When life seems dry and brittle, is there any silver lining in our desperate need for help? In the "The Green Letters," Miles Stanford reminds us that we already have access to all we need. Obtaining it is a matter of appropriating what is ours. Ephesians 1:3 brings us this truth: "How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every blessing in heaven because we belong to Christ." (TLB) In order to appropriate what we need for our daily walk, we are instructed to: 1) see what is already ours, and 2) be aware of our need for it. I love Mr. Sanford's thoughts: "Once we see that which is ours in Christ Jesus, practical need will cause us to appropriate, to receive the answer to that need." "Life is meant to bring a succession of discoveries of our need of Christ, and with every such discovery the way is opened for a new inflow of the supply." "These two realities of seeing and needing bring us from childish meandering into a responsible, specific walk of faith. They take us from the "help me" attitude to that of giving thanks; from begging to appropriation." Think about this. Our needs actually bring us into a closer relationship with God, our Source. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights." James 1:17 (ASV) Until I read this section on appropriating God's available supply, I kept striving to maintain the right motive in publishing my work. I struggled to accomplish everything those in the industry said I should do - an impossible and worrisome task. Now, I realize the things I need are already mine. Instead of worrying, I can trust and be thankful, drawing all I need from God. I can line up my agenda with His and live in simple gratitude. This is the walk of faith. "It is a great thing to learn faith: that is, simple dependence upon God." -J.B. Stoney. Stoney also writes, "I believe the Lord allows many things to happen on purpose to make us feel our need of Him. The more you find Him in your sorrows or wants, the more you will be attached to Him and draw away from this place where the sorrows are, to Him in the place where He is." As I read these thoughts, my heart softens and my strife ceases. It is as though my Father says, "I know it is hard right now, but let me tell you what I have in store for you. Come, sit here and tell me your burdens. Your dreams." Whether feeling confident or insecure, I am learning to trust the unseen hands that support me in my trials, push aside the obstacles, and guide me along the path that produces a life of eternal significance. The Last Detail, by Lisa Lickel Publisher: Prism Book Group, Illuminate ISBN: 978-1940099-446 $3.99 eBook/$14.99 Print From the back cover: Hope, love, and loss meld two polar opposite personalities. How long can they keep passion for their ministry and each other after the wedding? Medical missionary and avowed bachelor Merit Campbell is wounded during a skirmish at his Mideast clinic and sent home to recover. Restlessness propels him to explore the happier moments of his childhood in Illinois where he meets Amalia Kennedy, owner of The Last Detail, who enjoys helping people prepare for their final years. Merit ushers in new life; Amalia ushers it out. Love? Obviously. Marriage? Check. Dealing with the family closet? Step back… Amalia enjoys her predictable life in a quiet little Illinois town—until long-time intended, Hudson, finally proposes in a way that shows her boring and old are coming way too fast. When a mutual friend introduces Merit and Amalia, the spark of attraction makes Merit reconsider his bachelorhood. When he can’t return to the mission, he accepts a call as pastor to Amalia’s church. As the two grow closer they weather constant interruptions from ministry, business, and family, even at their wedding and beyond. When tragedy strikes, they must learn to rely on each other in ways they couldn’t have prepared for. One review: Victoria Pitts Caine When Merit Campbell is sent home from the mission field, wounded in an uprising at the Middle Eastern clinic he runs, he finds himself in Illinois. He ponders what is in store for him if he can’t stay in the field. Dealing with the details of his uncle’s enormous old house has been left to his sister; but since Merit is in the area, he’s interested in investigating the home where he had so many childhood memories before his parent’s and older brother’s deaths and the disappearance of his youngest brother, Justice. Amalia Kennedy is introduced to Merit by a mutual friend. She owns a company that deals with the client’s final wishes and estate details. She’s already agreed to help Merit’s sister sell the old house, but Merit decides to live there and turn it into a place for missionaries on leave. Amalia parents thought she’d marry her long time business associate, Hudson. Merit, a confirmed bachelor, and Amalia each find an attraction growing for the other. His ministry interrupts their relationship and tragedy finds them. Will they learn to trust each other enough to succeed? Ms Lickel writes a compelling story of two people who are struggling with their faith and where it has brought them. Amalia wonders if she’s doing enough and Merit wants to finish the job he started. The characters are believable and the story brims with love and hope. Buy links: Amazon Barnes and Noble Smashwords All Romance ebooks About the Author: Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives in a hundred and sixty-year-old house built by a Great Lakes ship captain. A muti-published, best-selling and award-winning novelist, she also writes short stories and radio theater, is an avid book reviewer, blogger, a freelance editor, and magazine editor. Visit LisaLickel.com. "The Lord is glorified in a people whose heart is set at any cost, by any road, upon the goal, which is God Himself." - G.P. Applying this to my life as a writer, I was struck with how quickly I lose sight of this: God, Himself, is the goal. My goal is not finishing my books or operating in any of the gifts He has given me, but moving past those activities to see the hand that gave them. I realize I have been gazing at the sunrise without looking beyond it to see the expectant face of my God as He delights in my delight. What a wonderful thought: I am the object of His affection, the reason for the gifts He's given. "The Secrets of the Montebellis"
Lisa Richards has a dream. And a secret. In league with the clandestine Montebelli Corporation, she grasps her one chance to accomplish her plan to help revive the town her ancestors helped settle. It is a huge undertaking, putting all she holds dear at risk. Including her life. As a stranger to town, Steven Taylor distrusts Lisa's suspicious behavior and sets out to expose her. Instead, he discovers the truth and becomes one of her few allies when her enemies join forces to seize her inheritance—Fire Mountain. As the Guardian of the mountain, Lisa is privy to secrets that may lead to a fabled cache of precious fire opals, a treasure that could save her dream—if she can find it before she loses the mountain. For more great books, visit The Black Friday Sale HERE
About the story: Abby thinks tutoring an "an economically disadvantaged adolescent" as her college service project for the summer will be a snap. Merrideth, her sullen 11-year-old student, thinks "No thanks, I don't need a babysitter." John thinks Abby's kidding when she tells him she can fast-forward and rewind life. Not her own, of course, but that of the girl who lived in Merrideth's house 160 years ago. My Review: "This was one of the most original and enjoyable novels I have read in a long time. I usually read suspense, but didn't miss the "action" because the characters kept me interested in their historical discoveries. Heal is a gifted writer. I am delighted to add her to my favorite authors list, and have already downloaded the second in this series." - Cheryl Colwell How far would YOU go to avenge a daughter’s cruel death? Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings. Can his prayers and love reach Cara and show her the way to redemption? Will Cara realize God’s love and forgiveness before she goes too far? The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman is a novel of hope shining through the darkness with strong elements of suspense and romance. This novel was a semifinalist in the Genesis contest and is receiving raving reviews! Release date was October 21, 2013 from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. The link for the book which is on SALE NOW is: Kindle: http://amzn.to/17gf97c Print: http://amzn.to/1btCwrg Interview by Cheryl Colwell What inspired you to start writing? Not sure there was an “inspiration.” From grade school up I’ve always loved reading and writing. I delighted in writing articles and stories assigned in class. When other children groaned and complained, I could hardly restrain myself from writing more than was required. Loved it! What books have you written? The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman is my debut novel. It’s an intense, fast paced novel that deals with one woman’s reaction to the abused murder of her eleven-year-old daughter. But it also shows that there’s always hope. Even in the midst of our harshest trials, God’s hope and love will shine through. All we have to do is grasp hold. I also have a lighthearted, fun mystery releasing in days (this month) called Hog Insane (and no, it’s not about pigs!). It’s entirely different than The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, but a fun first book in a series that introduces the characters of Denton and Alex Davies who run smack into murder, strange beautiful keys, and a whole bunch of people who are lying. I’m plotting and working on a sequel to The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman and hope to have book two: Bat Crazy, and book three: Daffy’s Duck, ready by the end of next year (the mystery series). What genre do you prefer to write in? Is there anything but suspense? Seriously, having grown up with mysteries (and even planned a career in detecting), it was natural to gravitate toward what I love. I like to throw in a romantic thread, a touch of whimsy or dry humor now and then, and sometimes a thread that will carry through into other books, but suspense is the foremost theme in my novels. Are there any characters you relate to most? Most of my characters do have similar traits, actions, or most likely, interests the same as my own. Caralynne Hayman loves cooking, canning and baking--all for her girls and to share with her friends, which I’m not crazy about, although I do enjoy preparing for my family now and then. She imagines flying or doing crazy things like hang gliding, and I’m terrified of heights. So she’s probably the least like me of any character I’ve created. I do have novels about characters who ice skate, run a boarding home, ride in a hot air balloon, play instruments and sing, etc. These type of things interest me and I enjoy participating or watching. Are there any lessons you’ve learned along this writing journey? Of course. Never give up. Decide what your ultimate goal is, where you want to go in your writing career, and pursue that with all your heart. Your goal may be different than that of your best writing buddy. It may be simpler or grander than the next person, but that doesn’t matter. What you need to do, what path you take should be your decision, and God’s. Follow that with all your heart. What are your favorite things to do besides writing? Reading, of course, taking long walks with my husband, nights out, traveling, spending time with family and particularly, my grandsons. What do you hope readers will gain from your writing? Entertainment and enjoyment is always a given, but in a deeper measure, in The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, I hope that readers will finish the book with a greater sense of the everlasting hope that God gives humanity. I want them to feel a sense of responsibility to the hurting ones and sympathy for those who are caught in an abusive situation. In Hog Insane, readers will automatically realize what a difference this book is than my debut novel with it’s lack of intensity. Yet there is an underlying theme of marital problems that can cause splits. Working together, talking, sharing our feelings, and being respectful are always important in healthy relationships. Just as Denton and Alex each realize their own lack, so I hope readers of this book will determine to do all they can to increase the happiness in their own relationship. Thank you, Cheryl, for allowing me to visit your site! I so appreciate it. About the author:
Carole Brown's debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman (a semi-finalist in the ACFW Genesis contest), releases September 2013 and deals with a cult, abuse, revenge, redemption and hope shining through the darkness. She blogs at http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/ and helps set up interviews for authors at http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/ . She's a reviewer at the Suspense Zone and helps out at the ACFWBookclub. Besides being a member of ACFW, the ACFW coordinator for Ohio, she also belongs to many writing groups, the Central Ohio Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America, and is the founder of the Circle of Pens where she mentors beginning writers. Connect with her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author or Twitter at: https://twitter.com/browncarole212 She and her husband have ministered nationally and internationally and enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? |