Read. Write. Pray.

Under Construction

2013-04-12T11:21:00.001-04:00

No one welcomes these signs (unless it's the construction workers, since the sign means they still have jobs). Starting next week, my blog will take a brief break while my website undergoes a makeover from the talented team at Tekeme Studios.

When it returns, I'll have a WordPress blog and a whole new look for my website. I haven't seen the design yet, but I'm anticipating something wonderful. You can still catch my (almost) daily PrayerKeeper posts and tweets on Facebook and Twitter. And I look forward to sharing my new look with you soon!

PRAY: Prayer for Those Who Ask and Keep on Asking

2013-04-11T12:00:00.000-04:00

“Up to this time, you have not asked a [single] thing in My name [that is, presenting all I AM] but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete” (John 16:24, AMP).

Don’t you love it when God opens up a scripture passage in fresh ways? This year, I’ve been reading through the Bible in the Amplified version. Yes, it’s cumbersome. No, it’s not always accurate. But yes, it does give me a fresh view of my Father and the way He works. And that's what happened when I read this verse early this morning.

One of the things I love about the Amplified is its rich rendering of Greek verbs. The word for ask here comes to us in the linear or continuous tense. The Amplified captures it in a lovely manner: “ask and keep on asking.”

Ask and keep on asking. That’s what we do, isn’t it? When we have a hurting child or an unresolved conflict or a situation we find ourselves powerless to change, we do it. We ask and keep on asking. We persist in prayer. When the situation seems impossible, when the doors of heaven seem closed, when God’s arm seems short or his ear unhearing, we ask and keep on asking.

If you find yourself in this situation, I’m praying for you. Today.

Father, today I come to You on behalf of those who are persisting in prayer. I come praising You because You hear and answer according to Your Word. I come honoring You because You know the plans You have for us. And I come beseeching You because these dear ones are weary. So weary.

Lord, You know their needs. You hear each cry. None of the whispers and none of the shouts has escaped You.

You listen and love the mother kneeling at the bedside of her handicapped child, begging for favor and deliverance from evil. You hear the husband who sits at home, head in his hands, waiting for just one company to respond to the resumes he’s spread around. You hear the anguished wife whose husband has decided their marriage is no longer his priority. You hear the child who has been abandoned. You hear the grandparents who feel alone and powerless.

Come to each one, Lord God. Come to them with Your mighty love. Come to them with all Your promises. Remind them to cling. Remind them to trust. And God, remind them to keep on asking—not because of their faithfulness, but because of Yours. In Your holy name I pray—AMEN.

Are you in the “Ask, and keep on asking” club? Feel free to share your prayer need in a comment below or email me. You honor God and me by allowing me to keep on asking alongside you.

READ: Review, The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

2013-04-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

Tomboy or girly-girl, traditional or contemporary, silk or denim—almost every little girl dreams of, hopes for, and plans for her wedding day. But Charlotte Malone takes her childhood dreams to adult proportions. As the owner of a Birmingham bridal boutique, she helps brides find not just any gown, but the perfect gown, an ideal match for each style, taste, and budget.

So why is Charlotte having so much trouble choosing a gown of her own? When she purchases a vintage dress locked in an antique trunk, she—and the dress—begin an adventure filled with hope, romance, and more than a hint of mystery. As she learns more about the dress and the women who have worn it, she discovers more about herself as well.

Without missing a step, the author dances between Charlotte’s modern-day story and those of the three other brides who wore the dress. Although I’ve read and enjoyed several of Rachel Hauck’s books, The Wedding Dress, a recent RITA award nominee, has become my new favorite.

Discerning readers will want to spend time examining the metaphor behind a timeless dress that fits everyone who tries it on and never wears out. Read The Wedding Dress—and join Charlotte in celebrating both bride and Bridegroom.

Tom and Marti, 8/6/83

Find this book on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or at Christian Book Distributors.

Did you acquire your wedding dress in an unusual way? Mine was a $100 clearance rack special, but I wore it with as much joy as a designer exclusive.

Feel free to leave a comment to tell us about your wedding dress—or something else that relates to this sweet story. And watch for a Words with Friends interview with novelist Rachel Hauck, coming soon!

WRITE: Tips from the Pros: Angela Breidenbach (CAN blog)

2013-04-04T11:35:00.003-04:00

Come join me over at the Christian Authors Network blog today, where I've posted an interview with author Angela Breidenbach. Angie shares her writing journey along with her speaking and marketing expertise. Her newest book, A Healing Heart, sixth in Abingdon's Quilts of Love series, released this week. Enjoy!

PRAY: Prayer for Those Who Face Unseen Enemies

2013-04-03T12:30:00.000-04:00

Have you had it happen yet? Your life moves along in one direction when sudden circumstances turn it upside down. The medical tests yield an unwanted diagnosis. The annual job evaluation includes a pink slip. The water pipes burst. The relationship shatters.

People who face unseen enemies work beside us. They live next door to us. They stand in front of us in line at the grocery store and walk on the treadmill next to us at the gym. They smile at us in church. And most of the time, we have no clue that beneath the surface, their hearts are breaking for themselves or for those they love.

Today, I want to pray for those people, knowing I’m in their number.

Dear Lord, today I lift up to You those who face unseen enemies and fight invisible battles. I thank You, my Father, that You are both powerful and present in every situation and that nothing is beyond Your sight or Your reach. I thank You that You equip us for battles unknown. You give us Your armor that we may stand and fight.

Lord, I pray for those facing unseen enemies outside themselves. I pray against the spiritual forces of darkness and ask You to overcome them. I pray against the tide of hatred, jealousy, and anger that causes nation to turn against nation and pits brother against brother. Protect us from the evil one, almighty God. Protect us from our friends and our enemies. Allow us to heap Your love and kindness upon them all.

Savior, I ask for Your redemptive hand of mercy up those who face unseen enemies within. In our fallen world, the forces of addiction, of chronic pain, of disease and even death seem overpowering. But greater are You who is within us, Lord God! We praise You for the victories You will give, for the freedom we will attain, for the healing You intend. We ask that nothing in our lives would keep us from receiving Your gifts. Cleanse us that we may walk worthy of You and your holiness. Restore us that we may be whole. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray—AMEN.

Sometimes, unseen enemies are also ones of which we’re unaware. If you have a prayer request that connects to such a need, feel free to share it in a comment below or email me. I’ll count it an honor to lift you and your need before Him.

WRITE: Creative Nonfiction Workshop Description

2013-03-28T11:45:00.000-04:00

Photograph © Andrew Pieper, 2012

Those of you who know I often teach at writers conferences sometimes ask about this aspect of my work. So I decided to share an occasional post that contains an expanded description of one of my workshops.

This first one covers one of my most popular conference topics. I've taught this workshop at the Florida Christian Writers Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. They're both wonderful conferences and, as a special bonus, both have tracks for teen and adult writers.

C.S. Lewis referred to it as “surprised by joy.” L.M. Montgomery’s character Emily of New Moon called it “the flash.” Whatever you call it, if you consider yourself a writer or writer wannabe, you’ve experienced it: the spark of insight and creativity that moves you to pick up your pen/laptop/tablet and respond in words.

That spark moves us to create. That spark causes us to respond to truth and beauty. And when we understand God created us with the ability and deep need to reflect His glory, that spark helps us persevere.

As a nonfiction writer, how do you nurture that spark? How do you express it in a fresh, personal, integrity-filled way?

I receive more questions about Creative Nonfiction than about any other aspect of my work as a writer and editor. I designed this workshop to answer some of those questions and to give a specific, faith-focused response to some of the issues (including truth) its popularity has prompted today.

The workshop explores the source of our creativity and the factors that war against it; a biblical process for creative renewal; specific techniques to breathe life into your nonfiction; and four essential elements of this intriguing, inspiring genre.

Someday, I'd love to have you share in this workshop. And prepare to fan the flame.

Have you heard of creative nonfiction or written a piece that uses its techniques? Feel free to leave a comment and share about your work or ask a question.

PRAY: Prayer for Those Who Are Battling Addictions

2013-03-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

Photograph © Andrew Pieper, 2012

“Today marks one year of sobriety for me,” my friend wrote. “A year ago I could not imagine one day without a drink, let alone an entire year.”

He wrote to give glory to God and to ask prayer for others who suffer from addiction. I know many, and I’m sure you do, too.

For a few weeks, I’ve served as part of a small online prayer group that encourages a young mom who’s made the bold step to stop letting her addictions win. Her honest sharing about tearing down these idols has challenged me to look at the things I put above my relationship with Christ.

Not long ago, I met another young friend at a conference. God has used her to speak and write about her victory over addiction. But in the swell of victory comes the temptation, once again, to defeat. And so I’m lifting all of these and more before Him today.

Lord who is our Strong Tower, We know we can run to You and find safety. We can cling to You and find hope. We can hide in You and find rest. So I pray all these things for my friends battling addictions today.

Yours is the name above all names. You tell us to place nothing and no one above You. You are a jealous God because You are an all-loving God. And like any parent, You long to see Your children walk in wholeness.

By Your power and grace, our most precious Father, we lay our idols down. We surrender our cravings for things of this world and ask You to replace them with holy desires and longings. Help us, God, to look not to a drink or a smoke or a pill or a powder, not to shopping or exercise or a slice with a razor blade but only and always to You.

God, some of us don’t recognize our addictions. We’ve buried them in beauty. We’ve couched them in socially acceptable patterns. And when we haven’t done that, we’ve made excuses. We’ve lied. We’ve stolen. We’ve broken relationships. And we’ve wasted time, effort, and money on things that do not bring honor to You.

Forgive us, Lord Jesus. Draw us near to You. Be our everything. Give us Your strength to walk away, to turn it down, and to reach out to others for help. Move in us that we might live in You. Smash the enemy’s temptations and don’t give him one ounce or inch of victory in our lives.

Allow us, Lord Jesus, to run to You. Live in us as the true and only desire of our hearts. The power that raised glorious life from overwhelming death is the power that brings victory—this day, every day, and forever. In Your holy name I pray—AMEN.

Do you have a loved one battling addiction? Are you fighting against one yourself? Feel free to share a prayer request in the comments below or email me. I count it an honor to pray for you.

WRITE: Top Ten Perks of the Florida Christian Writers Conference

2013-03-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

What do writers do? They write.

On March 3, I returned home from teaching and serving as chaplain for the 2013 Florida Christian Writers Conference to a busy season of (you guessed it) writing. Now that I’ve finished two major assignments with several more ahead, I’m coming up to breathe long enough to share my Top Ten Perks of the Florida Christian Writers Conference.

10. Atmosphere: One of our prayers going into this year’s FCWC was for its atmosphere. Conference founder Billie Wilson established a precious tradition of encouragement, worship, and gentle humor. This year, co-directors Eva Marie Everson and Mark Hancock carried that out in their own inimitable style. And the stylings of worship artist Rob Gorini of Nonparell fueled our artistic flames.

9. Scholarships: Author and friend to writers Cec Murphey donated scholarships to help writers of color attend this year’s event (thank you, Cec). And the conference itself gave nearly $15,000 worth of scholarship money to those who applied. Please remember this if you’d like to attend the conference but have concerns about the cost.

8. Contest and Awards Banquet: The 2013 FCWC writing contest had a fresh look. Writers submitted entries before the conference and were honored during a first-class awards banquet on the final evening.

7. Location, Location, Location: Central Florida in March seems like a warm breath of heaven for those from less temperate climates. And the Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center, with trees laden in Spanish moss and breathtaking views of the lake, makes for a matchless setting.

6. Bookstore and Photography: The easy-access conference bookstore offered many advantages including a flash drive of all workshop handouts. And the official conference photographer not only offered a CD of conference photos but also took headshots (a common author need) upon request.

5. Workshops and Continuing Classes: The conference offered nine continuing classes (including a fabulous workshop for teens) which met every morning, all taught by experienced professionals. In addition, conferees had their choice of sixty-plus workshops on topics ranging from social media to time management to finding your writing voice.

4. Keynotes and VIP Breakfasts: Industry experts Alton Gansky, Rachel Hauck, Steven James, Sally Stuart, and Dan Walsh shared their expertise through venues that included not only the traditional conference keynotes but VIP breakfasts each morning of the conference.

3. Expert Feedback: The FCWC provided ample opportunities for writers to meet with top agents, editors, and authors in fifteen-minute appointments or at more informal lunch and dinner meetings. For an extra fee, conferees also had the opportunity to submit their work for an advance critique by a faculty member of their choice.

2. Critique Groups: This unique element of the FCWC came about through its ownership by Word Weavers International. Critique groups met each night to introduce Word Weavers methods and give conferees the opportunity to experience a working critique group.

1. Inspiration: The unique combination of a first-class conference in a fabulous location with speakers and teachers who all pointed to the Giver of all good gifts more than laid the foundation for the conference theme, INSPIRE.

The 2013 Florida Christian Writers Conference blessed, challenged, and inspired me. I hope you'll join us February 26-March 2, 2014 for next year's conference!

Did you attend this year's Florida Christian Writers Conference? Do you have any additions to my list? Feel free to share in the comments below.

WRITE: Tips from the Pros: Lynda T. Young (CAN blog)

2013-03-21T11:00:00.000-04:00

I'm popping in today to invite you over to the Christian Authors Network website for my interview with author Lynda T. Young. Her You Are Not Alone books for families of children with cancer, congenital heart defects, and autism sound wonderful, and I'm sure writers will benefit from her marketing wisdom, too. Blessings!

PRAY: Prayer for Those in Low Places

2013-03-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord. (Psalm 130:1)
Photo © Andrew PIeper, 2012

Perhaps you know someone in a low place.

It might be a place of depression, of dark emotions and unspoken words. It might be a place of humility, of coming down from the heights to valleys unseen and undesired.

It might be a place of pain and unheard-of imaginings. It might be a place of low respect or ill repute. It might be a place of consequences. It might be a place of choice. It might be a place of regret.

It might be a place of the past. It might be a place of the now.

I offer today’s prayer for those, for whatever reason, find themselves there.

Lord, I come to You with the real sense of Your greatness and my nothingness. I confess to You my weakness, my failure, my inability, my sin. I know I need Your power to lift me up.

But Father, I also confess to You my feelings about this low place. Too often, I look on it with loathing. I long for the former or future things. I desire affirmation and exaltation. I crave kindness. I miss mercy. And sometimes, I search for a way to go higher and ignore your call to stay low.

Lord, help me listen to You. Help me see the broken beauty that surrounds me. Help me stop seeking false roads toward the heights—or false heights to ascend. And help me learn the lessons of this low place.

God, I’d love to move out of the depths, but only in Your time and Your way. Only when I’m ready to comfort others with the comfort You give me. Only at Your word and with Your anointing.

Please, Jesus, give me the power You had to empty Yourself and take the form of a servant. Give me the power to stay low until such a time as You choose to raise me up. Give me the power to exalt You.

As You increase, allow me to decrease—all for Your glory, AMEN.

Do you find yourself or someone you love in a low place? Share a prayer need in the comments below or in an email. I know about the low places, and I'd be honored to lift you up.

PRAY: Prayer for Those Who Need to Step Out in Faith

2013-03-14T11:00:00.000-04:00

Photograph © Andrew Pieper, 2012

I have a beautiful, joy-filled friend who serves on the mission field in a country in Africa. Her most recent prayer letter challenged me in deep ways. She and her husband realized they were walking in fear rather than faith. God had given them specific direction and they’d delayed their obedience.

Their reasons for waiting made sense. The decision would affect their finances. They have three young children whom they’re raising far from family and the conveniences of the United States.

And yet: What did God say? My friend wrote, “More and more He began laying it on our hearts that we needed to step out in faith and make our actions line up with our values!”

They realized they could no longer wait for circumstances to line up or a safety net to surround them. Instead, they must listen to God’s voice, move forward in faith, and trust Him. Period. And my friend’s advice?

“Living in faith is so much fun! Join me in the adventure of obedience!” So today, this is my prayer—for my friend, for myself, and for so many of us:

Lord, So often I need to step out, but instead, I cling in fear. Yet You have more than proven Your faithfulness, goodness, and power. You’ve never pointed me the wrong way. You’ve watched over me. You’ve brought good out of bad and light from darkness. You’ve stayed with me in the trial, in the storm, through the pain and through the problems. You are good. Always so good.

And me? I am frail and full of weakness. I am prone to wander, born to fail and fall. I often live as little Much-Afraid although Goodness and Mercy hold my hands and guide my steps.

I declare with You today that I don’t have to live this way anymore. I can hear Your voice. I can read Your Word. I do have Your Spirit within me. And I will step out in faith because You have provided, You will empower, and You are enabling me. I have the victory and He is here! In Your wonderful, powerful, almighty name I pray, AMEN.

Are you paralyzed by fear? Do you need to step out in faith? Feel free to share your prayer request in the comments below or via email. Please know I’ll continue to pray as I keep stepping up—and out—in faith.

PRAY: Prayer for Those Who Feel Misunderstood

2013-03-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

Photo © Andrew Pieper, 2012

“But that’s not what I meant!”

Whether or not we say them aloud, our hearts scream these words. Someone has taken what we've said or done the wrong way. They misread or misinterpreted us, and we don’t like it. They should know better. They should talk to us before assuming the wrong thing.

Shouldn’t they?

The other day, someone misunderstood me. The familiar emotions surged and the tears stood in my eyes. After the conversation, I felt betrayed. Hurt. How could someone who knew me well, who cared about me think the worst?

And then I remembered. They misunderstood Jesus, too. Of course, my motives are never as pure as His, and both my words and actions more prone to misinterpretation. But somehow, it helped to remember His repeated attempts to communicate the necessity of the cross to His closest friends and followers. The fact that they never received His message fails to comfort me. The fact that He loved them anyway does.

Father, I thank You that I have in some small way the opportunity to share in Christ’s suffering. I praise You that in this way and others, He identifies with me in my weakness, yet without sin. Help me to walk away from wrongdoing and to embrace the truth. Help me not to prove myself right or someone else wrong, but to seek to live a life of integrity. Help me to care more about others than myself and to willingly allow myself to be misunderstood that Your glory might shine through me.

God, I confess to pride in my communication abilities. I confess to sometimes-selfish motives in saying and doing just the right thing. When You expose my wrong, Father, help me seek Your right. May I desire not to look good but to be good because You live Your life through me. May I desire not to appear righteous but to embrace the righteousness You’ve achieved for me. And may I willingly follow in Your pattern as despised and rejected when to do so serves Your kingdom purposes. In Your holy name I pray, AMEN.

Have you experienced a time when you felt misunderstood? Has misunderstanding strained relationships between you and a friend or family member? Feel free to share your prayer need in the comments below, or email me to share your concerns. I’d be honored to lift you before the Father.

And I’ll do my best not to misunderstand.

READ: Winners! (and a brand-new book trailer)

2013-03-04T12:37:00.000-05:00

I'm back from teaching/serving as chaplain at the 2013 Florida Christian Writers Conference, and ready to post a winner to last week's contest. Although the review had a number of views, only one person left a blog comment, so she wins my review copy of Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front by Karen Whiting and Jocelyn Green. I think a mom of almost-seven with an Air Force pilot husband deserves this book, don't you? Marcie, message me your mailing address and I'll get it right out!

I decided to add to the celebration and post another winner today, too. I never had a response from the first winner of the Valentine Prize Pack associated with my review of Sandra Bricker's Always the Baker, Finally the Bride. Today, I resubmitted names to www.random.org and drew a new winner: Mrs. Lopez. You can email me if you see this, Mrs. Lopez, or I'll be in touch soon to collect your mailing address.

Thanks to those who entered either or both contests. And thanks for supporting Read. Write. Pray.

BONUS: Here's the book trailer for Always the Baker, Finally the Bride. It wasn't yet available when I posted my review. Enjoy!

PRAY: Prayer for Those Who Are Desperate

2013-02-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Photograph © Andrew Pieper, 2012

“Desperate times call for desperate measures.” Although no one can pinpoint the source of that quote, at various times in our lives, we all acknowledge its truth. The disagreement comes when we discuss the desperate measures we need to take.

I think you’ll know my desperate measure of choice. Today, I face a spiritual battle on others’ behalf. Several situations have arisen where none of us has the control we long to have. We can’t wave a wand and fix it (for more on that idea, check out this prayer).

Today in my quiet time, God highlighted Psalm 130 as words to pray back to Him on behalf of my friends. Today, I share my personalization in hopes you’ll join your prayers with mine.

After all, desperate times call for the One who’s desperately in love with us.

Dear God, I’ve hit bottom. I need your help.

Lord, I beg You: Listen to me. Please, please don’t stop listening no matter how much or how often I ask

If you, God, kept a list of our wrongdoing, we’d sink lower than low. In fact, if You treated us according to all the ways we’ve messed up, no one could survive. But you’re an expert on forgiving, so we live to worship You.

I wait for You, Lord. I wait in confident expectation, my hope in Your hand of power and mercy. I’m hanging on. I’m waiting for You to come through, Lord. More than a child looks forward to Christmas morning, I’m waiting. I'm waiting for You.

Oh people of God, hope in Him, for His mercy, love, and compassion overflow. He offers redemption for everyone who seeks Him. And He’ll exchange all our sin—His people’s many offenses against Him—as no one else can. We pray in the name of Jesus—AMEN.

Do you know someone who needs this prayer? Pray it first and please share it. If you’d like more specific prayer, feel free to leave a comment below or email me here.

I’ll continue praying. Because we’re all desperate.

P.S. Check out last Saturday's review for a contest and the opportunity to win my review copy. Until Friday, it’s not too late.

READ: Review, Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front by Karen Whiting and Jocelyn Green

2013-02-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

If asked to give a one-word description of Stories of Faith and Courage from the HomeFront (Battlefields & Blessings) (AMG, 2012), I’d use packed. Far from a slim volume, this devotional book offers 365 true stories of military men and women from the French and Indian War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But authors Karen Whiting and Jocelyn Green, both military wives, don’t stop there. After each devotion, divided into themed weeks, they include appropriate Scripture and an accompanying prayer. They also begin each week with what they call Original Words—excerpts from journals, letters, or news articles pertinent to the time. And each week ends with a Glimpses into Daily Life section that gives further insight about life during a specific era. BONUS: The authors also provide dual QR codes in the front of the book linked to extra material for homeschoolers and couples.

Military couples—or anyone—seeking an inspiring devotional book to use alone or as a couple (perhaps while one is deployed), take note. Homeschool families looking for a devotional book that provides history and character lessons too, take note. Anyone who enjoys true stories of America’s heroes and the price they pay (or have paid) on our behalf, take note. Stories on the Home Front is worth more than its weight in history-revealing, character-developing truth.

Are you a military family? Do you know someone who would love to read this book? Leave a comment about why you’d love to receive it, and I’ll enter you in a drawing to win my review copy of Home Front. I didn’t yet get to give away my Valentine’s Prize Pack, so I’d love to share this and one other military-themed book with the prizewinner.

Because I leave soon to teach at the Florida Christian Writers Conference, you’ll have until next Friday night, March 1, at midnight EST to leave a comment. I’ll announce the winner, chosen at random.org, a week from Monday (March 4).

Find a local Christian bookstore

Find this book on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or at ChristianBook.com

(FTC Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from the publisher. I was not required to post a review or a positive response).

PRAY: Prayer for Those Who Need to Reach Their Potential

2013-02-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

We’ve all heard it at one time or another: “Do your best.” “Try your hardest.”

Some of us have seen it on our report cards. “Does not work up to full potential.” “Can do better than this.” “Should try harder.”

Reach your potential. We mention it often, but how do we achieve our potential? As a friend commented on my Facebook page this morning, “How do you do that? I’m still trying to figure it out.”

I don’t have an easy answer or wise explanation. Instead, I offer this prayer for myself and all those—all of us—who need to reach our potential:

Father, I thank You that You created our potential. In truth, You’re the only One who knows how much we can achieve or who we can become. You know the plans You have for us, plans for good and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope.

Our potential, like our lives, is pointed toward You. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we exist to give You glory. And we can’t achieve that potential without knowing You. So for those who don’t know You, God, I pray You would draw them near. Bring them in. Let them come to know You as all-in-all so they may find their all in You.

And for those who do know You, God, I ask You to allow us to know You more. As we know You more, we learn more about Your ways and Your desires. As we learn more about You, we love You more. We love our neighbor more. And our lives will line up with Your deep desires for our lives.

God, You will never push us away or hold us back. You discipline us only for the purpose of restoration. You may move us to the wilderness for a season, but You always bring us out in love. You bless us that we might declare Your glory. You burden us that we might drive harder into You.

For those who don’t see their potential, whose eyes the enemy has blinded, I ask You to grant wisdom and vision. Let them throw off the old and burst forth into the new. Let their lives push past the pain and pour into the promise. And let them—let each of us—see You as we press toward our true potential, the mark of our high and holy calling in Christ Jesus, in whose glorious name I pray—AMEN.

Are you concerned about reaching your potential? Do you have a child or grandchild who is missing the mark in one or more ways? Feel free to share your prayer request in a comment below, or email me to share in a more personal way.

READ: Winner, Valentine's Prize Pack

2013-02-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

This year's family Valentine Dessert. Mmmm!

I'm popping in on a Monday morning to announce the winner of the Valentine Prize Pack offered in last week's post about Sandra D. Bricker's upcoming release, Always the Baker, Finally the Bride and mentioned again on Friday's "Words with Friends" interview with Sandie.

I asked for stories of special wedding memories and received several wonderful ones (thanks, everyone). I made a list of all the commenters and used random.org to choose our winner, "SherryB."

One problem: Sherry didn't leave an email link. Sherry, if you're out there, please email me here and include your mailing address, or leave another comment that includes your email address so I can contact you. I'd love to get your prize off to you as soon as possible. Thanks again to the hundreds who read and to those of you brave enough to comment, too!

WRITE: Words With Friends: Sandra D. Bricker, author of Always the Baker, Finally the Bride

2013-02-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had a friend you've never met? In our world of virtual relationships, this doesn't seem as unusual as it otherwise might. My friendship with today's featured author, Sandra D. Bricker, has come about without an in-person meeting. I became a fan of her books before I connected with her on Facebook. There, we've exchanged enough posts and messages to realize we have not only her books in common, but much more, including a shared hometown (Cincinnati, Ohio, where our fathers--and later Sandie herself--worked for the same company); similar ages (we both remember Uncle Al, a popular Cincinnati television host in the 50s and 60s); and numerous publishing industry friends.

Since Sandie and I live only about two hours apart from each other in Florida, we're hoping to make our virtual relationship up-close and personal one day soon. In the meantime, on to the interview!

BIO: For nearly two decades, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television’s hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

“I guess most people would see my career as a publicist as a sort of dream job. But giving it up turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me!” she declares. That’s when she combined her love of films and books with her passion for writing, and a best-selling, award-winning reader favorite was born!

Enjoy today's interview with Sandra. And be sure to read to the end to enter our Valentine Prize pack giveway!

The Emma Rae Creations series began with Always the Baker, Never the Bride, but how and when did it begin in your head?

I’m a very big fan of cake. It’s my sweet treat of choice. More than chocolate, more than pie or ice cream, I just really do love cake. My mom was a gifted baker too, so that part of it has always been in my head for one of my characters. Then one Sunday afternoon while killing time on the sofa, I watched a marathon of Amazing Wedding Cakes. I remember thinking, Wow! I wonder what it would be like for someone like me – a diabetic – to have a calling for baking wedding cakes. As much as I love cake, it might kill me! Two hours later, the whole first book had unfolded. I was so excited about it that I couldn’t even wait to filter the proposal through my agent. I just called my editor directly and pitched the idea that Monday morning, and she flipped for it too. And unto us, a series was born!

Did you set out to write a series of four books?

Not at all. It started as one book – Always the Baker Never the Bride. It wasn’t until much later that my editor and I decided we’d somehow stumbled into capturing a little bit of lightning in a bottle. The next books were contracted after the first book had already come out.

In this series, you reveal an amazing amount of wedding knowledge. Have you ever served as a wedding planner?

I was a publicist for actors for over 15 years when I lived in Los Angeles. A large part of the job was planning and hosting large events for their fan clubs, fundraisers for their favorite charities, etc. So combined with the fact that I grew up with a mother who was known as the consummate hostess, I have a ton of event planning experience. In addition, I was the wedding planner for two close girlfriends, so I learned an awful lot by default. The rest of it came through research.

Did your characters do anything that surprised you as you wrote Always the Baker, Finally a Brideand its series partners? If so, will you share one or more with us?

When I wrote the first book, Emma emerged as someone I really related to. She became a girl that I’d have as a friend, someone I’d hang out with. But aside from the fact that we both are diabetics, we didn’t really have all that much in common. Then when I wrote the second book, Sherilyn (the wedding planner) poured straight out of the heart of me. The girl WAS me … from our love of classic rock to our chocolate addiction to our Type A personalities. Over the course of the last three books, Sherilyn was the closest thing to ME I’ve ever revealed through a fictional character. I hadn’t expected that at all! She was supposed to be very different.

What’s next? Can we expect a spin-off series starring Fee, Kat, or any of the book’s other players?

Oh, I would SO LOVE THAT! There had been some plans for a while to publish an Emma Rae cookbook, which I was really excited about because almost all of the recipes in the books came from my mom’s personal recipe files. But Abingdon decided not to pursue the idea when they went into other directions, such as the Quilts of Love line. I’d pitched a couple more Emma Rae books, but they moved on and my editor told us this would be the end of the series. I was almost relieved at that news initially; after all, I’d spent three years writing Emma and the crew! But once Always the Baker Finally the Bridewas turned in and reality set in on me, I was a little heartbroken to realize I wouldn’t spend any more time with them. The good news is we’ve had a nibble here and there about sending them to the small screen, or possibly to a feature film. No contracts have been signed or anything, but I’m enthused about the hope of continuing their stories. Either way, though, the really good news about being a writer is that you never run out of new characters and exciting plots to put on the page!

That's beyond exciting, Sandie. Readers have seemingly been extraordinarily loyal to Emma Rae and the people of The Tanglewood Inn. Where can they keep up with them through the release of the final book?

They really have! I think I have the sweetest, most loyal and supportive readers in the world, and I’m more grateful to them than I can even express. We’ve created a really fun Facebook page for The Tanglewood Inn where “the hotel staff” posts things like guest entries in the journals in the rooms, different pictures of the hotel and the weddings that take place there. It’s been a lot of fun as more readers have started to participate.

Where can readers find you on the Internet?

Here are some links to the places I most often hang out:

Fans of Sandra D. Bricker reader page on Facebook

The Tanglewood Inn page on Facebook

Sandra's website: Sandra's Twitter

Next, I want to repeat Wednesday's info about the Valentine Prize Pack. Leave your comment here or on Wednesday's post to be entered into the drawing.

I haven’t done a giveaway for some time, so since it’s Valentine’s Week, let’s try one. Leave a comment below (sorry, Facebook rules prevent me from using those comments in a contest) with a special wedding memory, either your own or someone else's. I’ll receive comments through this Friday, February 15, at midnight EST and post a winner (chosen at random.org) on Saturday, February 16. Include your email or a link so I can contact you if you win (U.S. addresses only, please).

The winner will receive a sweet Valentine’s Prize Pack:

Sandra’s Love Finds You in Carmel-by-the-Sea California

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Food and Love, which contains another one of her stories

a special Valentine treat (think chocolate).

WRITE: Tips from the Pros: Sarah Jeffrey

2013-02-14T09:35:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Today, a quick post to send you over to the Christian Authors Network blog, where you'll find my interview with YA novelist Sarah Jeffrey.

Please remember to check yesterday's post for the first-ever (although I didn't realize that when I posted it) review of Always the Baker, Finally the Bride by novelist Sandra D. Bricker and the chance to win a sweet Valentine Prize Pack. Enjoy!

READ: Review, Always the Baker, Finally the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker (Emma Rae Creation Series)

2013-02-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Like a bride waits for her wedding day, I waited for Always the Baker, Finally the Bride(Abingdon Press; releases April 1, 2013). My heart overflowed with anticipation, excitement, and a healthy dose of fear.

In this case, the fear came not because of the potential for fainting bridesmaids or other forms of wedding disaster, but because I knew ahead of time that the Emma Rae Creationseries would end with this fourth offering and the long-anticipated (but by no means certain) wedding of Jackson Drake and Emma Rae.

As I mentioned in this review of Always the Designer, Never the Bride, I’ve grown to know and love The Tanglewood (a wedding destination hotel) and its quirky-but-wonderful family: Emma Rae, the diabetic pastry chef; Jackson, hotelier extraordinaire; Sherilyn, wedding planner and best-friend-for-longer-than-forever; and so many more. I don’t want to see the enchantment end.

Finally lives up to the high standard set by author Sandra D. Bricker in the previous Emma Rae novels. Here, Bricker pulls together characters and plot threads in a romantic, soul-satisfying read that, like the other three books in the series, left me longing for more.

Now that I’ve finished the book, I no longer fear the future without Emma Rae and her friends. Thanks to Bricker’s excellent characterization, realistic dialogue, and love-with-a-twist plotlines, I’ll hold her books—and The Tanglewood—always in my heart.

Watch for a “Words with Friends” interview with author Sandra Bricker, coming soon!

The winner will receive a sweet Valentine’s Prize Pack:

Sandra’s Love Finds You in Carmel-by-the-Sea California
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Food and Love, which contains another one of her stories
a special Valentine treat (think chocolate).

(FTC disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book free from a friend. I was not required to post a review or a positive response.)

Find a local Christian bookstore.

Preorder the book on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or at Christian Book Distributors

PRAY: Prayer for Those Who Need to Be Still

2013-02-06T10:58:00.002-05:00

“In times of great difficulty and great expectation, it is our wisdom to keep our spirits calm, quiet, and sedate; for then we are in the best frame both to do our own work and to consider the work of God.”—Matthew Henry

I posted this graphic (left) on my Facebook page yesterday after I saw it on the wall of Sisterhood magazine. It resonated with me because I so often run ahead of the Lord. Sure, I may appear patient on the outside. But on the inside—far too often—my emotions are churning, my mind is screaming, and my will is screaming, “Go!”

Some translations render the admonition in this verse as “Be silent” and others as “Be still,” but I believe both have the same meaning: let God handle it. Wait before Him. And rest.

Easy, right? Of course not. That’s why so many people shared and/or “liked” the graphic yesterday. But when Moses told the Israelites, “Be still,” I don’t imagine they wanted to listen, either. Their chariot-driving enemies were bearing down. Their number was small. Their bodies were tired. And they could do nothing to change their situation. Nothing except follow a leader they didn’t quite trust—who urged them to be still.

For those of us who are tired of waiting, tired of staying silent, and tired of trusting that God will fight for us, I offer today’s prayer:

Lord, I’m standing at the edge of my personal Red Sea today. The enemies are behind me, screaming their threats. And you’re saying, “Be still”?

I don’t get it, Lord. And I confess: my ways are not Your ways. The things I want to do are often the exact opposite of what You desire. I want to move, and You say to rest. I want to cry out, and You remind me to be silent. I want to fight back, and You tell me You’ve got it.

So, Lord, I ask You today to fulfill this work in my life. I can’t do it, but I know You can. Live through me. Be my rest and give me rest. Be my peace and grant me peace. Silence me that I may hear Your voice. Quiet me that I may know Your will. And move my heart, my mind, and my eyes to know that You are fighting for me whether I see any evidence of that or not.

I trust You, God. You made the customized Red Sea before me, and You can get me across. I wait before You with the strength only You can give. I offer myself to You to use as You desire. Live through me. Move through me. And oh, my Father, give me the simple strength to be still.

In Your holy, all-powerful name I pray, AMEN.

Do you face a Red Sea situation? Are you having trouble remaining still and letting the Lord fight for you? Feel free to share your prayer request in a comment or email. I’m already praying for you, but I’d love to share a more specific prayer.

WRITE: Vonda Skelton's Christian Writer's Den Blog

2013-02-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to invite you to come visit me today over on Vonda Skelton's wonderful Christian Writer's Den blog. Vonda (an author, motivational speaker, and actress) does a wonderful job of connecting with, encouraging, and equipping her fellow Christian writers. I highly recommend her blog for anyone interested in writing for publication.

Check out Vonda's interview with me and leave a comment for the opportunity to win one of my books. And Vonda, thanks so much for the opportunity to visit you and the Christian Writer's Den!

PRAY: Prayer for Those Who Are Wounded and Weary

2013-02-02T18:00:00.000-05:00

I have several friends and family members who fit into the “wounded and weary” category. In fact, I’m a bit wounded by a heavy cold and some necessary time out in the wind today helping our daughters raise money for their summer mission trips. But my personal wounds seem small as I look around me: cancer here, infidelity there, multiple surgeries near, and painful recoveries all around. These precious, wounded warriors are on my heart as I lift them in prayer this evening:

Dear Father, Thank You so much today for your power, might, and glory. I praise You that You are a great God and a great King above all gods. I thank You that there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus.

Today, Lord Jesus, I pray for these my wounded brothers and sisters, that they would know You in your fullness and receive Your victory even now. I ask You to give them the crown of life that you promise to those who love You. I ask, oh Master, that You not allow them to grow weary in well-doing but that You strengthen them to stand—to stand against the wiles of the devil; to stand against sin and self; to stand against temptation and torment; to stand, fight, and win the battle.

Thank You, God, that when we are in You, we never fight alone. Thank You that You have given us everything we need for life and godliness. Come to these, my dear ones, and remind them of these truths. Help them know you not only as Savior and Lord but as Lord God Almighty, mighty in battle. You are the King of glory and we will lift up the gates, lift up the everlasting doors that you may come in! We love You and we stand together, wounded and weary no longer but praising your name in which we pray, now and forevermore—AMEN.

Have your circumstances left you wounded and weary, or are you praying for someone who fits that description? Feel free to share in a comment here or email me for prayer. As always, I’m honored to lift you before Him.

WRITE: Florida Christian Writer's Conference--Celebrate the Awe

2013-01-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

How do you describe that moment at the top of the roller coaster before it plunges down the first hill? A friend of mine uses the word awe, which he defines as “great joy and excitement mixed with tremendous fear.”

Borrowing his definition, then, I can say I’m in awe of my role as chaplain for the 2013 Florida Christian Writers Conference. A chaplain ministers God’s truth. A chaplain gives care, comfort, and encouragement. And although I’ve done all of those things in various ministry opportunities (including writers' conferences) through the years, I’ve never had this particular title at a conference. And sometimes, I allow the fear portion of my awe too much freedom.

What if the prayer letters I send prove ineffective? What if I say the wrong thing when I address the conference or speak to an individual? What if I miss out on opportunities because I’m too busy teaching workshops or meeting with those interested in writing for Sisterhood Magazine (some of my other responsibilities at the FCWC).

Did you notice anything about those questions? They all center on me. And that’s the focus God’s shifting as I pray toward the conference. Those who are self-focused minister only to one person. So I’m asking God to help me turn my what-ifs into prayers that He’ll move through me both now and during the conference. After all, I can only live in awe if I step aside and watch Him work.

I may not have a perfect understanding of my chaplain role, but He does. I may not know what to say or when to say it, but He promises wisdom to those who ask. And I’ll trust Him for the timing of appointments, planned and otherwise.

God loves to use my weakness as a vehicle for His strength (2 Corinthians 12:9). Because I remember my days a confused first-time conference attendee, I can offer words of calm assurance. Because I long for God to use my writing to make a difference, I can pray for others who have the same hope and desire. And because I continue to slip, stumble, and start over again in my own writing journey, I can encourage others at all stages of theirs.

I hope to see you at the Florida Christian Writer’s Conference (for more of my thoughts about why you should attend, go here). Come find me. I’ll be the one watching for His great work—and celebrating the awe.

Do you have questions about the conference? Feel free to ask by leaving a comment or emailing me. For more information, check out the conference website and Faculty Blog.

WRITE: Words with Friends: Joyce Magnin, author of CAKE

2013-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today, I'm proud to share with you an interview with award-winning author Joyce Magnin as the start of a new blog feature, Words with Friends. God has allowed me to build some great relationships with other authors, and I don't want to hide those when I feature their books. In Words with Friends, I'll share an interview and a bit of personal information, too.

Joyce and I first met a few years ago when we both served on faculty at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. At our first in-person encounter, I bowed at her feet to show my extreme appreciation for her talents. We share an off-center sense of humor, a love for great literature, and a deep appreciation for Lemon Squares. Elsewhere on this blog, you can read my earlier interview with Joyce and my review of her most recent work, CAKE.

Joyce, a frequent conference speaker and writing instructor, is the author of the popular and quirky Bright’s Pond series along with two recent middle grade novels, Carrying Mason and Cake. When she’s not writing or reading, Joyce enjoys baseball, needle arts, video games, and cream soda, but not elevators—especially glass ones. She listens to many kinds of music, shamelessly confesses to enjoying American Idol, and has never eaten a scallop or sky dived. Joyce has three children, Rebekah, Emily, and Adam; three grandsons, Lemuel, Cedar, and Soren; and one son-in-law, Joshua. Joyce, her son Adam, and their crazy cat Mango live in Havertown, Pennsylvania where Joyce cares for an eighty-year-old onion plant.

Welcome, Joyce. Let’s jump right into our discussion. What were some of your favorite books as a child?

Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books. Loved them all. Still do.

Emily of New Moon, she was one of the lesser-known heroines of Lucy Maud Montgomery, although Anne of Green Gables was a favorite also.

The poems of Emily Dickinson even though I didn’t understand most of what I was reading, I just loved to read the words.

Harriet the Spy

Winnie the Pooh

Grimm's Fairy Tales

Pippi Longstocking made me want to have big feet and strap sponges on them to scrub the kitchen floor. Oh, and to have a monkey. Mom wouldn’t allow it, which was kind of disappointing considering our mother let us keep every animal we brought home, including dogs, cats, a flying squirrel, snakes, birds, guinea pigs, mice, and a pig for a short while, but my favorite was the dogs.

Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales

But, believe it or not I became enamored with Sherlock Holmes when I was around eleven years old.

When and why did you decide to start writing for young readers?

I was nine. No, really. Middle Grade literature has always been my first love. I love this age group. Everything that is difficult, crazy, scary about this time in the kiddoes’ lives is also what is wonderful about it. I think middle grade literature is some of the best writing out there. I love being part of this.

3. Both CAKE and Carrying Mason have a heroine who triumphs over others who in some way have rejected her. Did you make a conscious decision to champion the underdog?

Yep. Heroes come in many shapes and sizes. As I have been thinking about and reworking my vision/mission statement for my middle grade books I have come to realize that the main message (as much as I dislike the term) of my books is that all children are eminently worthy of love. To receive love and give love. Sometimes, kids with particular struggles need to be reminded of this.

Was the idea for CAKE something you’d carried around for a while?

Yes. Oh my gosh, I had been thinking about writing about magical cake for a long time. I love the idea of infusing magical realism into my middle grade stories. Readers of this age are wonderful and although they know magic is not real they are still willing to suspend belief and get carried away.

What do you hope your readers gain from reading CAKE?

As I said, my hope is that my words will somehow show kiddoes that they are worthy. Worthy of love. And that taking care of chickens is a good thing, and that sometimes giving love away makes it come back even stronger.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your writing in general or CAKE in particular?

Just that I absolutely love writing for the kiddoes. And that I enjoy visiting schools and homeschool groups, libraries, and churches to talk about books and writing and words and imagination. If any of your readers would like more info on me or my speaking/program events they can visit me at http://joycewritesforyoungpeople.blogspot.com/

And I can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks, Marti, as always a pleasure to visit. Love all you do to promote literacy.