Sinai Summer, by Jennifer Slattery

It’s been a hot summer and I’m starting to look for that nice cloud cover followed by a few cool drops of rain. The other day, after noticing the blanket of white covering the sun, my husband asked if I’d like to go for a run. Having spent most of the summer on the treadmill, I readily agreed. And initially, our excursion was very pleasant. The clouds protected us from the sun’s intense rays and a gentle breeze circulated the cooled air. But about twenty minutes into it, the cloud cover blew away and the sun hit us full force. The temperature instantly climbed ten degrees. The heat drained me and made me want to quit. As I ran, I thought about the Hebrews when they were making their escape form Egypt. The Bible tells us God guided them with fire by night and a cloud by day. This got me thinking about what it might have been like to travel through the wilderness. Sinai was a very hot and dry area, with little if any shade. Dehydration and overheating would have been a real concern. Luckily God shielded them from the intense rays of the sun by providing a cloud cover. And if they had tried to forge their own way instead of waiting for God’s leading, they would have stepped away from protective barrier. This got me thinking about all the times I’ve gotten ahead of God. So often I’m so convinced I know which direction He wants to take me, I’m off running without taking the time to pray. The only problem is the cloud hasn’t moved. It’s still back at the starting line, waiting on God’s perfect timing. Luckily, God doesn’t allow me to wander aimlessly in the wilderness for long and always guides me lovingly back to His tender, protective care—after I’ve exhausted myself with my own efforts and plans. Hopefully the next time I’m tempted to run full speed ahead, I’ll remember my hot run and wait on God’s leading instead of trying to forge my own way.

Memory verse:

Deuteronomy 1:32-33 “In spite of all this, you did not trust in the LORD your God, who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go. (NIV)

Prayer Prompt:

Dear Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You, trusting in Your guidance, waiting on Your leading. Thank You for the faithful way you watch over and protect me.

Jennifer Slattery is a novelist, freelance writer, and the marketing representative for the literary website, Clash of the Titles. She writes for Christ to the World Ministries, The Christian Pulse, Samie Sisters, and Reflections in Hindsight. In 2009 she won the HACWN writing contest and in 2010 she was an Operation First Novel Finalist, placed second in the Dixie Kane and fourth in the Golden Pen. She’s also written for numerous publications and websites including the Breakthrough Intercessor, Granola Bar Devotions, Bloom, Affictionado, and the Christian Fiction Online Magazine. She has a short piece in Bethany House’s Love is a Flame (under a pen name), forwarded by Gary Chapman and another piece in Cathy Messecar’s a Still and Quiet Soul. You can find out more about her and her writing at

http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/

Work while we still have breath, by Tammie Edington Shaw

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Stephen Bly, a novelist in the Christian Market, passed away earlier this month after a five year battle with cancer. If you are not familiar with Bly, he wrote in the western genre and authored close to 100 books.

I stop and pause whenever a writer, especially a Christian, has died. Even though his work will undoubtedly continue to be read, he will write no more books. I also pause because I know I will write my last words someday, as will you. If we know the Lord, we have a home in heaven awaiting us, but we will no longer be able to use our writing to influence others for Christ.

 I also think about the wasted time and missed opportunities. I had to do the laundry; the writing had to wait. I had to clean out the sink; the writing had to wait. I had to bake a pie for the church dinner, so the writing had to wait. Although all of these things are necessary and legitimate, the list goes on and on of the things I have put before my writing.

I remember one time when I was glad I did the work. On one of my devotional assignments I was struggling with an anecdote, believing it seemed trivial, but nothing else came to mind. I sent it to the editor, as the deadline was looming. A few months later after the devotionals had been published I received an envelope from the editor and inside was a card from a reader. She wrote that when she read one of my devotionals (the one I considered to have a trivial anecdote), she knew she could tackle the challenge ahead of her that day. What if I had decided that I didn’t want to write the assignment or found something else to do? I know God would have found someone to encourage her, but he gave me the opportunity to reach her.

Let’s work while we still have breath.

-Tammie Edington Shaw

Follow Tammie on her site:

http://www.tamedingtonshaw.blogspot.com/

Pursued, by Lillian Duncan

Thank you Lillian for joining us today to talk about your upcoming release Pursued.

1.     WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

            I'm from a small town in Ohio. We're located about half-way between Columbus and Cleveland. When I say small I mean small. There's one traffic light. I love living in a town where I know the names of the people I see on a regular basis, like the store owner, the librarians, and the pharmacist. And in fact it’s one of the themes in Pursued.

2.     TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING RELEASE.

            PURSUED  is a story near and dear to my heart. I wanted to write a story that showed some of the differences between "big-city" and "small-town" living, but in the end those differences are only superficial.  The important thing is a person’s character not where they live or what they do for a job.

3.     WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START WRITING?

            I know this is going to sound a bit strange, but I've always "made up" stories in my head when I was bored. Very detailed stories with characters and problems and happy endings. After two very specific events, it was like a light bulb went off in my head. Oh, these are the stories I should be writing down so I started writing that day and I haven't stopped since.

4.     HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING AND DID YOU EVER FEEL LIKE GIVING UP?

            I started writing 16 years ago when I was 40. Yikes, that makes me so...never mind. And absolutely, I wanted to give up many, many times. And in fact, I did give up many times but I always started up again.

             I don't know any writer who hasn't felt that way. The uncertainty of becoming a published writer can be frustrating and overwhelming at times to say the least. But if being a writer is your dream, you have to keep writing and waiting...and waiting...and.....

5.     HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?

            PURSUED is my fourth book to be published, but the first with White Rose Publishing.  But in many ways, I consider it to be my debut novel since it's my first book with what is considered a "traditional" publisher.

6.     HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WRITE A BOOK?

            That's a question I get asked quite often and it’s really hard question to answer. First, the story rumbles around in my head for awhile and then I might write a few chapters and stop. If the story goes away, I give up on in for the moment but will go back to it somtime in the future. But if the story stays with me and I can't get it off my mind, then I start writing it more seriously. At that point it may take 2-3 months to get the first draft written and then it can take forever to edit, revise, and polish.

7.     WHAT DOES YOUR WRITING SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE?

                   I try to write every day even if it's only for 30 minutes or so. Most work days during the school year (my day job is a Speech Pathologist in a school) I write for an hour or so. I work part-time so on my non-work days, I will at least write for 3-4 hours at least two of the days I'm off work. In the summer, again, I try to work 3-4 hours most days but so far this summer, I’m working more like 6-8 hours each day.

8.     WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS AN INTERESTING WRITING QUIRK YOU HAVE?

          I think my quirk is the fact I don't have a quirk. I sit down at my computer and I write and write and write. I hear other writers complaining about how difficult the creative process is and I think I must be doing something wrong because I just sit down and the story comes to me one scene at a time.

9.  TELL US ABOUT YOUR HERO AND HEROINE?

            My hero, Dylan, is a good old boy with a heart of gold who just wants to make life better for everyone around him. He's sweet and kind, but in a very manly way!  Reggie can be a little difficult at times, but she has her reasons. You have to admire her for all she's overcome in her life.

10.   IS THERE A MESSAGE IN YOUR NOVEL?

          One of the messages I want people to get is to be open to learning from, developing relationships, and loving people who are different from ourselves. God made us different for a reason. And one of the reasons is it makes life a lot more interesting and fun! 

          I am, of course, a bookworm and my husband is an outdoorsy sort of man who likes to fish and garden and do other things that gets his hands dirty. In many ways, we are very opposite of each other, but together we have a wonderful and fun marriage.

11.  WHAT IS YOUR NEXT PROJECT?

            I have another book coming out in the fall, DECEPTION. It's full of intrique and action. Along with that I'm working on three other manuscripts in varying stages that will hopefully become books in the future including a sequel to PURSUED.

12.  DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO SAY TO YOUR READERS?

            I just want to thank them for giving me the opportunity to entertain them.

13.  HOW CAN READERS CONTACT YOU?

          My website is:  www.lillianduncan.net


Leave a comment for Lillian to be entered for a chance to win her new release Pursued. Winner will be announced July 3rd. Make sure to leave your email address! :)

 

School is Where the Home Is, by Anita Mellott

I am so pleased to have as my guest today, Anita Mellott, author of School is Where the Home Is. My mom home schooled my sister and I. Now my mom helps me to home school my son. It has been the root of our household for many years and I am encouraged and inspired when I hear devotionals from other home school families. I think you will all agree that this book is worth a look!

I love the title of your devotional “School is Where the Home is”. What inspired you to write an inspirational on Home Schooling?

First of all, Salena, thank you so much for inviting me to guest blog.

The Source of my inspiration is the Lord, and He sparks ideas in the most unusual ways...

Five years ago, we relocated to Atlanta, where I attended my first homeschool encouragement meeting. I left the meeting encouraged that I wasn’t the only parent who faced not-so-good homeschooling moments, or struggled with a balance between home, school, and life. After homeschooling for four years, I realized I had been missing the comfort and encouragement of others who understood the homeschooling life. I wondered what it would be like to have a resource that offered practical, biblical inspiration for each homeschooling day. That’s what birthed this book.

I wrote a few ideas down here and there, but nothing happed until four years ago, when I heard a soft whisper, “Write to encourage others.” The whisper continued through the angst and uncertainty of a high-risk pregnancy. When, against all odds, we were blessed with a healthy little girl, I knew I couldn’t ignore that whisper any longer. God in His unique way and timing allowed pieces to fall into place. As ideas took shape, a book of devotionals for homeschooling parents, born out of the joys and challenges of my journey, flowed from my pen.

How you have dealt with struggles and hardships are an encouragement to others. Reading your website can give a reader insight into your daily life. What would you like readers to take away from your book?

The root of the word “encouragement” in the Bible often means coming alongside others, to help and build up. That’s the purpose of this book.

*We are not alone as we homeschool. The One who called us will keep, sustain and empower us.

*It’s OK to for homeschool parents to make mistakes. When we go the cross, His mercy is great. His grace and redemption are bigger than our mistakes.

*We can do it. If homeschooling moms are like me, we second guess ourselves a lot. But God has led us to this path, and He will fashion us to be the homeschool moms He wants us to be—the perfect fit for our family.

* Take time: for the Lord, yourself and your family. Homeschooling is about relationships.

How long have you been writing?

Words have always fascinated me. My parents’ involvement in mass communication—advertising and writing in particular—fueled that fascination.

I started writing in earnest in 1994, out of sheer boredomJ. After getting married, Jim and I moved from my hometown, Bangalore, to a more rural area, where Jim was serving with Habitat for Humanity International. With nothing else to do (I had resigned from my position as head of the Department of Journalism), I began submitting articles to national newspapers. The difference is my motivation now—to write what’s on my heart—what I believe the Lord is leading me to.

What project are you currently working on?

Apart from regular assignments for Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and Novel Journey, I’m working on two projects: The first is a compilation of short stories based on the Indo-American immigrant experience, and life in India. I tried my hand at short stores to test the waters of fiction-writing. I didn’t know if I, as a non-fiction writer, could make the transition to fiction. The feedback from my critique group has helped me start on my first novel, which explores the dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship, spanning the lives of two generations in in India and America.

My desire is that all my writing would speak of hope and redemption. The rain may come, but the sun always peeks out after the rain and a rainbow graces the sky. So, joy will come in the morning, though weeping may last for a night.

What is your favorite past time?

Sigh, I’m not sure I even know what a “past time” is these days, with an uber-energetic three-year-old, a 13-year-old, and an aging mom who’s losing her memoryJ. But when I can grab a few minutes here and there, I love to read, and listen to classical music.

Can you give us a snippet out of your book?

Sure! Here you go:

 

Date Your Child!

For there will be a time for every activity, a time

to judge every deed. (Ecclesiastes 3:17)

“Jim, what should I do?”

“What’s going on?” He looked up from his book.

“Today wasn’t a good school day.” I touched the dark circle

my tears had left on the sofa and rubbed the dampness deeper

into the suede. “I don’t want Lisa’s memories of me being bad

ones. I want to have good times with her.”

16

He reached over and patted my hand. “It’s going to be okay.”

“That’s what you always say.” I glared at him.

He looked at me over his glasses and shrugged. “Well, then,

date her!”

A smile spread across my face. That was it! We needed time

together away from school—mommy-daughter time not student teacher

time.

The next day, as we walked out of Chuck E. Cheese’s, a little

hand slid into mine. “That was the best time ever, Mommy.” I

tightened my grip on her hand.

Our special times together have grown in value over the years,

especially after my second child was born and adolescence hit.

Over the years, we’ve found:

• “Dates” can be simple and inexpensive. A walk, a manicure

at home, or reading a favorite book together suffices.

What’s important is making the time to connect.

• Consistency is important. Our “dates” are a standing

appointment on my calendar. My daughter knows they are a

priority for me, and we look forward to our special one-on one

time.

• Taking turns choosing what to do is a good idea. We try to

alternate each date with something that appeals to the other.

There’s a time for everything—including time to strengthen

parent-child relationships.

Digging deeper: Reflect on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Surprise your

children with a special, fun date.

Excerpted from School Is Where the Home Is by Anita Mellott, copyright © 2011 by Anita Mellott. Used by permission of Judson Press.)

Additional comments

Don’t give up: If God has put a dream in your heart or led you to a certain path, He will bring it to fruition. This book is a testimony to that. Since November 2009, my thirty queries for the homeschool devotional received twenty-seven rejections, and three acceptances. In April 2010, I signed a contract with Judson Press. Tears trickled down my cheeks in September 2010 as I typed the 180th devotional. A few days later, I sank to my knees and I lifted the 200-page manuscript heavenward in thanksgiving and dedication. 

Now, more than a year after I signed a book contract, I’m humbled that the whisper that sounded four years ago, and developed into a dream--a dream to encourage homeschooling parents, to provide practical, biblical inspiration for each homeschool day—is now a reality. 

Once again, thank you so much for having me. I pray that School Is Where the Home Is encourages parents as they follow God’s leading to homeschool their kids.

I am positive this wonderful book will touch many lives! Thank you for taking time to listen to the call God put on your heart to encourage others!

I’d love to hear from you too. Feel free to contact me through my website.

I encourage you all to check out Anita's book.

Follow Anita and her writing at From a Mango Tree. http://www.anitamellott.com/

Facebook page for “School Is Where the Home Is:”

http://www.facebook.com/pages/School-Is-Where-the-Home-Is-180-Devotions-for-Parents/146306718773231

  



Leave a comment and one lucky winner will receive a code for free shipping from Judson Press for Anita's book, valid until July 1st.

Getting Busy Doing His Will - by, Sheila Covey

Giving God My Concerns and Getting Busy Doing His Will

Each day brings a new challenge with my time and writing.

Today, I decided to re-evaluate my day-to-day activities. I pulled out blog posts, copied and saved, hoping to find a nugget that would show me how to use my time more wisely.

While working on a Bible lesson, I remembered a post I had made back in February for the ACFW-Arkansas blog. I went back to the archives, found the post, and reread the scriptures listed.

When I had typed those precious scriptures, I was trying to accomplish my writing tasks without completely letting God manage what I could not.

Having spent many hours in prayer, I am much more confident.

With Him,

I can do all things—

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.”

My worries are unfounded.

Worrying goes against His will, and shows I don’t trust him—need to spend time in prayer instead—

Matthew 6:34 “Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

Philippians 4:6-7  “⁶ In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”

The realization.

Worry steals my time, energy, and creativity that should be used working for Him—

Do you have scriptures that help you in your writing journey?

Note: All verses come from the American Standard Version © 1901

http://acfwarkansas.com/

Inspiration From A 6 Year Old, by Salena Stormo

While juggling a full time job, being a single mom to one terrific 6 year old, yard work, house work, helping with my son's school work, church and the million other small chores and activities throughout the week, I find myself desperately seeking time and energy to write.

Writing is a passion of mine. I love it. It takes me places I want to go and allows me to live a life where anything can happen and romance and history are front and center in a world bustling with infinite possibilities.

So you are asking yourself why this should be a problem? Well, lately I have been asking myself that too. I have wondered if I am taking on too much, possibly neglecting my family in order to hone my writing skills, take classes, enter contests, interview wonderful authors and make friends that will influence and inspire me to continue on this journey.

I was blessed with a wonderful little boy who is so encouraging and sweet. When I am doubting the road set before me he pipes up with "Mommy some day we will be a writing team. You write the books and I will illustrate and we can do this together. I am working on my drawings for you." or "You go to your class mommy. It is too important for you to miss."

The kicker was when he turned to me and said "I'm working on my second book. Do you want me to read it to you?"

So every time I think that he is not noticing or maybe that he doesn't understand my love for writing, he proves to me that it is ok to seek out my dreams too.  He is truly my little angel!

Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight

Summer Dream, by Martha Rogers

Martha, thank you for joining us today to talk about your new release Summer Dream.

Tell us about your teaching experience. What was the most rewarding experience/moment?

I think when my students came to me and thanked me for something they’d learned in class that day. I taught high school students and sponsored Student Council so I had lots of rewarding moments as my students earned honors and awards. High school students often don’t say thank you until years later and I’ve some wonderful moments when they did.

Where did your inspiration for Summer Dream come from?

I saw a history channel program about major storms in our country and became fascinated with the great New England blizzard in March of 1889. It was called the Great White Hurricane because of the winds and amount of snow. I wanted to write a story that would have that storm in it, so Summer Dream was born.

Summer Dream is the fist Book in the Seasons of the Heart series. Can you reveal some details regarding the next books in the series and their scheduled release dates?

The series begins in Connecticut then moves to East Texas for the final three. The first three have women who are strong in their faith as the main characters and they lead their men to discover God’s purpose in their lives. The fourth heroine is lost, but because of her past and the love of a previous heroine, she finds forgiveness from God and teaches the hero the true meaning of God’s all encompassing love and his forgiveness of sin, no matter how black.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing and telling stories as long as I can remember. My stories were a way of escaping into a world where life was perfect and not dysfunctional as my own was. I began putting them down on paper in elementary school and then wrote longer short stories in high school and my first novel at age seventeen.

Where is your favorite place to write?

In the office my husband fixed up for me in one of our spare bedrooms. It has floor to ceiling bookshelves on two walls and is far enough away from the living area that it is quiet.

What is your favorite flower?

The yellow rose and not just because I’m a Texan. My kids presented me with three dozen yellow roses for my 60^th birthday because they knew how much I loved them. My favorite color is yellow, so the rose is a natural choice. I had several pretty yellow rosebushes, but Hurricane Ike made a mess of them and they never came back.

Which of your characters has been your favorite and why?

I loved Becky Haynes because she had so much spirit. She’s like I would wan to be as a young woman if I had lived during that time. I had a lot of fun with her, especially when she rode in the horse race as the only female rider.

What are you currently reading?

I’m reading several things and have a stack of TBRs. Just finished Miralee Ferrell’s Love Finds You in Tombstone Arizona. Deb Raney’s new release is on top of the TBR stack followed by Trish Perry’s latest.

Back Cover Blurb:

As the daughter of a small-town minister in Connecticut, Rachel Winston fears that the only way she’ll ever find a husband is to visit her aunt in Boston for the social season. But when Nathan Reed arrives in town, she can’t help but wonder if he’s the one.

Although attracted to Rachel, Nathan has no desire to become involved with a Christian after experiences with his own family. What’s more, he realizes that even if he wanted to court her, he has no chance of doing so until he resolves his anger with God and his family.

When Nathan is caught in a devastating blizzard and lies near death in the Winston home, Rachel and her mother give him a lesson in love and forgiveness that leads him back to his home in the South. Will he make peace with his family and return to Briar Ridge before Rachel chooses a path that takes her away from him?

You can follow Martha on the websites listed below:

www.marthawrogers.com, www.marthasbooks.blogspot.com

www.tcwchouston.blogspot.com

Leave a comment for Martha to be entered for a chance to win her new release Summer Dream. Winner will be announced June 19th.

Let's Have Some Fun!

I bought this book from Frank Ball at a workshop and thought I would share with one lucky winner this week. BUT let's have some fun this week and do something silly.

LEAVE a comment and tell me three things about yourself....

Your favorite color
Your favorite flower
Your favorite time of year


To get us started I will go first:


Green
Lilies
Summer

If you feel brave you can share silly (or "odd" in my case) things about yourself. Have fun!



The winner will be announced next Sunday.  I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! God bless!

Oh and by the way... my son and I wanted to be extra silly this afternoon while in the pool ..... yes we are sticking our tongues out at you but please don't take it personally!   :)