Sisters In Cahoots

Growing in Christ

2012-01-31T23:32:00.000-08:00

What does the phrase “To grow in Christ” mean?

Since this phrase will be the focus of my Wednesday blog post, I thought it best we begin with the basic thoughts behind the idea.

When I think about growing in Christ, to me (and since I am the one writing this column) it means that tomorrow I should be different; better, stronger, wiser, more humble, closer to Him, spending more time with Him, more loving (you get the idea) than I was today.

It means that I am constantly looking for and asking the Holy Spirit to show me what needs changing in me. Where can I make changes that will make me more like Christ? Can I change a little something in my attitude? Is how I am speaking keeping someone from accepting Christ? Is my dress appropriate for a woman who calls herself a Christian? Am I listening to the Holy Spirit and heeding His voice?

There are so many areas of my life that need work. Yet, I can look back on my life and see that I am not the same person I used to be. I do not have a temper like I used to. My tongue is much more controlled (that was a tough one!). My flesh is learning daily that it is not in control. My thoughts are less self-centered and self-serving. I have finally learned what it means to be in one accord with Christ…to want His will and purpose to be accomplished in my life.

I remember when the scales on my eyes were taken off. I was sitting at the computer whining to myself and to God about someone who said they’d do something then not doing it. And how if that person ever needed help, they would be hard pressed to get it from me. All of the a sudden I heard the Holy Spirit whisper in my ear…but, what if it was my will that you do it any way? What if I would be glorified? Would you do it for me?

In a heartbeat, I said yes and I repented. That is when I realized that everything that happens to me, through me and by me is solely for His glory, not my own. And if He deems it necessary for me to clean toilets or change babies diapers, then I’ll do it. If it is His will that I continue writing books and speaking for truth, then I’ll do it. If it means I help the person who purposely hurt me, then send me Lord…for I will do your will. I want the Lord to be exalted by my words, my deeds, my attitude, my everything.

What does Jesus say about “growing in Him?”

Glad you asked!

"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

This is as good a description as any. We are to look to scripture as our instruction guide. Everything we need to grow is at our fingertips.

In almost every post you will receive teaching from the Word with practical applications for your life. Together, we’ll grow in Christ and become all that He has intended us to be.

Lord, I ask that you change me. Search my heart oh Lord and renew in me a right spirit. I do not want to be the old me. I want to look more and more like you, every day of my life. I want to see the changes in me and more importantly, I want others to see those changes in me. In your precious name, Amen.

Sisters in Cahoots! ~ Amanda Stephan

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hostess of ~ Amanda's Grab Bag
Tuesdays with Amanda

Yes. This is weird for me as well. I'm introducing myself. To my blog. I can hear you now...Hello! Amanda! Have you lost your mind? Well, not exactly. Perhaps close, but it's not entirely gone yet, so please bear with me a little while longer!

So, just so you know and don't get confused, I'm the last of the Sisters in Cahoots! But, just in case you're a little disappointed, I've got my eye on at least one more Sister out there ~ you know who you are...

Just a quick little pass over my bio info. Of course, as you know, I'm a Christian romance author. I honestly believe that God can work miracles in multiple formats ~ devotionals, non-fiction, fiction, music, and more. I'm called to write Fiction ~ I've been writing for as long as I can remember, but what grabs my attention ~ and creativity ~ is Contemporary Christian romance.

What I expect to bring to this group?
Well, I guess I'd have to call it eclectic...I get sidetracked a little. Um, perhaps a little more than a little...Darlene. No comments, please! jk :) So, I thought I'd bring you a little bit of everything ~ crafting, marketing ideas, creative marketing, guerilla marketing techniques, recipes, reviews, friends, funnies, and sales
...I'm sure you get the idea. So stay tuned for Tuesdays with Amanda!

And, just like the rest of the Sisters, please feel free to check out my books ~ Click on the covers!

Lonely Hearts is only 99¢ at Smashwords...

Sisters in Cahoots! ~ Aileen Stewart

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hostess of ~ Kids Korner
Mondays with Aileen

Everyone has a little time for fun, and we're glad to welcome Aileen Stewart to our chummy little Sisters in Cahoots! group. Aileen is a great friend and I'm tickled she's going to bring us our Kids Korner on Monday's.

Aileen, what would you like to tell picky parents out there?
I write children’s books for the eight to twelve tween group. I chose this group because I never really out grew my love of children’s books and this is an often overlooked age wedged between pictures books and YA fiction.

What can we look forward to with your column?
My column is Kids Korner where I will be sharing book reviews, author and illustrator interviews, and other assorted kid friendly items. My goal is to encourage reading by introducing fun, fresh, entertaining, confidence building, morally sound books that both kids and parents will enjoy. So come join the adventure and maybe you will find an adventure of your own!

Remember, click on the book cover below to get an inside peek at Aileen's book, Fern Valley!

Sisters in Cahoots! ~ Kristi Burchfiel

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hostess of ~

Sundays with Kristi ~

Devotionals

Hi Kristi! I'm so excited to introduce you to our lovely group of readers here!

Can you please tell us a little about yourself?

I write Christian Bible studies and devotions. Honestly, I've never seriously thought about writing anything else. I enjoy being able to study the Bible and learn what God has for me. I believe God teaches each of us about who He is and what He has for us so that we can both apply it to our lives and share it with others so they can grow in their relationship with Him, too. I love seeing God speak to other people through the words and examples He's given me.

Would you care to tell us a little about your column?

My column is "Sunday Mornings with Kristi." My prayer is that God will use this time with all of you to share together in learning and applying God's truths. I want to share what God is doing in my life and showing me, and I want to hear your story and how God is using scripture to impact your life. I look forward to growing together with you!

I'm sure you're working on something new a fabulous. Would you like to tell us about what you're doing?

I have a couple of new works in progress. My new Bible study, "The Decay Within: A Study of Amos" is now available in pre-sales on my website and will officially launch April 10th. I'm also working at adding to "The Daily Devotional Series" ebooks and plan to have the devotions over Psalm available in mid-February.

You're more than welcome to click on the Book Covers below and read a little more about Kristi's books at Amazon.com ~

And check out her newest devotional, The Decay Within at her website at http://www.kristiburchfiel.com/ !

Sisters in Cahoots! ~ Dee Dee Wike

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hostess of ~ Dear Dee Dee
Saturdays with Dee Dee

Again, I had the pleasure of meeting Dee Dee and her daughter in September in Nashville, and let me tell you, they are a HOOT! When I finally gained enough courage to ask these ladies, (The Sisters), if they would be interested in a group blog, Dee Dee had the wonderful idea of a Dear Dee Dee Column here on the blog. I'll let her tell you the rest, but be sure to join us here on Saturdays for the chat!

What genre do you write?
I write primarily non-fiction (devotionals), although I have written some poetry and a parable, which I hope to publish as a children's book.

Why do you write this particular genre?
I write non-fiction because it is how I process life. My devotionals come straight out of my prayer life and incorporate Scripture as our relevant solution for today's life issues.

What is your contributing column and what would you like to see happen with it?
My Saturday column is "Dear Dee Dee," a Dear Abby-type feature which will give biblical answers to questions posed by our readers. It is my hope that this column will become a place of ministry and prayer as we explore together what God's Word says about the problems we face. It is not intended to be an "advice" column, but one where desperate hearts in search of hope find encouragement in the Word of God.

What is your next major project?
Although I have a third devotional book and a children's book in the wings awaiting publication, my next major project is to turn one of my existing books into a devotional app similar to "Jesus Calling" or "Our Daily Bread." I am also working on building my speaking ministry and obtaining 501(c)3 status for Dee Dee Wike Ministries.

Click on the book covers to get an inside peek at Amazon.com!

We're trying to find just the right chat box to have here on the blog, so you may have to be patient with me as I work out the kinks. I'm open to ideas from readers if you think of something you'd like instead of a chat box, email me! amanda38401 at gmail dot com

Sisters in Cahoots!

Sisters in Cahoots! ~ Karina Harris

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thursdays with Karina ~

Writing; More Than Words

Continuing our introductions, I'd love for you to meet Karina Harris.

Karina is the talented author of Christian novels, Second Chance and Third Time Around. I had the pleasure of meeting Karina in September of 2011, and we had a blast up in Nashville. Let me tell you. You have to watch the quiet ones... ;)

What genre do you write?

I write fiction. The two books I've published fall under the category of Christian romantic suspense. Although I also have some Christian historical fiction in the wings.

Why do you write this particular genre?
I most enjoy reading fiction. It is my great escape. From the time I was a young girl, I loved entering the worlds of others and reading about their lives, their happy endings. As I grew up and began to develop my own style of writing, I naturally turned to that genre to share my feelings, beliefs, and what truths about life God had given me.

What is your contributing column and what would you like to see happen with it?
In addition to writing fiction, I am also a teacher. I have spent much time trying to help young people develop their own style when writing, and have learned a few tips along the way, many of them from other writers much more accomplished than me. My column Is titled "Writing; More Than Words". In it I hope to share some insights I have learned regarding the craft of writing. My hope is that by sharing what I have learned (and am still learning), other writers and educators may be aided in some way.

What is your next major project?
I am currently working on the prequel in the Summers Saga. The characters have become so real to me that I also find myself thinking about what they are doing now. So there may one day be a fourth book in the series...

As I said previously, I have also written an historical novel. This one also has the potential to become a series.

Be sure to click the images below to get a peek inside these fabulous books ~ Available on Amazon.com & Karina's website!

Sisters In Cahoots! ~ Darlene Shortridge

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

As you know, we're starting a new thing around here. Starting February 1st, next Wednesday, Darlene Shortridge will be kicking off our new Sisters in Cahoots! blog. I thought it would be a great time to introduce you to each of our wonderful hostesses in the next few days. Stay tuned, and come back to learn about the ladies of this new group.

Hostess of ~

Growing in Christ
Wednesdays with Darlene

Hi Darlene, I'm so glad you're a part of Sisters in Cahoots! I'm sure you're going to keep us all on our toes, and I'm positive you have some pretty fantastic things in store for our readers! Let's tell them a bit about you, shall we?

What genre do you write?
I write Contemporary Christian Fiction, particularly drama/women's fiction. Some have labeled my writing romance, but, I tend to think of it more as a drama.

Why do you write this particular genre?
I want to write fiction that can change lives. Until Forever deals with the difficult subject matter of alcoholism. Forgiveness is key in the story line.

What is your contributing column and what would you like to see happen with it?
I write the column "Growing in Christ." My life's calling is seeing people, especially women, grow into the women God has called us to be. Everyday we should see positive changes in our lives. Everyday we should be more than we were the day before. If we are to accomplish all God has called us to do, we must learn to deny ourselves and become more like Him.

What is your next major project?
I am currently working on the sequel to Until Forever, which is titled "Forever Blessed." Forever Blessed deals with the real life issues of domestic violence. I am thrilled and humbled that God has allowed and called me to do what I love to do, write and speak so that we may all grow into His likeness. My husband and I have just begun to work on a joint writing venture. I won't tell you what it is just yet, but I can promise it's going to be awesome!

Want a sneak peek into Until Forever? Click on the book cover below and you'll be taken right to Amazon.com ~

Inner Peace

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

If you can start the day without caffeine,

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without alcohol,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,

...Then You Are Probably The Family Dog!

Meet Jennifer Campoverde Rocha

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

author of Aku and the Magnificent Color Scheme

My Review ~
Every child needs to know that God has created them exactly the way they are. Children will learn this important lesson in Aku and the Magnificent Color Scheme. Beautiful illustrations will hold their (and your) attention as you read how Aku learns contentment and thankfulness in God's design in everything ~ including a small bird with a large imagination!

This lyrical and entertaining story with gorgeous illustrations is sure to become a favorite!

I was invited to read this book by Ms. Rocha, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I asked Ms. Rocha a few questions, and wanted to share her answers with you. Enjoy!

A ~ What inspired you to write this children's book?

J ~ The inspiration behind Aku traces back to Uganda, Africa. While teaching sex education and the Bible in the prison compounds of Luzira, I met two little girls that would remind me the value of self-worth and self-esteem. As they ventured outside the prison gates to escort me home, one of the little girls murmured that she wished she could be white so that she could be beautiful. I found a way to reach her heart past her insecurities. She blossomed right before my eyes realizing that she was beautiful just as God created her. While writing Aku, I felt it would be completely pointless to write a story without an important message. Whether you are an adult or a child, every person needs to be reminded how unique and special they are …just as God created them to be.

A ~ I see on your dedication page that it was dedicated to someone special. Would you like to tell us a little about it?

J ~ I dedicated the book to my son Samuel. In Spanish, his nickname is Samuelito. Mi tesoro, mi chiquito precioso means my treasure, my precious little boy. Samuel is three years old; he is the light of my life and every beat of my heart.

A ~ Did you write under a pseudonym, or is that your real name?

J ~ Jennifer Campoverde Rocha is my real name.

A ~ Why did you decide to use birds to get your point across? Do they hold a special place in your heart?

J ~ Aku and the Magnificent Color Scheme just came to me one day out of the blue. I grabbed a pen and a paper and I had the entire story written in under an hour. Somehow, I remember just naturally wanting to choose a parrot, maybe because there were not many stories about parrots. I have two parakeets that have a lot of personality, but when it comes right down to it, I didn’t really choose. I believe it was just meant to be-a parrot named Aku.

Aku and the Magnificent Color Scheme is the first in a series of adventures and valuable lessons. The sooner Aku and the Magnificent Color Scheme takes off the sooner the sequel will follow. Children are really attracted to the colors and illustrations. I have even been asked while doing a reading at a school for third graders if I am going to make a movie about Aku. Children understand the message and are excited.

A ~ And, do you have any parting thoughts you'd like to leave?

J ~ I feel blessed to have the opportunity to share this story and be invited into the hearts and homes of families. To learn more about Aku and upcoming events, you can check out my website @ http://www.jennifercampoverde.tateauthor.com.

Thank you Amanda for the opportunity to talk about Aku!

And thank you, Jennifer, for being my guest here today! :)

Friends, we are offering a signed copy of Jennifer's book, Aku and the Magnificent Color Scheme to one lucky winner. Leave an encouraging comment for Jennifer to be entered to win this delightful book. Contest ends ~ January 27th

January Contest ~ Win an Amazon.com Gift Card

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Have you read Lonely Hearts or The Price of Trust?

Whether you purchased them, won them, or borrowed a book from a neighbor, you're eligible to win a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card.

How?

Just leave a review of either book on Amazon.com or Smashwords.com, enter your information below, and your name will be entered to win.

Have you read both books?

If you put your review on Amazon.com AND Smashwords, your name will be entered into the contest for each review at each place you leave them, including GoodReads!

*Please leave a valid email address so I can contact you if you win.*

Last day to enter, January 31st. Winner will be notified February 1st and must respond within 2 days to my email or another winner will be chosen.

The Price of Trust on Amazon.com

The Price of Trust on GoodReads.com

Lonely Hearts on Amazon.com

Lonely Hearts on Smashwords.com

Lonely Hearts on GoodReads.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

eBook Sales

2012-01-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning, bloggy friends! Do you realize it's already the second almost third week of January? Oh goodness, how time flies!

The weather is getting colder down here in the South, and that means, reading on my Kindle. Yes, I won a Kindle from SouthernWriters ~ how awesome is that?! Anyway, I wanted to send out some quick links to some eBooks that are low-cost.

Of course, my newest book, Lonely Hearts (which was on Amazon.com's Best Seller's list ~ always an awesome thing) is now only 99¢ on Smashwords. Get your copy now!

And, here's a few more Christian books on sale at Amazon.com ~
**Please Check Price before downloading!** :)

99¢ ~

The Santa Shop (The Santa Conspiracy)

The Daily Devotional Series: The Gospel of John

The Daily Devotional Series: Genesis

The Holy Bible: Authorized King James Version KJV Holy Bible (ILLUSTRATED) (King James Bible - Churched Authorized Version | Authorised BIble)

Weekend

Valley of the Shadow

A Dream Unfolding (Prescott Pioneers #1)

A Man for Temperance (Wagon Wheel)

Brenna's Choice

Chocolate-Covered Crime (A Summer Meadows Mystery)

89¢ ~
Joelle's Secret (Wagon Wheel Series #3)

Snow Angel: A Novel

A Man for Temperance (Wagon Wheel Series #2)

Classics I Loved ~
99¢ ~
Sense and Sensibility (Full Text with Biography, Chapter Summary, Examination of Themes, and Character Summary)

Mansfield Park (Full Text with Biography, Chapter Summary, Examination of Themes, and Character Summary)

Therapists

2012-01-13T17:49:00.000-08:00

I went to the therapist today. The office rather looked and smelled like a hair salon.Oh wait. It was. There are times when I just HAVE to have my hair cut. It's like a whole new beginning or something.
So I walk into the store and I waited for my personal 'dr.' When I need a good 'session', I goto her. No one else. Should it scare me that she immediately grabs scissors and drapes a cape around my shoulders? Ha! No. Where else am I going to feel like a villain-turned-superhero in only twenty minutes?!I always. ALWAYS. take a picture of what I need. That's how we communicate. Pictures are worth a thousand words, right?! :0)Anyway, she looks at my special picture, nods once or twice, and commences cutting.
Twenty minutes later, I feel like a new person. Look like one too. There's a smile on my face, a lilt in my walk, and a giggle in my talk.Not to mention more money in my wallet. I mean, hey. Where else can you borrow a cape, have a chit-chat while you're being transformed from a beast into a beauty?! *or at least as close as it's going to get...*

Source: hairstyles2012x.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Ha ha! No, that's not me. I wish, but nope. I'm still hiding here behind my desk where you can't see me...hehe! Perhaps I'll get some pictures taken this week and post them for y'all to see my new 'do'. Or not... ;)

Deal Breakers

2012-01-06T21:07:00.000-08:00

Sounds ominous, doesn't it? What exactly is a deal breaker? Is it when you don't get your own way in a relationship, it's time to cut all ties with your significant other? Or, your best friend was stabbing you in the back ~ would it be the perfect time to throw a friendship that, up until this particular time, had always been a blessing?

This week, I've had some pretty tough issues that needed to be addressed. I've found things that would be considered Deal Breakers. Things that made my stomach turn and my heart break. Ooh boy, let me tell you, Satan has been busy in this corner of the world.

I'm sure you know what this is. And I'm pretty positive you understand what it symbolizes.

I think only too often people burn bridges before they should. I was hurt and my trust was trampled. Horribly and deeply. But I'm not ready to let go. I don't want to burn a bridge out of anger. I don't want to cause irreparable damage to not only me, but to innocent people that have no say in the matter. Would this person deserve it? Yes. Am I doing this out of some sick sense of piety or because I think I'm better? Heck no. I have so many faults it's disgusting.

I'm not burning my bridges because I love. I love deeply and truly, and this is worth fighting for. Actually, I rather consider myself a quitter. When things get tough, I tend to run the other way. Nope. Ain't proud of it. Just stating a fact. If there's a boat that needs to be rocked, you can bet I'm not going to start it. That's the way I am.

But this thing I'm dealing with, it woke me up. It made me realize that like the Bible says, we're in a Spiritual battle while we're here on earth, and Satan is seeking whom he may devour. The scary part? He's knocking on my door. Let's be honest here. He's trying to beat the darn door down and take prisoners. No, not my soul because that already belongs to Jesus, but all these things that I treasure and cherish. My husband. My children. And at times, I wonder about my sanity. :) (Just kidding)

Why am I telling the Blogosphere this? Because I want you to know that if you have Jesus as your Savior, you've got a BIG GOD that wants to take care of His People. When He gave the list of Spiritual armor over in Ephesians 6:10-18, there's something missing. No, not in the Bible, but in the armor.

He didn't give us knee pads ~ perhaps so we can easily hit our knees in prayer. I don't want to only pray when I'm hurting. I want a real, tangible relationship with my God and Savior.

Eph 6:18 ~ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (KJV)

By the way. I went out shopping today with my children, and I met someone that I know. Mind you, I don't know her extremely well, we don't hang out together or call each other and chat. We're good acquaintances, (Even that doesn't explain it the best.) Anyway, this person reached over and gave me a hug. Today. While I was hurting, and I felt like I had been in an emotional meatgrinder. And you know what? I needed that. What a simple, yet effective way to be a blessing to someone else.

Friend, if you're reading this, thank you for that smile you gave. Thank you for the hug I needed. I'm so glad God sent you to deliver it to me. :)

Praise God He isn't a deal breaker. :)

Sisters in Cahoots

2012-01-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

I suppose that you've noticed that the name of this blog has changed.There's a good reason for it.
Have you seen those group blogs where a group of people get together andblog about something? Of course you have...or at least you've seen blogs where there areguest posters, right? Thought so.
As a blogger, I'm rather sporadic at best. Sometimes Iget these little blogging spurts where you get a new post everyday for a week straight. Then hello hiatus and you wonder if I'm ever coming back (ain't that so sweet?!)Whether it's for emotional reasons, (hello menopause), family reasons, or writing reasons,it's life. It happens to the best of us. ;)
This is no longer just my blog. It's a group blog where a few friends and I will get togetherand post something different for almost everyday.That's the reason for the name change. I want to introduce you to...
Sisters in Cahoots!
Each of these women are special and dear to me, some I've met in person, some I've talked to on the phone, and ALL have encouraged me in some way. I want to share these special authors with you.I want you to get a blessing from what they have to say.
For now, take a peek at their books, and I'll introduce each to you later.

Sisters in Cahoots!
Touching one heart at a time for Christ

Newsy Revamp

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

I know. Another newsletter to sign up for. Sheesh, what's the matter?Don't you think I have enough to do with my time?!

If that thought crossed your mind when you read the title, please raise your hand!Trust me, you're not alone. Time is precious and once it's gone, it's not coming back.So I'm going to make this a little different. I want to offer you something each month that will bring you back for more. As well as invite your friends. :)
Honestly, I don't do a lot of newsletters. I think I made about 6 of them in 2011 and they werepretty sporadic at best. But I'm going to change that.
In the new and improved Newsletter, I'm going to send out a new one at the beginning of every month. Included in this great little piece of newsletter happiness, I'm going to offer you these items ~
~ recipe or craft of the month ~~ Giveaway Winner/Contest ~~ Free Kindle Book ~~ joke of the month~~ Sale News ~~ appearances & new release news ~
This is my plan, anyway. And it has a good chance of working as I just put a post-it note on my computer screen...hehe. So guess what? This is the first of the month, and that means I need to get a Newsletter out. Check your inbox and let me know what you think!

Monday is my BiRtHdAy

2012-01-01T00:00:00.001-08:00

and while we can't be together in person, we can get together for a little fun online!

I'm gaining speed as I rush toward my mid-life crisis, and just to let you know, yes, a 370z is my car of choice! Look, it's either that or a 1970 Bronco with a modified top to play around in. Seriously, either would be great. Not picky at all... ;) I keep telling my hubby that we're getting close, but somehow he's just not understanding yet.

Anyway, I want to give away a few presents this year.

First gift ~ if you buy Lonely Hearts from my website, I'll give you a 38% discount off Amazon.com prices. (paperback only)
Second gift ~ if you buy The Price of Trust from my website, I'll give you a 38% discount off Amazon.comprices. Bet you can't tell how old I'm going to be, right?

If you've already purchased either/both books, I still want to thank you. If you liked them enough to leave a review, please do so and I'll put your name in a hat to win a $10 Amazon.com gift card. Don't worry. If you don't have an Amazon account, post a review on GoodReads, and you'll still be entered to win.
Here's the GR link for LONELY HEARTS
Here's the GR link for THE PRICE OF TRUST

And last but definitely not least, if you've already purchased either of my books and left your reviews on either of the places aforementioned, remind me, and I'll add your name to the hat!

*~*Gift-Giving ends January 9, 2012*~*

To resolve or not to resolve. That is the question!

2011-12-31T09:36:00.000-08:00

There's a lot of resolutions that people say they're going to do.I've never really been one to do that, because I know I'm probably notgoing to stick with it. I guess I figure that if I find something about myself that I just don't like, why in the world am I going to wait until New Year's and resolve to fix it then?Sounds too much like procrastination.
This year, I've been seeing where some people have changed their resolution to a word.Peggy Phifer, who's book To See the Sun comes out January 18, 2012, mentioned thather word last year was Trust. (Read about it here)
And I wondered what my word would be if I were to find one.I'll have to keep you posted because at this moment, I have no idea.What about you? Do you have resolutions and if you do, are you able to stick with them?Or, do you have a special word that you meditate on throughout the year?

Book Cover Extravaganza!

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever looked at a cover and thought 'If it were me, I'd have done this.'or'I can't stand this or this about it.'or'Oh my word, that's the coolest cover ever!'

If you said yes, join the club. If you said no, I'm not sure I believe you! ;)You know the old adage that says, 'Don't judge a book by its cover' and yetit seems like everyone does exactly that.
So here comes the cool part.I want to know your thoughts. I have several projects in the making, aswell as several book covers in the grinder, and I'd like to know what you think.Which is your favorite? Least favorite and why?You really like this one, but you'd change...That sort of thing.
Where to put all this information? That's the easy part!Just leave me a comment below. What can you win?The gratitude of this author as well as bragging rights if I pick your favorite cover! ;)

Grab your hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoaand let's get opinionated!

Are you ready

2011-12-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

for a New Year?

I guess I've been a little contemplative lately. I was just thinking to myselfabout all the changes that 2012 is going to bring around in my life. These pastfew years have brought some doozies ~ some good, some, not so much.
2009 ~ my dad's mother passed away. A month after that, my cat. Not so good, right?I know. Crying over a cat? But she was so cool...and I loved her. :(
2010 ~ my first Christian romance novel The Price of Trust
was released. I mean seriously. Who would have thought?! Not me.That was a good one. Not so good? Had to stop karate because of the demands of book marketing.
2011 ~ my second Christian romance novel Lonely Hearts
came out. I got to meet several of the coolest women around in September ~ Darlene Shortridge,Karina Harris, Dee Dee Wike, and Victoria Burks ~ all fantastic authors. Not so wonderful? Transmission drops out of hubby's car after our daughter drives it. Coincidence? I think not...;)
2012 is still a blank page. And I'm looking forward to it. No matter what comes my way,I know I serve a God who is able to take me through each and every trial and tribulation, aswell as joyful and reflective times.
So if I don't get a chance to say Happy New Year to you. Here it is.Happy New Year. It's a gift and I hope you treasure it.

Hallelujah Chorus Flash Mob

2011-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

I love this! This is so awesome ~ if I were at that mall, I'd be the one in the back, bawling. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!

Dancing Christmas Lights

2011-12-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

Did you know...

That Charles Dickens had gone through several different ideas for names before settling on Tiny Tim for his epic story ~ A Christmas Carol?
Some of the names were ~ Little Larry, Puny Pete, and Small Sam.
I don't know about you, but I think Charles picked the right one. ;)

Legend of the Candy Cane

There was once a candy maker who wanted to be a witness. Being the clever man that he was, he began with some pure white hard candy. White, to symbolize the pure, sinless Savior, Jesus Christ and his virgin birth. Hard, to symbolize that Jesus is the Solid Rock and the promise of God.

The candy maker twisted and fashioned that candy into a Shepherd's staff. Jesus is our Shepherd and He reaches down to pluck mankind out of the dirt and mire of sin to save us. That's what the hook is for.

Still, as beautiful and pure looking as that candy was, he wasn't satisfied. It needed something more...ah yes! Red, to represent the blood that Jesus shed for our sins. But how would he put the red on? Perhaps dip it into the red color? No. That wasn't good enough. Instead, he decided it would be appropriate to stripe the red onto the cane. So we wouldn't forget that by Jesus's stripes, we are healed.

As happens with so many things, the true meaning of things sometimes gets lost and become just a decoration. Such is what happened with the candy cane.

Not at my house. When I look at a candy cane, I'll never forget how one person wanted to use their talent to be a witness for God. I'll always look at that and remember the clever candy maker's testimony that it doesn't matter where I'm at, or what I'm called to do, I can serve Him anywhere.

Cute Quote ~
I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph. ~ Shirley Temple Black

What is Santa's favorite breakfast cereal?
*Leave your answer in the comment box!*

Christmas Acrostic

2011-12-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Peace Everlasting

2011-12-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

The coming of Christ by way of a Bethlehem manger seems strange and stunning.But when we take him out of the manger and invite him into our hearts, then the meaning unfoldsand the strangeness vanishes.~~Neil C. Strait

Christmas is a special time of year. Not only is it a time to gather with friends and loved ones,but it's a time of hope and peace.Peace? In our world today?
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Price of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6 ~ KJVWithout Him, there is no peace.
A young woman looked up into the moon-kissed night. She tried to count the stars, but soon found her task impossible. God made those stars, of that, there was no doubt. The Bible had told her so.The Bible had also told her that there was a way to get past her pain.There was a way of Peace. Oh how she wanted peace. Not just something that would last for a moment. Something Everlasting. Something the world couldn't give her.Her mother's sweet voice drifted into her mind; warmed her cold heart."For God so loved the world..."she clutched her tattered scarf more tightly."...that He gave His only begotten Son..."and a tear trickled down her cheek as she remembered her own son. There was no way she could have given him up for a world of uncaring people.The amazement of it all splintered through her wall of bitterness and she tried to ignoreher aching heart."...that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish..."She felt a glimmer of hope. Its warmness enveloped her as she sat down on the cold, frost-bitten bench and took the small Bible out of her worn pocket. "...but have everlasting life."Unable to do anything but hold the precious text with her numb fingers,she let the tears fall freely and asked for the Peace that Passes all understanding.©Amanda Stephan
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ~ Romans 10:9-10

Get a free eBook

2011-12-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon, friends! With all the hustle and bustle that always comes around at this time of year,I want to say a few things.
First, if you haven't gotten a copy of my sweet Christian romance~ Lonely Hearts ~ you can garner a free eBook copy!Stop by Debbie Lynne Costello's blog for more details. Offer ends December 26th

Next, I wanted to wish each of you a Merry Merry Christmas!I'm so glad to have either met you online or in everyday life.Each of you are special to me, and I am thankful for you.

How about we have a little bit of fun?

What do aliens say when they land in the North Pole?

*leave your thoughts in a comment!*

Warring Spirits Book Launch PaRtY tOdAy!

2011-12-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Buy Warring Spirits

Book Two of the Creek Country Saga
on Thurs. Dec 15 and receive free gifts from the author. As a thank you for your interest, you're invited to enter SIX drawings for a total of 15 winners!
<~~ Let's get this party started RiGhT nOw ~~>

If you haven't read book one, Wounded Spirits, you've reallymissed a great book. But hey! We're all human and I'm positive you've been just aboutas busy as me, so we'll just let it go. :)However, you can purchaseyour own copy of Wounded Spirits eBook for only $1.99 on KindleWounded Spirits Paperback for $5.96
at Amazon.comHow awesome is that?!

Book One of the Creek Country Saga

Links for 2010-05-17 [del.icio.us]

2010-05-18T00:00:00-07:00

The Price of Trust - on Christianbook.com

Links for 2010-02-15 [del.icio.us]

2010-02-16T00:00:00-08:00

How to Make Soap Savers out of a Washcloth | eHow.com