We Can't Say it Any More Plainly! THANK YOU!!!!!

THANK YOU!!!

We can’t say it any more plainly.

As each day grows closer to those times of the year that makes one pause and reflect on what they are thankful for and what their year was like, we cannot help but come back to the one place any Author or Publisher needs to think of and consider with each and every word-YOU –our readers and supporters.

We count on you each and every “Thirsty Thursday” Party for your feedback, every review you give, every email and direct message you send the Authors in our Community. Without your guidance and support we know that we would cease to exist. “THANK YOU!!!!”

As a small token of our appreciation we are going to try to do a few fun things for you over the next 4 weeks.

We are going to offer all of the paperbacks, audio books and ebooks in the Helping Hands Press Store at 30% off from Nov. 20 to Dec.18th.All you need to do is use the code word “THANKYOU” when you check out to receive the discount.

We are also starting a contest that will run the same length of time. There will be a Rafflecopter located on the Helping Hands Press blog that will have all the details. There are a lot of prizes:
-Grand Prize -Kindle Fire HD6
-Second Prize- 12 paperbacks-Full list is below
-Third Prize-6 paperbacks-Full List below
-Fourth prize-6 audio books-Full List below
-Fifth Prize-audio book of choice
We hope that you have fun, enjoy the contest, and most of all know that all of us here at Helping Hands Press are very thankful for your support each and every day!
THANK YOU!!!!!

Second Prize-12 paperbacks: Declaration of Independence Series I, Colony Zero Complete Series I, The San Francisco Wedding Planner Series I, ’Tis The Season in Sweetland Complete, No Revolution Is Too Big Complete Series, Marsha Hubler’s Heart-Warming Christmas Stories Complete Series, No Matter What, Uplifting Devotionals Book I, 12Days of Christmas Complete Series, The Ambassadors, Preacher Man Volume I, Legacy of Grandpa’s Grapevine

Third Prize-6 paperbacks:Dark Enough To See The Stars, The Blizzard, The Christmas Wish, Mother Can You Hear Me?, Homeschool Co-ops 101, God,Me and a Cup of Tea

Fourth Place-6 audio books- The Swaddling Clothes, The Desperate Road, Rio Oro, Once Upon A Christmas Eve, Neighbors V1, A Mended Heart

"Critiquing Canticles: a 21 Day Devotional for a Doubt-filled Age" by Tony Hilling

"Critiquing Canticles: a 21 Day Devotional for a Doubt-filled Age" by Tony Hilling

Day 1


“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour” (Luke 1:47)

As a young boy 12 years old, I left my home in Scotland and went to a Roman Catholic seminary in the north of England. At that time the liturgy of the RC church was still done completely in Latin. Every Sunday evening at the conclusion of Vespers (Evening Prayer), we would sing the Canticle of Mary. Now, more than fifty years later, I can still hear in my heart the beautiful tones of the Gregorian Chant: “Magnificat anima mea Dominum.”
Mary’s Canticle was reported to us originally in Greek. But her first two phrases still reveal a characteristic of Hebrew poetry: a couplet which simply states the same idea twice. A similar example would be the opening of Psalm 103. “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”
The intention of the original writer is then to hit the main idea twice. Therefore, Psalm 103:1 and Luke 1:46 are saying essentially the same thing: praise and worship the Lord God with the very core of our being.

The context of the Canticle is a conversation between two women who had good reason to praise God: the previously barren Elizabeth was now carrying God’s messenger; Mary was carrying His only Son. But not only this, there has been a great absence of revelation from God over the past four hundred years. Some ancient commentators called it the Four Hundred Years of Silence. And now God is speaking very loudly indeed; more reason to praise Him. But do we praise God only when we have a clear reason to rejoice in something?

For the Christian there is something normative about praise of God; it must be done daily regardless of the circumstances. I remember listening to a message by Allan Vincent, a British missionary then resident in the U.S. He shared with us that in the Holy Land they have two main types of figs: the summer figs and the winter figs. The summer figs are planted in the Spring and harvested in the Fall. They are the fruit of the warm season and can be insipid. The winter figs are planted in the Fall and harvested in the Spring. They have to endure the cold season in the Holy Land. These figs are firm and juicy.

We must praise God daily in our lives, but especially in the difficult times for then it is real praise. Our praise of God becomes like the winter figs. The prophet Habakkuk echoes this attitude at 3:17 &18, where he writes that though there be no fruit on the vines or figs or olive trees, nor any cattle in the stall,
“…Yet, I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.” Such an attitude of mind bespeaks faith, trust and devotion to God beyond whatever He can do for us. It was Mary’s attitude; it must become ours.

Breakthrough by Marcia Lee Laycock

Breakthrough by Marcia Lee Laycock

I love the Old Testament. The history of the Hebrew people is fascinating. The history of how God provided for them, sustained them and brought them to the place where He wanted them, is awe inspiring. The book of 2 Samuel, verses 17-20 is a perfect example. David has just taken the city of Jerusalem. The Philistines are massing for attack. Picture them as a formidable wall of enemies spread out across the valley. In the face of this, I would have been tempted to just attack. The enemy was obvious, David knew He was the anointed King and had God’s blessing. But he did not rush off to the attack. First, he prayed and asked God what he should do.

God answered and the enemy was defeated.

David said, “as waters break out, the Lord has broken out against my enemies before me.” (2Sam.5:20).

The word used for break out means to breach like water in flood. If you have ever experienced a flood you will know the power that David witnessed. I remember clearly the day I witnessed that force of nature.

We had purchased some property on the banks of the Klondike River, about ten miles out of Dawson City, Yukon. We hauled an old trailer on the property to live in while we built our log house. We were doing some work to that old trailer one afternoon in late spring when we heard what sounded like a very big freight train. But there were no railway tracks anywhere near us. We stood still and listened for a while. Then my husband’s eyes lit up.

“It’s the river,” he said.

We rushed down to the banks of the Klondike to watch the yearly event that every Yukoner is happy to see – breakup. The sound of the ice shifting and grinding was so loud we could hardly hear one another. We watched as a huge slab of ice broke free and was heaved into the air. A massive tree was tossed up as though it were a toothpick. And the river surged up and over its banks. We had to run to get away from it.

I will never forget the evidence of the power of nature on that day. It was unstoppable. I am sure David never forgot the evidence of the power of his God as his enemies fell before him. God’s plan was enough - it broke through before David’s army. David’s God was unstoppable.

What enemies are coming against you? In a spiritual sense, what enemies keep you from the Lord? Know that you have an all-powerful, unstoppable God who is just waiting for you to turn to Him and ask what you should do. He will answer.

But it is important to remember David’s attitude. He did not demand that God act, he did not demand a victory, he asked God to reveal His plan. Then he obeyed.

God has not changed since those long-ago days. He is still the almighty, all powerful God who will defeat your enemies. May we all go to Him like David did, not with the arrogance of entitlement, but with the humility of a servant.

New Release! Sue Badeau "Christmases Past - Volume 5 - The Christmas Primer"

“Did you and Poppa take a lunch pail when you went to school in Virginia?” Six-year-old Titus King innocently asks his parents as he gets ready for his first day of school. When he learns that his parents, former slaves, were not allowed to learn to read he is shocked and saddened. As Christmas in Civil-War-era Vermont rolls around, Titus worries he will not have anything to give his parents, until an experience at school gives him an idea. He can’t wait to see Poppa’s face!


What are readers saying about Sue's story:"The Christmas Primer is a must read! The story took me on a wonderful journey back to 1864 Vermont ... a place where escaped slaves were given the opportunity to build a life in freedom. Sue's vivid descriptions and attention to historical details drew me into that world. I became part of the King family, listing to Poppa's stories, enjoying Momma's biscuits and jam and walking with young Titus and his friends to and from school.

When reading a short story, I usually take a break half-way through, but I couldn't with this one....I didn't want to say good-bye! Kudos Sue!"

The Amazon Kindle link for Sue's story is:http://www.amazon.com/Christmases-Past-5-Christmas-Primer-ebook/dp/B00P37KKCI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414961087&sr=1-1&keywords=sue+badeau

Sue Badeau is a nationally known speaker, writer, and consultant with a heart for children and a desire to help adults and children build bridges of hope following the pain of trauma or loss. She writes and speaks extensively to public and private agencies, courts, parent groups, and churches. Sue and her husband, Hector, are lifetime parents of twenty-two children, two by birth and twenty adopted (three, with terminal illnesses, are now deceased). They have also served as foster parents for more than fifty children. They authored a book about their family’s parenting journey, Are We There Yet: The Ultimate Road Trip Adopting and Raising 22 Kids, which can be found on Amazon.com or on Sue’s website – www.suebadeau.com. She may be reached by email at sue@suebadeau.com. Sue is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) and a graduate of Christian Communicators Conference. She lives in Philadelphia and is a member of the Summit Presbyterian Church.

The Pearl Necklace by Patti J. Smith

I heard this story awhile back and I carry it's message in my heart......I know you will too.


THE PEARL NECKLACE


A cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box. "Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please!"

Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face. "A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll
think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from grandma."

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her piggy bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.

Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere--Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a
bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.

Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?" "Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you." "Then give me your pearls." "Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess-- the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite." "That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?" " Daddy, you know I love you." "Then give me your pearls." "Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper." "That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.

A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek. "What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And, when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of beautiful genuine pearls. He had had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her a genuine treasure. (Author Unknown)

We all carry dime-store pearl necklaces...each pearl carrying something we're not willing to turn over to God. Let's give our Father the cheap necklace so He can give us the genuine treasure...a life filled with hope, love and serenity.

NEW RELEASE: Patti J. Smith "Christmases Past - Volume 4 - The Pearls of Christmas"

The romance between Sarah and Jason bloomed as the war in Vietnam escalated. Jason avoided the draft by enlisting in the Air Force with hopes of being assigned stateside. Those hopes were dashed when he received orders for Thailand.
Sarah waited nervously as he served his year-long tour, relieved when he returned unharmed. They began planning their future together but because peace talks with the North Vietnamese failed, Jason was recalled to participate in an operation that would eventually lead to the end of the war. This time he didn't make it home.
The story follows Sarah as she struggles to get past the grief and on with her life. A life that takes a surprising turn after a tragic accident.

What are readers saying about story?

"Patti J. Smith continues Christmases Past with a tender love story set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. "The Pearls of Christmas" examine the delicacy of the human mind when face with tragedy. Can spirits touch one another across the miles when they are truly one?
For a quick but worthwhile read, grab some hot tea and "The Pearls of Christmas."

"This is Volume Four of the Christmases Past series, and Patti J. Smith has created a wonderfully heartbreaking and heartwarming story set in the Vietnam War era.

Jason Jacobsen volunteers for the Air Force the day after he graduates from high school, leaving behind his sweetheart Sarah Anderson. At first, it's not all that scary. They exchange almost daily letters and frequent phone calls. Jason stays stateside until he has a brief tour in Thailand. No phone calls then, but the letters are regular. Even so, Sarah has a recurring nightmare of a chaplain showing up with Jason's dogtags to report his death.

When he is released from the Air Force, they think their fears are past--but he gets a recall notice. He's optimistic, though, that he will be home by Christmas. Just in case, he sends her gift--a string of pearls and a scarf--that arrive a couple of days before Christmas. Then her nightmare comes to pass. The chaplain tells her and his parents that there is no hope and they need to accept that Jason won't be coming home.

Beyond all reason, Sarah refuses to accept that reality. "

The Amazon Kindle link for the story is:http://ow.ly/DxICn

Patti J. Smith was born in Wimpole Park, England. She lived in England and Morocco as well as several state-side Air Force Bases and considers her father's last assignment, Moses Lake, Washington, her hometown. She audited for the Dept. of Labor and Veteran's Administration Offices of Inspector General, served in the U.S. Army Reserve (Transit Control Unit and Criminal Investigation Division) and recently retired as a background investigator.

Patti lives in Vista, CA with her husband and has three granddaughters. She serves as a Regional Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, Co-leads Rachel's Hope After-Abortion Healing Retreats and sings in her parish choir.

Her writing includes devotionals, light romance and suspense, and her strong faith is reflected in each genre.

She is a prolific blogger and reader, and proudly admits to being a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan and Fantasy Football fanatic. Her travel adventures include Spain, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Fiji, South Korea and almost all states - including Hawaii and Alaska.

Follow her blog: http://www.gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7306825.Patti_J_Smith
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gridirongranny5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giridirongranny
Pinterest: http://wwwpinterest.com/gridirongranny

NEW RELEASE : Ruth L. Snyder "Uplifting Devotionals for Parents"

Have you ever wanted to resign from parenting? The responsibility is overwhelming some days. Thankfully, we don't have to parent in our own strength. God walks with us each day, strengthening us, guiding us, and giving us wisdom - if we ask. As you'll see in these readings, I'm still learning. My prayer is that God will use these devotionals to provide encouragement, help, and joy in your parenting journey.

The Amazon Kindle link for the Devotional is:http://www.amazon.com/Uplifting-Devotionals-Parents-Ruth-Snyder-ebook/dp/B00OSSQLE4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414502745&sr=1-1&keywords=ruth+l.+snyder

"If you think you're the only parent whose kids ...... you'll want to read Ruth Snyder's Uplifting Devotionals for Parents. Her honesty and humour in dealing with a rowdy, dynamic, and very normal family brings God's love into perspective in a gentle, accepting, and most of all, believable way. Parents, grandparents, and anyone who knows anyone raising kids will enjoy this short, but, yes, uplifting book."

Ruth L. Snyder was privileged to spend the first 10 years of her life in southern Africa where her parents served as missionaries. From there her family moved to Canada, settling in Three Hills, Alberta. Ruth enjoyed her years as a "staff kid" at Prairie and is grateful for the biblical grounding she received there. She now resides close to Glendon (the pyrogy capital of Alberta, Canada) with her husband and five young children. Ruth enjoys writing articles, devotionals, short stories, and Christian fiction. She is a member of The Word Guild and The Christian PEN. Ruth currently serves as the President of InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship.

Ruth's children have taught her many things about living with special needs. She is a strong advocate and spent several years serving on the local public school board.

Ruth loves her job teaching Music for Young Children. She is fascinated by children's imaginations and enjoys helping young children learn the basics of music through play.

In her spare time, Ruth enjoys reading, crafts, volunteering in her local community, photography, and travel. Several years ago, Ruth and her family traveled through 28 States in 30 days! Find out more about Ruth and her writing at http://ruthlsnyder.com

HELP Joseph Max Lewis pick a COVER for his NEW release "Baghdad Burning"!!!!!!

HELP Tony Hilling PICK a cover for his new Fantasy series!

My Writing Process by Anne Baxter Campbell

MY WRITING PROCESS

I suppose there are as many different writing processes as there are writers. And really? I’m not too sure I have a process! I realize most people are going to write about how they go from point A in their novels to point Z in the publishing process. Therefore, I choose to be different.

I write every day. I can’t remember the last day when I wrote nothing at all. Even on days when I’m “taking the day off,” I usually answer emails and check Facebook. Okay—I admit it. I’m addicted to written communication.
My day usually starts out with email. There are always a few to answer or initiate, because, you see, my brain didn’t stop when I went to sleep. It kept going. Then I check the blog to see if anyone has commented on a post, share it to Twitter and Google Plus (it’s already been shared with Facebook automatically), and if it’s a book review, I copy the review to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, or wherever else.

Then Facebook—I go to my timeline and share that blog to a few other places on Facebook as appropriate. Oh, yes, also check messages, accept or reject friend offers (what is it with spammers anyway?), and see if my family or friends have posted neat stuff. (Okay, so not everything I do is work-related.)
After that, I dive into editing and writing. I usually have a blog post to do, sometimes a guest blog for someone else, or an interview. Finally—I get to splash around in my own creations—fiction. Love it. Fiction is where I get to live the life I wish I could live. Well—sometimes—except when my heroes and heroines get into trouble. Can’t say I’d love to be captured by slave traders or be run over by a horse-drawn chariot. I’ll leave those adventures to my characters, ones who usually have more strength and stamina than I do.

Long story shortened mercifully: I write. Pretty much all day every day. On Sundays I try to limit it to devotionals (after church, of course) or something relaxing (games of Scrabble, for instance). Occasionally, there’s a deadline I can’t postpone though.
So, six days a week, ten to twelve hours a day…Write on, Write on, about and with His Majesty, our Lord and King. It’s not work—it’s joy.

Memory Challenged, the Bermuda Triangle of my brain by Patti J. Smith

Life brings us subject matter for future writing projects every day...a long lost memory, a profound statement, an event, a random thought or even a dream. I don't know about you, but my memory is no longer the steel trap I had in my youth...and as quickly as an idea comes to me, it disappears into the Bermuda Triangle of my brain.....never to be seen or heard from again.

I now accept the fact I'm "memory challenged", and am doing something about it. I now have a notepad that goes with me everywhere. No matter where I am ... the grocery store, a parking lot, a restaurant ... my new best friend is there. I do get funny looks at church when I jot down a verse or something the priest says, and my husband gets a tad bit annoyed when I wake up in the middle of the night from a dream, and turn on the light to document an epiphany ... interrupting his slumber...but it's worth it. My days of lost inspiration are over...as long as I remember the pencil!


HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

Patti J. Smith was born in Wimpole Park, England. She lived in England and Morocco as well as several state-side Air Force Bases and considers her father's last assignment, Moses Lake, Washington, her hometown. She audited for the Dept. of Labor and Veteran's Administration Offices of Inspector General, served in the U.S. Army Reserve (Transit Control Unit and Criminal Investigation Division) and recently retired as a background investigator.

Patti lives in Vista, CA with her husband and has three granddaughters. She serves as a Regional Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, Co-leads Rachel's Hope After-Abortion Healing Retreats and sings in her parish choir.

Her writing includes devotionals, light romance and suspense, and her strong faith is reflected in each genre.

She is a prolific blogger and reader, and proudly admits to being a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan and Fantasy Football fanatic. Her travel adventures include Spain, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Fiji, South Korea and almost all states - including Hawaii and Alaska.

Follow her blog: http://www.gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7306825.Patti_J_Smith
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gridirongranny5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giridirongranny
Pinterest: http://wwwpinterest.com/gridirongranny

Amazing Journey By Karen L Kosman

Amazing Journey
By
Karen L Kosman


When God steps in and changes the direction of your life get ready for an amazing journey. Many of us have experienced moments in life when circumstances seemed beyond our control. During those times we feel stuck and question, “What am I supposed to do? Why can’t things just stay the way they are?”
For years, I’d worked as a trainer in the field of phlebotomy. Then the unexpected happened when I became ill. Medical tests were taken to disclose the reasons behind my kidney infections, respiratory infections, and joint pains that suddenly plagued me.
My doctor’s words still came as shock. “Karen, you have lupus. I’d advise you to retire, because of the stress in your job.”
Six months later, I finally gave in to his advice. During the first month of retirement I walked from room to room at home and asked, “Lord, what am I to do the rest of my life?”
His answer came as gentle whisper, “Write.”
I shook my head and whispered, No, I must have misunderstood.
I continued to pray, and I asked, “Lord, please send me a mentor if this is your plan for my life.”
The following Sunday I woke with a sense of anticipation. The beautiful blue sky and fluffy white clouds added to the joy in my heart. That morning a new family placed membership in our church and as our pastor introduced them he said Cynthia McClure was an author and inspirational speaker. She became my mentor and her words always encouraged me to move forward.
I began attending writer’s conferences where I met wonderful, loving people who shared with me their world of journalism: Their language seemed foreign and their lifestyles seemed out of reach. But as I began writing I felt a mounting elation inside of me. And when my first article was published I did a happy dance! Even more astounding was when my physical symptoms, of my illness, went away. My immunologist said, “Lupus is a hard disease to diagnose. You have been misdiagnosed.”
Today, as a published author, I know God used my diagnosis to change the direction of my life. It has been an amazing journey, one that continues even today. Recently, together with several other authors I have written my first fiction for Helping Hands Press. The setting for our stories is in a country town known as Sweetland. Added blessings are the friendships being formed among the authors.

Anne Baxter Campbell Devotional - "The Kingdom of Heaven is Like..."

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like...

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. (Matthew 18:1-5, NKJV)

Why would Jesus say we need to become like small children? Children are messy: They spill their milk, push food on the floor, throw their toys everywhere. Children test our patience constantly. They lie to get themselves out of trouble, steal cookies, hide cell phones.... Oh, the list could go on and on.

And yet--Jesus wants us to be like children. What is there about children we need to emulate?

They are honest in their affections. They don't pretend to like someone because that person is richer, more important, better looking. And--if your hair is a mess, they will tell you if you ask them--but they will still love you.

They have an avid curiosity. They soak up information with amazing eagerness. If we could learn during our entire lives at the rate children do--wow. Computers couldn't store anywhere near as much information.

They believe without reservation that if they jump, you will catch them.

Prayer: Lord, may we become like children who will believe You can catch us when we fall--or even when we jump and shouldn't--if we just trust You. May we be like children eager to learn more of You. And Father, may we give You all of our honest affection. You are deserving of all this and so much more! Amen.

A Dutch Author Writing American Civil War Stories by Marian Baay

A Dutch author writing American Civil War stories.

Early 2013, author Murray Pura asked me to join his new Civil War series. I seriously doubted his wisdom in asking me – a Dutchie who hardly knows anything about the American Civil War – to write a story about this very same war. So, I declined.
Until then, I simply thought it was impossible to write about a place I had never visited.

However, the idea to write did not leave my mind. Several months later, I finally decided to give it a try. And so it happened that my research began about a place I had never visited and about a war I hardly knew anything about. A story idea had begun to form in my mind, and now I only needed to find the right city or town in the United States where the story was going to take place. After googling on ‘Dutch in the Civil War’ I was led to Michigan and I started reading everything I could find online about this state. So, for my debut story, Heaven Is Not Far, the internet was the main source of my research.

For my second story, The Officer’s Daughter, I downloaded several free Kindle books. I found most info about the war background that I needed in Union General Sherman’s memoir. Although Sherman was not in Nashville during the battle of Nashville, he did write about his correspondence with General Thomas who was in command of the Union army in the city. An eyewitness account of someone who lived in the hills around Nashville gave me the info I needed about the weather and how the area looked back then.

U.S. Army veterans have helped me understand the military ranks and terms and other info about the army I didn’t know.

During my research, I also use Google Earth and Street View Maps to visit the places I am writing about. Of course, everything looks different 150 years later, but it gives me a good idea of hills and woods and streams in the area.

It was—and still is—lots of fun to write about this period in the American history. However, it can be hard to read about all the horrible things that happened back then. Therefore, I try to add a touch of romance and hope to my stories. Even during the time that the states were at war, people did fall in love and hoped for a better future with their loved ones.

Marian Baay lives in the Netherlands, together with her husband and dog, near the North Sea. She enjoys reading a good book, hiking in the woods, dunes, or nature reserves. As a lover of animals, she has always had various pets to brighten her world. In the outdoors, her imagination runs wild and seeds for stories are planted there.
Marian likes to read and write in various genres, but romance is an important ingredient in her stories. The love between a man and woman is such a wonderful gift from God that she likes to add a touch of that heavenly delight into all her stories.


Find Marian online at:
Blog: http://marianbaay.blogspot.nl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarianBaayAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Marian_Baay
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Marian-Baay/e/B00G51X9QA/

Does Rejection Make You RAR? by Mishael Austin Witty

Does Rejection Make You RAR?

If you are a writer, you will face rejection. This is a sad fact of life that I still find distressing, although I’m learning how to deal with it.

“Don’t take it personally,” they say, but really, how can we not take rejection of our writing personally? Each time we pick up a pen or open a new Word document, we’re opening ourselves and letting our hearts and souls pour out onto the page. One of my favorite quotes of all time, from Ernest Hemingway, says it best, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Not many of us use typewriters anymore, and, as I said, there’s more that goes into our writing than just blood. But he’s got the right idea.

When our writing is rejected, for whatever reason, it hurts. And, sometimes, if we’re in an especially bearish mood, it may make us want to roar...or, for the purposes of this blog post, we might just want to RAR.

1. First, I think it’s important for us to REACT to the rejection. As I said, it hurts. And we’re only human. We’re going to feel that hurt, and we should be allowed to do so. So often, when faced with rejection, I’ll try to stuff my feelings inside and not deal with them. This, as it turns out, is exactly the wrong thing to do. So, if you’re a “bottler” like me, I encourage you to (the next time you’re faced with rejection) let yourself react to the hurt. Feel it, acknowledge it, and move on to the next step.

2. ASK why the rejection occurred...or, more obscurely, what you might learn from the rejection. Sometimes, as is the case in my latest rejection, there’s no really good reason why your book was rejected. The quality’s there, but the publisher/committee/whatever just decided that it wasn’t right for them at the time. In that case, you can always try to resubmit at a later date, and sometimes you might be encouraged to do so. It’s up to you whether you’re willing to set yourself up possible rejection again at a later date. I’ve received this sort of rejection myself various times, but I’ve always let it stop me cold. I’m starting to rethink my position on this, as I think this sort of rejection might be an opportunity for me to learn and grow past my fears and insecurities to persist in the face of adversity...which leads to the final step.

3. Rejection is almost always an opportunity to REFOCUS on the things that are most important—both in your writing life and real life. As Christian writers, our main focus should be on pleasing God and telling others about Him. In the interest of trying to make money with my writing, I tend to focus on the more lucrative opportunities, whether I feel God’s leading in them or not. This, I’m finding out, is a very big mistake...and it could be a major reason why some things don’t always work out the way I’d wanted them to. Lesson learned...I think. At least, I hope so.
So, the next time you’re faced with rejection in writing or in any other aspect of your life, I hope you’ll take a step back and remember to do these three little things. It’s one very good way to turn a positive into a negative, so that you can keep on moving forward in response to your divine calling. I wish you all great success and very few rejections!

Mishael Austin Witty obtained a B.A. in psychology from the alma mater of Pearl S. Buck and an M.A. in experimental psychology from the University of Louisville. After she completed her master's degree, her graduate advisor suggested she find another line of work because her heart just wasn't in psychology.
Dazed and a little confused, she checked every career book and help wanted ad she could find and decided that she would, in fact, like to become an editor. Still not completely satisfied to edit other people's writing, Ms. Witty decided it was time to write and publish her own work. Her international bestseller, SHADOWS OF THINGS TO COME was a direct result of this, as were her sweet contemporary romance novella, BELIEVE IN ME, and her historical novel, SUN’S PARTING RAY.
And when the opportunity came to have a short story published in Kathi Macias’s Twelve Days of Christmas series, she took it. Another opportunity soon followed, and she was thrilled to become part of the SAN FRANCISCO WEDDING PLANNER team.

She currently lives in Louisville, KY, with her husband, three cats, and two daughters.

Website: http://www.bluebrownbooks.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MishaelAustinWitty
Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/woweditor12
Amazon::: http://www.amazon.com/Mishael-Austin-Witty/e/B007R5PTO8/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1406835594&sr=1-2-ent

Adoption: A Glimpse into the Heart of God By Ruth L. Snyder

Adoption: A Glimpse into the Heart of God

By Ruth L. Snyder

Have you ever noticed how certain passages of Scripture come alive in a new way because of what you’re experiencing in your personal life? This morning in our family Bible reading, my husband read from Galatians:

“Children of God
23 Before the coming of this faith,[j] we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.
26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
4 What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces[k] of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[l] 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[m] Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 3:23-4:7 NIV)

I’ve read this passage many times before. I knew that I was a prisoner to sin, that the law showed me my need of a Saviour, etc. However, I had never stopped to think about the rights and privileges God granted me when he ADOPTED me into His family.
My husband and I have had the privilege of adopting five children. They came to us at different ages, through various circumstances, with unique needs. However, before we adopted them, they were all orphans. They had no one who was committed to caring for them for life. When we adopted them, they gained a permanent home, love, hope for the future, committed advocates, an inheritance, and a family name.

Adoption is a beautiful glimpse into the heart of God. He loved us so much, that He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin. When we accept His free gift of salvation (adoption), He provides His presence every day, an eternal home in heaven, perfect love, incredible hope, an advocate (the Holy Spirit), an inheritance out of this world, and an amazing family (the Church).
I’m thankful for this glimpse into the heart of God. What new insights have you had from Scripture lately? I’d love to hear about them.

Ruth L. Snyder was privileged to spend the first 10 years of her life in southern Africa where her parents served as missionaries. From there her family moved to Canada, settling in Three Hills, Alberta. Ruth enjoyed her years as a "staff kid" at Prairie and is grateful for the biblical grounding she received there. She now resides close to Glendon (the pyrogy capital of Alberta, Canada) with her husband and five young children. Ruth enjoys writing articles, devotionals, short stories, and Christian fiction. She is a member of The Word Guild and The Christian PEN. Ruth currently serves as the President of InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship.


Connect with Ruth on her:
Website:http://ruthlsnyder.com/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/wwjdr
Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Ruth-L.-Snyder/e/B00H4IAA7E/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1410521839&sr=1-2-ent

The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like...by Anne Baxter Campbell

The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like...

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
(Matthew 13:45-46, NKJV)

This is an amazing pair of verses on how much it means for you to be able go into the Kingdom of Heaven.


Add up everything you own. Everything. Don't leave out a pencil or a Band-Aid. Add in all the things you wish you had. Think about if you could sell it all at face value--No! At ten times its value! Even that (including Mr. Gates, Mr. Trump, and all of the DuPont heritage in this calculation, by the way) would not be worth as much as one small corner of heaven.

And yet--God gives it to us at a cost far greater than that pearl of great price. It cost the life of His Own Beloved and only begotten Son to get a ticket for you to enter there. That's how much He loves us.

Wow, Lord, my thanks and praise would never be enough, but this is what I offer you in return: Myself--all of me, all of my love, all of my worship, all my strength, all of my worldly goods, everything. Everything. You are worth far beyond the price of any pearl or diamond or other precious jewel. Amen

Anne Baxter Campbell is a woman with a deep love of God and family. She calls her releases “One Step Closer” Fiction because it is always her hope that the books will take people one step closer to the Lord. She and her husband live on a ranch in north central California with one dog and one cat, occasionally interspersed with large doses of offspring.

Anne is the author of The Truth Trilogy, a first-century historical romance/adventure series about Romans, Greeks, Jews, and Egyptians. Their adventures—while historically accurate—are amazingly like our own, and you might find yourself mirrored in one or more of the characters.

She has also written several short stories, some in collections with other authors and some on her own. She’s one of the writers in the Summer in Sweetland series (women’s fiction/ romances/ mysteries set in small-town America) and in the short stories of Kathi Macias’ 12 Days of Christmas (a variety of Christmas scenes set in the 12 days prior to Christmas). She’s the sole author of the Once Upon Series (young adult/adult holiday fiction revolving around a family in Phoenix, Arizona). Several others are in the planning or editing stage.


Anne's Amazon Author Page:http://www.amazon.com/Anne-Baxter-Campbell/e/B00G7RTTDO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Twitter:https://twitter.com/Anne_Baxter_C

Blog:http://pewperspective.blogspot.com/

Sue Badeau’s “Roots & Wings at "Loonstone Lake" - Volume 3 - Growing Roots” is available as a pre-sale on Amazon Kindle.

Sue Badeau’s “Roots & Wings at "Loonstone Lake" - Volume 3 - Growing Roots” is available as a pre-sale on Amazon Kindle.

Below you will find the link, story synopsis and a little bit about Sue.

http://www.amazon.com/Roots-Wings-Loonstone-Lake-Growing-ebook/dp/B00MX6IKEC/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1409849883&sr=1-6&keywords=sue+badeau

Livingston Investigators, aided by the determined sleuthing of Deion Abernathy and Emily Hubert, are closing in on information about the Loon’s Nest’s past, while Louanne and Frank enjoy getting to know the youth from foster care and juvenile detention facilities that they have hired as staff. Former campers visit, and young and old learn together as prejudices are revealed and forgiveness transforms lives. A second threatening letter and the death of one of the baby loons tries Louanne’s faith—where are the answers?

Love children (mom to 22, grand mom to 35, great grandmom to 7!) chocolate, camping, road-trips, writing, reading mysteries and more, standing up and speaking up for those without a voice. I have worked in children's services, policy and advocacy for 35 years. Married to my best friend, I divide my time between my home and kids in Philadelphia and traveling to speak and teach on the topics I am passionate about - healing and hope for children who have experienced trauma, foster care, adoption, permanent families for all kids, and more. My faith is my rock. After the 3rd of our 3 terminally ill children passed away in 2012 we decided the time had come to write our story and so we are proud and excited to share "Are We There Yet? The Ultimate Road Trip Adopting & Raising 22 Kids" with you all!

You can visit Sue Badeau’s Amazon Author Page at: http://www.amazon.com/Sue-Badeau/e/B00EHZ95CS/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_3

It's Here! "The Captain's Wife" has released by Marian Baay

Marian Baay’s New Release ‘THE CAPTAIN’S WIFE’

It’s here! THE CAPTAIN’S WIFE has released! 

After many requests for more about the characters, Andrew and Olivia from my previous story The Officer’s Daughter, I have written the sequel—The Captain’s Wife. I’m so excited to share this new story with you all!
Although a sequel, The Captain’s Wife can be read as stand-alone. However, I do hope you will fall in love with Andrew and Olivia and want to read about how they met in The Officer’s Daughter.

As said, in The Captain’s Wife you will meet again with the main characters; Captain Andrew Burns and his sweet but spirited and beautiful wife, Olivia. Of course, Olivia’s pet squirrel, Bubba, is also present. And let’s not forget Corporal Dean—the man with a heart of gold that everyone so loved is back as well.

Here’s the blurb:
After being rescued from Confederate captivity, Olivia Burns has married her handsome rescuer—Union Captain Andrew Burns. A few days after their marriage, Andrew takes off to fight in the battle of Nashville and Olivia stays behind, waiting on word from her husband about where they will meet again.
When Andrew sends word that he hopes to meet her in Eastport, Mississippi, she travels down south. Their reunion is sweet and they spend a wonderful night together in a barn, but in the early morning of New Year’s Eve, they are abruptly disturbed by sounds of battle. Andrew must go back to the men of his company and leaves an anxious Olivia alone. Terrified to get captured again, she must learn to deal with her fear and emotions. When someone enters the barn where she is hiding, will her greatest nightmare come true?

Only 99¢ for Kindle. Download it here: http://amzn.com/B00N40SBVS

~

Marian Baay lives in the Netherlands, together with her husband and dog, near the North Sea. She enjoys reading a good book, hiking in the woods, dunes, or nature reserves. As a lover of animals, she has always had various pets to brighten her world. In the outdoors, her imagination runs wild and seeds for stories are planted there.
Marian likes to read and write in various genres, but romance is an important ingredient in her stories. The love between a man and woman is such a wonderful gift from God that she likes to add a touch of that heavenly delight into all her stories.

~

Find Marian online at:
Blog: http://marianbaay.blogspot.nl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarianBaayAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Marian_Baay
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Marian-Baay/e/B00G51X9QA/

Quiet Times With God Throughout The Day by Patti J. Smith

This past Friday I threw my back out pulling down decorations from the top shelves in the garage. It was one of those "I am woman" moments. I didn't ask for help from my much taller husband, father or uncle and because of my fear of heights, I wouldn't use a ladder. I just kept poking the boxes with a cane over and over again until I got the items close enough to the edge to tip over into my arms. I started to decorate the tree and house with my family but instead of being joyful, I was miserable. I finally had to give in, take pain medication and confine myself to the recliner with a heating pad for the weekend missing out on the festivities.

This type of situation also happens on our faith journey when we convince ourselves we're in control and don't need God's help. That's when the chaos begins and we become anxious, angry and despondent. It takes awhile to realize the reason for our agony which results in us losing precious days of peace and serenity.

I'm trying to be more diligent in setting aside quiet times with God throughout the day and turning my life over to Him. I'll also ask for help at the end of the Christmas season putting those boxes back on the shelves in the garage.


Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Patti J. Smith was born in Wimpole Park, England. She lived in England and Morocco as well as several state-side Air Force Bases and considers her father's last assignment, Moses Lake, Washington, her hometown. She audited for the Dept. of Labor and Veteran's Administration Offices of Inspector General, served in the U.S. Army Reserve (Transit Control Unit and Criminal Investigation Division) and recently retired as a background investigator.

Patti lives in Vista, CA with her husband and has three granddaughters. She serves as a Regional Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, Co-leads Rachel's Hope After-Abortion Healing Retreats and sings in her parish choir.

Her writing includes devotionals, light romance and suspense, and her strong faith is reflected in each genre.

She is a prolific blogger and reader, and proudly admits to being a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan and Fantasy Football fanatic. Her travel adventures include Spain, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Fiji, South Korea and almost all states - including Hawaii and Alaska.

Follow her blog: http://www.gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7306825.Patti_J_Smith
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gridirongranny5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giridirongranny
Pinterest: http://wwwpinterest.com/gridirongranny

New Release: Sue Badeau - Roots and Wings at "Loonstone Lake" - Volume 2 - New Beginnings

With blessings from both the bank and their family, Louanne and Frank Hubert re-open the Loon’s Nest Campground and celebrate by throwing a party for the entire New England community. The festive mood is dampened when a frightening letter threatens to re-open scandals of the past. The Huberts hire private investigators, but will they get to the bottom of the scandal in time to save the camp?

The Amazon Kindle link for the story is:http://www.amazon.com/Roots-Wings-Loonstone-Lake-Beginnings-ebook/dp/B00M9YT3VW/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1407346655&sr=1-4&keywords=sue+badeau

Love children (mom to 22, grand mom to 35, great grandmom to 7!) chocolate, camping, road-trips, writing, reading mysteries and more, standing up and speaking up for those without a voice. I have worked in children's services, policy and advocacy for 35 years. Married to my best friend, I divide my time between my home and kids in Philadelphia and traveling to speak and teach on the topics I am passionate about - healing and hope for children who have experienced trauma, foster care, adoption, permanent families for all kids, and more. My faith is my rock. After the 3rd of our 3 terminally ill children passed away in 2012 we decided the time had come to write our story and so we are proud and excited to share "Are We There Yet? The Ultimate Road Trip Adopting & Raising 22 Kids" with you all!

NEW RELEASE: Steps of Faith: Living the Scriptures in Recovery by Patti J. Smith

The road to recovery from addiction is a rocky one, but not a lonely one. God is with us every step of the way and His words, through scripture, provide courage, comfort and hope.

The Amazon Kindle link for Patti’s new Devotional is: http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Faith-Living-Scriptures-Recovery-ebook/dp/B00M9QWGMS/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1407157118&sr=1-3&keywords=patti+j.+smith

Patti J. Smith was born in Wimpole Park, England. She lived in England and Morocco as well as several state-side Air Force Bases and considers her father's last assignment, Moses Lake, Washington, her hometown. She audited for the Dept. of Labor and Veteran's Administration Offices of Inspector General, served in the U.S. Army Reserve (Transit Control Unit and Criminal Investigation Division) and recently retired as a background investigator.

Patti lives in Vista, CA with her husband and has three granddaughters. She serves as a Regional Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, Co-leads Rachel's Hope After-Abortion Healing Retreats and sings in her parish choir.

Her writing includes devotionals, light romance and suspense, and her strong faith is reflected in each genre.

She is a prolific blogger and reader, and proudly admits to being a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan and Fantasy Football fanatic. Her travel adventures include Spain, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Fiji, South Korea and almost all states - including Hawaii and Alaska.

Follow her blog: http://www.gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7306825.Patti_J_Smith
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gridirongranny5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giridirongranny
Pinterest: http://wwwpinterest.com/gridirongranny

New Release: Marcia Lee Laycock - "The Ambassadors - Volume 4 - Pieces of a Bigger Plan"

The Ambassadors - Volume 4 - Pieces of a Bigger Plan

Age Level: 11 - 18 | Grade Level: 5 - 12

Gage takes Eghan, Adlair and Nara to safety in a cave where Nara is reunited with her old nurse, Dulah. Meanwhile Burke and Khalwyd arrive in the village and are told that Nara has returned but when Khalwyd is told that Eghan is dead, he roams the streets alone, in despair. Gage and Adlair leave the cave and tell Eghan to stay with the women but he disobeys and follows them. When he sees an Alingan soldier beating a child he intervenes and is taken to the whipping post. Khalwyd hears the whip and starts to turn away, but hears a voice calling his name, rushes to the square and rescues Eghan with Gage’s help. They escape and Gage takes Khalwyd back to the cave where they are reunited with Eghan and Adlair. They all begin to tell their separate stories, realizing that God has led them all to this place and time. But Duke Malnar is further enraged and commands his men to search house to house for the rebels and Princess Nara.

The Amazon Kindle link for the story is:http://www.amazon.com/Ambassadors-Pieces-Bigger-Plan-ebook/dp/B00M37P5BC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1406554390&sr=1-1

Marcia is a pastor's wife, the mother of three grown daughters, a freelance writer and Christian speaker. She is a published author and editor, having written for Christian magazines and newspapers in the U.S. and Canada, as well as home-town newspapers. Her short stories, articles and poetry have won awards in Canada and the U.S. and been broadcast on CBC radio. Her work also appears frequently on the world wide web.

Marcia is a frequent speaker for women's groups of all sizes and has often taught writing courses for the Alberta Adult Education Department, Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship, and The Word Guild (Write! Canada).

In 1996, Marcia and her family served with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea. While there she wrote for the Non-print Media Department of the Summer Institute of Linguistics, producing radio and video scripts.
For six years Marcia held the communications portfolio for the Associated Gospel Churches in Western Canada, writing, editing and producing their quarterly newsletter. She is now serving on the executive of Inscribe Christian Writers' Fellowship (www.inscribe.org). She currently writes a weekly column, The Spur, which is published in Living Light News, (Edmonton), CrossWalk and The Country Sunrise News (Central Alberta). It also goes out to subscribed readers each week. To subscribe email vinemarc AT telus DOT net or visit her website at www.marcialeelaycock.com

Marcia's devotional book, The Spur of the Moment won an Award of Merit at Write!Canada in 2003, a second devotional, Focused Reflections, is now in print and she was the recipient of the Best New Canadian Christian Author Award for her novel One Smooth Stone which was released by Castle Quay Books in 2007. The Sequel, A Tumbled Stone, was also short-listed for an Award at Write!Canada. Marcia's work has just been short-listed in three categories in the current Word Awards.

Marcia and her family currently live in Central Alberta, Canada.

Of Herself, Marcia Says -
I was raised on an island in Lake Huron, ran away to Alaska and then the Yukon, had a "road to Mayo" conversion in 1982, leaped by faith into Briercrest Bible College with my husband in 1985 and landed in the "promised land" of central Alberta in 1988.

I've had the privilege of living a few miles south of the Arctic Circle (Dawson City Yukon) and a couple of degrees south of the equator (Papua New Guinea).
I suppose that's why my writing is steeped in the imagery of winter, with the odd palm tree thrown in.

For the past 20+ years I've been a pastor's wife, mother of three girls, caretaker of two dogs, two cats and sundry fish, and oh, yes, a freelance writer. The writing began in the attic of my parent's house where I wrote stories for my dolls. None of them complained, so I kept it up. The Lord has abundantly blessed, challenged, rebuked, healed and restored me through the process of writing and being involved with writers.

Visit my website - www.marcialeelaycock.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/marcialeelaycock

NEW RELEASE! Karen Gass - "Summer in Sweetland - Volume 6 - Not Forgotten"

Tina Harper has lost her husband, and now her job. Desperate to find another one, she is offered what seems like the perfect job and but has to turn it down. A new friend from church, Amanda Casey, takes Tina under her wing, and they pray together for God’s provision. The gates of Heaven open and the blessings pour down as God begins to provide for Tina’s every need; even a need she didn’t realize she had.

Karen Gass is the author and Indie publisher of Morningshine and Morning Glory, the first two books in a 3-book series titled The Spring Street Quilters. She is also the author of Log Cabin Quilts: A Brand New Story by Karen Murphy, published by Martingale and Co. This was the first quilt design book ever printed with a fictional story to go along with each quilt design. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian Pen. Karen is currently enrolled in Southern New Hampshire University working towards her BA in Creative Writing with a minor in Graphic Design. At this time Karen is working on the third and final book in The Spring Street Quilters series.

The Amazon Kindle link for “Not Forgotten” is: http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Sweetland-6-Not-Forgotten-ebook/dp/B00M33UXQI/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1406381801&sr=1-5&keywords=summer+in+sweetland

Saturday July 19th -William Tasch,Patti J. Smith, Kathi Macias, & Karen Kosman @ The Bible Bookstore - Hemet ,Ca. Book Signing

"Moments With God" by Patti J. Smith

From the Author
The meditations in this book focus on a variety of topics and are based on my own struggles. It is my prayer the devotions will touch your heart and help you in your faith journey. Although called rosary meditations, the book is formatted for use by all.


A Mended Heart - Rosary Meditations on Forgiveness

A Mended Heart focuses on forgiveness of family, friends, attitudes and those lost in a world of perversion and crime and addresses those offenses that we have buried deep within our souls; secrets we have protected for years. This devotional offers a way to open up our hearts and ask for God's mercy on our offenders, which in turn will lighten our life and remove the roadblocks on our journey.

Journey To Sunset - Rosary Meditations for Caregivers

When someone we love becomes dependent due to advanced age, illness or injury, we are faced with a difficult decision ... a nursing home absent familiar surroundings or in-home care by a stranger. After a great deal of soul-searching, a third option is chosen ... we do it ourselves. The responsibility is enormous and the challenges daunting. Our life becomes an emotional roller coaster. Hope will dwindle and faith will falter if we do not turn to OUR care-giver, the Divine Caregiver ... God.

Redeemed - Rosary Meditations for Post-Abortive Women

An unplanned pregnancy can be a joyous occasion but for some women a frightening one. A young girl does not want to face her parents, an unmarried woman is worried about her career, a mother with many other children lives in poverty. Succumbing to fear or pressure from friends and family results in the decision to abort. At first there is a sense of relief; however, a few months, years, or decades later the effects of that decision may surface with disastrous results. The physical effects can be dealt with medically; however, it takes the unfathomable mercy of God to heal the soul.

Embrace The Morning - Rosary Meditations to Calm The Storm

Our lives are in continual flux and with the stresses of life, we succumb to the pressure ... forgetting to set aside time for God. By doing this, we become engulfed in a maelstrom. This devotional presents meditations and prayers that will speak to our daily struggles. We need to remember, God is our safe harbor. Cultivating a deep-rooted relationship with Him is essential if we are to weather the storm.

The last portion of the book is my personal story of redemption:

And God Still Loves Me

We all at times wish we could turn back the hands of time and have a "do-over", and I was desperate for one. I wanted to forget and erase the pain inflicted on my family, friends and myself. Most of all I wanted to die. This book is about a lost soul who shunned God and hurt everyone in her path. It's about a sinner who has fallen short but through God's love, grace and mercy has come around to know God's glory.

The book is available in ebook and paperback. Here is the Amazon Kindle link:http://www.amazon.com/Moments-God-Patti-J-Smith-ebook/dp/B00JAG832M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406140495&sr=8-1&keywords=patti+j.+smith+moments+with+god