CFBA: Pompeii

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingPompeiiB&H Books (June 1, 2011)byT.L. Higley



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A fiction aficionado since grade school, T.L. Higley, author of Pompeii: City on Fire (B&H Publishing House, June 2011) started her first novel at the age of eight.



Now the author of nine historical fiction novels, including the popular Seven Wonders series, Higley isn’t just transporting readers: She’s transporting herself, too.



“My Iifelong interest in history and mythology has taken me to Italy, Greece, Egypt, Rome, Turkey, Jordan and Israel, where I’ve gotten to study those ancient cultures in rich detail,” says Higley. “It’s my desire to shine the light of the gospel into the cultures of the past, and I figure what better way to do that than to visit the cultures themselves?”



In addition to her accomplished novelist career, Higley is a business entrepreneur and a mother. In fact, for Pompeii, she brought her daughter along with her to Italy for the research trip.



“We gave it to her as a graduation present, not only because Italy is terrific, but because I believe in exposing children to global cultures,” says Higley, who became a student herself again this year. She’s now a graduate student at American Public University, earning her master’s degree in Ancient and Classical Studies.



When Higley isn’t traveling on research trips, writing her novels, or studying for class, she operates four online retail companies, including KoolStuff4Kids.com – a family-run business that began as a way for her oldest daughter to make some extra money for camp. Today, it is a go-to site for parents, children and teachers all over the country, looking for beads and other kid-friendly craft supplies.



Higley lives with her husband and her three other children (aforementioned daughter now in college) just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Pompeii, a city that's many things to many people. For Cato, it's the perfect escape from a failed political career in Rome. A place to start again, become a winemaker. But when a corrupt politician wrongfully jails Cato's sister, he must oust the man from power to save her.



For Ariella, Pompeii is a means to an end. As a young Jew, she escaped the fall of Jerusalem only to endure slavery to a cruel Roman general. She ends up in Pompeii, disguised as a young man and sold into a gladiator troupe. Her anger fuels her to fight well, hoping to win the arena crowds and reveal her gender at the perfect time. Perhaps then she will win true freedom.



But evil creeps through the streets of Pompeii. Political corruption, religious persecution, and family peril threaten to destroy Ariella and Cato, who are thrown together in the battle to survive. As Vesuvius churns with deadly intent, the two must bridge their differences to save the lives of those they love, before the fiery ash buries Pompeii, leaving the city lost to the world.



Watch the book trailer:



If you would like to read the Prologue of Pompeii, go HERE.

Summer Reading List

If I haven’t told you, I’m loving my Kindle, best thing since the laptop. I have tons of books on it, and I’m forever adding cash to my amazon account so I can be ready when something new comes out. I’m looking forward to reading this summer. Below is my partial reading list. I'm sure I’ll be adding more, when I do I’ll let you know.

Something Old, Something New: A Blessings Novel
By Beverly Jenkins

The citizens of Henry Adams are starting to take bets—will Lily Fontaine and Trent July finally tie the knot?

All they want is a nice, simple wedding, but their well-meaning neighbors are turning the no-fuss affair into the event of the decade. Bernadine, the town's fairy godmother, wants Lily to have a storybook wedding fit for a princess, and Lily's nine-year-old foster son is campaigning to be town preacher so he can officiate at the ceremony. Trouble multiplies when Trent is called on to help a new family move to town, not to mention Lily and Trent's task of blending their families together.

With the bustle of the tight-knit, and often tightly wound, friends and family pushing them to the breaking point, the couple begins to wish they'd eloped. But, as they'll soon be reminded, happiness in Henry Adams is meant to be shared.

The Deal, the Dance, and the Devil
by Victoria Christopher Murray

What would you do for five million dollars? Adam and Evia Langston have lived in their own little garden of Eden since the two married at the age of seventeen. Working their way up from the humblest of beginnings, the Langstons have thrived beyond anything they could have ever imagined. Now they live in the finest home, drive the best cars, and indulge in all the trimmings that signify their massive success.
But then the recession hits and rips apart the family’s financial stability. Unable to support their three children and other relatives, Adam and Evia find themselves drowning in financial trouble and teetering on the brink of complete disaster. With nowhere to turn, the Langstons have no idea what to do.

Until Shay-Shaunté, Evia’s multimillionaire boss, comes to the Langstons with a five-million-dollar offer that seems so hard to refuse. Will the Langstons make this deal? Or will they recognize that the glitter of five million dollars may be far from gold?

A Good Excuse To Be Bad
by Miranda Parker

Smart, gorgeous, and too tough for her own good, bail recovery agent and single mom Evangeline Crawford moved to the burbs for a quiet life. Fortunately, it's not turning out that way. . .

Angel has to admit she's feeling restless. The only excitement in her new life is her schoolgirl crush on the town's new pastor, Justus-too-Hot-to-be-Holy Morgan. But a fateful encounter and a job gone wrong at Club Night Candy in underground Atlanta is about to change all that. . .Soon, Angel's trying to save her divazilla twin sister from her big mouth and a scandalous murder charge, and probing a church cover-up—with none other than Justus by her side. But Angel has one more pressing concern: will Bella be ready for kindergarten? Only time will tell for this bad girl gone good whose days are once again far from boring—and hopefully far from numbered. . .

The Power of Six (I Am Number Four)
By Pittacus Lore

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.

How to Get Out of Your Own Way
By Tyrese Gibson

HOW TO GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY is organized into a series of fundamental questions that helped Tyrese redefine who he was as a human being, and evolve into a new man. Tyrese stresses that life becomes infinitely richer when one takes the time to know him or herself and understand the true meaning of peace and fulfillment. This book is a guide to helping yourself, using his experiences as a learning tool. "It's not about talking down to people, it's about elevating them," Tyrese says.

Some of Tyrese's chapter-based questions include: How much do you love yourself? How much do you want for yourself? Why do men cheat? What is your bottom line? Are you ready for the next level?

Go the F*** to Sleep
by Adam Mansbach , Ricardo Cortes (Illustrator)

Go the F*** to Sleep is a bedtime book for parents who live in the real world, where a few snoozing kitties and cutesy rhymes don't always send a toddler sailing blissfully off to dreamland. Profane, affectionate, and radically honest, California Book Award-winning author Adam Mansbach's verses perfectly capture the familiar—and unspoken—tribulations of putting your little angel down for the night. In the process, they open up a conversation about parenting, granting us permission to admit our frustrations, and laugh at their absurdity.

With illustrations by Ricardo Cortes, Go the F*** to Sleep is beautiful, subversive, and pants-wettingly funny—a book for parents new, old, and expectant. You probably should not read it to your children.

Delilah
By Shelia M. Goss

Behind every successful man is a good woman. The downfall of a good man is a woman up to no good.

Thirty-year-old Samson Judges is a prominent pastor of the Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church. His church owns land that real estate mogul William Trusts wants. When Samson refuses to sell, William hires Delilah Baker to find out Samson's Achilles heel.

Money isn't Delilah's only motivation for taking the assignment. After watching Samson every Sunday morning on a local television station, Delilah has fallen in love with him. In her mind, there is only one person standing in her way of getting Samson--his fiancée, Julia Rivers.

Samson is far from innocent. He feels his longstanding relationship with God puts him above reproach. His weakness for one woman, Delilah, threatens to ruin his relationship with Julia, his parents, and his church. When he realizes the length Delilah will go through to get her man, Samson vows to protect his ministry by any means necessary.

Pompeii: City of Fire: A Novel
By T. L. Higley

Pompeii, a city that's many things to many people. For Cato, it's the perfect escape from a failed political career in Rome. A place to start again, become a winemaker. But when a corrupt politician wrongfully jails Cato's sister, he must oust the man from power to save her.

For Ariella, Pompeii is a means to an end. As a young Jew, she escaped the fall of Jerusalem only to endure slavery to a cruel Roman general. She ends up in Pompeii, disguised as a young man and sold into a gladiator troupe. Her anger fuels her to fight well, hoping to win the arena crowds and reveal her gender at the perfect time. Perhaps then she will win true freedom.

But evil creeps through the streets of Pompeii. Political corruption, religious persecution, and family peril threaten to destroy Ariella and Cato, who are thrown together in the battle to survive. As Vesuvius churns with deadly intent, the two must bridge their differences to save the lives of those they love, before the fiery ash buries Pompeii, leaving the city lost to the world.

A Writer's Guide to Publishing & Marketing
by Barbara Joe Williams

This is an easy to follow guide that will lead you from the first page of your draft to the last page of your published manuscript. In addition, you will learn successful strategies for increasing your book sales.

Happy Memorial Day - Thank You

When I joined the Navy at eighteen, I was so naïve I believed I would see the world on a cruise ship. A few months later I found out what I really was in the Navy for when we started having issues overseas. I was in seaman training and most of the men were called up to serve overseas. It hit us all that this was serious business.

Today when you join the military you know that there is a chance that you will have to fight for your country. I have the most respect for our military force today.

For those who serve - You didn’t have to sign up to join the military, but you did. You risk your life each and everyday so we can be comfortable in our homes.

THANK YOU

I pray the Lord continues to keep you safe and bring you home safely.

Have a safe Memorial Day

P.S. To my family members who serve -Khalilah Limbrick and Devora Bevly-Jones. You ladies rock - Love ya.

CFBA: Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Over the Edge B&H Books (May 1, 2011) by Brandilyn Collins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e..."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is now working on her 20th book.

In addition, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Final Touch, third in The Rayne Tour series—young adult suspense co-written with her daughter, Amberly. The Rayne Tour series features Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star, who just may have it all—until murder crashes her world.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Torn from the front lines of medical debate and the author's own experience with Lyme Disease, Over the Edge is riveting fiction, full of twists and turns—and powerful truths about today's medical field.

Janessa McNeil’s husband, Dr. Brock McNeil, a researcher and professor at Stanford University's Department of Medicine, specializes in tick-borne diseases—especially Lyme. For years he has insisted that Chronic Lyme Disease doesn't exist. Even as patients across the country are getting sicker, the committee Brock chairs is about to announce its latest findings—which will further seal the door shut for Lyme treatment.

One embittered man sets out to prove Dr. McNeil wrong by giving him a close-up view of the very disease he denies. The man infects Janessa with Lyme, then states his demand: convince her husband to publicly reverse his stand on Lyme—or their young daughter will be next.

But Janessa's marriage is already rocky. She's so sick she can hardly move or think. And her husband denies she has Lyme at all.

Welcome to the Lyme wars, Janessa.

“A taut, heartbreaking thriller. Collins is a fine writer who knows how to both horrify readers and keep them turning pages.”

--Publishers Weekly

“Tense and dramatic. Holds its tension while following the protagonist in a withering battle.” –NY Journal of Books

“A frightening and all-too-real scenario. Very timely and meaningful book.” –RT Reviews

“If you know someone who suffers from Lyme, you need to read this compelling novel.” –Lydia Niederwerfer, founder of Lyme-Aware

If you would like to read the Prologue of Over the Edge, go HERE


Watch the book video:

CFBA: Undaunted Faith by Andrea Boeshaar

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Undaunted Faith Realms (May 3, 2011) by Andrea Boeshaar



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar has been married for more than 30 years. She and her husband, Daniel, have three adult sons, daughters-in-law, and two precious grandchildren. Andrea's educational background includes the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where she studied in English, and Alverno College where she studied in Professional Communications and Business Management.



Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn't until 1984 that she started submitting her work for publication. Eight years after that, she was convicted about writing for the Christian market. She read books in her genre (Inspirational Romance & Women's Fiction), studied the market, and worked hard to hone her craft.



Finally her first novel was published in 1994. Since then she's written numerous articles and devotionals. Andrea has also published inspiration romance novels, women's fiction, and novellas.



In 2003, Andrea joined the Hartline Literary Agency and worked for Joyce Hart as a literary agent. She saw much success. But then in 2007, Andrea realized she was more of a teacher/encourager than a sales person. She left the agency and became a certified Christian life coach. Now, in addition to her writing, Andrea enjoys encouraging others to use their God-given talents and gifts to their fullest.



Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar is a certified Christian life coach and speaks at writers’ conferences and for women’s groups. She has taught workshops at such conferences as Write-To-Publish, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Oregon Christian Writers Conference, Mount Hermon Writers Conference, and many local writers conferences. Another of Andrea’s accomplishments is cofounder of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization. For many years she served on both its Advisory Board and as its CEO.



ABOUT THE BOOK

When Pastor Luke McCabe begins paying extra attention to her, Bethany takes his fine-sounding words with a grain of salt. She's heard sweet talk before. This time she is going to keep her mind on the Lord and on her new teaching job in the Arizona Territory.



But when her reputation is accidentally soiled by the rakish town sheriff, Luke steps in with a marriage proposal to save Bethany's good name. Luke is certain their marriage is God's will...but Bethany is just as certain God must have someone else in mind to be Luke's wife.



Someone sweet and spiritual, who knows the Scriptures better than Bethany does. Someone like Luke's old friend from home.



If you would like to read the first chapter of , go HERE.





Watch the video trailer:

Lessons Learned While doing the Bible in 90 Days

For some reason this post to didn't post, however I wanted to share my experiences with the Bible In 90 days.


It is finished - I completed my reading in 89 days.  I honestly did not think I would make it.  I was about a week behind, but I continued to read.  One night I read for six hours.  I learned that it takes a commitment to read the Bible.  You have to be serious about it and you have to schedule the time.  Pray before you read and read.

Here are few lessons I learned on the way.

1.  Make time to read -  In order to stay on track for 90 days, you need to schedule time to read.  I decided to use my lunch break as my reading time, but I didn’t think about the weekends.  I thought I’d get up early and read, but it never happen.  Most times my weekend were so busy, I didn’t have time to read, which made me two days behind each week.

2. Use your free time for catching up - You’ll be surprised where you can catch up on your reading.  Waiting in the doctor’s office, sometimes I’d get 15 minutes of waiting.  Waiting in the drive thru for lunch.  Sitting in the park while the kids swing.  If you need to catch up.  Use your free time to catch up so you won’t feel overwhelmed.

3. Read Ahead – If you can, read few days ahead, this will help if you fall behind on your reading, you’ll still be on track and won’t have so much to read to catch up.

4. Participate in the check-ins.  – I liked that they had a checks every week.  It made me more accountable and it was also encouraging to read others posts.  I could see those who were moving along and I could understand those who were having a few challenges. 

5.  Participate in the chats – If you have the time participate in the weekly chats.  I was able to attend one chat and it was very encouraging.  It was nice to chat with others who were on fire for reading the Bible.

6. Don’t get discouraged – Reading the Bible in 90 days seems like an easy task when you sign up, but if you fall behind, you will want to throw in the towel.  I encourage you to continue reading.  Read the posts for your check-ins.  Ask for prayers.  Say your own prayer.  Try to continue on.

7. Mentors – I was blessed with a great Mentor, Christy.  She was very encouraging and she didn’t try to force you to read.  She sent her gentle reminders and she always had something positive to say to us all.  Thank you Christy for being a wonderful mentor.

8. Mom’s Toolbox -   This is the place that I heard about the Bible in 90 days.  Amy posted information everyday for 90 days.  She was our biggest encourager and I learned a lot from her.  I will continue visiting her blog.

9.  Retaining Information – I have always tried to read the Bible in a year, but I never past the half way mark.  I wondered about how much I retain from reading so fast this time.  Then I realized my goal was to read the Bible.  Studying the Bible comes next.  So don’t feel bad if there are a few books, you wonder what were you reading?  You have plenty of time later to reread them and get the knowledge you need from them.

10. What if I don’t make the 90 days?  - The goal is to complete the Bible.  If you go over the days allotted, that’s OK because you read the Bible.

Now that I’ve read the Bible, I’m looking forward to going back to certain books and rereading.  That’s the good thing about the Bible; you learn something new every time you open it.

CFBA: An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing An Unlikely Suitor Bethany House (May 1, 2011) by Nancy Moser



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Moser is the award-winning author of over twenty inspirational novels. Her genres include contemporary stories including John 3:16 and Time Lottery a Christy Award winner, and historical novels of real women-of-history including Just Jane (Jane Austen) and Washington's Lady (Martha Washington). Her newest historical novels are Masquerade and An Unlikely Suitor. Nancy and her husband Mark live in the

Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She gives Sister Circle Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included. Find out more at www.nancymoser.com and www.sistercircles.com and her historical blog: http://footnotesfromhistory.blogspot.com/





ABOUT THE BOOK

New York dressmaker Lucy Scarpelli befriends socialite Rowena Langdon as she's designing her 1895 summer wardrobe. Grateful for Lucy's skill in creating fashions that hide her physical injury, Rowena invites Lucy to the family mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, encouraging the unusual friendship.



One day Lucy encounters an intriguing man on the Cliff Walk, and love begins to blossom. Yet Lucy resists, for what Newport man would want to marry an Italian dressmaker working to support her family?



Rowena faces an arranged marriage to a wealthy heir she doesn't love, but dare a crippled girl hope for anything better?



And Lucy's teenage sister, Sofia, falls for a man well above her social class--but is he willing to give up everything to marry a woman below his station?

As the lives of three young woman--and their unlikely suitors--become entangled in a web of secrets and sacrifice, will the season end with any of them finding true happiness?



If you would like to read the first chapter of An Unlikely Suitor, go HERE.

CFBA: To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingTo Win Her HeartBethany House (May 1, 2011)byKaren Witemeyer



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.



After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.



Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House. When she visited her publisher back in January of 2010, she was interviewed by the staff. If you'd like a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how she develops her story ideas and a description of her bumpy journey to publication, click here to listen to a podcast of that interview.



ABOUT THE BOOK

After completing his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father’s knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past.



Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs in the town her father founded. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she's reluctant to trust him. Yet as the mysteries of the town’s new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.



Eden believes she's finally found a man of honor and integrity. But when the truth about Levi's prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian’s affections?



If you would like to read the first chapter of To Win Her Heart, go HERE.

Miracles

This past Friday St. Louis experienced one of the worst tornados ever. It destroyed communities.  Thankfully no one was hurt.  If you saw the damage the tornados had done to these communities you would wonder how no one was hurt.

To me that’s just one of God’s miracles.  He closed his arms around us during the storm and kept us all safe.

There will be a lot of families rebuilding or relocating, but there will be no funerals.

I praise God for that.  You can replace things, but you can’t replace people.

I love when God shows us he’s still in control. 

Thank you Jesus.

What was the last miracle you experienced?

Early Morning Writing

Image: Nicholas Tarling / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

At four in the morning, the 4yr old decided to wake up and go to the bathroom and wanted me to go with him.  He fell back to sleep and I was wide awake.  I decided to get up and do a little SORMAG work and maybe get a little writing in.

I’m still working on the middle grade/young adult book.  I’m at the second draft stage right now.  I have about 150 pages so I need to expand a little more.  I’ve broken the book down into chapters and I’m re-reading and doing what I’m calling layering.  I have checklist of items I look for that I make sure is in each chapter to help it flow right.

Sometimes I like this process because I get more story ideas and sometimes I dread this part because I’ll read the chapter and be stuck because I don’t know what to add.  The checklist has helped on focusing on what I need to improve the chapters.

I was able to knock out six chapters before the kids woke up. I was surprised that once I was up, I could concentrate on my assignment.  It felt good because no one was there to interrupt me.

It would be so nice to do this every morning, but I can never get myself up to do it.  Next week I’m going to try to get up an hour earlier and see if I can finish this second draft, so I can type in the changes.  My hope is to start something new in May. I’m so ready to meet new characters.

What are your best times for writing?

The Bible In 90 days - UPDATE

One of the things that drive me crazy when reading the Bible is reading about who begat who.  Saturday it finally hit me in the face why this is done.  I was reading about Jesus’ birth and they listed who begat who and it showed his lineage all the way to Adam.  Now if that wasn’t deep I don’t know what to tell you.

I will say this 90 days has been an experienced.  Some days I asked myself why are you doing this?  However when I started, I promised myself I wouldn’t quit until I hit the last page.  Right now I’m behind, so I don’t know if I’ll make it to Saturday.  I decided it didn’t matter, if it takes me an extra week, I will complete the Bible.

I highly recommend this for everyone to do at least once.  It is a great way to read the Bible every day.

After I’m done, I will share a few tips for you if you decided to take up the challenge this year.

Survived Spring Break

Hanging out with my family can be trip sometimes.  I will admit I enjoyed Spring Break with the Hoffman crew and will consider making this an annual event for us.  However I will consider the following tips.

1. Never have a suite that doesn’t include a room for the children.  Sharing a room is not the way to go.

2. Remember your children aren’t angels, make sure they have things to do and if bored make sure they don’t have to occupy the same space.

3. If its March madness time, leave the hubby at home because he doesn’t want to move from in front of the t.v.

4. Bring your books (kindle, nook) because you will have time to read.

5. Make sure the continental breakfast is something your family will eat or you will end up spending money on breakfast.

6. Bring toys to play in the pool with, (noodles, balls etc)

7. Bring plenty of change, for the vendor machines and arcade games.

8. Bring the wii, it’s a fun way to hang out with kids and you get a little exercise.

9. Bring the wii if you have netfix, saves on buying in room movies. (must have free internet to do this.)

10. Bring your laptop so you hang out on facebook or play bejeweled.

Those are few tips that help me have a successful spring break with the family.  I didn’t get a chance to do any writing, but I did get to read and catch up on my 90 days Bible challenge.

I think if we’d had separate rooms, I’d gotten some writing and more reading in, but that’s fine.  The goal was to hang out with the family and that’s what I did.

How did you spend your spring break?

Spring Break

This week is spring break for my kids. I decided to take today and tomorrow off to hang out with them. We rented a hotel room and plan on acting like we’re on a mini vacation. I have thoughts of lots of junk food, swimming in the pool and catching up on my reading. Yes I’m bringing the kindle and I have plenty of books to keep occupied.


Do you hang with your kids for their spring break?

Being Obedient

My children and I have been fighting over chores.  I gave them a list of what they have to do.  They fight me every step of the way.  They just don’t want to do them.  I say its your duty to this family to do chores.  They listen but still slack on them.

As I was washing a pot for dinner and fussing because they wouldn’t do their chores without me screaming at them.  The spirit whispered, do you listen to your father?  It hit me hard because, lately I’d been disobodient doing my own thing when it came to my faith.

I know a few of you know of my feelings of being burnt out and loosing my way.  I’d gotten into the habit of staying home on Sundays instead of going to church to learn and worship.  I missed church, but was too lazy to deny myself and get up.

How could I expect my children to obey me when I couldn’t obey my own father?

Yes I’m still the child, still learning as my children are.  Some days its hard, and some days I want to do what I want.  I understand how my kids feel especially when it comes to dishes, its like a vicious never ending cycle.

As their mother its my duty to teach them right from wrong and to have responsibility.  I know my mother did it for me and I will do it for them.  I also know that you lead by example, and I haven’t been giving a good example lately.

So I ask for your prayers as I try to be a better example for my children and a better Christian for my Lord.

How do you handle obedience in your life and your children lives?

Lesson Learned – Being a Judge

If you ask any published writer about learning the craft of writing, they will tell you to READ.  I have to agree.  I learned so much about writing from reading a good book.

One way to learn the craft and get your reading in is to volunteer to be a judge for a book contest. 

For the past 10 years I’ve been a judge for different book contests.  I wanted to share a few lessons I’ve learned from being a judge.

1. Know how many books you can read before you commit to being a judge.  I once committed to 10 books, and it was probably the worse time in my life to be trying to read.  I read them, but it was very stressful.

2. Make sure to choose the type of books that you write or want to write.  This helps you to see what the market is buying and you get to see what made these books sellable.

3. Choose a book that isn’t in your genre.  I always pick a genre I’ve never read before.  You can learn from these books too.  Your goal is too see what is selling and why.

4. Pick a genre that is hot right now.  I always pick a genre that is hot right now.  I want to see what the big deal is and I want to see how the book is written.

5. Make time to read.  The last thing you want to do is have to read all the books in one month.  Spread your reading time over the time limit they give you.  You’ll enjoy it more if you’re not rushing to read.

6. Judge each book right after you read it.  Don’t wait until you finish all the books, because you might not remember each book.  Take the time to fill out the judging sheet after you read the book.  The book is fresh in your mind and you can give an honest opinion.

7. Read the whole book.  Even if it’s not your cup of tea, finish the book.  You’ll learn what doesn’t work for you as a reader and you can use this knowledge in improving your own writing.

8. Do you have a problem with your writing; (dialogue, conflict etc); dissect these books for these problem areas.  See how the writers over comes them, learn how to improve your writing.

9. Write down the names of the books and authors.  Once you send in your information, you’ll probably forget about them later.  When the awards are announced, it’s nice to see if the books you enjoyed or the ones you didn’t make it to the winner circle.

10.  Support the writers you enjoyed.  I think the best part for me with being a judge for a book contest is finding new authors to read.  I visit their websites and add them to my to buy list.

These are a few lessons I’ve learned over the years as a judge. I hope they help you in determining you want to judge a book contest or help you with your first contest.

Have you judged a book contest?  Share your wisdom.

Jumping off the fence

I’ve been on the fence for a few years.  I’m one of those who likes to say I’m a writer, but I haven’t had anything published, so I’m not a paid writer.

This year I decided to kick past the fear and do some different things.  I found an editor and I’m working with her.  I’m in a critique group and I entered the Genesis yesterday.  One day before the deadline.

I almost chickened out.  I was like why bother, its not going to happen.  Then Holy Spirit whispered in my ear, can’t happen if you don’t get off the fence.

I jumped off yesterday by finishing my synopsis. Yes it was driving me crazy trying to come up with a one page synopsis.  I did the best I could.  I formatted the manuscript the way they wanted and filled out the form and paid my payment.  Now the fun stuff begins, waiting.

There are two more contests I’m interested in submitting to, the Romance Slam Jam and Faith and Fiction contests.  I want to enter something different that way I can get some feedback on three books versus one.

I’ll keep you posted if I decide to stay off the fence.

What’s stopping you from jumping off the fence?

Thanks For Your Time

A friend of mine sent me this in an email and I wanted to share because I experienced my time with my children during the snow storm that hit the midwest.  Even though we were snowed in, I enjoyed my time with my kids.  Kids are young for only so long.  Enjoy your time with them.


It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams.

There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could
stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his
childhood days.

"Jack, did you hear me?"

"Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.

"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.

"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said

"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.

Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture....Jack stopped suddenly.

"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.

"The box is gone," he said

"What box?" Mom asked.

"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said.
It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box.. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read. Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been
mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope.. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.

"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.

Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved:

"Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser."

"The thing he valued most was...my time"

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked.

"I need some time to spend with my son," he said.

"Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!"

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away,"

Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

5. You mean the world to someone.

6. If not for you, someone may not be living.

7. You are special and unique.

8. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you trust God to do what's best, and wait on His time, sooner or later, you will get it or something better.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.

11. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

12. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

13. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you'll both be happy.

14. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.

Oprah and I have something in common

I finally had time to watch the Oprah met her sister show. I’d taped it, because I was curious to see how Oprah found out she had a younger sister.


You see I have a younger sister too, that I just became reacquainted with.

Oprah met her sister on Thanksgiving, so did I.

Listening to the show brought back so many sweet memories of my reunion with my sister. Seeing her beautiful face for the first time was worth the long wait.

Oprah sister knew she was given up as a baby. She didn’t know she had other siblings. My sister didn’t either. She has a brother and a sister but she didn’t know her father had more kids.

My sister’s mom died when she was young so she never got to know her or be able to ask her questions. She had never met my father. She’d gone through life thinking she had a deadbeat father. She never knew for years she had sisters who often thought about her and wondered where she was.

Being a researcher, I looked her up online and found her. When I first contacted her just like Oprah’s Mom she wasn’t ready. So I had to let a few years go past before I tried again. The next time I contacted her she said YES - I wrote about finding her.

If you’d ask me when I started this journey it would be similar to Oprah's, I probably wouldn't believe you.
Watching Oprah talk about her sister and talking about getting to know her.  I know exactly how she felt.
Yes Oprah and I have something in common. We met our long lost sisters.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Missy Buchanan

Even when age creeps up on the body and mind, and life changes from what it once was, is it still possible to have a purpose in life?  When it is no longer possible to venture out and do the things you once loved, can you still find a reason to look forward to each day?  Missy Buchanan, a leading expert and advocate for senior adults, believes that you can.  Buchanan wants to encourage older adults to find their purpose, share their stories, and make an impact on those around them.

What made you decide to start ministering to and writing books for older adults?

Well, as a middle-aged adult, I never had any intention of becoming an author of books for older adults.  But because of the journey that my own aging parents were on, I realized how they had become disconnected from their church as their lives changed.  They started off as active older adults and then that circle got smaller as they had more needs and physical limitations.  As I would visit them at their retirement community, I would also see so many others that were just like them.  They needed spiritual encouragement.  And so that’s why I got started.  The first book began as a project just for my own parents.  I wrote devotions and kept them in a loose-leaf notebook.   But others started asking for them and things just spiraled from there.

What do you think children need to know about their aging parents?

What I realized personally was that I had been so caught up in my parents’ physical needs that I had neglected their spiritual needs.  They were no longer connected to their church, at least in regular worship attendance, and that had been such a huge part of their lives.  I almost made that mistake of just totally missing that, and that was the point where I began to write.  I looked and there were other books written about older adults but not very many that were written to them and for them.  So the first thing I would tell their children is to pay attention not only to their physical needs but also to their spiritual needs.

What is your opinion about role reversal with children and their aging parents?

I hear the whole idea of role reversal where the older parent becomes a child and the grown children become the parent, and I understand what they are talking about because my own parents became more dependent on me.  But I think that when we refer to it as a role reversal, and we begin to think of our aging parents as children, we strip away their dignity.  We rob them of respect and we overlook the fact that they are not children.  They have had a lifetime of experiences that a child has not had.  And I think that is an important difference that grown children need to think about and pay attention to.  It’s more of a role shift in responsibilities and not a role reversal.  I know how much it hurts an aging parent to feel like they are being treated like a baby or like a child. 

Other than aging adults, who else has benefited from your writing?

A friend of mine in an assisted living facility asked me to bring some books for one of her tablemates.  Her tablemate explained that these books were for her adult children.  “They don’t understand what it feels like to grow old, and I can’t seem to make them understand, but your books say it better than I ever could.”  My books are all written in the first person as if an older adult is speaking directly to God.  There are a lot of adult children that are buying them for themselves and older adults buying them for their grown children. 

And I’ve heard of different youth groups that have been reading my books in order to better understand what it’s like to grow old.  Instead of just mocking their older peers, they are learning that they share a lot of the same feelings—feelings of insecurity, feelings of fear.  As a result of reading the books, one youth group in Tennessee has even adopted the residents of the senior living center across from their church. 

How can faith change our idea of growing older?

So many see aging as a punishment, and they dread it so much.  But even though it is difficult to be limited by an aging body, they need to look at it as a gift that God has given them.  They still have so much to give.  They have great wisdom to share and stories to share.  I always tell my older friends that their story is not yet over.

Missy Buchanan is the author of Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms and

Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults (Upper Room Books).

Click here to watch Missy Buchanan’s recent interview with

Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts and Roberts’ 86-year-old mother.

Visit Missy Buchanan’s website, www.missybuchanan.com, and blog, http://missybu.wordpress.com/.

Become a friend on Facebook (Aging and Faith) and follow on Twitter (MissyBuchanan).

 Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms

In Talking with God in Old Age, Missy Buchanan sensitively address the worries, fears, and frustrations of older adults and extends hope, encouraging them to maintain an open dialogue with God. Each reading features:

·         A candid conversation with God

·         A related passage from Psalms

·         Easy-to-read print

Seniors grappling with the aging process will readily identify with these reflections and will find reassurance of God’s Presence. Caregivers, family members, and others seeking to understand aging loved ones will gain insight into the thoughts and emotions of the elderly frail.

Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults

Birthed out of real-life experience, Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body is a big does of authentic spiritual encouragement for frail elderly who struggle to find purpose a the end of their lives. These devotionals addressed to God raise in prayer the many concerns of the frail elderly and provide opportunities to reminisce and reflect on their blessings.

Each devotional offers the following:

·         Easy-to-read print

·         Reader-friendly format

·         Comfortable, nonacademic language

·         A first-person address to God

·         Brief supporting scriptures from the New and Old Testaments