The One Thing by Elizabeth Goddard

Posted on January 5, 2012 by bethrachg

Remember the movie, City Slickers? I love the part where Curly tells Mitch that the secret of life is the one thing. When Mitch asks Curly what the one thing is, he simply answers, “That’s what you have to find out.”

Have you found your one thing for 2012?

I dreaded saying goodbye to 2011 because, as I’ve already mentioned on numerous occasions, time is passing by much too quickly.  Still a new year brings with it the promise of new beginnings. This year I went back to the old habit of writing out my goals—something I’ve done in years past that’s produced good results—but  in recent years I’ve been reacting to everything life has thrown at me.

One of the most important goals, I decided, is to slow time down, or take life at a much slower pace. After I’d written out all my goals for every area in my life, I was overwhelmed with how much I haven’t accomplished.  My goal sheet didn’t lend itself to getting rid of the busyness like I hoped.

I want to be Mary and not Martha. But how do I make that happen?

Another important goal is to read through the Bible with my children. Every year I start out with great intentions, but again I struggle when life gets busy. I wonder if I’m the only person who hasn’t been able to read through the Bible in a year, or however long it takes, with their family. I’m probably the only person to admit it.

This year I started again, listening to Bryan on Daily Audio Bible (so I have no excuses!) with my children, and my goal, my prayer, is that I can keep this one thing even if everything else I plan to do falls to the wayside. In the end, nothing else matters except our relationship with God, and if I let Him, He will redeem the time for me. Right?

All I need to do is consider how many hours I spend reading novels (or writing them)—I could have read the Bible through many times alone, and at least twice through with my children.  Looking at it that way puts everything into proper perspective.

I can hear the Lord saying, “Beth, Beth, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (from Luke 10:42)

May your Year be filled with many blessings!

Beth

Elizabeth Goddard is the award-winning author of nine contemporary romance novels, including a romantic mystery, The Camera Never Lies—a 2011 Carol Award winner. Her upcoming release, Sheltering Love, releases in February 2012.

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How do you choose a book?

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Maureen Lang


While wondering how many Kindles, Nooks and e-readers were under Christmas trees this past holiday, I pondered whether such devices will change how we as readers choose the books we read.

I admit I do the majority of my shopping online, but when I do go into a bookstore, it’s still the title that grabs me. Here’s why: I usually go to the section I find most promising for my taste, and once beyond the feature tables and endcaps (expensive retail realty!) the majority of books have only the spine showing, so a title is often all I get. If a book is face-out and the cover is striking, it has a better chance to catch my eye. In that case, I’m more likely to peruse the back cover to see what the story is all about. Maybe I read the first page or two for a taste of the author’s style.

Of course, if I’ve come to the bookstore with the name of a specific author in mind, or a title recommended by a friend, none of the above matters. I know what I’m looking for and purchasing the book is only a detail. My friend already “sold” it to me.

Today’s culture of virtual friendship and social media may have taken that important place in our lives as readers. Through marketing magic at such places as Amazon or Barnes and Noble, I can see what other people are saying about a book. I can see “Customers who purchased this book often chose these as well.” It might not be as personal as a friend’s recommendation, but valuable nonetheless because it’s based on numbers of actual sales. The reviews themselves tell me something about the integrity of the reviewer and whether it sounds like someone with taste similar to my own.

Another avenue to choose a new book is checking out the list of free titles currently being offered for Kindles or Nooks. As an Amazon Prime member, there are a great number of titles I can borrow for free now. If I find an author I like that way, I’m more apt to actually put out real money for another book by that author because I already know I like their work. Only cover art is shown on such lists, but clicking through to see what the book is about is free and easy.

Convenience, trying out an author through a free download, customer reviews, popular “bought with” titles, recommendation emails based on my previous purchases—have revolutionized the way I shop for a book. All of that works for my e-reading habits. But cover and title still play a role, particularly when I’m looking at a list where the cover is all I see. It can give me an instant glimpse into the content of the book.

I guess I have all of this on my mind because I’ve recently received the finalized cover art for my next release, which comes out in July of 2012. Here’s a look:

I love it! I can’t take a bit of credit, though I wish I could. I recently met the photographer who worked with the design leader, and I learned he went to a nearby Arboretum to shoot pictures not only for background lighting and material, but the butterflies as well. We all laughed to imagine this giant of a photographer chasing down that particular little butterfly last fall. Great job, wouldn’t you say?

So my hope is when readers like myself go to their choice of venue, whether it’s online or where books can be touched before they’re purchased, this cover will promise the romantic tale that’s inside.

What do you think? Have you ever purchased a book solely because of its cover? Do cover and title have much to do with your choosing process? How do you choose a book?

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Arresting Moment

Posted on January 3, 2012 by alexanderhodde

I pulled a stunt the other night that I was afraid might get me arrested. I pulled up beside a very young looking police officer in our town of 1300 and proceeded to tell him how to do his job. I meant it kindly, because as I was driving out of town fifteen minutes earlier, he’d just pulled over a speeder, and if I hadn’t pulled into the other lane when I did, he’d have lost his hiney. I couldn’t see him because of the lights of the cars. So I told him so when I came back into town. Just like his mama would have.

You see, our town was destroyed by a tornado six and a half years ago, and it broke us financially. One of our means of keeping our heads above water is to not pay the mayor, and to stop speeders. That makes people mad, to get caught breaking the law. It gives our town a bad name. We’re a “speed trap” because we fine lawbreakers. Seven years ago we were a nationally known historical town with three long blocks of antique dealers who made decent livings and helped support the town. Now one of those dealers is my next door neighbor and she works at Walmart in a local town.

Okay, back to my arresting story. The young man explained why he didn’t have time to position the speeder the right way, he just had to go at it however he could or they’d get past the city limit. And there would go more much needed money for our city coffers. I told him I understood, but please be careful. He said he would. Then I told him that any time he wanted to sit and watch for speeders, we have a lot of children who play on our quiet street, and too many people drive too fast through there. Any time he wants to park on our driveway beside our house, he has our permission. He thanked me and I left, and I made sure to use my turn signal when I pulled out onto the street.

I didn’t get arrested that night. He may fine me next time he catches me forgetting to brake at the stop sign, but I don’t think I’ll mind much. Point was, he needed to know he was endangering his life. Maybe he’ll think more about it next time he pulls someone over.

Have you ever done that? I mean, I hate confrontation, but there are times I will confront someone for their own good. I don’t go around telling everyone in town that they’re dirty sinners and are going to hell if they don’t repent, because I don’t know everyone in town, despite its tiny size, and what may look questionable to me may not be questionable at all if I knew the whole story. But when I see someone, particularly someone I love, a friend, a church member, an old classmate, doing something dangerous like drinking and driving or riding a bike in heavy traffic, or spitting in God’s face and daring Him to strike lightning, I’ll probably work up the nerve to say something about it. It’s just something you do when you care about people.

How about you? Any stories to share?

 

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Ever Celebrate an International Christmas?

Posted on January 2, 2012 by alandkathi66

Ever Celebrate an International Christmas?

My hubby and I just returned from a wonderfully relaxing two-week vacation in Hawaii. What an awesome place at any time of year, but particularly during the holidays! Let me tell you about the highlight of our entire trip.
Since we knew we’d be there during Christmas, one of the first things I did after arriving in the islands was to locate a church close to where we were staying, one that was planning a Christmas Eve service. (I know not all churches do that anymore, but I absolutely adore Christmas Eve services, don’t you? Especially the dangerous ones with little children waving lit candles in the otherwise darkened sanctuary!) I found one just a couple of miles from our condo and nailed down the particulars on the service, looking forward to it with more anticipation than I did Santa’s visits when I was a child. Sure enough, I wasn’t disappointed!
That evening we drove up to the lovely little chapel just a few minutes before the scheduled service was about to begin. Surprisingly, there were few cars in the parking lot, so we had no problem finding good seats. But as the time for the service to start came and went and people continued to pour in, I remembered we were on “Hawaii time.” Unlike many of us mainlanders (particularly yours truly, who is never late for anything!), Hawaiians get there…well, when they get there.
As a result, though the service started about fifteen minutes late, it was with a packed house—and a congregation that reflected so many ethnic and cultural variations! We soon learned that although the Baptists celebrated/worshiped in the building on Sunday mornings, a Hawaiian-dialect congregation used the facilities to gather together on Sunday afternoons. Then a Samoan congregation met there every Sunday evening. All three congregations came together on Christmas Eve to worship the same Lord and Savior, and to commemorate His birth. And, of course, several of us tourists were there to join them as well.
What an experience! We heard the Christmas story read from Luke 2 in English, Hawaiian, and Samoan. We also had the joy of hearing three choirs sing in their respective native language, and though we didn’t truly understand all the words, we felt as if we did.
Throughout that touching and unique Christmas Eve service, I thought, This is how it will be in heaven! All countries, peoples, cultures will be gathered together into one body, singing and worshiping and praising the One who died for all. And I wept with joy.
Did I garner new writing material from my trip to the islands? Of course I did. We writers can find topics for our books/articles/stories just about anywhere. But this event is one that will stand out in my memory for a long time to come. It was a bit of an international Christmas, just a taste of the joy we will experience when we are all united (and reunited) in heaven for all eternity. I look forward to seeing you there!

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GREAT THINGS TO DO ON NEW YEAR’S EVE by Vicki Hinze

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Vicki Hinze

THINGS TO DO ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

 

© 2007-2011, Vicki Hinze

 

Tomorrow night the door closes on 2011. For some it’s been a good year. For others, the best they can say is in short order it will be over. But for the majority of us 2011, like most other years, was a mix of good and bad. How we view it largely depends on how we view its events or what events dominated our thoughts and time (more so than the actual events themselves) and the impact those events had on our lives.

Recognizing that offers us an opportunity to look back with a little distance (thus, a little objectivity) and also with the gems of wisdom we’ve gained from all we’ve added to our personal treasure chests this entire year, and that reflection with perspective brings us our biggest opportunities of the entire year!

What opportunities?  Well, let’s think about that a sec…

 

1.  We are in a position to review.  We can choose what we want to keep in our lives and what we want to cull from our lives.  We can choose what we like and what we want to change.

Change.  We typically shudder at the word much less the actions that come with it because change means we have to move outside our comfort zone.  Even if the way things are aren’t as we’d like or they downright suck, they’re known.  Moving into the unknown carries uncertainty and that scares our socks off.  Why?  Because change often is accompanied by conflict or challenges. That makes it a pain for us, and often for those around us who don’t want us to change.  They like us as we are, even if we’re not content.  Change is work.  We’re tired already, but if we’re not content , we’re not going to get content by staying on a treadmill where we’re not content.  And if we don’t do the work necessary to get off the thing, the simple fact is we’ll stay on it.  So we have choose:  park and pay, or move and endure until we are content.  You can gloss it over all you like, but facts are facts.  You want different?  Create it, deal with challenges and conflicts and revamp until you are content.  Others will accept or reject it.  That’s their choice.  You must take charge of your choices.  Bottom line, you’re responsible for them.

Change is one part recognition, one part analysis, and one part action.

You can’t get off the treadmill if you don’t realize you’re on it.  You’re stuck with being unfulfilled or discontent with life as you know it unless you recognize why you’re unfulfilled or discontent.  That means you have to look hard at your life and be honest with yourself.

Explore what has you unfulfilled, unhappy or discontent.  Once you peg the specifics, then switch your focus to solutions.  What can you do to make wise corrections to better your situation?  Once you know what has you feeling less than terrific, you’ll know what needs to be done.  Really think about your solutions.  Nail them down.  Be specific.

Here’s the thing.  You can recognize all the challenges in the world and deliberate on them for a lifetime, but if you don’t actually implement a potential solution and put it to work in your life, you’re not changing a thing to better your situation.

And that means next New Year’s Eve you’ll be sitting right where you are, complaining about the same things you complained about this year (and perhaps the year before, and the one before that). You must act.

In short, if it’s broken, fix it.

You might have to explore a few solutions before hitting on the “perfect” one for you. Some will try one thing, not like the result, and consider that failure. It’s not.  You know it didn’t work.  Try something else.  It’s okay to not like solutions and keep seeking the right solution for you.  This isn’t a one-size fits all bit of business.  We’re talking about YOUR contentment.  YOUR happiness.  YOUR feeling fulfilled.  That’s different for all of us.

Many try one thing, don’t like it, and give up or give in—and remain discontent and unhappy and unfulfilled. Who loses in that?  Why do they value their own peace so little to quit and not try again?  Only they can answer, but my heart breaks for them.  Because they think they have failed and quit trying, they have failed.

But those who say, “Well, that didn’t work, I’ll try this next.”  Those people who keep exploring will find the right potential solution for them. In a very real sense, they fail their way to success.

Now we’ve been taught that failure is a bad thing. But think about it. If you gain something–and knowing what you don’t want/what doesn’t work is every bit as important as knowing what you do want and what does work–then that’s growth, and it is success. Maybe you’re not where you want to be, but you’re closer. You know now these potential solutions you’ve tried don’t work for you.  Try others.  You dig enough, you’re going to find the perfect solution for you.

If you’ve been told repeatedly that failure is bad, then consider the previous statement your personal license to fail. Go ahead and just fail your way to success.

Before the door closes on 2011, review it, recognize the problem points for you, analyze them seeking solutions, then implement them.  Always nurture the good and cull the bad.

Again, be aware that culling isn’t always painless or welcome (others often don’t like for us to change) but each of us must do what we feel is right. We must remember that doing the right thing is easy when it costs us nothing. When we pay dearly for it, however, is when we gain the most. (Think about it.  Have you learned more, gained more from the hard knock lessons you’ve been through, or from the wins?)  Bottom line, like it or not, we are responsible for what we do and do not do, and we will be held accountable for what we do and don’t do.  We will also bear the fruit and/or burden of what we’ve done and not done.  Important to remember those little facts.

None of this is a cut-and-run license. This is an evaluate-and-cull-what’s-no-longer-constructive-in-shaping-your-life-so-you-fulfill-your-purpose license.  Doing less leaves you only with regret, and no one deserves only regret. Neither does anyone skate away from the consequences of their actions.

 

2.   Tie up loose ends.

New beginnings require we put old endings to bed. It’s hard to focus on new ventures when we’re dealing with remnants of the old. Some overlap is inevitable, but the less of the old we have to contend with in the time where our focus should be on the new, the better our odds are of improving our position and making headway on the new and of building momentum.

Momentum is a powerful force. We put down a foundation. Upon it, we build. If one section is framed, we’re limited to going any farther on that one section. If two or three sections are framed, then expansion is possible on all sections. Momentum builds momentum. So the less time we spend in the past (deal with the old and get it done) the more time we have to invest in the future (welcome the new).

So do what you can to clear the decks–and that includes accepting what you can’t change. Don’t repress it, accept it. And then press on.

 

3.   Answer this question: WHAT DO YOU WANT?

No one can have everything they want, but they can focus intently to gain what they want most. What do you want most?

Answer it. Not in general terms, but in very specific ones. Then answer this question: WHY DO YOU WANT IT AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO GET IT?

In defining why you want something, you often clarify and intensify your determination. You also often develop seeds for your plan of action.

The key here is to remember an immutable law that deals with free will. You are free to seek what you will. But you are not free to impose your will on any other. These questions should be about you. Not about anyone else. How you can improve yourself, your life, your future.

If you’re constantly replaying old unworthiness tapes, or you spend a lot of time focusing on what’s wrong in your life or with everyone else, you’re on the wrong track. Respect others and yourself and recognize that replaying those tapes over and over isn’t accomplishing a thing that will benefit you.

If you need more on this, go into the On Writing blog and read or re-read WINDSHIELDS AND REARVIEW MIRRORS.

Bottom line: Look within. Your answers and benefits lie there.

 

4.   Set a goal. Make a plan.

I won’t go into specifics here, but if you haven’t read WHY WE NEED A PLAN, I strongly suggest that you do. It’s in the On Writing blog.

Far too many slide day-to-day, going through the motions of living without investing in anything that excites them or arouses any passion for what they’re doing. That’s a problem.  It’s a poor substitution for a life. Don’t get so caught up in busy-ness that you don’t even remember your wishes, hopes or dreams. And if you have forgotten them, pull them out of cold storage, dust them off and see if they’re still your wishes, hopes and dreams or if it’s time for an update–or even an overhaul.  If it is, do it.  You should be excited about your life!

Upshot: Don’t drift, design.

 

5.   Resolve to try at least one new thing.

If you do, you might find a new passion. If you don’t, you won’t. You might be missing something that could mean a great deal to you–and the saddest thing about that is, if you don’t try it, you might never know it.

I’m reminded here of a story I heard some time ago about a guy caught in a flood. On three different occasions help came: a neighbor, a camel and a guy in a boat. On each of these occasions the man stranded in the rising floodwaters refused help, saying he was waiting on God to come help him. Well, the stranded guy drowned, hooked up with his Maker, and boy he was ticked. He demanded to know why God hadn’t come. God replied that he’d sent three different people to help. What exactly did the guy want?

The moral of the story: Sometimes we’re so fixed on what we think opportunity looks like that we fail to recognize it when it comes. Of course, that won’t happen to you if you’re open to new things…

 

6.  Adopt an attitude of gratitude.

Of all I’ve written in this post, this is by far the most important. It’s easy to fall into a hotbed of negativity or into a bad situation that sucks you dry, sows more seeds of discontent, or steals so much of your energy and focus that you grow inextricably mired in it and lose sight of what’s good and going right in your life.

When that happens, we react emotionally and that’s just not a good idea because our emotions aren’t reliable. We need balance to function with stability.

We all have challenges. No one escapes them. But if we focus only on the challenges (versus on solutions to them and other things) then we’re doomed to a very rocky, very unstable road and that is definitely not in our best interests–or in anyone else’s.

To gain more balance–which leads to more stable, less dramatic (and melodramatic) events that inflict trauma on us (and often on unsuspecting others)–we need only counter what’s wrong with what’s right. Counter the challenges with the blessings. See the good and be grateful for it.

Sometimes that’s easier to do than at other times.  I’m reminded of something Joel Osteen once said about gratitude. There are times when the best you can do is to be grateful you’re not like x. (He pointed mid-air and said like him/her–I don’t recall which. But the intent in what he said fits situations and events as well as people.) Be grateful for little things as well as the big ones.

We often learn most from the things we tag as “bad.” We all have something to celebrate.

 

7.   Where you focus, you follow.

Before you act, you think. And if you allow your thoughts to run wild and unchecked, you diminish the chances of them being in your best interest. Anyone, given enough time, can rationalize and reason himself right out of good sense–and rob himself of accomplishments and even his destiny.

If you spend your time focused on the right things, good and constructive things, you’ll be purpose-driven and accomplish. If you spend your time focused on the wrong things, on negative or destructive things, you’ll follow that path and purpose and accomplishment (not to mention happiness and contentment) will elude you.

You choose which you’ll do. You choose what you focus on and give your energy–how you spend your life. That’s as it should be.  Again, you’re responsible and accountable for it, and you will live with the joy or regret of your choices.

Now some will be busy at parties and gatherings on New Year’s Eve and that’s just terrific.  It’s also why I’m posting this a day earlier—so you have time to read and review and think about your life before the parties start.

These things I’ve shared, in my humble opinion, are worthy New Year’s Eve’s opportunities. Ones that recognize, analyze and act to position you for powerful, meaningful personal gains in 2012. And for that, and so much more, I am grateful.

Put them to work in your life—and then you’ve got all the more reason to celebrate the new year!

Blessings,

Vicki

 

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Let God Talk to You Review by Yvonne Ortega

Posted on December 29, 2011 by freeyvonne7777

Some people believe God doesn’t talk to people anymore. I’m grateful He still does. What a privilege to have the opportunity to hear God speak to us.

Many of us go to God with our long list of requests. We know what we want, and we want it now.

However, how many of us expect God to talk to us? How many of us stop our hectic pace and sit in silence to hear from God?

Becky Tirabassi writes with passion and conviction in her book, Let God Talk to You: When You Hear Him, You Will Never Be the Same.

She takes the readers step by step and explains not only that God talks to us, but also why, how, what God says, and when. She starts in the Old Testament, moves through the New Testament, and onto the present.

The author weaves in Scripture, examples, and detailed information on how to set up a prayer notebook to help readers prepare to listen to God. She calls the notebook, My Partner Prayer Notebook.

I challenge you to read this book, follow the steps and sit expecting to hear from God. He will talk to you, and I would love to know what happens.

I read Becky Tirabassi’s book and set up my partner prayer notebook. I cut out TV, the newspaper, and social media for a week. Relax. Becky didn’t say to do that, but I felt led to do so the week before Christmas. God talked to me, and I heard Him. He told me what He wanted me to do in 2012 and what He wanted me to cut out. Unfortunately, one of the things God wanted me to cut out was posting on Christians Read.

I’ve been blessed to be part of this ministry and have enjoyed posting about the many wonderful books available.

May God bless you richly as you read this book and hear God talk to you. He loves you so much that He’s waiting to talk to you.

Yvonne Ortega www.yvonneortega.com

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How to Avoid Great Expectations in 2012 by Julie Arduini

Posted on December 28, 2011 by juliearduini

With Christmas behind us, the conversation of the week seems to be about resolutions. People are reflecting on their year and making goals for the new one. I giggled watching Live with Kelly as Kelly Ripa mentioned resolutions and how she avoids the gym for the first three weeks of the new year. Her observation is that new members with great intentions take over the facility those first three weeks. But day after day the numbers drop until that third week when it’s pretty much back to the regular members. I can relate to that.

I’ve read that it takes 21 days to form a habit, good or bad. When I talk with friends about resolutions, one thing stands out—they have great expectations. They place a huge burden on a single month, expecting immediate transformation. For those who have a personality like mine, all or nothing, this is a plan destined for disappointment.

My take is to prayerfully take stock of your life and see what God has for you. He knows you best of all, why not ask Him what He wants for you this year? His answer might surprise you. Whatever your 2012 goals are, why not implement this strategy into making these goals success stories—

1. Eat that elephant one bite at a time. I have a writing friend who received great news, but with her contract came a formidable deadline. When she looked at the end date and total word count, she grew anxious. The task was daunting and the more she looked at the big picture, the more she felt she would fail. After praying she realized to scale things down. She looked at how many words a day she needed to write to meet that deadline, and factored in days where life would get in the way and she might not get a lot of writing accomplished. Turns out she needed 1,000 words a day to meet that goal. That overwhelming task was now manageable. She’s well on her way because she took that elephant and as the joke goes, she ate one bite at a time.

2. Make it your job. This is for the all or nothing personality. I look at what I want to accomplish as a wife, mom, writer, and ministry leader and break each category down. Last year I wanted to lose weight but knew from previous failures just saying I wanted to lose wasn’t going to be enough. I researched methods and chose following Lysa TerKeurst’s Made to Crave online study. The principles in that book gave me the “want to” and I watched the weekly webinars for additional support. I knew I needed accountability so I started teaching the study in a small group study. I put in my Outlook calendar tasks for my goals, breaking them down to quarterly, monthly, weekly, and sometimes daily deadlines. I’m someone that needs to see small goals in writing, and I love checking them off when completed. Although I’ve slacked off during the holidays, I hit that initial weight loss goal. I got specific, set deadlines, researched methods, and looked at my strengths and weaknesses to implement the tasks. If you are a details oriented person, make hitting your goals  your job. Don’t just randomly announce your resolutions.
Resolutions Pictures, Images and Photos
3. Pray! It’s so simple we miss it, I know I do. I’m someone who writes and speaks on all things surrender, so you’d think I’d pray first when starting something new. I’m a firm believer that prayer changes things and can make the impossible possible. I’ve had too many diagnosis and negative events that looked like obvious failure on paper turn into the biggest success stories of my life because I believed God through Christ. My next post will expand on this to explain why I’m a believer in creating a prayer team to cover you no matter what you do for the Lord. Prayer is the foundation of everything I do—writing, marriage, parenting, and everything in between. Start the new year right with prayer.

My goal is pretty much to keep on keeping on. I want to return to the high fiber eating I adopted in 2011 and remember regular exercise. I have this broken down and hope to start even before the ball drops.

I want to keep working on my contemporary romance, listening to the Lord’s leading as I wrap up sharing it with two critique groups. Perhaps this is the year I seek an agent.

I believe praying for others will be a big part of the new year, and I want to make sure I’m spending time with Him and His word so that I’m filled. I overextended myself this year and I don’t want to burn out again. The word I believe God has for His people this coming year is “Justice” so I’m reading up on that and want to be open for His leading.

How about you? Have you set yourself up for disappointment but creating great expectations for the new year? What are your goals for the year and how do you plan to implement them? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Image by OdRodyssey

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New Year’s Reading Resolutions by Camy Tang

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Camy Tang/Camille Elliot

Camy here! As 2011 draws to a close, how did you do on your reading goals for the year? (Did you have any reading goals? LOL)

I wanted to read more Love Inspired Suspenses but didn’t read as many as I wanted to. I just didn’t have time! I did read a rare historical romance since I happened to get a copy I wouldn’t otherwise have gotten my hands on–my friend Becca Whitham let me borrow Practice to Deceive by Patricia Veryan, which is selling for $40 on Amazon for just a “Good” grade used copy! (I love Becca, by the way!)

I got a chance to read an advance copy of Saving Hope by Margaret Daley, a romantic suspense that’s the first book in the Men of the Texas Rangers series. It was so awesome! I love Margaret’s Love Inspired Suspense novels, but this is her first single title novel and it’s terrific!

I also reread an old book I loved when I was a teenager, Regency Miss by Alix Melbourne. This was actually the very first Regency romance I ever read, and I loved it. As an entree into Regency romances, it was perfect. I read it again to see if it was as good as I remember, and it was. 🙂

For this coming year, my goal is again to try to read all the Love Inspired Suspense novels each month. I really love them, but I just don’t have time to read them all. I’m also “reading” several books on audiobook, like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which is on my MP3 player for me to listen to when I go running.

What did you read this year? What are you hoping to read next year?

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. Out now is the first book in her new series, Protection for Hire, which is a cross between Stephanie Plum and The Joy Luck Club. She is a staff worker for her church youth group, and leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service. On her blog, she ponders frivolous things like knitting, running, dogs, and Asiana. Visit her website to sign up for her quarterly newsletter.

Click here to find out how you can join my Street Team—it’s free and there’s lots of chances to win prizes!

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When the World Rejoices and You Mourn by Vicki Hinze

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Vicki Hinze

The Christmas Blues:   When the World Rejoices and You Mourn

© 2011, Vicki Hinze

Days that try souls are all too common.  Yet during the Christmas season, the myriad of feelings that weary us and try our souls—feelings of being isolated and adrift, of being sad or depressed, our struggles—are magnified.

Maybe it’s because we’re more attuned to others attending parties and we’re not, gathering with family and we’re not, or gathering with family or friends or groups that we wish we were not (just keeping it real) and we must.

Maybe it’s because we’re bombarded with memories of Christmases past.  Ones where our children were small and at home and we enjoyed their wonder of Christmas, their joy.  Or we were small and we view our memories through a lens where time dulls the bad and magnifies the good.

Maybe we’re acutely reminded of all those we’ve loved who are no longer with us, and we miss them.  Or we remember a life that once was ours and is no more, and the change, whether good or bad, isn’t as significant as mourning the loss of what was.  Or what we dreamed would be that just didn’t happen.

Maybe we’ve lost the joy in the season under the lengthy to-do lists that leave us too exhausted to enjoy anything except the peace in a bath and a few hours sleep.

There are a lot of emotional triggers during the holidays.  Some we expect and can prepare ourselves for, but some we don’t know are triggers until we’re body-slammed by them.

We’re all confronted with difficult relationships, difficult situations, and difficult people who want or expect more from us than we wish to give or maybe than we can afford to give.  Financially, emotionally or spiritually.

We lose the wonder and awe and the magic under busy-ness and requirements, under obligations and command performances.  We lose the wonder and awe and the magic under changed circumstance.  (Think divorce or job loss or empty nest.  Think widow or widower, orphaned, injured or ill.  Think knowing it’ll be your last Christmas and craving a Norman Rockwell one and getting one where you spend the entire day alone.)

All this happens.  And when it does, we are hurt and sad and alone and isolated, and we are surrounded by others who are having a merry and joyful time.  And we are resentful and bitter because often even those who are shunning or ignoring or too busy to be bothered never once extend their thinking to how their actions are impacting others.  Often others they purport to love.

My point isn’t to drag you into the depths of despair.  My point is to make you aware that many—even those you wouldn’t suspect—are in the depths of despair.

Who in your world will be alone this Christmas?  Who needs to hear from you?  To spend time with you?  Whose Christmas can you make a little brighter simply by bringing them into your circle and welcoming them as family and friend?

Before you slough that off as more work and bother, pause a second and remember that one day, the person in that position might be you.

Even the most wonderful Christmas has moments of heartbreak and sadness.  Christmases past, those no longer with you.  Changes.  And when those strike, you crave comfort.

It’s hard to find.  Those you typically go to and discuss your troubles, big or small, are tied up with their own troubles, big and small, with their obligations and requirements and duties and nurturing their own needy.

Does that mean you’re doomed to suffer without comfort?  To stay sad or depressed or struggle alone?

No.  It doesn’t.

God is with us always.  Christ is with us always.  He’s not too busy or otherwise obligated.

When the Christmas blues strike, I always remember what Christmas is truly about:  the birth of Jesus Christ.  But I don’t think of that event in the way you might think.  I think …

The World Rejoices.  God Mourns…

I think of God, watching His son’s birth, knowing all that would happen to Him.  As a loving Father, his turmoil and the heartbreak He surely felt at knowing His son would be mocked and abused and betrayed and lied to and about, tempted and beaten and murdered.  God mourned.  If I, an imperfect parent, mourn at the mere thought of my child enduring any of that, imagine the pain and agony of a perfect Father knowing His child would endure all of it.  Imagine…

We protect our kids.  We’d take their place.  Suffer for them.  But God, who loves unconditionally, sacrificed His son knowing what would come.

I think of that, and the turmoil and mixed blessings and agony God endured that night and I weep—and I tell myself that if He had the strength and courage to do that for us, then whatever we face might loom large but is small in comparison.  If He can do all He’s done, we can do what we must do.

In my mind, I sit at God’s feet with my head in His lap, and He strokes my hair and assures me everything will be all right.  I am not alone; He is with me.  And I am comforted.

Whenever feeling small and insignificant, hopeless or helpless, remembering what God sacrificed for us and how precious a gift it was and remains empties the desolate spaces inside us of sadness and angst and refills them with comfort and gratitude and the reassurance of His grace and unconditional love.

And then I wonder.

I wonder that we seldom choose to serve ourselves well when the Christmas Blues strike.  We seldom choose to pause and remember or to ask and answer a question that deserves far more attention from us than it gets:

On that night when His son was born and the world rejoiced and He mourned, who comforted God?

Blessings,

Vicki

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When Christmas Stinks by Lynette Sowell

Posted on December 23, 2011 by lynettesowell

You can feel it in the air. Everyone’s talking about baking, Christmas parties, good foods, beloved traditions, gifts they’ve tucked away,and leaving town to see friends and family. The feeling can be almost contagious.

Most of us have endured Christmases we’d rather forget. Because troubles don’t keep Christmas from coming. It comes anyway, and if we look at the sparkling joy around us and don’t feel it, we feel like downers who might ruin the most perfect Christmas party.

The new town we’ve just moved to doesn’t have those special memories and people we love. When we’re unemployed, the bare space under the Christmas tree taunts us. After a divorce or breakup, the Christmas parties and gatherings are filled with people who still have their “someone.” No amount of gifts can fill the gap at the dinner table after the death of a loved one, nor the empty space next to us in the bed after losing a spouse. When our hours are filled, not with fun at the mall and baking, but sitting beside a hospital bed, Christmas can seem a million miles away. Painful changes come our way, and sometimes it’s reflected in Christmas.

Isn’t that a good thing, though? The first Christmas was steeped in trouble, its preceding months filled with scandal and rumor. I often wonder if Mary liked to have things just so, or if she was a go-with-the-flow kind of girl. “Sure, I’ll give birth in a cave. Without my mom nearby, in a strange town, without any of my family here. And my ‘midwife’ is my husband, and the baby’s not his.” Talk about a reality show!

When she and Joseph were engaged, they probably had plenty of plans. Don’t we all? But we never plan for sickness, separation, bereavement, economic hardship. We don’t plan for the bottom to drop out of our worlds, especially at Christmas time.

What can we do, then, to find something to celebrate? In the hard times, peeling away the wrapping paper and gifts, the parties that come and go, the songs that fade, we get to the heart of the celebration: hope.

The world can be a dark place, and without the hope of Christmas, we don’t have the comfort of knowing we’re not alone. We don’t have the assurance of God’s provision for our needs. But our hope came wrapped in swaddling clothes and tucked in a manger. That is a reason to celebrate, and get to know Jesus, the child who grew up to reunite us with God, the source of all peace. Without Him, all the celebrations are never enough. With Him, we can always find something to celebrate.

We can put our troubles aside, for a moment, and reach out to someone else. Find one new thing, something meaningful, to celebrate at Christmas. This season will pass and Christmas will change for us from now on. But it’s going to be okay. We have a promise. Hold onto hope! Fear not!

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

– – –

Lynette Sowell  writes fiction for the inspirational market, from contemporary romance to mysteries. She’s always looking for the perfect recipe for a story–or a great dish–and is always up for a Texas road trip. Her most recent release is Christmas At Barncastle Inn and contains her novella Christmas Duets, a modern spinoff of the classic movie White Christmas.

*Image by Simon Howden

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Giving the Right Gift by Elizabeth Goddard

Posted on December 22, 2011 by bethrachg

I put my Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving every year because the Christmas season feels much too short for me. In my opinion, there’s simply not enough time to enjoy the season. Or maybe there’s enough time and I’m rushing through it.

Sometimes we need a simple reminder like the signs we see everywhere, Jesus is the Reason for the Season. We’re so busy with shopping and holiday preparations, we’re more like Martha than Mary, unable or unwilling to focus on the most important thing—the one thing—because there’s too much to do.

Living in the country, I don’t often spend a lot of time fighting traffic or crowded malls. But I’m just coming off a weekend of shopping in Dallas and  still have those images fresh in my mind—images that will last in this country girl‘s mind well into 2012.

You’ve heard the joke, why is it called rush hour when the cars are moving so slowly?  There’s nothing like rush hour during the holidays.

The Saturday before Christmas can especially be dubbed Rush Saturday. This previous Saturday I visited a mall in Frisco, Texas to get a few last minute gifts for the Christmas party we were to have with my husband’s family that evening.  Never in my life have I seen such a crowded, busy mall, even during past holidays. Getting a parking spot proved to be a miracle.

Keeping up with my family was also a challenge. The crowd shifted and moved around me, blocking my path so at one point I was completely separated and lost my husband and sister-in-law who, thank goodness, had two of my four children with them.

I was part of the throng in my frantic search for the right gift. In the Apple Store there was no such thing as a personal space bubble. But we all worked together like a team, adjusting positions as needed to peruse the offerings.

After I’d purchased everything on my list, I joined my family and we fought our way out. The experience was exhausting, and maybe that’s why I had a crazy thought.  What if the wise men had to shop in an overcrowded mall in search of the gifts they would give  to the one who was born the King of the Jews?

During the Christmas season, we give gifts because it’s better to give than to receive, and because giving a gift to someone is like giving a gift to Christ. The list of reasons goes on. But we can’t lose sight of what Christ wants from us. A Christmas card I received from a friend says it best:

The first wise men gave Christ treasures from their kingdoms. Today’s wise men give Christ the treasures of their hearts. — Holley Gerth

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Christmas Blessings, Posted by Maureen Lang

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Maureen Lang

I’d planned to write about books this week, how we choose them, the importance of covers and titles and so on but as I’m getting ready to post all I can think of is Christmas. Here I am, in the over-50 crowd and the season has me excited as a child.

Perhaps that’s because yesterday I hosted my local writer’s group for a little Christmas gathering. It’s one of my holiday traditions, and we always have such a nice time it’s one I look forward to year after year.

As part of the pot-luck meal, I make two kinds of soup. While I was preparing the chicken and vegetables (read: lots of time at the countertop) Heidi came on my little kitchen television—my favorite version with Shirley Temple. It may not be a classic Christmas story, but for some reason that’s one of my favorites to watch during the holiday season. I don’t care how many times I’ve seen it, that movie always makes me smile.

I do love all the typical favorites, too. It’s A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol, White Christmas to name a few. I’ve only seen A Christmas Story a couple of times but have laughed my way through it during both viewings. It’s not for kids, really, but the narrator in that movie makes the experience absolutely priceless. At one point in a kitchen scene the mother is busy getting dinner on the table, then coaxing the youngest child to eat (who evidently hasn’t willingly eaten in something like three years), then just as she’s about to take her first bite from her own plate the father character asks for something off of the stovetop. Then Ralphie needs something and then the narrator chimes in that his mother hasn’t sat down to a hot meal in fifteen years. Priceless—mainly because I can so relate!

That’s what makes these movies classics, I think. There is some quality in each one of them that keep us coming back, something more than tradition. Well, even as I write this I think I watch White Christmas only because of tradition—and perhaps the music, and because I like Danny Kaye. But the other movies? What is it that touches me deeply enough to want to repeat the experience year after year?

In Heidi, I absolutely love watching her break through the rough exterior of the grandfather—eventually helping to bring him back to God. It’s a story that warms my heart even as it reminds me what good storytelling is all about: transformation. And what about watching the change in the independent, no-nonsense mother character in Miracle on 34th Street who softens by the end so that she almost certainly believes in Santa? What about the lesson in It’s A Wonderful Life—that we may not see our dreams come true, but the Lord puts us right where He wants us and where we can make the most difference? And everyone knows how Scrooge is forever changed in A Christmas Carol. In each one of these treasures, the characters grow in ways that make us glad we went along to witness each transformation.

Each of my favorite Christmas movies helps to make my season complete. I don’t think I’d have it any other way—because at the heart of every one is a story. I may be a writer, but that’s only because I loved a good story first and figured out a way to tell one, too.

So here’s to the stories and storytellers in our lives! I hope you have the blessing of a good story this season—not the least of which is the one that’s more than that: how God became a man so He could not only live in relationship with us, but spend eternity together.

Merry Christmas to all!

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Pray it Forward by Hannah Alexander

Posted on December 20, 2011 by alexanderhodde

Just a short note today, because it is, after all, the week before Christmas and our poor postal carrier had to make three rounds the other day carrying Christmas packages from Harry and David and Figis and such, singing “hohoho” as he went. It reminded me I hadn’t given him his Christmas envelope this year. And it reminded me I hadn’t purchased any gifts this year, that I’ve sent no cards, no food, nothing. For us, this is not a year for that, so we’re having to bow out.

I have, however, discovered something I’m sure everyone in the Christian realm already knew–no matter what we can or cannot do for others at Christmas, I can pray for that jolly postal carrier who works long hours and smiles when I know he’s tired. Every time I receive mail, I can pray for him on his route. Getting the mail is a good reminder. That still doesn’t mean I’m forgetting his Christmas envelope. No way. He earns more than he ever gets.

I have a lot of friends online, and I email them a lot. When they email requests for prayer, I pray immediately so I won’t forget, but then after that I forget. So when they do send a request, I ask them to please update me so I can pray again. The same goes for those who ask me in person for prayer–I pray right then, because as a pastor’s wife once told me, if I promise to pray and then wait until later and forget, I’ve lied in the presence of God. This helps me to ask often for prayer, because we need those prayers so very much, especially during this season when it seems emotions can go low and money matters even lower for some of us, and memories aren’t always the best.

I have a list of prayer requests above the kitchen sink so that when I’m standing there looking for something to read while I’m working (doesn’t everyone do that?) I can pray for those on the list. Something else that helps me to remember to pray is the Holy Spirit. Our pastor promises that as the Spirit brings remembrance, he would pray for those who asked.

So don’t just request prayer one time and forget to update those who pray for you. If I love you enough to pray for you, I love you enough to want an update, but many of us often have so many friends it’s difficult to keep all those needs and requests lined up with the particular friend. Update often, don’t forget to as for prayer over and over, because those who pray for your are also blessed with the praying.

Merry Christmas from Hannah Alexander

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The Indescribable Gift of Love by Sarah Goebel

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Sarah Goebel

Wow! It’s amazing that the year has passed by so quickly. Christmas 2011 is only six days away!

I love the season as it opens the opportunity for us to so easily share the good news of Christ. Just think about it. God, the Alpha and Omega; the Creator of the universe and all that is, came to earth as a mortal man in order that those who would believe on Him could be saved from the grips of an eternity in hell. This gift, His incarnation and later the giving of His life in order that we may live, is indeed, indescribable just as Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 9:15!
It is beyond our ability to fully comprehend or describe the incarnation. Yet, we know there was no other way. One man, Adam, sold out the human race and it would take a man to legally purchase back for God what was lost. With Adam’s sin, as the Federal Head of humanity, sin was imputed to all mankind. Satan thought he would be able to hold all humans in is grips for eternity. Since all men were now born in sin, who could live righteous and break us free?  Besides, the penalty for our sin required a blood sacrifice; yet, not just any blood would do. It had to be the blood of one that was infinite in value in order to pay the price for so many sins and for so many lives, once and for all. No one’s life, even if perfect, would carry the value to get the job done. Only the infinite One Himself has unlimited worth! So this indescribable gift – the one and only God-Man, came to earth with a mission to die for you and me. He is indescribable in His God-Man nature, Emanuel, “God with us.”

He is indescribable in His purpose in coming to earth. Man in his total depraved state was unable to save Himself so God accomplished our salvation by sending His only begotten Son into the world. How do we fully describe that? How do we understand His willingness to give a gift of such cost to you and me?

He is indescribable because He is a gift of grace. We give gifts to those we are connected to in some way: our friends, family, co-workers. Sometimes we give to those we do not know when we give of our increase to help someone less fortunate. However, we do this because we feel a debt to humanity and we desire to follow the example of Christ in helping those in need. But God gave His only begotten Son to us when we were at enmity with Him. He had no obligation to us whatsoever! As a just and holy God, He had every right to turn His back on us. But He is also Love. He didn’t give His life for any reason but pure overflowing love. Jesus is the overflow of God’s love for us! That is what makes God’s gift so precious! How difficult to find words to describe this wonderful gift of grace and love!

And don’t forget how this indescribable gift affects us. We are forgiven of our sins. This enables us to live with joy unspeakable as we are no longer held bondage to guilt and condemnation because of our failure to live holy before God. Instead, we are at peace with God. Also, we are adopted into God’s family. He is our Father. We are His child and we have brothers and sisters we will be getting to know for all eternity. I so look forward to getting to know all of you! And, I believe I will. And, as a child of God, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling with us to protect us and empower us for Christian living. His presence also enables us to live in a state of supernatural peace in the midst of our daily trials, as He strengthens and comforts us. As this year ends and a new one begins, remember, He is always right there with you. Talk to Him. Listen to Him. Follow Him. We sometimes forget His presence is always with us.

What a gift! My words are truly insufficient! I hope you will post a reply to share your thoughts about Christmas and Jesus Christ, the indescribable gift!

All of our efforts to describe Jesus fall short; yet, we don’t have to be able to describe Him to accept Him as our Lord and Savior. If you are reading this and haven’t done that; and you feel God knocking at your heart, just tell Him right now that you know you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Tell Him you accept the gift He is offering you, His life as payment for your sin and that you want Him to come live in you. Tell Him you surrender your life to Him and ask Him to be your Lord. When you do this from a genuine heart that has been opened by God, the Bible says you have eternal life with God!

I want to wish all my wonderful sisters and brothers in Christ a Merry Christmas and encourage you as you go about your holiday celebrations to keep Jesus at the center of all your activities. He is the greatest gift that you will ever receive and the greatest that you could share with another.

Yeshua – Jesus – Immanuel, “God with us!”  He is the reason for the season!
Merry Christmas! May your awareness of God’s presence increase this season and may your celebrations be joyous!

With Love, Sarah

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THINKING AHEAD by Yvonne Lehman

Posted on December 16, 2011 by yvon63

I can easily get caught up in the Christmas season and before i realize it, the New Year is upon me. But I’ve found it productive to take time for thinking about my writing and personal goals for the New Year. I can look back and see that all my goals weren’t accomplished, sometimes because of unforeseen circumstances, sometimes due to my own negligence or procrastination.

I plan to evaluate what I’ve learned this year, and determine how I can use my time more efficiently. Perhaps your sharing will help me do that. I tend to think I have all the time in the world (but it’s flying!) and I procrastinate. One of my goals is to make a daily writing schedule (which I have to do when on deadline) and stick to it as much as possible. Also, I want to study the many books I have on the craft of writing.

Too often my goals put writing at the top of the list. I need to think about my goals for friends and family. I take for granted that I pray for them but I need to be more attentive in personal ways, not just when they need me.

This year my Writer Group met at The Cove, theBillyGrahamTrainingCenterin these gorgeous mountains of westernNorth Carolina. It’s a beautiful place but decorated for Christmas, it’s spectacular. We ate lunch at their Ladies’ Luncheon after church, then met for an hour before hearing Rachel-Ruth Graham Wright (Anne Lotz’ daughter) speak.

Lori, Diana, Susan, Yvonne, two Debbie's, Terri, Cindy (3 not there)

During our meeting we shared our goals for the coming year. We all want to improve our craft of writing. One goal that is particularly meaningful is that we plan to be more diligent in praying for each other and we chose prayer partners. We prayed that God would put the right people together. We put our names in a container and one person pulled out two names at a time and those two were partners. I’ve had prayer partners in the past and a close bond forms between people when you know you’re praying for each other daily.

One of my goals is to again have a prayer closet. That’s a subject for another post, if anyone is interested. But I have already prepared my closet, so that’s one goal accomplished.

I’d love to hear about some of your goals.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Yvonne L.

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