.

God’s got a place reserved for you.

Heavenly Father, thank You for leading me beside still waters when the waves threaten to overwhelm me. Thank You for filling me when I feel empty. Thank You for being all that I need in every circumstance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick, her first-line editor and biggest fan. She writes historical suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of Leeann Betts. She is a hybrid publisher who has published a number of books under her pen name and under her own name. Her current release, Echoes of the Heart, a 9-in-1 novella collection titled "Pony Express Romance Collection" released April 1. Donna is also a ghostwriter and editor of fiction and non-fiction, and judges in a number of writing contests. Donna recently taught the popular Don't Let Your Subplots Sink Your Story, an online course for American Christian Fiction Writers, and will teach another course in May 2018 on The Middle Muddle. Donna loves history and research, and travels extensively for both. Donna is proud to be represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management.

  

www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com

www.HiStoryThruTheAges.com

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The Puzzles of Life

Nothing Stays the Same!

Guest blogger post from Lillian Duncan

“I write Christian suspense and mystery.”

That was my answer when people asked me what I wrote, but in life, nothing stays the same. And that’s true with my soon-to-be-released book—Puzzle House (Harbourlight Books, October 2017).

Puzzle House is a different sort of book than I usually write, but that makes sense. I’ve been living a different sort of life for more than five years. My life was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with brain tumors and a genetic condition known as Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) in 2012.

During these past several years, I’ve come to understand that nothing can be taken for granted. Except for God and his faithfulness. God has been there with me—every step of the way on this journey I didn’t want to take.

In many ways PUZZLE HOUSE is the book I didn’t want to write because had I never been diagnosed with the brain tumors, I would never have written this particular story. Since Puzzle House has a much deeper spiritual theme than most of my books, I decided for the first time to write a companion devotional book to go along with my novel—Devotions from Puzzle House.

Nothing stays the same.

Here’s the blurb for Devotions from Puzzle House:

Life isn’t a box of candy, it’s a puzzle—lots of pieces and lots of confusion, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If we do life with God, we can create a beautiful picture with our life, the one God planned for us. So how do we put that puzzle together out of the chaos?

With God, of course.

This book is called Devotions from Puzzle House, but what exactly is Puzzle House? No, it’s not a place but a novel I’ve written. I call Puzzle House the book I never wanted to write! I would never have written it if I hadn’t developed bilateral brain tumors because of a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2).

It’s been a difficult journey, but God has been and continues to be my strength and my comfort and so I’ve written these devotions to share some of the pieces that have helped me create my life’s puzzle.

Even though Puzzle House is most definitely fiction, these devotions are biblically based and therefore as real as it gets!

God bless!

SPECIAL NOTE: for the next few days, Devotions from Puzzle House is FREE on Amazon. Yes, you read it right—FREE! But you better hurry because nothing stays the same—and that’s true with the FREE price as well!

HURRY on over to Amazon get your free copy! http://amzn.to/2vQceDB

 Lillian Duncan…Stories of faith mingled… with murder & mayhem.

Lillian is a multi-published author who lives in the middle of Ohio Amish country with her husband and a menagerie of pets. After more than 30 years working as a speech pathologist for children, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

Lillian writes the types of books she loves to read—fast-paced suspense with a touch of romance that demonstrates God’s love for all of us. To learn more about Lillian, you may visit her at www.lillianduncan.net or www.lillian-duncan.com. She also has a devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com.

Protect and Ensure Your Legacy ♦ Paula Mowrey

Photo by Peggy Blann Phifer

Protect and Ensure Your Legacy

 by Paula Mowrey

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

Most Christians have studied this verse through a Sunday school class or through a sermon. Some even have that last line as plaques in their homes. Joshua makes it clear to the nation that he and his household will serve God. He places before the people a choice to follow in his footsteps or stray back to some of their ancestors’ old ways.

Now on this day it is recorded that the people agreed with Joshua wholeheartedly to follow God alone. I’m sure they had good intentions. But just two page turns in my Bible are some of the saddest words I’ve read.

“Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten. And they buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath Heres in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals.” Judges 2:8-11

What? What happened to their promise? I understand some would argue that this was the next generation. But why didn’t they train up their children the way they had been instructed to?

God gave strict and explicit instructions on how parents were to pass on this Godly legacy. They were to always have God and His commands before them, talking about them when they ate or when they were walking along.

That generation failed to pass along their rich legacy. Honestly, the thought makes me shiver. Doesn’t this prove that we are only one generation away from not knowing God or following His ways?

The responsibility rests on those of us who know God and His commands to pass this along to our children and those we have influence over. This has to be pointed and intentional. We can’t just be flippant, thinking they’ll catch on. This transmission is much too important for that.

Prayer: Lord, I choose, as Joshua on that day, to serve You, the one true God. I choose to follow Your commands as outlined in Your Word. And I will make every effort to ensure that those around me know about this spiritual heritage, so no one might say that a generation arose who didn’t know You. Amen.

Currently, I am doing a study of Godly legacy and how I might pass it on my blog. Please join me in this important topic. www.paulamowery.blogspot.com

Paula Mowrey

Paula is a pastor’s wife, mom to a college student, author, acquiring editor, and speaker. No matter the hat she wears, she strives to honor God’s plan even if it means going out on a limb and leaving comfort zones. Reviewers have characterized her writing as “thundering with emotion.” Her book, Be The Blessing, won the 2014 Selah Award in the novella category. Paula enjoys reading and reviewing Christian fiction, writing Christian romance and devotionals, and helping other authors realize their dream of publication.  

Learn more about Paula and find other places to link with her on her blog at www.paulamowery.blogspot.com

A Tatterd Testament ♦ Lucy Neeley Adams

     I am pleased to once again bring you a devotional from Lucy Neeley Adams. This first appeared in The Upper Room Daily Devotional in August, 1977. Thank you, dear Lucy, for sharing it here with us.

From Google Images

A Tattered Testament      (Read Psalm 46)

         

"Thy word is to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.  (Jeremiah 15:16)

 My tattered little paperback New Testament sits on my bookshelf, held together by a rubber band.  I still find great meaning in reading it, but I must handle it more carefully than when it was new.  Its messages are still like water when I am thirsty, or food when I am hungry.  

On several occasions it has renewed my shaking spirit when I saw no way to get through the moment.

In the last four years there have been four deaths among my close friends.  They were so sudden that it took all the faith I had to persevere.  From my daily Bible study, God gave me strength to be helpful to the grieving families.  And this little paperback Testament was my constant companion at the funeral services.  

On its inside front cover, I have written: "Holding onto this at the funeral of: _____."  I filled in each name at the beginning of their funeral. 

I know there is no magic in holding the Bible.  But I do know there is a miracle of peace and comfort that comes from being assured of its inner message.

PRAYER:  O God, how wonderful it is to have Your Word!  Thank You for the people who were inspired to write for You.  Loving my Bible is an outgrowth of loving You.  I do love You and thank You.      Amen

   THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

My Bible is like a rudder that guides me through each day.

Lucy Neeley Adams     Winchester, Tn.   (August 6, 1977)    The Upper Room  Daily Devotional  - Nashville, Tn.

Step Out in Faith: A Devotion by Judy Davis

Step out in Faith, by Judy Davis


"Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality (faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.)"  Hebrews 11:1 AMP


I love to read about the women whose faith in God made a difference in their life. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about Ruth. The book of Ruth is more than a beautiful love story. It’s about an attractive but lonely widow who steps out in faith and, through perseverance and endurance, achieves the seemingly impossible. Her life is changed dramatically from poverty to abundance. How can this happen? Ruth chose to leave her home, the country of Moab, and follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, to the land of Israel, God’s chosen people.

As Naomi was leaving, both daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, followed her; however, Orpah decided to return to Moab. Ruth couldn’t wait to arrive in Israel. She had seen the love of God’s people and faith had risen in her heart to turn from everything unlike God. Even though Naomi tried to change Ruth’s mind about going, Ruth told her:


“Where you go, I will go and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16


When they arrived in Bethlehem, Ruth immediately went to work as a gleaner, gathering crops that were left by the reapers. Not long after she started working in the fields, she noticed Boaz, the owner of the fields. Each day he would speak to the field workers, always leaving with a smile. His way of saying thank you was, “May the Lord be with you.”



After Ruth told Naomi about Boaz, she was surprised to hear he was a relative. According to Jewish custom, a relative was expected to marry the widow of the deceased.


Boaz began to notice what a hard worker Ruth was. He also saw her sincerity and integrity. Love began to work a miracle in Ruth’s life. Because of her kindness and willingness to give of herself, God blessed her. It was not long before Boaz, a mighty man of God, fell in love with Ruth.

Ruth proved love could lift one out of a life of misery. Love can shed its light, like a sunbeam, on all that it touches. When she stepped out in faith, leaving her home, family and friends behind, her life could never be the same. It is faith that moves the hand of God.


Materially, Ruth had nothing; yet, she had so much to give. She gave up everything when she followed Naomi to Israel. She gave a labor of love when she went into the fields to glean what the reapers had left behind.


And because Ruth gave of herself, God multiplied it back to her in a way she could never have dreamed. God made her name honorable throughout the end of the ages. For after her marriage to Boaz, she had a son, Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David, the ancestor of Jesus Christ. What greater honor could one receive?


Thought for the Day

Faith moves mountains

Prayer

Dear Lord, we come boldly before the King of Kings seeking you with all of our heart. Help us today to move forward having faith to believe with you all things are possible. Amen.

Cross references:

1. Isaiah 1:18 : S 1Sa 2:25; Isa 41:1; 43:9, 26
   
2. Isaiah 1:18 : S Ps 51:7; Rev 7:14
   
3. Isaiah 1:18 : Isa 55:7

Judy Davis has been writing for Christian publications for over 30 years. Her 12th book - Scripture Woven Prayers was published last year. Judy and her husband Colin are planning to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year. They are retired and enjoy traveling and visiting their grandchildren. Judy writes a blog on her website http://happynewyoujudypdavis.com.

© Judy Davis

Fearlessly Blooming

Fearlessly Blooming, a devotion by Deborah Hemstreet, writing as Dvora Elisheva 

It was one of those days where you wake up and are not quite sure where it will go. The air was cool with promise of warming up. By the time I left my congregation later in the morning it was air-conditioner hot. But getting into my house with most windows closed, it was a bit cooler. The day warmed up as I sat and read, and then proceeded to my office to get some writing done. Rain drops began falling in drips and drops, to stop. Mud splattered the cars with the cooler air. I still had to water my flowers—fearlessly blooming in the gloom of this cloudy mud-rain day.

Fearlessly blooming. That is what I want to do for my Lord and Savior Jesus. It really doesn’t matter where I am or what I do. I want to bloom for Him. In my friendships, my writing, my work, my recreation. And the wonderful thing about blooming in this way, is that there is always the promise of continuation—when you are a perennial.

Did you ever think of yourself as a perennial fearlessly blooming for Jesus—wherever you are? Washing dishes, cleaning toilets, or doing some highly respected professional job? The thing is, after the blossoms wither and fall, perennials patiently wait for the next season when it is time to bloom again. With the creator of the universe as our wonderful gardener, he knows the conditions needed to make us bloom fearlessly for him—in season and out.

I remember as a little girl, my father loved his perennials and his annuals. But one in particular was the Easter Lily. He had planted the bulb tenderly and always looked forward to its glorious blossom. Then, one year, after a heavy snowfall, he noticed an amazing thing. For some reason the lily had gotten confused. Was it because of the late timing of the snow? The proximity of the garden to our centrally heated house? I don’t know. I do know that the reporters visited our house and took pictures of our Easter Lily fearlessly blooming in the January snow.

May we all learn to blossom like the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley (Song of Songs 1:17), and may we hear our Lord whisper to us, “Like a lily among thorns, so is my beloved among the thorns” (Song of Songs 2:2).

 

(Peg note: I purchased the image to the left from dreamstime.com. It could very well be the lily in this story. What do you think, Dvora?)

 

Deborah (Shapiro) Hemstreet has spent more than half of her life in Israel. She has dual citizenship. Her father was a Jewish believer in Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew), her mother was a non-Jewish believer. Deborah likes to identify herself as a follower of Jesus—with no denominational affiliation other than a member of the Body of Christ.

Professionally, Deborah has been a nurse (LPN), and holds a BA in Special Education and an MA in Technical Communication. Currently she is the English Communications Specialist at Rambam Hospital in Haifa, Israel—the largest hospital in northern Israel. She is actively involved in representing the hospital to the Christian community.

Deborah came to Israel in 1982, and other than for a brief period of time (2007–2011) has lived there ever since. She married for the first time in 2007 and relocated to the USA, she thought forever. However, God had different plans and in 2010 her husband Rich died, and in 2011 she returned to Israel to live.

Find Deborah / Dvora on the Internet:

• http://www.hope-challenged.com
• Email: dvora@hope-challenged.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DvoraElisheva
• Twitter (I don’t tweet much though): @DvoraElisheva (https://twitter.com/DvoraElisheva)

Crumbs: A Devotion by Cassandra Wessel

by Cassandra Wessel



Mark 7:28 – "Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." (NIV)

This morning after breakfast, as I ran my finger around the plate "licking up" toast crumbs, my mind flew to my mother. You see, she grew up in extreme poverty. As a result of the deprivation, she had a true appreciation for the things we take for granted—things like food. At the end of her meal, she would lick her finger, wipe the plate with the damp digit then lick her finger clean. That was her way of "licking the platter clean". Naturally, I grew up thinking that I was supposed to "lick up" the crumbs. I wasn't to waste one crumb. Mother always said, "Waste not; want not."

This morning as I "licked up" the crumbs from the plate, my mind drifted to the movie, "Jesus", and a scene based on today's Scripture, where a Palestinian woman fell at his feet begging our Lord to heal her desperately sick daughter. His reply was that he had been sent to the Israelites, not to the Gentiles. Her reply stuck with me like crumbs to my damp finger: "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs lap up the crumbs beneath the table." Jesus responded that she had exhibited great faith and he told her to go home; her daughter was healed.

In the movie, Jesus' disciples objected to this healing. He replied that He had seen a dying child and asked them, "Did you want me to let her die?" The mother's situation had been hopeless, desperate. Jesus was her last and best hope. Thus he honored her crumbs of faith.

Just as Jesus honored the request of the Palestinian mother from long ago, crumbs on my plate remind me that Jesus still honors our smallest crumbs of faith.

Prayer: Father God, we find it hard to have faith when life throws impossible challenges our way. We ask you to increase our crumbs of faith so that we may face life's difficulties through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Thought: God will honor our smallest crumbs of faith.



Cass Wessel spends her time reading and crafting stories to win the heart. She has many published devotionals, contributions in denominational magazines, anthologies, and also in the books of other authors. She is currently editing her own Amish romance, Choices, and has written two other novels. In her role as Influencer, she edits, critiques, and promotes other works. She is a member of ACFW, ACFW Pennsylvania Group, ACFW NW PA group, and the DOGMA critique groups. In past years she attended ACFW Conferences and also Writing Success Conferences. In the latter event, she won awards in writing and poetry three years in a row. Cass lives in Tionesta, PA and is a retired elementary school teacher, minister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

http://www.wordsabouttheword.com